bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Multi-Agent Pickup and Delivery Using Branch-and-Cut-and-Price Algorithms
Authors: Lam Edward , Stuckey Peter J. , Harabor Daniel
Published: December 2024

Given a set of agents and a set of pickup-delivery requests located on a two-dimensional grid map, the multi-agent pickup and delivery problem assigns the requests to the agents such that every agent moves from its start location to the locations of its assigned requests and finally, to its end location without colliding into other agents and that the sum of arrival times is minimized. This paper proposes two exact branch-and-cut-and-price algorithms for the problem. The first algorithm performs a three-level search. A high-level master problem selects an optimal sequence of requests and a path for every agent from a large collection. A mid-level sequencing problem and a low-level navigation problem are solved simultaneously to incrementally enlarge the collection of request sequences and paths. The second algorithm first solves the sequencing problem to find a set of request sequences and then solves the navigation problem to determine if paths compatible with the request sequences exist. Experimental results indicate that the integrated algorithm solves more instances with higher congestion, and the deferred algorithm solves more instances with lower congestion and could scale to 100 agents and 100 requests, significantly higher than a state-of-the-art suboptimal approach.

Funding: This research was supported by the Australian Research Council [Discovery Early Career Researcher Award DE240100042 and Discovery Projects DP190100013 and DP200100025] and by Amazon.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2023.0268 .
The Equality Act 2010 and the community nurse
Authors: Dowie Iwan
Published: December 2024

Iwan Dowie discusses the Equality Act 2010 and the need for community nurses to be aware of the protected characteristics to avoid breaches.
Implementing a hosting model in general practice for adult nursing
Authors: Brown Debbie , Cleaver Karen , Cork Alison , Crowther Hannah , Gallagher Molly J
Published: December 2024

The demand for nurses working in general practice settings is rapidly outstripping supply. This article outlines an initiative aimed at hosting students in general practice.

Workforce shortages in primary care are widely recognised and reported. Increasing student nurses in primary care is seen as a key strategy for encouraging nursing students to opt for a career in primary care. However the organisation of placements generally means that adult nursing students are hosted by secondary care in acute NHS Trusts. Consequently, the majority of placements occur within the acute Trust and while adult nursing students may undertake placements in primary care, these are usually one-off rotational, elective or spoke placements. As a consequence completing students are far more likely to take up a post in secondary care, usually within their host Trust. This paper reports on a project which aimed to introduce general practice as a host organisation and in so doing ‘flipping’ the placement pattern allowing students to spend the majority of their placement time in primary care placements.
Diagnostic Method for the Disease Severity of Powdery Mildew in Pepper Leaves Based on Feature Transfer Learning Model
Authors: Xu Jiang , Li JunRui , Yang XiaoLing , Ouyang JingYi , Yao MingYin , Wang Xiao , Liu MuHua
Published: December 2024

Highlights

Powdery mildew diagnostic system has been established for identifying diseased leaves in the complex backgrounds.

The degree of disease has been quantified to improve the computational efficiency of the recognition model.

A diagnostic system for early powdery mildew was constructed by combining feature transfer learning algorithms.

The recognition system of disease degree realizes the precise diagnosis of early powdery mildew in the field.

Abstract. Combining image processing technology to achieve real-time and accurate diagnosis of the powdery mildew can effectively improve the treatment efficiency of pepper diseases. Due to the influence of weeds and soil, capturing pepper disease information analyzed by traditional image processing algorithms in the field is laborious. From this perspective, the diagnostic system of powdery mildew has been proposed to automatically identify the different disease degrees in the initial stage of powdery mildew. The image segmentation algorithm of four-dimensional adaptive clustering was used to detect pepper leaves in complex backgrounds. The impact of each disease region on the accuracy of the recognition model was evaluated based on energy, entropy, contrast, and correlation. Combined with a neural network pattern recognition system and a quantitative conjugate gradient training algorithm, the fusion algorithm was evaluated on a dataset of 35577 images taken in the field with different distinct time intervals, angles, and lighting conditions. The diagnosis model was used to diagnose the disease grade of two peppers with different disease degrees. The collected images of the whole pepper plants were scanned and measured by a linear array. The experimental results showed that 66.34% of the leaves of the early disease plants were classified as disease level 5, and 65.88% of the leaves of the late disease plants were classified as disease level 10. In conclusion, this method can realize the intelligent recognition of pepper disease degree efficiently and accurately. Keywords: Diagnosis model, Feature transfer learning, Fusion algorithm, Powdery mildew.
Scenic spot path planning and journey customization based on multilayer hybrid hypernetwork optimization
Authors: Song Chunqiao
Published: December 2024

