bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Learning Domain Adaptation to Understand Physico-Chemical Processes from Fluorescence Spectroscopy Small Datasets: Application to Ageing of Olive Oil
Authors: Francesca Francesca Venturini , Michelucci Umberto
Published: July 2024

Fluorescence spectroscopy is a fundamental tool in life sciences and chemistry, widely used for applications such as environmental monitoring, food quality control, and biomedical diagnostics. However, analysis of spectroscopic data with deep learning, in particular of fluorescence excitation-emission matrices (EEMs), presents significant challenges due to the typically small and sparse datasets available. Furthermore, the analysis of EEMs is difficult due to their high dimensionality and overlapping spectral features. This study proposes a new approach that exploits domain adaptation with pretrained vision models, alongside a novel interpretability algorithm to address these challenges. Thanks to specialised feature engineering of the neural networks described in this work, we are now able to provide deeper insights into the physico-chemical processes underlying the data. The proposed approach is demonstrated through the analysis of the oxidation process in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) during ageing, showing its effectiveness in predicting quality indicators and identifying the spectral bands, and thus the molecules involved in the process. This work describes a significantly innovative approach in the use of deep learning for spectroscopy, transforming it from a black box into a tool for understanding complex biological and chemical processes.
Emergency department triaging using ChatGPT Based on Emergency Severity Index principles: A cross-sectional study
Authors: COLAKCA Cansu , ERGIN Mehmet , OZENSOY Habibe Selmin , SENER Alp , GURU Selahattin , OZHASENEKLER Ayhan
Published: July 2024

Background
Erroneous and delayed triage in an increasingly crowded emergency department (ED). ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence model developed by OpenAI® and is being trained for use in natural language processing tasks. Our study aims to determine the accuracy of patient triage using ChatGPT according to ESI for triage in EDs.
Materials and methods
In our cross-sectional study, 18 years and over patients who consecutively presented to our ED within 24 hours were included. Age, gender, admission method, chief complaint, state of consciousness, and comorbidities were recorded on the case form, and the vital signs were detected at the triage desk. A five-member Expert Committee (EC) was formed from the fourth-year resident physicians. The investigators converted real-time patient information into a standardized case format. The urgency status of the patients was evaluated simultaneously by EC and ChatGPT according to ESI criteria. The median value of the EC decision was accepted as the gold standard.
Results
There was a statistically significant moderate agreement between EC and ChatGPT assessments regarding urgency status (Cohen's Kappa = 0.659; P < 0.001). The accuracy between these two assessments was calculated as 76.6%. There was a high degree of agreement between EC and ChatGPT for the prediction of ESI-1 and 2, indicating high acuity (Cohen's Kappa = 0.828). The diagnostic specificity, NPV, and accuracy of ChatGPT were determined as 95.63%, 98.17%, and 94.90%, respectively, for ESI high acuity categories.
Conclusions
Our study shows that ChatGPT can successfully differentiate patients with high urgency. The findings are promising for integrating artificial intelligence-based applications such as ChatGPT into triage processes in EDs.
Temporal patterns in gut microbiome and resistome of broilers: diversity and function analysis
Authors: Meng Jin-Xin , Li Ming-Han , Elsheikha Hany M , Li Xiao-Man , Wang Xiang-Yu , Yan Wei-Lan , Li Shenghui , Zhang Yue , Ni Hong-Bo , Ma He , Liu Rui , Sun Yu-Zhe , Yang Xing , Zhang Xiao-Xuan
Published: July 2024

Understanding the dynamics and stability of gut microbiota throughout the production cycle of broiler chickens can help identify microbial features associated with better health and productivity. In the present study, we profile changes in the composition and stability of gut microbiota of commercially raised broilers at nine distinct time points using shotgun metagenomics and culturomics approaches. We demonstrate that within the first week post-hatching, there is a rapid decline in pioneer microbial species, accompanied by a substantial decrease in both microbial richness and diversity. This is followed by a gradual increase and stabilization in microbial diversity and population structure, persisting until the broilers reach marketing age. Throughout the production cycle, key bacterial families such as Lachnospiraceae, Bacteroidaceae, and Ruminococcaceae were identified. However, significant shifts at lower taxonomic levels occur at different production stages, influencing the functional capacities and resistance profiles of the microbiota. During the rapid growth phase, enzymes crucial to vitamin and amino acid metabolism dominate, whereas enzymes associated with carbohydrate and energy metabolism are notably more abundant during the fattening stage. Many predicted antibiotic resistance genes are detected in association with typical commensal bacterial species in the gut microbiota, indicating sustained resistance to antibiotic classes such as aminoglycosides and tetracyclines, which persists even in the absence of antibiotic selection pressure. Our research has important implications for the management and health surveillance of broiler production.
The protective effect of docosahexaenoic acid on mitochondria in a SH-SY5Y model of rotenone-induced toxicity
Authors: Eggers Britta , Stepien Jennifer , Reker Ann-Katrin , Esser Svenja , Pfeiffer Kathy , Pawlas Magdalena , Barkovits Katalin , Marcus Katrin
Published: July 2024

