bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFICIENCY OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT IN AN INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISE
Authors: Maslak M. , Pererva P.
Published: July 2024

The article is devoted to researching existing and developing new approaches to assessing the effectiveness of intellectual property management in the production and commercial activities of industrial enterprises. The proven need to increase the efficiency of intellectual property management at industrial enterprises stems from changes in the world economy and changes in the organization of modern business. On the basis of the proposed three-level intellectual property management system, the criteria for the effectiveness of the intellectual and innovative activities of enterprises and organizations have been defined and substantiated. The economic characteristics of the company's intangible assets are given. The factors of increasing the efficiency of the intellectual property management mechanism at industrial enterprises are determined and the characteristics are provided. The main functions of the intellectual property management system at the industrial enterprise are determined and their theoretical and methodological content is disclosed. The formation and effective development of the intellectual property management system at the enterprise, the involvement of its objects in economic turnover in accordance with these directions will allow the enterprise to achieve a whole set of competitive advantages, which are presented as an important element of the efficiency of intellectual property management at the industrial enterprise. The competitive advantages provided by the enterprise's use of intellectual property objects and their effective management have been formed and substantiated.
Sistema de fertirriego inteligente, para optimizar la producción de vegetales cultivados en invernaderos
Authors: Vásquez F Sebastián , Cruz Guayacundo Wilmer , Peñarete Moreno Daniel
Published: July 2024

La seguridad alimentaria de una población mundial cada vez más creciente no está garantizada, a causa del cambio climático generado en gran medida por los gases de efecto invernadero, en conjunto con otro tipo de factores, como los bajos modelos de productividad, por eso se deben buscar estrategias y métodos amigables con el medio ambiente que permitan mejorar la calidad y cantidad de los cultivos. Una estrategia común es el uso de invernaderos que permitan controlar las variables (luz, temperatura, humedad, concentración de CO2, viento, lluvia, entre otras) que intervienen en el buen desarrollo de un cultivo; es aquí donde parte esta investigación, teniendo como objeto de estudio un invernadero de tipo domo geodésico que posee la Universidad Uniagustiniana de Bogotá, y en el que se hace énfasis en el cultivo de zanahoria gracias a su alta producción en el departamento de Cundinamarca, y que además el tiempo de cosecha se extiende durante todo el año. Así pues, la investigación se desarrolló bajo una metodología cuantitativa, en la que se usaron diversas etapas del diseño en ingeniería (confrontación y fuentes de información, formulación del problema e hipótesis, conceptos de diseño, síntesis, modelo analizable, experimentación y optimización, presentación) y se comprobaron los resultados con la herramienta Matlab-Simulink, de esta manera se pudo conocer un caudal teórico, el cual hace parte de la salida de respuesta del sistema propuesto y que fue tomado con base a las necesidades de riego y fertilizantes del cultivo.
Blood collection tube and RNA purification method recommendations for extracellular RNA transcriptome profiling: A large-scale pre-analytical variable performance evaluation
Authors: Vandesompele Jo , Anckaert Jasper , Cobos Francisco Avila , De preter Katleen , De Wever Olivier , De Wilde Jilke , Decock Anneleen , Decruyenaere Philippe , Deleu Jill , Dhondt Bert , D'huyvetter Thibaut , Everaert Celine , Fierro Carolina , Hendrix An , Helsmoortel Hetty , Hulstaert Eva , Koster Jan , Kuersten Scott , Mercer Timothy , Mestdagh Pieter , Morlion Annelien , Nijs Nele , Nuytens Justine , Philippron Annouck , Piofczyk Thomas , Poma-Soto Franco , Schoofs Kathleen , Schroth Gary , Thas Olivier , Maerken Tom Van , Paemel Ruben Van , Eynde Eveline Vanden , Verniers Kimberly , Verwilt Jasper , Yigit Nurten
Published: July 2024

Using blood-based extracellular RNA (circulating cell-free RNA; exRNA) as a clinical biomarker requires validated procedures for sample collection and processing and RNA quantification. No study to date has systematically tested pre-analytical variables affecting transcriptome-wide exRNA analysis. We evaluated and compared ten blood collection tubes, three time intervals between blood draw and blood processing, and eight RNA purification methods using the supplier-specified minimal and maximal biofluid input volumes. The impact on deep transcriptome profiling of both microRNAs and messenger RNAs in blood plasma or serum was separately assessed for each pre-analytical variable and for interactions among a selected pre-analytical variable set, resulting in 456 complete extracellular transcriptomes. The processing and analysis workflow was controlled using 189 synthetic spike-in RNA molecules. In blood collection tube comparisons, manufacturer-designated preservation tubes did not stabilize exRNA well, causing variations in RNA concentration and number of detected genes over time, together with increased replicate variability. We also document large performance differences in RNA purification methods, affecting detected gene number, replicate variability and observed transcriptome complexity, and demonstrate technical interactions between certain blood collection tubes, purification methods and time intervals. Our results are comprehensively summarized in 11 analytical performance metrics that enable an informed selection of the best sample processing workflow for a given experiment. We provide robust quality control metrics for exRNA quantification methods with validated standard operating procedures (SOPs), and put forward recommendations for both users and manufacturers of RNA purification methods and blood collection tubes, collectively, essential groundwork for future exRNA-based precision medicine applications.
Frontier Molecular Orbital Weighted Model Based Networks for Revealing Organic Delayed Fluorescence Efficiency
Authors: Bi Hai , he zhaoming , Liang Baoyan , Li Zhiqiang , Zhang Heming , Wang Yue
Published: July 2024

