bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-task learning-based feature selection and classification models for glioblastoma and solitary brain metastases
Authors: Huang Ya , Huang Shan , Liu Zhiyong
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To investigate the diagnostic performance of feature selection via a multi-task learning model in distinguishing primary glioblastoma from solitary brain metastases.

Method

The study involved 187 patients diagnosed at Xiangya Hospital, Yunnan Provincial Cancer Hospital, and Southern Cancer Hospital between January 2010 and December 2018. Radiomic features were extracted from conventional magnetic resonance imaging including T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequences. We proposed a new multi-task learning model using these three sequences as three tasks. Multi-series fusion was performed to complement the information from different dimensions in order to enhance model robustness. Logical loss was used in the model as the data-fitting item, and the feature weights were expressed in the logical loss space as the sum of shared weights and private weights to select the common features of each task and the characteristics having an essential impact on a single task. A diagnostic model was constructed as a feature selection method as well as a classification method. We calculated accuracy, recall, precision, and area under the curve (AUC) and compared the performance of our new multi-task model with traditional diagnostic model performance.

Results

A diagnostic model combining the support vector machine algorithm as a classification algorithm and our model as a feature selection method had an average AUC of 0.993 in the training set, with AUC, accuracy, precision, and recall rates respectively of 0.992, 0.920, 0.969, and 0.871 in the test set. The diagnostic model built on our multi-task model alone, in the training set, had an average AUC of 0.987, and in the test set, the AUC, accuracy, precision, and recall rates were 0.984, 0.895, 0.954, and 0.838.

Conclusion

It is feasible to implement the multi-task learning model developed in our study using logistic regression to differentiate between glioblastoma and solitary brain metastases.
Can circulating PD-1, PD-L1, BTN3A1, pan-BTN3As, BTN2A1 and BTLA levels enhance prognostic power of CA125 in patients with advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer?
Authors: Fanale Daniele , Corsini Lidia Rita , Brando Chiara , Cutaia Sofia , Di Donna Mariano Catello , Filorizzo Clarissa , Lisanti Maria Chiara , Randazzo Ugo , Magrin Luigi , Romano Raffaella , Bazan Russo Tancredi Didier , Olive Daniel , Vieni Salvatore , Pantuso Gianni , Chiantera Vito , Russo Antonio , Bazan Viviana , Iovanna Juan Lucio
Published: September 2022

The most common subtype of ovarian cancer (OC) is the high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC), accounting for 70%–80% of all OC deaths. Although HGSOC is a potentially immunogenic tumor, clinical studies assessing the effectiveness of inhibitors of programmed death protein and its ligand (PD-1/PD-L1) in OC patients so far showed only response rates <15%. However, recent studies revealed an interesting prognostic role of plasma PD-1/PD-L1 and other circulating immunoregulatory molecules, such as the B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), butyrophilin sub-family 3A/CD277 receptors (BTN3A), and butyrophilin sub-family 2 member A1 (BTN2A1), in several solid tumors. Since evidence showed the prognostic relevance of pretreatment serum CA125 levels in OC, the aim of our study was to investigate if soluble forms of inhibitory immune checkpoints can enhance prognostic power of CA125 in advanced HGSOC women. Using specific ELISA tests, we examined the circulating PD-1, PD-L1, pan-BTN3As, BTN3A1, BTN2A1, and BTLA levels in 100 advanced HGSOC patients before treatment, correlating them with baseline serum CA125, age at diagnosis, body mass index (BMI), and peritoneal carcinomatosis. A multivariate analysis revealed that plasma BTN3A1 ≤4.75 ng/ml (HR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.23–3.07; p=0.004), age at diagnosis ≤60 years (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.05–2.59; p=0.03) and absence of peritoneal carcinomatosis (HR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.66–4.22; p<0.0001) were independent prognostic factors for a longer progression-free survival (PFS) (≥30 months) in advanced HGSOC women. However, further two-factor multivariate analyses highlighted that baseline serum CA125 levels >401 U/ml and each soluble protein above respective concentration cutoff were covariates associated with shorter PFS (<30 months) and unfavorable clinical outcome, suggesting that contemporary measurement of both biomarkers than CA125 only could strengthen prognostic power of serum CA125 in predicting PFS of advanced HGSOC women. Plasma PD-L1, PD-1, BTN3A1, pan-sBTN3As, BTN2A1, or BTLA levels could be helpful biomarkers to increase prognostic value of CA125.
Artificial intelligence-based preoperative prediction system for diagnosis and prognosis in epithelial ovarian cancer: A multicenter study
Authors: Wu Meixuan , Zhao Yaqian , Dong Xuhui , Jin Yue , Cheng Shanshan , Zhang Nan , Xu Shilin , Gu Sijia , Wu Yongsong , Yang Jiani , Yao Liangqing , Wang Yu
Published: September 2022

Background

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy, with limited early screening methods and poor prognosis. Artificial intelligence technology has made a great breakthrough in cancer diagnosis.

