bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Should we share breast density information during breast cancer screening in the United Kingdom? an integrative review
Authors: Best Rebecca , Wilkinson Louise S , Oliver-Williams Clare , Tolani Foyeke , Yates Jan
Published: September 2023

Objective

Dense breasts are an established risk factor for breast cancer and also reduce the sensitivity of mammograms. There is increasing public concern around breast density in the UK, with calls for this information to be shared at breast cancer screening.

Methods

We searched the PubMed database, Cochrane Library and grey literature, using broad search terms in October 2022. Two reviewers extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of each included study. The results were narratively synthesised by five research questions: desire for information, communication formats, psychological impact, knowledge impact and behaviour change.

Results

We identified 19 studies: three Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs), three cohort studies, nine cross-sectional studies, one qualitative interview study, one mixed methods study and two 2021 systematic reviews. Nine studies were based in the United States of America (USA), five in Australia, two in the UK and one in Croatia. One systematic review included 14 USA studies, and the other 27 USA studies, 1 Australian and 1 Canadian. The overall GRADE evidence quality rating for each research question was very low to low.

Generally, participants wanted to receive breast density information. Conversations with healthcare professionals were more valued and effective than letters. Breast density awareness after notification varied greatly between studies.

Breast density information either did not impact frequency of mammography screening or increased the intentions of participants to return for routine screening as well as intention to access, and uptake of, supplementary screening. People from ethnic minority groups or of lower socioeconomic status (SES) had greater confusion following notification, and, along with those without healthcare insurance, were less likely to access supplementary screening.

Conclusion

Breast density specific research in the UK, including different communities, is needed before the UK considers sharing breast density information at screening. There are also practical considerations around implementation and recording, which need to be addressed.

Advances in knowledge

Currently, sharing breast density information at breast cancer screening in the UK may not be beneficial to participants and could widen inequalities. UK specific research is needed, and measurement, communication and future testing implications need to be carefully considered.
Spectral CT imaging versus conventional CT post-processing technique in differentiating malignant and benign renal tumors
Authors: Zhu Qingqiang , Sun Jun , Zhu Wenrong , Chen Wenxin , Ye Jing
Published: September 2023

Objective:

Quantitative comparison of the diagnostic value of spectral CT imaging and conventional CT post-processing technique in differentiating malignant and benign renal tumors.

Methods:

A total of 209 patients with renal tumors who had undergone CT enhancement were assigned to three groups—clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC, n = 106), non-ccRCC (n = 60), and benign renal tumor (n = 43) groups. Parametric CT enhancement of each tumor based on spectral CT and conventional CT was performed using in-house software, and the iodine concentration, water content, slope, and density values among the three groups were compared. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the optimum diagnostic thresholds, the area under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the above parameters.

Results

The iodine concentration, slope, and density values were higher in the ccRCCs group compared to the non-ccRCCs and benign renal tumor groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, the iodine concentration, slope, and density values were higher in benign renal tumors compared to non-ccRCCs (p < 0.05). According to the ROC curve analysis, iodine concentration presented the highest diagnostic efficacy in differentiating ccRCCs/non-ccRCCs from benign renal tumors. The pairwise comparisons of the ROC curves and the diagnostic efficacies revealed that ROI-based CT enhancement was worse than the spectral CT imaging analysis in terms of density (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Iodine concentration presented the highest diagnostic efficacy in differentiating ccRCCs/non-ccRCCs from benign renal tumors.

Advances in knowledge

1. The iodine concentration, slope, and density values were higher for the ccRCCs compared to non-ccRCCs and benign renal tumors. 2. Iodine concentration presented the highest diagnostic efficacy in differentiating ccRCCs/non-ccRCCs from benign renal tumors. 3. Spectral CT imaging analysis performed better than conventional CT in differentiating malignant and benign renal tumors.
A new path for ultrasound-guided intra-articular hip puncture in patients without hip joint effusion
Authors: Song Mengjie , Li Yingying , Lan Yu , Li Shoupeng , Li Chunbao , Luo Yukun , Zhang Mingbo
Published: September 2023

Objective:

This study aimed to establish a new path for ultrasound (US)-guided intra-articular hip joint puncture in patients without hip joint effusion.

Methods:

In total, 113 consecutive patients were enrolled from August to October 2021. Moreover, 125 hip joint punctures were performed in 113 consecutive patients. All patients were randomly divided into two groups: the new-puncture path (the puncture of the needle along the long axis of the femoral neck from the proximal to the distal side) and classic-puncture path (the puncture of the needle along the long axis of the femoral neck from the distal to the proximal side) groups. Four outcomes, including single-puncture technical success, visual analog scale (VAS) score during puncture, puncture depth, and puncture time, were compared between the groups. Complications were compared between the groups. Correlation analysis was used to evaluate the factors related to the four outcomes.

Results:

No significant differences in single-puncture technical success, VAS score during puncture, and complications were observed between the two groups. The puncture depth was shorter in the new-puncture path group than in the classic-puncture path group. The puncture time was shorter in the new-puncture path group than in the classic-puncture path group. The puncture depth was correlated with the puncture path, body mass index, and sex. The puncture time was correlated with the puncture path.