Free of noble-metal and high in unit internal quantum efficiency of electroluminescence, organic molecules with thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) features pose the potential to substitute metal-based phosphorescence materials and serve as the new-generation emitters for the mass production of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) display. Predicting the function of TADF emitters beyond classic chemical synthesis and material characterization experiments remains a great challenge. The advances in deep learning (DL) based artificial intelligence (AI) offer an exciting opportunity for screening high-performance TADF materials through efficiency evaluation. However, data-driven material screening approaches with the capacity to access the excited state properties of TADF emitters remain extremely difficult and largely unaddressed. Inspired by the fundamental principle that the excited state properties of TADF molecules are strongly dependent on their D-A geometric and electronic structures, we developed the Electronic Structure-Infused Network (ESIN) for TADF emitter screening. Designed with capacities of accurate prediction of the photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) of TADF molecules based on elemental molecular geometry and orbital information and integrated with frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) weight-based representation and modeling features, ESIN is a promising interpretable tool for emission efficiency evaluation and molecular design of TADF emitters.
Machine Learning Based Approach for Software Defect Prediction using Hyperparameter
Authors: Sharma Digvijay Narayan , Yadav Dilip Kumar
Published: July 2024

Software Defect Prediction (SDP) is an assessment done for software or IT (Information Technology) solution. it enables stakeholders to judge its quality, functionality, scalability, reliability, information security and availability during SDLC of software. With digitalization of business and processes, its scope has multiplied since business look for reliable and good quality solutions for important application. Since most of these activities are done manually, it has been an area of research in software engineering. Researchers have been trying to predict defects from code metrics taken from PROMISE software repository dataset like CM1, JM1 and KC1. In this paper we have developed Model based on hyperparameter tuning for well accepted Machine Learning classifier to predict Software defects and found it better compared to many earlier proposed Model.
Using the OSCE to assess medicine students' communication and clinical reasoning during five years of restricted clinical practice
Authors: Armijo-Rivera Soledad , Saavedra Catalina Zamorano , Vicencio-Clarke Scarlett , Pérez Claudia Behrens , Pérez-Villalobos Cristhian
Published: July 2024

Background: Objective and Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a widely used evaluation method for health profession students. In Chile, physicians OSCEs have incorporated clinical reasoning and patient-centered communication assessment since 2015. The global impact of the pandemic hindering clinical practice. Is still unknown if this context affects disproportionately affected lower-income regions, and that was the case of the University analyzed in this study. Aim: This research compares the OSCE patient-centered communication and clinical reasoning results among five cohorts of intermediate-level medicine students with restricted clinical practice in Chile.
Methods: We designed an observational study analyzing five cohorts of fourth-year medicine students with different clinical practice opportunities, with 3rd to 4th-year progression analysis in two cohorts. Adaptations to compensate lack of clinical practice hours include high-fidelity simulation and theoretical discussion of clinical cases, as well as formative OSCE at third-year level in two cohorts. Communication in OSCE was assessed using CAT, and clinical reasoning with a register form. We applied descriptive statistics, central tendency measurements, Kruskal Wallis tests and Wilcoxon's test for paired sample analysis. Ethical approval was obtained.
Findings: The 2018 cohort shows the lowest results in both variables although it was the cohort with more clinical practice opportunities. The higher CAT result was in the 2021 cohort, while the 2022 cohort exhibited a significantly higher clinical reasoning score (p<0.05). There is a linear tendency to grow over the years for both measures. The 2023 cohort shows significant improvement between third-year and fourth-year OSCEs in all items of CAT and a detriment in clinical reasoning, while the 2022 cohort shows a significant increment in clinical reasoning and four items of CAT (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The students with fewer hours of clinical practice showed similar clinical reasoning and communication results to the prepandemic group, probably because of the adaptations implemented. Simulation was an effective alternative practice in a restricted clinical practice context. Component-by-component analysis and trends of change are a better approach to assessing progression than global scores.
A Geospatial analysis of Climate Change Impacts: Relationship of Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI and Land Surface Temperature (LST) in Kumaun Himalaya
Authors: CHANYAL P.C. , Purohit Sanju
Published: July 2024

