bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for Biochemical Recurrence in Prolactinomas After Withdrawal of Dopamine Agonists: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cuevas-Ramos Daniel , Flores-Cárdenas Romina , Osorio-Olvera Mariana , González-López Sandra , Lam-Chung Cesar , Martínez-Franco Cybelle Daniela , Íñiguez-Ariza Nicole , Gómez-Sámano Miguel Ángel , Hinojosa-Amaya José Miguel , Gómez-Pérez Francisco J
Published: July 2024

Context: Dopamine agonists (DA), mainly cabergoline, are the primary therapy for prolactinomas. Risks factors related with biochemical recurrence after DA withdrawal are not completely understood.
Objective: To assess hyperprolactinemia recurrence risk factors after dopamine agonist (DA) withdrawal in prolactinomas.
Design: Retrospective, comparative, observational cohort study. Survival, and multivariate regression analyses were performed to estimate biochemical remission (prolactin (PRL) 3-25 ng/mL after at least 6 months of DA withdrawal), and recurrence (>25 ng/ml and/or tumor regrowth) at follow-up.
Results: 1140 patients with hyperprolactinemia were evaluated. Prolactinoma was confirmed in 182 cases. Micro- (n=95), and macroprolactinoma (n=75) were more frequent in women (99% and 73%, respectively), while giant prolactinomas (n=12) were more common in men (75%). Cabergoline was the most frequently (92-95%) DA used with a median dose of 1.2 (0.25-4.0), 2.2 (1.5-3.5), and 2.8 (1.5-8.0) mg/week (p<0.001), respectively. Higher tumor size at diagnosis was significantly related to biochemical recurrence (p<0.02). However, independently of tumor size at diagnosis, and the DA cumulative dose received, once patient have achieved an 80% volume reduction, tumors were unlikely to decrease further (p=0.02). Among cases under remission at last follow-up, almost half with microprolactinomas (n=51, 54%), and macroprolactinomas (n=35, 46%) persisted with tumor remnants. Multivariate regression analysis confirmed that tumor remnant at last follow-up was not significantly associated with recurrence risk (p=0.81). Duration of therapy was the only variable significantly associated with remission (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Probability of biochemical recurrence after withdrawal of DA therapy in micro and macroprolactinomas was not significantly associated with tumor remnant. Duration of DA therapy was the only variable significantly associated with remission.
Analyzing Timber Trade in Brazil: assessing timber networks and supply chains
Authors: Nonato Luis , Russo Victor , Costa Bernardo , Moreno-Vera Felipe , Toledo Guilherme , de Jesus Osni , Vieira Robson , Lentini Marco , Poco Jorge
Published: July 2024

Brazilian Amazon forest degradation is driven by factors such as fire, mining, and notably, illegal logging. The Brazilian government has implemented control mechanisms to combat illegal timber extraction that have positively impacted deforestation rates. Under these regulations, any wood product, from raw logs to processed lumber, must be registered in control systems before transportation. This allows for analyzing the volume of wood products moving between each pair of timber companies within a specified timeframe. A challenge in this context is the existence of three different and only partially integrated control systems, making the comprehensive analysis of the entire timber market difficult. In this work, we integrate timber transportation data from the three different systems, enabling the creation of what we refer to as Timber Trade Networks (TTNs). From the TTNs, one can identify companies or groups of companies that operate contrary to expected standards, raising suspicions about their compliance with legal regulations. Furthermore, we propose a method to compute probable supply chains of timber companies, addressing a critical traceability challenge that has long concerned the Brazilian government. Among the results, we show that certain TTNs have components that operate without connections with licensed forests, suggesting that unregistered timber is input into those components, which is illegal. Additionally, we illustrate how supply chain analysis can significantly enhance customer confidence in the legality of purchased timber products.
The effects of online media use on the mental health of Chinese older adults: a multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) model
Authors: Zhang Xue , Dai Jing , Chen Yu , Yang Yunjuan , Li Wei , Xu Nannan
Published: July 2024

The impact of Internet usage is posited to be pivotal for the mental health of older adults, yet research exploring the influence of online social media and smart lifestyle media on mental health has been sparse. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of studies examining the mediating role of online media usage frequency and life satisfaction. Utilizing the MIMIC model and mediation analysis with data from the 2020 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS), the present study discerned that both online social media use and smart lifestyle media use were positively correlated with the mental health of older adults (coef. = 0.41, p < 0.001). Moreover, the findings suggest that online media use could enhance the mental health status of older adults by augmenting life satisfaction (coef. = 0.080, p < 0.05). The frequency of online media utilization mediated the relationship between online media use and mental health among this demographic (coef. = 0.077, p < 0.05). Consequently, internet service providers, communities, and adult children are advised to offer affordable network access services and usage guidance to older adults to facilitate their integration into the online community.
A meta-analysis of the effectiveness and safety of Sintilimab combined with chemotherapy in the trea tment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Pan Liling , Chen Qiongqing , Liang Ningsheng , Guo Youjia , Guo Youjia
Published: July 2024

