bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Criminalistic and criminological analysis of the Thomas Restobar case in Peru in the context of sanitary measures by COVID-19: A case study
Authors: Jauregui-Montero José Antonio , Rivera-Lozada Oriana , Neyra-Rivera Carlos , Bonilla-Asalde Cesar Antonio
Published: September 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to collect and analyze the experiences in regard to the application of criminalistic and criminological protocols and procedures, which were used to carry out the intervention in the premises of Thomas Restobar in Peru, in the context of the declaration of sanitary measures to control COVID 19. This police intervention resulted in the death of 13 people.

Methods: For the collection of information, we used the focus group technique, for which a script was designed and validated by five experts, considering six major subcategories: C1SC1: Joint investigation and prosecution work, C1SC2: Protocols and guidelines, C1SC3: Chain of custody (police, experts, and prosecutor), C1SC4: Quality of results; C2SC1: Participation of agents of Thomas Restobar and the municipality, C2SC2: Compliance with DIGESA-DIRIS health regulations. The study was approved by the Institutional Research Ethics Committee of the Universidad Norbert Wiener, with approval file N°864-2021.

Results: From the criminological analysis it became evident that the deficiencies identified in the six structured subcategories have led to the tragic death of thirteen people from asphyxiation. The people who attended this bar did not comply with the sanitary norms, exposing the health and life of their relatives and other people. The security agents of the premises and of the Municipality of Los Olivos did not comply with the norms of supervision and control, which finally led to the unfortunate death of 13 people from asphyxiation, closely related to the case of Utopia, in 2002. Conclusions: When evaluated by the experts of the focus group, it has generated two emerging categories: creation of a School of Experts and the categorization of the experience, which would prevent cases like Utopia and Thomas Restobar from happening again.
Endovascular management of aortic aneurysm with severe neck angulation and/or iliac artery tortuosity using multiple stiff wire technique: a case series
Authors: Taofan Taofan , Adiarto Suko , Dakota Iwan , Indriani Suci , Afandy Jonathan Edbert , Kartamihardja Achmad Hafiedz Azis , Kang Sung-Gwon , Sukmawan Renan
Published: September 2023

Background: Suitable aortic neck is one of the essential components for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). Advanced techniques were developed to adjust and compromise the aneurysm neck angulation but with adding additional devices and complexity to the procedure. We proposed a simple technique to modify severe neck angulation and/or iliac artery tortuosity by using the multiple stiff wire (MSW) technique.

Method: Two femoral accesses were required for the MSW technique. A guidewire with a support catheter was inserted through the right and left femoral arteries and positioned in the abdominal or thoracic aorta. Wire exchanges were done with extra stiff wire in both femoral accesses. It can be considered to add multiple stiff wires to align the torturous neck / iliac artery. Delivery of the stent graft main body can be done via one of the accesses.

Result: Six patients with different aortic pathology were admitted to our hospital. Four patients undergo EVAR procedure and two patients undergo TEVAR procedure. All patients had aortic neck angulation problems with one patient having iliac artery tortuosity. MSW technique was performed on the patients with good results. Follow-up CTA after 3 months revealed a good stent position without stent migration and no endoleak was found in all but one patient.

Conclusion: MSW technique is a simple and effective technique to modify aortic neck/artery angulation in TEVAR or EVAR procedure.
Bounds on the Optimal Radius When Covering a Set with Minimum Radius Identical Disks
Authors: Birgin Ernesto G. , Gardenghi John L. , Laurain Antoine
Published: September 2023

The problem of covering a two-dimensional bounded set with a fixed number of minimum-radius identical disks is studied in the present work. Bounds on the optimal radius are obtained for a certain class of nonsmooth domains, and an asymptotic expansion of the bounds as the number of disks goes to infinity is provided. The proof is based on the approximation of the set to be covered by hexagonal honeycombs and on the thinnest covering property of the regular hexagonal lattice arrangement in the whole plane. The dependence of the optimal radius on the number of disks is also investigated numerically using a shape-optimization approach, and theoretical and numerical convergence rates are compared. An initial point construction strategy is introduced, which, in the context of a multistart method, finds good-quality solutions to the problem under consideration. Extensive numerical experiments with a variety of polygonal regions and regular polygons illustrate the introduced approach.

Funding: This work was supported by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo [Grants 2013/07375-0, 2016/01860-1, 2018/24293-0, and 2019/25258-7] and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico [Grants 302682/2019-8, 303243/2021-0, 304258/2018-0, and 408175/2018-4].
Gauging the Assessment of Some Anthropogenic Factors Driving Climate- Change
Authors: Chowdhuri Arijit , Gupta Charu Khosla
Published: September 2023

Climate-change (CC) is associated with any shifts in weather patterns, whether in space or time, and is largely attributed to enduring human activities. Climate-change is also caused by natural phenomena including dust storms, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions besides meteorites crashing onto the surface of the earth. Rising global temperatures are a significant consequence of climate-change, causing an increase in freak weather phenomena as well as causing damage to biodiversity, ecosystems, plant-pollinator connections, seed distribution and recruitment, food security, public-health and water. Presence and detection of oxides of nitrogen & sulphur, methane, water-vapour and carbon-di-oxide (mainly greenhouse gases) constitute the key determinants of the ill-effects on climate caused by human interference and exploitation. Aerosols, too, contribute significantly to global warming, as do chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and perfluorocarbons (PFCs). By the conclusion of the century, a distressing increase of 1.5°C in average surface temperature is projected. This review examines the current condition of climate-change while investigating its causes, compiling results of its negative effects on plant pollination, seed dispersal, ecosystems and biodiversity, in addition to public health. Furthermore, this study also includes a comprehensive overview of sustainable mitigating measures to overcome the disaster of climate-change.
Trace Metal Contamination and Associated Health Effects in the Shivnath River Tributaries
Authors: Bhatia Sukhpreet Kaur , Nair Sumita
Published: September 2023