Polyunsaturated fatty acids in particular omega-3 fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are essential nutrients and components of the plasma membrane. They are involved in various processes, among them synaptic development, functionality, integrity and plasticity and are therefore thought to have general neuroprotective properties. Considerable research evidence further supports beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids specifically on mitochondria through their antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties, which makes it an attractive addition in treatment options for neurodegenerative disorders, in which mitochondrial alterations are commonly observed. However, precise information on the underlying protective mechanisms are still lacking. Thus, we utilized the most common neuronal cell line (SH-SY5Y) and induced mitochondrial oxidative stress through the addition of rotenone. To study the potential protective effect of DHA, cells were additionally pre-treated with DHA prior rotenone administration. By combining SILAC labelling, mitochondria enrichment, and subsequent proteomic analyses, we aimed to determine the capacity of DHA to alleviate mitochondrial oxidative stress in vitro and further shed light on molecular mechanisms contributing to the proposed neuroprotective effect. Indeed, we confirmed an increased expression of mitochondrial proteins in DHA pre-treated cells. Furthermore, we were able to define a compensatory mechanism by which the inhibition of complex I is overcome by an increased activity of the fatty acid beta oxidation in response to DHA.
Internet Addiction and Sleep Disturbance Among Adolescents in Jordan
Authors: Abu-Awad Malak , Gharaibeh Muntaha K. , Allari Rabia S.
Published: July 2024

Background
This study assesses the prevalence of internet addiction, and characteristics of sleep quality and identifies the association between internet addiction and sleep quality and its associated factors.
Methods
The sample consisted of 1293 adolescents enrolled in schools aged 12 to 17 from Jordan. Participants completed the Internet Addiction Test IAT and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index PSQI.
Results
The results of the study revealed a moderate IAT total average score (53.88 ± 16.2). The PSQI total score of 6.83 ± 3.83, reflecting poor sleep quality among 68.2% of adolescents. A significant positive correlation was found between IAT and all PSQI subscales, with Sleep quality and daytime dysfunction as the strongest correlates. Multiple linear regression results showed that GPA, sleep quality, and age were significant predictors of internet addiction.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that raising awareness among students, parents, teachers, and schools about internet addiction and its impact on adolescents’ sleep quality which affects their performance is essential.
The U-shaped Transformer architecture for precise retinal vessel segmentation
Authors: liu yu , Wen Tingxi
Published: July 2024

Background: Retinal blood vessels serve as crucial biomarkers for many ophthalmic and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the development of automatic segmentation models for computer-aided diagnosis holds significant importance. However, existing CNN-based methods, such as U-Net, face challenges in capturing long-range dependencies due to limited receptive fields and inherent biases of convolutional operations. Recently, numerous Transformer-based techniques have been integrated into the U-Net architecture to overcome this limitation by efficiently capturing global feature correlations. However, the self-attention mechanism of Transformers requires substantial computational resources, and integrating Transformers with U-Net may result in a significant increase in model complexity. Many resource-constrained devices may not be capable of handling precise image segmentation tasks, and the substantial increase in computational complexity also brings the risk of overfitting. To address these challenges, we propose a model based on lightweight Transformers and residual networks (MobileViTv2-ResUNet) for accurately segmenting retinal blood vessels.
Methods: Firstly, the algorithm preprocesses images using photometric distortion, simulating various lighting conditions and camera settings that may occur during retinal fundus image acquisition. This enhances the model's adaptability and robustness to real-world scenarios. Secondly, lightweight Transformer modules (MobileViTv2 blocks) are integrated into the encoding stage to replace convolutional modules for feature extraction. Next, Inverted Residuals are introduced in the encoder section to not only perform downsampling operations and reduce computational complexity but also enhance the network's representation and generalization capabilities. Subsequently, ASPP modules are inserted between the encoder and decoder to effectively fuse feature information from different scales. Lastly, our designed LeakyRes modules are incorporated into the decoding stage to prevent the occurrence of "neuron death" phenomena and improve the accuracy of retinal blood vessel segmentation.
Results: Validated on the public datasets HRF、STARE and DRIVE, our MobileViTv2-ResUNet achieves segmentation accuracies of 77.20% and 79.67% for retinal blood vessels, with Intersection over Union (IoU) scores of 66.99% and 69.57%, and recall rates of 77.20% and 79.67%, respectively.
Conclusion：Experimental results indicate that our method excels in improving existing vascular segmentation techniques, particularly in handling images with lesions, branches, crossings, and tiny vessels. It provides more accurate and detailed information on retinal vascular distribution. This advancement aids doctors in formulating personalized treatment plans for patients, thereby significantly enhancing treatment efficacy and patient experience.
Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Sleep Quality, and Life Satisfaction among Undergraduate Medical Students in Gaza Strip: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Aldabbour Belal , Jaradat Roa , Aljbour Omar , Abdu Mahmoud , Aljbour Jumana , Dayya Alaa Abo , Asad Mohammad Dabbour , Abuabada Amal
Published: July 2024

