bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uganda’s Post-colonial Privatisation Policy in Higher Education. An Integrative Literature Review and Case Study Analysis
Authors: Muganga Allan , Oladipo Oluwasegun A. , Adarkwah Michael Agyemang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Privatisation of higher education has been declining for scores of reasons to embrace publicness in the last decade. However, Uganda stands as one of the few African countries that have implemented a privatisation policy for higher education institutions. The motivation for privatising higher education and the benefits and challenges in the aftermath of the policy remain underexplored. To date, no study presents an intricate account to gauge the progress of the policy. The current study evaluates this policy’s progress by examining its main challenges and benefits using two private universities as case studies. An integrative literature analysis revealed contextual challenges regarding the privatisation policy of HEIs in Uganda. This was followed up by a qualitative approach involving sixteen (16) stakeholders (students, n = 10; parents, n = 3, and employers, n = 3) directly affected by the policy to measure the policy in terms of its impact on educational accessibility, quality, funding, and employment. Semi-structured interviews involving students, parents, and employers revealed that although the policy led to the massification of higher education, it also led to the commodification and academisation of education, whereby business principals have been imported into the country’s higher education sector, thus focusing more on profit maximisation other than quality education delivery. The study recommends the Ugandan government and policymakers such as the Ministry of Education and Sports and the National Council for Higher Education take a step to safeguard higher education from being too commercialised, commodified, and over-marketised.
A simple model of decision-making in the application process
Authors: Meng Fanyuan , Xiao Hui , Wu Xinlin , Hu Xiaojun , Niu Xiaojie , Chen Sheng , Liu Yu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In decision-making, individuals often rely on intuition, which can occasionally yield suboptimal outcomes. This study examines the impact of intuitive decision-making on individuals who are confronted with limited position information in the job application process. We propose a measure, the mismatch index, that gauges allocation efficiency by comparing the final application rate to the preset admission rate. By simulation and analytical results, we counter-intuitively find that under the intuitive strategy, acquiring more information does not always lead to more efficient allocation. Furthermore, our research reveals a noteworthy shift from pessimism to intensified competition when the initial application rate exceeds the admission rate, a trend substantiated by observations from field experiments. Additionally, empirical data unveil individual variations in the reliance on intuition, suggesting the existence of inherent adventurous and conservative inclinations. To accommodate these nuances, we introduce an enhancement factor into our model, resulting in improved alignment with real-world data. Notably, our findings underscore that, compared to scenarios characterized by moderate competitiveness, individuals exhibit a stronger inclination towards conservatism in contexts marked by fierce competition or diminished rivalry. These insights offer valuable implications for resource allocation dynamics, particularly within the competitive landscape of the job market.
The Dopaminergic Effects of Esketamine are Mediated by a Dual Mechanism Involving Glutamate and Opioid Receptors
Authors: Rizzo Arianna , Poca Maria Zelai Garçon , Essmann Amelie , Michaelides Michael , Ciruela Francisco , Bonaventura Jordi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Esketamine represents a new class of drugs for treating mood disorders. Unlike traditional monoaminergic-based therapies, esketamine primarily targets N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR). However, esketamine is a complex drug with low affinity for NMDAR and can also bind to other targets, such as opioid receptors. Its precise mechanism of action for its antidepressant properties remains debated, as does its potential for misuse. A key component at the intersection of mood and reward processing is the dopaminergic system. In this study, we used behavioral models and in vivo fiber photometry to explore the neurochemical effects of esketamine in the nucleus accumbens of mice. Our findings demonstrated multimodal effects of esketamine on extracellular dopamine dynamics. Generally, esketamine increased dopaminergic tone while decreasing glutamatergic transmission. However, it decreased dopamine phasic activity and impaired reward-evoked dopamine release. These effects were partially, and conditionally, blocked by the opioid antagonist naloxone and required glutamatergic input. In summary, our study reveals a complex interaction between neurotransmitter systems, suggesting that the neurochemical effects of esketamine are both circuit- and state-dependent.