Purpose: Sintilimab, as a domestically produced innovative immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICIs) drug, performs well in the treatment of lung cancer. However, due to the late start of domestically produced ICIs, Sintilimab is currently only available for domestic use, with limited clinical data and facing challenges in post-marketing evaluation. It is planned to use Meta analysis methods to evaluate its safety and effectiveness.
Methods: Computerized searches were conducted on various databases from their inception to August 10, 2023. Meta-analysis was carried out using RevMan 5.4 software after two evaluators independently screened the literature, extracted information, and evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies.
Results: The results indicated that patients with advanced NSCLC receiving Sintilimab had a 5.14 times higher risk of hypothyroidism compared to the control group. Hematologic toxicity and hepatic impairment were not significantly different from the chemotherapy group, while gastrointestinal and alopecia adverse reactions may be less frequent than in the chemotherapy group. Additionally, the risk of pneumonia, proteinuria, rash, and infusion reaction may be increased. Furthermore, Sintilimab combined with chemotherapy was found to enhance ORR, DCR, and prolong mOS and mPFS in NSCLC patients.
Conclusion: Sintilimab in combination with chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC is efficacious, safe and manageable.
Enhanced Quantum Long Short-Term Memory By Using Bidirectional Ring Variational Quantum Circuit
Authors: Qi Han , Lv Xinyue , Gong Changqing , Gani Abdullah
Published: July 2024

With the rapid development of quantum machine learning, Quantum Long Short-Term Memory (QLSTM) have demonstrated quantum advantages in time series forecasting problems. Currently, it has found applications in fields such as financial market analysis, natural language processing, and weather forecasting, but its accuracy in regression problem prediction still shows deficiencies. To improve the prediction accuracy of the model, enhanced quantum long short-term memory by using bidirectional ring variational quantum circuit (EQLSTM) is proposed. We reconsidered and optimized the types, quantities, and arrangements of quantum gates, designing a bidirectional ring variational quantum circuit composed of CRX gates (Bi-VQC) to enhance its expressibility. Bi-VQC can more accurately describe and encode complex quantum state features, enabling the EQLSTM to better learn and represent the characteristics of the input data. In addition, Bi-VQC reduces the number of optimizable parameters and lowers the circuit load of the EQLSTM model. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed model, experiments are conducted to test and evaluate the EQLSTM using the Aggregated traffic in the United Kingdom academic network backbone. The experimental results confirm that the proposed EQLSTM model improves from 90.56\% to 97.57\% compared to the QLSTM model.
Artificial intelligence based detection of early cognitive impairment using language, speech, and demographic features: Model development and validation
Authors: Lokala Usha , Desai Rutvik H. , Shalin Valerie L. , Sheth Amit
Published: July 2024

Background
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a prevalent condition among older adults and a potential marker for dementia. The current challenge lies in diagnosing MCI among healthy older populations. This diagnosis typically requires extensive neuropsychological evaluations using tools like the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or the MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) based on specific diagnostic criteria.
Objective
This study used knowledge-guided machine learning (ML) algorithms and large language models (LLMs) to build diagnostic models. Our approach generates a clinician-guided classification by augmenting LLM with external knowledge to predict levels of MCI by using the spoken text of picture description tasks.
Methods
The models used language and speech features from two picture description tasks, along with demographic features. They aimed to distinguish between three levels of MCI (MCI, possible MCI, and healthy). We utilized the cognitive cross-domain attention model (CCDA) to integrate the attention mechanism of diverse types of information effectively into our training process, leading to better performance.
Results
We demonstrate the efficacy of machine learning, large language models (LLMs), and knowledge-integrated LLMs built on semantic, syntactic, lexical, fluency, audio, and demographic features to identify different levels of cognitive decline from the analysis of verbal utterances. Our CCDA model detected MCI from the participant input, aided by an external attention mechanism. A binomial t-test confirmed the significance (p < 0.1) of CCDA's predictions. An ablation study showed the impact of the attention mechanism and LLM approach on performance. We obtained an AUC of 0.81 and an F1 score of 0.73 on a large dataset of older adults.
Conclusion
Our knowledge-augmented approach compared favorably to contemporary LLM approaches, indicating the promise of knowledge-augmented learning in detecting MCI.
The relationship between the psoas muscle mass index and postoperative complications in Crohn's Disease : A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sasaki Maho , Fukuoka Tatsunari , Shibutani Masatsune , Kasashima Hiroaki , Maeda Kiyoshi
Published: July 2024

