bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bone mineral density and related clinical and laboratory factors in peritoneal dialysis patients: Implications for bone health management
Authors: Tamimi Rami , Bdair Amjad , Shratih Ahmad , Abdalla Mazen , Sarsour Alaa , Hamdan Zakaria , Nazzal Zaher 
Published: May 2024

Background
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients often experience accelerated bone turnover, leading to osteoporosis and osteopenia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of osteoporosis in Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) patients using bone mineral density (BMD) measurements obtained through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan and to explore any possible associations with clinical and biochemical factors.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 76 peritoneal dialysis patients from the dialysis center at An-Najah National University Hospital in Nablus, Palestine. We used the DEXA scan to measure BMD at the lumbar spine and hip, with values expressed as T-scores. We conducted a multivariate analysis to explore the relationship between BMD and clinical and biochemical parameters.

Results
Over half (52.6%) of the PD patients had osteoporosis, with a higher prevalence observed among patients with lower BMI (p<0.001). Higher alkaline phosphatase levels were found among osteoporotic patients compared to non-osteoporotic patients (p = 0.045). Vitamin D deficiency was also prevalent in this population, affecting 86.6% of patients. No significant correlation was found between 25 vitamin D levels and BMD. No significant correlation was found between Parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and BMD.

Conclusion
A notable proportion of PD patients experience reduced BMD. Our study found no correlation between vitamin D levels and BMD, but it highlighted the significant vitamin D deficiency in this population. Furthermore, our analysis indicated a positive correlation between BMI and BMD, especially in the femoral neck area. This underscores the significance of addressing bone health in PD patients to mitigate the risk of fractures and improve their overall well-being.
Implementation of Smart City Development Policy in Gedebage, Bandung, Indonesia
Authors: Darmawansyah Dimas , Pradoto Wisnu 
Published: May 2024

The smart city concept aims to help the people by enhancing information to the community or institutions to carry out activities or anticipate unexpected events to manage resources more efficiently ultimately. Within the smart city field, the Technopolis sub-concept aims for developing a safe and comfortable city life technology supported by accessible, fast, smooth, and productive city management. This project is expected to provide main activities of trade and services, creative and high technology industries, tourism, and transportation. The case study of Gedebage district was chosen because of its power as a fast-growing economic potential by optimizing existing potential, both in the form of physical possibility, resources, and cooperation between the government and the private sector. This type of research is field research, which uses the object of research regarding a symptom or event in community groups. Therefore, this research can also be a case study with a descriptive-quantitative approach. Quantitative analysis shows an actual sign, can be studied epistemologically, and the research that will be carried out aims to find explanations between indicators. Based on the findings of the analysis and research, it has been determined that the implementation of Bandung city government policies has a significant effect on community participation in planning the Gedebage Sub-region as the new city center of Bandung through the concept of technopolis.
Ekodesign
Authors: Dlouhá Jana 
Published: May 2024

Na konci roku 2023 vznikly níže popsané Metodické listy pro učitele základních škol (ML), a v březnu 2024 proběhla beseda s aktéry, kteří znají (často teprve vznikající) předpisy a/nebo mají zkušenosti z praxe. Pokud vás téma zajímá, rozhodně si – kromě přečtení následujících řádků a případně i celého souboru ML – poslechněte nebo prohlédněte jednotlivé prezentace. Ukazují totiž ne tak vzdálenou budoucnosti, která nás (snad, pokud nedojde k něčemu nepředvídanému) čeká.
The Joint Effect of Competitive Strategies, Competitive Advantage, Ethical Values, and Corporate Reputation on Performance of Accredited Universities in Kenya
Authors: Gathitu Cecilia Wacuka , K’Obonyo Peter , Machuki Vincent N. , Njihia James M. 
Published: May 2024