This study presents a geospatial assessment of climate change impacts in the Kumaun Himalaya region, focusing on the relationship between Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST). Leveraging Google Earth Engine, Landsat 5, and MODIS Terra Aqua data, we conducted a comprehensive analysis spanning the study period from 1992 to 2020. NDWI and LST were utilized as indicators to investigate the hydrological and thermal dynamics of the region in response to climate change. Our findings reveal significant temporal trends and spatial patterns in NDWI and LST, highlighting the complex interactions between water dynamics and surface temperature in the Kumaun Himalaya. We observed a notable decline in NDWI over the study period, indicative of changes in water availability and distribution, while LST exhibited an increasing trend, suggesting rising temperatures in the region. Spatial analysis further elucidated the spatial heterogeneity of these trends across different land cover types and elevation zones. Through this geospatial assessment, the research study contribute to a better understanding of climate change impacts on the hydrological and thermal regimes of the Kumaun Himalaya, providing valuable insights for informed decision-making and adaptation strategies in the face of environmental change. The temporal change from 1992-2000-2010-2020 revealed a negative relationship between LST and NDWI, indicating that as surface temperatures increase, water content or availability tends to decrease. The research study reveals that the Himalayan region is facing about more heat and adverse climatic change impacts specially effects on water body as well glaciers river streams and moisture of soils. This study presents a geospatial assessment of climate change impacts in the Kumaun Himalaya region, focusing on the relationship between Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST). Leveraging Google Earth Engine, Landsat 5, and MODIS Terra Aqua data, we conducted a comprehensive analysis spanning the study period from 1992 to 2020. NDWI and LST were utilized as indicators to investigate the hydrological and thermal dynamics of the region in response to climate change. Our findings reveal significant temporal trends and spatial patterns in NDWI and LST, highlighting the complex interactions between water dynamics and surface temperature in the Kumaun Himalaya.
Applying the Cognitive Walkthrough for Implementation Strategies Methodology to Inform the Redesign of a Selection-Quality Implementation Toolkit for Use in Schools
Authors: Dickson Kelsey , Michael Olivia , Drahota Amy , Srid Aksheya , Tschida Jessica , Locke Jill
Published: July 2024

Background: Implementation strategies are key to enhancing translation of new innovations but there is a need to systematically design and tailor strategies to match the targeted implementation context and address determinants. There are increasing methods to inform the redesign and tailoring of implementation strategies to maximize their usability, feasibility, and appropriateness in new settings such as the Cognitive Walkthrough for Implementation Strategies (CWIS) approach. The aim of the current project is to apply the CWIS approach to inform the redesign of a multifaceted selection-quality implementation toolkit entitled ACT SMARTS for use in middle and high schools.
Methods: We systematically applied CWIS as the second part of a community-partnered iterative redesign of ACT SMARTS for schools to evaluate the usability and inform further toolkit redesign areas. We conducted three CWIS user testing sessions with key end users of school district administrators, school principals, and educators.
Results: Our CWIS application revealed that end users found ACT SMARTS acceptable and relevant but anticipate usability issues engaging in the ACT SMARTS process. Results informed the identification of eleven usability issues and corresponding redesign solutions to enhance the usability of ACT SMARTS for use in middle and high schools.
Conclusions: Results indicated the utility of CWIS in assessing implementation strategy usability in service of informing strategy tailoring and redesign to improve alignment with user and setting needs. Recommendations regarding the use of this participatory approach are discussed.
Influence of non-cohesive soils with induced structural heterogeneities on internal erosion due to suffusion
Authors: Ouaga Jean-Bruce , KONIN Athanas
Published: July 2024

This paper presents an experimental study focused on the behavior of non-cohesive soils presenting structural heterogeneities subjected to internal erosion due to suffusion. The suffusion tests were performed by applying a downward seepage flow under multi-staged hydraulic gradient. Experiments were carried out at the scale of a soil sample. Soil samples with structural homogeneity and soil samples with structural heterogeneities were tested. Homogeneous soil samples were used for comparison. Two heterogeneity configurations based on fines content (15% and 25%) and density index (ID = 0.1 and ID = 0.4) were tested. measurements of flow velocity, total eroded mass and erosion rate were carried out. The analysis of results obtained has shown that soils with induced structural heterogeneities are more erodible than soils with homogeneous structure, independently of the fines content and the density index. The specimens with low density index (ID = 0.1) are more erodible than those with medium density index (ID = 0.4).
Paclobutrazol and Sucrose Boost tuber growth and acclimatization in potted Calla Lily through tissue culture
Authors: Aboksari Hassan Abedini , Azadi Pejman , Azimi Mohammad Hossein , Kalatejari Sepideh , Borzouei Azam
Published: July 2024

