bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fracture Height Quantification from Vertical and Horizontal Section Fiber Measurements: A Comprehensive Study Using LF-DAS Measurements from HFTS-2 Data Set
Authors: Srinivasan Aishwarya , Mjehovich Joseph , Wu Kan , Jin Ge , Wang Wen , Moridis George J.
Published: March 2024

Understanding fracture height growth is critical for optimizing hydraulic fracture treatments and field development. In recent years, low-frequency distributed acoustic sensing (LF-DAS) has become a popular tool for monitoring strain changes during hydraulic fracturing. While LF-DAS data from vertical monitoring wells (VMWs) can be used to determine fracture height, measurements from the vertical section of horizontal wells may have the potential to capture fracture height growth. The objectives of this study are (1) to apply three methods—(a) using the vertical section of horizontal fiber measurements, (b) using the vertical fiber measurements, and (c) using the horizontal section of horizontal fiber measurements—to determine the fracture height using the Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site 2 (HFTS-2) data set and (2) to demonstrate the reliability of using LF-DAS measurements from the vertical section of horizontal fibers for fracture height determination.

In an effort to determine the fracture height from the HFTS-2 data set using the three methods, we demonstrate the reliability of the height prediction using strain measurements in the vertical section of the horizontal monitoring well (VS-HMW). First, we analyze the measurements from the vertical section of the horizontal fiber (B3H) during the stimulation of the heel-most stages of the horizontal wells (B1H, B2H, and B4H). Second, we analyze the measurements from the VMW (B5PH) during the stimulations of B1H, B2H, and B4H. Third, we use a geomechanical inversion algorithm to obtain height estimates from the horizontal section of the LF-DAS measurements at B3H during B1H, B2H, and B4H stimulations.

The fracture height is determined based on the transition of the extension-compression zone in the LF-DAS measurements from the vertical sections. The height estimates obtained using the three methods are compared and found to be consistent in the six well pairs we analyzed. The LF-DAS measurements from the vertical well B5PH provide a complete height profile, while measurements from the vertical section capture fracture growth from the upper tip of the fracture to the landing depth of the horizontal well. The fracture height estimates obtained from our inversion algorithm represent the average height value of all fracture hits at the chosen stage. This study demonstrates the potential to determine fracture height growth using LF-DAS measurements in the vertical section of a horizontal well, thus avoiding the cost associated with drilling VMWs to obtain fracture heights.
Fifty shades of purple: a contribution to mega-disaster economics
Authors: Dulac Guillaume
Published: March 2024

The orthodox economic framework stumbles in the analysis of mega-disasters’ specific features. We impute this to a variety of theoretical and practical issues, notably an invariable recourse to the expected value metric and its decoupling from time discounting. After providing an account of these shortcomings (2), we develop a two-pronged quantitative approach to address them: first we introduce a family of discount models (Lomax based) bridging the gap between the exponential and the hyperbolic discount models (3). We then define a functional, the Δ-transform, that bonds the discount model with the underlying random variable for disaster losses. Key properties of the Δ-transform are displayed along with a comparison to the orthodox framework in the case of exponential and Pareto distributions as emblematic representatives of light and heavy tailed phenomena. We find that the Δ-transform entails original features and addresses the key challenges identified in the diagnosis (4). We proceed alike with the Γ-transform, a natural variation of the Δ-transform, less conservative (5). In most cases the transforms entail a closed formula, using a variety of special functions. Last, we discuss the extent to which our new framework challenges conventional wisdom on mainstream disaster economics and other situations featuring long-term horizons and high uncertainty (6).

Classification code ( JEL): C20, C65, D61, H43 Q54
A genome-wide association study of emm89 Streptococcus pyogenes identifies genetic variations contributing to severe invasive infections
Authors: Ono Masayuki , Yamaguchi Masaya , Motooka Daisuke , Hirose Yujiro , Higashi Kotaro , Sumitomo Tomoko , Miyoshi-Akiyama Tohru , Okuno Rumi , Yamaguchi Takahiro , Kawahara Ryuji , Otsuka Hitoshi , Nakanishi Noriko , Kazawa Yu , Nakagawa Chikara , Yamaguchi Ryo , Sakai Hiroo , Matsumoto Yuko , Ikebe Tadayoshi , Kawabata Shigetada
Published: March 2024

