bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examining the effects of two cognitive styles (field dependence vs. field independence) on learners’ mobile-assisted vocabulary acquisition
Authors: Mehdipour-Kolour Danial , Ali Mohamad Bilal 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Learners with different cognitive styles (here, field dependence vs. field independence) may learn second language vocabulary differently in different vocabulary learning settings. Although cognitive style has been widely studied in second language research, little is known about how field dependence/independence affects learners’ vocabulary acquisition in a mobile-assisted learning setting. One approach to solve this problem is to investigate the possible effect(s) of field dependence/independence on learners’ short-term vocabulary recall in a mobile-assisted vocabulary acquisition setting (here, Memrise). To investigate such effect(s), this study adopted a pretest-posttest design involving 147 intermediate-level learners of English as a second language. Using the Group Embedded Figures Test, participants were divided into two groups: field dependent and field independent learners. For 4 weeks, both groups practiced and reinforced a set of English vocabulary, selected from the Vocabulary Level Test, through Memrise flashcards. Our findings reveal a post-intervention improvement among both field-dependent and field-independent learners, but with field-independent learners slightly outperforming their counterparts in the short-term recall of the vocabulary. Implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.
AI Literacy and Zambian Librarians: A Study of Perceptions and Applications
Authors: Alam Abid Fakhre , Subaveerapandiyan A. , Mvula Dalitso , Tiwary Neelam 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study delves into artificial intelligence (AI) literacy within Zambian academic libraries, focusing on librarians’ perceptions and applications of AI. The research aims to gauge the AI literacy level among Library and Information Science Professionals in Zambia, identify their awareness and knowledge of AI applications in libraries, and explore their perceptions regarding the advantages and challenges of implementing AI technologies in library services. Data from 82 diverse participants were gathered using purposive and convenience sampling methods. The findings indicate a solid understanding of AI fundamentals among Zambian librarians and positive attitudes towards AI’s potential benefits in library services. However, challenges such as the need for enhanced AI expertise, resistance to change, and budgetary constraints are acknowledged.
Stochastic controls of fractional Brownian motion
Authors: Hamed Ikram , Chala Adel 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
We consider a stochastic control problem for a non-linear forward-backward stochastic differential equation driven by fractional Brownian motion, with Hurst parameter

H
∈

(
0
,
1
)

{H\in(0,1)}

, in the case where the set of the control domain is convex. We provide an estimation of the solution and establish the necessary and sufficient optimality conditions in the form of the stochastic maximum principle.
We apply the theory to solve a linear quadratic stochastic control problem.
Two synchronous paraneoplastic endocrine syndromes in a 53-year-old male with broadly metastatic widely invasive Hürthle cell carcinoma
Authors: Orrego John J , Chorny Joseph A 
Published: January 2024

Summary
Unlike medullary thyroid carcinomas, follicular cell-derived thyroid malignancies have rarely been associated with paraneoplastic endocrine syndromes. An ultrarare case of a middle-aged man with heavily treated broadly metastatic radioactive iodine-refractory widely invasive Hürthle cell carcinoma (HCC) of the thyroid with two synchronous paraneoplastic endocrine syndromes, T3 thyrotoxicosis and hypercalcemia of malignancy, is discussed here. The levothyroxine-induced T3 thyrotoxicosis was a gradual process that became more noticeable as the tumor burden, refractory to different modalities of therapy, expanded. The 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D-mediated hypercalcemia, on the other hand, developed in a manner of weeks, as it usually happens. It is important to emphasize that in patients with metastatic Hürthle cell and follicular carcinomas of the thyroid, on TSH suppressive therapy, the unexplained and progressive decline in FT4 and rise in FT3 levels, resulting in an elevated FT4/FT3 ratio, could be an indication of augmented type 1 (D1) and/or type 2 (D2) deiodinase expression in tumoral tissue, causing an increased conversion from the prohormone T4 into the active metabolite T3 via outer ring deiodination.