Present study focus on manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), and aluminium (Al), trace metals contamination assessment in some tributaries of Shivnath River. To assess the cumulative impact of the studied trace metals on Shivnath River water quality, the heavy metal pollution index (HPI) is calculated. Since the Shivnath River is one of the major rivers of the studied area the impact of the studied trace metals present in river water on human health is evaluated by computing human exposure (EXPing), hazardous quotient (HQing), human exposure surface water (HEsw), carcinogenic risk (CRing). The study reveals no severe health effects due to presence of studied trace metals in rivers since the obtained values were less than 1.0, but in future care should be taken to avoid any unfavourable conditions.
Groundwater Flow Modeling of A Microwatershed using Visual Modflow Flex
Authors: Honnannanavar Anusha , Patil Nagraj , Patil Vivek
Published: September 2023

The present study attempts to make a simulation of groundwater flow modeling in Chikkodi micro-watershed Belagavi (District), Karnataka. A two-layer conceptualization and the three-dimensional groundwater flow model are primarily underlain by weathered basalt and fractured basalt. The first layer weathered zone is 30m from the ground surface and the second layer fractured zone is 80m below the ground surface spread over 20 rows and 20 columns. The cell height is 674m and the cell width is 440m. The work described here built a groundwater flow model in the micro-watershed using Visual MODFLOW Flex. The steady-state groundwater flow model was then numerically projected in April 2020 using seventeen observation wells using the present stress levels. The model aims to quantify input and output stresses and pinpoint the basin's overstressed regions. The water budget analysis estimates that evapotranspiration loss makes up 56.54% of the basin's total groundwater recharge while overall groundwater leaks from river systems are 28.72%. The findings indicated that the southern section of the basin is undergoing severe aquifer stress as a result of river overflow and evapotranspiration. To improve groundwater levels, it is suggested that artificial recharge structures should be developed in and near Chikkodi village at appropriate sites. The trial-and-error approach was used to assess the sensitivity of the calibrated model, and it was discovered that the model is extremely sensitive to changes in hydraulic conductivity and recharge levels. Model performance is excellent, with R2, RMSE, and NRMSE values of 0.97, 5.34, and 13.23% of the assessing criteria.
Delivering Next Generation Security Scanners
Authors: Nash Eamon
Published: September 2023

HOW EDGE PROCESSING IS ENABLING NEXT-GENERATION MILLIMETRE WAVE SCANNERS
Crossref acquires Retraction Watch data and opens it for the scientific community
Authors:   Crossref, Hendricks Ginny ,   Center for Scientific Integrity, Lammey Rachael
Published: September 2023

Agreement to combine and publicly distribute data about tens of thousands of retracted research papers, and grow the service together. The Center for Scientific Integrity, the organisation behind the Retraction Watch blog and database, and Crossref, the global infrastructure underpinning research communications, both not-for-profits, announced today that the Retraction Watch database has been acquired by Crossref and made a public resource. An agreement between the two organisations will allow Retraction Watch to keep the data populated on an ongoing basis and always open, alongside publishers registering their retraction notices directly with Crossref.
How to Teach History of Medicine at Medical School: Period, Structure, and Teaching Methods
Authors: PARK Ji-young , PARK Seungmann
Published: September 2023

Currently, the education of the history of medicine in South Korea has established a solid foundation. Since Kim Du-jong (金斗鍾, 1896–1988) began giving medical history lectures at Severance Medical College in 1946, a total of 22 universities-over half of the 40 total universities-have implemented medical history education in the curriculum as of 2023. Furthermore, several textbooks and translations summarizing Western and Korean medical history have been published. However, despite this expansion, there has been little discussion on how to implement medical history education for students.
To address this gap, this study examines the period and structure of medical history education, as well as various teaching methods, while considering their respective advantages and disadvantages. Firstly, there are two main approaches to implementing medical history education. One approach integrates medical history throughout the entire educational process, while the other concentrates on specific stages of education. Both approaches extend beyond undergraduate education and encompass medical education after graduation. The former emphasizes integration with basic medical and clinical education, while the latter focuses on ensuring educational coherence.
Secondly, the structure of medical history courses can be broadly categorized as chronological or thematic. Within the chronological approach, there are two subcategories: general and periodic. The general method is traditionally used in history education but may be rigid in structure and fail to engage students' interest. On the other hand, the period method conveys multidimensional and comprehensive understanding of different periods but may make it challenging to grasp the overall flow of history, resulting in fragmentation of the course. Thematic structure can be further divided into topic-centered and field-specific methods. Both approaches allow for adjusting the content and arrangement of courses based on student interests and teaching conditions, but they present challenges in maintaining the coherence of the entire course.
Lastly, the teaching methods in medical history education can be categorized into traditional lectures, small-group discussions, and individual research guidance. Most medical history courses adopt a lecture-based teaching method, which effectively provides diverse knowledge to medical students who may be unfamiliar with historical research and methodology. However, due to the one-directional nature of the instruction and the passive role of the learners, it can be challenging to stimulate learners' motivation or assess their understanding. Consequently, recent changes try to incorporate active learning through small-group discussions and individual research guidance.
CRIAÇÃO LITERÁRIA
Authors: Pitombo Dival , Públio Alexandre , Lima Geraldo , Braga Mascarenhas Maria Cristina , Borges Outran , Cézar Ubaldo  , Lopes Raymundo Luiz , Borges Crisanto , Torres e Torres Valdenita Suely , Lima Jozailto , Magno Carlos
Published: September 2023