Streptococcus pyogenes causes mild human infections as well as life-threatening invasive diseases. Since the mutations known to enhance virulence to date account for only half of the severe invasive infections, additional mechanisms/mutations need to be identified. Here, we conducted a genome-wide association study of emm89 S. pyogenes strains to comprehensively identify pathology-related bacterial genetic factors (SNPs, indels, genes, or k-mers). Japanese (n=311) and global (n=666) cohort studies of strains isolated from invasive or non-invasive infections revealed 17 and 1,075 SNPs/indels and 2 and 169 genes, respectively, that displayed associations with invasiveness. We validated one of them, a non-invasiveness-related point mutation, fhuB T218C, by structure predictions and introducing it into a severe invasive strain and confirmed that the mutant showed slower growth in human blood. Thus, we report novel mechanisms that convert emm89 S. pyogenes to an invasive phenotype and a platform for establishing novel treatments and prevention strategies.
Applications of Representation Learning Methods in Professional Baseball
Authors: Heaton Connor , Mitra Prasenjit
Published: March 2024

In the realm of sports analytics, players, teams, and managers have primarily been evaluated through a set of summary counting statistics. Typically, these statistics describe the number of times various events occurred on the field of play, perhaps dividing one quantity by another and/or applying some statistical adjustment. Recent works have proposed viewing the game as a sequence of events towards identifying specific items of interest, such as the players being in a certain formation on the field. However, this sequential, contextual understanding of the game is abandoned once the item of interest is identified. We speculate performance can be gained by leveraging this sequential, contextual understanding of the game. In this work we demonstrate how a rich, event-by-event understanding of a sport, in this case professional baseball, can provide utility in the tasks of player performance projection and clustering. In the process of doing so, we also demonstrate how findings in the domain of sports can translate to state-of-the-art advances in more traditional disciplines of study - specifically, the natural language processing task of emotion recognition in conversation (ERC) and the computer vision task of long-tail partial-label-learning (LT-PLL).
Large disagreements in estimates of urban land across scales and their implications
Authors: Chakraborty TC , Venter Zander , Demuzere Matthias , Zhan Wenfeng , Gao Jing , Zhao Lei , Qian Yun
Published: March 2024

Improvements in high-resolution satellite remote sensing and computational advancements have sped up the development of global datasets that delineate urban land, crucial for understanding climate risks in our increasingly urbanizing world. Here, we analyze urban land cover patterns across spatiotemporal scales from several such current-generation products. While all the datasets show a rapidly urbanizing world, with global urban land nearly tripling between 1985 and 2015, there are substantial discrepancies in urban land area estimates among them influenced by scale, differing urban definitions, and methodologies. We discuss the implications of these discrepancies for several use cases, including for monitoring urban climate risks and for modeling urbanization-induced impacts on weather and climate from regional to global scales. Our results demonstrate the importance of choosing fit for purpose datasets for examining specific aspects of historical, present, and future urbanization with implications for sustainable development, resource allocation, and quantification of climate impacts.
Chrono-EEG dynamics influencing hand gesture decoding: a 10-hours study
Authors: Egger Johanna , Kostoglou Kyriaki , Müller-Putz Gernot R.
Published: March 2024

Long-term electroencephalography (EEG) recordings have primarily been used to study resting-state fluctuations. These recordings provide valuable insights into various phenomena such as sleep stages, cognitive processes, and neurological disorders. However, this study explores a new angle, focusing for the first time on the evolving nature of EEG dynamics over time within the context of movement. Twenty-two healthy individuals were measured six times from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. with intervals of two hours while performing four right-hand gestures. Analysis of movement-related cortical potentials (MRCPs) revealed a reduction in amplitude for the motor and post-motor potential during later hours of the day. Evaluation in source space displayed an increase in the activity of M1 of the contralateral hemisphere and the SMA of both hemispheres until 8 p.m. followed by a decline until midnight. Furthermore, we investigated how changes over time in MRCP dynamics affect the ability to decode motor information. This was achieved by developing classification schemes to assess performance across different scenarios. The observed variations in classification accuracies over time strongly indicate the need for adaptive decoders. Such adaptive decoders would be instrumental in delivering robust results, essential for the practical application of BCIs during day and nighttime usage.
MiR-2779-x, a Key microRNA that is Related to the Tumorigenicity of the MDCK Cell Line
Authors: Shi Jiachen , Yang Di , Huang Lingwei , Liu Zhenbin , Wang Jiamin , Ma Zhongren , Abudureyimu Ayimuguli , Qiao Zilin
Published: March 2024

MDCK cells are the preferred cell line for influenza vaccine production, and the tumorigenicity of this cell line is a major concern with respect to its safety for vaccine production. However, the effect of miRNAs on the tumorigenicity of MDCK cells is poorly understood. In this study, we performed high-throughput sequencing of miRNAs in four MDCK cell lines with different degrees of tumorigenicity. Thereafter, the functions of these differentially expressed miRNAs were explored by miRNA target gene prediction, and we identified miR-2779-x as a key miRNA that is involved in the tumorigenicity of MDCK cells. Overexpression of miR-2779-x could decreased the tumorigenicity of MDCK cells in vivo and vitro. Dual luciferase binding reporter assay and Western blotting showed that miR-2779-x targeted and inhibited Bak1 protein expression. The effect of miR-2779-x on the tumorigenicity of MDCK cells in vitro was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8, wound healing and transwell invasion assays. Overexpression of miR-2779-x decreased cell proliferation and migration but increased cell invasion. In conclusion, we obtained evidence for the involvement of miRNAs in the tumorigenic phenotype of MDCK cells and provided novel insight into the establishment of MDCK cell lines that lack tumorigenicity.
Research on tourism development planning of Majiahe national Forest health base in Jingmen
Authors: Li Pengfei , Geng Xiepeng , Zhang Ying
Published: March 2024

