bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intelligent control decision integrating fuzziness and randomness for automatic management of cash flow
Authors: Wang Hongli , Fei Liguo , Feng Yuqiang
Published: March 2024

Automatic management of cash flow from the perspective of cybernetics decisions can improve work efficiency and accuracy of cash flow management. Disadvantage of traditional fuzzy control method is that it only expresses fuzziness and ignores randomness. The automatic management of cash flow involves variables representing the fuzziness and randomness of human cognition which need new calculation methods to solve. Based on fuzzy control this paper proposes a cloud set control decision method for cash flow management. Cloud set and its I operation and P operation are described. Methods are studied including observation variables and control variables, fuzziness of observation variables and control variables, description of rules, and cloud reasoning based on cloud set. The method is applied successfully in automatic management of cash flow in which control amount of expenditure intensity is -2.285. It is shown that this method can effectively obtain reasonable control quantities considering fuzzy and random properties by the comparison with fuzzy control method. The method for automatic management of cash flow proposed has greater objectivity and effectiveness for the integration of fuzzy and randomness representing human cognition and decision.
Knowledge, attitude and practice among pharmacy students and faculty members towards artificial intelligence in pharmacy practice: A multinational cross-sectional study
Authors: Hasan Hisham E. , Jaber Deema , Al Tabbah Samaa , Lawand Nabih , Habib Hana A. , Farahat Noureldin M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Modern patient care depends on the continuous improvement of community and clinical pharmacy services, and artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to play a key role in this evolution. Although AI has been increasingly implemented in various fields of pharmacy, little is known about the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of pharmacy students and faculty members towards this technology.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the KAP of pharmacy students and faculty members regarding AI in six countries in the Middle East as well as to identify the predictive factors behind the understanding of the principles and practical applications of AI in healthcare processes.

Material and methods

This study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey. A total of 875 pharmacy students and faculty members in the faculty of pharmacy in Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Libya participated in the study. Data was collected through an online electronic questionnaire. The data collected included information about socio-demographics, understanding of AI basic principles, participants’ attitudes toward AI, the participants’ AI practices.

Results

Most participants (92.6%) reported having heard of AI technology in their practice, but only a small proportion (39.5%) had a good understanding of its concepts. The overall level of knowledge about AI among the study participants was moderate, with the mean knowledge score being 42.3 ± 21.8 out of 100 and students having a significantly higher knowledge score than faculty members. The attitude towards AI among pharmacy students and faculty members was positive, but there were still concerns about the impact of AI on job security and patient safety. Pharmacy students and faculty members had limited experience using AI tools in their practice. The majority of respondents (96.2%) believed that AI could improve patient care and pharmacy services. However, only a minority (18.6%) reported having received education or training on AI technology. High income, a strong educational level and background, and previous experience with technologies were predictors of KAP toward using AI in pharmacy practice. Finally, there was a positive correlation between knowledge about AI and attitudes towards AI as well as a significant positive correlation between AI knowledge and overall KAP scores.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that while there is a growing awareness of AI technology among pharmacy professionals in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, there are still significant gaps in understanding and adopting AI in pharmacy Practice.
Studies on the sequential pathology of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) in Mouse brain: KFD virus induces apoptosis of neurons in cerebrum and hippocampus
Authors: Srikanth Ullasgowda K. , Marinaik Chandranaik B. , Rao Suguna , Gomes Amitha Reena , Rathnamma Doddamane , Isloor Shrikrishna , T. Lakshmikanth Bharath , K. Siddaramegowda Chinmayie , Rizwan Apsana , Byregowda Sonnahallipura M. , Venkatesha Mudalagiri D. , Munivenkatarayappa Archana , Hegde Raveendra
Published: March 2024

The sequential pathology of Kyasanur forest disease (KFD) in mouse brain was assessed in this study. Kyasanur forest disease virus (KFDV) strain P9605 used in this study was confirmed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction targeting the NS5 gene. Mouse Lethal Dose 50 (MLD50) of the virus was determined by in-vivo mice inoculation test. One MLD50 of the KFDV was inoculated intra-cerebrally into 36 mice aged 2–3 weeks. Another group of 36 age-matched mice that served as control group were inoculated with plain media. Six mice each from infected and control groups were euthanized every 24 hrs intervals for six days. Brain tissues were collected in 10% NBF. The collected brain tissues were processed and subjected to histopathological studies by Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. Grossly, the infected mice showed symptoms of dullness, hunched back appearance, weakness, sluggish movements with indication of hind quarter paralysis on day four post-infection. These symptoms got aggravated with complete paralysis of the hind quarters, inability to move and death on 5th and 6th day post-infection. Microscopically, the brain showed apoptosis of neurons, perivascular cuffing, gliosis, congestion, neuropil vacuolation, meningitis, degeneration, and necrotic neurons. The real-time RT-PCR on hippocampus of the KFDV-infected mouse brain showed three-fold higher expression levels of Caspase 3, a crucial mediator of apoptosis. The cerebral cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus that control the motor neuron activities and muscle tone were primarily affected, possibly correlating with the gross symptoms of hind quarter paralysis, ataxia, and other motor neuron dysfunctions noticed. Taken together, these findings reveal that KFDV induces apoptosis of neurons in the cerebrum and hippocampus of KFDV infected mice. Further studies are needed to confirm if the lesions noticed in mice brain simulate the brain lesions in humans since gross motor-neuron symptoms are similar in mice as well as humans.
Mice lacking cyclophilin B, but not cyclophilin A, are protected from the development of NASH in a diet and chemical-induced model
Authors: Stauffer Winston T. , Goodman Asha Z. , Bobardt Michael , Ure Daren R. , Foster Robert T. , Gallay Philippe
Published: March 2024