Learning points

Albeit extremely rare, some patients with thyroid cancer can present with more than one concomitant paraneoplastic syndrome.

Although medullary thyroid carcinoma is the thyroid malignancy that is usually associated with paraneoplastic endocrine syndromes, follicular cell-derived thyroid cancers have been rarely described as being the culprit.

In patients with metastatic Hürthle cell and follicular thyroid carcinomas, the unexplained and progressive decline in FT4 and rise in FT3 levels could be an indication of augmented type 1 (D1) and/or type 2 (D2) deiodinase expression in tumoral tissue, causing an increased conversion from T4 into T3 leading to T3 thyrotoxicosis.
A case of adrenal cortical carcinoma arising from a regularly monitored sub-centimetre adrenal incidentaloma
Authors: Parry Sarah N , Lau Namson S 
Published: January 2024

Summary
Approximately 80% of adrenal incidentalomas are benign, and development into adrenal cortical cancer is extremely rare. This is a major reason behind clinical guidelines recommending surveillance of incidentalomas for a relatively short duration of up to 5 years. Surveillance of lesions less than 1 cm is not routinely recommended. A 70-year-old lady was diagnosed with a non-hyperfunctioning 8 mm right adrenal lesion. She underwent annual biochemical and radiological assessment for 5 years before surveillance was extended to 2-yearly intervals. The lesion was stable in size, and radiological characteristics were consistent with a benign adenoma. Seven years after the initial detection of the adrenal lesion, she developed acute abdominal pain. Imaging revealed a 7 cm right adrenal lesion, which was surgically resected and histologically confirmed to be adrenal cortical cancer. She died 1 year later. Clinical guidelines have moved towards a shortened duration of surveillance of incidentalomas. Even though malignant transformation is a rare event, it is possible that this will result in a delayed diagnosis of adrenal cortical cancer, a highly aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis. To our knowledge, this is the first published case of an adrenal lesion of less than 1 cm developing into adrenal cortical cancer.

Learning points

Adrenal incidentalomas are increasingly common.

Clinical practice guidelines exist to aid in differentiating benign and malignant lesions and assessing functional status.

Transformation of adrenal incidentalomas to adrenal cortical carcinomas is a rare but recognised event.
PPAR-gamma influences developmental competence and trophectoderm lineage specification in bovine embryos
Authors: McGraw Maura S , Rajput Sandeep K , Daigneault Bradford W 
Published: January 2024

In brief
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) is a critical regulator of placental function, but earlier roles in preimplantation embryo development and embryonic origins of placental formation have not been established. Results herein demonstrate that PPARG responds to pharmacologic stimulation in the bovine preimplantation embryo and influences blastocyst development, cell lineage specification, and transcripts important for placental function.

Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) is a key regulator of metabolism with conserved roles that are indispensable for placental function, suggesting previously unidentified and important roles in preimplantation embryo development. Herein, we report the functional characterization of bovine PPARG to reveal expression beginning on D6 of development with nuclear and ubiquitous patterns. Day 6 PPARG+ embryos have fewer total cells and a lower proportion of trophectoderm cells compared to PPARG− embryos (P < 0.05). Coculture with a PPARG agonist, rosiglitazone (Ros), or antagonist GW9662 (GW), decreases blastocyst development (P < 0.01). Day 7.5 (D7.5) developmentally delayed embryos exposed to Ros express lower transcript abundance of key genes important for placental development and cell lineage formation (CDX2, RXRB, SP1, TFAP2C, SIRT1, and PTEN). In contrast, Ros does not alter transcript abundance in D7.5 blastocysts, but GW treatment lowers RXRA, RXRB, SP1, and NFKB1 expression. Knockout of embryonic PPARG does not alter blastocyst formation and hatching ability but decreases total cell number in D7.5 blastocysts. The decreased embryo development response and affected pathways following targeted pharmacological perturbation vs embryonic knockout of PPARG suggest roles of both maternal and embryonic origins. These data reveal regulatory contributions of PPARG in preimplantation embryo development, cell lineage formation, and regulation of transcripts associated with placental function.
Is there an effect of electromagnetic waves from base stations on the breeding success of Ciconia ciconia ciconia in Algeria?
Authors: Sakraoui D. , Ziane N. , Ghalem R. , Boukheroufa M. , Habbachi W. 
Published: January 2024

