bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Navigating Bereavement in College: Insights From Student Experiences
Authors: Lytje Martin , Dyregrov Atle
Published: May 2024

This study, involving 16 students, examines college bereavement support, revealing five key themes: (1) the impact of the college transition on support; (2) deficiencies in staff support; (3) the significance of visibility to college staff; (4) student challenges during college bereavement; and (5) student expectations for support. The transition from elementary to college, compounded by bereavement, poses unique challenges. College support often prioritizes attendance management, neglecting emotional needs and fostering isolation. Recommendations include: (1) establishing clear support frameworks in a comprehensive bereavement response policy; (2) assigning a dedicated staff member with bereavement expertise; and (3) providing training for all staff to create an empathetic and supportive college environment for grieving students. These enhancements aim to address the identified deficiencies and ensure holistic support throughout the college experience.
Comparative analysis of nutritional quality and color properties of flours derived from Locusta migratoria at different developmental stages
Authors: Mazı Işıl Barutçu
Published: May 2024

This study was conducted to determine the variation in the chemical composition of flours derived from Locusta migratoria at two distinct developmental stages: the fourth instar and adult stages. Adult locust flour exhibited approximately two times higher fat content, similar protein content, ash content, CHNS elemental composition, and 45.7% lower total phenolic content compared to fourth instar locust flour. The flour from the adult locust was lighter, more red, and yellow than the fourth instar locust flour. Nineteen fatty acids were detected in both flours, with oleic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid being the major ones. The ΣPUFA/ΣSFA of fourth instar and adult locusts was 0.82 and 0.78, respectively. The ratio of ω-6/ω-3 fatty acids was 2.1 for the fourth instar locust flour and 1.7 for the adult locust flour. Apart from gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), similar amino acids were found in both the flours. However, significant differences were detected in the levels of some of these amino acids between the fourth instar and adult locust flours. Of particular interest, adult locust flour showcased a GABA content of 25.4 mg/100 g dry weight, making it a valuable alternative protein source in developing innovative and nutritious food products.
Countering Virtual Brand Sabotage: The Power of Informative Responses
Authors: Hill Cummings Krista , Herhausen Dennis , Roggeveen Anne L. , Grewal Dhruv
Published: May 2024

Many disgruntled consumers who experience service failures turn to brand sabotage, by posting vindictive posts on social media platforms. Such aggressive revenge behavior has the goal of influencing others and causing harm to a firm. Vindictive posts require a response from the firm, to limit their potential negative influence on other consumers who read the posts. Three large-scale field studies and five lab experiments, including an incentive-compatible study, demonstrate that firm responses to such sabotage should focus on information (rather than empathy) because informative responses help reduce readers’ risk perceptions, prompting them to exhibit more positive behaviors toward the firm. Service guarantees can mitigate the impact of these responses. Importantly, the type of firm response only matters if the post is vindictive. For non-vindictive posts both informative and empathic firm responses working equally well. Our findings help firms to detect vindictive posts, suggest appropriate response strategies, and reveal how the risk perceptions evoked by vindictive posts can be mitigated.
Assessment of Groundwater Recharge Using WetSpass-M and MODFLOW Coupling in Jedeb Watershed, Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Asrade Tadie Mulie , Tadesse Kassahun Birhanu , Kerebih Mulu Sewinet , Ayinalem Solomon Bogale
Published: May 2024