Background:
Sarcopenia is generally defined based on the age-related muscle mass and weakness. However, it has been reported that patients with Crohn’s disease, who develop severe inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, are more likely to develop sarcopenia. We retrospectively investigated the effect of the iliopsoas muscle area, which is an indicator of sarcopenia, on postoperative complications in patients with Crohn's disease.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed 74 patients with Crohn's disease who underwent surgery in our department between January 2016 and November 2019. The psoas muscle index (PMI) was calculated as the average of the left and right iliopsoas muscles (L3, cm2) / height2. The patients were divided into the low PMI (male <2.33 cm2/m2, female <1.85 cm2/m2) and normal PMI groups. Preoperative and intraoperative factors and the postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups.
Results:
The median age of the 74 patients was 37.6 (17-70) years. Complications were noted in 32 patients (43.2%), including 9 (12.2%) with anastomotic leakage. There were 21 (28.4%) patients with a low PMI. The incidence of all postoperative complications, complications, grade≥3 complications, and anastomotic leakage were significantly higher in the low-PMI group than in the normal-PMI group. According to a multivariate analysis, low PMI (p=0.04) was the only independent predictor of postoperative complications.
Conclusion:
A low PMI is associated with postoperative complications, especially anastomotic leakage, in patients with Crohn's disease. In the low-PMI group, the risk of anastomotic leakage was high, and the creation of a colostomy without anastomosis was considered as an option.
Dynamic and Quasi-Static Fracture Behavior of Two Thermosetting Polymers for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Morgan Megan , Brunstad Nicholas , Makarian Kamran , Bassett Alexander , Ross Racheal , Lehman-Chong Alexandra , Ibrahim Ahmed , McLaughlin Jaclyn , Palmese Giuseppe , Stanzione Joseph , Lamberson Leslie
Published: July 2024

This study examines the fracture behavior of two thermosetting polymer resins for additive manufacturing (AM) and specifically presents the role of print orientation on the quasi-static and dynamic fracture responses of DA-3 resin printed via digital light processing (DLP) and PM-EM828 resin printed via stereolithography (SLA). A unique long-bar apparatus is used to launch a striker at the opposite end of a notched and pre-cracked specimen to create a dominantly Mode-I (opening) fracture event. Digital image correlation (DIC) is used in conjunction with ultra-high-speed imaging to capture the evolving displacement fields ahead of the crack tip. The elastodynamic solution for a stationary crack is used to determine the critical stress intensity factor (SIF), and the asymptotic steady-state dynamic crack solution is used to examine propagation behavior. These results are compared to quasi-static experiments of the same material and similar geometries on a standard load frame. Both DA-3 and PM-EM828 exhibited higher quasi-static fracture toughness values than critical dynamic stress intensity values, although the PM-EM828 demonstrated less rate dependence on fracture toughness than DA-3. Overprinting the last two layers of the weakest DA-3 orientation proved to enhance isotropy of DLP 3-dimensional (3D) printed DA-3 plaques while PM-EM828 plaques 3D printed by SLA did not show significant anisotropy.
Finding solutions to MaxSAT in a quantum computer
Authors: Clemente Leonardo , Venegas-Andraca Salvador E.
Published: July 2024

We introduce a quantum algorithm designed to encode a 3-MaxSAT instance f(z) comprising n Boolean variables and m clauses. In the initial stage, we construct an unitary operator F ∈ SU(2n) whose corresponding eigenvalues are phase-encoded to reflect the total count of non-satisfiable clauses observed when evaluating f(z) under a truth assignment (a potential solution) ϕj . Our second stage consists in combining F along Quantum Phase Estimation to map the induced phase shifts into measurable quantum states in only O(mlog(m)) time due to commuting properties of F. Our objective is to identify a state |ϕj⟩ with the smallest phase shift induced by F. Such eigenstate |ϕj⟩ directly corresponds to the truth assignment minimizing the count of non-satisfiable clauses, thereby constituting our solution for f(z). We demonstrate how we can use this encoding along with Amplitude Amplification to find such solutions to MaxSAT in O(mlog(m)1.414n) time. In perspective, this search algorithm may represent an exponential speedup over MaxSAT algorithms, whose complexity grows exponentially as a function of the number of clauses.
Effects of abiotic variables on DNA degradation in a limnic environment
Authors: Bertão Ana Paula Silva , Leite Raissa Vitória Vieira , Horodesky Aline , Ritter Camila Duarte , Stica Paula Valeska , Vidal Fabricio Salvador , Netto Otto Samuel Mader , Pie Marcio , Zanin Thiago Luis , Castilho-Westphal Gisela Geraldine , Ostrensky Antonio
Published: July 2024

Our aim was to assess the environmental factors responsible for the degradation and persistence of environmental DNA (eDNA) over time in an environment that is not fully controlled. This was achieved by measuring the effects of these factors on the eDNA persistence of Limnoperna fortunei and Cordylophora sp. After a pilot experiment to determine DNA degradation in the field, the experimental phase began at two hydroelectric power plant, in Paraná, Brazil, EI, which was made with bottles contained DNA extract of L. fortunei and EII, which bottles contained water from the reservoir itself, with eDNA of both species. Temperature, luminosity, turbidity and transparency were monitored and DNA concentration was measured by qPCR. Sampling units consisted of two sets of sterile glass tubes for two treatments, one with transparent tubes and one with tubes covered with black tape, to prevent the influence of sunlight. The units were arranged in triplicate and attached to a guide rope held vertically in the water column where they were distributed at 0.0; 0.3; 0.6; 1.5; 3.0; 4.3, 7.0; and 10.0 m depths and remained submerged for 24, 72, 168 and 264 hours, respectively. We concluded that the presence of eDNA could still be detected after 12 days under different environmental conditions, but the degradation process of the molecule was clearly accentuated in the first 24 hours. The rapid degradation of eDNA in aquatic habitats allowed monitoring of species practically in real time, as the DNA identified was the result of a recent release.
Geochemical Analyses of Aliphatic Hydrocarbons and Polycyclic Aromatics in Sediments Using Gas Chromatograph
Authors: Izaque Deonel Felix Mandu , de Godoy Juliana Melo , Reis Darlly Erika Silva dos , Santos Thairine Lima dos , Peixoto Maria Naise Oliveira , Siqueira Celeste Yara dos Santo
Published: July 2024