With the improvement of China's economic development level and residents' living standards, people's physical and mental health is also in a sub-health state for a long time because of the influence of work pressure and the deterioration of living environment. Moreover, the elderly population of our country is also increasing year by year, and the demand for health is also increasing day by day. The development trend of tourism in the future must be the combination of tourism and maintenance. Health tourism is very much in line with the development trend of future tourism. This paper chooses the development of forest health tourism as the research object. Through the research on the development of forest health tourism at home and abroad, combined with the actual investigation, this paper analyzes and studies the Majiahe forest health tourism base, and puts forward corresponding suggestions on its existing problems and defects, hoping to help the development of domestic forest health tourism industry.
Difference of Omicron variant infection and influence factors between people with and without HIV infection
Authors: Yang Jianhui , Strodl Esben , Zhang Dandan , Jiang Haibo , Chu Kun , Tan Shiwen , Ye Zehao , Shi Hongbo , Tong Feng , Chen Weiqing
Published: March 2024

Background
There are mixed findings in the literature regarding the association between HIV status and the risk of COVID-19 infection. Thus, we aimed to estimate the association between characteristics of HIV infection and the risk of COVID-19 Infection in a Chinese sample.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1995 people living with HIV (PLWH) and 3503 HIV-negative adults in Ningbo, China. We compared the prevalence rates of the SARS-CoV-2 infection and the long nucleic acid conversion time (more than 2 weeks) among PLWH and HIV-negative participants, respectively. In addition, we explored the risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and the long nucleic acid conversion time among the two groups.
Results
Overall, 1485/1995 (74.4%) PLWH and 2864/3503 (81.8%) HIV-negative people were infected with SARS-CoV-2. Among the SARS-CoV-2-infected participants, 437/1485 (29.4%) PLWH and 649/2864 (22.7%) HIV-negative people had the long nucleic acid conversion time. After controlling for the potential confounders, the rate of the SARS-CoV-2 infection was lower among the PLWH than the HIV-negative group (adjusted OR = 0.836, 95% CI = 0.706–0.990). However, PLWH had a significantly higher risk of the long nucleic acid conversion time after the SARS-CoV-2 infection (adjusted OR = 1.417, 95% CI = 1.176–1.707) than the HIV negative participants. Compared with those who did not receive ART, PLWH adults who received ART significantly had the increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, HIV-negative participants receiving COVID-19 vaccines significantly displayed the decreased likelihood of the long nucleic acid conversion time after the SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Conclusions
Our study indicates that different HIV Infection status was significantly and differently associated with the SARS-CoV-2 infection and the long nucleic acid conversion time. However, the further studies are needed to confirm the effect of ART and COVID-19 vaccines on SARS-CoV-2 infection in PLWH.
Rapid and Positioned Fabrication of Pure Gold Microsphere Arrays with Stable Deep-pressing Anisotropic Conductivity for Next-generation Advanced Packaging.
Authors: Liu Dilong , Cao An , Gong Yi , yang fan , Fan Yulong , Tian Xingyou , Li Yue
Published: March 2024

A simple and rapid technique is developed to fabricate pure gold microsphere arrays through a positioned transient-emulsion self-assembly and laser-irradiated ripening strategy. It enables the assembly of uniform gold colloidosomes in a pre-designed microhole array, transforming them into uniform microspheres within 10 seconds based on a layer-by-layer mechanism of laser-heating, melting fusion and merging growth. Theoretical simulations attribute this layer-by-layer mechanism to the finite skin depth of laser, creating a localized photo-thermal effect on the colloidosome surface. The key advantage for this technique is the final size of gold microsphere determined by the templating microholes, simplifying control through lithography techniques and making it applicable to various nanostructures using as gold source. Importantly, these pure gold microspheres demonstrate stable conductivity under deep compression, making them promising for reliable connections in soldering micro-sized chips onto integrated circuits.
A Smartphone Application Using Vibro-Acoustic Technology for Stress Management
Authors: Motokawa Tomonori , Kato Tomomi , Seto Shuji , Okuyama Junko
Published: March 2024