Currently, the demand for water is rising, and as a result, the groundwater is declining. Water supplies are not sufficient for agricultural productivity, environmental preservation, or ecosystem services, resulting in an unbalanced water budget in the basin. The goal of this paper is to assess the groundwater recharge in the Jedeb sub-basin using WetSpass-MODFLOW coupling. A spatially distributed water balance model is developed to simulate long-term average recharge depending on land cover, soil texture, topography, and hydro meteorological parameters. The groundwater model is iteratively connected to the recharge model in order to simulate recharge. This means that the depth of the groundwater affects the recharge estimate and vice versa. The average yearly evapotranspiration, surface runoff, and groundwater recharge were determined using WetSpass-M to be 574, 898, and 99 mm, respectively. Groundwater recharge accounted for 6.3% of precipitation, while actual evapotranspiration and surface runoff accounted for 36.4% and 57% of precipitation, respectively. In such seasonal variations, the groundwater level in the Jedeb Sub-basin was studied under various stress conditions (dry season, wet season, and annually). The groundwater level distribution varied from 2,052.3 to 3,063.06 m in the summer stress period (recharge). While in the winter stress period (recharge), the groundwater level varied from 2,051.41 to 3,061.92 m, and the groundwater level due to the annual stress period (recharge) varied from 2,053.76 to 3,064.5 m. With a correlation coefficient of .89, which is an acceptable fit between the simulated and observed heads in steady state for all stress periods (summer, winter, and annual recharge). The contribution of this study could be used as baseline information for regional water resource experts, policymakers, and researchers for further investigation.
The Role of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Bone Biology
Authors: Vyavahare Sagar , Ahluwalia Pankaj , Gupta Sonu Kumar , Kolhe Ravindra , Hill William D , Hamrick Mark , Isales Carlos M , Fulzele Sadanand
Published: May 2024

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated transcription factor, is crucial in maintaining the skeletal system. Our study focuses on encapsulating the role of AhR in bone biology and identifying novel signaling pathways in musculoskeletal pathologies using the GEO dataset. The GEO2R analysis identified 8 genes (CYP1C1, SULT6B1, CYB5A, EDN1, CXCR4B, CTGFA, TIPARP, and CXXC5A) involved in the AhR pathway, which play a pivotal role in bone remodeling. The AhR knockout in hematopoietic stem cells showed alteration in several novel bone-related transcriptomes (eg, Defb14, ZNF 51, and Chrm5). Gene Ontology Enrichment Analysis demonstrated 54 different biological processes associated with bone homeostasis. Mainly, these processes include bone morphogenesis, bone development, bone trabeculae formation, bone resorption, bone maturation, bone mineralization, and bone marrow development. Employing Functional Annotation and Clustering through DAVID, we further uncovered the involvement of the xenobiotic metabolic process, p450 pathway, oxidation-reduction, and nitric oxide biosynthesis process in the AhR signaling pathway. The conflicting evidence of current research of AhR signaling on bone (positive and negative effects) homeostasis may be due to variations in ligand binding affinity, binding sites, half-life, chemical structure, and other unknown factors. In summary, our study provides a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the AhR pathway in bone biology.
A Sociotechnical Approach to Smartphone Research: Outline for a Holistic, Qualitative Mobile Method
Authors: Hobbis Stephanie Ketterer , Hobbis Geoffrey
Published: May 2024

Smartphones have become crucial for understanding how digital technologies are adopted and adapted into people's lives, while also emerging as tools for studying social phenomena more broadly. Drawing on insights from our own longitudinal work in Solomon Islands, this article details a sociotechnical approach to smartphone research that combines both potentialities. It distinguishes itself from other smartphone-based methods by connecting media-centric perspectives with non-media-centric approaches through an additional focus on body techniques. The approach is centered on object-centric, semi-structured interviews embedded in longitudinal participant observation and theoretically informed by anthropologies of technologies. Emphasizing a holistic perspective and the diversity of human experiences, this approach allows for generating material evidence of contextually-embedded mediations of social relationships through the hardware and software of the phones themselves.
Learning the art of Scholarly Peer-Review: Insights from the Communication Discipline
Authors: Thomson TJ , Irvine Lesley , Thomas Glen
Published: May 2024