Purpose

We aim to develop a specific interpretable machine learning (ML) prediction model for the diagnosis and prognosis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) based on a variety of biomarkers.

Methods

A total of 521 patients with EOC and 144 patients with benign gynecological diseases were enrolled including derivation datasets and an external validation cohort. The predicted information was acquired by 9 supervised ML methods, through 34 parameters. Behind predicted reasons for the best ML were improved by using the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) algorithm. In addition, the prognosis of EOC was analyzed by unsupervised clustering and Kaplan–Meier (KM) survival analysis.

Results

ML technology was superior to conventional logistic regression in predicting EOC diagnosis and XGBoost performed best in the external validation datasets. The AUC values of distinguishing EOC and benign disease patients, determining pathological type, grade and clinical stage were 0.958 (0.926-0.989), 0.792 (0.701-0.8834), 0.819 (0.687-0.950) and 0.68 (0.573-0.788) respectively. For negative CA-125 EOC patients, the AUC performance of XGBoost model was 0.835(0.763-0.907). We used unsupervised cluster analysis to identify EOC subgroups with significantly poor overall survival (p-value <0.0001) and recurrence-free survival (p-value <0.0001).

Conclusions

Based on the preoperative characteristics, we proved that ML algorithm can provide an acceptable diagnosis and prognosis prediction model for EOC patients. Meanwhile, SHAP analysis can improve the interpretability of ML models and contribute to precision medicine.
Lenvatinib combined with anti-PD-1 antibodies plus transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for neoadjuvant treatment of resectable hepatocellular carcinoma with high risk of recurrence: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Wu Jun-Yi , Wu Jia-Yi , Li Yi-Nan , Qiu Fu-Nan , Zhou Song-Qiang , Yin Zhen-Yu , Chen Yu-Feng , Li Bin , Zhou Jian-Yin , Yan Mao-Lin
Published: September 2022

Background

Early recurrence is common after surgical resection (SR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with high risk of recurrence and is associated with poor prognosis. The combinations of lenvatinib (LEN), anti-PD-1 antibodies (PD-1) and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) (triple therapy) has shown better trend in tumor response and survival outcomes on unresectable HCC. It is unknown whether triple therapy for neoadjuvant treatment of resectable HCC with high risk of recurrence is effective. This article aimed to compare the outcomes of surgery alone and neoadjuvant combination treatment with triple therapy before SR in patients with HCC with high risk of recurrence.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on patients diagnosed with HCC with high risk of recurrence who received treatment with or without triple therapy. The records of 24 patients in the triple therapy group and 76 patients in the surgery-alone group were analyzed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to minimize the influence of potential confounders.

Results

One hundred patients were enrolled. In the triple therapy group, 8 (33.3%) and 12 (50.0%) patients had complete and partial responses, respectively, as assessed by an investigator. Before PSM, the overall survival (OS) rates for the triple therapy group at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months were 100.0%, 100.0%, 100.0%, and 85.7%, respectively, compared with corresponding 92.1%, 73.7%, 53.9%, and 48.7% for the surgery-alone group (P<0.001). The disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 82.2%, 66.95%, 48.8%, and 48.8% for the triple therapy and 41.92%, 28.34%, 27.05%, and 22.99% for the surgery-alone group (P=0.003). After PSM, DFS and OS were significantly longer in the triple therapy group than in the surgery-alone group (DFS, p=0.019; OS, p=0.003).

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant combination treatment before SR had a high rate of tumor response and provided significantly better postoperative survival outcomes than surgery alone in patients with HCC with high risk of recurrence.
Developmental adverse effects of trace amounts of lead: Evaluation using zebrafish model
Authors: Komoike Yuta , Matsuoka Masato
Published: September 2022