Background:
Medical study is demanding. Medical students are known to suffer above-average rates of depression, anxiety, stress, poor sleep, and life dissatisfaction. In turn, these disorders lower the students’ quality of life and negatively impact their performance.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study assessed medical students at the two medical schools teaching in the Gaza Strip. Students were randomized according to university, sex, and academic level. Screening employed the DASS21, PSQI, and SWLS instruments. Categorical variables were described by count and percentages. Potential predictors of poor sleep quality were assessed by binary logistic regression. Multivariable logistic regression was implemented to determine the effect of covariates. Ordinal logistic regression was used to investigate predictors of anxiety, stress, depression, and SWLS stage. Statistical significance was set at a two-sided p-value less than 0.05.
Results:
In total, 362 medical students participated. Different stages of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were prevalent in 69%, 77.3%, and 65.2% of students, respectively. Poor sleep quality was prevalent in 77.9% of students, which was associated with higher rates of all-stage anxiety, stress, and depression in univariate regression and with higher odds of moderate anxiety and mild, moderate, and extremely severe depression after multivariable regression. Furthermore, 46.1% of medical students were dissatisfied with their lives.
Conclusions:
Medical students in the Gaza Strip suffer from high rates of depression and anxiety symptoms, stress, poor sleep, and life dissatisfaction compared to medical students from several other countries and the pooled global prevalence reported in meta-analysis studies.
The Role of Carbon Catalyst Coatings in the Electrochemical Water Splitting Reaction
Authors: Newton Graham , Townsend William , López-Alcalá Diego , Bird Matthew , Rance Graham , Biskupek Johannes , Baldovi Jose J. , Walsh Darren , Johnson Lee , Khlobystov Andrei , Kaiser Ute
Published: July 2024

The availability of efficient electrocatalysts is key to the development of next-generation electrolyzers for water splitting to produce so-called ‘green hydrogen’ for a future hydrogen economy. The oxygen-evolution reaction (OER) is one half of the water-splitting reaction and is slow at most electrocatalysts. Designing inexpensive, sustainable, stable, and high-performance OER electrocatalysts remains the largest obstacle hindering the development of new electrolyzers. Carbon-coated metal/metal oxide (nano)particles have been used in such applications, but the role played by the carbon coatings in electrocatalysis has provoked debate in the field and is poorly understood. We show here that the carbon coating itself acts as the active site in OER, with the underlying material activating the carbon through a charge-transfer mechanism. We demonstrate this phenomenon using model catalysts consisting of < 2 nm metal-oxide electrocatalyst nanoparticles encapsulated within single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). Access of electrolyte to the encapsulated metal oxides is blocked by plugging the SWNTs with fullerenes, which shuts off redox processes inherent to the metal oxide but does not affect catalytic activity, showing that the carbon surface is the active OER site. This analysis is supported by electrochemical analysis, which shows that the rate-determining step for the OER is the same at SWNT with and without encapsuled metal oxides, but different to that at bare metal oxides. In-situ electrochemical Raman spectroscopy and computational analysis demonstrate that charge transfer from the carbon host to the metal oxide occurs during the OER. This charge transfer results in a decrease in electron density on the carbon surface, which may facilitate binding of –OH to the carbon surface, the first step in the OER and the RDS (as determined by electrochemical analysis) and may be key to the activity of carbon coated electrocatalysts. This understanding of how carbon coatings play an active role in electrocatalytic reactions is crucial for the development of future low cost, sustainable electrocatalysts for the OER, and the proposed charge transfer-driven mechanism could be tuneable to both oxidative and reductive reactions.
Hbo1 and Msl complexes preserve differential compaction and H3K27me3 marking of active and inactive X chromosomes during mitosis
Authors: Djeghloul Dounia , Cheriyamkunnel Sherry , Patel Bhavik , Kramer Holger , Montoya Alex , Brown Karen , Whilding Chad , Nesterova Tatyana , Brockdorff Neil , Grzadzielewska Iga , Karayol Remzi , Akhtar Asifa , Merkenschlager Matthias , Fisher Amanda
Published: July 2024

In mammals, chromosome-wide regulatory mechanisms ensure a balance of X-linked gene dosage between males (XY) and females (XX). In female cells, expression of genes from one of the two X-chromosomes is curtailed, with selective accumulation of Xist-RNA, Xist-associated proteins, specific histone modifications (eg. H3K27me3) and Barr body formation observed throughout interphase. Using chromosome flow-sorting, we show that during mitosis, Xist-associated proteins dissociate from inactive X (Xi) chromosomes, while high levels of H3K27me3 and increased compaction of the Xi relative to active X (Xa), are retained. Proteomic comparison of mitotic Xi and Xa revealed, unexpectedly, that components of Hbo1 and Msl/Mof histone acetyltransferase complexes co-enrich with Xa, while inhibitors of histone acetylation co-enrich with Xi. Furthermore, inhibition of Hbo1 or deletion of Msl/Mof components functionally abolishes mitotic differences in H3K27me3 marking and chromosome compaction. These data uncover critical roles for acetylation pathways in preserving X chromosome properties during mitosis.
Episiotomy during natural childbirth and its complications among patients at AL-Zahrawi Hospital in Damascus
Authors: Al-Saho Reema Bassam , Almzloom Sarah Amer , Ali Diaa Haj , Sakka Kanaan
Published: July 2024