Cyclophilins are a diverse family of peptidyl-prolyl isomerases (PPIases) of importance in a variety of essential cellular functions. We previously reported that the pan-cyclophilin inhibitor drug reconfilstat (CRV431) decreased disease in mice under the western-diet and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) model. CRV431 inhibits several cyclophilin isoforms, among which cyclophilin A (CypA) and B (CypB) are the most abundant. It is not known whether simultaneous inhibition of multiple cyclophilin family members is necessary for the observed therapeutic effects or if loss-of-function of one is sufficient. Identifying the responsible isoform(s) would enable future fine-tuning of drug treatments. Features of human liver fibrosis and complete NASH can be reliably replicated in mice by administration of intraperitoneal CCl4 alone or CCl4 in conjunction with high sugar, high cholesterol western diet, respectively. Here we show that while wild-type (WT) and Ppia-/- CypA KO mice develop severe NASH disease features under these models, Ppib-/- CypB KO mice do not, as measured by analysis of picrosirius red and hematoxylin & eosin-stained liver sections and TNFα immuno-stained liver sections. Cyclophilin inhibition is a promising and novel avenue of treatment for diet-induced NASH. In this study, mice without CypB, but not mice without CypA, were significantly protected from the development of the characteristic features of NASH. These data suggest that CypB is necessary for NASH disease progression. Further investigation is necessary to determine whether the specific role of CypB in the endoplasmic reticulum secretory pathway is of significance to its effect on NASH development.
Research on the impact of the digital economy on the level of industrial structure: An empirical study of 280 cities in China
Authors: Chen Yanrui
Published: March 2024

As the digital revolution deepens, the digital economy (DE) is reshaping the global industrial structure (IS). This paper utilizes data from 280 Chinese cities between 2007 and 2020 to conduct an in-depth analysis of how DE propels the upgrading of IS and explores the role of human capital (HC) in this process. The research indicates that DE significantly fosters the optimization of IS. Additionally, it was discovered that the growth of HC plays a pivotal mediating role in this evolution, complementing existing research on the relationship between higher education and industrial upgrading. By adopting spatial econometric methods, this study unveils the spillover effects of DE in geographical space, identifying a positive influence on the industrial upgrading of surrounding regions. The paper also confirms the nonlinear characteristics of DE’s impact on IS upgrading, which manifests as a pronounced inverted U-shaped trend, marking a novel discovery. Further findings suggest that in regions with more advanced artificial intelligence technologies, the impact of DE on industrial optimization is more significant, highlighting the role of regional disparities in the digital transformation. In conclusion, the paper proposes policy recommendations based on the research findings to facilitate the development of DE and the elevation of IS levels, thereby promoting high-quality economic growth.
The mechanism of internal and external efficacy influences residents’ pro-environmental behavior through environmental willingness
Authors: Yan Qi-Song , Zhang Zhao-Qi , Er Cai-Xia , Wang Wen-Qing
Published: March 2024

The Chinese government’s environmental conservation efforts require the active participation of all society. This study investigated how internal and external efficacy influence pro-environmental behavior with environmental willingness as a mediator. This study employed a structural equation model to analyze the data from 1499 survey questionnaires. The analysis revealed that both internal and external efficacy can enhance individuals’ pro-environmental behavior in the private and public spheres. External efficacy has a stronger impact on environmental willingness and public sphere environmental behavior, while internal efficacy more significantly influences private sphere environmental behavior. Additionally, environmental willingness only mediates efficacy and public sphere environmental behavior. The innovation of this study is the examination of internal and external efficacy from the perspective of different sources and the comparison of their differential impacts on pro-environmental behavior. Relevant policies should effectively enhance residents’ internal and external efficacy to comprehensively improve their level of pro-environmental behavior.
Public and patient perspectives on the use of clinical and administrative health data to identify and contact people at risk of future illness—The case of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Willison Donald J. , Nash Danielle M. , Bota Sarah E. , Almadhoun Samar , Scassa Teresa , Garg Amit X. ,   Kidney Patient and Donor Alliance of Canada, Young Ann
Published: March 2024