Many scholars find the peer-review process to be a puzzling, non-transparent, and subjective exercise. Many emerging scholars also learn about the peer-review and publishing process through painful and time-consuming trial and error while still students or as early-career researchers rather than through formal training or guided supervision. Yet many pitfalls exist in this process for new and veteran scholars alike. With this study, grounded in the communication field, we aim to pull back the curtain on this opaque process and assist scholars in their publishing ambitions while also providing suggestions, primarily for journal editors and those who train future reviewers, about how the peer-review process can be improved for collective benefit. To do so, this grounded theory study reviews a year's worth of reviews from a communication journal to explore which issues reviewers identify within the submitted research, to explore how the reviewer feedback reveals their implicit understanding of their role in the peer-review process, and to identify how clear reviewers and editors are regarding which feedback is most important. Taken together, this allows for an understanding of how reviewers and editors engage in the social construction of research. The results inform the training of communication scholars, reviewers, and editors.
Friction, wear, and anti-scuffing behaviors of zinc phosphate film on cylinder liners
Authors: Teng Dezhi , Sa Xiaoxia
Published: May 2024

Zinc phosphate chemical conversion coating possesses excellent tribological properties, which has attracted increasing attention. In this work, the friction, wear and anti-scuffing performance of zinc phosphate film applied on the cylinder liners were studied using a self-designed friction and wear experimental apparatus, which can sufficiently simulate the working conditions of the piston ring and cylinder in a real engine. The experimental results indicate that comparing with the uncoated cylinder liner, the friction force and total wear losses of friction pairs for the zinc phosphate coating are reduced by 8% and 27.5%, respectively, which is attributed to the formation of the protective film containing metal oxides and iron phosphate. In the scuffing test, uncoated cylinder liner exhibits better anti-scuffing performance because of the spalling of the cast iron graphite. On the contrary, the zinc phosphate coating particles remaining on the worn surface after oil-cut off are peeled off and acted as the abrasive at the contact interface, which accelerates the plastic deformation of friction pairs and the cast iron graphite is covered by the plastic flow of the material.
Multiple sclerosis presenting with paroxysmal symptoms: Patients at the limitations of current diagnostic criteria
Authors: Heward Karl D , Roy-Hewitson Chantal , Solomon Andrew J
Published: May 2024

Paroxysmal neurological symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have long been acknowledged. However, consideration of whether such symptoms are a clinical attack and sufficient for fulfillment of MS diagnostic criteria has varied as criteria have evolved over time. Previous studies and anecdotal reports indicate that some patients with MS first present with syndromes such as trigeminal neuralgia, Lhermitte’s phenomenon, tonic spasm, and seizure years before an attack typical of MS such as optic neuritis or myelitis. We discuss four patients with presumed MS who initially presented with these syndromes with evidence of a corresponding central nervous system (CNS) lesion who, were these symptoms considered an attack, could have been diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS or clinically isolated syndrome. This case series aims to highlight the unmet need for data for such patient presentations and for clinical guidance from future MS diagnostic criteria to optimize care.
The associations between individual differences in language aptitude and working memory, and the effectiveness of input and output based instruction
Authors: Liang Yan , Jun Zhang Lawrence
Published: May 2024

Despite previous research having demonstrated the comparative effects of processing instruction and output-based instruction, further investigation is required to examine the relationships between individual differences in cognitive abilities and these instructional types. This study investigated the associations among three instructional approaches and learners’ language aptitude and working memory in acquiring four Chinese classifiers. Eighty-six second language (L2) Chinese learners from one Chinese university were divided into three experimental groups – processing instruction (PI), meaning-based output instruction (MOI), combined instruction (CI) – and a control group. Tests measuring treatment effects included an untimed grammatical judgment test and an oral elicited imitation test. The LLAMA test and a counting span task were employed to assess learners’ language aptitude and working memory respectively. Multiple regression analysis suggested that phonetic coding ability was significantly predictive of the effects of PI and CI groups. Language analytic ability and working memory were not predictive of the effects of any experimental groups. The findings suggest that providing metalinguistic explanations followed by output-based language activities may mitigate learners’ cognitive differences in language analytic ability and working memory.
Effects of heat input on the intermetallic compounds and mechanical properties of Al/Cu joints fabricated by micro friction stir welding
Authors: Ni Yu , Liu Yuanhao , Zhang Pengxian , Zhang Changqing , Zhang Zhongke , Jin Yuhua , Xu Hui , Feng Chenchen
Published: May 2024

