bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric properties and comparison of four health utility approaches among myopia patients in China
Authors: Dou Lei , Xu Yanjiao , Chen Gang , Li Shunping
Published: July 2023

Background

The increased prevalence of myopia creates and earlier age of onset has created public health concerns for the long-term eye health, vision impairment and carries with it a significant economic burden. The quality of the economic evaluation is dependent on the sensitivity and validity of the approaches. Nowadays, there are many approaches to measure patients’ health state utility (HSU). However, little is known regarding the performance of direct approach and indirect approach in people with myopia. This study is aimed to compare the psychometric properties of four HSU approaches among patients with myopia in mainland China, including two direct approaches (TTO and SG), the generic preference-based measures (PBM) (AQoL-7D) and the disease-specific PBM (VFQ-UI).

Methods

A convenience sampling framework was used to recruit patients with myopia who attended a large ophthalmic hospital in Jinan, China. Spearman’s rank correlations coefficient was used to assess concurrent validity. Known-group validity was analyzed by: (1) whether the patients wear corrective devices; (2) severity of myopia as low or moderate to high of the better eye; (3) duration of myopia as ≤ 10 years or > 10 years. Effect size (ES), relative efficiency (RE) statistic and the largest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were used to assess sensitivity. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman plots were used to assess agreement.

Results

A valid sample size of 477 myopia patients was analyzed (median duration: 10 years). The mean HSU scores between TTO and SG were similar (0.95) and higher than AQoL-7D (0.89) and VFQ-UI (0.83). Overall, the VFQ-UI had the best performance based on the psychometric analysis. The agreement indicated that there was no pair of approaches that could be used interchangeably.

Conclusions

The VFQ-UI showed better psychometric properties than other three approaches for providing health state utility in Chinese myopia patients. Given the widespread use and its generic nature of the AQoL-7D, it could be used alongside with VFQ-UI to provide complementary health state utility from a generic and disease-specific perspective for economic evaluation. More evidence on the responsiveness of four health utility approaches in myopia patients is required.
Simultaneous dose distribution and fluence prediction for nasopharyngeal carcinoma IMRT
Authors: Li Yongbao , Cai Wenwen , Xiao Fan , Zhou Xuanru , Cai Jiajun , Zhou Linghong , Dou Wen , Song Ting
Published: July 2023

Background

Current intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment planning is still a manual and time/resource consuming task, knowledge-based planning methods with appropriate predictions have been shown to enhance the plan quality consistency and improve planning efficiency. This study aims to develop a novel prediction framework to simultaneously predict dose distribution and fluence for nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with IMRT, the predicted dose information and fluence can be used as the dose objectives and initial solution for an automatic IMRT plan optimization scheme, respectively.

Methods

We proposed a shared encoder network to simultaneously generate dose distribution and fluence maps. The same inputs (three-dimensional contours and CT images) were used for both dose distribution and fluence prediction. The model was trained with datasets of 340 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients (260 cases for training, 40 cases for validation, 40 cases for testing) treated with nine-beam IMRT. The predicted fluence was then imported back to treatment planning system to generate the final deliverable plan. Predicted fluence accuracy was quantitatively evaluated within projected planning target volumes in beams-eye-view with 5 mm margin. The comparison between predicted doses, predicted fluence generated doses and ground truth doses were also conducted inside patient body.

Results

The proposed network successfully predicted similar dose distribution and fluence maps compared with ground truth. The quantitative evaluation showed that the pixel-based mean absolute error between predicted fluence and ground truth fluence was 0.53% ± 0.13%. The structural similarity index also showed high fluence similarity with values of 0.96 ± 0.02. Meanwhile, the difference in the clinical dose indices for most structures between predicted dose, predicted fluence generated dose and ground truth dose were less than 1 Gy. As a comparison, the predicted dose achieved better target dose coverage and dose hot spot than predicted fluence generated dose compared with ground truth dose.

Conclusion

We proposed an approach to predict 3D dose distribution and fluence maps simultaneously for nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. Hence, the proposed method can be potentially integrated in a fast automatic plan generation scheme by using predicted dose as dose objectives and predicted fluence as a warm start.
Adolescents’ Internet addiction: Does it all begin with their environment?
Authors: Chemnad Khansa , Aziz Maryam , Abdelmoneium Azza O. , Al-Harahsheh Sanaa , Baghdady Ahmed , Al Motawaa Fatima Y. , Alsayed Hassan Diana , Ali Raian
Published: July 2023

Background

This is one of the few studies that examines adolescent Internet addiction (IA) among Middle Eastern population. The purpose of this study is to determine whether adolescents’ family and school environments play a role in their Internet Addiction.

Methods

We conduced a survey that included 479 adolescents in Qatar. The survey collected demographic data, the Internet Addiction Diagnostic Questionnaire (IADQ), the Brief Family Relationship Scale (BFRS) and questions from the WHO Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey that assess school environment, academic performance, teacher support, and peer support of the adolescents. Factorial analysis, multiple regression, and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Family environment and school environment were negative and significant predictors of adolescent Internet addiction. The prevalence rate was 29.64%.