Assim se cavalga pela noite a dentro, por uma noitequalquer. Fica-se outra vez calado, mas tem-se consigoas palavras luminosas.

- Rainer Maria Rilke -
ALGUMAS CONSIDERAÇÕES A RESPEITO DAS MUDANÇAS CLIMÁTICAS ATUAIS
Authors: Reis de Jesus Emanuel Fernando
Published: September 2023

Neste trabalho são apresentadas algumas considerações gerais sobre as mudanças climáticas atuais, focalizando, dentre outros aspectos, os reflexos das atividades antrópicas sobre o ambiente climático localmente. Assinala também as principais anomalias climáticas registradas durante os anos 80 nos diferentes hemisférios e suas repercussões espaciais.
DISCURSO
Authors: Nunes Marques José Maria
Published: September 2023

Construir é colaborar com a terra; é colocar ummarco humano numa paisagem, marco que amodificará para sempre.

Marguerite Yourcenar
O NEGRO NA LITERATURA DE CORDEL
Authors: Maxado Franklin
Published: September 2023

O cidadão de origem negra no Brasil tem geralmente uma posição econômica desfavorável, o que resulta em piores condições de educação, de saúde, de habitação, enfim, de vida. Essas características, por sua vez, contribuem para a sua discriminação na sociedade, Deve-se ressaltar que o negro chegou «o Brasil como escravo. Logo, não veio porque quis. Foi trazido à força pelos colonizadores lusitanos e aqui, mesmo com a Independência e à Abolição, continua marginalizado. Este artigo trata de como ele é visto na Literatura de Cordel, que é a literatura popular do brasileiro. Mostra como ele é escamoteado e como 6 preconceito estáarraigado na alma do povo e até no inconsciente coletivo de muitos negros e mulatos.
DESCRIÇÃO DE UMA PROPOSTA DE PROCESSO METODOLÓGICO PARA O ENSINO DA DISCIPLINA INSTRUMENTAÇÃO PARA O ENSINO DAS CIÊNCIAS EXPERIMENTAIS
Authors: Sepulveda Claudia
Published: September 2023

A formação de professores de Ciências no Brasil, em sua grande parte, tem como concepção a simples soma de preparação científica e de formação psico-sócio-pedagógica geral. Neste contexto, os departamentos de Ciências não oferecem disciplinas especiais para formação dos futuros professores, estando a responsabilidade da preparação docente quase que exclusivamente ao encargo dos departamentos de Educação, acentuando a separação entre as disciplinas de conteúdos científicos específicos e aquelas destinadas a formação em educação O presente artigo descreve uma proposta de processo metodológico para o ensino da disciplina Instrumentação para o Ensino das Ciências Experimentais ], oferecida pelo departamento de Ciências Biológicas da UFFS, inserida no currículo do curso de licenciatura com o objetivo de proporcionar aos alunos habilidades para ensinar Ciências pelo método experimental.
POLLINATION ECOLOGY STUDIES IN CRATYLIA MART. EX BENTH. (LEGUMINOSAE: PAPILIONOIDEAE) AND ITS TAXONOMIC AND EVOLUTIONARY IMPLICATIONS
Authors: Paganucci de Queiroz Luciano
Published: September 2023

Estudos de ecologia da polinização de Cratylia hypargyrea e C. moilis demonstraram que estas espécies são melitófilas, polinizadas por abelhas de grande porte dos gêneros Xylocopa e Centris. Estas duas espécies de Cratylia apresentam adaptações na estrutura floral,como flores grandes e cálice camoso, que restringem a atividade de polinização a estas grandes abelhas, limitando o acesso de outros visitantes ao néctar. À estratégia fenológica de floração maciça apresentada por estas plantas pode representar um ajuste ao padrão de forrageamento destas grandes abelhas, Os dados oriundos do estudo da polinização ajudam à compreender a evolução dos caracteres florais em Cratylia e em grupos mais próximos, como Galactia, Camptosema e Dioclea sec. Macrocarpon. A partir de ancestrais melitófilos provavelmente polinizados por diferentes grupos de abelhas, duas tendências evolutivas poderiam ter-se estabelecido, as quais resultaram em especializações florais às grandes abelhas como visitantes. Uma destas tendências, marcada pela acentuada curvatura da carena e estandarte caloso, caracteriza Dioclea sec. AMacrocarpon. À outra, marcada pelo aumento do tamanho da flor e cálice camoso levou à flor tipo Cratylia e, a partir dê tal estrotura floral, a omitofilia pode ter se desenvolvido em Camptosema através da mudança de coloração para o vermelho e perda da capacidade de reflexão do padrão.
CRIAÇÃO LITERÁRIA
Authors: Das Virgens Nascimento Aldo , Pires da Purificação Ana Maria , Borges Crisanto , Alves Eduardo , Lins Eduardo
Published: September 2023

