bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ROX index performance to predict high-flow nasal oxygen outcome in Covid-19 related hypoxemic acute respiratory failure
Authors: Girault Christophe , Bubenheim Michael , Boyer Déborah , Declercq Pierre-Louis , Schnell Guillaume , Gouin Philippe , Michot Jean-Baptiste , Carpentier Dorothée , Grangé Steven , Béduneau Gaëtan , Tamion Fabienne
Published: January 2024

Background

Given the pathophysiology of hypoxemia in patients with Covid-19 acute respiratory failure (ARF), it seemed necessary to evaluate whether ROX index (ratio SpO2/FiO2 to respiratory rate) could accurately predict intubation or death in these patients initially treated by high-flow nasal oxygenation (HFNO). We aimed, therefore, to assess the accuracy of ROX index to discriminate between HFNO failure (sensitivity) and HFNO success (specificity).

Methods

We designed a multicentre retrospective cohort study including consecutive patients with Covid-19 ARF. In addition to its accuracy, we assessed the usefulness of ROX index to predict HFNO failure (intubation or death) via logistic regression.

Results

Among 218 ARF patients screened, 99 were first treated with HFNO, including 49 HFNO failures (46 intubations, 3 deaths before intubation). At HFNO initiation (H0), ROX index sensitivity was 63% (95%CI 48–77%) and specificity 76% (95%CI 62–87%) using Youden’s index. With 4.88 as ROX index cut-off at H12, sensitivity was 29% (95%CI 14–48%) and specificity 90% (95%CI 78–97%). Youden’s index yielded 8.73 as ROX index cut-off at H12, with 87% sensitivity (95%CI 70–96%) and 45% specificity (95%CI 31–60%). ROX index at H0 was associated with HFNO failure (p = 0.0005) in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that SAPS II (p = 0.0003) and radiographic extension of pulmonary injuries (p = 0.0263), rather than ROX index, were predictive of HFNO failure.

Conclusions

ROX index cut-off values seem population-specific and the ROX index appears to have a technically acceptable but clinically low capability to discriminate between HFNO failures and successes in Covid-19 ARF patients. In addition, SAPS II and pulmonary injuries at ICU admission appear more useful than ROX index to predict the risk of intubation.
Children with autism spectrum disorder in high technology medicine environments; a qualitative systematic review of parental perspectives
Authors: Pettersson Emelie , Christensen Berit Møller , Berglund Ingalill Gimbler , Nylander Elisabeth , Huus Karina
Published: January 2024

Background

Children with autism spectrum disorders are frequent visitors to high technology environments, and their needs may differ from those of their typically developed peers. Procedures in high technology environments can constitute a challenge for these children and their parents since the environment presents many challenges relevant to the child’s impairments. This systematic review aimed to explore the experiences of children with autism spectrum disorders and their parents during procedures in a high technology environment.

Methods

The following sources were searched for this systematic review: Cochrane CENTRAL Trials, CINAHL, Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection. The search terms included variants of the following concepts: (1) children with autism spectrum disorder and/or their parents and (2) anesthesia or radiographic departments. Publications were not limited by date or study design.

Result

Out of 13,389 bibliographic records, nine studies were eligible for synthesis. After another search in October 2022, one additional study was eligible for synthesis.None of the studies reported children’s experiences, and all ten reported their parents’ experiences. Only one study was conducted in a radiographic context. Parents’ experiences were both positive and negative and were categorized into two main categories: (1) challenges in a new environment and (2) health care professionals’ approaches.

Conclusion

Studies describing children’s experiences with procedures in high technology environments are lacking. The parents described a need for health care professionals to work in structured ways with their child and to be able to make suitable adaptations.

Systematic review registration

This systematic review was registered in advance on the Open Science Framework, https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/5TXWJ.
Novel results of Milne-type inequalities involving tempered fractional integrals
Authors: Hezenci Fatih , Budak Hüseyin , Kara Hasan , Baş Umut
Published: January 2024

In this current research, we focus on the domain of tempered fractional integrals, establishing a novel identity that serves as the cornerstone of our study. This identity paves the way for the Milne-type inequalities, which are explored through the framework of differentiable convex mappings inclusive of tempered fractional integrals. The significance of these mappings in the realm of fractional calculus is underscored by their ability to extend classical concepts into more complex, fractional dimensions. In addition, by using the Hölder inequality and power-mean inequality, we acquire some new Milne-type inequalities. Moreover, the practicality and theoretical relevance of our findings are further demonstrated through the application of specific cases derived from the theorems.
A fixed point result on an extended neutrosophic rectangular metric space with application
Authors: Mani Gunaseelan , Antony Maria A. R. M. , Mitrović Zoran D. , Aloqaily Ahmad , Mlaiki Nabil
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we propose the notion of extended neutrosophic rectangular metric space and prove some fixed point results under contraction mapping. Finally, as an application of the obtained results, we prove the existence and uniqueness of the Caputo fractional differential equation.
City-scale heating and cooling with aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES)
Authors: Stemmle Ruben , Lee Haegyeong , Blum Philipp , Menberg Kathrin
Published: January 2024