Conclusion

Results imply that interventions and digital parenting programs should not only target adolescents, but also include entities in the developmental environment of adolescents, i.e. their family and school.
The bridge symptoms of childhood trauma, sleep disorder and depressive symptoms: a network analysis
Authors: Guo Weilong , Zhao Yixin , Chen Hui , Liu Jiali , Chen Xianliang , Tang Huajia , Zhou Jiansong , Wang Xiaoping
Published: July 2023

Background

This study aimed to elucidate the characteristics of symptom network of childhood trauma (CT) and sleep disorder (SD) in Chinese adolescents, with the influence of depressive symptoms taken into account.

Method

A total of 1301 adolescent students were included, and their CT, SD and depressive symptoms were measured using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), and The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), respectively. Central symptoms and bridge symptoms were identified based on centrality indices and bridge centrality indices, respectively. Network stability was examined using the case-dropping procedure.

Results

In CT and SD symptom network, emotional abuse and sleep quality symptoms had the highest centrality values, and two bridge symptoms, i.e., emotional abuse and sleep disturbance symptoms, were also identified. In symptom network for CT, SD, and depressive symptoms, sleeping difficulty symptoms, daily dysfunction symptoms, and emotional abuse appeared to be potential bridge symptoms. In symptom network of CT, SD, and depressive symptoms (excluding the symptom of sleeping difficulty), daily dysfunction symptoms, emotional abuse, and sleep disturbance symptoms appeared to be bridge symptoms.

Conclusions

In this study, emotional abuse and poor sleep quality were found to be central symptoms in the CT-SD network structure among Chinese adolescent students, with daytime dysfunction as the bridge symptom in the CT-SD-depression network structure. Systemic multi-level interventions targeting the central symptoms and bridge symptoms may be effective in alleviating the co-occurrence of CT, SD and depression in this population.
Injuries and complaints in the Brazilian national volleyball male team: a case study
Authors: Haupenthal Alessandro , Bufon Thainá , dos Santos Matheus Cardoso , Matte Luiza Marx , Dell’Antonio Elisa , Franco Felipe Malzac , do Amaral Ney Coutinho Pecegueiro , dos Santos Costa Lucas , Nunes Guilherme S.
Published: July 2023

Background

The literature reports a vast amount of epidemiological information on injuries in volleyball athletes. However, little is known about the incidence of injuries in elite athletes of international level participating in major competitions, such as world championships and Olympic games. The objective of the study was to analyse the incidence of injuries in elite professional volleyball athletes, and the prevalence of complaints reported by athletes.

Methods

This is a case study in which data were collected between April 2018 and August 2021. All the athletes called to play for the Brazilian national male volleyball team during the analysis period participated. From the athletes’ medical records, the occurrence of injuries (injurious events that lead to a time off from activities) and complaints (discomforts that did not lead to a time off from activities) were analysed. Frequency data were used to calculate incidence, prevalence and ratios.

Results

From 41 athletes who played for the team during the analysed period, 12 athletes had 28 injuries and 38 athletes reported 402 complaints. For injuries, an incidence of seven injuries/1,000 h of competition and two injuries/1,000 h of training was observed. The average recovery time of the athletes was 10 days. The regions with the highest prevalence of injuries were the knee (111/1,000 athletes) and ankle (69/1,000 athletes). For complaints, 402 complaints required 1,085 treatment sessions, with the regions with the highest prevalence of complaints being the knee (261/1,000 complaints) followed by the shoulders (236/1,000 complaints). Athletes aged above 23 years and those playing as middle blockers and outside hitters presented a higher prevalence of injuries and complaints.

Conclusions

Almost one-third of the athletes had injuries and almost all athletes reported complaints during the study period. Injuries and complaints were more prevalent in the knees. Complaints caused a high demand for the healthcare team. To manage risk of injuries for overload, specific injury prevention strategies are needed and should be included as an essential component of the training plan for elite volleyball players.
Take language assessment easy: the mediator impacts of self-assessment, test-taking skills in predicting student evaluation apprehension, foreign language learning self-esteem, and language achievement in online classes
Authors: Prasad KDV , Aladini Alaa , Normurodova Nozliya Zarilovna , Belton Barana
Published: July 2023

Many different elements have a significant impact on the effectiveness of both teaching and assessment. The ever-expanding body of research on assessment has provided an overview of several cognitive, social, and emotional aspects that impact the academic accomplishment of learners in either a direct or indirect manner. In spite of the promising literature on assessment, no research has been done to investigate the probable interactions between self-assessment (SA), test-taking skills (TTS), student evaluation apprehension (SEA), self-esteem (S-E), and language achievement (LA). The purpose of this research was to offer a model that would illuminate the connection among SA, TTS, SEA, S-E, and LA in online classes. Therefore, 417 Turkish EFL students were given the Core of Self-assessment Questionnaire (CSAQ), the Test-Taking Skills Scale (TTSS), the Student Evaluation Apprehension Scale (SEAS), and the Foreign Language Learning Self-esteem Scale (FLLSE). Structural equation modeling (SEM) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) both found that SA and TTS are related to SEA, S-E, and LA. Based on the data analysis, EFL students’ SA and TTS can predict the level of SEA, S-E, and LA in online classes. This has important implications for the development of EFL students’ feeling of effectiveness and their ability to define and achieve goals. Consequences and potential future directions are also examined.
Optical engineering of PbS colloidal quantum dot solar cells via Fabry–Perot resonance and distributed Bragg reflectors
Authors: Bae Sumin , Duff Matthew , Hong Jun Young , Lee Jung-Kun
Published: July 2023

