bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diabetic Retinopathy Prevalence in Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Damascus, Syria.
Authors: alnablsi Hala , Hammoud Taghrid 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (DM2), which is on the rise globally, is associated with changes in lifestyle, obesity, and population aging. Diabetes is the primary cause of the most dangerous eye condition known as diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study set out to determine how common diabetic retinopathy was among people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Damascus, Syria.
Material and Methods: cross-sectional study. 100 patients with diabetic retinopathy were the total number of retinopathy-affected eyes in the study118. The statistical analysis method employed the Spss-28 software, while the inferential analysis employed the Chi-Score test. The obtained value (P<0.05) is statistically significant.
Results: The study included (100) diabetic patients diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, and the rate of DR was (65.9%), among the diabetic patients visiting the eye clinic, who numbered (493). The majority of DR were in the non-proliferative stage (58%), while the proliferative stage (42%), There is a statistically significant relationship between the type of diabetes, the stage of the illness, the duration of diagnosis, the severity of the illness, symptoms, and complications (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Particular importance must be given to proliferative retinopathy, as it causes disability to the patient and society, through early detection and appropriate treatment. The earlier diabetes is diagnosed and the eye examination is performed periodically, decreased risk of developing proliferative retinopathy and decreased visual ability.
Phytomediated synthesis of WO3 nanoparticles using Solanum lycopersicum fruit extract for enhanced photocatalytic activity of 2,4-dichlorophenol
Authors: Natchathra S. , Indramahalakshmi G. , Kavitha Balasubramani 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

In the present study, bio-citric acid/tungsten oxide (WO3) (BCAWO) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by using Solanum lycopersicum fruit extract as a reducing as well as a capping agent. The photocatalysts were characterized by UV–vis diffuse reﬂectance spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy techniques. Diffraction peaks in the XRD spectrum were identified as the crystal planes of crystalline tungsten oxide. The BCAWO had an average size of 23.14 nm. For W–O bonds, the Fourier transform infrared spectrum displays the vibrational peak at 671.23 cm−1. A prominent absorption band was observed at 268 nm, indicating the 1.2 eV bandgap. Under xenon (Xe) lamp irradiation, the synthesized BCAWO nanoparticles showed notable photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), with a degradation rate of 96%. With BCAWO concentrations of 2.5 g/L, pH of 4, reaction period of 180 min, and 2,4 DCP concentration of 10 mg/L, the degradation of 2,4-DCP had the highest efficacy, 96%. The degradation of phenols in wastewater may be facilitated by using the green WO3 nanoparticles as a photocatalyst, according to the results.
Quantifying the Regional Disproportionality of COVID-19 Spread: Modeling Study
Authors: Sasaki Kenji , Ikeda Yoichi , Nakano Takashi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused serious health, economic, and social consequences worldwide. Understanding how infectious diseases spread can help mitigate these impacts. The Theil index, a measure of inequality rooted in information theory, is useful for identifying geographic disproportionality in COVID-19 incidence across regions.

Objective
This study focused on capturing the degrees of regional disproportionality in incidence rates of infectious diseases over time. Using the Theil index, we aim to assess regional disproportionality in the spread of COVID-19 and detect epicenters where the number of infected individuals was disproportionately concentrated.

Methods
To quantify the degree of disproportionality in the incidence rates, we applied the Theil index to the publicly available data of daily confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States over a 1100-day period. This index measures relative disproportionality by comparing daily regional case distributions with population proportions, thereby identifying regions where infections are disproportionately concentrated.

Results
Our analysis revealed a dynamic pattern of regional disproportionality in the confirmed cases by monitoring variations in regional contributions to the Theil index as the pandemic progressed. Over time, the index reflected a transition from localized outbreaks to widespread transmission, with high values corresponding to concentrated cases in some regions. We also found that the peaks in the Theil index often preceded surges in confirmed cases, suggesting its potential utility as an early warning signal.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated that the Theil index is one of the effective indices for quantifying regional disproportionality in COVID-19 incidence rates. Although the Theil index alone cannot fully capture all aspects of pandemic dynamics, it serves as a valuable tool when used alongside other indicators such as infection and hospitalization rates. This approach allows policy makers to monitor regional disproportionality efficiently, offering insights for early intervention and targeted resource allocation.
Call for Decision Support for Electrocardiographic Alarm Administration Among Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Staff: Multicenter, Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Tang Xiaoli , Yang Xiaochen , Yuan Jiajun , Yang Jie , Jin Qian , Zhang Hanting , Zhao Liebin , Guo Weiwei 
Published: November 2024

Background
Previous studies have shown that electrocardiographic (ECG) alarms have high sensitivity and low specificity, have underreported adverse events, and may cause neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) staff fatigue or alarm ignoring. Moreover, prolonged noise stimuli in hospitalized neonates can disrupt neonatal development.