We developed an easy-to-use smartphone-based stress care system that employs simultaneous vibratory sensations and synchronized music. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of this technology and discussed its potential for societal implementation. This prospective study was conducted in three phases in Tokyo. Phase 1 tested the application’s efficacy in stress management following one month of use using subjective surveys assessing depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, mood, and fatigue. Phase 2 assessed the effect of one month of application on internal stress markers (salivary cortisol, IgA, and oxytocin levels). Phase 3 assessed the application’s perceived efficacy and potential for social integration using a questionnaire survey administered after one week of use. Significant improvements were observed in all subjective stress markers and salivary cortisol levels one month after application. Sixty-seven percent of the participants reported perceiving their therapy as effective in relaxing both their body and mind, while 46% felt that it contributed to improved sleep after one week of application use. Additionally, 73% of participants expressed a positive intention to continue with therapy. The smartphone-based stress care application offers an individualized experience through both tactile and auditory stimulation, demonstrating its potential for widespread societal implementation of stress management.
Integrating genetic and clinical data to predict lung cancer in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Gu Zhan , Wu Yonghui , Yu Fengzhi , Sun Jijia , Wang Lixin
Published: March 2024

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is closely linked to lung cancer (LC) development. The aim of this study is to identify the genetic and clinical risk factors for LC risk in COPD, according to which the prediction model for LC in COPD was constructed. Methods This is a case-control study in which patientis with COPD + LC as the case group, patientis with only COPD as the control group, and patientis with only LC as the second control group. A panel of clinical variables including demographic, environmental and lifestyle factors were collected. A total of 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped. The univariate analysis, candidate gene study and multivariate analysis were applied to identify the independent risk factors, as well as the prediction model was constructed. The ROC analyses were used to evaluate the predictive ability of the model. Results A total of 503 patients were finally enrolled in this study, with 188 patients for COPD + LC group, 162 patients for COPD group and 153 patients for LC group. The univariate analysis of clincial data showed compared with the patients with COPD, the patients with COPD + LC tended to have significantly lower BMI, higher smoking pack-years, and higher prevalence of emphysema. The results of the candidate gene study showed the rs1489759 in HHIP and rs56113850 in CYP2A6 demonstrated significant differences between COPD and COPD + LC groups. By using multivariate logistic regression analysis, four variables including BMI, pack-years, emphysema and rs56113850 were identified as independent risk factors for LC in COPD and the prediction model integrating genetic and clinical data was constructed. The AUC of the prediction model for LC in COPD reached 0.712, and the AUC of the model for predicting LC in serious COPD reached up to 0.836. Conclusion The rs56113850 (risk allele C) in CYP2A6, decrease in BMI, increase in pack-years and emphysema presence were independent risk factors for LC in COPD. Integrating genetic and clinical data for predicting LC in COPD demonstrated favorable predictive performance.
Linking vector favourable environmental conditions with serological evidence of widespread Bluetongue virus exposure in livestock in Ecuador
Authors: Acosta Alfredo , Barrera Maritza , Jarrín David , Maldonado Alexander , Salas Johanna , Camargo Guilherme , Mello Beatriz , Burbano Alexandra , DelaTorre Euclides , Hoffman Bernd , Dietze Klaas
Published: March 2024

Despite knowledge of Bluetongue disease (BT) in Latin America, little information is available on the actual spread and overall burden. As a vector-borne disease, high-risk areas for BT will coincide with favourable environmental conditions for the prevailing vector. In Ecuador, information on the presence of BTV is limited to singled out virological findings. In this study, we obtained serological evidence for BT virus exposure derived from the passive surveillance system of national veterinary services aimed at detecting reproductive-vesicular diseases, including BT, for differential diagnosis. Bioclimatic factors relevant for Culicoides development as the main vector and the host abundance in parish level were taken as risk factors and analysed using a logistic regression model. Results reveal widespread evidence of bluetongue virus exposure that geographically matches favourable vector ecosystems between 12°C and 32°C. The variables relevant for the prediction of BTV riskiest areas include cattle population, maximum temperature of the warmest month, minimum temperature of the coldest month, temperature seasonality, and precipitation of the driest month. This analysis, the first of its kind for an Andean country with diverse ecosystems, can inform initial strategic approaches for targeted surveillance and control measures considering a one-health approach.
The feasibility of reaching gigatonne scale CO2 storage by mid-century
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Jackson Christopher , Krevor Samuel
Published: March 2024

The IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) projects subsurface carbon storage at rates of 1–30 GtCO2 yr-1 by 2050. These projections, however, overlook potential geological, geographical, and techno-economic limitations to growth. We evaluate the feasibility of scaling up CO2 storage using a geographically resolved growth model that considers constraints from both geology and scaleup rate. Our results suggest a maximum global storage rate of 16 GtCO2 yr-1 by 2050, contingent on the USA contributing 60% of the total. This reduces to 5 GtCO2 yr-1 if projections are constrained by government roadmaps, mostly because this limits deployment in the USA to 1 GtCO2 yr-1. These values contrast with projections in the AR6 that vastly overestimate the feasibility of deployment in China, Indonesia, and South Korea. Subsurface carbon storage can achieve gigatonne scale mitigation by mid-century, but projections should be updated to include limits from geology, geography, and rates of deployment.
Exploring Gender Disparity in Geometry Learning Using Van Hiele's Model: A Quasi-Experimental Study of Final Year Male and Female Students' Performance
Authors: Enoch Suglo Kabinaa
Published: March 2024

There are mixed findings and views about the gender gap in mathematics learning. While some studies have revealed that only men have the capacity to dominate in mathematics as compared to their female counterparts, other studies have found that women have the potential to even outperform their male counterparts in mathematics. There continues to be growing uncertainty regarding male and female students learning and performance in mathematics. This current study, however, was designed to explore the nexus between gender and geometry performance with respect to male and female students’ geometry learning. The study employed a one-group quasi-experimental design with a population and sample size of 360 and 186, respectively. Stratified and random sampling processes were used to select the sample members. Data for the study were collected using a questionnaire (Google Form) and a Geometry Achievement Test (pretest and posttest). Data analysis was done using SPSS’s descriptive procedures and a paired samples t-test. The study found that: 1) there was a significant difference between male and female students academic performance in geometry, p(< .000). 2) The study also found that the use of Van Hiele’s geometry thinking model contributed to improved geometry learning and performance. The study therefore recommended that teachers should make use of Van Hiele’s model in teaching geometry and give equal support or pay equal attention to both male and female students in the classroom during teaching and learning.
Benchmarking Analytical and Numerical Simulation of Induced Fault Slip
Authors: Novikov Aleksei , Behbahani Sara Shokrollahzadeh , Voskov Denis , Hajibeygi Hadi , Jansen Jan Dirk
Published: March 2024

Pore pressure fluctuation in subsurface reservoirs and its resulting mechanical response can cause fault reactivation. Numerical simulation of such induced seismicity is important to develop reliable seismic hazard and risk assessments. However, modeling of fault reactivation is quite challenging, especially in the case of displaced faults, i.e., faults with non-zero offset. In this paper, we perform a systematic benchmarking study to validate two recently developed numerical methods for fault slip simulation. Reference solutions are based on a semi-analytical approach that makes use of inclusion theory and Cauchy-type singular integral equations. The two numerical schemes considered are both finite volume (FV) methods which consider discrete faults in different manners. One of them employs a conformal discrete fault model (DFM) while the other uses an embedded (non-conformal) fault model. The latter allows for flexible fault and rock matrix grids and is computationally attractive. It was found that both numerical methods accurately represent pre-slip stress fields caused by pore pressure changes. Moreover, they also successfully coped with the vertical frictionless fault. However, for the case with an inclined displaced fault with constant friction coefficient, the embedded method did not converge for the post-slip phase, whereas the DFM results did converge for both constant and slip-weakening friction coefficients. In its current implementation, the DFM is therefore the model of choice when accurate simulation of local faulted systems is required.
Improving Sphenophorus levis Adult Mortality with Solid Insecticide Applications and Increased Insecticide Dose
Authors: Ferreira Pedro Henrique Urach , Ferreira Marcelo da Costa , Vieira Eliane
Published: March 2024

The sugarcane weevil (Sphenophorus levis Vaurie, 1978) is currently considered the most important sugarcane pest in Brazil causing significant yield losses. Application methods of insecticides for S. levis control have not been effective mostly due to the insect’s habitat behavior bellow soil surface suppressing the correct placement of the insecticide active ingredient on target. Two experiments were conducted using a novel bioassay methodology that simulates sugarcane field conditions to effectively evaluate S. levis adult mortality and insecticide soil residue under different treatments. One study aimed to assess the efficacy of two liquid and solid applied insecticides while the second aimed to examinate the effect of increasing lambda-cyhalothrin + thiamethoxam dose on S. levis adult control. The novel bioassays simulated liquid and solid insecticide applications on sugarcane and exposed S. levis adults to residual rhizome and soil after insecticide application. In the first experiment, low S. levis adult control was detected (< 53% mortality) across all treatments where both solid and liquid applications of lambda-cyhalothrin + thiamethoxam provided greater efficacy levels than imidacloprid and control treatments, respectively. Solid applications promoted greater insecticide concentrations in soil during longer periods in comparison with liquid insecticide applications, providing maximum insect control levels at 7 days after application. In the second experiment, solid applications at higher insecticide dose significantly improved S. levis adult control (76.7% mortality) in comparison with results of recommended label rate for adult control (58.8% mortality).
Single-cell atlas of Leishmania major development in the sandfly vector reveals the heterogeneity of transmitted parasites and their role in infection
Authors: Catta-Preta Carolina , Ghosh Kashinath , Sacks David , Ferreira Tiago
Published: March 2024