A tradeoff between light absorption and charge transport is a well-known issue in PbS colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solar cells because the carrier diffusion length in PbS CQD films is comparable to the thickness of CQD film. We reduce the tradeoff between light absorption and charge transport by combining a Fabry–Perot (FP) resonator and a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR). A FP resonance is formed between the DBR and a dielectric-metal-dielectric film as a top transparent electrode. A SiO2-TiO2 multilayer is used to form a DBR. The FP resonance enhances light absorption near the resonant wavelength of the DBR without changing the CQD film thickness. The light absorption near the FP resonance wavelength is further boosted by coupling the FP resonance with the high reflectivity of the Ag-coated DBR. When the FP resonance and DBR are combined, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PbS CQD solar cells increases by 54%. Moreover, the DBR assisted FP resonance enables a very thin PbS layer to absorb near infrared light four times more. The overall PCE of the thin PbS CQD solar cell increases by 24% without sacrificing the average visible transmittance (AVT). Our results show how to overcome the inherence problem of the CQD and develop a semi-transparent solar cell where the wavelength-selective absorption and the transparency for visible light are important.
Recurrence intervals for M > 7 Miyagi-ken-Oki earthquakes during an M ~ 9 earthquake cycle
Authors: Nakata Ryoko , Uchida Naoki , Hori Takane , Hino Ryota
Published: July 2023

The 2011 Tohoku-Oki great earthquake increased the difficulty of evaluating the long-term probability of seismic activity along the Japan Trench because of the unknown impact of the unprecedentedly large slip. In this study, the long-term activity of “Miyagi-ken-Oki earthquakes”, an M > 7 earthquake sequence off Miyagi Prefecture, located at the edge of the source area of the Tohoku-Oki earthquake was simulated. We conducted numerical simulations of earthquake generation cycles based on the rate- and state-dependent friction law representing the stress accumulation and release process on the plate interface. We also validated the results based on analyses of observational data, including time intervals and afterslip distributions for the previous Miyagi-ken-Oki earthquakes. The simulation results were then compared with repeating-earthquake-derived interplate slip observations over 30 years. The results showed that the spatial and temporal characteristics of aseismic slips on the plate interface near the M > 7 Miyagi-ken-Oki source were qualitatively reproduced. The time interval between the M ~ 9 earthquake and the first M > 7 earthquake is shorter than the average recurrence interval of M > 7 earthquakes during the latter stage of each M ~ 9 earthquake cycle. In contrast, the interval between the first and the second M > 7 earthquakes is the longest in each M ~ 9 earthquake cycle. The time intervals of the M > 7 earthquakes fluctuated in the early stage compared to those in the latter stage of the M ~ 9 earthquake cycle. These characteristics were associated with the extent of the locked and afterslip areas in and around the source. Hence, monitoring the spatio-temporal distribution of the slip rate in and around the source area during the preparation process of earthquakes occurring in the downdip area off Miyagi Prefecture is very important to assess whether the next M > 7 earthquake is approaching. Furthermore, earthquake cycle simulations combined with earthquake and slow slip monitoring can provide meaningful insights for long-term assessments of great interplate earthquakes.
Design considerations for developing geothermal-assisted milk pasteurization equipment
Authors: Bist Namrata , Vaghela Parth , Kumar Tanisha , Pandey Vaishnavi , Morabiya Dharmesh , Santara Sourav , Pawar Rohit , Kumari Roshni , Yadav Kriti , Sircar Anirbid
Published: July 2023

The naturally occurring heat inside the earth is renewable and sustainable and is known as geothermal energy. It is a renewable energy source that may be used in various applications, including milk pasteurization. This research focuses on the design considerations for developing geothermal-assisted milk pasteurization equipment which is first of its kind in Gujarat, India in direct application of geothermal energy. The novelty of this device is that it utilizes geothermal water (63 °C) from a self-flowing well to pasteurise milk. The utilization of direct heat energy from geothermal resource reduces the operational cost of milk pasteurization process. It discusses the various aspects of the design process, including efficiency calculation, heat exchange principles, system components, and control strategies. The study also discusses the result of the laboratory analysis of pasteurized milk considering microbiological and chemical parameters. The unit reduces the total plate count to 28,000 cfu/ml, within the recommended range for the WHO (30,000 cfu/ml). The paper concludes by discussing societal benefits and techno economic aspect of geothermal-assisted milk pasteurization equipment.
Spontaneous pneumothorax during vaginal hysterectomy in lithotomy with steep Trendelenburg position—a case report
Authors: Nasreen Farah , Sheikh Kulsum , Amir Syed Hasan , Maria Umme , Khalid Atif
Published: July 2023

Background

Pneumothorax associated with a steep head-down position in vaginal hysterectomy surgery is rare but can cause life-threatening complications.