Conclusion:

The new-puncture path can be used as a new US-guided hip puncture path for patients without hip joint effusion, with the advantages of shorter puncture path and puncture time.

Advances in knowledge:

The current study introduces a new-puncture path that can be added with the classic-puncture path.
RRIMS: Radiation Risk In Mammography Screening — model evaluation
Authors: Hooshmand Sahand , Reed Warren M. , Suleiman Mo'ayyad E. , Brennan Patrick C.
Published: September 2023

Objective

The Radiation Risk In Mammography Screening (RRIMS) model was introduced as a novel tool to help females accurately calculate their lifetime mean glandular dose (MGD) and estimate their population-level risk of radiation-induced breast cancer incidence and mortality.

Methods

The model’s accuracy was evaluated by comparing the received MGD of 317 women who had undergone a total of 733 visits across one to four rounds of screening. This was achieved by comparing the RRIMS predicted dose values with the same examination dose calculated manually by hand. Qualitative and quantitative statistical analyses were performed to assess the percentage difference (% diff) or agreement between the two values.

Results

Qualitative statistical analysis using the Bland–Altman plots demonstrated a statistically significant bias for the % diff between the manually calculated and RRIMS predicted dose values, where the mean (bias) was −2.02% with an upper and lower limit of agreement of 40.24% and −44.27%, respectively. Quantitative statistical analysis revealed an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC, 3,1) of 0.64 (p-value < 0.001) and a Kendall’s W of 0.83 (p-value < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results indicate a statistically significant and reasonably good level of agreement between the manually calculated vs RRIMS predicted dose values. This work was focused on one of the major mammography equipment manufacturers that is Hologic, however there is potential for a multivendor applicability study of this model with future iterations. This will further improve upon this innovative dose and risk prediction tool that can empower healthcare professionals when making informed decisions and enhance patient care.

Advances in knowledge

This paper assesses the precision of the dose and risk model that our team has previously established. The results bring us one step closer to providing females and clinicians with a useful tool that can help explain and contextualise the benefits and risks associated with screening mammography.
Combined conventional ultrasonography with clinicopathological features to predict axillary status after neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer: A case–control study
Authors: Yan Yuqi , Jiang Tian , Sui Lin , Ou Di , Qu Yiyuan , Chen Chen , Lai Min , Ni Chen , Liu Yuanzhen , Wang Yifan , Xu Dong
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

This study aimed to evaluate the value of a model combining conventional ultrasonography and clinicopathologic features for predicting axillary status after neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 329 patients with lymph node-positive who underwent neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NST) from June 2019 to March 2022. Ultrasound and clinicopathological characteristics of breast lesions and axillary lymph nodes were analyzed before and after NST. The diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound, clinicopathological characteristics, and combined model were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression and receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analyses.

Results:

The area under ROC (AUC) for the ability of the combined model to predict the axillary pathological complete response (pCR) after NST was 0.882, that diagnostic effectiveness was significantly better than that of the clinicopathological model (AUC of 0.807) and the ultrasound feature model (AUC of 0.795). In addition, eight features were screened as independent predictors of axillary pCR, including clinical N stage, ERBB2 status, Ki-67, and after NST the maximum diameter reduction rate and margins of breast lesions, the short diameter, cortical thickness, and fatty hilum of lymph nodes.

Conclusions:

The combined model constructed from ultrasound and clinicopathological features for predicting axillary pCR has favorable diagnostic results, which allowed more accurate identification of BC patients who had received axillary pCR after NST.

Advances in knowledge:

A combined model incorporated ultrasound and clinicopathological characteristics of breast lesions and axillary lymph nodes demonstrated favorable performance in evaluating axillary pCR preoperatively and non-invasively.
Percutaneous microwave ablation of hepatic tumors: is there an impact of cirrhotic liver parenchyma upon the volume and short-term assessment of the ablation zone?
Authors: Tsochatzis Athanasios , Charalampopoulos George , Tzelves Lazaros , Velonakis George , Kelekis Alexios , Kelekis Nikolaos , Filippiadis Dimitrios K
Published: September 2023

Objective

To retrospectively compare and evaluate ablation zone volume and its reduction from baseline to 1 month follow-up post-percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) between healthy and cirrhotic liver parenchyma.

Methods

Institutional database research identified 84 patients (118 hepatic tumors) who underwent percutaneous MWA with the same system. Caudal-right lobe ratio was applied to distinguish cirrhotic (n = 51) and healthy (n = 67) group; ITK-SNAP software was used to quantify ablation zone volume. Long (LAD) and short 1 (SAD-1) and 2 (SAD-2) axis, tumor size diameter (mm) and volume (cm³) of the ablation zones were evaluated for each treated lesion in both groups at baseline (immediately post-ablation) and at 1 month follow-up.