Lead (Pb) is widely used as a raw material for various daily necessities in human civilization. However, Pb is a major toxicant and Pb poisoning has long been a global health concern. A large body of evidence has revealed that exposure to Pb causes a variety of adverse health effects. Meanwhile, experimental studies on the developmental effects caused by trace amounts of Pb remain to be fully conducted. Therefore, we aimed to provide direct experimental evidence of the adverse developmental effects of Pb exposure below the occupational regulatory standard concentrations using a zebrafish model. We also attempted to investigate the cellular stress response caused by such a trace amount of Pb at the individual level. Fertilized zebrafish eggs were exposed to 100 ppb Pb from 6 to 72 h post fertilization (hpf), the developmental period included within the mammalian implantation to birth. The embryos exposed to Pb did not show superficially evident morphological alterations or differences in viability compared with the controls until 72 hpf; however, they hatched earlier and were significantly shorter in body length than the controls at 48 and 72 hpf. Larvae that were exposed to Pb until 72 hpf and then cultured until 7 days post fertilization without Pb exhibited edema and inflation defects in the swim bladder. The reactive oxygen species level in the Pb-exposed embryos was similar at 24 hpf, slightly but significantly higher at 48 hpf, and lower than half that of the control at 72 hpf. Accordingly, the expression levels of oxidative stress response-related genes were analyzed, and five out of seven tested genes were upregulated in Pb-exposed embryos at 48 and 72 hpf. In addition, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress related genes were upregulated at 48 hpf. These results indicate that exposure of embryos to trace amounts of Pb induces a transient increase in oxidative- and ER-stresses and results in weak hypotrophy and subsequent abnormalities later in development. Our findings may be key to understanding the total health effects of Pb exposure, and indicate that the zebrafish model is suitable for the investigation of developmental toxicity of pollutants such as Pb.
Dehydromiltirone inhibits osteoclast differentiation in RAW264.7 and bone marrow macrophages by modulating MAPK and NF-κB activity
Authors: Deng Wei , Huang YanBo , Li HaiShang , Chen ChiWei , Lin YueWei , Wang Min , Huang HuaSheng , Liu Teng , Qin QiuLi , Shao Yang , Tang YongChao , Yuan Kai , Ding JinYong , Xu LiangLiang , Li YongXian , Zhang ShunCong
Published: September 2022

Background: Osteoporosis is a type of systematic metabolic bone disease caused by the decrease in osteogenic activity or excessive resorption of bone with the relative enhancement of osteoclast function. As osteoporosis seriously affects the quality of patients’ life, effective drugs are needed to treat this disease. Based on the combination of network pharmacology and cellular studies, this study aimed to investigate the probable mechanism of Dehydromiltirone (DHT) in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Method: The targets of DHT in osteoporosis were searched using the PharmGKB, OMIM, and Genecard platforms. The PPI core targets, and the GO and KEGG enrichment analysis results were obtained using Cytoscape software, and the David and Metascape databases, respectively. The network pharmacology results were also verified via in vitro cellular experiments.

Results: Through network pharmacology and docking analysis, we found DHT was involved in peptide tyrosine phosphorylation, cell surface receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathways, and MAPK signaling pathways. According to the molecular docking results, the binding of DHT to MAPK14 was more stable than other proteins, which suggests that DHT may affect osteoclast formation through the MAPK signaling pathway. Moreover, DHT was found to inhibit the expression of osteoclast-associated genes, including NFATc1, CTSK, c-Fos, Acp5, and MMP9; as well as the phosphorylation of P38, ERK, and JNK of the MAPK signaling pathway; and the degradation of IκB-α of NF-κB signaling pathway.

Conclusion: DHT exhibited an anti-osteoclastogenesis effect by reducing the expression of related genes, ultimately inhibiting bone resorption in vitro.
MicroRNAs: Potential mediators between particulate matter 2.5 and Th17/Treg immune disorder in primary membranous nephropathy
Authors: Zhou Xiaoshan , Dai Haoran , Jiang Hanxue , Rui Hongliang , Liu Wenbin , Dong Zhaocheng , Zhang Na , Zhao Qihan , Feng Zhendong , Hu Yuehong , Hou Fanyu , Zheng Yang , Liu Baoli
Published: September 2022

Primary membranous nephropathy (PMN), is an autoimmune glomerular disease and the main reason of nephrotic syndrome in adults. Studies have confirmed that the incidence of PMN increases yearly and is related to fine air pollutants particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) exposure. These imply that PM2.5 may be associated with exposure to PMN-specific autoantigens, such as the M-type receptor for secretory phospholipase A2 (PLA2R1). Emerging evidence indicates that Th17/Treg turns to imbalance under PM2.5 exposure, but the molecular mechanism of this process in PMN has not been elucidated. As an important indicator of immune activity in multiple diseases, Th17/Treg immune balance is sensitive to antigens and cellular microenvironment changes. These immune pathways play an essential role in the disease progression of PMN. Also, microRNAs (miRNAs) are susceptible to external environmental stimulation and play link role between the environment and immunity. The contribution of PM2.5 to PMN may induce Th17/Treg imbalance through miRNAs and then produce epigenetic affection. We summarize the pathways by which PM2.5 interferes with Th17/Treg immune balance and attempt to explore the intermediary roles of miRNAs, with a particular focus on the changes in PMN. Meanwhile, the mechanism of PM2.5 promoting PLA2R1 exposure is discussed. This review aims to clarify the potential mechanism of PM2.5 on the pathogenesis and progression of PMN and provide new insights for the prevention and treatment of the disease.
The modified finite element method for heat and mass transfer of unsteady reacting flow with mixed convection
Authors: Arif Muhammad Shoaib , Abodayeh Kamaleldin , Nawaz Yasir
Published: September 2022