Background
Episiotomy is a surgical incision made in the perineum by an obstetrician to widen the vaginal ostium to facilitate the delivery of the newborn. It is one of the most common procedures performed on women worldwide.
there are somewhat few absolute contraindications for episiotomy, as episiotomy cannot be performed without the patient's consent, while relative contraindications for this procedure include a history of IBD and severe perineal deformities.
Research Materials and Methods
A retrospective cohort study (COHORT) was conducted on a random group of pregnant women from June 2023 to June 2024.
The final sample size was 100 women, with a confidence interval of 95%.
Results
We found that the largest percentage of preventive Episiotomy was performed in the age group (20-25 years) at 52%.
The majority of births of the women participating in the study were natural (215 natural births, 85.31%), while we found cesarean births in only a few (37 cesarean births, 14.68%).
It was noted that in most cases Episiotomy was performed preventively (65% of cases), and in most of the remaining percentage (33% of cases) a selective Episiotomywas performed due to the indication for the use of obstetric forceps, and a small percentage (2% of cases) was based on The patient's desire and Episiotomy was not performed when there was a need to use a suction cup.
Conclusion
When necessary, protective episiotomy should be performed when using obstetric forceps and not when using a suction cup. Also, It is necessary to pay attention and care to the site of the surgical incision or tear to avoid developing a septic infection.
Innovations in Cardiovascular Surgery: Safety and Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Choday Silpa , Sandio Aubin , Saugstad Austin , Morado Ali
Published: July 2024

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as a transformative innovation in cardiovascular surgery, offering a minimally invasive alternative to conventional open-heart surgery for patients with severe aortic stenosis. It is initially introduced as a treatment option for high-risk surgical candidates, TAVI has progressively expanded its indications to encompass intermediate and even low-risk patients, supported by robust clinical trials demonstrating comparable or superior outcomes to surgical aortic valve replacement. The procedural safety of TAVI has significantly improved with advancements in device technology, procedural techniques, and operator experience, leading to lower rates of procedural complications such as stroke, vascular injury, and paravalvular leak. Furthermore, the long-term effectiveness of TAVI is underscored by favorable outcomes in terms of symptom relief, functional improvement, and overall survival. This review discussed the current evidence on the safety and outcomes of TAVI, emphasizing its role in reshaping cardiovascular surgery paradigms and expanding treatment options for patients deemed high-risk or unsuitable for traditional surgery. As ongoing research continues to refine patient selection criteria, optimize procedural techniques, and enhance postoperative management, TAVI stands poised to further enhance cardiovascular care and outcomes in the foreseeable future.
Pattern of kidney disease among hypertensive patients attending cardiac clinics in Dar Es Salaam
Authors: Maiseri Absalom , Charles Warles , mgonda Yassini
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND
Hypertension is a public health challenge and has become one of the leading causes of kidney disease over the years. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the patterns of kidney disease among adults with hypertension in Dar es Salaam.
Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was employed. Social-demographic data were collected from the participants. Blood pressure, body weight and height were measured using a standardized method. Blood samples were collected to measure serum creatinine and the estimated eGFR using CKD EPI2021, while urine was collected for biochemical analysis, the dipstick method and determination of the albumin–creatinine ratio.
Results: A total of 400 hypertensive patients were enrolled. In this study, 287 (72%) were females, and the mean and standard deviation of age were 59.9 and 15 years, respectively. A total of 249 (62%) had a primary education, 232 (58%) were unemployed, 240 (60%) had a history of hypertension for less than 10 years, 346 (86.5%) had no history of alcohol consumption, and 380 (95%) had no history of cigarette smoking. Furthermore, 240 (60%) and 211 (52.8%) had a blood pressure ≥140 mmHg for systolic and ≥90 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure, respectively. A BMI ≥25 kg/m2 was found among 236 patients (59%). A reduced eGFR (<60 Ml/min/1.73 M2) and microalbuminuria were observed in 119 (30%) and 179 (61.5%) patients, respectively.
Conclusion: The clinical pattern of kidney disease was dominated by AKI (22.3%), nephrotic syndrome (12.8%) and end-stage renal disease (2.8%). Higher systolic blood pressure, advanced age, long-term hypertension and unemployment were significantly associated with a decrease in the eGFR. An increase in body mass index was significantly associated with an increase in albuminuria.
İklim Değişikliğinin Sigorta Sektörü Üzerindeki Etkileri: Türkiye Örneği
Authors: Torusdag Tugce , Tepeci Mustafa , Metin İsmail
Published: July 2024

İklim değişikliği, gezegendeki en büyük yaşamsal tehditlerden biri olarak aynı zamanda ekonomik sistem üzerinde de olumsuz etkiler yaratmaktadır. İklim değişikliği gün geçtikçe etkisini arttırmakta ve büyük mali kayıplara sebep olmaktadır. Sigorta sektörü, iklim değişikliği sonuçlarından en çok etkilenen sektörlerin başında gelmektedir. Sigorta şirketlerinin hasar olması durumunda katlanmaları gereken maliyeti azaltmaları için araştırma, anlama, risk analizi ve risk yönetimlerine önem vermeleri gerekmektedir. İklim değişikliği sektör için bir risk olduğu gibi yeni fırsatlar da yaratmaktadır. İklim değişikliğinin ortaya çıkardığı etkileri en aza indirmeye yönelik çalışmaların yapılması, farkındalık oluşturulması günümüzde zorunluluk haline gelmiştir. İklim değişikliği sebebi ile meydana gelen hava olaylarının şiddet etkileri; yıllık ortalama sıcaklık, yıllık toplam yağış miktarı ve ekstrem olay sayısı olarak sayılabilir. Bu çalışmada, iklim değişikliğinin hastalık/sağlık branşı, tarım branşı ve yangın ve doğal afetler sigorta branşlarında ödenen tazminatlara etkisi incelenmiştir. 1990 – 2021 yılları arası beş branşta ödenen hasar tazminatları ve meteorolojik veriler standart birim kök testleri, yapısal kırılma analizleri ile sınanmış ve ARDL eşbütünleşme testi ile aralarındaki ilişki tespit edilmiştir. Değişkenler arasında anlamlı ilişkiler olduğu belirlenmiştir.
“CÉU: DA ARTE E DA CIÊNCIA”, UMA PROPOSTA INTERDISCIPLINAR À LUZ DA BNCC
Authors: Tsutsui Thiago Takaji , Toledo Thaiane de , Martins Milene Rodrigues
Published: July 2024