Results

There was no significant difference comparing ablation zone volumes at baseline (healthy group: mean ablation volume 14.84 cm³ vs cirrhotic group: mean ablation volume 17.85 cm³, p = 0.31) and 1 month post-ablation (healthy group: mean ablation volume 9.15 cm³ vs cirrhotic group: mean ablation volume 11.58 cm³, p = 0.24). When both “healthy” and “cirrhotic” liver group were evaluated independently, there was a significant difference of ablation volumes reduction (p-value < 0.001) from baseline to 1 month follow-up. When both groups were compared based on reduction (35.12–38.34%) there was no significant difference in ablation zone volumes (p-value = 0.77).

Conclusion

Percutaneous MWA results in ablation zones of a comparable volume in both healthy and cirrhotic liver parenchyma. Both cirrhotic and healthy liver parenchyma experience a similar significant reduction of ablation zone volume at 1 month post-therapy.

Advances in knowledge statement

This study evaluates and compares the volume of the ablation zone after MWA between healthy and cirrhotic liver parenchyma from baseline to 1 month follow-up and attempts to identify potential differences. It is the first study to demonstrate significant shrinkage of ablation volumes in healthy livers as compared to cirrhotic livers after 4 weeks of follow-up. The results of this study can help us understand the effect of MWA when applied in different backgrounds of liver parenchyma, which could lead to different treatment planning.
Prediction of radiation pneumonia after radiotherapy for esophageal cancer using a unified fractional dosiomics combined model
Authors: Yang Tianyue , Wang Liu , Zhong Shuting , Peng Lei , Li Ningfu , Gui Yan , Deng Qiao , Wang Yujia , Yuan Qiang , Li Xianfu
Published: September 2023

Objective:

This study aimed to construct an optimal model to predict radiation pneumonia (RP) after radiotherapy for esophageal cancer using unified fractional dosiomics and to investigate the improvements in the prediction efficiency of each model for RP.

Methods:

The clinical data, DVH, pre-treatment CT, and dose distribution of 182 patients were retrospectively analyzed.The independent risk factors were screened using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The mutual information (MI),least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and recursive feature elimination (RFE) methods were used to screen the omics features. The AUC values of ROC, calibration curves, and clinical decision curves were calculated to evaluate the efficacy and trends of each model.

Results:

The AUC of dosiomics model were 0.783 and 0.760 in the training and test cohorts, higher than 0.585 and 0.579 in the training and test cohorts of the DVH model. The AUC value of the R + D combination was the highest, reaching 0.833. The combined R + D model had a better calibration degree than the other models (mean absolute error = 0.018) and better net benefit in clinical decision-making.

Conclusions:

The radiomics combined dosiomics model was the best combined model to predict RP after radiotherapy for esophageal cancer. The dosiomics model could cover the efficiency of the DVH model and significantly improve the efficiency of the combined model.In the future, we will include other centers for further verification.

Advances in knowledge:

For the first time, this study used CT images combined dose distribution to predict the occurrence of radiation pneumonitis after radiotherapy for esophageal cancer.
Human-Centric Parcel Delivery at Deutsche Post with Operations Research and Machine Learning
Authors: Arıkan Uğur , Kranz Thorsten , Sal Baris Cem , Schmitt Severin , Witt Jonas
Published: September 2023

Features such as estimated delivery time windows and live tracking of shipments play a key role in improving the customer experience in last-mile delivery. The building blocks for enabling these features are reliable knowledge about the expected order of deliveries in a tour and precise delivery time window predictions. For Deutsche Post’s parcel delivery service in Germany, we developed a courier-centric routing algorithm and a corresponding state-of-the-art machine learning model for delivery time window predictions. The routing algorithm combines operations research with statistics and machine learning to implicitly gather and use the tacit knowledge of our experienced couriers within the tour generation. This is achieved by deducing and selecting appropriate precedence constraints from historical delivery data. This novel combination of optimization with data-driven constraints enabled us to provide custom routes to the individual couriers. It proved to be a main driver allowing us to provide accurate delivery time window predictions and live tracking of shipments. Our solution is used by Deutsche Post to plan the daily routes of couriers to the approximately 13,000 parcel delivery districts in Germany as well as to provide live tracking and estimated delivery time windows for 1.6 million parcels each day.

History: This paper has been accepted for the INFORMS Journal on Applied Analytics Special Issue—2022 Daniel H. Wagner Prize for Excellence in the Practice of Advanced Analytics and Operations Research.
Newborn calf welfare: effects of birth assistance, colostrum feeding and cow–calf separation
Authors: Gladden Nicola
Published: September 2023

If the birth of a calf is poorly managed, it can be associated with reduced welfare in early life. Conversely, optimisation of calving management – in particular judicious (rather than blanket) use of interventions – can contribute to improvements in newborn calf welfare. This article discusses how birth experience can affect newborn calf welfare before considering colostrum feeding and cow-calf separation. Both management practices typically occur in the first hours of life and contribute to the welfare of newborn calves.
Why be interested in Neospora caninum on farm?
Authors: Wood Sarah
Published: September 2023

