Abstract: The aim of this study was to identify vulnerability to HIV among transsexual women and transvestites. Cross-sectional, quantitative-qualitative study carried out in northeastern Brazil. A virtual questionnaire and a semi-structured interview script were used for data collection among transsexual women and transvestites aged 18 years or older, with access to a messaging application and/or e-mail. The participants’ were recruited using the snowball technique. Descriptive analysis was carried out to characterize the participants, and qualitative data were processed using Content Analysis. Of the total of 72 participants, 04 participants reported being HIV-positive and 12 granted an interview. The following vulnerability markers were identified: inconsistent condom use; difficulty in negotiating condom use with sexual partners; difficulty in accessing health services, especially in situations of symbolic violence, such as not using the social name or pronoun errors; HIV stigma; and poor training of health professionals to deal with this population. The study population is characterized by young people with low level of schooling, showing vulnerabilities in the individual, social and programmatic dimensions. It is necessary to: improve access to health services; implement professional training programs since the undergraduate level in various areas of health; and develop more effective multidisciplinary approaches for this population.

Abstract:

Introduction Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), is the gold standard assessment of functional capacity and predicts postoperative outcomes in major abdominal and thoracic surgery, as well as in older individuals undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer. However, CPET is resource intensive and not universally available. Simpler objective assessments of functional capacity, such as clinical frailty scale (CFS) scoring, predict post operative complications and may be useful to aid shared decision and perioperative planning. Objectives To assess local cohort data and investigate the association between clinical frailty scoring, CPET outcomes and length of hospital stay. Methods A retrospective cohort analysis of all patients that received a cardiopulmonary exercise test as part of their pre-operative assessment for major abdominal and thoracic surgery between May 2018-December 2022 from four district general hospitals. Results 174 patients, age 73 (mean) CFS 3 (mean), underwent CPET testing with associated CFS scoring. CFS scores were weakly correlated with anaerobic threshold, VO2 peak and ventilatory equivalents, -0.34,-0.36 and 0.31 (all p<0.001) respectively. Linear regression demonstrated a negative coefficient for association of CFS with VO2 peak and AT, -1.22 and -1.70 respectively, both p<0.001. CFS score was not predictive of 1 year mortality in this group. In a subgroup analysis (n=59) there was no association with CFS score and length of stay. Conclusions Our data suggests a weak signal between CFS score and CPET results. Further investigation with larger datasets is required to explore the use of CFS as a surrogate for CPET testing and its use as an independent predictor for perioperative outcomes. This study supports the limited literature available.

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The article is conducting research on the level of anxiety experienced by university students in Bangladesh when taking mathematics tests, and it is using a mixed-mode approach, which likely includes both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. The article is likely analyzing the overall level of mathematics test anxiety among university students in Bangladesh, as well as examining any differences in anxiety levels between male and female students and across different courses of study. The mixed mode approach, which combines both quantitative and qualitative methods, would allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the topic. The article has likely gathered data from a sample of approximately 700 university mathematics students in Bangladesh through a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative data would be analyzed statistically, while the qualitative data would be analyzed through the use of the focus group discussions (FGD) technique. The FGD technique allows for an in-depth exploration of the student's experiences and perceptions of mathematics test anxiety through open-ended discussions among small groups of participants. The study's findings indicate that the university students in Bangladesh who participated in the research were experiencing some level of anxiety when it comes to taking mathematics tests. However, the study found that there was no significant difference in anxiety levels between male and female students or among students in different courses of study. This suggests that the level of mathematics test anxiety among the participants is not affected by gender or course type. The conclusion is that there is a need for increased awareness among students, teachers, and parents about the issue of mathematics test anxiety among university students in Bangladesh. The study has shown that students are experiencing some level of anxiety when it comes to taking mathematics tests, and the conclusion is that this needs to be addressed in order to reduce its negative effects on learning and performance. Therefore, the authors may recommend strategies such as providing counseling, teacher training, or parental involvement.

Abstract: Most preclinical studies on glioblastoma (GBM) fail to provide translational utility in the clinic. Fluorescence-guided surgery using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) improves tumor resection, disease prognosis, and thus, patient outcomes. Given the critical role of surgery in managing recurrent GBM, it is essential to incorporate surgical elements into preclinical models to accurately reflect clinical scenarios and enhance translational success. However, existing protocols for 5-ALA-guided resection in preclinical models are limited and often lack clinical relevance. To address this gap, we developed a novel protocol for the 5-ALA-guided resection in two mouse GBM models: TRP-mCherry-FLuc and GL261 Red-FLuc. Resection of TRP-mCherry-FLuc tumors significantly extended survival and mitigated weight loss compared to controls. Similarly, GL261 Red-FLuc tumor resection increased survival, reduced weight loss, and slowed tumor progression. This study presents a clinically relevant protocol for 5-ALA-guided resection in preclinical GBM models, providing a platform for future research to integrate adjuvant therapies and enhance their potential translation into clinical practice.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Limited data exist on the organization and operation of Level II/III Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in Greece; this retrospective cross-sectional survey explored their structure and functioning in 2004 and 2022. Methods: A structured questionnaire was utilized, along with demographic and perinatal data obtained from the Hellenic Statistical Authority. Results: Between 2004 and 2022, live births decreased by 28%, while the prematurity rate rose from 6.96% to 11.87% (p