This study reveals the extension of a mathematical model of heat and mass transfer of fluid flow over a sheet by incorporating the effect of non-linear mixed convection. The governing equations of flow phenomena are expressed as partial differential equations (PDEs). Similarity transformations are employed to get a dimensionless set of boundary value problems. Most of the existing relevant literature employed some solver to solve a set of differential equations, but this study implements the finite element method to tackle the boundary value problems. The employed finite element method is based on the Galerkin approach. For verifications of the obtained results, a set of linear and non-linear boundary value problems is also solved with Matlab solverbvp4c. The results are displayed in graphs by varying Grashof number, modified (solutal) Grashof number, non-linear convection parameters in heat and mass transfer, radiation parameter, Prandtl number, Schmidt number, and reaction rate parameter. Also, numerical values for the friction at the wall and local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are given in tables. The problem in PDEs form is also solved with software that implements the finite element method to solve problems. The simulations are also provided, which is the outcome of the software. It is shown that the velocity profile escalates by growing values of thermal and solutal Grashof numbers. Problem-solving techniques from this study may be used in future research to address other unsolved heat transfer fluid physics issues.
The role of autophagy in calcium oxalate kidney stone: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Li Hao , Zhou Yingjian , Xu Wenchao , Liu Jihong , Wang Shaogang , Jiang Hongyang
Published: September 2022

Background: Calcium oxalate kidney stone is one of the common diseases in the urinary system and has a high recurrence rate. Currently, the pathogenesis of kidney stone and the methods to prevent recurrence are still being investigated. Autophagy, as an event of cellular self-repair, has received attention in the field of kidney stone in recent years. In some current studies, autophagy has shown destructiveness and protectiveness in the pathogenesis of kidney stone. The inhibition or promotion of autophagy may be a key target for future kidney stone therapy. This systematic literature review discusses the function of autophagy in kidney stone pathogenesis in the context of current research and synthesizes the evidence analysis to provide a basis for new future therapies.

Method: We systematically reviewed the literature during September 2021 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Evaluation and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles on studying the role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of calcium oxalate kidney stone were extracted from PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus, including in vivo versus in vitro experiments. The study topic, language and publication date were not restricted. Two authors (Li and Zhou) searched and screened the literature.

Results: We screened 18 articles from the 33 collected articles, of which 6 conducted in vitro cellular studies, four conducted animal studies, eight conducted cellular studies with animal studies, and five studied human specimens. In early studies, the literature generally concluded that autophagy is deleterious in the development of kidney stone. In 2020, the idea of the protectiveness of autophagy associated with kidney stone was first proposed and focused on targeting transcription factor EB. In addition, the interaction of autophagy with other cellular events and the regulation of signaling molecules are focused on in this paper.

Conclusion: This systematic review provides advances in research on the role of autophagy in renal calculi. The current studies suggest that both upregulation and downregulation of autophagy may ameliorate injury in kidney stone models. The authors prefer the upregulation of autophagy as a future research direction for kidney stone treatment.
Beyond a biased binary: A perspective on the misconceptions, challenges, and implications of studying females in avian behavioral endocrinology
Authors: Smiley Kristina O. , Lipshutz Sara E. , Kimmitt Abigail A. , DeVries M. Susan , Cain Kristal E. , George Elizabeth M. , Covino Kristen. M.
Published: September 2022

For decades, avian endocrinology has been informed by male perspectives and male-focused research, leaving significant gaps in our understanding of female birds. Male birds have been favored as research subjects because their reproductive behaviors are considered more conspicuous and their reproductive physiology is presumably less complex than female birds. However, female birds should not be ignored, as female reproductive behavior and physiology are essential for the propagation of all avian species. Endocrine research in female birds has made much progress in the last 20 years, but a substantial disparity in knowledge between male and female endocrinology persists. In this perspective piece, we provide examples of why ornithology has neglected female endocrinology, and we propose considerations for field and laboratory techniques to facilitate future studies. We highlight recent advances that showcase the importance of female avian endocrinology, and we challenge historic applications of an oversimplified, male-biased lens. We further provide examples of species for which avian behavior differs from the stereotypically described behaviors of male and female birds, warning investigators of the pitfalls in approaching endocrinology with a binary bias. We hope this piece will inspire investigators to engage in more comprehensive studies with female birds, to close the knowledge gap between the sexes, and to look beyond the binary when drawing conclusions about what is ‘male’ versus ‘female’ biology.
Small secreted peptides encoded on the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genome and their potential roles in stress responses
Authors: Tian Dongdong , Xie Qi , Deng Zhichao , Xue Jin , Li Wei , Zhang Zenglin , Dai Yifei , Zheng Bo , Lu Tiegang , De Smet Ive , Guo Yongfeng
Published: September 2022