Sustainable and climate-friendly space heating and cooling is of great importance for the energy transition. Compared to conventional energy sources, Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) systems can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from space heating and cooling. Hence, the objective of this study is to quantify the technical potential of shallow low-temperature ATES systems in terms of reclaimable energy in the city of Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. Based on 3D heat transport modeling, heating and cooling power densities are determined for different ATES configurations located in an unconsolidated gravel aquifer of varying hydrogeological subsurface characteristics. High groundwater flow velocities of up to 13 m d−1 cause high storage energy loss and thus limit power densities to a maximum of 3.2 W m−2. Nevertheless, comparison of these power densities with the existing thermal energy demands shows that ATES systems can achieve substantial heating and cooling supply rates. This is especially true for the cooling demand, for which a full supply by ATES is determined for 92% of all residential buildings in the study area. For ATES heating alone, potential greenhouse gas emission savings of up to about 70,000 tCO2eq a−1 are calculated, which equals about 40% of the current greenhouse gas emissions caused by space and water heating in the study areas’ residential building stock. The modeling approach proposed in this study can also be applied in other regions with similar hydrogeological conditions to obtain estimations of local ATES supply rates and support city-scale energy planning.
Trends and challenges of fruit by-products utilization: insights into safety, sensory, and benefits of the use for the development of innovative healthy food: a review
Authors: Hasan Md. Mehedi , Islam Md. Rakibul , Haque Ahmed Redwan , Kabir Md. Raihan , Khushe Khursheda Jahan , Hasan S. M. Kamrul
Published: January 2024

A significant portion of the human diet is comprised of fruits, which are consumed globally either raw or after being processed. A huge amount of waste and by-products such as skins, seeds, cores, rags, rinds, pomace, etc. are being generated in our homes and agro-processing industries every day. According to previous statistics, nearly half of the fruits are lost or discarded during the entire processing chain. The concern arises when those wastes and by-products damage the environment and simultaneously cause economic losses. There is a lot of potential in these by-products for reuse in a variety of applications, including the isolation of valuable bioactive ingredients and their application in developing healthy and functional foods. The development of novel techniques for the transformation of these materials into marketable commodities may offer a workable solution to this waste issue while also promoting sustainable economic growth from the bio-economic viewpoint. This approach can manage waste as well as add value to enterprises. The goal of this study is twofold based on this scenario. The first is to present a brief overview of the most significant bioactive substances found in those by-products. The second is to review the current status of their valorization including the trends and techniques, safety assessments, sensory attributes, and challenges. Moreover, specific attention is drawn to the future perspective, and some solutions are discussed in this report.
Association between dietary antioxidants intake and childhood eczema: results from the NHANES database
Authors: Xu Jing , Li Hongxin
Published: January 2024

Background

High dietary intake of antioxidants reduces the risk of allergic sensitization in children. However, there was no sufficient evidence for the effect of dietary antioxidants intake on childhood eczema. Herein, this study aimed to explore the roles of different dietary antioxidants in childhood eczema.

Methods

Data of 2305 children and adolescents aged < 18 years old were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database in 2005–2006 in this cross-sectional study. The associations between dietary antioxidants intake and childhood eczema were explored using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, with odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses based on age and gender were also performed.

Results

A total of 268 (11.6%) children had eczema. After adjusting for covariates, we found no significant associations between dietary intake of β-carotene, vitamin C, selenium (Se), and retinol and childhood eczema. However, compared with children and adolescents whose dietary zinc (Zn) intake < 7.47 mg, those who had dietary Zn intake level ≥ 11.83 mg seemed to have lower odds of eczema [OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.28–0.73]. In addition, subgroup analysis showed that especially in children and adolescents aged 1–11 years old, whatever the gender, a higher dietary intake level of Zn may benefit childhood eczema (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

We concluded dietary Zn intake was negatively associated with childhood eczema. Further studies are needed to explore the roles of dietary antioxidants intake in childhood eczema.
Outcomes after stenting of renal artery stenosis in patients with high-risk clinical features
Authors: Homorodean Calin , Ober Mihai Claudiu , Spinu Mihail , Olinic Maria , Tataru Dan-Alexandru , Onea Horea Laurentiu , Achim Alexandru , Lazar Leontin Florin , Homorodean Romana , Deak Balasz , Olinic Dan Mircea
Published: January 2024

Background

In patients with renal artery stenosis, revascularization was seen as a mean to improve outcomes, but large studies failed to show significant benefit in general population. However, data on benefits of renal artery stenting in patients with high-risk features, such as rapidly declining renal function and cardiac destabilization syndromes, are limited, as they were excluded from trials. In this descriptive study, we aimed to evaluate short- and long-term outcomes in high-risk patients with renal artery stenosis, treated by angioplasty and stenting. We have retrospectively interrogated our local databases for renal artery percutaneous interventions; patients at high-risk (rapidly declining renal function; stable chronic renal failure and bilateral renal artery disease; severe hypertensive crisis) were selected for the current analysis.

Results

Of 30 patients undergoing renal artery stenting, 18 patients were deemed "high-risk." On short term, good in-hospital control of hypertension and cardiac stabilization were obtained in all patients. Renal function improved significantly only in patients admitted with rapidly declining renal function, with significant creatinine level fall from median 3.98 mg/dL to 2.02 mg/dL, p = 0.023. However, for the whole group, creatinine change was non-significant (− 0.12 mg/dL, p = NS). On the long term, five patients (27.8%) ended-up on chronic hemodialysis and six patients died (33.3%) after a median of 20 months. No death occurred during the first year after the procedure.