In a process that begun in the mid-20th century, the city of Volta Redonda has presented a large demographic evolution with the industrialization of the region. Due to the fact that demographic growth and industrialization often carry environmental hazards along, it becomes necessary to monitor such activities with techniques that permit the detection of sediment contamination in order to minimize such environmental impacts. The geochemical analyses of biomarkers allowed the identification of the contributions of biogenic and anthropogenic sources of organic matter. The aim of this study was to carry out geochemical analyses of surface sediments for the detection of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. These compounds are classified by environmental protection agencies as priorities since they are harmful to health and to the integrity of ecosystems. Sediment samples were extracted using ultrasound and examined by gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results indicated that most of the compounds were derived from anthropogenic sources, but also from plants and other biogenic sources. The data demonstrated that the concentrations of some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were above the limits permitted by law, indicating contamination of the study area.
Solid-state fermentation product of Cordyceps militaris enhances the antioxidation and modulates immune response in grower pigs
Authors: Pi Chia-Chen , Cheng Yu-Chieh , Chen Chun-Chia , Lee Jai-Wei , Lin Chao-Nan , Chiou Ming-Tang , Chen Hui-Wen , Chiu Chiu-Hsia
Published: July 2024

Background: Pathogenic infections can significantly impact the health of livestock. Traditionally, antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) have been used in feed to enhance growth performance and disease control. However, concerns regarding antibiotic resistance have led to the exploration of traditional herbal medicine as a natural alternative, guided by the principle of medicine-food homology. The Taguchi method was employed to optimize the culture formula for cordycepin production, an active component of Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris). The influences of C. militaris supplementing solid-state fermentation (CMSSF)in feed on the growth performance and immune responses of grower pigs were evaluated in the present study.
Results: The C. militaris ethanol extract (CME) displayed potent free radical scavenging activity against 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) after undergoing fermentation. Additionally, the antibacterial testing revealed that CME effectively inhibits the growth of common pig pathogens such as Glaesserella parasuis, Pasteurella multocida, Staphylococcus hyicus, and Streptococcus suis. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated intestinal porcine enterocyte cell line (IPEC-J2), CME significantly suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6. In addition, higher antioxidative activity was detected as indicated by elevated concentration of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in pig serum. The levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgA, and IgG antibodies, as well as classical swine fever virus (CSFV) antibodies (S/P ratio) in serum were all increased. Growth performance of pigs fed with dietary CMSSF supplementation was improved in comparison with the control.
Conclusions: Results demonstrated that CMSSF has the potential to be used as a natural growth promoter to enhance immunity, antioxidation, as well as overall health and growth performance of grower pigs.
Berberine-inspired ionizable lipid for self-structure stabilization and potent brain targeting delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics
Authors: Jiang Zhi-Hong , Li Chong , Bian Xufei , Guo Qian , Yang Ling , Wang Xiaoyou , Zhao Shikang , Wu Shiqiong , Qin Xurong , Yau Lee-Fong
Published: July 2024

Despite advancements in targeting organs such as the liver, spleen, and lungs with lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), the challenge of traversing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) significantly impedes the progress of gene therapies for neurological disorders. Motivated by the structural and functional characteristics of alkaloids, we developed a novel library of ionizable lipid molecules based on the tetrahydroisoquinoline structure characteristic of the protoberberine family. Our findings reveal that: (i) LNPs incorporating berberine-derived ionizable lipids notably enhance the ability to cross the BBB, increasing in vitro endocytosis efficiency by up to 65-fold and achieving an in vivo brain-to-liver distribution ratio of approaching 20%; (ii) these lipids form stable self-assemblies with polyA, enhancing nucleic acid stability through mechanisms beyond conventional electrostatic interactions, thus providing effective RNA protection without the need for additional modifications; (iii) the lipids inherit the diverse brain-protective properties of protoberberine-type alkaloids, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, thereby synergistically enhancing the therapeutic management of brain diseases while exhibiting minimal immunogenicity.
Regional Industrial Structure Upgrading, Labor Heterogeneity and Cost of Living in China
Authors: Wang Weijia
Published: July 2024