Case presentation

We report a case of a female patient with no obvious lung pathology who suffered intraoperative pneumothorax associated with prolonged steep Trendelenburg position. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first well-documented case of this association. A 53-year-old female, diagnosed as a case of recurrent umbilical hernia with cystocele and rectocele was planned for vaginal hysterectomy with anterior perineorrhaphy and posterior colpoperineorrhaphy along with open mesh repair for umbilical hernia under general anaesthesia. Approximately 90 min after the steep Trendelenburg position, the peak inspiratory pressure increased, while the oxygen saturation decreased. The airway pressures remained continuously on the higher side whole throughout the surgery despite an interrupted propped-up position in between. The patient could not be extubated and shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) where ultrasonography (USG) of the lung and chest x-ray showed signs of pneumothorax. Intercostal tube drainage (ICTD) was placed, and the patient improved dramatically. It was suspected that a steep head-down position for a prolonged period led to persistently raised airway pressures and the subsequent development of pneumothorax.

Conclusions

Pneumothorax can develop in rare circumstances even if airway pressures are under the safety range. So, careful monitoring and immediate treatment are necessary to prevent the condition from worsening and anaesthesiologists must be aware of such potential danger.
Radiofrequency Ablation for Benign Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Noel Julia E , Sinclair Catherine F
Published: July 2023

Context

Thermal ablative techniques of the thyroid have recently gained clinical traction as a therapeutic alternative that provides symptomatic relief and confers potential advantages over surgery. A truly multidisciplinary technique, thyroid ablation is currently performed by endocrinologists, interventional radiologists, otolaryngologists, and endocrine surgeons. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), specifically, has seen widespread adoption, particularly in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. This review summarizes current evidence on the application of RFA in benign thyroid nodules, and provides a start to finish overview of procedural preparation, performance, and outcomes.

Evidence Acquisition

A narrative review of literature focusing on RFA in the treatment of benign nodular disease was performed. Emphasis was placed on consensus statements, best practice guidelines, multi-institutional studies, and systematic reviews to summarize key concepts in candidacy, techniques, expectations, and outcomes.

Findings

RFA is increasingly recognized as a first-line treatment strategy in the management of symptomatic nonfunctional benign thyroid nodules. It can also be considered in functional thyroid nodules with small volumes or in patients ineligible for surgery. A targeted and efficacious technique, RFA results in gradual volume reduction that preserves the function of the surrounding thyroid parenchyma. Proper procedural technique, proficiency in ultrasound, and experience in ultrasound-guided procedures are instrumental to maintaining low complication rates and achieving successful ablation outcomes.

Conclusions

In pursuit of a personalized approach, physicians across disciplines are increasingly incorporating RFA into their treatment algorithms, most commonly for benign nodules. As with any intervention, thoughtful selection and implementation ensure a safe procedure with optimal patient benefit.
Association Between Insulin Resistance and Myosteatosis Measured by Abdominal Computed Tomography
Authors: Kim Myung Jin , Cho Yun Kyung , Jung Han Na , Kim Eun Hee , Lee Min Jung , Jung Chang Hee , Park Joong-Yeol , Kim Hong-Kyu , Lee Woo Je
Published: July 2023

Context

Ectopic fat deposition in skeletal muscle, termed myosteatosis, is a key factor in developing insulin resistance.

Objective

This work aimed to evaluate the association between insulin resistance and myosteatosis in a large Asian population.

Methods

A total of 18 251 participants who had abdominal computed tomography were included in this cross-sectional study. Patients were categorized into 4 groups according to quartiles of Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). The total abdominal muscle area (TAMA) at the L3 vertebral level was segmented into normal-attenuation muscle area (NAMA), low-attenuation muscle area (LAMA), and intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT). The absolute values of TAMA, NAMA, LAMA, and IMAT and the ratios of NAMA/BMI, LAMA/BMI, and NAMA/TAMA were used as myosteatosis indices.

Results

The absolute values of TAMA, NAMA, LAMA, and IMAT appeared to increase with higher HOMA-IR levels, and LAMA/BMI showed a similar upward trend. Meanwhile, the NAMA/BMI and NAMA/TAMA index showed downward trends. As HOMA-IR levels increased, the odds ratios (ORs) of the highest quartile of NAMA/BMI and NAMA/TAMA index decreased and that of LAMA/BMI increased. Compared with the lowest HOMA-IR group, the adjusted ORs (95% CI) in the highest HOMA-IR group for the lowest NAMA/TAMA quartile were 0.414 (0.364-0.471) in men and 0.464 (0.384-0.562) in women. HOMA-IR showed a negative correlation with NAMA/BMI (r = −0.233 for men and r = −0.265 for women), and NAMA/TAMA index (r = −0.211 for men and r = −0.214 for women), and a positive correlation with LAMA/BMI (r = 0.160 for men and r = 0.119 for women); P was less than .001 for all.