Coletânea de textos literários.
RESENHA
Authors: Martins da Fonseca Antônio Ângelo
Published: September 2023

A região cacaueira sempre teve um papel de destaque no contexto do Estado da Bahia, principalmente no período em que a atividade cacaueira era o sustentáculo da economia. Contudo, a partir da década de 60, com o início do processo de industrialização da Bahia, essa função vem se enfraquecendo gradativamente, devido à montagem de complexos industriais, em torno de Salvador, de agroindústrias modernas, localizados principalmente no Oeste Baiano e Submédio São Francisco, e de indústrias de papel e celulose no Extremo Sul do Estado, além da expansão da atividade turística em Salvador, Porto Seguro, entre outras. Aliado e esses aspectos, a região cacaueira também vem sofrendo a ação devastadora da vassoura de bruxa — praga que destrói os pés de cacau. É nesse contexto de caminhos e (des)caminhos da região cacaueira que se insere esta resenha sobre o livro A região cacaueira da Bahia, de autoria de José Alexandre Diniz e Aloísio Copdeville Duarte, publicado pela SUDENE em 1983. Esse livro pode ser considerado como um manual de análise regional. É composto de uma introdução, cinco capítulos, conclusões, recomendações e anexos estatísticos. É bastante ilustrado, tem 295 páginas e é de extrema importância para os analistas regionais e para quem deseja conhecer melhor a complexidade têmporo-espacial que envolve o território baiano.
REVISÃO BIBLIOGRÁFICA SOBRE A AUSÊNCIA DA ATIVIDADE DA CATALASE EM HUMANOS: IMPORTÂNCIA DESTE CONHECIMENTO PARA CIRURGIÕES-DENTISTAS
Authors: A. de O. Rodrigues Ana Áurea , De Almeida V. Barboni Suzi
Published: September 2023

Acatalasemia, uma deficiência do eritrócito catalase, é uma doença genética rara de caráter autossômico recessivo, descoberta nos anos 40 entre os povos orientais. Há outra variante clínica: a acatalasia, que é associada à ausência de catalase nos tecidos, justificando o uso mais comum desse termo. Algumas considerações em Saúde Oral são feitas neste trabalho, tendo em vista o pouco conhecimento dessa anoma- lia por parte dos cirurgiões-dentistas, gerado pela escassa bibliografia na área e levando-se em consideração a grande imigração de povos orientais para o Brasil.
OS ESPAÇOS NATURAIS PROTEGIDOS NA ESPANHA: PEÇAS CHAVE DO PLANEJAMENTO TERRITORIAL EM VIAS DE CONSOLIDAÇÃO
Authors: Cabalar Fuentes Manuel
Published: September 2023

Os Espaços Naturais Protegidos são uma das ferramentas mais utilizadas pelas administrações públicas para conservar os elementos naturais do território. Nascidos como enclaves intactos, foram evoluindo como garantes da manutenção das bases físicas das que depende a supervivência humana, assim como locais promotores de educação ambiental, pesquisa e desenvolvimento local. Em síntese, são peças chave do território, não isolados mais inseridos nos processos e fluxos do sistema territorial. Na Espanha, eles chegaram cedo (em 1918), mais demoraram em se consolidar pelas grandes dificuldades da cojuntura histórica do pais. Com tudo, desde a recuperação da democracia e o ingresso na União Europeia, foram evoluindo rapidamente até atingir na atualidade uma expressiva presença: mais de 1/4 do território espanhol está sob alguma figura de proteção. Esta notável extensão nem sempre está acompanhada de uma adequada gestão. Ainda são muitos os espaços que não aprovaram seus planejamentos, e sofrem por isso impactos que comprometem sua viabilidade.
CULTURA E DINÂMICA TERRITORIAL: POSSIBILIDADES DE UMA ANÁLISE GEOGRÁFICA INTEGRADA A PARTIR DE ALGUNS CONCEITOS-CHAVES
Authors: Barros de Castro Janio Roque
Published: September 2023

A questão cultural pode ser abordada e analisada tanto sob a ótica material quanto a partir de elementos imateriais. No presente texto, objetiva-se discutir as possibilidades de uma análise geográfica integrada, a partir da questão cultural, considerada como articuladora e problematizadora, fazendo-se uso de conceitos da Geografia, como região e território, abordados a partir das especificidades do contexto regional do Recôncavo baiano e do dinamismo territorial da atualidade. Para atender os objetivos propostos, fez-se uso de um referencial teórico-conceitual e procurou-se trazer para o texto em tela, alguns resultados de observações realizadas em atividades de campo, notadamente em pequenas cidades. Acredita-se que a leitura e análise dadinâmica territorial, a partir da questão cultural, sob uma ótica integrada, seja de grande relevância para melhor compreensão da complexidade da dinâmica espacial local / regional na contemporaneidade.
Teleworking: An approach to its measurement using official labor surveys in Latin America
Authors: Oviedo Gil Yanira Marcela , Cala Vitery Favio Ernesto
Published: September 2023

