bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of the second and third COVID-19 pandemic waves on routine outpatient malaria indicators and case management practices in Uganda; an interrupted time series analysis.
Authors: Mukisa Pius , Kitutu Freddy Eric , Nankabirwa Joan , Mpimbaza Arthur , Okiring Jaffer , Kalyango Joan N 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Reports on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of malaria care and burden in sub Saharan Africa have provided a mixed picture to date. We assessed the impact of the 2nd (Delta) and 3rd (Omicron) COVID-19 waves on outpatient malaria indicators and case management practices at three public health facilities with varying malaria transmission intensities in Uganda.
Methods: Individual level data from all patients presenting to the out-patient departments (OPD) of the three facilities (Kasambya, Walukuba and Lumino) between January 2019 and February 2022 were included in the analysis. Outcomes of interest included total number of outpatient (OPD) visits, proportion of patients suspected to have malaria, proportion of suspected malaria cases tested with a malaria diagnostic test, test positivity rates (TPR) and proportion of malaria cases prescribed artemether-lumefantrine (AL). Using the pre-COVID-19 trends between January 2019 and February 2020, interrupted time series analysis was used to predict the expected trends for these study outcomes during the 2nd wave (May 2021-August 2021) and 3rd wave (November 2021-February 2022). The observed trends of the study outcomes were compared with the expected trends.
Results: There were no significant differences between the observed versus expected overall outpatient visits in the 2nd wave, however, a significant decline in OPD attendance was observed during the 3rd wave (15101 vs 31154; incidence rate ratio (IRR)=0.48 [0.41-0.56]). No significant differences in the overall observed versus expected proportions of suspected malaria cases and test positivity rates in both COVID waves. However, a significant decrease in the overall proportion of suspected malaria cases tested with a malaria diagnostic test was observed during the 3rd wave (99.86% vs 99.99%; relative percent ratio [RPR]=0.99 [0.99-0.99]). Finally, a significant decline in the overall proportion of malaria cases prescribed AL was observed during the 2nd wave (94.99% vs 99.85%; RPR =0.95 [0.92-0.98]) but not the 3rd wave.
Conclusion: Significant declines in OPD attendance and suspected malaria cases tested with malaria diagnostic test were observed during the 3rd COVID-19 wave, while AL prescription significantly reduced during the 2nd COVID-19 wave. These findings add to the body of knowledge highlighting the adverse impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the malaria which could explain the increase in the malaria burden observed during this period.
Visual Prognosis and Surgical Strategy of Bilateral Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Wang Zhi-gang , Li Ping , Yang Xiu-min , Wang Zi-qi , Zhang Chu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to analyze the visual outcome in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) undergoing bilateral pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) to propose an effective surgical strategy.
Methods
This was a retrospective design of 27 patients (54 eyes) with PDR who underwent bilateral PPV. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyzed factors affect best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Differences between the superior and inferior final BCVA groups were compared using t-tests and chi-squared tests.
Results
The mean BCVA from 1.85 ± 0.94 Log MAR preoperatively improved to 0.76 ± 0.95 Log MAR at the final follow-up (P < 0.001). The final BCVA was significantly better in male patients than female patients (coefficient = -0.546, 95% CI: -1.048 to -0.044, P = .033), better in the first surgery eye than in the second (coefficient = 0.530, 95% CI: 0.030 to 1.030, P = .038), worse with postoperative neovascular glaucoma (NVG) (coefficient = 0.614, 95% CI: 0.045 to 1.184, P = .035). Fibrinogen (FIB) levels were negatively correlated with the final BCVA (coefficient = 0.723, 95% CI: 0.295 to 1.152, P = .001). Shorter surgical time was positively associated with the final BCVA (P = .040).
Conclusion
This study suggests that a formulated surgical strategy, including rational selection of the first surgery eye, shorter surgery time, prevention of NVG, and reduction of FIB levels, can significantly improve visual prognosis for patients with PDR undergoing PPV.