Infection of cattle with Neospora can cause abortion, making this pathogen the most commonly diagnosed pathogen in cattle abortion investigations in the UK. However, the parasite can also cause latent infections in otherwise clinically unaffected cattle following both horizontal and vertical transmission. Monitoring and surveillance is justified in beef and dairy herds, and an understanding of the pathogenesis is required to work with owners to manage and control the effects within a herd. This article explores all these aspects and uses a case study to discuss a presentation with a significant herd impact, and associated approach to diagnosis and control plan.
Cattle Review
Authors: Barrett David C
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

In this Cattle Review we consider two papers on genomic selection and one looking at the relationship between animal welfare and herd size, all of which are open access from the Journal of Dairy Science.
Utilising interpersonal skills to manage challenging client behaviour
Authors: Stansfield Emma
Published: September 2023

Widespread pandemic-related disruption has led to increasingly challenging client interactions. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) found that 57% of veterinary staff surveyed in 2021 reported feeling intimidated by client behaviour during the previous year; a 10% increase from 2019. The psychological impact of consistently difficult or abusive interactions can be significant and contribute to the high incidences of stress, burnout, attrition and potentially suicide increasingly noted in the industry. This understanding further highlights the need to focus on developing individual self-care strategies and leaders offering appropriate support to their team. Historically, veterinary education has overlooked the importance of training in interpersonal skills, such as communication, conflict resolution and emotional intelligence. However, human and veterinary medicine is evolving with increasing recognition of the significance of communication skills training to help prevent and manage of challenging client behaviour. This may help to ensure practitioners are better prepared for the challenges that await them.
Charles Goodyear: Keeping the World's Wheels Turning
Authors: Smith Nick
Published: September 2023

Nineteenth century American inventor Charles Goodyear survived decades of hardship while developing his vulcanization process to make rubber a viable industrial material.
A Bright Idea
Authors: Ford Jason
Published: September 2023

Joseph Bazalgette may have overseen one of London's biggest infrastructure projects, but he found himself a runner-up in a competition to light the Thames.
Regional Renaissance
Authors: Sampson Ben
Published: September 2023

How a company in Norway plans to revive travel by seaplane with an updated electric aircraft
Hot to Cold
Authors: Williams Abigail
Published: September 2023

The thorough testing of materials to assess performance under a range of possible flight conditions remains one of the most important areas of aerospace testing
Effects of rGO Concentration on Electrical and Mechanical Properties of rGO Natural Rubber Nanocomposite
Authors: Chathuranga D. N. P. I. , De Silva R. C. L , Nayanajith L. D. C , Abeykoon A. M. K. L. , Colombage H. C. D. P , Dulaj M. H. T. , Kottegoda I. R. M
Published: September 2023

Nanocomposites of natural rubber (NR) with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were prepared by varying their ratios intending to improve the electrical and mechanical properties of natural rubber. rGO was prepared through oxidation and subsequent reduction of high purity Sri Lankan vein graphite. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The SEM images viewed a uniform homogeneous surface of the nanocomposite while FTIR and XRD spectral signatures substantiated its chemical functionalities and structural traits respectively. Mechanical properties such as tensile stress & strain, elongation at break, hardness, Young's modulus, and strain of the nanocomposite, were also investigated. Here the electrical conductivity was measured using the two-probe method. The nanocomposite started conducting at 2% rGO in rubber and increased conducting with increasing rGO. The hardness of the composites continuously increased with increasing rGO in rubber. Despite the tensile strength and elongation at break, Young's modulus also increased with increasing the rGO percentage up to 1.5 % and was optimized at the particular ratio. The highest strength of 15.91MPa was obtained at 1.5% of rGO. A detailed property investigation of rGO/NR nanocomposite has not been reported previously for the best of our knowledge. Hence, the study expected to be well supportive for future industrial developments including electronics, electrical devices, batteries, capacitors, as well as in heavy equipment including aerospace and automobiles.
Performances of Silicon and Silicon Carbide Reinforced Nickel Electrodeposited Coatings Against Oxidation of Xc100 Carbon Steels Exposed to Butane/Propane
Combustion in the Open Air
Authors: K. Abro Désiré M. , Djassou Collette A. , Adjoumani Yao J. , K. Yao Benjamin
Published: September 2023

The protection of XC100 steel against oxidation due to butane/propane combustion by the mean of nickel (Ni), Nickel-Silicon (Ni-Si), and Nickel-Silicon carbide (Ni-SiC) electrodeposited coatings is reported. Gravimetric and microstructural characterizations of coatings after direct exposure to the gas flame were conducted. The results show that Ni-SiC coating improves the protection against oxidation of the underlying steel XC100 by decreasing the rate of weight gain by about 20 times against 13 times for Ni due to the decomposition of SiC particles in the boundaries of the coaxial grains network. Besides, the preferential oxidation of silicon particles to SiO2 into the nickel matrix revealed by EDS-X analysis confers stability to Ni-Si coating although its catching of mass is slightly higher than that of Ni-SiC. The charge transfer resistance Rct and the oxide electrical resistance Roxide extracted from Electrochemical Impedance spectroscopy agreed with gravimetric and microstructural observations.
Non-invasive assessment of hair regeneration in androgenetic alopecia mice in vivo using two-photon and second harmonic generation imaging
Authors: He Gaiying , Liu Menghua , Wang Fenglong , Sun Shuqing , Cao Yu , Sun Yanan , Ma Shuhua , Wang Yi
Published: September 2023