This paper applies Chinese provincial panel data from 2001-2015 to conduct an empirical study to investigate the differential impact of China's regional industrial structure upgrading on labor force heterogeneity by constructing a task-theoretic model, and the results show that regional industrial structure upgrading exhibits a significant growth trend in the demand for senior labor force, whereas the demand for intermediate and junior labor force demonstrates a certain negative impact. In order to further analyze the influence path, and taking into account the regional heterogeneity in China, especially in the eastern coastal region, the cost of living variable is further introduced as a cross-multiplier term for the analysis due to the higher cost of living in the region, and the results show that the increase in the cost of living reduces the overall demand for the labor force, which not only is not conducive to the optimization and upgrading of the local industrial structure, but also impedes the sustained development of the economy. Based on this, this study puts forward corresponding policy recommendations: by upgrading the education and skill levels of the primary labor force, the demand for labor can be effectively increased, thus solving the structural contradiction of employment in China; at the same time, by lowering the cost of living and providing subsidies for renting or purchasing houses, more talents can be attracted to provide solid human resources support for the upgrading of the regional industrial structure.
An Analysis of Assessment Techniques and Learning Outcomes in Grade 10 History Curricular Materials
Authors: Lemu Getachew , Melese Wudu , Debu Deressa
Published: July 2024

The current Ethiopian Grade Ten Histor Textbook has been scrutinized through the lens of Bloom's Taxonomy to evaluate its learning outcomes and assessment activities. The study indicates that the majority of the learning outcomes and assessment activities in the textbook primarily focus on factual knowledge and conceptual understanding, emphasizing the retention of historical terms and events. The results also reveal that the history textbook learning outcome statements predominantly emphasize lower-order thinking skills. Specifically, 53.19% of the content focused on remembering, understanding, and applying, while only 46.78% of the statements centered on higher-order thinking skills, such as analyzing, evaluating, and creating. To enrich history teaching, the study recommends integrating disciplinary strategies and historian methods to cultivate critical thinking skills, enabling students to make informed judgments and navigate the complexities of the modern world. To achieve this goal, Ethiopian history textbook writers should emphasize the concept of historical thinking, and research evidence to improve educational practice, which is a set of cognitive processes that enables individuals to analyze, evaluate, and contextualize historical information.
Enhancing Research on Academicians in Cambodian Higher Education: A Policy Perspective
Authors: Sam Rany , Tieng Morin , Yoeng Hak , Chiv Sarith , Serey Mardy , Sam Sopheak
Published: July 2024

Cambodia's higher education institutions (HEIs) face a number of challenges. Academics require increased access to resources and funding, as well as restrictions on academic freedom and significant language and cultural barriers. The purpose of this chapter is to identify and analyze the individual factors influencing academicians' research productivity in Cambodian higher education institutions, to examine and evaluate the impact of institutional factors on research productivity, to investigate and assess the external factors affecting research productivity, and to develop strategies to mitigate negative impacts while increasing positive influences. This study employs a qualitative approach, with insights gained through interviews and policy analysis. This comprehensive approach provides a thorough understanding of Cambodia's current academic research landscape, highlighting areas that require policy-driven solutions. The findings emphasize the critical need for policies that are tailored to the Cambodian academic context. There is a clear need to foster stronger domestic and international research collaborations as well as mechanisms that encourage long-term research development. The study proposes a set of focused policy recommendations designed to overcome these challenges and enhance the research productivity of Cambodian HEIs. These policies, if implemented, have the potential to significantly improve the research landscape in Cambodian HEIs, fostering a sense of hope and optimism among the academic community.
Geographical Difference in Patient Satisfaction with Healthcare Services for Older Adults in Vietnam
Authors: Tuyet Nguyen Anh , Dung Le Duc , Anh Nguyen Tuan
Published: July 2024

As economic growth and a rapidly aging population drive substantial demand for healthcare services in Vietnam, it is salient that more attention be paid to assessing patient satisfaction among older adults. Specifically, the study aims to shed light on the critical aspect of patient satisfaction among older adults, which has not been extensively explored in previous research conducted within the country. By utilizing national data from the Vietnam Aging Survey, our analysis showed that approximately 83.2% of older patients were satisfied with healthcare services. Notably, there were significant differences in healthcare service satisfaction between the Northern and Southern regions. Furthermore, healthcare satisfaction varied based on educational levels and social insurance holding status. While insurance coverage and socio-demographic factors played important roles in narrowing the gap between the Northern and Southern regions, the type of facility widened the regional difference in healthcare satisfaction. In light of these results, our study underscores the importance of national policies prioritizing enhancing social insurance mechanisms and improving the quality of healthcare services at the district level in rural areas. These measures are crucial for achieving geographic equity in patient satisfaction with healthcare services in Vietnam.
Copper (II) and cobalt (II) bis(hexafluoroacetylacetonate) coordination complexes with N-styrylbenzimidazole
Authors: Chernigova P. O. , Sinegovskaya L. M. , Parshina L. N. , Sterkhova I. V. , Smirnov V. I.
Published: July 2024

The study considers metal complexes based on N-styrylbenzimidazole as compounds having significant pharmacological properties

   The work is aimed at examining the crystal structure and electronic structure of transition metal bis(hexafluoroacetylacetonate) complexes (copper (II) (complex A) and cobalt (II) (complex B)) with N-styrylbenzimidazole using X-ray diffraction analysis and ultraviolet spectroscopy.