The broad objective of the study was to determine the joint effect of competitive strategies, competitive advantage, ethical values and corporate reputation on performance of accredited universities in Kenya. The corresponding null hypothesis stated that the joint effect of competitive strategies, competitive advantage, ethical values and corporate reputation on performance of accredited universities in Kenya is not significantly different from the independent effects of predictor variables. This study was anchored on Industrial organization theory, Stakeholders’ theory, Resource-based theory and Virtue’s ethics theory. Descriptive cross-sectional survey was used. The population of the study comprised 53 accredited universities. To collect data, semi structured questionnaires were administered online while a few were dropped and picked later. Data was analyzed using regression models. Findings from the test of hypotheses showed that the joint effect of competitive strategies, competitive advantage, ethical values and corporate reputation on performance was significantly different from the independent effects of predictor variables and thus the null hypothesis was rejected. The study outcomes contributed to theory, policy, and management practice where policy makers in higher education and university managers were recommended to establish a policy framework that observes ethical practices; quality programs, reliable training, research and adoption of competitive strategies such as market penetration, strategic alliances, product development focus, differentiation and cost leadership. A single respondent was deemed to introduce bias in choosing responses and was a limitation to the study. However, use of questionnaires reduced subjectivism in responses. For generalizability of results Longitudinal design was suggested for future studies.
A study of Horn matrix functions and Horn confluent matrix functions
Authors: Dwivedi Ravi , Verma Ashish 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we give the matrix version of Horn’s hypergeometric function and their confluent cases. We also discuss the regions of convergence, system of matrix differential equations of bilateral type, differential formulae and infinite summation formulae satisfied by these hypergeometric matrix functions. With the study of these 23 matrix functions, matrix generalization of Horn’s list of 34 hypergeometric series will be completed.
Association between first-trimester uterine artery Doppler and crown-rump length with growth discordance: does it make a difference
Authors: Antunes Maria , Matias Alexandra 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between first-trimester uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) and crown-rump length discordance (CRLD) with growth discordance (GD) in twins and analyze the influence of chorionicity in these parameters.

Methods
This retrospective analysis integrated data from the twin pregnancy database of Centro Hospitalar São João (2019–2023), including 184 fetuses, with 19 monochorionic and 73 dichorionic gestations. To determine the association between UtA-PI and CRLD with GD, correlation analyses were computed and linear regression models were carried out. Separate analyses were conducted for each type of placentation. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine the association of mean UtA-PI and CRLD with severe GD, defined as discordance ≥25 %.

Results
GD≥25 % was detected in 9.80 % of pregnancies. A statistically significant difference between monochorionic and dichorionic gestations was found in crown-rump length (p=0.009), CRLD (p<0.001) and birth weight (p=0.025), but not in mean UtA-PI (p=0.853) or GD (p=0.556). Mean UtA-PI was significantly higher in discordant than in concordant pairs (p<0.001), but that association was not seen in CRLD (p=0.931). Mean UtA-PI and GD were correlated by the regression line “GD=3.844 × UtA-PI + 6.638”, with R2 0.027. CRLD and GD were correlated by the regression line “GD=0.280 × CRLD + 10.79”, with R2 0.010. Mean UtA-PI, but not CRLD, was significantly associated with severe GD (odds ratio, 22.753; p=0.002).

Conclusions
Mean UtA-PI, but not CRLD, is associated with GD. The prevalence of severe GD increases significantly with increasing mean UtA-PI.
Exploring the Impact of Adjusting the Basic Pension on Lower-Income Groups in the German Pension System
Authors: Fechter Charlotte , Sesselmeier Werner 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This article explores the impact of adjustments to the basic pension (Grundrente) on lower income groups in the German pension system. This is done by hypothesizing that the basic pension reform is weakening status maintenance in the German welfare state for lower-income groups. We analyse monetary gains from the basic pension across different groups. We then adjust the eligibility criteria for the basic pension regarding the length of contribution periods and earning points threshold. From these findings, the paper develops a systematization for what needs to be considered in future pension reforms if the equivalence principle for lower-income groups is to be weakened.
A study of clinical profile in female spondyloarthropathy
Authors: Patil LN  , Oak JL  
Published: May 2024

Objective: To assess the clinical features of SpA including BATH indices and to compare clinical data of male and female spondyloarthropathy patients.