Abstract: In this paper we propose a comparable measure of approximate teleworkers in Latin American countries using official labor surveys. To do this, we start from a review of the context and concept of teleworking that allows a better understanding of the matter. Then, we study the literature and propose a standard methodology, understanding teleworkers as homeworkers with occupations supported by Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Finally, we apply our methodological proposal in Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina, finding that the conditions imposed by the pandemic seem to have increased levels of effective use of telework. However, the use of telework has not been "massive", even in the face of the severity of the pandemic. We close the paper by exploring the characteristics of the approximate teleworkers, obtaining that they tend to be more female, have university education, and work in small firms; they also are slightly older than other workers.
Shot-noise limited optical hybrid based on fused fiber couplers
Authors: HAGAN KRISTEN , Zhou Kevin , Dhalla Al-Hafeez , Izatt Joseph
Published: September 2023

We describe a fiber-based coherent receiver topology which utilizes intrinsic phase shifts from fiber couplers to enable instantaneous quadrature projection with shot-noise limited signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Fused 3x3 fiber couplers generate 3 phase-shifted signals simultaneously that can be combined with quadrature projection methods to detect magnitude and phase unambiguously. We present a novel differential detection topology which utilizes a combination of 3x3 and 2x2 couplers to enable quadrature projection with fully differential detection. We present a mathematical analysis of this 3x3 differential detection topology, extended methods for signal calibration, and SNR analysis. We characterize the SNR advantage of this approach and demonstrate a sample application illustrating simultaneous magnitude and phase imaging of a chrome-on-glass test chart.
THE CONE OF THE MUELLER MATRICES
Authors: Takane Martha , Lopez-Reyes J. Ivan , Parra-Alcantar J. Othon
Published: September 2023

In the study of polarized light, there are two basic notions: the
Stokes vectors and the matrices which preserve them, called Mueller matrices. The set of Stokes vectors forms a cone: the Future Light Cone. In this work we will see that the Mueller matrices also form a cone in the vector space of real matrices of size 4X4, called the Mueller Cone. We obtain some properties of the Mueller cone, which in turn will be translated into properties of the Stokes vectors. As an application we will give a computational program to calibrate polarimeters by means of the eigenvectors of Mueller matrices (ECM). We also include programs to see if a matrix is Mueller, to approximate a matrix by a Mueller matrix, to approximate it by an invertible Mueller matrix and by a Stokes-cone-primitive Mueller matrix.
Opportunities to sustain a multi-country quality of care network: Lessons on the actions of four countries Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Malawi, and Uganda
Authors: Lemma Seblewengel , Daniels-Howell Callie , Tufa Asebe Amenu , Sarker Mithun , Akter Kohenour , Nakidde Catherine , Seruwagi Gloria , Dube Albert , Mwandira Kondwani ,   The QCN Evaluation Group, Taye Desalegn Bekele , English Mike , Shawar Yusra Ribhi , Mwaba Kasonde , Djellouli Nehla , Colbourn Tim , Marchant Tanya
Published: September 2023

The Quality of Care Network (QCN) is a global initiative that was established in 2017 under the leadership of WHO in 11 low-and- middle income countries to improve maternal, newborn, and child health. The vision was that the Quality of Care Network would be embedded within member countries and continued beyond the initial implementation period: that the Network would be sustained. This paper investigated the experience of actions taken to sustain QCN in four Network countries (Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Malawi, and Uganda) and reports on lessons learned. Multiple iterative rounds of data collection were conducted through qualitative interviews with global and national stakeholders, and non-participatory observation of health facilities and meetings. A total of 241 interviews, 42 facility and four meeting observations were carried out. We conducted a thematic analysis of all data using a framework approach that defined six critical actions that can be taken to promote sustainability. The analysis revealed that these critical actions were present with varying degrees in each of the four countries. Although vulnerabilities were observed, there was good evidence to support that actions were taken to institutionalize the innovation within the health system, to motivate micro-level actors, plan opportunities for reflection and adaptation from the outset, and to support strong government ownership. Two actions were largely absent and weakened confidence in future sustainability: managing financial uncertainties and fostering community ownership. Evidence from four countries suggested that the QCN model would not be sustained in its original format, largely because of financial vulnerability and insufficient time to embed the innovation at the sub-national level. But especially the efforts made to institutionalize the innovation in existing systems meant that some characteristics of QCN may be carried forward within broader government quality improvement initiatives.
Rapid detection of myeloid neoplasm fusions using single-molecule long-read sequencing
Authors: Sala-Torra Olga , Reddy Shishir , Hung Ling-Hong , Beppu Lan , Wu David , Radich Jerald , Yeung Ka Yee , Yeung Cecilia C. S.
Published: September 2023