In the face of increasingly diverse demands from tourists, traditional methods for scenic route planning often struggle to meet these varied needs. To address this challenge and enhance the overall service quality of tourist destinations, as well as to better understand individualized preferences of visitors, this study proposes a novel approach to scenic route planning and itinerary customization based on multi-layered mixed hypernetwork optimization. Firstly, an adaptive multi-route feature extraction method is introduced to capture personalized demands of tourists. Subsequently, a personalized tourist inference method based on a multi-layered mixed network is presented, utilizing the extracted personalized features to infer the true intentions of the tourists. Lastly, we propose a hypernetwork optimized route planning method, incorporating the inference results and personalized features to tailor the optimal touring paths for visitors. The results of our experiments underscore the efficacy of our methodology, attaining an accuracy score of 0.877 and an mAP score of 0.881 and outperforming strong competitors and facilitating the design of optimal paths for tourists.
Using diagnostic data from veterinary diagnostic laboratories to unravel macroepidemiological aspects of porcine circoviruses 2 and 3 in the United States from 2002–2023
Authors: Cezar Guilherme , Magalhães Edison , Rupasinghe Kinath , Chandra Srijita , Silva Gustavo , Almeida Marcelo , Crim Bret , Burrough Eric , Gauger Phillip , Siepker Christopher , Mainenti Marta , Zeller Michael , Fano Eduardo , Piñeyro Pablo , Main Rodger , Thurn Mary , Lages Paulo , Corzo Cesar , Rovira Albert , Naikare Hemant , McGaughey Rob , Matias-Ferreyra Franco , Retallick Jamie , Gebhardt Jordan , Greseth Jon , Kersey Darren , Clement Travis , Pillatzki Angela , Christopher-Hennings Jane , Prarat Melanie , Johnson Ashley , Summers Dennis , Bowen Craig , Boyle Joseph , Hendrix Kenitra , Arruda Andreia G. , Linhares Daniel , Trevisan Giovani
Published: December 2024

Porcine circoviruses (PCVs), including porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) and porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3), have been associated with clinical syndromes in swine, resulting in significant economic losses. To better understand the epidemiology and clinical relevance of PCV2 and PCV3, this study analyzed a dataset comprising diagnostic data from six veterinary diagnostic laboratories (VDLs) in the United States of America. The data comprised of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results, sample type, and age group for PCV2 and PCV3 submissions from 2002–2023. Findings indicated a decrease in the percentage of PCV2-positive submissions after introducing a commercial PCV2 vaccine in 2006 and a resurgence in positivity after 2018, particularly in breeding herds, associated with an increased number of submissions using processing fluid samples. After its first report in the U.S. in 2016, PCV3 detection had an upward trend in the percentage of positive cases, peaking in spring 2023. PCV3 detection was more frequent in adult/sow farms, while PCV2 was more frequently detected in the wean-to-market category. An additional analysis used results from tissue diagnostic data from 2019–2023 from one VDL to associate PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values with the probability of confirming a PCV2 or PCV3 disease diagnosis confirmation. An interpretative PCR Ct cutoff for PCV2 and PCV3 diagnoses was assessed based on the logistic regression model associating Ct values with the presence of tissue lesions. The analysis considered only cases tested for PCV2 and PCV3 by PCR with tissue evaluations by diagnosticians. An interpretative Ct cutoff of 22.4 for PCV2 was associated with a high probability of confirming a diagnosis of PCV2 clinical disease through histopathology. For PCV3, the interpretative cutoff with the highest performance was 26.7. These findings contribute to the ongoing efforts to monitor and understand the clinical relevance of PCV2 and PCV3 PCR results, identifying potential disease challenges.
Analyzing the efficacy of trimethylolpropane trioleate oil for predicting cutting power and surface roughness in high-speed drilling of Al-6061 through machine learning
Authors: Kathmore Pramod S. , Bachchhav Bhanudas D. , Kaya Duran , Salunkhe Sachin , Cepova Lenka , Mizera Ondřej , Nasr Emad Abouel
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to investigate the impact of a lubricant derived from trimethylolpropane trioleate on power consumption and surface roughness during high-speed drilling of Al-6061, with the goal of developing an environmentally friendly cutting fluid. The study investigated the impact of additive concentration, spindle speed, and feed rate on energy consumption and surface roughness using a Taguchi L27 orthogonal array. Through analysis of the Taguchi experimental outcomes and single-to-noise ratios, the parameters were ranked accordingly. The results of the ANOVA analysis reveal that spindle speed has the greatest impact on Power (87.89%), followed by followed feed rate (6.96%) and additive concentration (2.98%). However, feed rate (43.51%) has the most significant influence on surface roughness, followed by speed (38.48%) and additive concentration (11.90%). Varying additive concentration affects more on surface quality rather than power consumption. Furthermore, a machine learning algorithm was developed to forecast and compare various key aspects of high-speed drilling machinability, including power and surface roughness. Three different measures of accuracy were used to evaluate the performance of the projected values: coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute percentage error, and mean square error. The decision tree performed better than other models in accurately predicting power and surface roughness. This research introduces an innovative method for assessing the most effective biodegradable cutting fluid and forecasting power and surface quality by developing an optimal combination.
Forecasting air pollution with deep learning with a focus on impact of urban traffic on PM10 and noise pollution
Authors: Kostadinov Martin , Zdravevski Eftim , Lameski Petre , Coelho Paulo Jorge , Stojkoska Biljana , Herzog Michael A. , Trajkovik Vladimir
Published: December 2024