Conclusions

Percutaneous procedures are feasible and safe in patients with high-risk renal artery stenosis, especially in those with rapidly declining renal function, probably saving some of them from the immediate need for renal replacement therapy, but long-term results are negatively influenced by the precarious general and cardio-vascular status of these patients and by the pre-existing significant renal parenchymal disease, non-related to the renal artery stenosis.
Molecular characterization of the camel nasal botfly, Cephalopina titillator (Diptera: Oestridae)
Authors: Shaalan Mona G. , Farghaly Sherif Hamed , Khater Emad I. , Kenawy Mohamed A. , Ghallab Enas Hamdy
Published: January 2024

Background

Larval stages of the camel nasal botfly, Cephalopina titillator (Diptera: Oestridae), rank among the top obligate endoparasites causing nasopharyngeal myiasis. Such infestations have adverse effects on camel health, reducing their economic value. The current study’s objective is to assess the applicability of PCR using partial regions of the COI mtDNA and 28S rRNA gene sequences to identify, classify, and reveal the phylogenesis of C. titillator.

Results

Larvae of the 2nd and 3rd instars of C. titillator were collected from the El-Bassatin abattoir in Egypt, extracted from the nasopharyngeal passage of the Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius) during postmortem inspection. Genomic DNA was successfully isolated from 10 samples of 3rd instar larvae of C. titillator and amplified using primer pairs targeting partial mitochondrial COI (916 bp) and ribosomal 28S rRNA (830 bp) gene fragments. Nucleotide sequences from five samples have been sequenced and submitted to GenBank under accession numbers OP482168 to OP482172 for the COI gene and OP482160 to OP482164 for the 28S rRNA gene fragments. The COI gene exhibited 97.3% nucleotide identity across all specimens, while the 28S rRNA gene displayed 99.74% identical nucleotides. Maximum likelihood trees were constructed based on the generalized time-reversible (GTR) model. The resulting COI phylogenetic tree demonstrated that the subfamily Oestrinae does not exhibit monophyly. Additionally, it revealed that C. titillator is a sister group to the subfamily Gasterophilinae. Despite the scarcity of data available for the 28S rRNA gene, the phylogenetic analysis utilizing 28S rRNA revealed one distinct lineage for the Egyptian camel nasal bot fly.

Conclusions

Molecular phylogenetic analysis was conducted using molecular markers of distinct origins (both mitochondrial and nuclear) to elucidate the evolutionary relationships within the family Oestridae. This analysis is particularly significant following the inclusion of C. titillator, a first-time discovery in Egypt.
Acceptability of Integrated Community-Based HIV and Cervical Cancer Screening in Mayuge District, Uganda
Authors: Mezei Alex , Trawin Jessica , Payne Beth , Rawat Angeli , Naguti Priscilla , Orem Jackson , Murray Melanie C.M. , Nakisige Carolyn , Ogilvie Gina
Published: January 2024

PURPOSE

To assess the acceptability of integrated screening for cervical cancer and HIV in the community setting.

METHODS

We developed surveys for patients and community health workers (CHWs) who participated in the Advances in Screening and Prevention in Reproductive Cancers (ASPIRE) Mayuge trial that compared self-collected human papillomavirus testing at home versus community health meetings in Mayuge district, Uganda. Quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Open-ended questions were analyzed using an inductive approach with thematic content analysis.

RESULTS

We conducted 102 patient surveys and 31 CHW surveys between June and August 2021. Ninety-nine percent of patients and 100% of CHWs indicated that they would find the addition of an HIV test to their self-collected cervical cancer test acceptable. The most frequently stated reasons in favor of adding an HIV test to the ASPIRE Mayuge cervical cancer screening pathways were time-saving, privacy, and support from other women and CHWs. The most frequently stated reasons against integrated screening were related to concerns about confidentiality, most often in reference to women's family members and other women in their village.

CONCLUSION

Integrated community-based cervical cancer and HIV testing would be highly acceptable to both women and CHWs.
Pilot Study of a Mobile Phone Chatbot for Medication Adherence and Toxicity Management Among Patients With GI Cancers on Capecitabine
Authors: Lau-Min Kelsey S. , Marini Jessica , Shah Nishant K. , Pucci Donna , Blauch Abigail N. , Cambareri Christine , Mooney Bethany , Agarwal Parul , Johnston Caleb , Schumacher Ryan P. , White Kyle , Gabriel Peter E. , Rosin Roy , Jacobs Linda A. , Shulman Lawrence N.
Published: January 2024

PURPOSE

Capecitabine is an oral chemotherapy used to treat many gastrointestinal cancers. Its complex dosing and narrow therapeutic index make medication adherence and toxicity management crucial for quality care.

METHODS

We conducted a pilot study of PENNY-GI, a mobile phone text messaging–based chatbot that leverages algorithmic surveys and natural language processing to promote medication adherence and toxicity management among patients with gastrointestinal cancers on capecitabine. Eligibility initially included all capecitabine-containing regimens but was subsequently restricted to capecitabine monotherapy because of challenges in integrating PENNY-GI with radiation and intravenous chemotherapy schedules. We used design thinking principles and real-time data on safety, accuracy, and usefulness to make iterative refinements to PENNY-GI with the goal of minimizing the proportion of text messaging exchanges with incorrect medication or symptom management recommendations. All patients were invited to participate in structured exit interviews to provide feedback on PENNY-GI.