The 0.5 mm thickness ultra-thin sheets of 6061-T4 Al and T2 Cu were butt joined by micro friction stir welding under different ω/ν. When the ω/ν was 36, the welding process resulted in a defect-free joint. This joint exhibited the highest tensile strength (222 Mpa), which was similar to the Al BM. This joint failed in the heat-affected zone on the Al side, where the hardness was lowest, leading to a ductile fracture. When the ω/ν was 9, the welding process led to the formation of agglomerated intermetallic compounds (IMCs) in upper nugget zone (NZ), and the IMCs layer of Al2Cu and Al4Cu9 developed in lower NZ. Therefore, the joint strength was greatly weakened, resulting in failure at the Al/Cu interface. The fracture mode of the joint exhibited a mixture of ductile and brittle behaviors.
Countering underproduction of peer produced goods
Authors: Champion Kaylea , Hill Benjamin Mako
Published: May 2024

Peer produced goods, such as online knowledge bases and free/libre open source software rely on contributors who often choose their tasks regardless of consumer needs. These goods are susceptible to underproduction: when popular goods are relatively low quality. Although underproduction is a common feature of peer production, very little is known about how to counteract it. We use a detailed longitudinal dataset from English Wikipedia to show that more experienced contributors—including those who contribute without an account—tend to contribute to underproduced goods. A within-person analysis shows that contributors’ efforts shift toward underproduced goods over time. These findings illustrate the value of retaining contributors in peer production, including those contributing without accounts, as a means to counter underproduction.
Effects of a respiratory and neurological rehabilitation treatment plan in post Covid-19 affected university students. Randomized clinical study
Authors: Sánchez Milá Zacarías , Rodríguez Sanz David , Martín Nieto Ana , Jiménez Lobo Ana , Ramos Hernández Manuel , Campón Chekroun Angélica , Frutos Llanes Raúl , Barragán Casas José Manuel , Velázquez Saornil Jorge
Published: May 2024

Background

COVID-19 demonstrated the possibility of neurological complications such as loss of sense of smell and taste, together with respiratory problems. Respiratory training and rehabilitation of neurological sequelae are essential to improve respiratory function and thus quality of life, and the aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a pulmonary and neurological rehabilitation program.

Objectives

To apply a treatment to reduce dyspnea, increase exertional capacity, increase vital capacity and respiratory muscle strength, together with an increase in olfactory and gustatory sensitivity in post-SARS-CoV-2 patients.

Methods

A randomised controlled experimental study was conducted in 220 patients with a medical diagnosis of COVID-19 and more than 5 months of evolution, dyspnoea or perceived fatigue, including olfactory and gustatory perception problems, of whom 200 patients completed the study. 100 patients were randomly assigned to the intervention group, consisting of an inspiratory training treatment plan (Powerbreathe Plus®) combined with aerobic exercise and olfactory gustatory treatment for 31 days, and 100 patients to the control group, for 31 days without any type of therapy.

Results

The study was conducted in post-Covid-19 patients for 5 months. Two hundred patients were divided into an intervention group ( n = 100) and a control group ( n = 100). The comparison between the groups showed significant differences in spirometric variables; forced vital capacity ( p < .001; Eta2 (0.439); Mean: 0,6135), the ratio between both FEV1/FVC ( p < 0.01; Eta2 (0.728); Mean:9,313), peak inspiratory pressure ( p < 0.01; Eta2 (0.906); Mean:4,526); changes were observed in dyspnoea measured with the modified Borg scale ( p < 0.01; Eta2 (0.811); Mean:1,481) and the modified Medical Research Council scale ( p < 0.01; Eta2 (0.881); Mean: 0.777); finally, changes were found in neurological variables, in the questions of the Singapore Smell and Taste Questionnaire, How was your sense of smell after treatment? ( p < 0.01; Eta2 (0.813); Mean: 1,721) and How is your sense of taste after treatment? ( p < 0.01; Eta2 (0.898); Mean: 1,088).