   The X-ray diffraction analysis was used to prove bipyramidal coordination in copper (II) and cobalt (II) bis(hexafluoroacetylacetonate) complexes with N-styrylbenzimidazole. The atoms of copper (II) and cobalt (II) in the complexes exhibit an unusual for β-diketonate complexes distorted square-planar coordination, while the chelate cycles in M(hfacac)2L are characterized by anomalously large kink angles. Thus, for the copper (II) bis(hexafluoroacetylacetonate) complex, the kink angle of the O3∙∙∙O4 interaction for the equatorially positioned ligand is 29.47°, while for the axially positioned ligand, the kink angle of the O1∙∙∙O2 interaction is 19.13°. For the cobalt (II) bis(hexafluoroacetylacetonate) complex, these angles are 22.10 and 19.50°, respectively. Electron spectroscopy was used to examine the electronic structure of the specified complexes. The following types of electronic transitions were identified: π→π*-transitions primarily localized on ligands, as well as transitions caused by electron transfer from the p-orbital of the hetero nitrogen atom of the styrylbenzimidazole cycle to the d-orbital of metal ions, and n→π transition localized on the imidazole ring. For each of the complexes, d-d* transitions between the molecular orbitals of the corresponding metal ion were localized in the long wavelength part of the spectrum.
Identification of iodothyronines in plant tissues
Authors: Garipova M. I. , Fedyaev V. V. , Datsko O. I.
Published: July 2024

It has become widespread knowledge that many signaling molecules are common to organisms of different groups. This is likely to be valid for such important metabolism regulators as iodothyronines. A number of studies have confirmed the presence of thyroid hormone activity in compounds of plant origin. However, these studies do not explain whether the compounds under consideration are iodine derivatives of thyronine, similar to animal and human thyroid hormones, or whether they are mimetics of thyroid hormones. In this work, we aim to verify the presence of iodothyronine analogs with different degrees of iodization in plant tissues.

   We also aim to determine iodine concentrations in plant tissue lysates and to compare them with the theoretically calculated values in order to test the assumption about the identity of their structure to human thyroid hormones.

   It was shown that tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) analogs are simultaneously present in potato tubers and wheat leaves. In potato tubers at dormancy, the concentration of T4 was 118 ± 16 nmol/L (n = 15), while the concentration of T3 in the same samples was 4.01 ± 0.96 nmol/L. T4 and T3 concentrations in wheat leaf lysates were 60.24 ± 79 and 6.76 nmol/L (n = 15), respectively. According to the results of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, the studied samples contain iodine in the amounts consistent with the assumption about the presence of tetraiodinated tyronine derivatives.
Density and stability of oil-in-water emulsions
Authors: Matienko O. I. , Filatova E. G. , Chebunin V. A.
Published: July 2024

The stability of oil-in-water emulsions is determined by the physicochemical properties of oil, as well as the composition of emulsified water.

   The present work aims to study the effect of concentration and temperature on the density and stability of oil-in-water emulsions. Classical oil emulsions of the first type were prepared with aqueous CaCl2 solution and oil from the Yarakta field.

   The ratios of the hydrocarbon component to the aqueous phase were as follows, vol %: 5:92, 10:87, 15:82, 20:77, 25:72, 30:67, and 35:62 with the addition of emulsifier. The density of emulsions was studied using the pycnometer method, with a measurement error of up to ±0.01 kg/m3. The method consists in accurately determining the mass of the test solution and distilled water, which occupy a known volume (50 cm3) in the pycnometer, and using a high-precision analytical scale. The obtained regression equations provide a means to calculate the densities of oil-in-water emulsions within the studied temperature (20–60 °С) and oil concentration (5–35 vol %) ranges. The derived empirical equations can be used in practice. It is shown that with increasing oil concentration and temperature, the density of emulsions decreases. The stabilizing ability of oil-in-water emulsions was evaluated in terms of luminous transmittance: the luminous transmittance value served as a stability criterion of emulsions in water. It was experimentally confirmed that the stabilizing ability of emulsions decreases with increasing temperature. The obtained results can be used in the study of regularities defining the direction and extent of chemical transformations and stabilization of oil-in-water emulsions, as well as in the solution of practical issues related to their destruction.
Integrable deformations from twistor space
Authors: Cole Lewis T. , Cullinan Ryan A. , Hoare Ben , Liniado Joaquin , Thompson Daniel C.
Published: July 2024