Methods: The study included male and female patients (60 each) fulfilling the European Spondyloarthropathy Study Group (ESSG) or assessment of ankylosing spondylitis (ASAS) criteria for SpA and the CASPER criteria for PsA or the modified New York criteria for AS. The subjects completed initial clinical evaluation and radiological and laboratory assessment.

Results: The mean age of presentation was found to be higher in females (34.6± 9.6 years). Backache was the most common features identified in both the groups. Peripheral arthritis was present in 51.7% of total patients (56.7% males and 46.7% females). Asymmetrical lower limb arthritis was found to be more predominant; however, 10% of the patients reported involvement of wrist. Psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease, and uveitis were noted in 13 (7 males and 6 females), three (1 male and 2 females) and 14 patients (9 males and 5 females) respectively. Dorsal and neck pain were frequently prevalent among the patients.
Effectiveness and safety of mycophenolate mofetil in connective tissue disorder associated interstitial lung disease: A real-life experience from India
Authors: Santhanam Sham , Rahulan Vijil , Jindal Apar 
Published: May 2024

Aim: To study the effectiveness and safety of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in patients with connective tissue disease (CTD) associated interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Methods: The retrospective observational study was carried out from Jan 2015 to Feb 2019. Symptomatic CTD-LD patients with (HRCT chest) documented ILD and abnormal pulmonary function test (forced vital capacity, FVC< 70%), who were treated with MMF were included. The treatment response was assessed clinically by pulmonary function test and radiology. Clinical assessment and PFT were done at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months. HRCT chest was done at baseline and 24 months.

Results and analysis: Out of 33 patients, 13 had MCTD, 12 had RA, and remaining 8 belonged to the systemic sclerosis (SSc)-predominant groups (3: diffuse cutaneous SSc, 2: SSc/myositis overlap, and 1 each with Sjogren’s syndrome, SLE/Sjogren’s overlap and interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features). Increased female predominance was noted (90.9%). The mean FVC at baseline noted in MCTD, RA and SSc-predominant groups were 62±6.17, 64±4.17 and 59±6 respectively. Improvement was reported in 4 patients, each in MCTD and RA groups. Eight patients in the MCTD group and 7 each in RA and SSc- predominant groups had a stable lung disease. One patient each in all the groups reported worsening of the disease. There was a positive trend in FEV1 and FVC with treatment. No significant difference in FEV1 and FVC values with treatment was noted across the three groups. Numerical differences in the mean values of FEV1 and FVC between two groups (NSIP and UIP) were noted, but was not statistically significant. All the subjects completed 24 months of follow-up. They were on 2 g/day of MMF for the first 12 months, followed by a maintenance of 1.5- 2 g/day for the next 12 months. None of the subjects discontinued treatment due to intolerance or adverse effects.
Intuitive eating, diet quality, and nutritional status of vulnerable children living separated from their families: A pilot study
Authors: Semiz Z. , Kabali S. , Ertaş Öztürk Y. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNutritional problems can be seen in children living separated from their families. This cross-sectional pilot study aimed to evaluate intuitive eating, diet quality, and nutritional status of children living separated from their families. A total of 55 adolescent girls aged 12–18 years participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical data, and 24-h dietary recall data were collected. The Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2) and the Turkish version of the Healthy Lifestyle-Diet (HLD-TR) index were used. Participants were divided into two groups according to their scores on the diet quality index using the 50th percentile. Group 1 consisted of participants with a score of 25 points or less, and Group 2 consisted of participants with a score above 25 points. Waist circumference (72.0 (66–83), 65.0 (60–77)) was significantly higher in Group 1 (P < 0.05). IES–2 score (3.05 (2.85–3.40), 3.30 (3.12–3.90)) and two sub–factors; reliance in hunger and satiety cues (2.80 (1.80–3.40), 4.00 (2.60–4.60)) and body–food choice congruence (2.50 (2.00–3.50), 3.50 (3.00–4.50)) were higher in Group 2 (P < 0.05). After adjustment for body mass index, age, and energy intake, there was a significant positive correlation between IES-2 and HLD-TR scores (P = 0.029). In conclusion, it may be advantageous to resort to strategies that promote intuitive eating to reduce obesity and associated problems in this vulnerable group.
Identification of the Culprit in the Investigation of Traffic Offences in Cases of the Driver’s Death
Authors: Mandarkhanova Lyudmila 
Published: May 2024