Commercial micropropagation of Zantedeschia, commonly known as Calla lily, is a valuable and economically viable method for propagation. However, successful in vitro cultivation depends on the proper formation of tubers, as plants without well-developed tubers have limited chances of survival during subsequent transfer and acclimatization stages. The objective of this research was to investigate the impact of different concentrations of sucrose, cycocel, and paclobutrazol on microtuber size and production in potted Zantedeschia cultivars, namely 'Sun Club,' 'Orania,' and 'Zazu,' under in vitro conditions. The study was conducted as two separate factorial experiments using a completely randomized design. In the first experiment, the Zantedeschia cultivars were exposed to various concentrations of sucrose (3%, 6%, and 9%) combined with different concentrations of cycocel (0, 150, 200, and 250 mg/l). The second experiment involved the same sucrose concentrations combined with paclobutrazol (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mg/l). The evaluation included the measurement of tuber size, tuber weight, plant height, and acclimatization percentage. Results revealed that the Zantedeschia cultivars exhibited diverse responses in terms of tuber size and acclimatization percentage under the controlled conditions. The effects of the applied treatments varied depending on the concentrations and interactions among the different factors. Notably, a 6% concentration of sucrose showed superior performance in microtuber production and other measured traits. Cycocel at a concentration of 200 mg/l and paclobutrazol at a concentration of 0.5 mg/l showed improved performance compared to other concentrations when combined with 6% sucrose. Notably, the 6% sucrose concentration consistently demonstrated superior performance in microtuber production and other measured traits. Additionally, when combined with 0.5 mg/l paclobutrazol, it resulted in significantly higher survival rates (Sun Club: 86%, Orania: 80%, Zazu: 91%) and larger tuber diameters (Sun Club: 48.72 mm, Orania: 50.41 mm, Zazu: 44.06 mm) under both in vitro conditions and after acclimatization, compared to the control group. These findings contribute to the advancement of micropropagation techniques for Zantedeschia and may have implications for commercial production.
Comparing the time to detection (TTD) and antibiotic adsorption capacity of different blood culture systems of BD and Biomerieux
Authors: Meng Qing , Liu Xiaoya , Li Wujiao , Huang Xiuhui , Xing Zhihao , Li Xuejuan , Fu Xiaoying , Zhou Lintao , Chen Yunsheng
Published: July 2024

To evaluated the TTD differences of different blood culture bottles (BacT/Alert-PF, BacT/Alert-PF plus, and Bactec-PF) and instruments (BacT/Alert 3D, BacT/Alert VIRTUO, and Bactec FX) through in vitro blood culture by simulating bloodstream infections by different bacterial or fungal species, and we also evaluated the adsorption capacity of three blood culture bottles for various antibiotics through in vitro blood culture collection under simulated peak antibiotic concentrations. Among all tested bacteria, the median TTD of BacT/Alert VIRTUO using BacT/Alert-PF plus and of Bactec FX using Bactec-PF was shortened by 5.63 and 3.77 h, respectively, compared with BacT/Alert 3D using BacT/Alert-PF. Under the same BacT/Alert 3D blood culture instrument, the median TTD of BacT/Alert-PF plus was 3.33 h shorter than that of BacT/Alert-PF. Under the same BacT/Alert-PF plus blood culture bottle conditions, BacT/Alert VIRTUO shortened the median TTD by 2.3 h compared with BacT/Alert 3D. The median TTD of BacT/Alert VIRTUO using BacT/Alert-PF plus was 1.86 h shorter than that of Bactec FX using Bactec-PF. The antibiotic adsorption evaluation test showed that Bactec-PF (51.3%) and BacT/Alert-PF plus (46.1%) had higher detection rates than BacT/Alert-PF (51.3%). The detection rates of Bactec-PF and BacT/Alert-PF plus vary in different combinations of antibiotic strains, and they increase correspondingly with the degree of bacterial resistance. The detection rates of the three blood culture bottles in the amikacin group were all 100%, whereas those in the ceftriaxone and meropenem groups were all 0%. These findings are of great significance to the selection of antibiotics, treatment, and prognosis of bacteremia.
Denoising of Acoustic Emission Signals from Rock Failure Processes through ICEEMDAN Combined with Multiple Criteria and Wavelet Transform
Authors: Wang Tao , Ye Weiwei , Liu Liyuan , Huang Wei
Published: July 2024

To improve the accuracy of rock failure monitoring, this article addresses the optimization problem of denoising acoustic emission (AE) signals. Combining laboratory experiments on rock AE and theoretical research on signal denoising, a denoising method based on improved complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (ICEEMDAN) is proposed for rock fracture AE signals. The method utilizes the ICEEMDAN algorithm to decompose the original noisy signal into multiple intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) and employs cluster analysis to determine data thresholds based on their characteristics. Subsequently, using multiple criteria such as permutation entropy, correlation coefficient, and variance contribution rate, the IMFs are categorized into two groups. The low-correlation portion is partially removed based on the combination of indicators, while the high-correlation portion is denoised using wavelet thresholding (WT). Finally, a wavelet analysis is performed to reconstruct the signal, effectively achieving an optimized denoising of the original signal. Quantitative analysis of denoising effects on typical rock uniaxial compression fracture AE signals reveals that the optimized method has a positive impact on high-frequency noise reduction. The peak frequency range is unaffected before and after optimization, while the main amplitude reduction is concentrated in the high-frequency range. Compared to traditional wavelet denoising methods, the proposed method exhibits higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvement, as well as varying degrees of reduction in mean squared error (MSE) and total harmonic distortion (THD). The research presented in this paper introduces a novel approach to optimizing the application of rock acoustic emission signals.
Lymph Node Metastases Status in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma following Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherary: A Single-Center Prospective Study
Authors: Nguyen Anh Tuan , Pham Van Hiep , Tran Manh Thang , Nguyen Pham Nghia Do
Published: July 2024