The identification of crucial targets for hair regrowth in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) involves determining important characteristics and different stages during the process of hair follicle regeneration. Traditional methods for assessing key features and different stages of hair follicle primarily involve taking skin tissue samples and determining them through various staining or other methods. However, non-invasive assessment methods have been long sought. Therefore, in this study, endogenous fluorescence signals from skin keratin and second harmonic signals from skin collagen fibers were utilized as probes, two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) and second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging techniques were employed to non-invasively assess hair shafts and collagen fibers in AGA mice in vivo. The TPEF imaging technique revealed that the alternation of new and old hair shafts and the different stages of the growth period in AGA mice were delayed. In addition, SHG imaging found testosterone reduced hair follicle area and miniaturized hair follicles. The non-invasive TPEF and SHG imaging techniques provided important methodologies for determining significant characteristics and different stages of the growth cycle in AGA mice, which will facilitate future non-invasive assessments on human scalps in vivo and reduce the use of animal testing.
Improved active-tracking performance through Hadamard speckle contrast reduction
Authors: Jenkins Emory L. , Burrell Derek J.
Published: September 2023

We report wave-optics simulation results and benchtop experimental findings that demonstrate reduced centroiding error through a Hadamard speckle contrast reduction (HSCR). The method involves projecting multiple orthogonal phase patterns onto an actively imaged object within a single camera resolution cell and integration time. Ideally, performance improves in proportion to the square root of the number of such phase realizations applied. Using 16 subpixels per camera pixel, our simulated track performance consistently meets this expectation with a decent experimental agreement, particularly at smaller object sizes. This outcome has promising implications for active tracking and wavefront sensing, extending the utility of HSCR beyond its known benefits to coherent image quality.
Circular dichroism induction in WS2 by a chiral plasmonic metasurface
Authors: Lorén Fernando , Genet Cyriaque , Martin-Moreno Luis
Published: September 2023

We investigate the interaction between a monolayer of WS2 and a chiral plasmonic metasurface. WS2 possesses valley excitons that selectively couple with one-handed circularly polarized light. At the same time, the chiral plasmonic metasurface exhibits spin-momentum locking, leading to a robust polarization response in the far field. Using a scattering formalism based on the coupled mode method, we analyze various optical properties of the WS2 monolayer. Specifically, we demonstrate the generation of circular dichroism in the transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) by harnessing the excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in the metasurface. Moreover, we observe the emergence of other guided modes, opening up exciting possibilities for further exploration in TMD-based devices.
Updating the peak-to-valley (PV) irregularity specification for the modern world
Authors: Murphy Paul
Published: September 2023

Communicating fabrication tolerances is a vital part of the optical manufacturing process. The most common surface form tolerance is peak-to-valley (PV) irregularity, and its specification and evaluation has largely remained unchanged for decades. Fabrication, testing, and computation capabilities, however, have evolved considerably over that time, exposing PV’s extreme sensitivity to outlier data points. When everyone was using the same measurement and analysis technique (visual inspection of test plate interferograms), this sensitivity was of secondary concern to ease of computation. Today, however, numerous measurement techniques are viable for evaluating surface form, computation power is cheap, and different measurements of the same surface can easily result in wildly different PV results. This creates confusion as to whether a surface conforms to tolerance or not.

To address this issue, we propose standardized methods for evaluating a PV tolerance value that are resistant to outliers. We first provide an example of the problem on an actual surface measurement and demonstrate how trimmed PV estimators can mitigate it. We review two such estimators, robust peak valley (PVr) and clipped peak-to-valley (PV%). We then review the conceptual trade-offs involved with choosing an appropriate estimator and demonstrate estimator behavior on a variety of simulated surface profiles. Finally, we explore the challenges in adopting a more reliable PV metric and outline the plans for updating the ISO 10110-5 surface form standard to achieve this.
Double-layer optimization model for integrated energy system under multiple robustness
Authors: Yu Xiaobao , Zhao Wenjing
Published: September 2023

Output instability is one of the important constraints limiting the large-scale application of renewable energy. The development of comprehensive energy systems can effectively improve energy utilization efficiency, but there is still a problem of randomness in renewable energy output. The paper conducts research on the uncertainty of distributed energy output and load, constructs a comprehensive energy system optimization model that takes into account the robustness of bilevel programming, and solves the model using the firefly algorithm. The calculation results show that optimizing uncertainty can significantly reduce the actual operating costs of the system, with a maximum reduction of 14.43%. When the distributed wind power interval is within [0190], a dynamic balance between cost and consumption rate can be achieved.
Investigation of evolutionary dynamics for drug resistance in 3D spheroid model system using cellular barcoding technology
Authors: Yalcin Gizem Damla , Yilmaz Kubra Celikbas , Dilber Tugce , Acar Ahmet
Published: September 2023