Air pollution constitutes a significant worldwide environmental challenge, presenting threats to both our well-being and the purity of our food supply. This study suggests employing Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) models featuring Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) units for forecasting PM10 particle levels in multiple locations in Skopje simultaneously over a time span of 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours. Historical air quality measurement data were gathered from various local sensors positioned at different sites in Skopje, along with data on meteorological conditions from publicly available APIs. Various implementations and hyperparameters of several deep learning models were compared. Additionally, an analysis was conducted to assess the influence of urban traffic on air and noise pollution, leveraging the COVID-19 lockdown periods when traffic was virtually non-existent. The outcomes suggest that the proposed models can effectively predict air pollution. From the urban traffic perspective, the findings indicate that car traffic is not the major contributing factor to air pollution.
Non-apical plateau potentials and persistent firing induced by metabotropic cholinergic modulation in layer 2/3 pyramidal cells in the rat prefrontal cortex
Authors: Hagger-Vaughan Nicholas , Kolnier Daniel , Storm Johan F.
Published: December 2024

Here we describe a type of depolarising plateau potentials (PPs; sustained depolarisations outlasting the stimuli) in layer 2/3 pyramidal cells (L2/3PC) in rat prefrontal cortex (PFC) slices, using whole-cell somatic recordings. To our knowledge, this PP type has not been described before. In particular, unlike previously described plateau potentials that originate in the large apical dendrite of L5 cortical pyramidal neurons, these L2/3PC PPs are generated independently of the apical dendrite. Thus, surprisingly, these PPs persisted when the apical dendrite was cut off (~50 μm from the soma), and were sustained by local calcium application only to the somatic and basal dendritic compartments. The prefrontal L2/3PCs have been postulated to have a key role in consciousness, according to the Global Neuronal Workspace Theory: their long-range cortico-cortical connections provide the architecture required for the “global work-space", “ignition”, amplification, and sustained, reverberant activity, considered essential for conscious access. The PPs in L2/3PCs caused sustained spiking that profoundly altered the input-output relationships of these neurons, resembling the sustained activity suggested to underlie working memory and the mechanism underlying “behavioural time scale synaptic plasticity” in hippocampal pyramidal cells. The non-apical L2/3 PPs depended on metabotropic cholinergic (mAChR) or glutamatergic (mGluR) modulation, which is probably essential also for conscious brain states and experience, in both wakefulness and dreaming. Pharmacological tests indicated that the non-apical L2/3 PPs depend on transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels, both TRPC4 and TRPC5, and require external calcium (Ca2+) and internal Ca2+ stores, but not voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, unlike Ca2+-dependent PPs in other cortical pyramidal neurons. These L2/3 non-apical plateau potentials may be involved in prefrontal functions, such as access consciousness, working memory, and executive functions such as planning, decision-making, and outcome prediction.
Cost-utility and budget impact analysis of laparoscopic bariatric surgery for obesity with Type II Diabetes Mellitus in Thailand
Authors: Noparatayaporn Prapaporn , Thavorncharoensap Montarat , Chaikledkaew Usa , Looareesuwan Panu , Shantavasinkul Prapimporn Chattranukulchai , Sumritpradit Preeda , Thakkinstian Ammarin
Published: December 2024

Bariatric surgery is another treatment options for patients with obesity, who cannot achieve weight controlled by conservative non-surgical therapy. Although bariatric surgery provides clinical benefits for these patients, it is costly. This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of bariatric surgery, as compared to nonbariatric surgery, in patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥32.5 kg/m2 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to estimate the budget impact of bariatric surgery in Thailand. Methods: A Markov model was developed to estimate and compare total costs incurred and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained between bariatric surgery and nonbariatric surgery over lifetime horizontal. Analysis was conducted under payer and societal perspectives. Costs and outcomes were discounted at an annual rate of 3%. The outcomes were presented as incremental cost- effectiveness ratio (ICER). Results: Under payer’s perspective, bariatric surgery resulted in higher total lifetime cost (676,658.39 baht vs 574,683.38 baht) and QALYs gained (16.08 QALYs vs 14.78 QALYs), as compared to nonbariatric surgery, resulting in an ICER of 78,643.02 baht/QALY. Similarly, under the societal perspective, bariatric surgery resulted in higher total lifetime cost (1,451,923.83 baht vs 1,407,590.49 baht) and QALYs gained (16.08 QALYs vs 14.78 QALYs), as compared to nonbariatric surgery. Under societal perspective, ICER was estimated at 34,189.82 baht/QALY. A 5-year budget impact analysis indicated that bariatric surgery incurred the total budget of 223,821 million baht. Conclusions: At the cost-effectiveness threshold of 160,000 baht/QALY, bariatric surgery was a cost-effective strategy and should continue to be included in the benefit package for patients with obesity and T2DM.
Hemodynamics in chronic pain: A pathway to multi-modal health risks
Authors: Davydov Dmitry M. , Galvez-Sánchez Carmen M. , Reyes del Paso Gustavo A.
Published: December 2024