Recurrent gene fusions are common drivers of disease pathophysiology in leukemias. Identifying these structural variants helps stratify disease by risk and assists with therapy choice. Precise molecular diagnosis in low-and-middle-income countries (LMIC) is challenging given the complexity of assays, trained technical support, and the availability of reliable electricity. Current fusion detection methods require a long turnaround time (7–10 days) or advance knowledge of the genes involved in the fusions. Recent technology developments have made sequencing possible without a sophisticated molecular laboratory, potentially making molecular diagnosis accessible to remote areas and low-income settings. We describe a long-read sequencing DNA assay designed with CRISPR guides to select and enrich for recurrent leukemia fusion genes, that does not need a priori knowledge of the abnormality present. By applying rapid sequencing technology based on nanopores, we sequenced long pieces of genomic DNA and successfully detected fusion genes in cell lines and primary specimens (e.g., BCR::ABL1, PML::RARA, CBFB::MYH11, KMT2A::AFF1) using cloud-based bioinformatics workflows with novel custom fusion finder software. We detected fusion genes in 100% of cell lines with the expected breakpoints and confirmed the presence or absence of a recurrent fusion gene in 12 of 14 patient cases. With our optimized assay and cloud-based bioinformatics workflow, these assays and analyses could be performed in under 8 hours. The platform’s portability, potential for adaptation to lower-cost devices, and integrated cloud analysis make this assay a candidate to be placed in settings like LMIC to bridge the need of bedside rapid molecular diagnostics.
Updated knowledge and a proposed nomenclature for nuclear receptors with two DNA binding domains (2DBD-NRs)
Authors: Wu Wenjie , LoVerde Philip T.
Published: September 2023

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are important transcriptional modulators in metazoans. Typical NRs possess a conserved DNA binding domain (DBD) and a ligand binding domain (LBD). Since we discovered a type of novel NRs each of them has two DBDs and single LBD (2DBD-NRs) more than decade ago, there has been very few studies about 2DBD-NRs. Recently, 2DBD-NRs have been only reported in Platyhelminths and Mollusca and are thought to be specific NRs to lophotrochozoan. In this study, we searched different databases and identified 2DBD-NRs in different animals from both protostomes and deuterostomes. Phylogenetic analysis shows that at least two ancient 2DBD-NR genes were present in the urbilaterian, a common ancestor of protostomes and deuterostomes. 2DBD-NRs underwent gene duplication and loss after the split of different animal phyla, most of them in a certain animal phylum are paralogues, rather than orthologues, like in other animal phyla. Amino acid sequence analysis shows that the conserved motifs in typical NRs are also present in 2DBD-NRs and they are gene specific. From our phylogenetic analysis of 2DBD-NRs and following the rule of Nomenclature System for the Nuclear Receptors, a nomenclature for 2DBD-NRs is proposed.
Diagnostic accuracy of Ascertain Dementia 8-item Questionnaire by participant and informant–A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tanwani Rajiv , Danquah Mercy O. , Butris Nina , Saripella Aparna , Yan Ellene , Kapoor Paras , Englesakis Marina , Tang-Wai David F. , Tartaglia Maria Carmela , He David , Chung Frances
Published: September 2023

Background

The Ascertain Dementia 8-item Questionnaire (AD8) is a screening tool for cognitive impairment that can be administered to older persons and/or their informants.

Objectives

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and compare the predictive parameters of the informant and participant-completed Ascertain Dementia 8-item Questionnaire (iAD8 and pAD8, respectively) in older adults with cognitive impairment.

Methods/Design

We searched ten electronic databases (including MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase) from tool inception to March 2022. We included studies with patients ≥60 years old that were screened for cognitive impairment using AD8 in any healthcare setting. Predictive parameters were assessed against reference standards to estimate accuracy and diagnostic ability using bivariate random-effects meta-analyses. We used QUADAS-2 criteria to assess risk of bias.

Results

A cut-off of ≥2/8 was used to classify mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, and cognitive impairment (MCI or dementia). Seven studies using the iAD8 (n = 794) showed a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 79% to detect MCI. Nine studies using the iAD8 (n = 2393) established 91% sensitivity and 64% specificity to detect dementia. To detect MCI using the pAD8, four studies (n = 836) showed 57% sensitivity and 71% specificity. To detect dementia using the pAD8, four studies (n = 3015) demonstrated 82% sensitivity and 75% specificity. Recurring high or unclear risk of bias was noted in the domains of “Index test” and “reference standard”.

Conclusions

The diagnostic accuracy of iAD8 is superior to that of pAD8 when screening for cognitive impairment. The AD8 may be an acceptable alternative to screen for cognitive impairment in older adults when there are limitations to formal testing.
The ecological footprint of physicians: A survey of physicians in Canada, India, and USA
Authors: Jabbari-Zadeh Faramarz , Karbassi Arsha , Khetan Aditya
Published: September 2023

Combating climate change may be the greatest public health opportunity of the 21st century. While physicians play an important role in addressing climate change, given their affluence in society, they may be an important source of greenhouse gas emissions themselves. We sought to examine the size and nature of the ecological footprint of physicians and medical students. We conducted an online survey from December 2021-May 2022 examining resource consumption, changes in consumption patterns over time, and beliefs about climate change. Participants were medical students, residents, and staff physicians in Canada, India, or USA. Only 20 out of 162 valid respondents had a low ecological footprint (12%), defined as meat intake ≤2 times per week, living in an apartment or condominium, and using public transport, bicycle, motorcycle or walking to work. 14 of these 20 participants were from India. 91% of participants were open to reducing their own ecological footprint, though only 40% had made changes in that regard. 49% participants who discussed climate change at work and at home had decreased their ecological footprint, compared to 29% of participants who rarely engaged in such conversations (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.24–4.63, P = 0.01). We conclude that physicians have a large ecological footprint, especially those from Canada and USA. A majority of physicians are interested in reducing their ecological footprint, and those who engage in conversations around climate change are more likely to have done so. Talking frequently about climate change, at work and at home, will likely increase climate change action amongst physicians.
Martuwarra Fitzroy River Watershed: One society, one river law
Authors:   Martuwarra, RiverOfLife, Poelina Anne , McDuffie Magali , Perdrisat Marlikka
Published: September 2023