Small secreted peptides (SSPs) are important signals for cell-to-cell communication in plant, involved in a variety of growth and developmental processes, as well as responses to stresses. While a large number of SSPs have been identified and characterized in various plant species, little is known about SSPs in wheat, one of the most important cereal crops. In this study, 4,981 putative SSPs were identified on the wheat genome, among which 1,790 TaSSPs were grouped into 38 known SSP families. The result also suggested that a large number of the putaitive wheat SSPs, Cys-rich peptides in particular, remained to be characterized. Several TaSSP genes were found to encode multiple SSP domains, including CLE, HEVEIN and HAIRPININ domains, and two potentially novel TaSSP family DYY and CRP8CI were identified manually among unpredicted TaSSPs. Analysis on the transcriptomic data showed that a great proportion of TaSSPs were expressed in response to abiotic stresses. Exogenous application of the TaCEPID peptide encoded by TraesCS1D02G130700 enhanced the tolerance of wheat plants to drought and salinity, suggesting porential roles of SSPs in regulating stress responses in wheat.
Interpretation of genotype-environment-sowing date/plant density interaction in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] in early mature regions of China
Authors: Gao Fang-Chao , Yan Hong-Dong , Gao Yue , Huang Yan , Li Mo , Song Guo-Liang , Ren Yue-Mei , Li Ji-Hong , Jiang Yan-Xi , Tang Yu-Jie , Wang Ying-Xia , Liu Tao , Fan Guang-Yu , Wang Zhen-Guo , Guo Rui-Feng , Meng Fan-Hua , Han Fen-Xia , Jiao Shao-Jie , Li Gui-Ying
Published: September 2022

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is an important crop for food security in semiarid and arid regions due to its high tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses and its good performance in marginal lands with relatively low fertility. To deeply understand the interrelationship among sorghum genotype, environment, sowing dates, and densities in the spring sowing early maturing (SSEM) areas of China, and to provide a basis for specifying scientific and reasonable cultural practices, a two-year field experiment was conducted with six popular varieties at six locations. Combined ANOVA showed that the yield difference between years was significant (P<0.05); the yield differences among locations, varieties, sowing dates, and densities were all highly significant (P<0.01). The variety effect was mainly influenced by location, year, sowing dates and their interactions. The sowing effect was mainly influenced by the location, year, variety and their interactions The plant density effect was significantly influenced by location and location-year interaction. Of the contributions of various test factors to yield variance, the location was the largest one (38.18%), followed by variety (12.31%), sowing date (1.53%), density (0.54%), and year (0.09%), with all these single factors accounting for 52.65%. The total contribution of all two-factor interactions accounted for 14.24%, among which the greatest contributor was location-hybrid interaction (8.07%). The total contribution of all three-factor interactions accounted for 14.58%, of which year-location-hybrid interaction was the largest contributor (9.02%). Sowing dates significantly affected model of sorghum growth and development, especially during the late period. The key climatic factors affecting yield were different among the six locations. Weather factors during the grain filling stages contributed much more than those during the early stage to grain yield. Mid-maturing varieties are recommended other than early maturing varieties for the SSEM areas even when late sowing occurs. Sowing as early as possible is recommended for areas with very short frost-free period (Harbin, Tongliao, and Datong). Proper delayed sowing is recommended for areas with a relative long frost-free period (Gongzhuling, Baicheng and Zhangjiakou). This research will provide a conducive reference for sorghum production in similar areas.
The blue economy's retreat from equity: A decade under global negotiation
Authors: Louey Philippa
Published: September 2022

Heralded as a key agenda for sustainable ocean development, the blue economy has risen to such prominence over the last decade that it is near impossible to engage in the fields of ocean governance or development without encountering it. The exact nature of the blue economy's sustainable ocean development promise, however, remains stubbornly unresolved, with different actors advancing varying, at times conflicting, visions of what sustainable ocean development should look like, how it is to be achieved, and who it is to serve. Tracing the various constructions of blue economy promises over the last decade, this paper contends that the blue economy has progressively retreated from its early commitment to equitable benefit sharing, shifting instead to a deepening preoccupation with economic growth. For small island developing states (SIDS) and coastal least developed countries (LDCs) who took a leading role in embedding equitable benefit sharing within the blue economy during its early popularization, such retreat raises pressing questions over the agenda's continued suitability in advancing desired (and often much needed) sustainable development outcomes. This paper's attempt to grapple with such questions offers a timely contribution to discussions on the blue recovery and ocean-led development avenues in the wake of COVID-19.
Analysis of consumer product preference and news media based on data mining technology
Authors: Wang Fang , Fan Zengguang , Qi Yuhui
Published: September 2022