Leishmania development in the sandfly vector is predominantly characterized as a series of sequential promastigote morphotypes. Apart from isolated mammal-infective metacyclic promastigotes, the transcriptional programs and molecular markers for other stages co-inhabiting the midgut or co-egested by the sandfly have not been resolved. Here, using single-cell RNA-sequencing, we elucidate the transcriptomic complexity of L. major promastigotes colonizing Phlebotomus duboscqi at early- and late-infection, providing unique markers for three subpopulations found in sandflies with mature, transmissible infections. Contrary to prevailing models, our analyses indicate a non-linear developmental program, with bifurcation into either replicating early metacyclics or attached and detached haptomonads. Haptomonads constitute part of the transmitted dose, and along with highly motile, non-dividing late metacyclics, are infectious to and exacerbate the pathology in mice. Our single-cell analysis and novel validated markers will facilitate further studies on the Leishmania life cycle and its implications for host infections.
Exploring personal values of patients with advanced lung cancer in the hospital setting: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Villalobos Matthias , Ludwig Jan Ole , König Mara , Unsöld Laura , Siegle Anja , Thomas Michael
Published: March 2024

Purpose
Guidelines recommend the discussion of treatment and care goals of patients with advanced cancer according to their values and preferences. Little is known about the value system of these patients and how to address them in the hospital setting.
Methods
Convergent mixed-methods design: collection of quantitative data of patients with advanced lung cancer from a German University Hospital (n = 66) using the Human Values Scale, group comparison after a propensity score matching with the German cohort of the 9th European Social Survey, semi-structured interviews (n = 17) and qualitative content analysis, integration of data using side-by-side display.
Results
Quantitative analysis shows that lung cancer patients prioritize significantly more the value dimensions of self-transcendence (universalism, benevolence; p = .02) and openness to change (self-direction, stimulation; p = .03). While values of conservation (conformity, tradition, security; p = .04) and self-enhancement (power, achievement; p = .02) are notably less important. Besides the affirmation of self-direction, qualitative data, contrastingly, shows strong “conformity” with medical treatment decisions and the importance of “security”, while revealing the systematic neglect of values in patient-physician conversations.
Conclusions
The values guiding lung cancer patients differ from the general population. Despite the expressed importance of self-direction strong conformity arises in regard to medical treatment decisions. This may show the need of feeling secure in a complex and uncertain setting but has also the risk of over-treatment, hazarding goal-concordant care and the timely integration of palliative care, particularly when considering the neglect of values exposed.
Psychosocial Determinants of Learners’ Poor Performance in South African Primary Schools: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Matlakala Frans , Ndlovu Simon , Mafa Prudence , Morobadi Seanego , Mphahlele Hunadi , Mmakola Lulu , Tladi Lerato , Malatji Nthabi , Nkoana Shai , Themane Mahlapahlapane
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Psychosocial determinants play a significant role in shaping an individual's cognitive and emotional development, which in turn can impact their performance in various domains, including education. Understanding these determinants is essential for identifying barriers and implementing interventions to support positive outcomes in learners. This review will be based on the apiece of the mental health of learners in schools. We envisage that the topic will cover an array of outcomes touching on psychological and socioeconomic determinates, learner-student relations, and the psychological well-being of learners.
Methods and analysis: Articles for this review shall be searched through PubMed, PsychArticle, PsychINFO, EBSCOHost, Sabinet African Journal and African Journals Online). Moreover, we will conduct a forward search by using the option "cited by" and/or "related articles" on Google Scholar to find other articles which might meet the inclusion criteria to be part of the review. Boolean search will consist of keywords, MeSH concepts, truncations and wildcats to retrieve relevant articles from the above-mentioned databases. The selection of articles will be based on exclusion and inclusion criteria. The criteria shall consider the following variables a) demographic characteristics of the study participants (age and grade); b) date of publication; c) setting (South Africa); d) study design; e) language of publication. After conducting the search databases, articles will be exported to Endnote 21 for screening by the team. The identified relevant studies for this review will be divided among reviewers for data extraction. Methods of selected articles will be assessed using Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) criteria.
Factors influencing nurses' satisfaction to online learning approach: A cross ICU analysis
Authors: Lee Shu-Yen , Chang Ching-Yi
Published: March 2024