Intensified outpatient nutrition counselling improves body weight and skeletal muscle loss after esophageal cancer surgery
Authors: Takahashi Naoki , Okamura Akihiko , Ishii Misuzu , Moriya Naoki , Yamaguchi Aya , Inamochi Yuka , Takagi Kumi , Nakaya Erika , Kuriyama Kengo , Terayama Masayoshi , Tamura Masahiro , Kanamori Jun , Imamura Yu , Saino Yoko , Watanabe Masayuki 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: The progression of malnutrition and sarcopenia after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer negatively influences long-term prognosis. To improve nutritional status after esophagectomy, we introduced an intensified nutrition counselling (iNC) protocol. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of iNC compared with the conventional NC (cNC).
Methods: We included 126 patients who underwent esophagectomy before and after NC revision, and compared nutritional status and changes in body composition after esophagectomy between the cNC and iNC groups. Nutritional parameters, including body weight, serum albumin level, and prealbumin level, were assessed. We also calculated skeletal muscle index (SMI) and visceral fat area (VFA) using computed tomography volumetry.
Results: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics or surgical outcomes between the groups. Compared with the cNC group, NC was provided more frequently (P < 0.001) in the iNC group, and compliance rate increased from 56.3% to 91.9% (P < 0.001). Body weight loss at 4 and 6 months and SMI reduction at 6 months were significantly improved in the iNC group compared with the cNC group (P < 0.001, P = 0.032, and P = 0.006, respectively). There were no significant differences in the changes in VFA, serum albumin level, and prealbumin level between the two groups.
Conclusions: Outpatient iNC significantly improved body weight and SMI loss 3–6 months after esophagectomy. Therefore, iNC may improve patient quality of life and outcomes by maintaining patient nutritional status.
Study on the relationship between indoor ventilation frequency and anxiety and depression symptoms in the elderly: based on the data of 2018 CLHLS
Authors: LIN Lu , HE Pingping , OUYANG Wentao , QIU Xiaohui , QIU Sihui , CHEN Jiangping 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Objective To investigate the correlation between indoor ventilation frequency and symptoms of depression and anxiety in the elderly.
Methods
A binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the effects of indoor ventilation frequency on depression and anxiety by using data from the 2018 Chinese Elderly Health Influencing Factors Survey (CLHLS).
Results
A total of 9 690 elderly patients with an average age of (83.20±11.269) years were included, including 4 458 males (46.0%) and 5 232 females (54.0%). The average score of indoor ventilation frequency was (6.06±1.980) points, including 770 people (7.9%) with low frequency, 3 066 people (31.6%) with medium frequency and 5 854 people (60.4%) with high frequency. 842 (8.7%) had symptoms of depression and 204 (2.1%) had symptoms of anxiety. Indoor ventilation frequency and depressive symptoms (OR(95%CI)=1.924 (1.504~2.461), 1.508 (1.272~1.787); P < 0.001) was positively correlated with anxiety symptoms, but not significantly correlated with anxiety symptoms.
Conclusion
Indoor ventilation frequency is related to depressive symptoms in the elderly. Communities and families should pay more attention to indoor ventilation and intervene in time to promote and improve the mental health of the elderly.