Objective
The aim of the study is to conduct a nationwide, multicenter, large-sample cross-sectional survey to identify current practices and investigate the decision-making requirements of health care providers regarding ECG alarms.

Methods
We conducted a nationwide, cross-sectional survey of NICU staff working in grade III level A hospitals in 27 Chinese provinces to investigate current clinical practices, perceptions, decision-making processes, and decision-support requirements for clinical ECG alarms. A comparative analysis was conducted on the results using the chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, or Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results
In total, 1019 respondents participated in this study. NICU staff reported experiencing a significant number of nuisance alarms and negative perceptions as well as practices regarding ECG alarms. Compared to nurses, physicians had more negative perceptions. Individuals with higher education levels and job titles had more negative perceptions of alarm systems than those with lower education levels and job titles. The mean difficulty score for decision-making about ECG alarms was 2.96 (SD 0.27) of 5. A total of 62.32% (n=635) respondents reported difficulty in resetting or modifying alarm parameters. Intelligent module–assisted decision support systems were perceived as the most popular form of decision support.

Conclusions
This study highlights the negative perceptions and strong decision-making requirements of NICU staff related to ECG alarm handling. Health care policy makers must draw attention to the decision-making requirements and provide adequate decision support in different forms.
Adapting the Technology Acceptance Model to Examine the Use of Information Communication Technologies and Loneliness Among Low-Income, Older Asian Americans: Cross-Sectional Survey Analysis
Authors: DeLange Martinez Pauline , Tancredi Daniel , Pavel Misha , Garcia Lorena , Young Heather M 
Published: November 2024

Background
Loneliness is a significant issue among older Asian Americans, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Older age, lower income, limited education, and immigrant status heighten loneliness risk. Information communication technologies (ICTs) have been associated with decreased loneliness among older adults. However, older Asian Americans are less likely to use ICTs, particularly if they are immigrants, have limited English proficiency, or are low income. The Technology Acceptance Model posits that perceived usefulness (PU), and perceived ease of use (PEOU) are key factors in predicting technology use.

Objective
This study aimed to examine associations between PU, PEOU, ICT use, and loneliness among low-income, older Asian Americans.

Methods
Cross-sectional survey data were gathered from predominately older Asian Americans in affordable senior housing (N=401). Using exploratory factor analysis and Horn parallel analysis, we examined 12 survey items to identify factors accounting for variance in ICT use. We deployed structural equation modeling to explore relationships among the latent factors and loneliness, adjusting for demographic and cognitive factors.

Results
Exploratory factor analysis and Horn parallel analysis revealed 3 factors that accounted for 56.48% (6.78/12) total variance. PEOU combined items from validated subscales of tech anxiety and comfort, accounting for a 28.44% (3.41/12) variance. ICT use combined years of technological experience, computer, tablet, and smartphone use frequency, accounting for 15.59% (1.87/12) variance. PU combined 2 items assessing the usefulness of technology for social connection and learning and accounted for a 12.44% (1.49/12) variance. The 3-factor structural equation modeling revealed reasonable fit indexes (χ2133=345.132; P<.001, chi-square minimum (CMIN)/df = 2595, comparative fit index (CFI)=0.93, Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI)=0.88). PEOU was positively associated with PU (β=.15; P=.01); PEOU and PU were positive predictors of ICT use (PEOU β=.26, P<.001; PU β=.18, P=.01); and ICT use was negatively associated with loneliness (β=–.28, P<.001). Demographic and health covariates also significantly influenced PU, PEOU, ICT use, and loneliness. English proficiency and education positively predicted PEOU (r=0.25, P<.001; r=0.26, P<.001) and ICT use (β=1.66, P=.03; β=.21, P<.001), while subjective cognitive decline and Asian ethnicity were positively associated with loneliness (β=.31, P<.001; β=.25, P<.001).

Conclusions
This study suggests that targeted interventions enhancing PU or PEOU could increase ICT acceptance and reduce loneliness among low-income Asian Americans. Findings also underscore the importance of considering limited English proficiency and subjective cognitive decline when designing interventions and in future research.
Baseline Smartphone App Survey Return in the Electronic Framingham Heart Study Offspring and Omni 1 Study: eCohort Study
Authors: Rong Jian , Pathiravasan Chathurangi H , Zhang Yuankai , Faro Jamie M , Wang Xuzhi , Schramm Eric , Borrelli Belinda , Benjamin Emelia J , Liu Chunyu , Murabito Joanne M 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Smartphone apps can be used to monitor chronic conditions and offer opportunities for self-assessment conveniently at home. However, few digital studies include older adults.