For decades, researchers have used linkable administrative health data for evaluating the health care system, subject to local privacy legislation. In Ontario, Canada, the relevant privacy legislation permits some organizations (prescribed entities) to conduct this kind of research but is silent on their ability to identify and contact individuals in those datasets. Following consultation with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, we developed a pilot study to identify and contact by mail a sample of people at high risk for kidney failure within the next 2 years, based on laboratory and administrative data from provincial datasets held by ICES, to ensure they receive needed kidney care. Before proceeding, we conducted six focus groups to understand the acceptability to the public and people living with chronic kidney disease of direct mail outreach to people at high risk of developing kidney failure. While virtually all participants indicated they would likely participate in the study, most felt strongly that the message should come directly from their primary care provider or whoever ordered the laboratory tests, rather than from an unknown organization. If this is not possible, they felt the health care provider should be made aware of the concern related to their kidney health. Most agreed that, if health authorities could identify people at high risk of a treatable life-threatening illness if caught early enough, there is a social responsibility to notify people. While privacy laws allow for free flow of health information among health care providers who provide direct clinical care, the proposed case-finding and outreach falls outside that model. Enabling this kind of information flow will require greater clarity in existing laws or revisions to these laws. This also requires adequate notification and culture change for health care providers and the public around information uses and flows.
Dynamic characteristics of scraper conveyor chain drive system under the impact condition of lump coal
Authors: Jiang Shoubo , Lv Jinwang , Zeng Qingliang , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Yuqi , Qu Wei , Cui Jiexu
Published: March 2024

Scraper conveyor is the most important transportation equipment in the comprehensive mining equipment, and the chain drive system is its core subsystem, its dynamic characteristics will significantly affect the efficiency of coal transportation in the comprehensive mining face. In this paper, the dynamic characteristics of chain drive system when impacted by falling coal are investigated by means of test. The impact test bench of scraper conveyor was set up to analyze the effects of chain speed, impact height and impact load mass on the dynamic characteristics of the chain drive system of scraper conveyor under the working conditions of unloaded and loaded. The results show that the longitudinal vibration of the scraper conveyor is most obvious when it is impacted by the falling coal, and the chain speed, impact height and impact load mass of the scraper conveyor all play an excitation role on the vibration of the chain drive system, and the vibration of the chain ring is the most intense in the chain drive system, and the loaded coal pile conveyed on the scraper conveyor plays an inhibiting role on the vibration of the chain drive system. This study can help to identify the location where the scraper conveyor fails first in the impact condition, so as to provide a basis for its structural design and improvement, which is of great significance for the stable operation and structural optimization of the scraper conveyor.
Economic and budgetary impact evaluation of isavuconazole (Cresemba®) versus voriconazole (Vfend®) for the treatment of patients with possible invasive aspergillosis from the perspective of the Brazilian supplementary health system
Authors: Araujo Gisele Lemes Veiga , Murta Amaral Laura , Ponzio Vinicius , Rocha Jaime Luis
Published: March 2024

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the cost-utility and the budgetary impact of isavuconazole compared to voriconazole in patients with suspected invasive aspergillosis (IA) from the perspective of the Brazilian supplementary health system (SHS).

Methods

In this model, a decision tree was developed and included patients with possible IA. Efficacy parameters were extracted from the clinical studies. Drug acquisition, hospitalization costs and adverse events were also collected. Alternative 3- and 10-year time horizon scenarios were used. In addition, deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were simulated. A budget impact analysis of isavuconazole versus voriconazole was performed, assuming a time horizon of 5 years. In addition, sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the model. Results are reported in Brazilian Real (BRL), year values 2022.

Results

The economic analysis of the base case showed that isavuconazole is associated with a saving of 95,174.00 BRL per patient compared to voriconazole. All other simulated scenarios showed that isavuconazole is dominant versus comparators when considering a willingness to pay 40,688.00 BRL/Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALY). The results were considered robust by the sensitivity analyses. The budget impact analysis showed that the incorporation of isavuconazole generates savings to the SHS, compared to voriconazole, of approximately 20.5 million BRL in the first year. This reaches about 54 million BRL in the fifth incorporation year, considering the market penetration of 20% in the first year, and 50% in the fifth year.

Conclusion

Compared with voriconazole, isavuconazole is regarded as a dominant treatment strategy for patients with suspected IA and generates savings for the SHS.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of Shexiang Baoxin Pill (MUSKARDIA) as the add-on treatment to standard therapy for stable coronary artery disease in China
Authors: Pan Jie , Ping Ping-da , Wang Wei , Zhou Jia-meng , Zhu Wen-tao
Published: March 2024

Background

Recent evidence indicates that Shexiang Baoxin Pill (MUSKARDIA), as an add-on treatment to standard therapy for stable coronary artery disease (CAD), is effective. Nevertheless, the cost-effectiveness of introducing the Shexiang Baoxin Pill (Abbreviation SBP) to the current standard treatment for patients with CAD in China remains unknown.

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of introducing SBP into the current standard treatment in China for patients with CAD.