RESULTS

We enrolled 40 patients (median age 64.5 years, 52.5% male, 62.5% White, 55.0% with colorectal cancer, 50.0% on capecitabine monotherapy). We identified 284 of 3,895 (7.3%) medication-related and 13 of 527 (2.5%) symptom-related text messaging exchanges with incorrect recommendations. In exit interviews with 24 patients, participants reported finding the medication reminders reliable and user-friendly, but the symptom management tool was too simplistic to be helpful.

CONCLUSION

Although PENNY-GI provided accurate recommendations in >90% of text messaging exchanges, we identified multiple limitations with respect to the intervention's generalizability, usefulness, and scalability. Lessons from this pilot study should inform future efforts to develop and implement digital health interventions in oncology.
Effects of a Cycling versus Running HIIT Program on Fat Mass Loss and Gut Microbiota Composition in Men with Overweight/Obesity
Authors: COUVERT ANNAËLLE , GOUMY LESLIE , MAILLARD FLORIE , ESBRAT ALEXANDRE , LANCHAIS KASSANDRA , SAUGRAIN CÉLIA , VERDIER CHARLOTTE , DORÉ ERIC , CHEVARIN CAROLINE , ADJTOUTAH DJAMEL , MOREL CLAIRE , PEREIRA BRUNO , MARTIN VINCENT , LANCHA ANTONIO H. , BARNICH NICOLAS , CHASSAING BENOÎT , RANCE MÉLANIE , BOISSEAU NATHALIE
Published: January 2024

Purpose

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can efficiently decrease total and (intra-)abdominal fat mass (FM); however, the effects of running versus cycling HIIT programs on FM reduction have not been compared yet. In addition, the link between HIIT-induced FM reduction and gut microbiota must be better investigated. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two 12-wk HIIT isoenergetic programs (cycling vs running) on body composition and fecal microbiota composition in nondieting men with overweight or obesity.

Methods

Sixteen men (age, 54.2 ± 9.6 yr; body mass index, 29.9 ± 2.3 kg·m−2) were randomly assigned to the HIIT-BIKE (10 × 45 s at 80%–85% of maximal heart rate, 90-s active recovery) or HIIT-RUN (9 × 45 s at 80%–85% of maximal heart rate, 90-s active recovery) group (3 times per week). Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to determine body composition. Preintervention and postintervention fecal microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and diet was controlled.

Results

Overall, body weight, and abdominal and visceral FM decreased over time (P < 0.05). No difference was observed for weight, total body FM, and visceral FM between groups (% change). Conversely, abdominal FM loss was greater in the HIIT-RUN group (−16.1% vs −8.3%; P = 0.050). The α-diversity of gut microbiota did not vary between baseline and intervention end and between groups, but was associated with abdominal FM change (r = −0.6; P = 0.02). The baseline microbiota profile and composition changes were correlated with total and abdominal/visceral FM losses.

Conclusions

Both cycling and running isoenergetic HIIT programs improved body composition in men with overweight/obesity. Baseline intestinal microbiota composition and its postintervention variations were correlated with FM reduction, strengthening the possible link between these parameters. The mechanisms underlying the greater abdominal FM loss in the HIIT-RUN group require additional investigations.
Running 40 Minutes under Temperate or Hot Environment Does Not Affect Operating Fascicle Length
Authors: MORNAS ADÈLE , BROCHERIE Franck , HOLLVILLE Enzo , DEROUCK Thomas , RACINAIS SÉBASTIEN , GUILHEM GaËL
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Muscle mechanics is paramount in our understanding of motor performance. However, little is known regarding the sensitivity of fascicle dynamics and connective tissues stiffness to exercise duration and ambient temperature during running, both increasing muscle temperature. This study aimed to determine gastrocnemius medialis (GM) fascicle dynamics in vivo during running in temperate and hot conditions, as well as muscle–tendon unit responses.

Methods

Using ultrafast ultrasound, 15 participants (8 men, 7 women; 26 ± 3 yr) were tested before, during (2 and 40 min), and after a running task (40 min at 10 km·h−1) in temperate (TEMP; ~23°C) and hot (HOT: ~38°C) conditions.

Results

Although core, skin temperatures, and heart rate increased from the beginning to the end of the exercise and in a larger extent in HOT than TEMP (P < 0.001), the physiological stress elicited did not alter running temporal parameters and GM fascicle operating lengths, with similar behavior of the fascicles on their force–length relationship, over time (2 vs 40 min) or across condition (TEMP vs HOT; P ≥ 0.248). Maximal voluntary force production did not reported statistical changes after exercise (P = 0.060), and the connective tissues stiffness measured (i.e., passive muscle and stiffness of the series-elastic elements) did not show neither time (P ≥ 0.281), condition (P ≥ 0.256) nor time–condition interaction (P ≥ 0.465) effect.