Background
Given the increasing complexity of illnesses and rapid pace of technological advancements in professional training, it is vital to offer nurses ample opportunities to hone their clinical expertise and skills, particularly in ensuring the delivery of premier medical care. This study aimed to determine the factors and predictors influencing nurses’ satisfaction with adopting mobile learning approaches in intensive care unit healthcare settings. Additionally, it sought to investigate the applicability of the technology acceptance model in explaining their inclinations and validating the measurement scales employed in the research.
Methods
The study's research design entailed a cross-sectional survey, involving 222 individuals from 6 intensive care unit departments, and utilised a technology acceptance survey as the primary instrument. Rigorous assessments were conducted to establish the content validity and ensure instrument reliability.
Results
The findings demonstrated that perceived usefulness was the most influential factor affecting nurses’ intentions to embrace mobile learning approaches, with perceived ease of use emerging as the principal determinant of perceived usefulness.
Conclusions
Incorporating mobile learning methodologies is paramount to increasing the calibration of professional nursing education programs. By effectively integrating digital information technology and tools, nursing educators can overcome teaching challenges, deliver innovative clinical nursing education content through mobile learning approaches, and foster optimal development in the field.
A BIM-based approach for multi-objective optimization of sustainable materials selection through life cycle analysis
Authors: Jani Mehran , Falegari Sahar , Javid Ali Akbar Shirzadi
Published: March 2024

Given the increasing need for design coupled with constrained financial resources, a comprehensive approach that combines life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle cost analysis (LCCA), and multi-dimensional optimization was suggested to develop a decision-making framework for cost-effective buildings. The proposed framework considers various aspects such as performance, economic considerations, and environmental factors. Integrating environmental and economic analysis into building construction and design was explored, emphasizing the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to manage building data and conduct cost and environmental assessments. Finally, a framework was suggested for selecting optimal materials for pre-construction activities. The study also highlights the importance of considering sustainability and long-term costs in decision-making. In addition, the integration of economic aspects into sustainability assessments was discussed, and challenges and areas for future research were identified. The research methodology included creating a comprehensive database, utilizing life cycle assessment software, and employing optimization techniques to select the most suitable materials for different regions. The results showed significant differences with more than 50% reduction in cost evaluation between generic and optimal materials in the life cycle assessment. In the doors category in North America, greenhouse gas production was reduced by 47%, which was observed between the United States and Australia.
Risks of fracture from same-level falls among workers in the transportation service: A cross-sectional study of the national open database of occupational injuries in Japan
Authors: Hayashi Chisato , Okano Tadashi , Toyoda Hiromitsu
Published: March 2024

Background: To prevent falls, individual worker factors and work environment factors should be considered.
Purpose: This study aimed to determine the risks of fracture from same level falls for occupational accidents in the transport industry, provide necessary interventions.
Methods: This study used the national open database of worker deaths and injury reports that was constructed from injury cases requiring four or more days of absence from work due to industrial accidents. We selected all same-level fall injuries from the original database using NVivo software.
Results: The average age of the population in the airline industry was 39.0 (standard deviation (SD; 11.6) years, and it was the youngest. In the hired taxi business, the average age of the population was 58.1 (SD; 9.1) years, which was the oldest in the transportation and traffic industry. The occurrence of fractures was 27.8% in hired taxi businesses, 23.0% in general cargo transportation, 21.9% in other road freight forwarding businesses, 18.3% in the railroad and track industry,16.5% in the bus line industry, and 7.5% in the airline industry. After adjusting for age, occurrence time, and number of employees, hired taxi businesses had 1.761 times greater risk of fracture (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.049-2.956) compared to the railroad and track industry.
Conclusion: Taxi drivers were found to be at high risk of serious outcome such as fractures after same-level falls. The present study suggests that not only environmental interventions to prevent falls, but also lifestyle interventions to prevent fractures from occurring in the event of a fall might be needed.
Phylogenetic status of Tanymastix stagnalis (Linnaeus 1758) (Crustacea Branchiopoda) from Algeria, with some ecological notes
Authors: Harkat Amel , Boumendjel Lylia , Amarouayache Mounia , Rabet Nicolas
Published: March 2024

In this study, a molecular analysis, based on the comparison of mtDNA sequences of cytochrome oxidase I (COI) of the species Tanymastix stagnalis Linnaeus, 1758 from Algeria, with other available sequences, was performed. Phylogenetic analysis clarified the status of this species and its phylogenetic links between European and North African populations. This analysis clearly demonstrated that the only two populations from Algeria (Reghaïa and El Frine) are included within European sub-clad comprising northern Spain, France, northern Italy and Germany. We also provided ecological data over a decade of monitoring, which revealed that the population of T. stagnalis from El-Frine is stable and active during winter and spring. It lives in sandy pools and prefers low temperatures and conductivity (11.9 ± 2.2°C, 0.26 ± 0.15 mS.cm− 1, respectively). The mean density of its individuals was 1.43 ± 3.44 ind.L− 1, with a cyst-bank of 0.35 ± 0.14 egg.cm− 3. The cohabitation of T. stagnalis with the Decapoda Atyaephyra desmaresti (Millet 1831) in the El-Frine ponds is reported for the first time. Conservation measures should be undertaken to protect this endangered species in North Africa.
An Agent-based Exploration of Macroeconomic of Happiness: New Insights on Inequality and the Role of Reference Groups
Authors: Bruno Bruna
Published: March 2024