Conclusion

In this study, a higher HOMA-IR level was significantly associated with a high risk of myosteatosis.
Uncharacterized protein C17orf80 – a novel interactor of human mitochondrial nucleoids
Authors: Potter Alisa , Hangas Anu , Goffart Steffi , Huynen Martijn A. , Cabrera-Orefice Alfredo , Spelbrink Johannes N.
Published: July 2023

Molecular functions of many human proteins remain unstudied, despite the demonstrated association with diseases or pivotal molecular structures, such as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). This small genome is crucial for the proper functioning of mitochondria, the energy-converting organelles. In mammals, mtDNA is arranged into macromolecular complexes called nucleoids that serve as functional stations for its maintenance and expression. Here, we aimed to explore an uncharacterized protein C17orf80, which was previously detected close to the nucleoid components by proximity labelling mass spectrometry. To investigate the subcellular localization and function of C17orf80, we took advantage of immunofluorescence microscopy, interaction proteomics and several biochemical assays. We demonstrate that C17orf80 is a mitochondrial membrane-associated protein that interacts with nucleoids even when mtDNA replication is inhibited. In addition, we show that C17orf80 is not essential for mtDNA maintenance and mitochondrial gene expression in cultured human cells. These results provide a basis for uncovering the molecular function of C17orf80 and the nature of its association with nucleoids, possibly leading to new insights about mtDNA and its expression.
Fibronexus formation is an early event during fibronectin-induced restoration of more normal morphology and substrate adhesion patterns in transformed hamster fibroblasts
Authors: Singer Irwin I.
Published: July 2023

In order to determine whether fibronexus morphogenesis is involved in the establishment of more normal cellular morphology and substrate adhesion patterns in Nil/HSV transformed fibroblasts induced by treatment with exogenous fibronectin (FN), this system was studied with electron microscopy (EM), immunocytochemistry, and interference reflection microscopy (IRM). EM analysis showed that cells grown in medium with 5 % foetal bovine serum (FBS) had well-formed fibronexuses and enlarged actin-microfilament bundles at their dorsal surface by i h after FN addition. Expansion of the substrate-binding focal adhesions visualized with IRM, and increased cellular flattening, did not take place until at least 2 h later. These observations suggest that fibronexus induction and the initiation of actin-microfilament bundle enlargement occur as a direct result of FN attachment to the cell surface, with overt increases in substrate adhesion taking place subsequently. FN was not localized in focal contacts under these conditions. However, if fibronexus-reconstitution experiments were performed with Nil/HSV cultures maintained in medium with 0·3 % FBS, then fibronectin fibres and fibro-nexuses were strikingly localized at focal contacts on the ventral cell surface. Fibronectin is evidently capable of exerting either a direct or an indirect influence on substrate adhesion, which is probably regulated by serum factors.
Novel Dual Tracer Indocyanine Green and Radioisotope Versus Gold Standard Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer: The GREENORBLUE Trial
Authors: Nguyen Chu Luan , Zhou Michael , Easwaralingam Neshanth , Seah Jue Li , Azimi Farhad , Mak Cindy , Pulitano Carlo , Warrier Sanjay
Published: July 2023

Background

The methods for sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in breast cancer have been variable in type and number of tracers. Some units have abandoned the use of blue dye (BD) due to adverse reactions. Fluorescence-guided biopsy with indocyanine green (ICG) is a relatively novel technique. This study compared the clinical efficacy and costs between novel dual tracer ICG and radioisotope (ICG-RI) with “gold standard” BD and radioisotope (BD-RI).

Methods

Single-surgeon study of 150 prospective patients with early breast cancer undergoing SLN biopsy (2021-2022) using ICG-RI compared with a retrospective cohort of 150 consecutive previous patients using BD-RI. Number of SLNs identified, rate of failed mapping, identification of metastatic SLNs, and adverse reactions were compared between techniques. Cost-minimisation analysis performed by using Medicare item numbers and micro-costing analysis.

Results

Total number of SLNs identified with ICG-RI and BD-RI was 351 and 315, respectively. Mean number of SLNs identified with ICG-RI and BD-RI was 2.3 (standard deviation [SD] 1.4) and 2.1 (SD 1.1), respectively (p = 0.156). There were no cases of failed mapping with either dual technique. Metastatic SLNs were identified in 38 (25.3%) ICG-RI patients compared with 30 (20%) BD-RI patients (p = 0.641). There were no adverse reactions to ICG, whereas four cases of skin tattooing and anaphylaxis were associated with BD (p = 0.131). ICG-RI cost an additional AU$197.38 per case in addition to the initial cost for the imaging system. Clinical trial registration: ACTRN12621001033831.