Integrable field theories in two dimensions are known to originate as defect theories of 4d Chern-Simons and as symmetry reductions of the 4d anti-self-dual Yang-Mills equations. Based on ideas of Costello, it has been proposed in work of Bittleston and Skinner that these two approaches can be unified starting from holomorphic Chern-Simons in 6 dimensions. We provide the first complete description of this diamond of integrable theories for a family of deformed sigma models, going beyond the Dirichlet boundary conditions that have been considered thus far. Starting from 6d holomorphic Chern-Simons theory on twistor space with a particular meromorphic 3-form \OmegaΩ, we construct the defect theory to find a novel 4d integrable field theory, whose equations of motion can be recast as the 4d anti-self-dual Yang-Mills equations. Symmetry reducing, we find a multi-parameter 2d integrable model, which specialises to the \lambdaλ-deformation at a certain point in parameter space. The same model is recovered by first symmetry reducing, to give 4d Chern-Simons with generalised boundary conditions, and then constructing the defect theory.
Position operators and interband matrix elements of scalar and vector potentials in the 8-band Kane model
Authors: Ado Ivan A. , Titov M. , Duine Rembert A. , Brataas Arne
Published: July 2024

We diagonalize the 8-band Kane Hamiltonian with a proper inclusion of the interband matrix elements of the scalar and vector potentials. This leads, among other results, to a modification of the conventional expression for the spin-orbit coupling (SOC) strength in narrow-gap semiconductors with the zinc blende symmetry. We find that in GaAs, at low temperatures, the correct expression for the SOC strength is actually twice as large as usually considered. In InSb it is 1.761.76 times larger. We also provide a proper treatment of the interband matrix elements of the position operator. We show that the velocity operator in a crystal should be defined as a time-derivative of a fictitious position operator rather than the physical one. We compute the expressions for both these position operators projected to the conduction band of the 8-band Kane model. We also derive an expression for the projected velocity operator and demonstrate that the SOC strength in it differs from the SOC strength in the Hamiltonian. The ratio between them is not equal to 11, as it is often assumed for the Rashba model. It does not equal 22 either. The correct result for this ratio is given by a rational function of the parameters of the model. This function takes values between 4(23+3\sqrt{2})/73≈ 1.494(23+32)/73≈1.49 and 22. Our findings modify a vast number of research results obtained using the Rashba model and provide a path for consistent treatment of the latter in future applications.
Relationship Between Temperature and Humidity on Rainfall
Authors: Purnama Mohammad Dian , Mustafidah Mutia Eva
Published: July 2024

Indonesia is one of the tropical countries in the world that has two seasons, the dry season and the rainy season. One of the biggest challenges in tropical countries is flooding caused by heavy rainfall. Not only does it cause flooding, rainfall also affects several sectors especially agriculture. Areas that have a lot of rain-fed agricultural land, especially rice fields, depend on rainfall because it determines crop yields. This study uses data from 12 sub-districts in Mojokerto district where agricultural activities are one of the pillars of the economy in the region. There are various factors associated with rainfall such as temperature and humidity.  The data used is the year 2022 using multiple linear regression. Based on the results of the study, both predictor variables have a strong and positive relationship with rainfall with a correlation coefficient of 0.760007. With a significance level of 5% or 0.05, in the partial test, only the humidity variable has a significant effect on the amount of rainfall. While in the simultaneous test, both variables have a significant effect. These factors together have a coefficient of determination of 0.57761 or the contribution of the influence of the two predictor variables of 57.761% while the remaining 42.239% by other variables.
A sense of belonging : Today’s pinball playing as a contribution to good mental health.
Authors: Eckardt Jens Peter
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this perspective is to address the mental health concept of belonging generated by the playing of pinball machines today. By looking at academic papers and literature written on pinball machines and the concept of belonging together with a highlight of a specific research paper from 1973, it is argued that engagement in pinball playing may promote a sense of belonging as a subjective feeling of deep connection with a social group, which is associated with enhanced mental well-being. In that sense on research into the development of digital and video gaming, pinball playing thus still constitutes an important link in their history, development, and the encouragement of connectedness.
Percepções dos usuários e dos profissionais de saúde sobre o acompanhamento das condicionalidades em saúde do Programa Bolsa Família
Authors: Furtado Sílvia Aline , Nazareth e Sousa Anna Carolina , Veríssimo Marina de Oliveira , Bernardes Milena Serenini , Carvalho Kelly Vieira , Rezende Eliane Garcia , Toloni Maysa Helena de Aguiar
Published: July 2024

Objetivo: compreender as percepções sobre o acompanhamento das condicionalidades em saúde pelos participantes do Programa Bolsa Família (PBF) e profissionais de um município de Minas Gerais (Lavras-MG). Metodologia: estudo observacional com abordagem qualitativa. Foram realizadas entrevistas com beneficiários e profissionais de saúde da atenção primária. A amostra foi definida por saturação de dados, e os resultados obtidos por análise de conteúdo. Resultados: os entrevistados consideram o PBF como um recurso financeiro, utilizado principalmente para compra de alimentos, e apresentam pouco conhecimento dos demais objetivos. O acompanhamento das condicionalidades não é bem compreendido, acontecendo apenas para cumprir um requisito burocrático do PBF, além da desarticulação entre gestão local do Programa e serviços de saúde. Evidencia-se recorrência dessas observações em estudos similares disponíveis na literatura científica. Conclusão: em síntese, é imperativo promover alterações no monitoramento do Programa Bolsa Família (PBF) a fim de que as condicionalidades desempenhem um papel mais eficaz na mitigação das disparidades em saúde. Essas mudanças são essenciais tanto para os beneficiários do programa quanto para os profissionais e Agentes Comunitários de Saúde (ACSs) encarregados do acompanhamento, visando assegurar uma contribuição efetiva na promoção da equidade no cenário da saúde.
Underwater Acoustic Target Classification Using Convolutional Neural Network Combined with Continuous Wavelet Transform
Authors: Doan Sang Van , Nguyen Ngoc Anh Tu
Published: July 2024