Objective
We aim to describe a new electronic cohort of older adults embedded in the Framingham Heart Study including baseline smartphone survey return rates and survey completion rates by smartphone type (iPhone [Apple Inc] and Android [Google LLC] users). We also aim to report survey results for selected baseline surveys and participant experience with this study’s app.

Methods
Framingham Heart Study Offspring and Omni (multiethnic cohort) participants who owned a smartphone were invited to download this study’s app that contained a range of survey types to report on different aspects of health including self-reported measures from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). iPhone users also completed 4 tasks including 2 cognitive and 2 physical function testing tasks. Baseline survey return and completion rates were calculated for 12 surveys and compared between iPhone and Android users. We calculated standardized scores for the PROMIS surveys. The Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) was deployed 30 days after enrollment to obtain participant feedback on app functionality and aesthetics.

Results
We enrolled 611 smartphone users (average age 73.6, SD 6.3 y; n=346, 56.6% women; n=88, 14.4% Omni participants; 478, 78.2% iPhone users) and 596 (97.5%) returned at least 1 baseline survey. iPhone users had higher app survey return rates than Android users for each survey (range 85.5% to 98.3% vs 73.8% to 95.2%, respectively), but survey completion rates did not differ in the 2 smartphone groups. The return rate for the 4 iPhone tasks ranged from 80.9% (380/470) for the gait task to 88.9% (418/470) for the Trail Making Test task. The Electronic Framingham Heart Study participants had better standardized t scores in 6 of 7 PROMIS surveys compared to the general population mean (t score=50) including higher cognitive function (n=55.6) and lower fatigue (n=45.5). Among 469 participants who returned the MARS survey, app functionality and aesthetics was rated high (total MARS score=8.6 on a 1‐10 scale).

Conclusions
We effectively engaged community-dwelling older adults to use a smartphone app designed to collect health information relevant to older adults. High app survey return rates and very high app survey completion rates were observed along with high participant rating of this study’s app.
Algunos aspectos de la arqueología prehistórica de Uruguay
Authors: Taddei Antonio 
Published: November 2024

Antecedentes de la arqueología en UruguayEl territorio uruguayo constituyó hasta poco tiempo una zona arqueológicamente desconocida. Sólo el esfuerzo particular de aficionados con cierta labor metódica llenó, en pequeña parte, el desinterés oficial por hurgar sus raíces prehistóricas. Esa temática, preferida en la enseñanza media y superior de Uruguay, fue cumplida, con todas las limitaciones emanadas de actuar sin apoyo económico y plena de sacrificios de toda índole, por el Centro de Estudios Arqueológicos de Montevideo, institución privada que nucleó aficionados dispersos pero con clara vocación e interés. La creación posterior por ley del Departamento de Antropología en el seno de nuestra Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias en el año 1974 cumple con una necesidad largo tiempo anhelada. Desde entonces se trabaja con paso seguro, en un avance conceptual y metodológico que, sin duda, aportará datos más concretos en la reconstrucción del pasado prehistórico de Uruguay.
Sistemas de asentamiento y movilidad durante el Arcaico.
Authors: Rodríguez M. Fernanda 
Published: November 2024

Plant macroremains recovered in Archaic levels (10000-3000 years BP) or the archaeological sites Quebrada Seca 3 and Cueva Salamanca. situated in the Hoyada of Antofagasta de la Sierra, province of Catamarca (Southern Argentine Puna). The starting point for the study of the archaeobotanical records was a survey of the current flora of the surroundings. The comparative anatomical and morphological analysis of the current and archaeological plants allowed the determination of the latter and the identification of species that do not develope in the arca or this study. The results indicated the presence of artefacts that had been mad with no local species. From this, the mobility and the probable existence of socioeconomic interactions during the Archaic period in the Argentine Puna were analized.
El saber hacer en ingeniería en la era virtual: estudio de caso de una profesión
Authors: Medina Mendoza Valentín , Viveros Contreras Rodolfo 
Published: November 2024