Conclusions

This study revealed that prolonged running exercise does not alter muscle–tendon unit properties and interplay, which are not influenced by ambient temperature. These findings may rule out potential detrimental effects of heat on muscle properties and encourage further investigations on longer and more intense running exercise.
The Effect of an Early Life Motor Skill Intervention on Physical Activity in Growth-Restricted Mice
Authors: Leszczynski Eric C. , Thorn Megan E. , Szlachetka Josie , Lee Mei-Hua , Ferguson David P.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Early life growth-restriction significantly increases the risk of adulthood physical inactivity and thereby chronic disease incidence. Improvements in motor skill acquisition could result in greater physical activity engagement in the growth-restricted population thus reducing chronic disease risk. The purpose of this study was to implement an early life motor training intervention to improve physical activity engagement in control and growth-restricted mice.

Methods

Mice were growth-restricted in early life utilizing a validated nutritive model or remained fully nourished in early life as a control. All mice were tested throughout early life for various components of motor skill acquisition. On postnatal day 10, mice were randomly assigned to engage in an early life motor skill intervention daily until postnatal day 21 or remained as a sedentary control. All mice were given access to an in-cage running wheel from postnatal days 45-70.

Results

PGR mice had impaired trunk and postural control, coordination/vestibular development, and hindlimb strength in early life compared to control mice. There were no differences in wheel running behavior between the trained and sedentary mice, although control mice ran at a faster average speed compared to PGR mice. Control female mice ran more than PGR female mice during the week 2 dark cycle.

Conclusions

Early life growth-restriction reduced motor skill attainment throughout early life, which may be associated with reduced ability to engage in physical activity in adulthood. The early life motor skill intervention did not elicit changes in body weight or physical activity engagement in control or PGR mice, indicating a more intense/different intervention specifically targeting skeletal muscle may be necessary to counteract the detrimental effects of early life growth-restriction.
Οι σύνδεσμοι (copulas) στη θεωρία πιθανοτήτων, στην ασαφή λογική και εφαρμογές τους
Authors: Γιακουμάκης Στυλιανός
Published: January 2024

Η έννοια Copula ως μαθηματικός όρος, εκφράστηκε για πρώτη φορά από τον Abe Sklar το 1959 μέσω του ομόνυμου θεωρήματος που εξέφρασε στην εργασία του ”Fonctions de répartition á n dimensions et leurs marges”. Οι Copulas ως μέλος των πιθανοθεωρητικών συνδέσμων αποτελούν κατάλληλο μέσο για την επίτευξη του συνδυασμού κατανομών πιθανοτήτων. Με έναν αντίστοιχο τρόπο, οι τριγωνικές νόρμες είναι κατάλληλο μέσο για το συνδυασμό ασαφών πληροφοριών μέσω των συναρτήσεων συμμετοχής. Με βάση το γεγονός ότι σε κάποιες συγκεκριμένες περιπτώσεις οι Copulas και οι τριγωνικές νόρμες συμπίπτουν, σε αυτή τη Διδακτορική Διατριβή αναπτύσονται μέθοδοι κατασκευής νέων πιθανοθεωρητικών και ασαφών συνδέσμων, αλλά και ένας μετασχηματισμός από μία συνάρτηση κατανομής δυνατότητας σε μία συνάρτηση κατανομής πιθανότητας. Η Διδακτορική Διατριβή ακολουθεί την παρακάτω δομή: Στα Κεφάλαια 1, 2 και 3, παρουσιάζονται οι εισαγωγικές έννοιες που αφορούν στους συνδέσμους της θεωρίας πιθανοτήτων, στους συνδέσμους της ασαφούς λογικής και στη σχέση αυτών, αντίστοιχα. Τα στοιχεία αυτά φέρουν και τις αντίστοιχες αναφορές από δημοσιευμένα επιστημονικά άρθρα και βιβλία. Στο πρώτο μέρος του Κεφαλαίου 4, περιέχεται μια μέθοδος κατασκευής νέων πιθανοθεωρητικών συνδέσμων, κατά την οποία αξιοποιείται ο (α, β)-μετασχηματισμός για Copulas. Οι παραγόμενοι αυτοί σύνδεσμοι αποτελούν γενικεύσεις των ήδη υπαρχόντων. Στο δεύτερο μέρος του τετάρτου κεφαλαίου, παρουσιάζεται μία μέθοδος γενίκευσης και κατασκευής ασαφών πιθανοθεωρητικών συνδέσμων. Στο Κεφάλαιο 5, διερευνάται η κατασκευή τελεστών συνάθροισης για Διαισθητικούς Ασαφείς Αριθμούς μέσω πιθανοθεωρητικών συνδέσμων. Στο Κεφάλαιο 6, διερευνάται η κατασκευή τελεστών συνάθροισης για Ασαφείς Αριθμούς Αξιοπιστίας μέσω πιθανοθεωρητικών συνδέσμων. Στο Κεφάλαιο 7, παρουσιάζονται δύο εφαρμογές που αφορούν στους παραχθέντες τελεστές συνάθροισης του πέμπτου και του έκτου κεφαλαίου.Στο Κεφάλαιο 8, περιέχεται ο μετασχηματισμός μίας κατανομής δυνατότητας σε μία κατανομή πιθανότητας
Identification of predictive factors for surgical site infections in gastrointestinal surgeries: A retrospective cross-sectional study in a resource-limited setting
Authors: Al-hajri Abdu , Ghabisha Saif , Ahmed Faisal , Al-wageeh Saleh , Badheeb Mohamed , Alyhari Qasem , Altam Abdulfattah , Alsharif Afaf
Published: January 2024