Quantitative Chest Computed Tomography in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Assessing the Role of Emphysema Severity and its Correlation with Clinical Characteristics, Lung Function, and Plasma Levels of VEGF and IL-1β
Authors: Hai Cong Nguyen , Duc Thanh Bui , Minh The Nguyen , Duc Loi Trinh , Quyet Thang Tran 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of emphysema in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) using quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and to investigate the relationship between the extent of emphysema, clinical phenotypes, lung function, and plasma concentrations of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in COPD patients.
Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 male patients with stable COPD at Military Hospital 175. The emphysema index (EI) was quantified using QCT of the chest and categorized into levels from 0 to 4. Data on acute exacerbation frequency, COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, pulmonary function indices (FEV1%, FEV1/FVC%), arterial blood gas measurements, and plasma concentrations of VEGF and IL-1β were collected and analyzed to determine their relationship with EI.
Results: The study found an average EI of 12.8 ± 11.64%, with 96.7% of patients exhibiting a bronchitis-dominant phenotype (EI < 35%). Among the patients, 46.7% had level 2 emphysema, 16.6% had level 1, and 36.7% had level 0. The severity of airflow obstruction, as classified by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), along with blood PaCO2 levels, mMRC scores, and the number of exacerbations per year, increased with the degree of emphysema. Conversely, FEV1% and the FEV1/FVC ratio significantly decreased with increasing emphysema severity. A significant inverse relationship was observed between EI and lung function (p < 0.01). Additionally, plasma VEGF concentration was inversely correlated with the EI (r = -0.5, p = 0.02), suggesting that reduced VEGF may play a critical role in pulmonary vascular destruction and remodeling, leading to more severe emphysema.
Conclusion: The emphysema index (EI) determined by QCT is a valuable tool for identifying COPD phenotypes and assessing disease severity. It can also provide insights into the prognosis regarding the risk of exacerbations, clinical symptom burden, and lung function decline. The significant inverse correlation between plasma VEGF concentration and EI indicates that decreased VEGF levels may be a crucial factor in the pathogenesis of emphysema, suggesting a potential target for research on "treatable" factors in COPD management.
Trial Registration: The study was approved by an independent ethics committee (Ethics Committee of Military Hospital 175, No. 003/QĐ-IRB-VN01.055) and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice.
From Zero to Hero: A Scoping Review of the Emergence of the Metaverse in the Virtual Environments History
Authors: Pentangelo Viviana , Gravino Carmine , Palomba Fabio 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The metaverse has transitioned from a science fiction term to a rapidly growing area of research and application, with potential uses in education, professional training, social events, and the virtual economy. However, despite this progress, a fully realized and functional metaverse is not yet available, and its development still requires a clear understanding and definition of the research directions to follow. Nonetheless, the metaverse topic does not start from scratch; it shares its foundations with Virtual Environments (VEs), which represent the Virtual Reality applications' core. In this paper, we built on top of the knowledge given by the history of the two topics to present a scoping review of the historical development of research in VEs and the metaverse from the 1990s to early 2024, analyzing 352 papers from the Scopus database. We aimed to offer a comprehensive understanding of how past research informs the present and future directions of the metaverse. Our findings revealed that the metaverse, while emerging as a distinct research area in recent years, is deeply rooted in the history of VEs, with many of its concepts and technologies deriving from earlier work in the field. We also identified new, underexplored trends within the metaverse research, proposing a future research agenda informed by the shared history of the two topics.
Entropy of state transitions in macroscopic active matter
Authors: Riedl Michael , Romano Francesco 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The extension of thermodynamic principles to active matter remains a challenge due to the non-equilibrium nature inherent to active systems. In this study, we introduce a framework to assess entropy in our minimal macroscopic experiment based on the utilized degrees of freedom.
Using motorized spheres as active particles, we demonstrate that the system transitions between distinct active states. Analogous to the phase transition in classic solids, liquids, and gases, each phase is characterized by a quantifiable change in entropy.
We show that the corresponding phase transitions are accompanied by discrete jumps in entropy, resulting from newly utilized degrees of freedom. Our findings reveal that active matter can exhibit phase transitions analogous to classical thermodynamic systems, quantifiable in terms of their entropy and temperature. By bridging equilibrium thermodynamics and active matter, this work shows how underlying principles extend to complex, living systems.