Conclusions

Novel tracer combination, ICG-RI, provided an effective and safe alternative to “gold standard” dual tracer. The caveat was the significantly greater costs associated with ICG.
Protein Adsorption on Carboxy-Functionalized Microparticles Revealed by Zeta Potential and Absorption Spectroscopy Measurements
Authors: Miyagawa Akihisa , Hagiya Kenta , Nagatomo Shigenori , Nakatani Kiyoharu
Published: July 2023

Addition of micro/nanoparticles to a protein solution leads to the formation of a protein layer on the particle surface, called a protein corona. We investigate here the adsorption behavior of myoglobin, hemoglobin, cytochrome-c, and lysozyme on carboxy-functionalized polystyrene microparticles using zeta potential and absorption spectroscopy measurements. The observed adsorption behavior differs according to the method of detection: monolayer for zeta potential and multilayer for absorption spectroscopy. Langmuir-type monolayer adsorption is observed with zeta potential measurements, because zeta potential (ζ) responds only to the charge density at the outermost protein layer. Multilayer adsorption is observed by absorption spectroscopy. Spectroscopic results were analyzed by the Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) model, which comprises a hard corona formed by strong interaction between the protein and the particle surface and a soft corona formed by weak interaction between adsorbed and bulk-solution proteins. The extent of hard and soft corona formation depends on pH. When a protein monolayer is prepared by covalent modification of the particle surface, the number of layers in the protein corona decreases relative to the case of protein adsorption on bare particles. This result demonstrates that electrostatic interactions between the protein and particle surface play a key role in the formation of a protein corona.
A cross-sectional analysis in order to validate the translation of FSFI-6 to Bahasa Indonesia
Authors: Sesari Saras Serani , Elvira Sylvia Detri , Priyatini Tyas , Rahardjo Harrina Erlianti
Published: July 2023

Background: Numerous tools have been developed to assess female sexual dysfunction. Several of them have also conducted validity tests. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) is one of these surveys that has been effectively translated into several different languages. The previous study on the translation and validation of the FSFI-6 questionnaire into Bahasa Indonesia used the original form (FSFI-19), which had many questions. Thus, this study was done to validate and translate a condensed version of the original questionnaire to make it more practicable for individuals to complete in a clinical context.

Methods: FSFI-6 was translated into Bahasa Indonesia. Then the data were collected via questionnaires by 72 women in Rumah Sakit Cipto Mangunkusumo (RSCM or Mangunkusumo National Central General Hospital) during the data collection period (January 2018 until April 2018). The data obtained were processed for validity and reliability using the SPSS software program 20. The tests conducted on the data included a normality test, a validity test, descriptive analysis, and reliability testing. The r-value and the value of Cronbach’s Alpha were the parameters used to determine the validity and reliability of the questionnaire.

Results: The r-value on each question in the translated FSFI-6 questionnaire was greater than 0.3, while the value of Cronbach's Alpha of the questionnaire FSFI-6 was greater than 0.6, equal to 0.831.

Conclusions: The FSFI-6 questionnaire short version that has been translated into Bahasa Indonesia is valid and reliable.
Meditation as an effective BCI training protocol for controlling wheeled robots
Authors: Duarte David , Lima Cabral , Lima Priscila Machado Vieira , Queiroz Rubens Lacerda , Turci Rubens
Published: July 2023

Background: Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) systems allow the use of electroencephalographic activities to control devices. As such, it can be an important tool for disabled people since using a BCI does not involves any muscular stimulation. Despite its great potential as an assistive technology, BCI systems are yet scarcely available outside scientific contexts. The main reason is that BCI is still not accurate enough for real world situations. In this paper, we investigated if mindfulness meditation can help BCI users to perform better, particularly on controlling wheeled robots. Controlling wheeled robots must be seen as an important BCI research issue, since disabled people can take the best advantages from assistive wheeled robots. 

Methods: Case-control study with 30 subjects, meditators and non-meditators, who controlled a simulated wheeled robot using a BCI system. 

Results: In straight-ahead moves, the robot was 30% faster when controlled by meditators. In stop-and-go moves, the meditators controlled the robot with an accuracy of 66% while the non-meditators’ accuracy was 27%. In rectangular shape moves, meditators also performed better than non-meditators, with an accuracy of 40% against 7% of non-meditators. 