New nest supports used by the white stork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (Linnaeus, 1775) are mobile phone network relay antennas, which are not without danger because they emit electromagnetic waves that can have a major, although insidious, impact on the species. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of electromagnetic waves from mobile phone network base stations on white stork reproduction. We monitored the breeding phenology of the storks as a function of the distance of their nests from the base stations over 2 consecutive seasons, 2020 and 2021. The work took place in the North-East of Algeria, in Annaba and El-Tarf provinces. The nests were counted and divided into 3 distinct groups. The first is located on the relay antennae, the second less than 200 m and the third more than 300 m from the antennae. We calculated nest occupancy, number of young in the nest and number of nests without young. The results show that nests located directly on base stations have a reduced clutch size, not exceeding two storks and a low reproductive success since the majority of nests (51.9%) remained without young. The number of young storks tends to increase in nests far from base stations. Broods with 3 and 4 young are generally those located more than 300 m from relay antennas.
Estimating biomass of woody plants that grow in the different As-contaminated techno-soils in the ore-bearing provinces of Eastern Germany
Authors: Lovynska V. , Stankevich S. , Sytnyk S. , Montzka C. , Holoborodko K. , Heilmeier H. , Wiche О. 
Published: January 2024

Establishing the role of woody species as an instrument for heavy metal bioaccumulation is a relevant issue today in the context of the development of the phytoremediation system. The article presents the results of studies on the influence of different Arsenic (As) concentrations in soil on the development of aboveground biomass in Betula pendula Roth. and Populus tremula L. stands under conditions of reclamation plantings. The studies were conducted in 30 locations of birch and poplar tree plantations within the ore-producing regions of Saxony (Eastern Germany) in soil with different levels of As contamination. The highest As content was noted in the technosoil of the Davidschacht site, where the metalloid content was 229.3 times greater compared with a value in a conditionally uncontaminated area (Großschirma). The values of leaf area index and aboveground biomass obtained in field measurements were presented. The aboveground biomass values in the investigated plantations ranged from 189.9 ±10.16 to 201.8 ± 19.09 t/ha, and leaf area index values ranged from 1.74 ± 0.29 to 2.05 ± 0.16 m2/m2. Sentinel-2A multispectral images were processed for the construction of a map of the aboveground biomass distribution within the region under study. The values of the spectral indices for leaf area index were obtained with subsequent construction of the regression dependence of the aboveground biomass in the plantings on this indicator. The RMSE value for the developed model of the dependence of aboveground biomass on the leaf area index was 17.84 t/ha, which could be considered as satisfactory and can serve as a basis for practical application of the model developed. The inverse trend in relation to locations with different levels of soil contamination with As was determined for the aboveground biomass indicator. Within the region under study, the highest value of aboveground biomass in the stands was found for the area with the lowest As level. The results showed that the correlation coefficient between the highest of the optimal spectral indices, the leaf area index, and the aboveground biomass in B. pendula and P. tremula plantings was statistically significant and approached the value of 0.7. The results presented can become a theoretical basis for monitoring the accumulation of aboveground biomass of tree stands in areas with different levels of soil contamination with As. In perspective, the presented model of biomass estimation based on spectral technologies can serve as an application basis for rapid assessment of the growth and development parameters of forest stands in As-contaminated areas.
Indications and Neonatal Outcomes of Caesarean Delivery among Women Attending Maternity Teaching Hospital, Sulaimaniyah City, Iraq
Authors: Faris Gona 
Published: January 2024

Background: Cesarean section is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in obstetrics, defined as the birth of a fetus via a surgically created incision in the anterior uterine wall. Over the past two decades, there has been a steady rise in the rate of cesarean section delivery globally. As a result, short-term and long-term maternal and neonatal complications are rising.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the indications and neonatal outcomes of CS among women attending the Maternity Teaching Hospital in Sulaimaniyah city, Iraq.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional research was performed on 100 women from 12th December 2021 to 12th April 2022.