In order not to be eliminated by the market, enterprises must face various consumer preferences, design products that meet consumer preferences, and enhance competitiveness. This paper combines on-the-spot marketing to study the product preferences of consumers and the personality characteristics of media hosts. This paper introduces the data mining technology of news media into the research of consumer’s preference for products. Based on the comprehensive use of media mining technology, customer research theory, and product background and foundation, the specific process of influencing consumers’ product preference is established. It can be seen from the study that the personality of the anchor has a great relationship with the consumption level of consumers and the sales rate of products, with an impact of 78.53%. Through this study, we can see that there is a certain relationship between consumers’ product preference and anchoring personality. Studying the basic characteristics of the phenomenon live broadcast commodity marketing model has important theoretical value for analyzing the live broadcast commodity marketing model. It points out the direction for the scientific, healthy, and sustainable development of the future live broadcast commodity marketing mode.
Motivation of non-monogamous adults to engage in sex with their different partners
Authors: Kelberga (Kelberg) Anna , Martinsone Baiba
Published: September 2022

This study compared motivations of individuals in non-monogamous relationships to engage in sex with their different partners (n = 596, out of which 103 non-consensual non-monogamous, 135 polyamorous, 204 swinging, 154 in open relationships; women—38.8%, men—59.7%, other gender—1.5%; age range: from 18 to 65+ years; 86% of respondents between 25 and 54 years old; majority of the respondents are in a long-term relationship). The research aim was to identify whether there are differences in reasons to engage in sex with respondents’ primary versus secondary partners. Presented with 17 reasons to engage in sexual activity, the respondents rated the frequency with which they engage in sex for each reason with their different partners. Questions for 14 reasons to engage in sex were created based on the YSEX? questionnaire and three questions were created specifically for non-monogamous population. The three new questions addressed the desire for a specific type of sex (such as kink, fetish, etc.), desire to have sex with a partner of another gender than one’s primary partner, and desire to experience the thrill of the forbidden. The results indicated that there are significant differences in motivation to engage in sex with one’s primary versus secondary partner for most of the reasons. Additionally, this study investigated whether there are differences in motivation to engage in sex with different partners depending on the relationship arrangement. The data analysis shows that there are differences in reasons to engage in sex with one’s different partners between non-consensually and consensually non-monogamous groups. This research compliments existing body of research with new reasons to engage in sex, it demonstrates that non-monogamous people engage in sex with their different partners for different reasons and reveals that these may vary depending on the type of the relationship arrangement.
Drivers of post-adoption of e-wallet among academics in Palestine: An extension of the expectation confirmation model
Authors: Daragmeh Ahmad , Saleem Adil , Bárczi Judit , Sági Judit
Published: September 2022

E-wallet is one of the latest innovations in the field of payments. However, despite numerous studies on the adoption of e-finance systems, the post-adoption phase is largely neglected. In this paper, we use the extended Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM) to address this gap by focusing on the study of consumers’ continuous intentions regarding the use of an e-wallet service. We conducted an electronic questionnaire-based survey among 503 e-wallet users in Palestine. Using structural equation modeling to analyze the conceptual model of the study, our results confirm that satisfaction, trust, and perceived usefulness have a significant impact on consumers’ continuous intention regarding e-wallet. In addition, the study found that perceived security has an insignificant impact on consumer satisfaction. The study has several implications: E-wallet providers should improve their services in terms of performance, privacy, and security to ensure customer loyalty in this competitive industry.
Effects of personal growth initiative on occupational engagement of college students in the uncertain social context: A cross-lagged model and a moderated mediation model
Authors: Gong Zhun , Jiao Xinian , Zhang Meiqian , Qu Qunzhen , Sun Baicai
Published: September 2022

In recent years, the international social context has become increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous (VUCA), and college students need a high level of long-term occupational engagement to cope with the unpredictability of the current employment environment. In this context, this study used a longitudinal design to explore the relationship between personal growth initiative and occupational engagement among college students and, based on this, further explored the role of vocational identity and Big Five personality traits in it. This study used a questionnaire survey method and the study participants were 700 college students in Shandong, China. And the time interval between the two questionnaire measurements was 4 months, with 559 final valid participants (182 males and 377 females). The following results were found in this study: (1) The cross-lagged model found that personal growth initiative was a significant positive predictor of occupational engagement. (2) The moderated mediation model found that vocational identity mediated the relationship between personal growth initiative and occupational engagement, and that neuroticism among the Big Five personality traits played a moderating role, i.e., individuals with higher level of neuroticism personality trait had a relatively weaker positive predictive effect of vocational identity on occupational engagement. This study concludes that colleges and universities need to understand students’ interests and personality traits and provide more targeted career education (e.g., intentional growth training and cognitive behavioral therapy) to promote their personal growth initiatives, reduce their neuroticism levels and in turn enhance their vocational identity in order to help college students achieve long-term sustainable occupational engagement in the uncertain social context.
Regional well-being inequalities arising from healthcare expenditure public policies in Spain
Authors: Valls Martínez María del Carmen , Grasso Mayra Soledad , Montero José-María
Published: September 2022