Background The status of lymph node (LN) metastases in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) following neoadjuvant chemoradiation (NCRT) is not well understood but significantly affects patient prognosis and treatment options. We conducted this study to evaluate the distribution of LN metastases in patients with ESCC who received NCRT combined minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE).Methods From March 2019 to September 2023, patients with middle- and lower-third ESCC received NCRT, followed by MIE with two-field lymphadenectomy, were included in this prospective study. The primary outcome was to examine the distribution of LN metastases and their correlation with the radiation fields. Secondary outcomes included identifying risk factors for LN metastases and their impact on long-term survival.Results One hundred consecutive patients were included, and 4.11% had LN metastases. The median number of positive LN and the rate of LN metastases in the thoracic LN stations was lower than that of the abdominal region (1.5 and 2.84% vs. 2 and 5.94%, respectively). Over half of the patients had LN metastases within the radiation field. The multivariate analysis found that the LN metastases were associated with the ycN-stage (HR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.02–4.04, p = 0.044). Although the LN metastases were not significantly associated with either OS or DFS (p = 0.891 and p = 0.653, respectively), the number of LN removal ≥ 15 LN removals was significantly improved both OS and DFS (p = 0.040 and p = 0.049, respectively).Conclusions In patients with middle- and lower-third ESCC who underwent NCRT followed by MIE, the rate of LN metastases in the abdominal region is higher than in the thoracic region. The majority of patients had LN metastases within the radiation field. Therefore, NCRT does not justify minimizing lymphadenectomy in ESCC; higher ycN-stage correlates with higher LN metastases.
Does Trust Matters in Lending Decision? A Systematic Literature Review and Research Agendas for Future Studies
Authors: Nofandrilla Nieldya , Wijaya Ibrahim Fatwa , Setiaji Bambang
Published: July 2024

The carte di commenda and the business activities in the Islamic world demonstrate the reliance of the Middle Ages financing system on trust. Trust has been thoroughly analysed thus far in the context of the interaction between buyers and sellers, as well as in alliances. However, there is still a lack of study undertaken on the relationship between trust and loan (in Islamic term is financing) decision-making. The first objective of this Systematic Literature Review (SLR) is to analyse previous research on the relationship between trust and lending decisions, specifically focusing on bank lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The second aim of this SLR is to establish research agendas for future studies. SLR is selected in order to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the matter at hand. This synthesis focusses around three main themes: the building of trust, the concept of trust, and the impact of trust on lending outcomes. There are significant opportunities for more study in the areas of trust, bank lending, and SMEs. We offer a suggestion of future research for enhancing our understanding of trust and lending decision.
Endoscopic Manifestation of Disease Progression from Low-Grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm to Pseudomyxoma Peritonei: A Three-Year Follow-Up Case Report
Authors: Gao Yanhong , Li Xiangji , Wang Shidong , Xie Qiao , Yang Liu , Kong Linghong , Zheng Zuofeng , Dong Lifeng , Li Jun
Published: July 2024

Appendiceal mucinous neoplasm is a rare tumor of the appendix with the potential to progress to pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), often misdiagnosed as acute appendicitis or appendiceal abscess. Here, we present a case of an older female with low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN) type 2, manifesting as chronic abdominal pain, distension and elevated carcinoembryonic antigen levels over 3 years. Despite typical imaging findings, the patient was initially misdiagnosed with chronic appendicitis, leading to the development of an appendiceal abscess and extensive peritoneal metastases. The patient underwent three colonoscopies during hospitalization, revealing atypical lesions differing from the usual LAMN presentation near the appendiceal orifice. This case underscores the diverse endoscopic appearances of LAMN type 2 and emphasizes the importance of early recognition and treatment to prevent PMP progression, highlighting the crucial role of endoscopic physicians in appendix-related diseases.
Affordances Modulate the Perception of Object Saturation and Orientation in a Change Detection Task When Bottom-Up Attentional Strategies are Minimized
Authors: Jensen Amira , Hofer Nisa , Karl Jenni
Published: July 2024

The visual system uses high-level knowledge to predict and constrain incoming sensory signals to increase the speed and efficiency of object recognition and action. Thus, we hypothesized that graspable objects would bias lower-level visual processing toward action-relevant object features (e.g., orientation) while non-graspable objects would bias toward less action-relevant features (e.g., saturation). Participants viewed images of objects that did or did not afford grasping and were located close to or far from the participant. Participants indicated, via a right-handed key press, whether the object decreased, didn’t change, or increased, in orientation or saturation. Participants were faster and more accurate at detecting changes in orientation versus saturation, graspable versus non-graspable objects, and far versus close objects, but no interaction effects were found. Upon eliminating objects that were easily parsed into their constituent elements, and thus encouraged bottom-up attentional strategies that circumvent top-down processes, participants were more accurate at detecting orientation changes in graspable objects and faster at detecting saturation changes in non-graspable objects. The results provide partial support for the hypothesis that object affordances modulate low-level visual processes in an action-relevant manner but highlight the importance of accounting for individual differences in attentional strategies when interpreting experimental results from visual cognition tasks.
Uganda’s Post-colonial Privatisation Policy in Higher Education. An Integrative Literature Review and Case Study Analysis
Authors: Muganga Allan , Oladipo Oluwasegun A. , Adarkwah Michael Agyemang
Published: July 2024