Neste relato de experiência, descreve-se a aula “Céu: da Arte e da Ciência”, uma atividade pedagógica que propõe um modelo interdisciplinar entre Ciências e Arte, ancorando-se na BNCC e na bibliografia que concerne ao tema, com o enfoque na dialogicidade entre as áreas. Nesse contexto, revisitam-se fundamentos teóricos relevantes para a discussão de interdisciplinaridade. Ademais, frisa-se que este é um estudo exploratório e qualitativo, visando auxiliar professores na futura elaboração de atividades interdisciplinares sob o regimento da BNCC – que, por sua vez, viabiliza abordagens nesse âmbito. Dentre os temas discutidos nesta proposta, estão “A Noite Estrelada”, de Vincent Van Gogh, e a fotografia da estrela V838, capturada pelo satélite Hubble. Ademais, realizou-se uma demonstração prática que diz respeito à Arte e à Ciência, abrangendo os conceitos de cor luz e cor pigmento. Constatou-se que a abordagem adotada indica evidências de um conhecimento, de fato, produtivo, demonstrando as potencialidades dessa vertente.
Efficient adaptive Bayesian estimation of a slowly fluctuating Overhauser field gradient
Authors: Benestad Jacob , Krzywda Jan , van Nieuwenburg Evert , Danon Jeroen
Published: July 2024

Slow fluctuations of Overhauser fields are an important source for decoherence in spin qubits hosted in III-V semiconductor quantum dots. Focusing on the effect of the field gradient on double-dot singlet-triplet qubits, we present two adaptive Bayesian schemes to estimate the magnitude of the gradient by a series of free induction decay experiments. We concentrate on reducing the computational overhead, with a real-time implementation of the schemes in mind. We show how it is possible to achieve a significant improvement of estimation accuracy compared to more traditional estimation methods. We include an analysis of the effects of dephasing and the drift of the gradient itself.
Development of δ-Bi2O3/Bi2SiO5 heterostructures based on biogenic silica for photocatalytic treatment from organic pollutants
Authors: Arefieva Olga D. , Vasilyeva Marina S. , Opra Denis P. , Tkachev Vladimir V. , Korochentsev Vladimir V. , Shlyk Daria H. , Slavenskaya Aleksandra I.
Published: July 2024

δ-Bi2O3/Bi2SiO5 heterostructural photocatalysts with different contents of bismuth in samples (X-Bi-Si, where X = 10-60% Bi2O3) were prepared by the facile sol-gel method using bismuth nitrate and biogenic silica from rice husk biomass as precursors. Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence, and UV-Vis light methods were systematically used to characterize the as-obtained materials. Photodegradation of methyl orange in neutral aqueous solutions (pH (6.8)) under UV irradiation was studied to evaluate its photocatalytic activity. Phase composition, morphology, and photocatalytic activity of the samples depended on the content of bismuth oxide in the samples. Maximum degree of methyl orange degradation was 45% for 50-Bi-Si samples containing photoactive δ-Bi2O3 and Bi2SiO5 phases.
Nesting patterns of bees (Apidae) in brick walls in southern Brazil
Authors: Andressa K. G. dos Santos  , Manuel Warkentin  , Juliane V. da Silva  , Rogério N. Barbosa  , Denise Monique Dubet da Silva Mouga
Published: July 2024

Aiming to verify the nesting pattern of solitary bee species, a study was performed (October 2012 to March 2013) in Joinville, SC, southern Brazil, along a brick wall. There were found the following species Melitoma segmentaria (Emphorini), Caenohalictus incertus (Halictini) and Leiopodus lacertinus (Protepeolini). 147 nests showed activity in the sampling period (118 of C. incertus, 29 of M. segmentaria), 98% located in the masonry. For M. segmentaria, 29 active nests were observed (density of 4.53/ m2 ), with an average distance of 12.22 cm between them, 17 nests between the ground and 90 cm high, distributed in aggregated form (R = 0.004, p p <0.02). The nests opening measured on average 0.9 cm in diameter (n =29), two of them with a mud tower entrance 0.6 cm high, with a smooth inner wall and a outer, rough. For C. incertus, 118 active nests were observed (density of 18.43/ m2 ), with a mean distance of 8.18 cm from each other, 98 nests between the ground and 70 cm high, distributed in aggregated form (R = 0.066, p <0.09). Individuals of L. lacertinus were noticed in all observations days, at the entrance of nests of M. segmentaria. Anthrax cf. virgo emerged from M. segmentaria nests.
Ontogenia de megaestróbilos de Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Kuntze (Araucariaceae)
Authors: Gladys Daniela Rogge-Renner  , Neusa Steiner  , Éder Carlos Schmidt  , Miguel Pedro Guerra  , Zenilda Laurita Bouzon  , Francine Lunardi Farias  , Jacqueline Ortiz
Published: July 2024