The paper is an account of the work undertaken within ‘Martuwarra’, the Fitzroy River Watershed, in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It is led by the sacred ancestral River, Martuwarra, who is given agency as a published author, and the creator of First Law, Warloongarriy Law. Poelina and Perdrisat come to this story through their lived experience as a Yi-Martuwarra marninil, Nyikina Warrwa Indigenous Australian women who belong to Martuwarra. McDuffie comes as a long-time non-Indigenous friend, family, filmmaker, who completed her doctoral research continuing her deep and enduring relationship with Nyikina people. Our work examines the colonial approaches still in use by government and industry, which are responsible for the ongoing injustices experienced by Indigenous Australians, our environment, and our non-human kin. It suggests implications for future research, education and policy, with a focus on watershed approaches, on moving from dis-ease towards health, through modelling economic and social well-being for the sustainability of the lifeways of everything and everyone around us. We see ourselves as ‘one society’ of planetary citizens, working to transform watersheds, globally, seeing cultural flows in all forms of living water as life, critical to sustain humanity within our common home, Mother Earth. We believe this can only be achieved by valuing the wisdom of Indigenous peoples, igniting our dialogic actions through an ethics of care, love, and peace.
Metastatic lesions of the adrenal glands. The experience of Endocrinology Research Center.
Authors: Pachuashvili N. V. , Roslyakova A. A. , Porubayeva E. E. , Beltsevich D. G. , Gadzyra A. N. , Drogalov N. A. , Lazareva A. A. , Urusova L. S.
Published: September 2023

Differentiation between benign, primary and secondary malignant tumors is a critical problem in the clinical treatment of adrenal tumors, especially in patients with isolated adrenal lesions. In most cases, the correct diagnosis can be established microscopically with standard staining with hematoxylin and eosin. However, there are cases when it is almost impossible to distinguish metastasis from primary adrenal cancer, so an accurate diagnosis requires an immunohistochemical examination.This article presents five unique observations of secondary adrenal tumors that were diagnosed by us in the current surgical material: metastasis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma, follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer, metastasis of keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the bladder, as well as malignant mesothelioma. Taking into account the extreme rarity of the presented observations, we present an analysis of the literature data.
Impact of surgical treatment of morbid obesity on joint diseases
Authors: Panevin T. S. , Zotkin E. G. , Lila A. M.
Published: September 2023

The prevalence of obesity in the modern world is increasing. Obesity is an independent risk factor for some rheumatic diseases and also worsens their course. The presence of chronic joint disease can make it difficult for obesity to reduce activity, creating a vicious circle where joint pain makes exercise difficult and being overweight exacerbates joint pain. At the same time, there is a conditionally radical method of treating obesity — bariatric surgery (BS), which is currently used when conservative methods are ineffective. The purpose of this review is to analyze the data presented in the world literature on the impact of BS on the course of the most common rheumatic diseases. The available data show the possibility of a positive effect of BS not only on weight loss, but also on the course of a number of rheumatic diseases.
Overcoming the limitations of screening mammography in Japan and Korea: a paradigm shift to personalized breast cancer screening based on ultrasonography
Authors: Uematsu Takayoshi , Izumori Ayumi , Moon Woo Kyung
Published: September 2023

Screening mammography programs have been implemented in numerous Western countries with the aim of reducing breast cancer mortality. However, despite over 20 years of population-based screening mammography, the mortality rates in Japan and Korea continue to rise. This may be due to the fact that screening mammography is not as effective for Japanese and Korean women, who often have dense breasts. This density decreases the sensitivity of mammography due to a masking effect. Therefore, the early detection of small invasive cancers requires more than just mammography, particularly for women in their 40s. This review discusses the limitations and challenges of screening mammography, as well as the keys to successful population-based breast cancer screening in Japan and Korea. This includes a focus on breast ultrasonography techniques, which are based on histopathologic anatomical knowledge, and personalized screening strategies that are based on risk assessments measured by glandular tissue components.
Optimization of Semha-Pinas Extract Orodispersible Tablets Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Suksaeree Jirapornchai , Monton Chaowalit , Navabhatra Abhiruj , Charoenchai Laksana , Chankana Natawat , Naksuriya Ornchuma
Published: September 2023