The author examines investigative situations in cases of the death of key traffic accident participants — drivers of vehicles, as well as the procedure followed by the law enforcement bodies during the preliminary investigation. Problems arising during the pre-investigation reviews are identified, and recommendations for ensuring a comprehensive investigation and completing its key tasks are given. The author shows why it is necessary to install dashboard cameras on vehicles and to adopt this requirement at the legislative level. Special attention is paid to the traffic accidents when not only the driver, but also other participants receive grave injuries, as the key requirement here is to prove that the dead person was really driving the vehicle. The non-rehabilitating legal decisions regarding the guilty dead drivers that are made by the investigators meet objections from close relatives, and as a result criminal cases are directed to court to be considered in a general procedure.
Pisos mestizos en 2021. Arte callejero y pedagogía del acontecimiento
Authors: Lichilín Piedrahita Ana Alejandra 
Published: May 2024

Durante el levantamiento popular del 2021, en plena pandemia, los jóvenes colombianos protagonizan uno de los hechos más destacados de la historia de Colombia en los últimos tiempos. ¿Cómo se agencian los jóvenes grafiteros y muralistas en este momento y qué implicaciones tiene esto para la educación? Son los cuestionamientos de esta investigación y, al responder, se muestra cómo los jóvenes crean un agenciamiento de expresión viva que le habla de frente y desde grandes formatos en el piso a un Estado que usa la represión y la muerte para controlar a la población. Se ve emerger, ante nuestros ojos y desde las pantallas de nuestros celulares, una nueva subjetividad que se abre paso en el mundo contemporáneo de la sociedad globalizada. Se requiere, entonces, una pedagogía del acontecimiento que permita acompañar la emergencia de este sujeto y que escuche, asuma y opere con estas subjetividades en transformación. Una pedagogía que cree las condiciones de posibilidad de agenciamientos colectivos de expresión que hagan un paréntesis en la cotidianidad para afirmar la vida, captar y entender el juego de las fuerzas que la impulsan y hacer que sea digna de ser vivida.
Charbonnier, Pierre (2023). Cultura ecológica. Icaria Editorial
Authors: Luna García Alvaro 
Published: May 2024