El uso efectivo de las TIC en los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje sigue siendo objeto de investigación y debate, ya que se requiere de estrategias didácticas adecuadas para lograr una formación integral y transdisciplinaria basada en competencias que incorpore conocimientos teóricos y prácticos. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo la identificación y eficacia de estrategias didácticas orientadas al “saber hacer” en cursos que son eminentemente virtuales. Se centró en revisar qué tan eficiente son los planteamientos didácticos para favorecer aprendizajes significativos en carreras científico-prácticas, a través del análisis de las percepciones de alumnos y docentes respecto del uso de herramientas tecnológicas en un programa educativo de ingeniería de nivel Licenciatura que opera en modalidad virtual. La metodología de investigación empleada fue mixta, incorpora herramientas tanto cualitativas como cuantitativas; se realizó una investigación documental mediante análisis de contenido que englobó los programas de asignatura, posteriormente se aplicó una encuesta semiestructurada a estudiantes y profesores con el fin de encontrar correspondencias entre los análisis de las asignaturas y la forma en que lo asumen alumnos y docentes. Se concluye que el uso de determinadas estrategias didácticas y el acompañamiento del profesor son fundamentales para alcanzar aprendizajes significativos; el apoyo en herramientas tecnológicas contribuye al logro de los elementos descritos en el perfil de egreso, sobre todo en los saberes teóricos, no obstante, en lo que compete a aprendizajes “prácticos” existen limitaciones señaladas por los estudiantes que obstaculizan sobre todo la experiencia directa y por consiguiente el desarrollo de habilidades y destrezas.
A Lightweight Processing Method Towards Integrated Multi-demand in BIM
Authors: Wang Yahui , Huang Limin , Xu Jian , An Xiaoya , Li Ziwei , Chen Jianhua , Guo Jianzhong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In recent years, the rapid advancement of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology has led to an increasing variety of application scenarios, necessitating diverse demands on the technology. Among these requirements, the lightweighting of BIM models is of paramount importance. However, conventional approaches primarily focus on the models themselves, neglecting the varying needs of users. This study presents a novel lightweighting method for BIM models, starting from user interests or specific scenario requirements. It employs optimized data structures and organization techniques to streamline source data, thereby solving the problem of lightweighting BIM models while catering to the diverse needs of users. A comparison of studies using apartment buildings, office buildings, and commercial complexes as examples show that this method works to greatly enhance the efficiency of visualizing different-sized BIM models in geospatial environments. This research provides a new approach to lightweighting BIM models and holds the promising potential to offer strong technical support for future advancements in BIM technology.
Impact of Material Consumption and Circular Economy on National Income in Europe – Chapter 2
Authors: Malatyinszki Szilárd , Módos-Szalai Szilvia , Jenei Szonja , Kerekes Etelka , Kálmán Botond Géza 
Published: November 2024

Objective: This study investigates resource productivity by exploring the factors that influence it and the strength of their impact using sustainability statistics from Eurostat. Theoretical Framework: The research analyzes the interdependence between national income and material consumption, with a focus on the paradoxical effects of circular material use on these variables. Method: Data from bibliographic sources are analyzed using statistical methods, including regression and path models, to assess the relationships between material consumption, national income, and the use of circular materials. Results and Discussion: The study concludes that national income and material consumption are interdependent, with material consumption directly affecting national income. Notably, the use of circular materials, contrary to expectations, increases material use and decreases national income. The cases of Hungary and the Netherlands are specifically examined to illustrate these findings. Research Implications: The findings suggest that strategies to increase resource productivity and sustainability performance need to consider the complex and sometimes counterintuitive impacts of circular material use on national income and material consumption. Originality/Value: This study provides new insights into the relationship between resource productivity, national income, and material consumption, highlighting the unexpected effects of circular material use. It contributes to the broader understanding of sustainability performance, particularly in the context of Hungary and the Netherlands.
Główne ośrodki kształtowania się ukraińskiej tożsamości narodowej w XIX i na początku XX wieku.
Authors: Bieryło Rafał 
Published: November 2024

Artykuł identyfikuje i dokonuje przeglądu najważniejszych działaczy i środowisk zaangażowanych w pracę na rzecz budowy nowoczesnej tożsamości ukraińskiej i jej popularyzacji na obszarach zamieszkania ukraińskojęzycznej ludności w dziewiętnastym wieku. Przegląd ten przeprowadzony został w oparciu o refleksję teoretyczną czerpiącą z koncepcji i rozważań klasyków myśli dotyczących rozwoju i funkcjonowania współczesnych narodów. Rozbita między Imperium Rosyjskie a Cesarstwo Austriackie ludność ukraińska, zdominowana przez klasy wyższe o odmiennej świadomości narodowej i przynależności etnicznej przechodziła odmienne procesy formowania narodowego w obu tych obszarach. Praca bierze pod uwagę ten znaczący aspekt i przyjmuje ten podział przyglądając się rozwojowi ruchów narodowych na tych ziemiach i ich ewentualnemu przenikaniu czy odmiennościom. Praca obejmuje także analizę kreowanych przez te środowiska najważniejszych działań, publikowanych wydawnictw, ogranizowanych stowarzyszeń i ośrodków oraz procesów historycznych służących budowaniu narracji narodowej i wpływających na nią. Wierząc, że sytuacja dzisiejsza nie może być zrozumiana bez analizy przeszłości i specyfiki lokalnej tworzenia się tożsamości na Ukrainie artykuł ma na celu podsumowanie przestrzeni narracji historycznych na temat wyżej wymienionych zagadnień.