Developing peer-led recovery groups (PRIZE) for people with psychosis and their caregivers in a low resource South African setting
Authors: Brooke-Sumner Carrie , Repper Julie , Petersen Inge , Myers Bronwyn , Faris Gill , Rapiya Bongwekazi , Asher Laura 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Aim
In South Africa and other low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), personal recovery for people with a severe mental health condition (SMHC) is hampered by lack of community-based support. This paper describes the development of a non-specialist and peer-facilitated recovery intervention (PRIZE) intended as an adjunct to traditional psychiatric care.
Methods
Inputs into the adaptation process included evidence review, followed by 43 in-depth interviews exploring perspectives and desired recovery outcomes of people with lived experience and caregivers, and 15 interviews with service providers. These were analysed thematically and guided development of a theory of change. District stakeholder mapping, engagement and feedback was undertaken to explore potential acceptability and feasibility of recovery groups facilitated by trained peers (people with lived experience of serious mental health problems as service users or carers).
Results
Formative work identified the expressed recovery needs and led to a theory of change based on building self-esteem, reducing social isolation, and improving responses to financial instability, substance use and medication difficulties. For caregivers, the intervention was based on sharing of experiences and coping strategies. The intervention developed incorporated two phases of mutual support groups comprising service users with SMHC and family caregivers. An initial auxiliary social worker-led phase (9 weekly sessions) was followed by a supported peer-led phase (12 weekly sessions). The initial didactic psychosocial rehabilitation intervention evolved into an intervention designed to support individuals’ recovery journeys, grounded in recovery-focused core values of building hope, opportunity and control, and in which groups harnessed their own problem-solving strengths. This required training to realign the practice of auxiliary social workers accustomed to a traditional helping role towards a more enabling and empowering role. Particular attention was given to processes for supportive supervision and mentorship for auxiliary social workers and peer facilitators.
Conclusion
The involvement of district stakeholders and potential participants resulted in a tailored, context-specific intervention with potential to contribute to evidence for community-based, task-shared, peer-led and recovery-focused interventions in LMIC.
Seismic Domain Identification Algorithm using Fuzzy Logic Methods with Combined Geological and Geomorphological Data for the Case of Sakhalin Island
Authors: Sobisevich Alexey , Steblov Grigory , Agibalov Alexey , Aleshin Igor , Balashov Georgy , Kondratov Andrey , Makeev Vladimir , Perederin Viktor , Perederin Fedor , Sentsov Alexey , Kholodkov Kirill 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

An algorithm for identifying seismic generation zones or “seismic domains” using fuzzy logic has been developed and tested on the island of Sakhalin. Initial data were obtained from diagrams of the distribution of "weak" zones, relief height distribution skewness, and magnitude of recent area deformation for one year. These data were processed using a γ-operator in fuzzy logic with γ=0.9, which allowed us to identify areas with high seismic activity. The areas where these active areas intersect with zones with increased compressive stress values, as determined by computer modeling, were considered to be seismic zones. It was shown that, if there are not enough source materials available, it is possible to exclude information about the recent deformation field from consideration and use an assumed grid of active faults for computer modeling. This approach may be useful when analyzing areas that have not been studied well.
Pay-it-forward 23-valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccination Among Older Adults in China: A Two-arm Parallel Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol
Authors: Qin Jiao , Wei Liangjia , Tao Chunxing , He Jinfeng , Wu Dan , Lin Zhifeng , Huang Ting , Qin Shiyu , Su Qiuqian , Gao Yanxiao , Chen Shuiming , Wang Ganqin , Tang Xianyan , Ye Li , Liang Hao , Ning Chuanyi , Tang Weiming , Tucker Joseph D , Liang Bingyu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine reduces the risk of adults developing pneumonia by 38-46%. However, only a small number of older adults in resource-limited parts of China have received pneumococcal vaccination. Pay-it-forward is a social innovation that offers participants free or subsidized health services and a community-engaged message, with an opportunity to donate to support the next recipients. This trial aims to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the pay-it-forward intervention in encouraging the uptake of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in adults aged 60 years and older.