El libro Cultura Ecológica publicado por Pierre Charbonnier recoge los debates más importantes alrededor de los saberes y creencias que, a lo largo de la historia, han dado lugar a la construcción social del corpus de conocimientos científicos, políticos, normativos y filosóficos que regulan nuestra relación con la naturaleza y su dominio. El libro se convierte así en una obra de referencia para desarrollar una cultura cívica común capaz de concienciar a las viejas y nuevas generaciones en la alfabetización de los conocimientos ecológicos fundamentales que garanticen una adecuada relación con el ecosistema natural del que también formamos parte.
Nature-based flood risk mitigation in river deltas is most effective with upstream and channel-fringing mangroves
Authors: Pelckmans Ignace , Belliard Jean-Philippe , Gourgue Olivier , Dominguez-Granda Luis , Temmerman Stijn 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Global changes induce increased flood risks in river deltas, which concentrate a large portion of the global population and economic activity. Nature-based solutions, such as the conservation and restoration of mangroves in tropical river deltas, are considered a sustainable addition to expensive engineered flood defence systems. However, we currently lack science-based guidelines on where, in a river delta, mangrove conservation and restoration should be prioritised to attenuate extreme water levels most effectively and, conversely, where mangrove conversion to human land use would have limited impact on flood risks. Here, we apply state-of-the-art models to (1) an idealised generic geometry of a river delta and (2) a complex geometry of a real river delta case, which explicitly represents the complex pattern of mangroves, channels and human land use, to show that upstream-concentrated mangroves and channel-fringing mangroves are more effective in attenuating extreme water levels. Conversely, converting mangroves to human land use in zones located farther away from river channels and more downstream, has much less impact on extreme high water levels. Our study provides first step advice towards effective spatial planning that conciliates conservation of natural wetlands, economic development and flood risk mitigation.
On some applications of a particular class of block matrices
Authors: Kaddoura Issam , Mourad Bassam 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we study a particular class of block matrices placing an emphasis on their spectral properties. Some related applications are then presented. In particular, we prove the existence of an infinite number of integer matrix solutions for the two equations: aX p + bY p = cZ p and aX p + bY q = cZ r for any integers a, b and c and for any positive integers p, q and r such that these solution matrices have all of their entries nonzero natural numbers.
Preparing Allied Health Professionals for First Contact Practice roles in primary care: a mixed-methods study exploring the experiences of students and their clinical mentors
Authors: Chance-Larsen Kenneth , Lievesley Kurt , Backhouse Michael , Collier Richard , Sudmann Tobba 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The First Contact Practitioner role have been established in England to expand multidisciplinary working in primary care. First Contact Practitioners, including podiatrists, paramedics, physiotherapists, dietitians, and occupational therapists, undergo less foundational training than General Practitioners. Health Education England commissioned The University of Central Lancashire to deliver a module for First Contact Practitioners to support the development of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to provide safe and effective care in primary care. This study investigated the utility of the module as perceived by First Contact Practitioners who had completed the module and their clinical mentors, and their perceptions about how the First Contact Practitioner role meets the clinical realities of primary care.
Methods
Using a qualitatively driven mixed-methods approach, we collected data via online surveys and semi-structured interviews. We explored the empirical material using a reflexive and creative method, and used Lipsky’s theories on street-level bureaucracy as a theoretical frame of reference.
Results
Twenty-one students and six clinical mentors completed the survey, six students and two clinical mentors were interviewed. We found that perceptions about the utility of the module is influenced by personal circumstances, professional identity, and mentoring experience, and that profession-specific competence typically fall short of the capabilities required for the primary care gatekeeper role. The participants indicated that a clear definition of the First Contact Practitioner role is missing, which might sit in contrast to policymakers’ perception that there is a clear blueprint for the implementation of the role.
Conclusions
Our findings can inform and guide postgraduate training for healthcare professionals wanting to pursue a career in primary care, as well as employers that implement public policy at the street level. Our study can guide policymakers, who in their endeavour to improve public services must allow autonomous practitioners to interpret and show discretion in their meetings with patients, but also offer clear guidelines, job descriptions, and roadmaps.
Development of an eye-tracking system based on a deep learning model to assess executive function in patients with mental illnesses
Authors: Kim Minah , Lee Jungha , Lee Soo Yong , Ha Minji , Park Inkyung , Jang Jiseon , Jang Moonyoung , Park Sunghyun , Kwon Jun Soo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Patients with mental illnesses, particularly psychosis and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), frequently exhibit deficits in executive function and visuospatial memory. Traditional assessments, such as the Rey‒Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCFT), performed in clinical settings require time and effort. This study aimed to develop a deep learning model using the RCFT based on eye tracking to detect impaired executive function during visuospatial memory encoding in patients with mental illnesses. In 96 patients with first-episode psychosis, 49 with clinical high risk for psychosis, 104 with OCD, and 159 healthy controls, eye movements were recorded during a 3-minute RCFT figure memorization, and organization and immediate recall scores were obtained. These scores, along with the fixation points indicating eye-focused locations in the figure, were used to train a Long Short-Term Memory + Attention model for detecting impaired executive function and visuospatial memory. The model distinguished between normal and impaired executive function with an F1 score of 83.5% and identified visuospatial memory deficits with an F1 score of 80.7%, regardless of psychiatric diagnosis. These findings suggested that this eye-tracking-based deep learning model can directly and rapidly identify impaired executive function during visuospatial memory encoding, with potential applications in various psychiatric and neurological disorders.