Method

The effects of two treatment strategies—the SBP group (SBP combined with standard therapy) and the standard therapy group (placebo combined with standard therapy)—were simulated using a long-term Markov model. The simulation subjects might experience non-fatal MI and/or stroke or vascular or non-vascular death events. The study parameters were primarily derived from the MUSKARDIA trial, which was a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase IV randomized clinical trial. Furthermore, age-related change, event costs, and event utilities were drawn from publicly available sources. Both costs and health outcomes were discounted at 5.0% per annum. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to verify the robustness of the model. Based on the MUSKARDIA trial results, the risk with the events of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was decreased (P< 0.05) in the female subgroup treated with SBP therapy compared with standard therapy. Consequently, a scenario analysis based on subgroups of Chinese females was conducted for this study. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were assessed for each strategy for costs per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) saved.

Results

After 30 years of simulation, the SBP group has added 0.32 QALYs, and the cost has been saved 841.00 CNY. Compared with the standard therapy, the ICER for the SBP therapy was -2628.13 CNY per QALY. Scenario analyses of Chinese females showed that, after 30 years of simulation, the SBP therapy has been increased by 0.82 QALYs, and the cost has been reduced by 19474.00 CNY. Compared with the standard therapy, the ICER for the SBP therapy was -26569.51 CNY per QALY. Similar results were obtained in various extensive sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

This is the first study to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of SBP in the treatment of CAD. In conclusion, SBP as an add-on treatment to standard therapy appears to be a cost-effective strategy for CAD in Chinese patients.
Analyses of plasma metabolites using a high performance four-channel CIL LC-MS method and identification of metabolites associated with enteric methane emissions in beef cattle
Authors: Li Hongwei , Wang Xiaohang , Vinsky Michael , Manafiazar Ghader , Fitzsimmons Carolyn , Li Liang , Li Changxi
Published: March 2024

Reducing enteric methane (one greenhouse gas) emissions from beef cattle not only can be beneficial in reducing global warming, but also improve efficiency of nutrient utilization in the production system. However, direct measurement of enteric methane emissions on individual cattle is difficult and expensive. The objective of this study was to detect plasma metabolites that are associated with enteric methane emissions in beef cattle. Average enteric methane emissions (CH4) per day (AVG_DAILYCH4) for each individual cattle were measured using the GreenFeed emission monitoring (GEM) unit system, and beef cattle with divergent AVG_DAILYCH4 from Angus (n = 10 for the low CH4 group and 9 for the high CH4 group), Charolais (n = 10 for low and 10 for = high), and Kinsella Composite (n = 10 for low and 10 for high) populations were used for plasma metabolite quantification and metabolite-CH4 association analyses. Blood samples of these cattle were collected near the end of the GEM system tests and a high performance four-channel chemical isotope labeling (CIL) liquid chromatography (LC) mass spectrometer (MS) method was applied to identify and quantify concentrations of metabolites. The four-channel CIL LC-MS method detected 4235 metabolites, of which 1105 were found to be significantly associated with AVG_DAILYCH4 by a t-test, while 1305 were significantly associated with AVG_DAILYCH4 by a regression analysis at p<0.05. Both the results of the t-test and regression analysis revealed that metabolites that were associated with enteric methane emissions in beef cattle were largely breed-specific whereas 4.29% to 6.39% CH4 associated metabolites were common across the three breed populations and 11.07% to 19.08% were common between two breed populations. Pathway analyses of the CH4 associated metabolites identified top enriched molecular processes for each breed population, including arginine and proline metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, butanoate metabolism, and glutathione metabolism for Angus; beta-alanine metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, glycolysis / gluconeogenesis, and citrate cycle (TCA cycle) for Charolais; phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, and arginine and proline metabolism for Kinsella Composite. The detected CH4 associated metabolites and enriched molecular processes will help understand biological mechanisms of enteric methane emissions in beef cattle. The detected CH4 associated plasma metabolites will also provide valuable resources to further characterize the metabolites and verify their utility as biomarkers for selection of cattle with reduced methane emissions.
Associations between birth weight and adult apolipoproteins: The LifeGene cohort
Authors: Sharma Shantanu , Bennet Louise , Laucyte-Cibulskiene Agne , Christensson Anders , Nilsson Peter M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Early life factors may predict cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the pathways are still unclear. There is emerging evidence of an association of early life factors with apolipoproteins, which are linked to CVD. The study objective was to assess the associations between birth variables and adult apolipoproteins (apoA1 and apoB, and their ratio) in a population-based cohort.

Methods

The LifeGene Study is a prospective cohort comprising index participants randomly sampled from the general population. Blood samples were collected between 2009 and 2016. In this sub-study, we used birth variables, obtained from a national registry for all participants born 1973 or later, including birth weight and gestational age, while adult CVD risk factors included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), lipids, and smoking history. We employed univariate and multivariate general linear regression to explore associations between birth variables, lipid levels and other adult CVD risk factors. The outcomes included non-fasting apoA1 and apoB and their ratio, as well as total cholesterol and triglycerides. A total of 10,093 participants with both birth information and lipoprotein levels at screening were included. Of these, nearly 42.5% were men (n = 4292) and 57.5% were women (n = 5801).