This study presents an agent-based model where individuals employ simple heuristics to assess their satisfaction for specific life satisfaction domains and for life satisfaction as a whole, considering reference groups of different dimensions. The objective is to evaluate whether different hypotheses on individual behaviors give different results at the macro level in the relationships between life satisfaction and some relevant variables, such as income. Results from simulations show that the relationship between life satisfaction and income has opposite signs when individuals perform their comparisons basing judgments on the mean or on the median income of their reference groups, and that the extension of the reference groups matters. A role for inequality emerges in determining the relationship between aggregate measures of income and life satisfaction. Results from simulations are validated through data from Eurobarometer for 24 European countries in the period 2008–2020, suggesting that people employ positional evaluations of satisfaction for the income domain by using the median income of the reference group as reference parameter.
JEL codes: I131; D91; E6.
Effect of initial orbital elements on orbital evolution of MEO BDS-3 satellite with considering the lunisolar secular resonance
Authors: Wang Chunyu , Meng Mingbin , Feng Jinglang , Li Chaoyong , Liu Xiaodong
Published: March 2024

This paper investigates the effect of initial orbital elements on the orbital evolution of the Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites of the third generation of the BEIDOU Navigation Satellite System (BDS-3), considering the lunisolar secular resonance. The long-term evolution of 24 BDS-3 MEO satellites without active control is simulated by the double-averaged Hamiltonian dynamical model. The simulation results show that some of the satellites could enter the Earth's atmosphere as their eccentricities increase. On the contrary, some other satellites have stable orbits during the long-term evolution. The effects of different e0, i0, ω0, and Ω0 on the long-term evolution are investigated, respectively. The results show that when e0 is larger, the eccentricity reaches emax faster; and the variations in e0 or ω0 don't change the values of the resonance angle in resonance. However, the change of i0 and Ω0 will change the values of the resonance angle in resonance. The maximum eccentricity method is used to study the influences of different initial conditions (including initial orbital elements and initial epoch) on the long-term evolution of MEO satellites. The results show that the changes of i0, omega0, and Omega0 affect the distribution of emax in the (Ω0, ω0) space. In the (Ω0, ω0) space, if the initial ΩM changes, the shape of the emax map changes, but the maximum value of emax barely changes. Apart from the region with large values of emax in the (Ω0, ω0) space, there also exist regions with small values of emax, where the differences between emax and e0 are very small.
Soil N2O and N2 emissions during anaerobic soil disinfestation period in a greenhouse vegetable production system: quantified by in situ 15N labeling method
Authors: Li Xue , Li Jin , Wang Yingying , Kang Ronghua , Sun Keping , Huang Kai , Fang Shuo , Chen Xin , Quan Zhi , Fang Yunting
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims: Greenhouse vegetable production (GVP) is expanding worldwide. The high application of nitrogen (N) fertilizers has caused soil diseases and nitrate residue. Farmers usually adopt anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD), involving organic carbon addition, extensive irrigation, plastic films laying, and greenhouse sealing during the summer fallow. These conditions may promote denitrification, causing nitrous oxide (N2O) and dinitrogen (N2) emissions. However, this is rarely reported.
Methods: We used ¹⁵N labeling for in situ monitoring of N₂O and N₂ emissions during ASD in a GVP system in Shouguang, Northern China. Two treatments were implemented: conventional organic fertilization (Fertilizer) and a control (No-fertilizer), with continuous monitoring over 14 days.
Results: Within 14 days, cumulative gaseous N emissions in Fertilizer and No-fertilizer treatments were 0.82, 0.47 kg N ha-1 for N2O, and 40.7 and 25.5 kg N ha-1 for N2, respectively. Organic fertilization significantly increased N2O and N2 emission. From days 1–6, the predominant gaseous N was N2, with an N2O/ (N2O + N2) ratio (RN2O) between 0.007 and 0.015. From days 7–14, N2O proportion increased, with RN2O ranging from 0.21 to 0.75. Isotopic information showed that denitrification contributed to 48.9%–51.2% and 27.1%–36.7% of total N2O and N2 emissions. The structural equation model showed that high soil temperature during ASD significantly reduced N2O emissions.
Conclusion: Our findings emphasize the importance of N2 emissions in N loss and provide a basis for studying the fate of N, as well as developing measures to reduce N2O emissions within GVP systems.