Underwater acoustic target (UAT) classification is a critical task in submarine warfare because acoustic waves are the reliable information source that allows sonar operators and commanders to understand the surrounding situation in the operational area. To solve the problem of UAT classification, this paper proposes a convolutional neural network combined with continuous wavelet transform for improving the accuracy of UAT classification. The classification focuses on types of noise emitted from the propellers of different ships. Signal processing methods such as Short Time Fourier Transform, Continuous Wavelets Transform, and CNN are executed to extract signal features that provide information for classifier. Simulation results are achieved with an accuracy of 99.64\% when using the Continuous Wavelets Transform method combined with the convolutional neural network, which is higher than other traditional methods.
Performance Evaluation of OpenStack Cloud Integrated with SDN Controller
Authors: Dinh Mai Thi Thai , Hoang Loi Thanh , Pham Quy Dinh , Nguyen Duc Nang
Published: July 2024

The Internet is undergoing a revolution thanks to the development of a very popular recent technology trend - “Cloud Computing”. Large, small, and medium-sized businesses organizations, as well as individuals increasingly prefer to use cloud computing services due to their many advantages. Furthermore, the widespread implementation of cloud computing in large enterprises is an indicator of the technological advancement of information technology companies. It helps in the efficient allocation and utilization of infrastructure, power, and resources. In the meantime, centralized control provided by software-defined networking (SDN) allows for flexibility in operations and management. For that reason, there has been an adequate amount of research and application of combining these two objects over the years. In this study, we will evaluate network performance between virtual machines in terms of bandwidth, latency, and system performance interms of CPU, RAM, etc. in OpenStack with and without integration of SDN Controller - Tungsten Fabric (TF).
Investigate Discriminative AutoEncoder in Few-shot Learning-based Anomaly Detection
Authors: Cao Van Loi
Published: July 2024

Discriminative AutoEncoder (DisAE) plays a crucial role in enhancing the adaptability and gener- alization of few-shot learning methods (DisAEFL) for detecting rare anomalies. DisAE captures meta- knowledge from multiple known tasks, facilitating rapid adaptation in DisAEFL. Key factors like the discriminative parameter (a) and normal proportion (pn) significantly impact DisAEFL performance. However, their influence on the DisAE manifold and DisAEFL’s efficacy in rare cyberattack detection remain understudied in cybersecurity. This study presents an investigative approach to probe DisAE’s influence on DisAEFL’s performance in addressing rare, unseen cyberattacks, aiming to gain insight into the DisAE manifold and outline future research directions. Through intensive analysis, we focus on parameters a and pn, detailing how to examine them to observe DisAE’s effects on DisAEFL. Two main experiments are conducted to investigate their influences. Experimental results on the NSL-KDD dataset reveal a strong correlation between these parameters and both the DisAE manifold and DisAEFL performance. These findings suggest strategies for more efficiently constructing the DisAE manifold to enhance DisAEFL’s adaptability and generalization. Overall, this study contributes to advancing anomaly detection methodologies in cybersecurity by shedding light on the interplay between DisAE, DisAEFL, and crucial parameters.
The effect of the level of Islamicity performance index on the financial performance of Islamic banks
Authors: Gunarianto Gunarianto , Indra Rajasa Muhammad Attar , Supriani Indri
Published: July 2024

Purpose - This study examines the effects of the Islamicity Performance Index (IPI) on Muamalat Indonesia's financial performance, specifically focusing on its adherence to sharia governance, sharia compliance, and sharia social indicators.Method - The study employs a quantitative methodology, notably utilizing Autoregressive Distributed Lag statistical technique to examine secondary data. The dataset comprises quarterly time series data encompassing the period from the initial quarter of 2013Q1 to the conclusion of 2023Q2.Result - Equitable Distribution Ratio exerts a positive impact on financial performance, while Profit-Sharing Ratio demonstrates a deleterious effect. In contrast, the Zakat Performance Ratio and the comparison between Islamic Income and Non-Islamic Income do not demonstrate statistically significant effects.Implication - These findings emphasize the need to improve the usefulness of IPI in enhancing financial outcomes for Islamic financial institutions by addressing obstacles. The study provides insights into the difficulties faced by Islamic banks when implementing profit-sharing financing methods, while also emphasizing the significant impact of Equitable Distribution Ratios on enhancing financial performance.Originality - This study not only examines a single element of financial ratios, as previous study has done, additionally combines two crucial ratios: ROA and ROE. The use of ARDL) also offers a more detailed elucidation of the correlation between these variables.