Results

The mean (standard deviation) age of men was 30.2 (5.7) years, and for women 28.9 (5.8) years. There was an increase of 0.022 g/L in apoA1 levels per 1 kg increase in birth weight (p = 0.005) after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, gestational age, and smoking history. Similarly, there was a decrease of 0.023 g/L in apoB levels per 1 kg increase in birth weight (p<0.001) after adjusting for the same variables. There were inverse associations of birth weight with the apoB/apoA1 ratio. No independent association was found with total cholesterol, but with triglyceride levels (ẞ-coefficient (95% Confidence Interval); -0.067 (-0.114, -0.021); p-value 0.005).

Conclusions

Lower birth weight was associated with an adverse adult apolipoprotein pattern, i.e., a higher apoB/apoA1 ratio, indicating increased risk of future CVD manifestations. The study highlights the need of preconception care and pregnancy interventions that aim at improving maternal and child outcomes with long-term impacts for prevention of cardiovascular disease by influencing lipid levels.
The impact of HTLV-1 expression on the 3D structure and expression of host chromatin
Authors: Yaguchi Hiroko , Melamed Anat , Ramanayake Saumya , Kiik Helen , Witkover Aviva , Bangham Charles R. M.
Published: March 2024

A typical HTLV-1-infected individual carries >104 different HTLV-1-infected T cell clones, each with a single-copy provirus integrated in a unique genomic site. We previously showed that the HTLV-1 provirus causes aberrant transcription in the flanking host genome and, by binding the chromatin architectural protein CTCF, forms abnormal chromatin loops with the host genome. However, it remained unknown whether these effects were exerted simply by the presence of the provirus or were induced by its transcription. To answer this question, we sorted HTLV-1-infected T-cell clones into cells positive or negative for proviral plus-strand expression, and then quantified host and provirus transcription using RNA-seq, and chromatin looping using quantitative chromosome conformation capture (q4C), in each cell population. We found that proviral plus-strand transcription induces aberrant transcription and splicing in the flanking genome but suppresses aberrant chromatin loop formation with the nearby host chromatin. Reducing provirus-induced host transcription with an inhibitor of transcriptional elongation allows recovery of chromatin loops in the plus-strand-expressing population. We conclude that aberrant host transcription induced by proviral expression causes temporary, reversible disruption of chromatin looping in the vicinity of the provirus.
El embarazo en adolescentes a través del séptimo arte
Authors: González-De Dios Javier
Published: March 2024

Los embarazos en adolescentes se describen como embarazos en mujeres que no han alcanzado la mayoría de edad jurídica y están en situación de dependencia de la familia de origen. El embarazo suele implicar un riesgo en la trayectoria vital de las madres y padres adolescentes y un serio y prevalente problema médico-social. Por todo ello, el embarazo de la adolescente se convierte en una consulta «sagrada». Y el cine se convierte en una oportunidad para hablar con arte, ciencia y conciencia de un tema de trascendental importancia, así como una oportunidad para mejorar la relación profesional-paciente, para mejorar la humanización y para abrir el debate bioético.
En este artículo os invitamos a vivir las emociones y reflexiones de la maternidad y el embarazo en alrededor de 40 películas, historias entre la ficción y la realidad. Y donde nos atrevemos a «prescribir» las siguientes: la película británica Un sabor a miel, la belga 9 meses, la estadounidense Nunca, casi nunca, a veces, siempre, la francesa El acontecimiento y la española La maternal; y como guinda, Juno, una película que más en tono de comedia que drama, capaz de incomodar a todas las partes.
Experiences and Challenges of Mental Health Professionals in the National Capital Region
Authors: Cruz Carlos Miguel , Alamag Kyle Nicole Anne , Broncano Trizia Pauline , Nadua Isa Gabrielle , Sumang Ella Mae
Published: March 2024

This study examines the Experiences and Challenges of Mental Health Professionals in the National Capital Region. This study shed light on the day–to–day experiences of mental health practitioners. It distinguished the challenges they encountered while working in the clinical setting, specifically in the psychiatric field. Eight participants comprising two (2) psychologists, three (3) psychiatric nurses, two (2) occupational/activity therapists, and one (1) guidance counselor who are residing in the National Capital Region were specifically selected to participate in this study through purposive and snowball sampling. The structured interview was conducted through a one–on–one, face–to–face, and online interview through the use of Google Meet and Zoom platforms to cater to the availability of the respondents. The interviews lasted for an hour. The participants were asked twenty (20) questions divided into the three main domains that the researchers wished to focus on Work Performance, Relationships to the Community, and Family. Five main themes emerged from the overall analysis of the data extracted from the participants. These are Complex Fields of Mental Health Practice, Continuous Learning, Community Approach to Mental Health, work-life balance, and Work Experience Personality. Under these main themes are specific sub–themes that further summarize the experiences and challenges of mental health professionals. Furthermore, it is highly recommended that comprehensive strategies be implemented specifically to address the challenges highlighted in this study.
The Potential Usefulness of Peripheral Somatosensory Stimulation in Improving Sleep Quality in Patients with Insomnia
Authors: Nussbaum LA , Janjua TM , Pederson J , Nussbaum ES
Published: March 2024