Complex evolutionary dynamics governing the drug resistance is one of the major challenges in cancer treatment. Understanding these mechanisms requires a sequencing technology with higher resolution to delineate whether pre-existing or de novo drug mechanisms are behind the drug resistance. Combining this technology with clinically very relevant model system, namely 3D spheroids, better mimicking tumorigenesis and drug resistance have so far been lacking. Thus, we sought to establish dabrafenib and irinotecan resistant derivatives of barcoded 3D spheroids with the ultimate aim to quantify the selection-induced clonal dynamics and identify the genomic determinants in this model system. We found that dabrafenib and irinotecan induced drug resistance in 3D-HT-29 and 3D-HCT-116 spheroids are mediated by pre-existing and de novo resistant barcodes, indicating the presence of polyclonal drug resistance in this system. Moreover, whole-exome sequencing analysis found chromosomal gains and mutations associated with dabrafenib and irinotecan resistance in 3D-HT-29 and 3D-HCT-116 spheroids. Last, we show that dabrafenib and irinotecan resistance are also mediated by multiple drug resistance by detection of upregulation of the drug efflux pumps, ABCB1 and ABCG2, in our spheroid model system. Overall, we present the quantification of drug resistance and evolutionary dynamics in spheroids for the first time using cellular barcoding technology and the underlying genomic determinants of the drug resistance in our model system.
Aedes albopictus microbiota: Differences between wild and mass-reared immatures do not suggest negative impacts from a diet based on black soldier fly larvae and fish food
Authors: Polidori Carlo , Ferrari Andrea , Borruso Luigimaria , Mattarelli Paola , Dindo Maria Luisa , Modesto Monica , Carrieri Marco , Puggioli Arianna , Ronchetti Federico , Bellini Romeo
Published: September 2023

The “Sterile Insect Technique” (SIT), a promising method to control Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, is gaining increasing interest. Recently, the role of microbiota in mosquito fitness received attention, but the link between microbiota and larval diet in mass rearing programs for SIT remains largely unexplored. We characterized the microbiota of four larval instars, pupae and eggs of non-wild (NW) lab-reared Ae. albopictus fed with a diet based on Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae powder and fish food KOI pellets. We compared it with wild (W) field-collected individuals and the bacterial community occurring in rearing water-diet (DIET). A total of 18 bacterial classes with > 0.10% abundance were found overall in the samples, with seven classes being especially abundant. Overall, the microbiota profile significantly differed among NW, W and DIET. Verrucomicrobiae were significantly more abundant in W and DIET, Bacteroidia were more abundant in NW and DIET, and Gammaproteobacteria were only more abundant in W than in DIET. W-eggs microbiota differed from all the other groups. Large differences also appeared at the bacterial genus-level, with the abundance of 14 genera differing among groups. Three ASVs of Acinetobacter, known to have positive effects on tiger mosquitoes, were more abundant in NW than in W, while Serratia, known to have negative or neutral effects on another Aedes species, was less abundant in NW than in W. The bacterial community of W-eggs was the richest in species, while dominance and diversity did not differ among groups. Our data show that the diet based on Black soldier fly powder and fish food KOI influences the microbiota of NW tiger mosquito immature stages, but not in a way that may suggest a negative impact on their quality in SIT programs.
Morphological characterization of Sussex cattle at Huntersvlei farm, Free State Province, South Africa
Authors: Bila Lubabalo , Malatji Dikeledi Petunia , Tyasi Thobela Louis
Published: September 2023

Sussex cattle breed is characterized by their distinctive solid red coat colour and white tail switch. Sussex cattle are known for being easy to handle and manage, making them an ideal choice for cattle farmers. The phenotypic characterization of this cattle breed in South Africa is unknown. Hence, the objective of this study was to characterize the morphological structure, phenotypic and body indices traits of Sussex cattle in South Africa at Huntersvlei farm, Frere State province of South Africa. One hundred and one weaners (n = 101) between 6 and 8 months old (female = 57 and male = 44) and fifty yearlings between 12 and 15 months old (female = 15 and male = 35) were used in this study. Body weight at weaning, yearling and linear body measurements such as head length (HL), head width (HW), ear length (EL), ear width (EW), sternum height (SH), withers height (WH), heart girth (HG), hip height (HH), body length (BL), rump length (RL), and rump width (RW) were measured. Moreover, the animals were assessed for coat colour and horn presence. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were used to describe the Sussex cattle breed. The results indicated that male Sussex cattle had highly significant (p < 0.01) mean numeric values for the BW and morphometric traits. The results further showed that Sussex cattle had highly significant (p < 0.01) increase for the BW and morphometric traits as age advances in all sexes. Interaction effect of sex and age showed a highly significant (p < 0.01) effect with BW and measured morphometric traits, while moderately significant (p < 0.05) with EW. Male Sussex cattle showed highly significant (p < 0.01) higher mean numeric values for the body index (BI), length index (LI) and compact index (CI) indices. While female Sussex animals showed highly significant (p < 0.01) mean numeric values for area index (AI) and proportionality (PR). Body weight showed a positive highly significant (p < 0.01) correlation with the measured morphometric traits except for the moderate significant (p < 0.05) correlation with EL. Coat colour traits ranged from 15 (9.93%), 103 (68.21%) to 33 (21.85%) for light, moderate and dark colours, respectively. While horn presence traits ranged from 48 (31.79%), 42 (27.81%) to 61 (40.40%) for polled, scur and horned respectively. The PCA results extracted only two components in both sexes of the animals. The morphological variations obtained in this study could be complemented by performance data and molecular markers of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) to guide the overall breed characterization, conservation and development of appropriate breeding and selection strategies.
Translating tai chi and transforming qigong in British media culture
Authors: Bowman Paul , Aziz Izzati , Ma Xiujie
Published: September 2023