Conclusion: The results show that meditators performed better than non-meditators. As such, we recommend combining mindfulness meditation with standard BCI training protocols for better control of wheeled robots.
PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE ORGANIZATION OF THE STAFF TRAINING SYSTEM
Authors: Kazaeva E. , VShIVCEVA A.
Published: July 2023

The article discusses the actual problems associated with the organization of the personnel training system. With the rapid development of industry, the creation, implementation and development of new technologies, as well as competition for consumers, companies must systematically improve the skills of their employees in order to maintain competitiveness in the market. Staff training is a key factor in the success of any organization. The authors of the article analyzed the theoretical aspects related to the study of the personnel training system, identified by domestic scientists. The subject of the research is the internal system of personnel training in the organization. The purpose of the article is to analyze this system and determine its effectiveness, identify problems and suggest ways to solve them. To achieve the goal, the following research methods were used: analysis of scientific and educational literature, analysis of documentation, survey of employees. As a result of the study, problems associated with the internal system of training the organization’s personnel were identified, and solutions were proposed to improve its effectiveness. The article concludes by noting that companies that successfully organize training for their staff can significantly increase their competitiveness and improve the quality of their products and services, which in turn can lead to increased profits and business growth.
A Heuristic Approach to Explore: The Value of Perfect Information
Authors: Tehrani Shervin Shahrokhi , Ching Andrew T.
Published: July 2023

This research introduces a new heuristic decision model called myopic-value of perfect information (VPI) to study multiarmed bandit (MAB) problems. The myopic-VPI approach only involves ranking the alternatives and computing a one-dimensional integration to obtain the expected future value of exploration. Because myopic-VPI is intuitive and does not involve solving a dynamic programming problem, it has the potential to serve as a useful heuristic approach to model exploration-exploitation tradeoffs. We conduct a series of simulation experiments to study its performance relative to other heuristics under a wide range of parameterizations. We find that myopic-VPI provides significant savings in computational time and decent performance in accumulated utility (although not the strongest) relative to other forward-looking heuristics; this suggests that it is a useful “fast-and-frugal” heuristic. Furthermore, our simulation experiments also reveal the conditions under which myopic-VPI outperforms and underperforms compared with other heuristics. Its empirical performance in the diaper category further shows that myopic-VPI can save estimation time significantly and fit the data on par with index and near-optimal, providing encouraging news that myopic-VPI could be added to the researcher’s or practitioner’s toolkit for MAB problems.

This paper was accepted by Gui Liberali, marketing.

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2019.00578 .
Allocation of Nonprofit Funds Among Program, Fundraising, and Administration
Authors: Kotsi Telesilla O. , Aflaki Arian , Aydin Goker , Pedraza-Martinez Alfonso J.
Published: July 2023

Problem definition: U.S. nonprofits declare three types of expenses in their IRS 990 forms: program spending to meet beneficiaries’ needs; fundraising spending to raise donations; and administration spending to build and maintain capacity. Charity watchdogs, however, expect nonprofits to prioritize program spending over other categories. We study when such expectations may lead to the “starvation cycle” or underspending on administration and fundraising. Methodology/results: We characterize optimal budget allocations to program, fundraising, and administration spending categories using a two-period model, which also includes the nonprofit’s capacity, return on program spending (the net value of program spending to beneficiaries), and beneficiaries’ uncertain future needs. We find that the nonprofit’s capacity plays a significant role in the optimal allocation. The nonprofit should (a) at high capacity, spend only the necessary amount on administration to maintain its current capacity; (b) at moderate capacity, maintain its current capacity while limiting program spending in favor of fundraising; and (c) at low capacity, increase administration spending to expand its future capacity. When we compare the optimal allocations prescribed by our model to the actual spending levels reported by a foodbank network, we find that the foodbank underspends on administration and fundraising, suggesting the forces that lead to the starvation cycle may be in play. Another possibility is that the nonprofit’s own estimate of its return on program spending is higher than our estimate—At higher estimates of return on program, the gap between our prescribed solutions versus actual spending levels decreases. Managerial implications: Our paper introduces an important discussion on nonprofits’ starvation cycle and finds conditions that justify prioritizing administration and fundraising expenses. It also highlights that watchdogs should consider nonprofits’ return on program spending in addition to their capacity and future needs when evaluating them.

Funding: T. O. Kotsi thanks the Onassis Foundation (Greece) for financial support.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2020.0660 .
Educational Needs for Psychiatric Nursing Competencies among Non-Psychiatric Nurses
Authors: Son Min-Ki , Kim Suk-Sun
Published: July 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify and prioritize educational needs for psychiatric nursing competencies among 142 non-psychiatric nurses from general hospitals.Methods: Data were collected from November 13 to 19 2022 through self-administered questionnaires consisting of measures of psychiatric nursing competencies. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, Borich's needs assessment model, and the Locus for Focus model to determine the priority of educational needs.Results: Non-psychiatric nurses reported that enhancing skills in psychiatric nursing were more significant than improving knowledge and attitude using Borich’s Needs Assessment Model and the Locus for Focus Model. The highest priority educational needs were ‘Skill to distinguish whether symptoms in psychiatric patients are symptoms of mental illness or side effects of psychiatric drugs’, ‘Skill to calm and supportive communication in psychiatric emergency when psychiatric patients are at risk of harm’, ‘Attitude to remain calm about the psychotic behaviors of psychiatric patients’, and ‘Knowledge of non-therapeutic communication that interferes with effective communication with psychiatric patients’. These items should be considered as priorities among the 39 items to improve psychiatric nursing competencies.Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that developing intervention programs to enhance psychiatric nursing competencies are needed among non-psychiatric Nurses.
Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Version of the Nine-Item Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder Screen (NIAS) Parent-Report
Authors: AKÇAY Elif , PARLAK GÖZÜKARA Özge , BAHADIR Büşra , ÖZALP ATEŞ Funda Seher , ŞENSES DİNÇ Gülser , ÖZAYDIN Eda , ÇÖP Esra
Published: July 2023