Conclusion

The implementation of a respiratory rehabilitation treatment plan with the Powerbreathe Plus® device, aerobic exercise and neurorehabilitation with olfactory and gustatory training, is a therapeutic option against respiratory and neurological sequelae in patients who have suffered such sequelae due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05195099. First posted 18/01/2022; Last Update Posted 29/06/2022.
Deep-Learning Model Prediction of Radiation Pneumonitis Using Pretreatment Chest Computed Tomography and Clinical Factors
Authors: Lee Jang Hyung , Kang Min Kyu , Park Jongmoo , Lee Seoung-Jun , Kim Jae-Chul , Park Shin-Hyung
Published: May 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to build a comprehensive deep-learning model for the prediction of radiation pneumonitis using chest computed tomography (CT), clinical, dosimetric, and laboratory data. Introduction: Radiation therapy is an effective tool for treating patients with lung cancer. Despite its effectiveness, the risk of radiation pneumonitis limits its application. Although several studies have demonstrated models to predict radiation pneumonitis, no reliable model has been developed yet. Herein, we developed prediction models using pretreatment chest CT and various clinical data to assess the likelihood of radiation pneumonitis in lung cancer patients. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 3-dimensional (3D) lung volume data from chest CT scans and 27 features including dosimetric, clinical, and laboratory data from 548 patients who were treated at our institution between 2010 and 2021. We developed a neural network, named MergeNet, which processes lung 3D CT, clinical, dosimetric, and laboratory data. The MergeNet integrates a convolutional neural network with subsequent fully connected layers. A support vector machine (SVM) and light gradient boosting machine (LGBM) model were also implemented for comparison. For comparison, the convolution-only neural network was implemented as well. Three-dimensional Resnet-10 network and 4-fold cross-validation were used. Results: Classification performance was quantified by using the area under the receiver operative characteristic curve (AUC) metrics. MergeNet showed the AUC of 0.689. SVM, LGBM, and convolution-only networks showed AUCs of 0.525, 0.541, and 0.550, respectively. Application of DeLong test to pairs of receiver operating characteristic curves respectively yielded P values of .001 for the MergeNet–SVM pair and 0.001 for the MergeNet–LGBM pair. Conclusion: The MergeNet model, which incorporates chest CT, clinical, dosimetric, and laboratory data, demonstrated superior performance compared to other models. However, since its prediction performance has not yet reached an efficient level for clinical application, further research is required. Contribution: This study showed that MergeNet may be an effective means to predict radiation pneumonitis. Various predictive factors can be used together for the radiation pneumonitis prediction task via the MergeNet.
Dose-Volume Parameters of Spared Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Defined Active Bone Marrow Predict Hematologic Toxicity in Pelvic Malignancies Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Cohort Study
Authors: Gao Ting , Wei Liqun , Jiang Li , Ma Shanshan , Zhang Wei , Zhang Yong , Wu Fang
Published: May 2024