Results: Among participants, 50% were aged >30 years, and three-quarters were housewives. Nearly half of the mothers were multigravida and multipara, in which 64% were emergency, but only 10% underwent CS after delivery induction failure. The utmost common indications of CS were preeclampsia (16%), followed by meconium-stained liquor (12%), non-reassuring fetal heart rate pattern (10%), malpresentation, malposition, and previous C/S (8%). In most newborn babies, Apgar score level was seven and <7 minutes.

Conclusions: Most CS were emergency and performed for babies at full and post-term. NICU admission was associated with a low Apgar score, respiratory distress syndrome and all indications of CS.
Identifying Risk Factors for the Development of Breast Cancer among Women Attending Hiwa Hematology/Oncology Hospital in the Sulaimaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan
Authors: Saeed Deman , Sheikha Anwar 
Published: January 2024

Background: Breast cancer is the commonest female malignancy that affects 1 in 20 globally, with one out of every eight women in the west being a victim of it. To our knowledge, there is limited published data regarding the effect of risk factors on the prevalence of Breast Cancer among Iraqi Kurdish women.

Objectives: This study aims to identify the risk factors that might affect most women Breast Cancer in our region.

Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 women diagnosed with breast cancer at Hiwa Hematology/Oncology Hospital in the Sulaimaniyah province, Iraqi, from February 14th, 2021 to June 1st, 2022. Risk factors were studied in women who visited the Clinical Oncology Department.

Results: Patients' mean ± SD age at an early breast cancer detection was 47.33 ± 9.9 years. Most patients (89.3%) had no smoking history, 50.7% were passive smokers, only 0.3% had a history of alcohol consumption, 78% experienced anxiety, and 58% were physically inactive. Marriage and gynecological history were not protective factors. Family history of breast cancer was negative in 72.5% of patients; lactation in 75.5%, and several children lactated (31.0%) had no protective role. Regarding dietary habits, daily consumption of sweets (49.5%) and fat (45.2%) seemed to be risk factors. Red meat and poultry (84.8%) with fast food (79.3%) >2 times weekly were particularly relevant. However, daily consumption of fruits (80.7%) and vegetables (76.0%) seemed to have a preventive role in breast cancer.

Conclusions: Physical inactivity, passive smoking, anxiety and dietary habits were significant risk factors for the development of breast cancer among Iraqi Kurdish women. Actions aimed at enhancing physical activity and controlling other modifiable risk factors seems to be essential to reduce these risks.
The outcomes of flavectomy with foraminotomy versus hemilaminectomy with foraminotomy in patients with lumbar neurogenic intermittent claudication: A comparative study in Sulaimaniyah, Kurdistan region, Iraq
Authors: Abdalla Rawsht , Barawi Omar , Mahmood Hamid 
Published: January 2024

Background: The main prominent and classical symptom of lumbar spinal stenosis is intermittent neurogenic claudication, which is characterized by pain, aching, cramping, and paresthesia in the lower extremities induced by standing, walking, and back extension. Surgical decompression is the best choice when conservative methods fail. There are various decompressive techniques have been introduced, among them flavectomy with foraminotomy (F/F) and hemilaminectomy with foraminotomy (H/F).

Objectives: To compare the outcomes of F/F versus H/F, in patients with neurogenic claudication and to determine the predictors that may interfere with the outcomes.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-one patients with lumbar spinal stenosis having neurogenic claudication were divided into two groups sequentially. The first group (n=10) underwent F/F, and the other group (n=11) underwent H/F. Follow-up was done in the first and sixth months postoperatively for postoperative complications, Oswestry disability index (ODI), claudication distance, and patients' satisfaction regarding symptoms.