Privatisation of higher education has been declining for scores of reasons to embrace publicness in the last decade. However, Uganda stands as one of the few African countries that have implemented a privatisation policy for higher education institutions. The motivation for privatising higher education and the benefits and challenges in the aftermath of the policy remain underexplored. To date, no study presents an intricate account to gauge the progress of the policy. The current study evaluates this policy’s progress by examining its main challenges and benefits using two private universities as case studies. An integrative literature analysis revealed contextual challenges regarding the privatisation policy of HEIs in Uganda. This was followed up by a qualitative approach involving sixteen (16) stakeholders (students, n = 10; parents, n = 3, and employers, n = 3) directly affected by the policy to measure the policy in terms of its impact on educational accessibility, quality, funding, and employment. Semi-structured interviews involving students, parents, and employers revealed that although the policy led to the massification of higher education, it also led to the commodification and academisation of education, whereby business principals have been imported into the country’s higher education sector, thus focusing more on profit maximisation other than quality education delivery. The study recommends the Ugandan government and policymakers such as the Ministry of Education and Sports and the National Council for Higher Education take a step to safeguard higher education from being too commercialised, commodified, and over-marketised.
A simple model of decision-making in the application process
Authors: Meng Fanyuan , Xiao Hui , Wu Xinlin , Hu Xiaojun , Niu Xiaojie , Chen Sheng , Liu Yu
Published: July 2024

In decision-making, individuals often rely on intuition, which can occasionally yield suboptimal outcomes. This study examines the impact of intuitive decision-making on individuals who are confronted with limited position information in the job application process. We propose a measure, the mismatch index, that gauges allocation efficiency by comparing the final application rate to the preset admission rate. By simulation and analytical results, we counter-intuitively find that under the intuitive strategy, acquiring more information does not always lead to more efficient allocation. Furthermore, our research reveals a noteworthy shift from pessimism to intensified competition when the initial application rate exceeds the admission rate, a trend substantiated by observations from field experiments. Additionally, empirical data unveil individual variations in the reliance on intuition, suggesting the existence of inherent adventurous and conservative inclinations. To accommodate these nuances, we introduce an enhancement factor into our model, resulting in improved alignment with real-world data. Notably, our findings underscore that, compared to scenarios characterized by moderate competitiveness, individuals exhibit a stronger inclination towards conservatism in contexts marked by fierce competition or diminished rivalry. These insights offer valuable implications for resource allocation dynamics, particularly within the competitive landscape of the job market.
The Dopaminergic Effects of Esketamine are Mediated by a Dual Mechanism Involving Glutamate and Opioid Receptors
Authors: Rizzo Arianna , Poca Maria Zelai Garçon , Essmann Amelie , Michaelides Michael , Ciruela Francisco , Bonaventura Jordi
Published: July 2024

Esketamine represents a new class of drugs for treating mood disorders. Unlike traditional monoaminergic-based therapies, esketamine primarily targets N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR). However, esketamine is a complex drug with low affinity for NMDAR and can also bind to other targets, such as opioid receptors. Its precise mechanism of action for its antidepressant properties remains debated, as does its potential for misuse. A key component at the intersection of mood and reward processing is the dopaminergic system. In this study, we used behavioral models and in vivo fiber photometry to explore the neurochemical effects of esketamine in the nucleus accumbens of mice. Our findings demonstrated multimodal effects of esketamine on extracellular dopamine dynamics. Generally, esketamine increased dopaminergic tone while decreasing glutamatergic transmission. However, it decreased dopamine phasic activity and impaired reward-evoked dopamine release. These effects were partially, and conditionally, blocked by the opioid antagonist naloxone and required glutamatergic input. In summary, our study reveals a complex interaction between neurotransmitter systems, suggesting that the neurochemical effects of esketamine are both circuit- and state-dependent.
Intensified outpatient nutrition counselling improves body weight and skeletal muscle loss after esophageal cancer surgery
Authors: Takahashi Naoki , Okamura Akihiko , Ishii Misuzu , Moriya Naoki , Yamaguchi Aya , Inamochi Yuka , Takagi Kumi , Nakaya Erika , Kuriyama Kengo , Terayama Masayoshi , Tamura Masahiro , Kanamori Jun , Imamura Yu , Saino Yoko , Watanabe Masayuki
Published: July 2024