Background Surgical site infection (SSI), albeit infrequent, drastically impacts the quality of care. This article endeavors to investigate the predictive factors of SSIs following surgical interventions that involve the gastrointestinal (GI) tract within a single institution in a resource-limited setting. Methods Over seven years from June 2015 to June 2022, patients who underwent GI surgery and developed SSI were retrospectively matched with an unaffected case-control cohort of patients. Standardized techniques for wound culture, laboratory evaluation of bacterial isolates, and antibiotic susceptibility tests were employed. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to investigate the predictive factors associated with 30-day postoperative SSI occurrence. Results A total of 525 patients who underwent GI surgical procedures were included, among whom, 86 (16.4%) developed SSI and the majority of SSIs were superficial (74.4%). Escherichia coli was the most commonly isolated bacterium (54.4%), and a high percentage of multidrug-resistant organisms were observed (63.8%). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, illiteracy (Odds ratio [OR]:40.31; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.54-170.26), smoking (OR: 21.15; 95% CI: 4.63-96.67), diabetes (OR: 5.07; 95% CI: 2.27-11.35), leukocytosis (OR: 2.62; 95% CI: 1.24-5.53), hypoalbuminemia (OR: 3.70; 95% CI: 1.35-10.16), contaminated and dirty wounds (OR: 6.51; 95% CI:1.62-26.09), longer operation duration (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.03), emergency operations (OR: 12.58; 95% CI: 2.91-54.30), and extending antibiotic prophylaxis duration (OR: 3.01; 95% CI: 1.28-7.10) were the independent risk factors for SSI (all p < 0.05). Conclusions This study highlights significant predictors of SSI, including illiteracy, smoking, diabetes, leukocytosis, hypoalbuminemia, contaminated and dirty wounds, longer operative time, emergency operations, and extending antibiotic prophylaxis duration. Identifying these risk factors can help surgeons adopt appropriate measures to reduce postoperative SSI and improve the quality of surgical care, especially in a resource-limited setting with no obvious and strict policy for reducing SSI.
Features of constructing lectures on natural science training for a future primary school teacher
Authors: Solov'eva T.
Published: January 2024

The article presents the experience of non-standard organization of lectures in the course “Natural scientific foundations of professional teacher training”, given to future primary school teachers. The author reveals five main distinctive features of designing lectures in fundamental disciplines related to the future professional activities of students. The relevance of the article’s materials is proven by the results of testing using the absolute assessment method using the modified diagnostic technique of E.M. Bukhvalova and L.V. Karpushina
Development of creative imagination in piano class
Authors: Varenceva T.
Published: January 2024

The article presents the experience of working in a piano class with a third-year student of an additional education institution. The methods and techniques of developing the student's creative imagination when working on the disclosure of a musical image are described and presented in detail. It is necessary to educate the active position of the student - he himself must create ideas and images, as well as be able to freely apply them in his work. As one of the active methods of work, is the method of associative series and the activation of imagination with the help of pictorial images can be used.
Implementation of the program "History of Pop Music" in the Aesthetic Education of Teenagers
Authors: Yusupova E.
Published: January 2024

The article proves the necessity of implementing the program "History of Pop Music" in the aesthetic education of teenagers, which allows to form not only aesthetic perceptions, feelings, taste, attitude, but also to form spiritual values associated with mercy, love, patriotism, dignity, etc. Its main components are described: motivational, emotional, informational, cognitive, creative components in the study of jazz and rock music. Modules for the study of pop music art in extracurricular activities are proposed.
Aerospace and geoportal technologies in additional education for schoolchildren
Authors: Knyazeva Marina
Published: January 2024

The issues of the development of aerospace education in the context of expanding the practical use of the results of space activities are especially relevant for modern society today. The article discusses some possibilities of using information and geoinformation technologies for the development of schoolchildren, the problems of early career guidance of schoolchildren and the formation of their foundations of technical thinking and self-knowledge experience. Additional education in the field of aerospace technologies is primarily aimed at identifying and developing the abilities of schoolchildren, at their pre-professional training, as well as at involving schoolchildren in engineering education. An approach to the use of information technologies in the additional aerospace education of schoolchildren is proposed. The project provides for systematic, consistent work aimed at professional orientation and training of schoolchildren in the use of geoinformation technologies to solve cognitive tasks.
Development of creative abilities of students on long-term treatment
Authors: Stefanova L.
Published: January 2024

The article discusses the leading directions and features of the work on the development of the creative abilities of students in a hospital school, as well as the role of creative activity for the development of the personality of students undergoing long-term treatment.
Adaptation of the basic course "Tourism and Hospitality Management" to the modern requirements of the post-industrial era
Authors: Tebekin A.
Published: January 2024

The relevance of the presented study lies in the need to bring to a new level such a sector of the national economy as tourism and the hospitality industry, including through the art of management, as clearly evidenced by the materials of the National project "Tourism and the hospitality industry" and the Federal project "Improvement of management in the field of tourism.

The purpose of the presented research is to update the basic course "Management of tourism and the hospitality industry" as a discipline that reveals management in the area under consideration as a combination of science, art and practice, adequate to the modern postindustrial era.