Results: In the last follow-up, the first group, after F/F, showed improvement in walking distance as 80% reported unlimited,10% improved with >1500 m, and 10% less improved with 500 m. These cases got lesser ODI scores and mostly were <10% despite one case remaining with moderate disability. Patient satisfaction rates were higher but not significant. While those who underwent H/F, nearly 40% showed unlimited walking distance, 45% improved with >1000 m, the remaining reported less improvement, and one remained with <100 m walking distance. Their ODI scores were higher than the previous group, mostly >10%, and 2 cases remained with moderate disability and complained of remaining back ache and leg paresthesia while improving in walking distance.

Conclusions: both surgical procedures showed benefits in treating lumbar spinal stenosis, but F/F is better than H/F due to its high success and patient satisfaction rate. It can significantly improve a patient's quality of life by increasing postoperative walking distance, resolving neurogenic claudication, reducing ODI score, and relieving back pain, lower limbs pain, and paresthesia postoperatively. The increase in age is associated with less improvement after both procedures.
Gastric emphysema: a case report of an elderly female patient with vomiting
Authors: W. Abdulfattah Faroq , Alobaid Omar M. , A. Alzahrani Mohammed , Alzulfah Saad T. , I. Ali Bandar 
Published: January 2024

Gastric emphysema is the presence of air in the stomach wall. it is rare radiological sign. Different etiological factors associated such as gastric outlet obstruction, trauma, severe vomiting, air from the mediastinum, and or ischemia. The management is by different approaches depending on the underlying cause. Only a few cases published in the literature about gastric emphysema, so we published our rare case including our approach to such a disease with achievable outcomes. 88 years old female presented complaining of nausea and vomiting with stable vital signs and computed tomography (CT) findings of diffused gastric submucosal oedema and emphysematous changes appear as a linear distribution with portal vein gas involving the left hepatic lobe which was treated conservatively with successful outcome. Gastric emphysema is rare, and non-infectious entity, it is a benign condition. The patients usually present with mild, non-specific vague mild, or moderate symptoms, like epigastric pain and vomiting. The diagnosis is made by radiological studies. Initially, a plain abdominal X-ray may show gastric distension. Confirming study by CT, which is the study of choice. It has an excellent prognosis with conservative management, long-term complications are rare and complete resolution is usually achieved with conservative management, although there are few cases of recurrent disease reported in the literature.
Emotional eating patterns in a sample of Mexican adolescents
Authors: De Gracia Manuel , Trujano Patricia , Nava Carlos , Jiménez Nuria 
Published: January 2024

Background: Eating patterns can be used to regulate emotions. Recent research has focused on emotional eating, aiming to determine the leading psychological causes of emotional eating based on the habits of a group of Mexican adolescent scholars that are between 15-17 years old (n=417).
Methods: Five mechanisms measured emotional aspects and eating patterns; they were analyzed with different statistical tools.
Results: There weren't significant gender differences in the feelings of emotional restlessness between boys and girls, nor the expected feelings of anxiety, anger, frustration, and depression. There weren't variations in the types of emotional eating between the normal weight (average weight) and overweight groups. Nevertheless, there was a significant relationship between emotional eating (negative feelings) and bulimic eating patterns, showing more dependency on eating after receiving stimuli related to eating, regardless of satiety and hunger. Negative moods and emotions appeared as a result of parents trying to have more control over eating. When having obesity, there was less oral intake control, which led to the risk of overweight/obesity. Finally, less parental control over eating slightly increased the risk of overweight/obesity. However, the most risk is associated to diet restrictions and worry about food caused by fear to be overweight.
Conclusions: Obesity in children and teenagers is a public health problem. Its prevention must be a priority; therefore, knowing and working on its risk factors is urgent.