Accuracy of recent intraocular lens power calculation methods in post-myopic LASIK eyes
Authors: Gettinger Kate , Masui Sachiko , Omoto Miki , Torii Hidemasa , Yotsukura Erisa , Nishi Yasuyo , Ayaki Masahiko , Hayashi Ken , Negishi Kazuno 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This retrospective study compared postoperative prediction errors of recent formulas using standard- or total keratometry (K or TK) for intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation in post-myopic LASIK patients. It included 56 eyes of 56 patients who underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery, with at least 1-month follow-up at Keio University Hospital in Tokyo or Hayashi Eye Hospital in Yokohama, Japan. Prediction errors, absolute errors, and percentage of eyes with prediction errors within ± 0.25 D, ± 0.50 D, and ± 1.00 D were calculated using nine formulas: Barrett True-K, Barrett True-K TK, Haigis-L, Haigis TK, Pearl-DGS, Hoffer QST, Hoffer QST PK, EVO K, and EVO PK. Statistical comparisons utilized Friedman test, Conover’s all-pairs post-hoc, Cochran’s Q, and McNemar post-hoc testing. Root-Mean-Square Error (RMSE) was compared with Welch’s test and paired t-test post-hoc testing. Barrett True-K TK had the lowest median predicted refractive error (-0.01). EVO PK had the smallest median absolute error (0.20). EVO PK had the highest percentage of eyes within ± 0.25 D of the predicted value (58.9%), significantly better than Haigis-L (p = 0.047). EVO PK had the lowest mean RMSE value (0.499). The EVO PK formula yielded the most accurate IOL power calculation in post-myopic LASIK eyes, with TK/PK values enhancing accuracy.
Barriers and Facilitators to Providing Rehabilitation for Long-Term Care Residents with Dementia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ibekaku Michael , Ripley Sara , Alizadehsaravi Niousha , Affoo Rebecca , Middleton Laura , Moody Elaine , Ghanouni Parisa , Weeks Lori E. , McArthur Caitlin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Rehabilitation can help long-term care (LTC) residents with dementia maintain their independence. However, many residents do not receive rehabilitation. This study aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators to providing rehabilitation for LTC residents with dementia and propose practical interventions for overcoming them.
Methods
Using a phenomenological research design, we conducted a qualitative study involving 17 privately owned LTC homes in Nova Scotia, Canada. Data were collected through individual interviews and a focus group with residents with dementia (n = 3), family members (n = 4), rehabilitation providers (n = 6), and other staff (n = 3). We analyzed the data using inductive thematic content analysis and mapped the results onto the socioecological framework and the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) to classify and analyze barriers and facilitators to rehabilitation. The APEASE criteria (Acceptability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Affordability, Side-effects, and Equity) in the BCW were used to identify feasible interventions and policies linked to the identified barriers and facilitators.
Results
Barriers at the intrapersonal level included communication difficulties, comorbidities, and lack of motivation among residents. Interpersonal factors encompassed the availability of family support and lack of interdisciplinary practice. Policy/environmental factors involved limited resources, complex admission processes, low staff ratios, and restrictive restraint policies. Enhancing communication, reducing the use of restraints, promoting interdisciplinary practice, and increasing accessibility to activity spaces and equipment will improve the provision of rehabilitation for the residents.
Conclusion
Enhancing the capabilities, opportunities, and motivations of all actors in LTC homes can potentially minimize these barriers. Interventions such as staff training on effective communication and dementia care, promoting person-centred and meaningful activities, and improving interdisciplinary collaboration are crucial. Policy measures to improve hospital-to-LTC transitions, increase volunteer involvement, educate families and communities, and recruit more staff are recommended. Addressing these barriers through targeted interventions and policy changes can significantly improve rehabilitation provision for residents with dementia in LTC settings.
Assessment of community resilience to disasters at the local level within the scope of a disaster-resilient city: the case of Turkey
Authors: Öztürk Göksel , Bilgili Alper 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to assess community resilience to disasters at the local level in Turkey. In this study, a Community Disaster Resilience Index (CDRI) consisting of 5 sub-dimensions and 34 basic indicators based on the DROP model was developed. The developed CDRI was applied for 81 provinces in Turkey. In order to reach the data in the determined sub-dimensions, current data on the websites of (Turkish Statistical Institute, the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency, and the General Directorate of Highways) were accessed. The data obtained were analyzed using AMOS 23 and IBM SPSS 25 programs, and general resilience scores were obtained at the provincial level. In addition, Arcgis 10.8 program was used to reveal the spatial distribution of the provinces according to their resilience scores. In the first stage of the study, a sufficiently reliable CDRI based on the DROP model was developed. As a result of the application of the CDRI developed in the second stage, it was observed that the majority of the provinces in Turkey had medium and above disaster resilience levels. In addition, when the resilience scores of the provinces were evaluated according to the sub-dimensions of CDRI, it was found that the highest scores were in economic resilience and the lowest scores were in community capacity sub-dimensions. The developed CDRI is expected to guide disaster management policies and investments.