Em vista da escassez de dados sobre o desenvolvimento individual da fase embrionária à fase adulta, este estudo teve como objetivos descrever a ontogenia de megaestróbilos de A. angustifolia, conhecer o rendimento dos megaestróbilos, assim como o número e a localização de plantas masculinas, femininas e juvenis, em uma população nativa localizada em Curitibanos (SC). Forwam realizadas 17 coletas (março 2011 a julho 2012). As plantas foram geolocalizadas. Coletaram-se mensalmente três megaestróbilos maduros, em desenvolvimento e, quando possível, imaturos, de árvores previamente marcadas. Os megaestróbilos foram fotografados, medidos, pesados e tiveram suas brácteas, sementes e sementes chochas separadas e quantificadas. Na população estudada, verificaram-se 176 plantas, das quais 56 eram masculinas, 41 femininas e 79 juvenis. O peso médio dos megaestróbilos (iniciais, em desenvolvimento e maduros) ficou entre 72,83 g e 1.437,39 g; o diâmetro médio entre 15,91 cm e 45,08 cm e o comprimento médio entre 6,95 cm e 22,88 cm. Nos megaestróbilos maduros, 85% do seu rendimento são brácteas estéreis, enquanto as sementes e as sementes chochas equivaleram a aproximadamente 10% cada. Os resultados podem contribuir em operações de coletas de sementes que visem à melhoria reprodutiva, conservação de germoplasma e conservação in situ da população nativa estudada.
Utilização de Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. em projetos de restauração ecológica
Authors: Dionatan Gerber  , Américo Wagner Júnior  , Carla Talita Pertille  , Lucas Lubke  , Marcos Lubke  , Dayana Suelen Seidel  , Fernando Campanhã Bechara
Published: July 2024

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o desenvolvimento inicial de Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. e seu potencial para uso em projetos de restauração ecológica. Em área com quatro parcelas com dimensões de 54 x 40 m cada, foi feito o plantio de 30 indivíduos por parcela, divididos em seis grupos de cinco plantas, com dimensão de 1 x 1 metro cada. Em cada ilhota realizou-se o acompanhamento da altura e diâmetro de copa de cada indivíduo adulto até os 24 meses. Com o surgimento dos brotos nas ilhotas, aos 24 meses após o plantio, adotou-se também a mensuração dos brotos jovens quanto ao seu crescimento em altura, diâmetro de copa e número de indivíduos/ilhota até os 60 meses de idade. A espécie apresentou excelente performance aos 5 anos de idade: sobrevivência (94,17%), comprimento das folhas (1,47 m), altura do cacho (0,57 m), área de projeção da ilhota (9,95 m²), número de brotos por indivíduo (5,05). O crescimento da espécie, associado à sua alta taxa de sobrevivência e potencial de regeneração, confere-lhe excelente potencial para a região, podendo ser altamente recomendada para utilização como espécie nucleadora em projetos de restauração florestal.
Specters of Spinoza in Iran: The Crisis of Theocracy and the Reception of Spinoza
Authors: Ferdowsi Ali
Published: July 2024

Although Spinoza and, for that matter, modern European philosophers were known among some Iranians for centuries, it was not until the final decades of the twentieth century that they were eventually received into the Iranian intellectual scene. Throughout the nineteenth and much of the twentieth centuries, whenever there came about a perception of a need, Iranians, the state as well as the civil society, actively and extensively borrowed from the European intellectual achievements. But not in philosophy. Except among radical fringe circles, a need for modern philosophy did not arise until the crisis of the theocratic state exposed the inadequacy of our native philosophical traditions for underwriting a modern state. The turn to modern philosophy reflects the dawning of this awareness, at least in civil society. In this turn Spinoza occupies a privileged place due to the exceptional potencies of his vision, and its pertinence to a theocratic situation that is in crisis both in its ethics and its metaphysics of power.
The Reception of Spinoza in Japan
Authors: Ueno Osamu
Published: July 2024

The reception of Spinoza in Japan was affected by the problems of rapid modernization from the nineteenth century onwards: the split of the mind into Western and non-Western. We shall look at how Spinoza's ideas were received across the four phases of the assimilation of Western philosophy into Japan. Namely, initiation (1860s-1880s), establishment (1890s-1910s), re-appropriation (1920s-1945) and de-ideologisation (1945-present). Although his pantheistic monism was accepted from the outset fairly easily in the Buddhist cultural climate, his philosophy revealed resistant to appropriation by the language of dialectics such as that of the Kyoto School in wartime, which sought Japanese identity in the dialectical self-denial of the borrowed Westernness in the　course of the “historical world”.  This could provide a clue to understanding the current younger generation's embrace of Spinoza.
Toevalsvondst: Een menselijke kies op een akker bij Noordhorn, gem. Westerkwartier (Gr.)
Authors: Nicolai Alexander , Moles Anna C. , Dee Michael W.
Published: July 2024