Background
Insomnia and other sleep disorders represent a major cause of disability and impaired productivity. We evaluated the impact of peripheral somatosensory stimulation (PSS) on sleep quality in 12 patients with varying degrees of insomnia.

Methods
Twelve adult patients underwent daily PSS therapy for a 4-week period and were evaluated using the Insomnia Severity Index at baseline (prior to initiation of therapy) and then at the conclusion of the treatments. All data were obtained through a self-reported 7-question survey evaluating overall severity of insomnia symptoms and the impact of sleep patterns on satisfaction with sleep, daily functioning, and overall quality of life. Changes from baseline insomnia scores were analyzed using cumulative link mixed models (CLMMs).

Results
Seven men and five women completed one month of PSS therapy. Mean age was 55.1 (range 29 to 80 years). No adverse events were described by the patients. The average total change from baseline score was -10.3 points (baseline: 16.5 vs. week 4: 6.2). Patients had statistically significant improvements for every individual survey question by week 4. The median composite score was improved from baseline, with an overall median score of 2 (IQR: 1.25 – 2.75, min-max: 1-4) at baseline compared to 0.5 (IQR: 0 – 0.25, min-max: 0-2) by week 4 (MD = -1 95% CI: , p < 0.001), signaling typically moderate insomnia at baseline vs. typically minimal to no symptoms by week 4. The predicted probability of obtaining the best outcome (score=0) was 9% at baseline vs. 53% by week 4. The overall cumulative odds ratio was 11.9 (p < 0.001), suggesting that on average, the odds of moving from one score to a lower (improved) score at week 4 compared to the baseline are approximately 12 times higher than moving to a neutral or worse score.

Conclusions
PSS stimulation appeared to have a significantly favorable effect on sleep quality in this group of patients. Symptoms related to ability to fall asleep, remain asleep, and overall quality of sleep were all improved with PSS therapy. We suggest that further investigation into the potential usefulness of PSS therapy in patients with sleep disorders is warranted.
Public Infrastructure in the Greater Toronto Area: A National Challenge Addressed at the Local Level
Authors: Allison Lindsay
Published: March 2024

This article provides a brief summary of infrastructure in twentieth-century Canada. An analysis is then presented, showing the post-war evolution of municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area, the first and largest municipal unit in Canada. It was municipalities, and not the federal or provincial governments, that came to own and operate nearly half of the total Canadian public stock. The article then discusses the intricate ways in which the funding mechanisms of public infrastructure developed and argues in some instances that funding on the scale of needed infrastructure explains how governments themselves developed. It explores how the current system, albeit intricate, continues to drive local economies in the Greater Toronto Area, now the key engine of Canadian national growth.
The ‘Nation in Arms’, ‘Attempted Rearmament’ and the ‘Brigade of Guards’, 1936–1939
Authors: Champion C. P.
Published: March 2024

This article is an enquiry into the voluntary and part-time nature, as well as the Britishness, of the Canadian militia, especially the Non-Permanent Active Militia (NPAM), in an interwar ‘nation-in-arms’. Major-General Maurice Pope’s insights are revisited through the eyes of regimental histories, print media, memoirs and other sources. After reviewing the role of voluntarism, unpaid service and improved training, three themes will be considered. The first is a type of training known as close-order drill, singled out by Joseph Pope as a mark of English-speaking regimental culture. The creation in 1937 of a Canadian Guards brigade, part of a wider Guards tradition across the British World, ties into a second theme briefly considered: NPAM participation in the royal tour of 1939 in communities across Canada, which merits a more detailed study. Third, there follows a case study of one exemplary but lesser-known interwar officer in Ottawa, Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Lisle of the Governor General’s Foot Guards, who, like so many men across the country, as well as his civilian day-job, pursued a lifelong part-time army career as a reserve unit officer and realist contributor to the Canadian Defence Quarterly.
«Giustizia mosse il mio alto fattore». Gobierno divino del mundo, orden jurídico y medida del castigo en la Comedìa de Dante
Authors: González de León Berini Arturo
Published: March 2024