Methods: A two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial will be conducted in four community health centres in Nanning City, Guangxi Province, China. We will use a randomized block group design. A total of 204 older adults will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either the pay-it-forward group or the standard-of-care group. Each participant will complete an online questionnaire. The standard-of-care group will be required to pay for the vaccine by themselves, whereas the pay-it-forward group will receive a 20.7 USD (150 RMB) vaccination subsidy, postcards, and the opportunity to donate. Participants in both groups will be followed up in the second and fourth week after enrollment. The primary outcome will be the uptake of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine as determined by administrative data. Secondary outcomes include costs, pneumococcal vaccination knowledge, attitudes toward the vaccine, perceptions of gratitude, the incidence of adverse reactions and adverse events, and likelihood of recommending pneumococcal to others.
Discussion: This study will provide evidence on the effectiveness and economic costs of the pay-it-forward strategy for pneumonia vaccination among older adults. The findings could have implications for vaccination policy and offer a new strategy for increasing vaccination in resource-limited areas.
Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), ChiCTR2400079410. Registered January 3, 2024.
Воинский взгляд на мир в сборниках поучительных рассказов XIII в
Authors: Трубникова Н.Н , Коляда М.С 
Published: October 2024

Сборники поучительных рассказов сэцува дают богатый материал для исследования мировоззрений различных слоёв японского средневекового общества, в том числе воинов. Рассказы о воинах появляются уже в сборниках XI-XII вв., но особый интерес представляют сборники XIII в. - эпохи первого в истории Японии воинского правления, сёгуната. Из них можно выделить два памятника, где воинский взгляд на мир прослеживается у рассказчика, а не только у его героев-воинов. Таковы «Сборник наставлений в десяти разделах» («Дзиккинсё:», 1252) и «Собрание песка и камней» («Сясэкисю:», 1279-1283). Рассказы о воинах в этих двух сборниках решают две задачи: 1) показать, каким должен быть человек на «Пути лука и стрелы», обсудить взаимоотношения в воинской среде, роль воинов в государстве и пр.; 2) на примерах из жизни знаменитых воинов и из истории войн пояснить общежитейские закономерности (нельзя недооценивать других людей, неправильно действовать исходя из общих соображений без учёта конкретной обстановки и др.). В приложении к статье публикуется перевод «Сборника наставлений в десяти разделах».
Collections of setsuwa tales give a rich material for exploring the worldviews of various layers of the Japanese medieval society, including warriors. Warrior tales appear already in the 11th-12th c. collections, but of special interest are the collections of the Kamakura era. Of these, two texts can be distinguished, where the military view of the world can be traced to the narrator, and not only to his warrior heroes. Such are Jikkinshō (1252) and Shasekisū (1279-1283). Stories about warriors in these two collections solve two problems. 1) to show what a person should be on the “Way of bow and arrow”, discuss the relationship in the military environment, the role of bushi in the state, etc. 2) on examples from the life of famous warriors and from the history of wars, explain common-law patterns (one cannot underestimate other people, act incorrectly based on general considerations without taking into account the concrete situation, etc.).
Иван Бунин - современный классик русской литературы
Authors: Цыганков А.С , Мотрошилова Н.В , Гапоненков А.А 
Published: October 2024

Вниманию читателя предлагается русский перевод ранее неизвестной немецкоязычной статьи С.Л. Франка об И.А. Бунине. Присуждение Бунину Нобелевской премии в конце 1933 г. давало Франку прекрасную возможность указать на значимость и глубину русской духовной культуры, а также обозначить ее основные черты и те социальные и идейные противоречия, которые нашли в ней свое проявление.
Readers are invited to become familiar with a previously unknown German-language article written by S.L. Frank about I. A. Bunin as well as its Russian translation accompanied by comments. The awarding of the Nobel Prize to Bunin in late 1933 gave Frank an excellent opportunity to point out the significance and depth of Russian spiritual culture, as well as to outline its main features and those social and ideological contradictions that found its expression in it.