The scientific novelty of the results obtained consists in determining the main components of the basic course of the discipline "Management of tourism and the hospitality industry" as an applied direction of management in relation to modern geopolitical and economic conditions of development, including consideration of such aspects as: the tourist complex as an object of management, the contribution of tourism and the hospitality industry to the achievements of national the goals of the socio-economic development of the Russian Federation; key tasks for the development of tourism and the hospitality industry in the Russian Federation, the management system in tourism as a subject of management; organization of management in the tourism industry; tourism potential of the Russian Federation; "Cornerstones" of the tourism business; tourism and hospitality industry in the development of the tourism industry in the Russian Federation; the role of the national project "Tourism and Hospitality Industry" in the development of the tourism industry in the Russian Federation"; features of applied management in the field of tourism and hospitality industry.

The practical significance of the results obtained lies in the possibility of their use to improve the processes of personnel training in the interests of realizing the tourism potential of the Russian Federation, the level of which today is assessed as unsatisfactory
Reforma modelu rad narodowych czy ustanowienie samorządu terytorialnego? Samorządowe dyskusje w schyłkowym okresie PRL (1980–1989)
Authors: Radomski Grzegorz , Szczepański Dominik
Published: January 2024

Celem podjętych rozważań była analiza dyskusji dotyczących samorządu, a w szczególności samorządu terytorialnego, prowadzonych na łamach oficjalnych publikacji ukazujących się w okresie PRL. Zakres czasowy obejmował okres od powstania „Solidarności” w 1980 r. do rozmów okrągłego stołu, w których dyskusje toczyły się najpierw w zespole ds. reform politycznych, a następnie powołano podstolik do spraw samorządu terytorialnego, nie uwzględniając jednak tego ostatniego wydarzenia.

Celem poznawczym było poszukiwanie odpowiedzi na następujące pytania badawcze: 1) dlaczego idea samorządu terytorialnego, zwłaszcza w drugiej połowie lat 80. XX w., a więc w okresie wyczerpywania się ówczesnego modelu państwa, nie zainteresowała w większym stopniu środowisk decyzyjnych i w konsekwencji nie doprowadziła do szerszej dyskusji? 2) jak środowiska opiniotwórcze rozumiały pojęcie samorządu terytorialnego? 3) jakie prezentowano wizje związane z odbudową samorządu terytorialnego? 4) jaki zakres, kompetencje i jaką rolę przewidywano dla tej instytucji? 5) czy wizje te określały sposób finansowania samorządu terytorialnego? oraz 6) czy w związku z zakładanymi dyskusjami podjęto również przekształcenie systemu wyborczego?
The relationship between magnesium deficiency and anxiety, the therapeutic effects of magnesium supplementation – literature review
Authors: Rukat Mateusz , Przyborowska Kinga , Kwiecień Justyna , Getka Beata , Wiejak Katarzyna , Łata Michał
Published: January 2024

Introduction and purpose: The main aim of our study is to summarise existing knowledge and draw conclusions about the impact of magnesium deficiency on the occurrence of anxiety.
Methodology: The literature available in the National Library of Medicine database at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov and Google Scholar was reviewed. Articles were searched by using keywords: magnesium, deficiency, supplementation, anxiety disorders. Forty-seven research papers and meta-analyses were analysed.
Description of the state of knowledge: Magnesium is an extremely important mineral in the human body involved in many physiological processes. A deficiency of this element affects the whole body and can cause mental disorders - including anxiety disorders. There are many theories showing a link between magnesium and anxiety disorders in both humans and animals. Magnesium has been shown to influence the function of neurotransmitters affecting the experience of anxiety. Supplementation in people with hypomagnesaemia has been proven to improve their health and well-being. However, it should be noted that supplements on the market vary in the bioavailability of the mineral, and the frequency of intake and dosage also affect the bioavailability of magnesium.
Conclusions: It is important to ensure adequate levels of magnesium in the diet, given its impact on the proper functioning of the human body (including the nervous system) and the fact that most people consume insufficient amounts of this macronutrient. Evidence of a link between magnesium levels and anxiety has led to increased interest in the potential efficacy of magnesium supplementation to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Hospitallers and women in Scandinavia – mutual support
Authors: Jensen Kurt Villads
Published: January 2024

The Order of the Hospitallers had a privileged role in Scandinavia. In spite of this, only relatively few scholars have worked with the Order’s Scandinavian history, and none specifically with its relationships to women. The aim of the present article is to discuss women’s important role as donators and benefactors, what kind of agreements they could make of the Order, and the importance for the Order’s planning and expansion of estate.
Ordensritter und Frauen in Livland im 16. Jahrhundert
Authors: Kreem Juhan
Published: January 2024

The Teutonic Knights and Women in the 16th century Livonia
 
Amount of information on women in the castles of the Teutonic Order in Livonia is scarce. From the 16th century there is evidence about the female housekeepers (low-ger. mayersche) in the manors and smaller castles of the commandery of Fellin. The artisans and servants of the Order were not bound to the vow of celibacy, some of them certainly had families and lived in the castles.  
The knights in Livonia participated in worldly activities such as weddings in the sixteenth century. Moreover, in some cases it could be shown that the knights were organizers of these events. This involved not only initial match-making but also guiding through the actual event as well. On these occasions it can be shown, how deeply the knights were involved in organizing the family affairs of their relatives: be that the guardianship of a mother or betrothal of a sister. Female relatives of the knights sometimes also visited Livonia.
Several critics of the Order also single out the concubines of the brethren. The number of knights, who are known to have had concubines in the sixteenth century is not small. We do not know much about the forms of the relationships or eventual cohabitation. Most of the information is on the children born of these relationships, whose subsistence was taken care of.
Exploring Intercultural Insights Through the Critical Incident Research Method
Authors: Hiller Gundula Gwenn
Published: January 2024