Well-being inequalities arising from different healthcare expenditure public policies is currently a hot topic at a national scale, but especially so at a sub-national level because the inequalities in question are among citizens of the same country. Spain is an optimal study area to carry out research on this topic because it is considered to have one of the best health systems in the world, it is one of the top-ranking countries in terms of life expectancy rates (the indicators we use for well-being), and it has a decentralized public health system with significantly different regional healthcare expenditure public policies. Given that the factors involved in the complex direct, indirect, and second-order relationships between well-being and health spending are latent in nature, and that there are more hypotheses than certainties regarding these relationships, we propose a partial least squares structural equation modeling specification to test the research hypotheses and to estimate the corresponding impacts. These constructs are proxied by a set of 26 indicators, for which annual values at a regional scale were used for the period 2005–2018. From the estimation of this model, it can be concluded that mortality, expenditure and resources are the factors that have the greatest impact on well-being. In addition, a cluster analysis of the indicators for the constructs included in this research reveals the existence of three clearly differentiated groups of autonomous communities: the northern part of the country plus Extremadura (characterized by the lowest well-being and the highest mortality rates), Madrid (with the best results in well-being and mortality, the lowest public health expenditure per inhabitant and percentage of pharmaceutical spending, and the highest percentage in specialty care services and medical staff spending), and the rest of the country (south-eastern regions, with similar well-being values to those of the first group but with less health expenditure). Finally, a principal component analysis reveals that “healthiness” and “basic spending” are the optimal factors for mapping well-being and health spending in Spain.
Climate change, human health, and the exposome: Utilizing OMIC technologies to navigate an era of uncertainty
Authors: Abdelzaher Hana , Tawfik Sherouk M. , Nour Ahmed , Abdelkader Sarah , Elbalkiny Shaimaa Tarek , Abdelkader Mohamed , Abbas Walaa A. , Abdelnaser Anwar
Published: September 2022

Climate change is an anthropogenic phenomenon that is alarming scientists and non-scientists alike. The emission of greenhouse gases is causing the temperature of the earth to rise and this increase is accompanied by a multitude of climate change-induced environmental exposures with potential health impacts. Tracking human exposure has been a major research interest of scientists worldwide. This has led to the development of exposome studies that examine internal and external individual exposures over their lifetime and correlate them to health. The monitoring of health has also benefited from significant technological advances in the field of “omics” technologies that analyze physiological changes on the nucleic acid, protein, and metabolism levels, among others. In this review, we discuss various climate change-induced environmental exposures and their potential health implications. We also highlight the potential integration of the technological advancements in the fields of exposome tracking, climate monitoring, and omics technologies shedding light on important questions that need to be answered.
Cancer cost profiles: The Epicost estimation approach
Authors: Francisci Silvia , Capodaglio Guilia , Gigli Anna , Mollica Cristina , Guzzinati Stefano
Published: September 2022

Sustainability of cancer burden is becoming increasingly central in the policy makers' debate, and poses a challenge for the welfare systems, due to trends towards greater intensity of healthcare service use, which imply increasing costs of cancer care. Measuring and projecting the economic burden associated with cancer and identifying effective policies for minimising its impact are important issues for healthcare systems. Scope of this paper is to illustrate a novel comprehensive approach (called Epicost) to the estimation of the economic burden of cancer, based on micro-data collected from multiple data sources. It consists of a model of cost analysis to estimate the amount of reimbursement payed by the National Health Service to health service providers (hospitals, ambulatories, pharmacies) for the expenses incurred in the diagnoses and treatments of a cohort of cancer patients; these cancer costs are estimated in various phases of the disease reflecting patients' patterns of care: initial, monitoring and final phase. The main methodological features are illustrated using a cohort of colon cancer cases from a Cancer Registry in Italy. This approach has been successfully implemented in Italy and it has been adapted to other European countries, such as Belgium, Norway and Poland in the framework of the Innovative Partnership for Action Against Cancer (iPAAC) Joint Action, sponsored by the European Commission. It is replicable in countries/regions where population-based cancer registry data is available and linkable at individual level with administrative data on costs of care.
Does increasing public expenditure on sports promote regional sustainable development: Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Dingqing , Zhang Enqi , Qiu Peng , Hong Xiaoyu
Published: September 2022

In the post-COVID era, how to improve the level of regional sustainable development has attracted much attention. And the vigorous development of the sports economy may be closely related to the regional sustainable development. This paper explores the impact and mechanism analysis of government sports public expenditure on regional sustainable development from the perspective of sports economic development. The study found that China's sustainable development presents obvious ladder-like characteristics and highlights the regional imbalance and inadequacy of regional green and coordinated development. And the government's increase in public expenditure on sports can significantly promote regional sustainable development and improve the level of regional green and coordinated development. With the continuous improvement of the regional economic development, the effect of sports public expenditure continues to increase. It can be seen from this that implementing the strategy of strengthening the country through sports under the government's guidance is an essential guarantee for the public health and quality of life and the sustainable development of the economy and society. Additionally, the development level of market finance is also an important driving factor for the government's public expenditure on sports to improve the level of sustainable development in the region. From the mechanism analysis, the government activates the local residents' consumption level by increasing the public expenditure on sports, thus promoting regional sustainable development.
Performance evaluation of automatic speech recognition systems on integrated noise-network distorted speech
Authors: Kumalija Elhard , Nakamoto Yukikazu
Published: September 2022