Con una belleza literaria incomparable, la Comedìa refleja la cosmovisión católica que vertebra la Cristiandad medieval, que tuvo su máximo exponente filosófico y teológico en santo Tomás. A lo largo de todo el itinerario poético, vemos la impronta del Aquinate presente en el meollo de la narración. Aquí analizaré cómo la cuestión teológica fundamental del gobierno divino del mundo permea la Comedìa, tanto en su estructura formal como en ciertos aspectos concretos del viaje de Dante. A partir de dicha premisa, estudiaré las consecuencias que ello tiene en ese orden jurídico manifestado en la «arquitectura» del infierno, cuyo dintel es elocuente: «Giustizia mosse il mio alto fattore; / fecemi la divina podestate, / la somma sapienza e ‘l primo amore». Finalmente, abordaré la proporcionalidad de las penas que sufren los condenados, como indicador de la medida natural de los castigos dictados por justicia divina.
Principios fundamentales de la enseñanza cristiana en la «Divina Comedia»: la recepción de Tomás de Aquino en la obra de Dante
Authors: Bártoli Mariano
Published: March 2024

Tu duca, tu signore, e tu maestro». Con estas palabras se inicia una relación educativa entre Virgilio y Dante que manifiesta de manera concreta una visión sobre el maestro de permanente validez y actualidad. El viaje de Dante permite descubrir en la Divina Comedia la existencia de unos principios universales que fundamentan la acción del maestro. No obstante, dichos principios no son del todo originales, sino que permiten evidenciar la influencia que Tomás de Aquino ha ejercido en Dante. El Aquinate no solo es mencionado en el Paraíso en los cantos X al XIV, sino que los principios pedagógicos tomistas, especialmente los contenidos en la Suma de Teología, informan la relación concreta entre los dos poetas. En este estudio intentaremos explicitar la visión del maestro propuesta por Dante, a la vez que se buscará mostrar que Tomás de Aquino es la fuente principal de la que Dante se nutre para labrar esa específica relación entre maestro y discípulo.
«De Monarchia» de Dante: la frontera de la Edad Media y la modernidad
Authors: Barraycoa Javier
Published: March 2024

De Monarchia representa una de las obras de Dante que más influjo político ha ejercido. Probablemente movido a escribirla, hacia 1313. Con ella, Dante quiere contribuir a erradicar la anarquía imperante de su época, en Italia y, concretamente, en su ciudad florentina. Sueña con un orden social que establezca la paz universal. El tono de la obra, netamente gibelino, muestra a un Dante que ha evolucionado intelectualmente. Dante se muestra aquí como un intelectual a caballo entre la escolástica y el florecimiento de un estilo nuevo. Hay en él toda una serie de giros, expresiones, alegorías, imágenes y simbolismos claramente medievales, pero también un conjunto de ideas que, contra corriente, contribuyeron a cambiar el modo de interpretar el mundo. Su De Monarchia ha de considerarse una obra innovadora porque, aunque el texto ciertamente recogió tradiciones legales, jurídicas, políticas y teológicas precedentes, su mayor mérito radicó en la elaboración de una densa, brillante y novedosa teoría, según la cual, el emperador no sólo debía su poder a la elección directa de Dios —con lo que su investidura no devenía un mero oficio de la Iglesia— sino que, además, la institución imperial resultaba superior a la pontificia. Por tanto, hay que plantearse si «De Monarqchia» es una obra que precederá algunas de las principales tesis que posteriormente defenderá la Reforma protestante en cuestiones políticas.
Attitude of Library Professionals Towards Information Communication Technology in the Select Central University Libraries of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Khanam Zeba , Sohail Mohd
Published: March 2024

With the advent of new technological transformations in libraries and information centres, library professionals have experienced major challenges with changes in the generation, creation, dissemination, and preservation of knowledge in libraries. The objectives of the present study are to find out the hindrances to implementing ICT, and incorporation in libraries has a prominent place in fulfilling the needs of users, but one must not ignore the fact that ICT is not only the factor responsible for achieving the goals of libraries; it is also the library professional’s positive attitude that endorses the implementation of the same. There are many factors that can help library professionals develop a positive attitude, including prior knowledge, proper training, and continuing education like in-service courses, workshops, and seminars. If the staff of the library shows a positive attitude towards the adoption of ICT in their organisation, it will raise their self-confidence, thereby increasing productivity, while also raising their morale and motivation among colleagues. On the other hand, a negative attitude will raise high levels of anxiety, lower levels of self-efficacy, technophobia, cyberphobia, and fear of losing their jobs. The negative attitudes of library professionals are the main hindrance to the implementation of ICT in libraries. The present study’s findings can advance our understanding of ICT adoption in libraries and provide practical recommendations for maximizing the use of ICT resources in library services. The study concluded that the major objectives have been accomplished by those in the library industry who adopt a critical stance toward the adoption and rejection of new technologies
Multi Targeted Non Invasive Photoceutical Therapeutic Approach for Combat and Traumatic Soft Tissue Injuries
Authors: Priyadarshi Ashok , Keshri Gaurav K , Gupta Asheesh
Published: March 2024