Background and aims: The current study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of a Turkish version of The Nine Item Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder Screen Parent Report (NIAS-PR), which measures the avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) symptoms by parents. NIAS-PR includes three subscales picky eating, poor appetite/limited interest in eating, and fear of aversive consequences from eating. Also, our secondary aim was to assess the relationship between ARFID-related eating behaviours and emotional-behavioural symptoms of children and parents' psychological status.
Methods: The NIAS-PR was translated into Turkish with standard procedures. Two hundred sixty-eight children (133 girls, 49.6%; mean age 8.62, age range from 2 to 18 years) and parents (175 mothers, 65.2%) were included in the study. The factor structure was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The results were compared to the validated Turkish Children’s Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) to determine the convergent validity. Internal consistency (Cronbach alpha coefficient) analysis was used to determine the reliability of the NIAS-PR.
Results: The current study provided evidence for the validity of the translated Turkish version of the NIAS-PR in the pediatric population. The three-factor structure of the NIAS—Picky eating, Appetite, and Fear—was replicated in the Turkish NIAS-PR. The NIAS-PR subscales showed the expected patterns of correlations with the CEBQ subscales. The reliability of the Turkish version of NIAS-PR proved to be satisfactory (total Cronbach's alpha=0.90) in the pediatric population (2-18 years).
Conclusions: This study demonstrated a good internal consistency of the Turkish version of the NIAS-PR. We confirmed the three-factor structure of the Turkish version of NIAS-PR. NIAS-PR is a brief, reliable instrument for ARFID research in Turkish children and adolescents. The NIAS-PR is developed as a screening questionnaire, so health professionals should use it to investigate ARFID-related eating behaviours further. It is worth mentioning that deepening these eating symptoms with clinical interviews is necessary.
Improving health and wellbeing through social prescribing
Authors: Mittal Rahul , Rowse Emma , Leyshon Michael , Leyshon Catherine
Published: July 2023

As part of the NHS long-term strategy to meet the medical and non-medical needs of patients, there is growing acceptance that the traditional model of service delivery can no longer meet current challenges. This has led to the co-creation of services with patients and other stakeholders such as the voluntary and community sector to help deliver these. Social prescribing, which is now available through the NHS, is one such option that allows individual patients with a social need to access local health resources and social support outside the NHS.
Fast Forward
Authors: Sampson Ben
Published: July 2023

ATI examines the commercial companies developing hypersonic flight technologies
Double Shift
Authors: Sampson Ben
Published: July 2023

HOW INNOVATION AND INVESTMENT IS HELPING A MAJOR EUROPEAN WIND TUNNEL FACILITY DEAL WITH AN INCREASE IN WORK
The Middle Aged Marvel
Authors: Sampson Ben
Published: July 2023

Thirty years on from its first flight, the A321 has been repeatedly refined to become one of Airbus’ most successful airliners
Experiences of academic-activists in Ireland: comfortable and uncomfortable activism in the current institutional environment
Authors: Kirwan Jordan
Published: July 2023

While there is a lack of academic-activist themed literature within the Irish context, it is evident that academic-activism is becoming an increasingly relevant topic given this period of undoubtable social change. The emergence of literature depicting academia as an unsupportive environment suggests that activism is not supported in a higher educational setting. This paper draws on the experiences of 33 Irish-based academic-activists and investigates the concepts of comfortable and uncomfortable academic-activism which were identified during the analysis. By exploring the experiences of academic-activists at varying career stages, this article argues that an academic’s ability to exercise academic freedom is influenced by the type of activism, the sociopolitical identity of the individual and the institutional environment. Overall, this paper offers interesting comparisons between disadvantaged/marginalised academic-activists in comparison to those in more privileged positions.
Demolition Derby, Working-Class Identity, and Capitalist Geographies
Authors: Williams Billy
Published: July 2023

In order to understand the formations of identities within a working-class population, this paper draws on ethnographic field research with participants and fans of demolition derby competitions in two regions of Arkansas.  It attempts what Arjun Appadurai calls a ‘genealogical’ reading to discover within semiotic evidence foreclosures of identity that challenge the power of capitalist fixation and movement of value within and through these regions.  The paper uses the term ‘material integrity’ to describe how participants and fans of demolition derby understand the economic dynamics in which they participate.  In Northwest Arkansas, a region characterized by the fixation of capital, class is ‘read down’ by nominating perceived lower classes, but in White County, Arkansas, a region with little fixed capital, class is ‘read up.’ As a ground-up spectacle and performance, demolition derby reveals the value of material integrity as an integral aspect of a working-class identity and provides some evidence of what Don Mitchell calls ‘working-class geographies’ and Ben Rogaly’s ‘non-elite cosmopolitanism.’