Abstract: Legislation and regulations aimed at ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage exist in many countries worldwide and Egypt. The legislation creates a regulatory framework and defines the roles and responsibilities of various departments and agencies, while it also formalizes institutional arrangements. In the Antiquities sector, the main objective of such legislation is to protect, for the enjoyment of future generations, the Archaeological heritage resource from any unwarranted destruction. The analytical method of the texts of the relevant laws has been adopted in writing the research as it is based on extrapolation and comparison, through reviewing the legal texts that the legislator mentioned in this regard, whether they are at the heart of the Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt for the year 2014, contained in the laws that relate to antiquities and heritage trying to analyze it and discussing it to demonstrate its sufficiency to provide the necessary protection and management tools for this important archaeological heritage. Legislation, both internationally and nationally, on archaeological heritage management is often based on a dominant heritage discourse that focuses on material conservation. The range of legislation that either directly or indirectly influences the protection and management of Archaeological heritage is extensive currently there exists within the Egyptian legislative landscape a myriad of statutes that impinge on Archaeological heritage. This paper explores the Integration between these statutes and the availability of strengthening the imperative to protect Archaeological heritage through such instruments as policy statements and plans. The effectiveness of these changes, however, will only become apparent as these planning instruments are reconsidered in light of the enhanced requirements.

Abstract: Subclinical mastitis (SCM) represents a pervasive challenge in dairy farming, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs), where its detection and management remain inadequate. The condition, often undetectable without diagnostic tools, compromises milk quality, reduces yields, and imposes significant economic and public health burdens. This review explores key strategies to address SCM by evaluating three diagnostic techniques – California Mastitis Test (CMT), White Side Test (WST), and Draminski Mastitis Detector (DMD) – which are accessible and effective in identifying early-stage infections. Beyond diagnostics, the review delves into the microbiological analysis of bacterial pathogens associated with udder infections and histopathological investigations to identify microscopic tissue changes. By synthesizing these approaches, the review offers a perspective on udder health and its implications for cow welfare and dairy productivity. Although focused on Nigeria, where data on udder health and cow welfare are limited, the findings highlight broader lessons for LMICs with similar challenges. This review emphasizes the importance of integrating early detection, targeted interventions, and evidence-based management to mitigate the impact of SCM, improve cow welfare, and enhance dairy sector sustainability. The recommendations aim to benefit farmers, veterinarians, researchers, and policymakers committed to advancing the productivity and resilience of the dairy industry.

Abstract: The identification problem of decentralised control systems (DS) is considered. Analysis shows that this problem has not been given sufficient attention. The complexity of systems and a priori uncertainty require the development of approaches and methods. DS parametric identifiability (PI) requires a solution. We propose the approach to the PI assessment based on the fulfilment of the constant excitation condition and consider relationships in the subsystems. PI conditions are got and algorithms for parametric and signal adaptive identification are received. We consider DS with non-linearities satisfying the quadratic condition. The exponential dissipativity of the identification system is proved using Lyapunov vector functions. The influence of interrelations considers on properties of parameter estimates. Examples are given. A method is proposed for the construction of adaptive algorithms under functional constraints.

Abstract: Based on the panel data of 12 major cotton-producing provinces in China from 2000 to 2021, the green total factor productivity of cotton is calculated and decomposed by super efficiency EBM-GML index. On this basis, FGLS model is used to analyze the impact of environmental regulation on cotton GTFP and its mechanism. The results show that: First, the cotton GTFP in China has been rising in the undulation during the sample period, with an annual rate of 1.5%, and it is mainly driven by the green technology progress, with the deterioration of scale efficiency the main restricting factor. Secondly, agricultural environmental regulation contributes to improve the cotton GTFP. With the strengthening of environmental regulation, government increases the agricultural scientific research investments, which stimulates the innovation and improves the green production efficiency of cotton. Thirdly, there is a nonlinear reversed U-shaped relationship between agricultural environmental regulation and the cotton’s GTFP. Since the intensity of environmental regulation in each major cotton-producing province in China has not hit the optimal value yet, we recommend local governments to institute flexible environmental regulation policies that adapt more closely to each region to promote the green development of cotton industry.

Abstract:

Traffic safety experiments are often conducted in virtual environments in order to avoid dangerous situations and conduct them more cost-efficiently. This means that attention must be paid to the fidelity of the traffic scenario reproduction, because the pedestrians’ judgments have to be close to reality. To understand the behavior in prevailing audio rendering systems better, a listening test was conducted, which focused on perceptual differences between simulation and playback methods. Six vehicle driving-by-scenes were presented using two different simulation methods, three different playback methods, and in additional binaural recordings from the test track acquired during the recordings of the vehicle sound sources for the simulation. Each vehicle driving-by-scene was characterized by different vehicle types and different speeds. Participants rated six attributes of the perceptual dimensions “timbral balance”, “naturalness”, “room-related”, “source localization", “loudness” and “speed perception”. While the ratings showed a high degree of similarity of the ratings of the sound attributes in the different reproduction systems, there were minor differences in the speed and loudness estimations and the different brightness perceptions stood out. A comparison of the loudness ratings in the scenes featuring electric and combustion engine vehicles highlights the issue of reduced detection abilities with regard to the former.