The Critical Incident Technique (CIT) has become a renowned approach in qualitative research, offering a systematic framework for exploring interactions, revealing human perception and conduct in different scenarios. The technique analyses significant incidents that emerge from either observations or narrations within specific contexts and helps to scrutinise thoughts, emotions, attitudes or actions. CIT uncovers cultural discrepancies within intercultural communication and has been implemented in various disciplines. Originating from aviation research, CIT has proved to be adaptable to other areas and has thus been successfully integrated into intercultural training and research. Regardless of its utility and popularity, some critics suggest it can oversimplify complexity. Nevertheless, recent publications have demonstrated the ongoing significance of CIT. These publications use linguistic approaches that broaden its horizons, encompassing narrative methodologies and multi-perspective analyses. While CIT provides significant insights, it is important to acknowledge its limitations in terms of subjectivity and generalisability. In conclusion, CIT continues to be a valuable qualitative research approach that enhances our understanding of human behaviour and experiences through the systematic analysis of key events.
Sequelae of Primary Dental Trauma: A Case Series
Authors: Lau Kirstie , Patel Shruti , Bryant Cathy , Sood Sanjeev
Published: January 2024

Trauma to the primary dentition is a common occurrence affecting approximately 1 in 5 young children globally. Damage to the successor tooth may present as a localized enamel defect, dilaceration and disturbed eruption, with subsequent functional and social impact. Appropriate management of acute primary dental trauma, regular review and timely specialist referral upon detection of eruption sequence abnormalities is, therefore, imperative for long-term outcome to be optimal. This article presents a series of four case reports of paediatric patients with a history of severe primary dental trauma that resulted in significant dental anomalies requiring multidisciplinary treatment.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Information on the consequences of primary dental trauma and the advice to give to affected families is of value.
The effect of metric behavior at spatial infinity on pointwise wave decay in the asymptotically flat stationary setting
Authors: Morgan Katrina
Published: January 2024

abstract: The current work considers solutions to the wave equation on asymptotically flat, stationary, Lorentzian spacetimes in $(1+3)$ dimensions. We investigate the relationship between the rate at which the geometry tends to flat and the pointwise decay rate of solutions. The case where the spacetime tends toward flat at a rate of $|x|^{-1}$ was studied by Tataru (2013), where a $t^{-3}$ pointwise decay rate was established. Here we extend the result to geometries tending toward flat at a rate of $|x|^{-\kappa}$ and establish a pointwise decay rate of $t^{-\kappa-2}$ for $\kappa\in\Bbb{N}$ with $\kappa\ge 2$. We assume a weak local energy decay estimate holds, which restricts the geodesic trapping allowed on the underlying geometry. We use the resolvent to connect the time Fourier Transform of a solution to the Cauchy data. Ultimately the rate of pointwise wave decay depends on the low frequency behavior of the resolvent, which is sensitive to the rate at which the background geometry tends to flat.
In Search of the Hidden Kilns: A Report on Two "New" Charcoal Kilns
Authors: Page Douglas H. , Straka Thomas J.
Published: January 2024

Abstract: This note adds to the authors' 2018 Nevada Historical Society Quarterly article to update the authors' 2018 list of "commonly known" Nevada charcoal kilns by adding two kilns at one site to the list. It gives a description of how these were located, the general lay of the land where the kilns are found, as well as a discussion of some of the site and area details. In so doing it also adds to the 2018 article a discussion of the common factors that influenced the selection of a kiln's location, and why finding forgotten kilns in a "normal" location may be somewhat unlikely. As their location does not fit the norm, the two kilns reported on needed more than conventional wisdom to find.
What Has Been Will Be Again
Authors: Ragland Jared , Wilkins Catherine
Published: January 2024

Abstract: Photographer Jared Ragland uses a Southern Gothic sensibility to visually contend with Alabama's centuries-long past, its present-day issues, and the perpetuated use of segregation and sequestration in service of the white supremacist myths of American exceptionalism. While the black-and-white photographs demonstrate similarities in style and content to the works of journalistic, literary, and artistic predecessors in the Southern Gothic tradition, they also engage and reframe fraught narrative relationships between historical trauma and contemporary sociopolitical issues in the American South. In so doing, "What Has Been Will Be Again" both meets, then disrupts, audience expectations for the Southern Gothic in its representation of past and present problems of place.
Fear of a Black (Southern) Planet: Kara Walker's Night Conjure
Authors: Martin Kameelah L.
Published: January 2024

Abstract: Black folk have a dubious relationship with landscapes of the American South, where the living dead—Indigenous, enslaved, Confederate, and everyone in between—saturate the natural world with unresolved trauma. Kara Walker has long explored the complexity of race relations during the rise and fall of the plantation economy, and in Night Conjure (2001), she inverts the iconography of Black fright against a white cotton field to envision other ways in which the South begat terror and for whom. Walker picks up the seemingly contradictory relationship between women of African descent and geographic sites of oppression and unbearable cultural memory.