Combat and soft tissue traumatic injuries pose unique challenges in terms of their severity, complexity, and thus need for the exploration of rapid, novel therapeutic interventions. Traditionally, combat injuries have been managed through invasive surgical procedures associated with potential complications and prolonged recovery times. However, advancements in non-invasive treatment modalities have opened up new possibilities for managing combat injuries more effectively and efficiently. The present article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of non-invasive, drug-free, biophysical therapeutic approaches for combat and external traumatic injuries, focusing on their benefits, efficacy, and potential applications. The non-invasive nature and favourable safety profile of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) make it an attractive option for combat injury management. The evidence on underlying mechanistic insights supports the efficacy of PBMT in promoting tissue repair, reducing pain, inflammation, oxidative stress, and facilitating functional recovery. In conclusion, the present review highlights the significant potential of non-invasive PBMT using dual/multi-wavelength light energy as a valuable therapeutic approach for traumatic soft tissue and combat injuries and extensively explores associated mechanistic insights. Further research on combination therapies using potential pharmacological agents in conjunction with PBMT, with optimal irradiation protocols and other energy-based healing modalities will favour the translation of potential non-invasive healing intervention for combat and traumatic injuries in clinical applications.
Potential Candidate Molecules of Past and Present for Combating High Altitude Hypoxia Induced Maladies
Authors: Kushwaha Shweta , Saraswat Deepika
Published: March 2024

Hypobaric hypoxia occurs at high altitudes where barometric pressure is low causing insufficient supply of oxygen leading to many high-altitude illnesses like acute mountain sickness (AMS), high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) etc.Medications have been applied to treat and prevent injuries caused by HBH, showing anti-inflammatory, anti-edemagenic, and antioxidant properties. AMS symptoms, such as headache, nausea, weariness, usually go away in 1-2 days. HACE causes brain swelling, elevated intracranial pressure, resulting in confusion, stupor, ataxia, and death.Acetazolamide, dexamethasone, nifedipine are the drugs used for treatment acting oncarbonic anhydrase enzyme, calcium channels.Acetazolamide increases arterial partial pressure of oxygen.Nifedipine relaxes vascular smooth muscles and increases blood flow. Some drugscause side effects also like dizziness, diuresis, nausea, malaise, etc. Hence, a new drug search is needed to find more targeted and fewer side effects for faster relief and better health at high altitudes.
Memorias & Sentidos: ejercicios de territorialización de organizaciones de víctimas en el Atlántico (2001-2021)
Authors: Rico Revelo Diana , Nates Cruz Beatriz
Published: March 2024

La inspiración de este libro parte de la valentía, el compromiso y la responsabilidad de personas que, en condición de víctimas, se han movilizado para hacer territorio alrededor de la memoria. Se presenta una perspectiva comparada entre los departamentos de Atlántico y Caldas, una suerte de epílogo que enlaza los dos casos estudiados y nos brinda elementos analíticos de realidades convergentes y divergentes multisituadas que, en todo caso, hacen parte de un mismo corpus para resolver el interrogante central de esta investigación: ¿Cuál ha sido el rol sociocultural de las organizaciones de víctimas en la territorialización de la memoria y en la reconciliación social, durante tiempos y espacios diferenciados (antes y después de la Ley 1448 de 2011), en los departamentos de Caldas y Atlántico?
Vivir sin pareja, ¿un factor de riesgo en la autopercepción en salud? Estudio transversal piloto con un pequeño grupo de adultos en un municipio de Colombia
Authors: Moreno Gómez Maria Del Mar , Hernández Rincón Erwin Hernando , Correal Muñoz Camilo Alejandro , Zuluaga Ramírez Germán
Published: March 2024

Objetivos: La autopercepción en salud es definida como la apreciación del propio estado de salud. Este es un fenómeno multidimensional en el que actúan variables como la salud psicológica, el capital social y algunos factores sociodemográficos. Su estimación ha tomado relevancia en salud pública, ya que predice indicadores como morbilidad, mortalidad y uso de servicios sanitarios. El objetivo fue realizar una medición de la salud psicológica, el capital social y diversos factores sociodemográficos y establecer su probable asociación con la autopercepción en salud. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal entre septiembre y octubre de 2021. Se aplicó un instrumento con 52 preguntas sobre autopercepción en salud, capital social, salud psicológica y algunos factores sociodemográficos, y se realizó un análisis bivariado y multivariado en el programa CIETmap para identificar las variables que tuvieron mayor influencia en la autopercepción en salud. Resultados: En la muestra, el 80 % de las personas consideró su estado de salud como bueno o muy bueno, mientras que 17 % afirmó que su estado de salud es regular; el 17 % del total de la muestra tiene un alto riesgo de sufrir trastornos emocionales, y 58 % de los encuestados cuenta con buenas redes de apoyo. Por último, se estimó que la medida de asociación que mayor riesgo presentó en la autopercepción en salud fue vivir sin pareja (OR=5.90). Conclusiones: En la población estudiada, los factores asociados al capital social y al bienestar psicológico están relacionados con la autopercepción en salud, y vivir sin pareja fue un factor relevante.