Pain-o-metry provides biomarkers indicating connections between pain-related conditions and the health of various physiological systems, including the cardiovascular system. In this study, a non-linear data-driven analytical technique was employed to analyze second-by-second hemodynamic responses to recurrent clino-orthostatic challenges in 43 female fibromyalgia patients and 38 healthy women. The primary goal was to elucidate the systemic and systematic interaction of diverse hemodynamic and cardiovascular mechanisms across various timeframes and phases, precisely identifying their collective role as a unified bodily mechanism in managing regular gravity-induced blood redistribution challenges within the context of chronic pain. Findings suggest a connection between chronic disease and the equilibrium between cardiac preload and afterload in blood pressure regulation. Patients exhibit a shift towards afterload due to deficiencies in mechanisms governing initial transient reactions and later steady-state processes related to acutely induced blood redistributions. The imbalance is linked to reduced venous blood return, increasing cardiac strain—particularly in terms of contractility and heart rate—as the body compensates for heightened cardiac afterload and reduced effective blood volume. This makes individuals more susceptible to chronic peripheral tissue and cerebrovascular hypoperfusion, potentially leading to chronic ischemia and inflammation in various tissues and organs. The data-driven analytical technique enables the identification of combinations of gravity-induced hemodynamic and cardiovascular responses within specific timeframes for precise detection. This approach aims to facilitate potential diagnostic and monitoring applications in wearable devices, enhancing the ability to identify at-risk populations for preventive interventions.
Adaptive routing in agricultural supply chains: Harnessing Q-learning for optimal decision-making in dynamic environments
Authors: Chow Mantaw Suliyaa , Prahadeeswaran M , Karthick V , Sumathi CS , Patil SG
Published: December 2024

In this study, the authors try to emphasize how Q-learning, a model-free reinforcement learning (RL) technique can be used for optimizing routing in a grid-based environment. This study aims to assess the efficacy of Q-learning in enhancing routing for agricultural supply chains, investigate its flexibility in dynamic environments, and compare its performance across several real-world scenarios. In this specific case of the banana chain, an agent is moving through various entities in the system - from local growers to small traders and warehouses. It models the routing problem as a Markov Decision Process (MDP) and the goal is to optimize cumulative reward. Several possible cases are simulated, e.g. the finding of an optimal route for a given visit sequence that optimizes charging time and non-drivable paths left over when unexpected blockages occur to avoid energy wear penalties as well as how to best save costs; These results demonstrate the adaptability and durability of Q-learning in dynamic environments to obtain near-optimal solutions across diverse settings. Indeed, the present study adds to a growing body of research on the application of RL in logistics and supply chain management, highlighting its potential to enhance decision-making in complex and variable environments. The findings suggest that Q-learning can effectively balance multiple objectives, such as minimizing distance, reducing costs, and avoiding high-wear areas, making it a valuable tool for optimizing routing in real-world supply chains. Future work will explore broader applications and other RL algorithms in similar contexts.
Knowledge among clinical personnel on the impact of hemolysis using blood gas analyzers
Authors: Nielsen Trine Muhs , Gils Charlotte , Nybo Mads
Published: December 2024

Objectives

In the light of a rapidly increasing use of POCT blood gas testing, where tests and interpretation are performed by non-laboratory personnel, the objective was to investigate the knowledge among personnel in the Nordic countries using blood gas analyzers with focus on the interference from hemolysis.

Methods

Information was obtained from a self-developed, pre-tested online questionnaire. The questions covered demographic information about the respondents and specific questions on handling of and knowledge about blood gas analyses and the impact of hemolysis. The questionnaire was distributed by e-mail to relevant colleagues on behalf of the Nordic preanalytical scientific working group under the Nordic Federation of Clinical Chemistry.

Results

A total of 117 respondents completed the questionnaire. 62.7 % respondents both used the analyzer and interpreted the results. 59.6 % respondents did not know to which degree the blood gas analyzer can identify hemolysis. 4.4 % answered that all levels or high levels of hemolysis can be detected. 3.9 % considered the result valid despite hemolysis if it is released from the instrument. 73.7 % of all respondents knew that hemolysis alters potassium measurements, while knowledge about the effect on PaO2 and bicarbonate measurements were more divergent.