Chance find: A human tooth from a field near Noordhorn, municipality of Westerkwartier (Gr.). This article describes the discovery of and research into a human tooth from a field just west of the village of Noordhorn (province of Groningen). On September 30, 1581, a battle took place on this site. The molar likely surfaced due to dredging or ploughing work in the field. The research into the molar focused on the question of whether the find had a link with the 16th-century battle. However, using 14C dating, we found that this tooth was in fact much older than expected. This discovery adds previously unknown layers of history to this area. In addition to providing information about the person to whom the molar belonged, the research also indicates that a burial ground likely lay in the area.
‘Met den swaerde geexecuteert ende van levene ten dode gebracht’. Twee onthoofden in het Droevendal te Leeuwarden
Authors: De Wit Miranda , Van Kruining Marlies
Published: July 2024

‘Met den swaerde geexecuteert ende van levene ten dode gebracht’. Two beheadings in the street Droevendal, Leeuwarden During excavations in the street Droevendal in Leeuwarden (province of Friesland, the Netherlands), a number of graves were found. These graves lie within the area of the cemetery of the Franciscan monastery known as Galilea, dating from the 16th century AD. Not only monks were buried there but also civilians, as is evident from a number of buried women and (small) children and babies. Two of the graves contained individuals who had been beheaded. It is known that after the closing down of the monastery in 1580, part of the graveyard continued to be used to bury executed convicts. In this article, we propose a couple of historical identifications for the decapitated individuals in these two graves.
Wat is er gebeurd? Een interpretatie van de scheepsramp van de 18e-eeuwse koopvaarder Queen Anne
Authors: Van Popta Yftinus
Published: July 2024

What happened? An interpretation of the shipping disaster of the 18th-century merchantman Queen Anne This paper focuses on the depositional phase of the Queen Anne, a large, three-masted freighter that sank on the Zuiderzee (a shallow bay of the North Sea, in the north-western Netherlands) sometime between AD 1715 and 1720. This depositional phase entails the moments of a shipping disaster and should be taken into consideration in order to fully understand a wreck site. However, as information on most shipping disasters is solely recorded in historical sources and oral traditions, it can be hard to connect the disaster itself to specific a shipwreck, and vice versa. In the case of the Queen Anne, no information has been found in historical records on the ship’s sinking, and oral accounts have disappeared over time. Fortunately, the excavation of the shipwreck revealed several clues that may help to reconstruct the final moments of this vessel.
The Biomolecular Basis of Gut Microbiome on Neurological Diseases
Authors: Anaya-Prado Roberto , Cárdenas-Fregoso Ana P. , Reyes-Perez Ana M. , Ortiz-Hernandez Danielle M , Quijano-Ortiz Montserrat , Delgado-Martinez Monica V , Pelayo-Romo Ana S , Anaya-Fernandez Roberto , Anaya-Fernandez Michelle M , Azcona-Ramirez Consuelo C , Garcia-Ramirez Ivan F , Guerrero-Palomera Miguel A , Gonzalez-Martinez Daniel , Guerrero-Palomera Citlalli S , Paredes-Paredes Karina , Garcia-Perez Claudia
Published: July 2024

The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract harbors many microorganisms, including viruses, protozoa, archaea, fungi, and bacteria. Altogether, these microbes constitute what we know as the gut microbiome (GM). These commensal communities have important implications for human health. They influence physiological processes through different mechanisms, including synthesizing neurotransmitters, regulating enzymatic pathways, and releasing molecules responsible for different signal pathways. The interaction between GM and brain function has been associated with the development and pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric diseases. This review discusses current studies targeting the regulation and modulation of GM in nerve, neuroendocrine, and immune pathways. Thus, we analyze current evidence on transcription, changes in composition, and specific interactions between the gut and brain from a biomolecular perspective. Special attention is paid to mood disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.
Markerless Motion Capture to Quantify Functional Performance in Neurodegeneration: Systematic Review
Authors: Jeyasingh-Jacob Julian , Crook-Rumsey Mark , Shah Harshvi , Joseph Theresita , Abulikemu Subati , Daniels Sarah , Sharp David J , Haar Shlomi
Published: July 2024

Background

Markerless motion capture (MMC) uses video cameras or depth sensors for full body tracking and presents a promising approach for objectively and unobtrusively monitoring functional performance within community settings, to aid clinical decision-making in neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia.

Objective

The primary objective of this systematic review was to investigate the application of MMC using full-body tracking, to quantify functional performance in people with dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and Parkinson disease.

Methods

A systematic search of the Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus databases was conducted between November 2022 and February 2023, which yielded a total of 1595 results. The inclusion criteria were MMC and full-body tracking. A total of 157 studies were included for full-text screening, out of which 26 eligible studies that met the selection criteria were included in the review. 

Results

Primarily, the selected studies focused on gait analysis (n=24), while other functional tasks, such as sit to stand (n=5) and stepping in place (n=1), were also explored. However, activities of daily living were not evaluated in any of the included studies. MMC models varied across the studies, encompassing depth cameras (n=18) versus standard video cameras (n=5) or mobile phone cameras (n=2) with postprocessing using deep learning models. However, only 6 studies conducted rigorous comparisons with established gold-standard motion capture models.