Александр Столяров: «Отвечу Вам совершенно честно»
Authors: Столяров А.А , Кусенко О.И 
Published: October 2024

Публикуемый разговор состоялся в рамках проекта Института философии РАН «Страницы истории». Сектор истории западной философии ИФ РАН записал интервью с известным ученым, исследователем стоицизма и христианской патристики, издателем текстов ранних стоиков на русском языке А.А. Столяровым. Это интервью-воспоминание о московской студенческой жизни, кафедре древнего мира и профессорах истфака Московского университета, книжных магазинах и самиздате, восприятии классической музыки, кафе «Охотник», поездке на Соловки, работе секретарем у А.Ф. Лосева, «белом пятне» стоицизма, друзьях юности и коллегах по работе, защите кандидатской диссертации, поездках на овощебазу и о многом другом. Упоминаемые в интервью имена и события составляют страницы коллективной интеллектуальной биографии поколения, чья университетская молодость пришлась на 1970-е гг., и вводят читателей в круг смыслов этого периода истории нашей страны, а также истории Института философии времен Волхонки. Интервью провела Ольга Кусенко
This conversation with Alexander Arnoldovich Stoliarov - an eminent scholar, the leading expert in the Stoic philosophy and Patristic tradition - took place in the summer 2017 as a part of RAS Institute of Philosophy project “Pages of History”. In the interview Prof. Stoliarov talks about his student years in Lomonosov Moscow State University, the faculty of history and its professors, the department of Ancient History, bookstores and samizdat , perception of classical music, “Okhotnik” [Hunter] cafe menu, a tour to Solovki, his working as a secretary in A.F. Losevʼs (an outstanding Russian philosopher of the 20th century) home-office, the “blank spot” in Stoicism, his thesis defense, Volkhonka 14, weird soviet “traditions”, friends of his youth, colleagues and many other things. People and situations mentioned here comprise the collective intellectual biography of the 1970s-1980s generation of young Soviet scholars and introduce the reader to this interesting period of the Soviet history. Interview conducted by Olga Kusenko.
«Выборка преданий о Святом» и традиция монашеских жизнеописаний в Японии
Authors: Трубникова Н.Н. , Гунский А.Ю. 
Published: October 2024

Выборка преданий о Святом ( Годэнсё: , XIVв.) представляет собой жизнеописание японского буддийского наставника Синрана (11731263). Важнейшие положения его учения наиболее радикального извода амидаизма в этом тексте не просто перечислены, но показаны в действии. Полное доверие силе Другого (будды Амиды), равенство всех людей в вере, осознание собственной греховности, подвижничество как способ воздать будде за уже обеспеченное спасение все эти установки в Выборке осуществляются в конкретных эпизодах из жизни мыслителя. При этом стиль, построение, сам подход к изложению теории на практических примерах восходят к более ранним японским рассказам о знаменитых монахах. Выборка доказывают, что исключительное почитание Амиды для Синрана не означало ни непочтения к другим буддам и бодхисаттвам, ни пренебрежения богами ками, ни презрения к другим учениям.
Godensh (14th century) is a biography of Japanese Buddhist master Shinran (11731263). Key provisions of his teachings the most radical version of Pure Land Buddhism in this text, not just listed, but shown in action. Full trust in the of Other-power, equality of all people in faith, keen awareness of humans own sinfulness, worshipping as a way to repay the Buddha for mercy all these attitudes in Godensh are carried out in specific episodes from the life of the thinker. The Selection is very traditional: the style, composition, approach to the presentation of theory with practical examples date back to earlier Japanese stories about famous monks, including the texts from Konjaku monogatari sh (12th century). The episodes included in Godensh prove that the exclusive veneration of Buddha Amida for Shinran did not mean disrespect for other Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and kami deities, nor contempt for other teachings, nor oblivion of the duties of the citizen to the ruler and teacher to the community. The article includes a translation of selected fragments from Godensh and a retelling of the remaining episodes.