The original dosage form of the Semha-Pinas herbal formula, an expectorant in Thai traditional medicine, is in a pill form. However, it is inconvenient to use because it must be powdered and dissolved in hot water or juice of Citrus x aurantium L. before use. The development of a new dosage form presents a challenging prospect. This work aimed to develop Semha-Pinas extract orodispersible tablets based on the response surface methodology using the Box-Behnken design. Firstly, Semha-Pinas extract was tested for its safety in HepG2 cells. The safe extract was further developed as orodispersible tablets. Four levels of three factors — compressional force (500–2,000 psi), the quantity of microcrystalline cellulose (0–15%), and the quantity of croscarmellose sodium and sodium starch glycolate (0:8–6:2%) — were screened using the one factor at a time technique. The Box-Behnken design has three levels for each factor: 1,000–2,000 psi, 5–15%, and 2:6–6:2%, respectively. Tablet thickness, hardness, friability, and disintegration time were the four responses that were monitored. The results indicated the safety of the Semha-Pinas extract, even at a concentration of 5 mg/mL. The optimal orodispersible tablet formulation had a compressional force of 1,500 psi, microcrystalline cellulose of 10%, and croscarmellose sodium to sodium starch glycolate of 4:4%. In summary, this study successfully fabricated Semha-Pinas extract orodispersible tablets using response surface methodology, achieving the desired property of fast disintegration. Moreover, these findings can serve as a valuable reference for pilot scale and industrial scale production.
Peranan Gasifikasi Batubara Menjadi Dimetil Eter (DME) dalam Bauran Energi Baru dan Kontribusinya pada Penurunan Emisi Gas Rumah Kaca di Indonesia
Authors: Fadhilla Putri Nur , Nazarudin Sinaga
Published: September 2023

Bauran energi primer di Indonesia masih didominasi oleh energi fosil, salah satunya batubara. Indonesia tercatat memiliki sumber daya batubara sebesar 110,07 Milyar Ton dan cadangan sebesar 36,28 Milyar Ton, yang didominasi oleh batubara kalori rendah dan sedang. Sekitar 72% dari produksi batubara dalam negeri dilakukan ekspor. Saat ini Pemerintah tengah mendorong pemanfaatan batubara untuk peningkatan nilai tambah (PNT) melalui gasifikasi batubara menjadi Dimetil Eter (DME). DME memiliki karakteristik yang serupa dengan Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) sebagai bahan bakar untuk memasak rumah tangga. Pemanfaatan batubara melalui gasifikasi batubara menjadi DME diharapkan mampu mengurangi impor LPG yang pada tahun 2021 mencapai 6,33 juta ton (75,84%). Melalui beberapa regulasi dan insentif yang telah disiapkan oleh Pemerintah, gasifikasi batubara diharapkan dapat menekan import LPG hingga 1,9 juta ton pada tahun 2050. Selain terciptanya ketahanan energi nasional, upaya ini juga berkontribusi terhadap peningkatan bauran energi baru sebesar 3% pada tahun 2025 dan 1,9% pada tahun 2050, serta berkontribusi pada penurunan gas rumah kaca hingga 14,03% pada tahun 2025 dan 33,35% pada tahun 2050 pada pembakaran DME sebagai bahan bakar memasak rumah tangga. Untuk mengurangi timbulan emisi CO2, perlu dilakukan beberapa pengembangan dalam produksi DME diantaranya menggunakan biomassa sebagai bahan baku, penangkapan CO2, dan yang baru-baru ini dikembangkan adalah memanfaatkan CO2 yang ditangkap sebagai bahan baku untuk memproduksi DME.
Postdemokratie als Problematisierungskonzept
Authors: Wille Katrin
Published: September 2023

Comparing Rancière’s and Crouch’s respective concepts of post-democracy and the way they problematise the state of contemporary (Western) societies, this article opts for a third way to state the problem, associated with the idea of democracy as a form of life. Common to all three approaches is the critique of an ‘engineering attitude’ that conceives problems as disturbances that have merely to be fixed. All three also warn against the dominant influence of economics in politics and the increase of right-wing populism. However, they diverge in their basic understanding of what problems are and how they are constituted. This article will show that the way we conceive the notion of a problem itself has important implications for our understanding of the problems of democracy and our engagement with them.
Pragmatistische Kritik der Postdemokratie
Authors: Reder Michael
Published: September 2023

Post-democracy has become an important contribution to the discourse on democratic theory. On the one hand, this article appreciates the impulses opened up by the diagnosis of post-democracy. On the other hand, it criticizes some problematic presuppositions. Especially the thesis of post-democracy seems to imply an ideal of democracy that is oriented toward a certain type of democracy, without critically discussing it. The tradition of philosophical pragmatism is drawn upon to show how an alternative critical diagnosis of democracy might look. The pragmatist tradition, it is argued, avoids the problems of the diagnosis of post-democracy outlined and develops a normatively grounded concept of democracy. The normative aim of democracy consists in focusing on the experience of vulnerability in the face of violence and suffering. Thus, democracy should be conceptualised as a reflexive practice that asks how to deal with these experiences of vulnerability.
Effects of steam explosion on physicochemical, functional and structural properties of soluble dietary fiber from pomelo peel
Authors: Yuan Zhining , Yan Jiatian , Zhang Qian , Zheng Jie , Hu Aijun
Published: September 2023

The effects of steam explosion (SE) on the physicochemical, functional and structural characteristics of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) extracted from pomelo peel were evaluated. At the treatment condition of 0.9 MPa,120 s, the extraction yield of SDF increased by 156.7 %, and the water holding capacity, oil holding capacity, and swelling capacity increased by 36.6 %, 42.7 %, and 21.4 %, respectively. Additionally, in vitro hypoglycemic capacity, cation exchange capacity, nitrite ion adsorption capacity, and antioxidant capacity were all improved. It was observed that a large number of cracks in the SDF, and the structure of SDF became loose and porous and specific surface area of SDF increased to 1.41 times. In addition, the results from differential scanning calorimetry indicated that SDF treated with SE had better thermal stability, and the degradation temperature increased from 311.93 °C to 316.28 °C. So, SE could be used as an effective method for modifying dietary fiber.