“Keep HIT in mind and take care”. Multiple tips from a single case.
Authors: Bevilacqua Sergio , Stefàno Pierluigi , Ranfagni Viola , Ammannati Bianca , Codecasa Riccardo , Gori Anna Maria , Cesari Francesca , Titherington Lara Mary , Pace Stefano Del , Rogolino Angela , Marcucci Rossella 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background. Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a relatively rare condition burdened by a high rate of complications and mortality. It is always crucial to keep HIT in mind in thrombocytopenic patients, even when other causes are highly suspected or documented. Alternative anticoagulants to heparin are required to avoid life-threatening complications. Warfarin is also contraindicated in acute HIT. Danaparoid, is the only anticoagulant whose mechanism of action thoroughly counteract the pathogenesis of HIT. However, it can hardly be applied to major surgery due to its 24-hour half-life.
Case Presentation. Here we present a case of HIT occurred after cardiac surgery, from which multiple suggestions could be derived on the real-word management of this challenging condition. Warfarin was initiated soon after valve surgery, according to our institutional protocol. Unfortunately, HIT was initially underestimated because an infectious hypothesis appeared much more plausible and strongly supported by echocardiography. Unexpectedly, a life-threatening left atrium thrombosis appeared at a second surgery that had been indicated because of endocarditis. Thus, we realized that thrombosis occurred soon after discontinuation and reversal of warfarin, which was decided because of the high risk of bleeding due to both severe thrombocytopenia and vitamin K antagonism.
Conclusions. Warfarin discontinuation could lead to catastrophic consequences if an unrecognized HIT is ongoing, and an alternative anticoagulant is not initiated. Danaparoid was used to treat HIT after the diagnosis was made. Monitoring its anti-Xa activity allowed anticoagulation to be adapted both when invasive procedure was needed and when the decision to switch to warfarin was made, thus balancing the risk of both bleeding and thrombosis in a patient with HIT who had recently undergone heart surgery.
Experimental study on the performance and emission properties of variable compression ratio engine at different compression ratios
Authors: Venkataramana P. , Subhanjaneyulu P.V. , Raghava P. Madhu , Reddy S.N. Pradeep Kumar 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study experiments on a single-cylinder, four-stroke, variable compression ratio diesel engine by comparing the performance and emission properties of diesel and linseed biodiesel blends. The biodiesel blends were obtained using a volume basis of 10%,20%,30%, and 40% of the linseed biodiesel blends, respectively, for experimentation. The linseed biodiesel blends are compared to identify the optimum biodiesel blend under changing compression ratios from 13.5:1 to 16.5:1 with a speed of 1500 rpm. The outcomes show that a combination of 20% linseed biodiesel with 80% diesel gives maximum performance compared to all other blends. The blends exhibited increased mechanical efficiency and brake power. Blends LD10 to LD40 demonstrated 2.6% more excellent mechanical efficiency and 13.4% higher brake power than diesel at a 16.5:1 compression ratio. For the blends LD10 to LD40, the exhaust gas temperature was 54.7℃ lower than diesel. In addition, hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions were reduced by 47% in the maximum blend percentage, and compared to diesel emissions, carbon dioxide emissions were 38.3% greater.