In VoIP applications, such as Interactive Voice Response and VoIP-phone conversation transcription, speech signals are degraded not only by environmental noise but also by transmission network quality, and distortions induced by encoding and decoding algorithms. Therefore, there is a need for automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems to handle integrated noise-network distorted speech. In this study, we present a comparative analysis of a speech-to-text system trained on clean speech against one trained on integrated noise-network distorted speech. Training an ASR model on noise-network distorted speech dataset improves its robustness. Although the performance of an ASR model trained on clean speech depends on noise type, this is not the case when noise is further distorted by network transmission. The model trained on noise-network distorted speech exhibited a 60% improvement rate in the word error rate (WER), word match rate (MER), and word information lost (WIL) over the model trained on clean speech. Furthermore, the ASR model trained with noise-network distorted speech could tolerate a jitter of less than 20% and a packet loss of less than 15%, without a decrease in performance. However, WER, MER, and WIL increased in proportion to the jitter and packet loss as they exceeded 20% and 15%, respectively. Additionally, the model trained on noise-network distorted speech exhibited higher robustness compared to that trained on clean speech. The ASR model trained on noise-network distorted speech can also tolerate signal-to-noise (SNR) values of 5 dB and above, without the loss of performance, independent of noise type.
ESG metrics and social equity: Investigating commensurability
Authors: Keeley Alexander R. , Chapman Andrew J. , Yoshida Kenichi , Xie Jun , Imbulana Janaki , Takeda Shutaro , Managi Shunsuke
Published: September 2022

During the past two decades, the world has seen exponential growth in the number of companies reporting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) data, and various ESG metrics have been proposed and are now in use. ESG metrics play a crucial role as an enabler of investment strategies that consider ESG factors, which are often referred to as “ESG investments”. The ESG metrics and investment market are evolving rapidly, as investors, corporations, and the public are giving more priority to the “S” in ESG, including social equity issues, such as diversity, income inequality, worker safety, systemic racism, and companies' broader role in society. In this critical, systematic review, utilizing in-depth assessments, we investigate and compare the approaches employed in major ESG metrics and studies, then, we shed light on the “S” aspect by reviewing existing approaches used to assess social equity to clarify commensurability with ESG. Through the systematic review, this paper confirms that ESG investments can be expected to provide stable and high returns especially over the long term. This paper also clarifies how elements considered in social equity studies are largely reflected in major ESG metrics.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO), the “Perfect Storm” for a Cryptogenic Stroke? Case Series of Four Patients
Authors: Schwarz Alexandra , Lee Albert , Gadallah Nancy E. , Wong Jessalyn , Gupta Divya
Published: September 2022

We were intrigued by the finding of severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients referred to our Sleep Clinic with a history of stroke at a relatively young age, in the setting of a patent foramen ovale (PFO). This prompted us to do a literature search to see the association of OSA with stroke in such a patient population. The correlation of PFOs with cryptogenic strokes is well established, as is that of OSA with stroke. However, not many studies have looked at the correlation between OSA and PFO in patients with cryptogenic strokes.
Flexible Job Shop Scheduling Problem with Fuzzy Times and Due-Windows: Minimizing Weighted Tardiness and Earliness Using Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Campo Emiro Antonio , Cano Jose Alejandro , Gómez-Montoya Rodrigo , Rodríguez-Velásquez Elkin , Cortés Pablo
Published: September 2022

The current requirements of many manufacturing companies, such as the fashion, textile, and clothing industries, involve the production of multiple products with different processing routes and products with short life cycles, which prevents obtaining deterministic setup and processing times. Likewise, several industries present restrictions when changing from one reference to another in the production system, incurring variable and sequence-dependent setup times. Therefore, this article aims to solve the flexible job shop scheduling problem (FJSSP) considering due windows, sequence-dependent setup times, and uncertainty in processing and setup times. A genetic algorithm is proposed to solve the FJSSP by integrating fuzzy logic to minimize the weighted penalties for tardiness/earliness. The proposed algorithm is implemented in a real-world case study of a fabric finishing production system, and it is compared with four heuristics adapted to the FJSSP such as earliest due date, critical reason, shortest processing time, and Monte Carlo simulation. Results show that the performance of the proposed algorithm provides efficient and satisfactory solutions concerning the objective function and computing time since it overperforms (more than 30%) the heuristics used as benchmarks.