Conclusions

The knowledge about blood gas analyzers with focus on the interference from hemolysis is sparse among non-laboratory personnel using the blood gas analyzers. This emphasizes the need for better education and competence management, which perhaps is even more important for these analyses than for other point-of-care tests.
Limiting dynamics for stochastic complex Ginzburg-Landau systems with time-varying delays on unbounded thin domains
Authors: Li Xintao , Pan Shiyao
Published: December 2024

This study deals with the limiting dynamics for stochastic complex Ginzburg-Landau systems with time-varying delays and multiplicative noise on unbounded thin domains. We first prove the existence and uniqueness of pullback tempered random attractors for the systems and then establish the upper semicontinuity of these attractors when the thin domains collapse onto

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Analysis of kallikrein-related peptidase 7 (KLK7) autolysis reveals novel protease and cytokine substrates
Authors: Ghodge Swapnil V. , Lazarus Robert A.
Published: December 2024

Kallikrein-related peptidase 7 (KLK7) is one of 15 members of the tissue kallikrein family and is primarily expressed in the skin epidermis. The activity of KLK7 is tightly regulated by multiple stages of maturation and reversible inhibition, similar to several other extracellular proteases. In this work, we used protease-specific inhibitors and active site variants to show that KLK7 undergoes autolysis at two separate sites in the 170 and 99 loops (chymotrypsinogen numbering), resulting in a loss of enzymatic activity. A protein BLAST search using the autolyzed KLK7 loop sequences identified mast cell chymase as a potential KLK7 substrate. Indeed, KLK7 cleaves chymase resulting in a concomitant loss of activity. We further demonstrate that KLK7 can hydrolyze other mast cell proteases as well as several cytokines. These cytokines belong mainly to the interferon and IL-10 families including IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, IL-28A/IFN-λ2, IL-20, IL-22, and IL-27. This is the first study to identify a possible molecular interaction link between KLK7 and mast cell proteases and cytokines. Although the precise biological implications of these findings are unclear, this study extends our understanding of the delicate balance of proteolytic regulation of enzyme activity that maintains physiological homeostasis, and facilitates further biological investigations.
Nutzen- und Kostenbestimmung von Technologien
Authors: Wilsky Philipp , Riedel Ralph , Götze Uwe
Published: December 2024

Die Nutzung von Technologien zur Digitalisierung und Erhöhung der Transparenz in der Produktion wird häufig als Potenzial zur Produktivitätssteigerung gesehen. Die Quantifizierung desselben ist für Unternehmen jedoch oft schwierig. In diesem Beitrag erfolgt eine Analyse der möglichen Nutzenszenarien sowie deren Quantifizierbarkeit. Darüberhinaus wird eine Methode zur Berechnung von Lebenszykluskosten vorgestellt. Die Kombination aus Nutzenquantifizierung und Lebenszykluskostenermittlung ermöglicht eine Wirtschaftlichkeitsbetrachtung des Technologieeinsatzes.
Modulares Simulationsmodell für das operative Supply-Chain-Management
Authors: Perau Martin , Brings Hanna , Berninger Stefanie , Artelt Tom , Schröer Tobias , Boos Wolfgang , Schmitt Robert H.
Published: December 2024

Komplexe Anforderungen an das operative Supply-Chain-Management führen zu komplexen Entscheidungssituationen innerhalb des betrieblichen Alltags. Ein konzeptioniertes, modulares Simulationsmodell für das operative Supply-Chain-Management kann die Entscheidungsfindung auf Grundlage von Analysen und Daten unterstützen. Die Modularisierung ermöglicht eine flexible, effiziente und unternehmensspezifische Anwendung des Simulationsmodells. Die Modularität ist durch die individuelle Kombination geeigneter Module und Funktionen sowie der Abbildung dazugehöriger Informationsflüsse realisiert. Informationsflüsse werden dabei durch definierte Informationsobjekte, wie z. B. einen Fertigungsauftrag oder eine Maschine, spezifiziert. Die Module und Funktionen bilden die unterschiedlichen Prozessschritte ab.
Uma autora preenche as lacunas da sua história
Authors: Kunrath Milena Hoffmann
Published: December 2024

Katja Petrowskaja, ucraniana, nascida em Kiev, estuda Literatura na Rússia e acaba migrando para a Alemanha, onde aprende o idioma, casa-se e publica um livro na língua do país que a acolheu intitulado Talvez Esther. O romance conta a trajetória de sua família desde o século XIX, quando fogem da Áustria para a Polônia e depois para a Ucrânia. Passam por alguns pogroms, duas Guerras, o Holomodor, o Babi Yar e a ditadura soviética, não exatamente nessa ordem. Katja pretende encontrar os indícios das histórias que ouviu durante toda sua vida, as anedotas, os casos curiosos, o talento para ensinar crianças surdas-mudas e talvez algum parente perdido, mas principalmente a sua identidade no mundo. Usando as teorias de trauma e testemunho, busca-se, neste artigo, compreender o que Petrowskaja quer encontrar e de que forma ela pode, literariamente, reconciliar-se com esse passado.
A national survey of physicians regarding active surveillance for low-risk thyroid cancer in Korea
Authors: Kim Min Joo , Moon Jae Hoon , Lee Eun Kyung , Song Young Shin , Jung Kyong Yeun , Lee Ji Ye , Kim Ji-hoon , Lim Woojin , Kim Kyungsik , Park Sue K. , Park Young Joo
Published: December 2024

Objective

Active surveillance (AS) has emerged as a viable alternative to immediate surgery for low-risk thyroid cancer. However, several barriers still hinder its widespread adoption and implementation by physicians.