Background: The progression of malnutrition and sarcopenia after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer negatively influences long-term prognosis. To improve nutritional status after esophagectomy, we introduced an intensified nutrition counselling (iNC) protocol. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of iNC compared with the conventional NC (cNC).
Methods: We included 126 patients who underwent esophagectomy before and after NC revision, and compared nutritional status and changes in body composition after esophagectomy between the cNC and iNC groups. Nutritional parameters, including body weight, serum albumin level, and prealbumin level, were assessed. We also calculated skeletal muscle index (SMI) and visceral fat area (VFA) using computed tomography volumetry.
Results: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics or surgical outcomes between the groups. Compared with the cNC group, NC was provided more frequently (P < 0.001) in the iNC group, and compliance rate increased from 56.3% to 91.9% (P < 0.001). Body weight loss at 4 and 6 months and SMI reduction at 6 months were significantly improved in the iNC group compared with the cNC group (P < 0.001, P = 0.032, and P = 0.006, respectively). There were no significant differences in the changes in VFA, serum albumin level, and prealbumin level between the two groups.
Conclusions: Outpatient iNC significantly improved body weight and SMI loss 3–6 months after esophagectomy. Therefore, iNC may improve patient quality of life and outcomes by maintaining patient nutritional status.
Study on the relationship between indoor ventilation frequency and anxiety and depression symptoms in the elderly: based on the data of 2018 CLHLS
Authors: LIN Lu , HE Pingping , OUYANG Wentao , QIU Xiaohui , QIU Sihui , CHEN Jiangping
Published: July 2024

Background
Objective To investigate the correlation between indoor ventilation frequency and symptoms of depression and anxiety in the elderly.
Methods
A binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the effects of indoor ventilation frequency on depression and anxiety by using data from the 2018 Chinese Elderly Health Influencing Factors Survey (CLHLS).
Results
A total of 9 690 elderly patients with an average age of (83.20±11.269) years were included, including 4 458 males (46.0%) and 5 232 females (54.0%). The average score of indoor ventilation frequency was (6.06±1.980) points, including 770 people (7.9%) with low frequency, 3 066 people (31.6%) with medium frequency and 5 854 people (60.4%) with high frequency. 842 (8.7%) had symptoms of depression and 204 (2.1%) had symptoms of anxiety. Indoor ventilation frequency and depressive symptoms (OR(95%CI)=1.924 (1.504~2.461), 1.508 (1.272~1.787); P < 0.001) was positively correlated with anxiety symptoms, but not significantly correlated with anxiety symptoms.
Conclusion
Indoor ventilation frequency is related to depressive symptoms in the elderly. Communities and families should pay more attention to indoor ventilation and intervene in time to promote and improve the mental health of the elderly.
Accuracy of recent intraocular lens power calculation methods in post-myopic LASIK eyes
Authors: Gettinger Kate , Masui Sachiko , Omoto Miki , Torii Hidemasa , Yotsukura Erisa , Nishi Yasuyo , Ayaki Masahiko , Hayashi Ken , Negishi Kazuno
Published: July 2024

This retrospective study compared postoperative prediction errors of recent formulas using standard- or total keratometry (K or TK) for intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation in post-myopic LASIK patients. It included 56 eyes of 56 patients who underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery, with at least 1-month follow-up at Keio University Hospital in Tokyo or Hayashi Eye Hospital in Yokohama, Japan. Prediction errors, absolute errors, and percentage of eyes with prediction errors within ± 0.25 D, ± 0.50 D, and ± 1.00 D were calculated using nine formulas: Barrett True-K, Barrett True-K TK, Haigis-L, Haigis TK, Pearl-DGS, Hoffer QST, Hoffer QST PK, EVO K, and EVO PK. Statistical comparisons utilized Friedman test, Conover’s all-pairs post-hoc, Cochran’s Q, and McNemar post-hoc testing. Root-Mean-Square Error (RMSE) was compared with Welch’s test and paired t-test post-hoc testing. Barrett True-K TK had the lowest median predicted refractive error (-0.01). EVO PK had the smallest median absolute error (0.20). EVO PK had the highest percentage of eyes within ± 0.25 D of the predicted value (58.9%), significantly better than Haigis-L (p = 0.047). EVO PK had the lowest mean RMSE value (0.499). The EVO PK formula yielded the most accurate IOL power calculation in post-myopic LASIK eyes, with TK/PK values enhancing accuracy.
Barriers and Facilitators to Providing Rehabilitation for Long-Term Care Residents with Dementia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ibekaku Michael , Ripley Sara , Alizadehsaravi Niousha , Affoo Rebecca , Middleton Laura , Moody Elaine , Ghanouni Parisa , Weeks Lori E. , McArthur Caitlin
Published: July 2024