There are a growing number of studies of the history and spread of taijiquan and qigong. However, there are few studies of taiji or qigong in the media. Based on a study of British media archives, this article traces the construction and representation of taijiquan (‘tai chi’) in British media. In doing so, it establishes and evaluates the meanings and values that have been imputed to the practice in British media discourse. It first examines key representations of tai chi before the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, but proposes that the pandemic changed its status. It argues that popular understandings of COVID-19 as a respiratory infection led to an upsurge of interest in ‘breath-focused’ practices. In this context, taiji could have stood to gain in popularity. However, the article suggests that the difficulties of learning taiji – especially during a time of social isolation – meant that it was not taiji but the related and hitherto lesser-known practice of qigong that saw an increase in popularity. It concludes with a reflection on ‘authenticity’ and the status of some new translation-constructions of hybrid taiji-qigong practices.
‘Once upon a Midsommar…’: Nature, nationalism and the Swedish folkloresque
Authors: Baran Stacey Anh
Published: September 2023

This article examines Ari folk horror film, Midsommar, in the context of Swedish ethnonationalist ideologies and their connections to environmental and cultural preservation. Reading the film through Michael Dylan Foster and Jeffrey A. Tolbert’s concept of the folkloresque, I draw correlations between its structural, fairy tale framing and manipulation of folkloric imagery in order to interrogate its deliberate representations of cultural and historical inauthenticity. Further, this article analyses Midsommar’s transnational milieu and its narrative emphasis on the ambiguous traditions and rituals of the rural Swedish commune, the Hårga, to argue that the film gestures towards a nostalgic appropriation of folkloric culture which highlights the ethnonationalist, anti-immigrant agenda of the far-right in Sweden. Midsommar thus provides a generative space for illuminating the complex relationship between folk tradition, nature and ethnic homogeneity at the intersections of environmental preservation and Scandinavian/American politics.
Volk horror and the revival of history in Suspiria
Authors: Belling Catherine
Published: September 2023

The classification of films as folk horror runs into the usual problem (and fascination) of genre taxonomy, the fuzzy set, where many texts meet some criteria and hardly any fit completely. This article suggests that thinking about Dario Suspiria and the 2018 version, directed by Luca Guadagnino, might, even though both films may seem to lack key folk horror elements, provide insight into deeper spatial-temporal structures that animate the subgenre. The 2018 Suspiria is less a remake of Argento’s original than an excavation of its historical and geographical subtexts. The central dance work in Guadagnino’s film, named Volk, activates changing connotations of the word ‘folk’, opening up both films to a reading in which Guadagnino’s reconstitution of Argento’s film recapitulates folk horror’s central dynamic, the horrifying yet desired revelation of a past that has been spatially present all along, waiting to be uncovered.
From folklore to horror: The Medium as a case for Thai folk horror
Authors: Ancuta Katarzyna
Published: September 2023

While folk horror has never been identified as exclusive to western cinema, most studies of the topic have so far been strongly aligned with western world-views, philosophies and methodologies. This makes it difficult to apply their findings to films made in non-Christian non-western countries, such as Thailand. This article discusses Banjong Pisanthanakun’s film Rang Song (The Medium) (2021) as a case in point to demonstrate how folk horror operates as a mode in Thai cinema. Building on the existing studies and modifying the current definitions of folk horror to apply them to the Thai cultural context, the article argues that Thai folk horror narratives are steeped in representations of the urban–rural divide that pit metropolitan Bangkok against low-income provinces (in particular, the northeastern region of Isan) and reflect on cultural tensions related to ethnicity and class.
Timelines of Terror: The Fractured Continuities of Horror Film Sequels, Josh Spiegel (2023)
Authors: Weathers Shane H.
Published: September 2023

Review of: Timelines of Terror: The Fractured Continuities of Horror Film Sequels, Josh Spiegel (2023)

Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 195 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-47669-165-7, p/bk, £30.95
The Basque poets during the Second Republic: José María Agirre, ‘Xabier Lizardi’, and Esteban Urkiaga, ‘Lauaxeta’, in their artistic context1
Authors: Kortazar Jon
Published: September 2023