Conclusions

Despite its potential as an effective tool for analyzing movement and posture in individuals with dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and Parkinson disease, further research is required to establish the clinical usefulness of MMC in quantifying mobility and functional performance in the real world.
Automated Identification of Postoperative Infections to Allow Prediction and Surveillance Based on Electronic Health Record Data: Scoping Review
Authors: van der Meijden Siri Lise , van Boekel Anna M , van Goor Harry , Nelissen Rob GHH , Schoones Jan W , Steyerberg Ewout W , Geerts Bart F , de Boer Mark GJ , Arbous M Sesmu
Published: July 2024

Background

Postoperative infections remain a crucial challenge in health care, resulting in high morbidity, mortality, and costs. Accurate identification and labeling of patients with postoperative bacterial infections is crucial for developing prediction models, validating biomarkers, and implementing surveillance systems in clinical practice.

Objective

This scoping review aimed to explore methods for identifying patients with postoperative infections using electronic health record (EHR) data to go beyond the reference standard of manual chart review.

Methods

We performed a systematic search strategy across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science (Core Collection), the Cochrane Library, and Emcare (Ovid), targeting studies addressing the prediction and fully automated surveillance (ie, without manual check) of diverse bacterial infections in the postoperative setting. For prediction modeling studies, we assessed the labeling methods used, categorizing them as either manual or automated. We evaluated the different types of EHR data needed for the surveillance and labeling of postoperative infections, as well as the performance of fully automated surveillance systems compared with manual chart review.

Results

We identified 75 different methods and definitions used to identify patients with postoperative infections in studies published between 2003 and 2023. Manual labeling was the predominant method in prediction modeling research, 65% (49/75) of the identified methods use structured data, and 45% (34/75) use free text and clinical notes as one of their data sources. Fully automated surveillance systems should be used with caution because the reported positive predictive values are between 0.31 and 0.76.

Conclusions

There is currently no evidence to support fully automated labeling and identification of patients with infections based solely on structured EHR data. Future research should focus on defining uniform definitions, as well as prioritizing the development of more scalable, automated methods for infection detection using structured EHR data.
Feasibility of At-Home Hand Arm Bimanual Intensive Training in Virtual Reality: Case Study
Authors: Gehringer James E , Woodruff Jameson Anne , Boyer Hailey , Konieczny Jennifer , Thomas Ryan , Pierce III James , Cunha Andrea B , Willett Sandra
Published: July 2024

This single-participant case study examines the feasibility of using custom virtual reality (VR) gaming software in the home environment for low-dose Hand Arm Bimanual Intensive Training (HABIT). A 10-year-old with right unilateral cerebral palsy participated in this trial. Fine and gross motor skills as well as personal goals for motor outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention using the Box and Blocks Test, Nine-Hole Peg Test, and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Movement intensities collected via the VR hardware accelerometers, VR game scores, and task accuracy were recorded via the HABIT-VR software as indices of motor performance. The child and family were instructed to use the HABIT-VR games twice daily for 30 minutes over a 14-day period and asked to record when they used the system. The child used the system and completed the 14-hour, low-dose HABIT-VR intervention across 22 days. There was no change in Box and Blocks Test and Nine-Hole Peg Test scores before and after the intervention. Canadian Occupational Performance Measure scores increased but did not reach the clinically relevant threshold, due to high scores at baseline. Changes in motor task intensities during the use of VR and mastery of the VR bimanual tasks suggested improved motor efficiency. This case study provides preliminary evidence that HABIT-VR is useful for promoting adherence to HABIT activities and for the maintenance of upper extremity motor skills in the home setting.
Perception and Acceptance of Telemedicine Use in Health Care Among the General Public in China: Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Lin Yulan , Xu Xiaonan , Liu Yiyang , Alias Haridah , Hu Zhijian , Wong Li Ping
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic is bringing about substantial changes in health care systems, leading to a significant shift toward telemedicine for the delivery of health care services.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the relationship between perceived usefulness and ease of use of telemedicine services and their association with the behavioral intention to use telemedicine.

METHODS

An anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted in China. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to determine significant predictors of intention to use telemedicine consultation. Types of illnesses that favored seeking telemedicine consultation, as well as the most preferred platform for conducting telemedicine consultations, were also investigated.

RESULTS

In total, 1006 participants completed the survey. A total of 44.3% (n=446) reported being very likely and 49.3% (n=496) reported being likely to seek telemedicine consultation. Overall, the majority of participants expressed strong agreement or agreement regarding the perceived usefulness of telemedicine. Likewise, the majority indicated strong agreement or agreement when it came to their perception of the ease of using telemedicine. In the partial least squares structural equation modeling, perceived usefulness (β=0.322; P<.001) and perceived ease of use (β=0.118; P=.01) were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of seeking telemedicine consultation. A considerable number of participants expressed willingness to use telemedicine services for various medical conditions, particularly respiratory (n=340, 33.8%), skin (n=316, 31.4%), and musculoskeletal issues (n=316, 31.4%) while showing less interest in seeking telemedicine consultations for reproductive health (n=44, 4.4%) and cancer (n=64, 6.4%). The majority preferred video chat (n=443, 44%) and text chat (n=317, 31.5%) as their most preferred platforms for telemedicine consultation, while a smaller proportion preferred telephone (n=193, 19.2%) and email (n=53, 5.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Telemedicine has the potential to play a larger role in China’s health care system. The preferences for certain platforms over others may influence service design and implementation.