Background
Rehabilitation can help long-term care (LTC) residents with dementia maintain their independence. However, many residents do not receive rehabilitation. This study aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators to providing rehabilitation for LTC residents with dementia and propose practical interventions for overcoming them.
Methods
Using a phenomenological research design, we conducted a qualitative study involving 17 privately owned LTC homes in Nova Scotia, Canada. Data were collected through individual interviews and a focus group with residents with dementia (n = 3), family members (n = 4), rehabilitation providers (n = 6), and other staff (n = 3). We analyzed the data using inductive thematic content analysis and mapped the results onto the socioecological framework and the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) to classify and analyze barriers and facilitators to rehabilitation. The APEASE criteria (Acceptability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Affordability, Side-effects, and Equity) in the BCW were used to identify feasible interventions and policies linked to the identified barriers and facilitators.
Results
Barriers at the intrapersonal level included communication difficulties, comorbidities, and lack of motivation among residents. Interpersonal factors encompassed the availability of family support and lack of interdisciplinary practice. Policy/environmental factors involved limited resources, complex admission processes, low staff ratios, and restrictive restraint policies. Enhancing communication, reducing the use of restraints, promoting interdisciplinary practice, and increasing accessibility to activity spaces and equipment will improve the provision of rehabilitation for the residents.
Conclusion
Enhancing the capabilities, opportunities, and motivations of all actors in LTC homes can potentially minimize these barriers. Interventions such as staff training on effective communication and dementia care, promoting person-centred and meaningful activities, and improving interdisciplinary collaboration are crucial. Policy measures to improve hospital-to-LTC transitions, increase volunteer involvement, educate families and communities, and recruit more staff are recommended. Addressing these barriers through targeted interventions and policy changes can significantly improve rehabilitation provision for residents with dementia in LTC settings.
Assessment of community resilience to disasters at the local level within the scope of a disaster-resilient city: the case of Turkey
Authors: Öztürk Göksel , Bilgili Alper
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to assess community resilience to disasters at the local level in Turkey. In this study, a Community Disaster Resilience Index (CDRI) consisting of 5 sub-dimensions and 34 basic indicators based on the DROP model was developed. The developed CDRI was applied for 81 provinces in Turkey. In order to reach the data in the determined sub-dimensions, current data on the websites of (Turkish Statistical Institute, the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency, and the General Directorate of Highways) were accessed. The data obtained were analyzed using AMOS 23 and IBM SPSS 25 programs, and general resilience scores were obtained at the provincial level. In addition, Arcgis 10.8 program was used to reveal the spatial distribution of the provinces according to their resilience scores. In the first stage of the study, a sufficiently reliable CDRI based on the DROP model was developed. As a result of the application of the CDRI developed in the second stage, it was observed that the majority of the provinces in Turkey had medium and above disaster resilience levels. In addition, when the resilience scores of the provinces were evaluated according to the sub-dimensions of CDRI, it was found that the highest scores were in economic resilience and the lowest scores were in community capacity sub-dimensions. The developed CDRI is expected to guide disaster management policies and investments.
“Keep HIT in mind and take care”. Multiple tips from a single case.
Authors: Bevilacqua Sergio , Stefàno Pierluigi , Ranfagni Viola , Ammannati Bianca , Codecasa Riccardo , Gori Anna Maria , Cesari Francesca , Titherington Lara Mary , Pace Stefano Del , Rogolino Angela , Marcucci Rossella
Published: July 2024

Background. Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a relatively rare condition burdened by a high rate of complications and mortality. It is always crucial to keep HIT in mind in thrombocytopenic patients, even when other causes are highly suspected or documented. Alternative anticoagulants to heparin are required to avoid life-threatening complications. Warfarin is also contraindicated in acute HIT. Danaparoid, is the only anticoagulant whose mechanism of action thoroughly counteract the pathogenesis of HIT. However, it can hardly be applied to major surgery due to its 24-hour half-life.
Case Presentation. Here we present a case of HIT occurred after cardiac surgery, from which multiple suggestions could be derived on the real-word management of this challenging condition. Warfarin was initiated soon after valve surgery, according to our institutional protocol. Unfortunately, HIT was initially underestimated because an infectious hypothesis appeared much more plausible and strongly supported by echocardiography. Unexpectedly, a life-threatening left atrium thrombosis appeared at a second surgery that had been indicated because of endocarditis. Thus, we realized that thrombosis occurred soon after discontinuation and reversal of warfarin, which was decided because of the high risk of bleeding due to both severe thrombocytopenia and vitamin K antagonism.
Conclusions. Warfarin discontinuation could lead to catastrophic consequences if an unrecognized HIT is ongoing, and an alternative anticoagulant is not initiated. Danaparoid was used to treat HIT after the diagnosis was made. Monitoring its anti-Xa activity allowed anticoagulation to be adapted both when invasive procedure was needed and when the decision to switch to warfarin was made, thus balancing the risk of both bleeding and thrombosis in a patient with HIT who had recently undergone heart surgery.
Experimental study on the performance and emission properties of variable compression ratio engine at different compression ratios
Authors: Venkataramana P. , Subhanjaneyulu P.V. , Raghava P. Madhu , Reddy S.N. Pradeep Kumar
Published: July 2024

This study experiments on a single-cylinder, four-stroke, variable compression ratio diesel engine by comparing the performance and emission properties of diesel and linseed biodiesel blends. The biodiesel blends were obtained using a volume basis of 10%,20%,30%, and 40% of the linseed biodiesel blends, respectively, for experimentation. The linseed biodiesel blends are compared to identify the optimum biodiesel blend under changing compression ratios from 13.5:1 to 16.5:1 with a speed of 1500 rpm. The outcomes show that a combination of 20% linseed biodiesel with 80% diesel gives maximum performance compared to all other blends. The blends exhibited increased mechanical efficiency and brake power. Blends LD10 to LD40 demonstrated 2.6% more excellent mechanical efficiency and 13.4% higher brake power than diesel at a 16.5:1 compression ratio. For the blends LD10 to LD40, the exhaust gas temperature was 54.7℃ lower than diesel. In addition, hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions were reduced by 47% in the maximum blend percentage, and compared to diesel emissions, carbon dioxide emissions were 38.3% greater.