Methods

In 2024, an email survey was conducted among members of the Korea Thyroid Association to assess their perspectives on AS. The survey comprised questions about clinical case scenarios, perceptions of the benefits and risks associated with AS, factors influencing the consideration of AS and unmet needs for the implementation of AS.

Results

Among the 287 physicians surveyed, 40.8% were endocrinologists, followed by general surgeons at 20.9% and otolaryngologists at 19.9%. The majority worked in tertiary hospitals and had over 10 years of experience. Regarding a 65-year-old man with a 0.7 cm low-risk thyroid cancer, 74.6% of the respondents considered AS. Endocrinologists and physicians with higher self-assessment and experience explaining AS to patients were more inclined to consider AS. Although the respondents recognized the benefits of AS, such as avoiding surgery and reducing surgical complications, they expressed concerns about potential risks, including the possibility of patient lawsuits due to disease progression and patient worry and anxiety about the disease. Challenges in screening candidates for AS were highlighted, especially in detecting recurrent laryngeal nerve involvement and lymph node metastases. Additionally, physicians noted unmet needs in AS implementation, specifically regarding psychological support for patients and reimbursement for long-term follow-up costs.

Conclusions

The survey underscored the need for further research and initiatives to overcome the barriers and implement AS for the management of low-risk thyroid cancer.
El fomento de la cultura de paz en los entornos digitales
Authors: Lamas Meza Saúl Adolfo
Published: December 2024

El presente artículo tiene como finalidad analizar a través de una metodología exegética y correlacional el fenómeno de la violencia sistémica (...)
In vitro toxic effect of ordinary and micro-emulsified α-pinene and β-caryophyllene on hydatid cyst protocoleces
Authors: Tabari M. A , Zizzadoro C. , Moeini M. , Tabatabaei S. Z. , Youssefi M. R.
Published: December 2024

Due to the side effect of commonly used chemical scolicidals, advantages of micro drug delivery system and growing interest for the phytoceuticals, the present study aimed to find out the scolicidal activity of two volatile terpenes (α-pinene and β-caryophyllene) and their microemulsions on protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus. The ordinary and microemulsions of α-pinene and β-caryophyllene and their combination at three different ratios (2:1, 1:1, 1:2) were developed and cha­racterised by dynamic light scattering to confirm micro-dimensions. The scolicidal effect of the developed formulations at the concentrations of 0.5, 1, 2, 5 and 10 μg/mL were measured at 10, 30, and 60-min time points. Mortality rates were recorded by eosin exclusion test. At the 10-min time point, ordinary and micro α-pinene at the concentration of 10 μg/mL killed 94.66% and 100% of the protoscoleces, respectively. At the same time point and concentration, ordinary and micro β-caryophyllene caused 44.33% and 68.66% mortality rates in protoscoleces, respectively. Based on the 50% lethal concentration (LC50) values, there was no significant difference between ordinary and micro-emulsified α-pinene. For the micro β-caryophyllene, a LC50 value of 2.1 µg/mL was obtained which was significantly lower than that of ordinary β-caryophyllene (49.85 µg/mL). No synergistic interaction existed between β-caryophyllene and α-pinene regarding their activity on E. granulosus. Development of microemulsions increased the toxicity of these terpenoids on protoscoleces, especially that of β-caryophyllene, probably due to improved penetration into the parasite. Further studies are needed to assess in vivo efficacy and safety of this specific preparation.
Empathic behavior in nursing and medicine students
Authors:   Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia., Santa Marta, Colombia., Pertuz Meza Yolima , Reyes Ríos Luz Angela , Gamarra-Moncayo José Rolando , Reyes-Reyes Fernando , Reyes-Reyes Alejandro , Díaz-Narváez Víctor ,   Universidad Andres Bello. Santiago. Chile.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Empathy is an attribute that contributes to humane care of patients and increases the likelihood of successful treatment. Objectives: To measure the levels of empathy and its dimensions, and diagnose empathic behavior in medicine and nursing students. Materials and Methods: This was a non-experimental, cross-sectional study in which Colombian nursing and medicine students were evaluated using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE). A factor analysis, an analysis of invariance, and a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used, and the data were compared to specific cut-off points for each program. Effect size and power of the tests were estimated for the comparisons performed. Results: The theoretical model for the construct ‘empathy’ fitted the observed data, and the invariance of the model between groups was confirmed. Differences were observed between nursing and medical students, as well as between sexes, with results favoring the women group. Discussion: The differences found between students could be partly due to the curricular differences of the programs and the students' interests, whereas those related to sex may be due to characteristics observed in Latin American population. The identified empathy deficiencies allowed for the development of a diagnosis for nursing and medicine students. Conclusion: Based on the findings, it is possible to diagnose the empathy levels of students of both programs by identifying the deficiencies observed in the dimensions of empathy.
Synthesis of polymer nanocomposites as optical materials for flexible electronic devices
Authors: Alotaibi Badriah M. , Al-Yousef Haifa A. , Atta Ali , Rizk Sameh A. , Elgendy Abdelfattah T.
Published: December 2024