Population Dynamics and Habitat Preferences of Waterbirds across Six Wetlands at Different Geographical Scales
Authors: Ullah Inam , You Deng Wen , Wu Qing-Ming , Ying Sun Xue , Rajpar Muhammad Nawaz , Khan Tauheed Ullah , Khan Jabar , Ahmad Tariq , Rehman Faiz Ur 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Wetlands are vital ecosystems for waterbirds, are experiencing global decline due to human activities. Our study investigated the population dynamics and habitat preferences of waterbirds in six geographically distinct wetlands (Chashma, Dhap Chapak, Taunsa, Haleji, Raja, and Uchali) along the Indus River flyway. Point count methods were used during five consecutive migratory seasons (September and March from 2017 to 2022). In total, 73 waterbird species from 19 families and 11 orders were detected. Species richness varied significantly (F5, 437 = 8.14, p < 0.000) across wetlands. we recorded species richness (R = 73.0), species diversity (H' = 3.714), population trend (λ = 0.031), and species dispersion (E = 0.865). Chashma wetland exhibited the highest species richness (S = 52), relative abundance, and diversity. Uchali had the highest population of waterbirds (26.612%), while Raja displayed the uniform species dispersion (4.184%). Two globally endangered Pallas fish eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus) and Black-bellied tern (Sterna acuticauda) and seven Near Threatened water bird species: Black-tailed godwit (Limosa limosa), Great painted snipe (Rostratula benghalensis), Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster), Northern lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), Indian river tern (Sterna aurantia), Asian Woolly-necked stork (Ciconia episcopus), and Lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor),were detected, highlighting the significance of these wetlands for conservation.We recommend regular monitoring by wildlife authorities to track population trends, assess habitat suitability, and identify threats. Conservation efforts should prioritize water regime maintenance, pollution control, and community engagement for long-term wetland management and waterbird conservation.
Identification of CaCRT gene family and function of CaCRT1 under low temperature stress in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Wang Yanzhuang , Yang Ping , Li Jian , Li Juan , Zhu Keyan , Pei Minkun , li jie , Du Hongbin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In order to explore the information of CRT gene family members and their response under low temperature stress, bioinformatics methods were used to identify the CRT gene family in pepper. In this study, a total of 4 CRT gene family members were identified by screening, chromosome localization was found to be located on different chromosomes, Phylogenetic tree analysis was performed, and Colinearity analysis was performed. At the same time, these cis-acting elements identified in the 2.0 kb upstream promoter region of 4 CaCRTs in this study can be divided into three categories. The expression patterns of different tissues and organs under low temperature stress and the expression levels of CRTs in pepper under low temperature stress were analyze. Meanwhile, Using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) technology to verify the function of CaCRT1, The results showed that CaCRT1 participated in the process of pepper response to low temperature stress,accumulation of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA). In summary, this study systematically verified the regulatory role of the CaCRT gene family in pepper under low temperature stress, and laid an important foundation for further research on the biological functions of pepper genes.
The farthest color Voronoi diagram in the plane
Authors: Mantas Ioannis , Papadopoulou Evanthia , Silveira Rodrigo I. , Wang Zeyu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The farthest-color Voronoi diagram (FCVD) is defined on a set of $n$ points in the plane, each of which is labeled with one of $m$ colors.The colored points can be seen as a family $\cC$ of$m$ clusters (sets) of points in the plane, whose farthest-site Voronoi diagram is the FCVD. The diagram finds applications in problems related to facility location, shape matching, imprecision in geometric data, sensor deployment, and others. In this paper we present structural properties of the FCVD, refine its combinatorial complexity bounds, and present efficient algorithms for its construction. We show that the complexity of the diagram is $O(n\alpha(n)+\str(\cC))$, where $\str(\cC)$ is a parameter reflecting the number of straddles between pairs of clusters, which is $O(m(n-m))$. The bound reduces to $O(n+ \str(\cC))$ if the clusters are pairwise non-crossing. We also present a lower bound, establishing that the complexity of the FCVD can be $\Omega(n+m^2)$, even if the clusters have pairwise disjoint convex hulls. Our algorithm runs in $O((n+\str(\cC))\log^3 n)$-time, and in certain special cases in $O(n\log n)$ time.