This article aims to follow the trail of some of the influences in the poetic works of José María Agirre, ‘Lizardi’ (1896–1933), and Esteban Urkiaga, ‘Lauaxeta’ (1905–37), both of whom are clearly connected to Symbolism through Spanish Modernism. They are considered the modernizers of Basque poetry and are the most frequently cited examples as paradigms of the Republican era. To this end, a double perspective will be followed. In the case of Lizardi, his literary affiliations will be addressed, relating him to Juan Ramón Jiménez (1881–1958) and José Ortega y Gasset (1883–1955). In order to approach the work of Lauaxeta, we will suggest a number of similarities to the poetry of Federico García Lorca (1898–1936), and to the music of Jesús Guridi (1886–1961) and his zarzuela, El Caserío (1926). We will also establish links between his work and some Impressionist and Symbolist painters, such as Darío Regoyos (1857–1913), Valentín de Zubiaurre (1879–1963) and Aurelio Arteta (1879–1940).
España comparada: Literatura, lengua y política en la cultura contemporánea, Christian Claesson (ed.) (2022)
Authors: Isasi Santiago Pérez
Published: September 2023

Review of: España comparada: Literatura, lengua y política en la cultura contemporánea, Christian Claesson (ed.) (2022)

Granada: Comares, 184 pp.,

ISBN 978-8-41369-296-8, p/bk, €19.00
A Universidade de Coimbra e seus Estudantes aos Olhos dos Viajantes Estrangeiros (1581-1879): 298 Anos de Fragmentos Literários
Authors: Reis Carlos Xavier
Published: September 2023

No estudo “A Universidade de Coimbra e seus Estudantes aos Olhos dos Viajantes Estrangeiros (1581-1879)” são coligidos 30 relatos de viajantes estrangeiros, homens e mulheres, abarcando  10 nacionalidades e um período cronológico de 298 anos da história desta instituição e, por inerência, do país. Os relatos abordam temas vários relacionados com a Universidade de Coimbra (a sua criação, as cadeiras ministradas em diferentes períodos, métodos de ensino e de avaliação, tradições académicas, espaços universitários, Lentes e Estudantes, participação da Universidade no contexto político nacional, etc.)  mas também com momentos-chave da história de Portugal, como, por exemplo, a União Ibérica, o recuperar da Independência, as Reforma Pombalinas do ensino superior, as Invasões Francesas e a Guerra Civil.
PASSEIOS TURÍSTICOS COMO ESTRATÉGIA DE PREVENÇÃO E RECUPERAÇÃO DA SAÚDE MENTAL EM IDOSOS
Authors: Esperança Raíssa , Cerchiari Edneia Albino Nunes , Martins Patrícia Cristina Statella , Alvarenga Márcia Regina Martins , Canevari Samuel da Cruz
Published: September 2023

Estudos mostram que o declínio da memória, ao longo do envelhecimento, deve-se, em grande parte, à falta de atividade mental. Assim, com o objetivo de avaliar os passeios turísticos como estratégia de treino cognitivo na terceira idade, realizou-se um estudo comparativo em uma amostra de 14 idosos, nos quais se aplicou o teste neuropsicológico para avaliação da função cognitiva, o Mini Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM), antes e depois dos 11 passeios city tour, realizados quinzenalmente, entre os meses de abril e novembro de 2009. Os resultados encontrados apontam um aumento na média do pré MEEM para o pós MEEM em 71,42% dos participantes após a intervenção dos passeios turísticos, o que evidencia que a atividade turística constitui uma prática profícua e eficaz na promoção, manutenção e recuperação da saúde mental do idoso.
RELAÇÃO ENTRE ORIENTAÇÃO EMPREENDEDORA, CAPACIDADE DE INOVAÇÃO E MUNIFICÊNCIA AMBIENTAL EM AGÊNCIAS DE VIAGENS
Authors: Escobar Maria Andréa Rocha , Lizote Suzete Antonieta , Verdinelli Miguel Angel
Published: September 2023

Este estudo tem por objetivo avaliar a relação entre munificência ambiental, orientação empreendedora (OE) e capacidade de inovação gerencial e de serviços em agências de viagens a partir de um levantamento realizado com seus gestores. Para a OE, usaram-se as dimensões propostas por Miller (1983). A inovação se trabalhou desde a perspectiva organizacional e a munificência segundo Dess e Beard (1984). A abordagem do estudo foi quantitativa, com caráter descritivo-correlacional, por meio de uma survey com questionário aplicado em 91 empresas. A unidimensionalidade da OE verificou-se pela análise fatorial. Do mesmo modo para a munificência e a inovação, que estiveram representadas por um fator. Para todos os construtos se geraram os escores fatoriais e com eles se fizeram as análises estatísticas. A OE e a munificência se categorizaram como baixa (B), moderada (M), alta (A) e muito alta (MA) e as Anova com a inovação gerencial ou de serviços como dependente tiveram diferenças significativas nas comparações simultâneas. As maiores médias se relacionam às categorias A e MA. Também houve significância na comparação simultânea da Anova com munificência como preditor e OE como dependente, a maior OE se associa à maior munificência. As regressões múltiplas mostraram no caso da inovação gerencial que só a OE tem significância, já para a inovação de serviços tanto a OE quanto a munificência foram significantes. Diante dos resultados, conclui-se que existe relação positiva e significativa entre OE, munificência e capacidade de inovação.