In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium iodide (NaI) were mixed to prepare flexible composite (PVA/NaI) films using the green solution casting synthesis method. Subsequently, these films were exposed to different times of nitrogen plasma (15, 30, 45, and 60 min) using cold plasma source. The X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope analysis were utilized to reveal effects of nitrogen beam on the structural and morphology of the treated samples, respectively. Furthermore, the UV–vis spectroscopic measurements were utilized to study the optical parameters of the pristine and exposed films. Other parameters were computed, such as refractive index and dielectric constant. The plasma resonance frequency (WP) modified from 0.3 × 1013 Hz for the PVA/NaI to 0.41 × 1013, 0.34 × 1013, 0.31 × 1013, and 0.23 × 1013 Hz after irradiation of 15, 30, 45, and 60 min of nitrogen plasma, respectively. The most important aspect of this research is the optimization of composite characteristics and plasma conditions to create materials with novel properties for usage in different optical devices. The results show that the irradiated films PVA/NaI are appropriate for use as optical materials for flexible optoelectronic devices.
The Role of African Youth Attitude in Agriculture: A Comprehensive Overview
Authors: Nthoesane M.C. , Teele T.
Published: December 2024

Agriculture in Africa plays a significant role in the sustainable livelihood of households in rural and semi-rural areas. African youth participation in agriculture is viewed as a challenge, as is their contribution to the economy in developing countries. In most rural communities, sustainable agriculture is crucial in food security, poverty alleviation, and job creation. With that in mind, unemployment among the youth is high, especially in sub-Saharan African countries. It is also important to note that the agricultural sector is transforming with technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. Therefore, understanding the attitude of youth towards agriculture is pivotal to the sustainability and viability of the sector. This review critically analyses perspectives on youth attitudes in the agricultural sector by thoroughly examining academic literature. The review investigates factors influencing youth perceptions of agriculture, drawing upon an extensive diagnostic analysis of academic literature, empirical studies, and reports, including socioeconomic factors, attitudes towards agricultural activities, and attitudes as barriers to agricultural education and training. This intellectual piece dwells on indicators of influence between youth attitudes towards agriculture in African countries. Existing literature widely acknowledges youth as pivotal for economic success in agriculture. However, the effective integration of youth into the sector relies on Agricultural Extension policymakers facilitating their inclusion through tailored training programs and opportunities. It is the understanding of this review that the opportunities that enable agricultural participation correlate with the availability of resources for successful contribution to sustainable agriculture.
Communication Channels and Information Sources Utilised By Agricultural Extension Practitioners to Communicate Agricultural-Related Information to Farmers in the Eastern Cape Province
Authors: Makamane A. , Swanepoel J.W. , Loki O.
Published: December 2024

Using a random sampling technique, the channels used by extension practitioners to communicate agricultural-related information to farmers were investigated from a sample of 126 practitioners and managers. Research activities included a formal survey, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The Pearson's Chi-square (χ2) test of independence with α = 0.005 as a criterion for significance and the binary regression method were used to analyse the data. Findings from descriptive statistics reported that 52.4% of the respondents comply with the Norms and Standards of Extension and Advisory Services, which prescribe that all practitioners in South Africa should have a four-year bachelor's degree as a minimum qualification requirement. Many Extension practitioners (60.3%) preferred visiting farmers in person; however, logistical issues such as transport to the field (38.9%) posed a barrier to farm visits and information sharing. The binary logistic regression model results showed that information sources and the frequency of farm visits were among the variables that influenced the channels extension practitioners used to communicate agricultural information. The study concludes that extension officers still prefer in-person farm visits despite the emergence of ICT and digital technologies. This study recommends that in-person farm visits be utilised with ICT and other digital technologies to address agricultural-related information delivery challenges.
Considering the Impact of a Tactical and Technical Training Module on the Performance of Field Hockey Players (U-16) in Malaysia: A Quasi-Experimental Design
Authors: Osman Noorzaliza , Akbar Amin , Md Nadzalan Ali , Rashidin Nurul Sazila , Vasanthi Rajkumar Krishnan
Published: December 2024

Background. The development of tactical and technical skills is critical for young athletes engaged in team sports, particularly in field hockey, where quick decision-making and strategic play are essential for success.

Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured tactical and technical training module on the performance of field hockey players (U-16) in Malaysia.

Materials and methods. A quasi-experimental design was used, involving 40 participants who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). The intervention group underwent an eight-week tactical and technical training module, while the control group followed their regular training regimen. Pre-test and post-test assessments were conducted to measure knowledge and performance in four key areas: ball action/direction, opponents’ action, positioning, and action during changing situations. The data were analyzed using Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) to assess the impact of the intervention.

Results. The MANOVA results revealed significant improvements in the intervention group across all four variables compared to the control group (Wilks’ Lambda = 0.327, F = 9.867, p = 0.001). Specifically, the intervention group showed substantial gains in knowledge about ball action/direction, opponents’ action, positioning, and actions during changing situations. These findings underscore the effectiveness of the training module in enhancing tactical and technical competencies in young field hockey players. The study demonstrates that a structured tactical and technical training module can significantly improve the performance of under-16 field hockey players.

Conclusions. The results indicate the potential for broader application of such modules in youth sports development programs. It is recommended that coaches integrate similar training structures to optimize player development and competitive performance.
Development of an in vitro model to study the role of disulfide bonds in the largest extracellular domain of the sodium-dependent phosphate transporter NaPi2b in OVCAR-8 ovarian carcinoma cells
Authors: Skripova V. S. , Firsova D. A. , Kilunov A. V. , Bulatova L. F. , Poputsky M. A. , Kiyamova R. G.
Published: December 2024

Introduction. The sodium-dependent phosphate transporter NaPi2b is a promising target for targeted antitumor therapy. There is the largest extracellular domain (ECD) containing a cryptic MX35 epitope, against which therapeutic antibodies have been developed and are undergoing preclinical and clinical trials. The accessibility of the MX35 epitope to antibodies is higher in tumor cells and depends on the conformation of the ECD, determined by disulfide bonds between cysteine residues C303, C322, C328 and C350. The number of these disulfide bonds and cysteine residues that participate in the NaPi2b ECD conformation maintaining, regulation of its transport activity and stability is unknown. Isolation and purification of transmembrane proteins, including NaPi2b, for structural and functional studies is difficult, therefore it is necessary to develop an in vitro model to study the formation of disulfide bonds in the ECD region of the NaPi2b transporter and their role in ensuring the availability of the cryptic MX35 epitope and transporter activity in living cells.Aim. To create a panel of clonal sublines of human ovarian carcinoma OVCAR-8 containing recombinant variants of the wild-type NaPi2b transporter, as well as with single and double substitutions of cysteine residues in the ECD region with alanine residues.Materials and methods. OVCAR-8 ovarian carcinoma cells that do not express the NaPi2b transporter gene were transduced with lentiviral particles carrying nucleotide sequences encoding the wild-type NaPi2b transporter or its mutant variants with single and double substitutions of cysteine residues C303, C322, C328 and C350 with alanine residues to simulate reduction of potential disulfide bonds between them. After selecting transduced cells, clonal sublines were obtained, in the lysates of which the content of recombinant variants of the NaPi2b transporter was assessed using Western blot analysis and dot blot analysis.Results. A panel of 9 clonal sublines of OVCAR-8 ovarian carcinoma containing the wild-type recombinant NaPi2b transporter and its mutant variants was obtained. The effect of the introduced amino acid substitutions on the content and electrophoretic mobility of the NaPi2b transporter was noted.Conclusion. The resulting panel of clonal sublines can be used as an in vitro model to study the conformation of the ECD transporter NaPi2b, determined by disulfide bonds, which will reveal the mechanism of formation of the cryptic MX35 epitope and shed light on the role of ECD in the regulation of NaPi2b transport activity. Understanding the mechanism of formation of the cryptic MX35 epitope will make it possible to find new cryptic epitopes in the extracellular domains of transmembrane proteins, which can be used as targets for antitumor therapy.
Immunotherapy of malignant gliomas: a modern view on the problem
Authors: Pichugin А. А. , Kovyazina R. R. , Trondin А. , Alekseev А. G. , Kopnin P. B. , Gessel T. V. , Boichuk S. V.
Published: December 2024

Malignant gliomas are one of the most common brain tumors in adults arising from glial cells with an extremely poor prognosis. Generally, therapy of malignant gliomas consists of radical surgical removal followed by radio- and/or chemotherapy. However, prognosis of the disease remains unfavorable.The review presents main clinical, morphological and molecular characteristics of gliomas, their prognostic significance and role in the choice of targeted therapy based on using tyrosine kinase inhibitors and/or monoclonal antibodies. The current aspects of immunotherapy of gliomas (i.e., activation of immune cells, or blockage of immunosuppressive signaling) are discussed in detail. One of the well-known approaches of cancer immunotherapy is based on immune checkpoint inhibitors. These drugs might be effective in treatment of malignant gliomas overexpressing the molecules that suppress immune cells functions. Another promising approach of gliomas immunotherapy is based on genetically modified CAR-T cells (CAR – chimeric antigen receptor) which might identify and eliminate cancer cells. Cytokine therapy is also perspective treatment approach, as well as gene therapy which is associated with editing viral genes for production of oncolytic viruses used as anticancer vaccines. Vaccines are being developed to generate the specific antibodies recognized cancer cells and thereby stimulate the immune system to identify and destroy tumor cells.Despite the promising potential of various gliomas immunotherapy methods, most of them are at different stages of preclinical and clinical trials. Some of them demonstrate promising results and good perspective for the further use to treat glioma patients.