Background: The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the superiority of dose-volume parameters relying on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-defined active bone marrow (ABM) over those based on total bone marrow (TBM) contoured via CT in the prediction of hematologic toxicity (HT) occurrence among patients with pelvic malignancies undergoing radiotherapy. Methods: The clinical data of 116 patients with pelvic malignancies treated with pelvic radiotherapy were analyzed retrospectively. The ABM areas on T1-weighted MRI were contoured. The statistical significance between TBM and ABM dose-volume measures was assessed through the utilization of either Student’s t-test or Wilcoxon signed rank test. Logistic and linear regression models were employed to analyze the correlation between dose-volume parameters (V5-V50) and HT occurrence in pelvic ABM and TBM. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare predictors of HT2+. Results: There were significant differences in dosimetric parameters between ABM and TBM. Logistic regression analysis showed that ABM V5, ABM V10, ABM V15, ABM V20, and TBM V5 were significantly associated with the occurrence of HT2+ in pelvic malignancies. Linear regression analysis showed that ABM V5, ABM V10, and ABM V15 were significantly associated with white blood cell (WBC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), hemoglobin (Hb), and lymphocyte (Lym) nadir. ABM V5, ABM V10, ABM V15, and ABM V30 were predictive of HT2+. Conclusions: More accurate prediction of HT in patients receiving pelvic radiotherapy may be achieved by relying on dose-volume parameters of MRI-based ABM. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm this.
Rifampicin in the Treatment of Refractory Diabetic Foot Ulcer and Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis—an Observational Study
Authors: Goyal Ghanshyam , Majumdar Sujoy , Bose Usashi B. , Shrivastava Rekha , Banka Satish P. , Sharma Jugal K. , Jude Edward B.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Refractory diabetic foot ulcer (rDFU) and osteomyelitis (diabetic foot osteomyelitis [DFO]) are a major problem in people with diabetes. Often resulting from multidrug-resistant polymicrobial infection, these may result in amputation or nonhealing ulcers. In this nonrandomized open-label study, we looked at the outcome of treatment with rifampicin in patients with nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers.

Material and Methods

Patients with DFUs (n = 67, n = 55 with DFO) unresponsive to conventional antimicrobial therapy for >3 months (rDFU) were taken as the study group. All patients received rifampicin for a minimum of 3 months (maximum 6 months if DUFs did not heal after 3 months) in addition to standard antibiotics and compared with similar kind of DFUs (n = 68, n = 55 DFO) who formed the control group, treated with conventional antimicrobial therapy. Patients were followed up for 12 months. Healing of DFU at 6 months and amputation were primary endpoints of the study.

Results

In total, 43 patients (64.2%) in the rifampicin group healed at 3 months and another 4 patients healed when rifampicin was continued for 6 months (n = 47, 70.1%). In the control group, 11 patients healed at 3 months (16.2%) and 25 patients healed at 6 months (36.8%). In total, 14 patients (20.9%) in the study group and 29 patients (42.6%) in the control group had to undergo minor amputation. Comparison between the rate of healing at 3 and 6 months and minor amputation between the study group and control group showed statistically significant results ( P ≤ .00001, <.00001, and .008, respectively). In total, 6 and 8 patients despite healing of the primary ulcer had a subsequent recurrence of ulcer in the rifampicin and control group, respectively.

Conclusion

Rifampicin used in conjunction with other standard poly-microbial therapy in refractory complex diabetic foot ulcer unresponsive to standard antimicrobial therapy, can significantly improve wound healing as well as decrease the need for amputation in addition to standard of care.
Enhancing Wound Healing in Chronic Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Case Report of Topical Oxygen Therapy with Granulox®
Authors: Siafarikas Christos , Kosta Ourania , Lontou Stavroula-Panagiota , Tentolouris Nikolaos
Published: May 2024

Chronic diabetic foot ulcers pose significant challenges in wound management, often necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches to promote healing. This case report highlights the efficacy of Granulox®, a topical hemoglobin spray designed to enhance oxygen supply to chronic wounds, in conjunction with standard care. An 84-year-old male with a longstanding diabetic foot ulcer demonstrated remarkable improvement following the addition of Granulox® to his treatment regimen. Significant reduction in ulcer size, resolution of clinical signs of infection, and improvement in peri-wound skin condition were observed within weeks of initiating Granulox® therapy. The patient-reported decrease in pain severity and the ultimately complete healing of the ulcer underscore the potential of topical oxygen therapy as an adjunctive modality in wound management. This case report contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy and ease of use of Granulox® in promoting wound healing, particularly in chronic diabetic foot ulcers.
Veni, Vidi, Vici—When Is Home Video Seizure Monitoring Helpful?
Authors: Sheehan Theodore A. , Winter-Potter Eliza , Dorste Anna , Meisel Christian , Loddenkemper Tobias
Published: May 2024

Seizure detection is vital for managing epilepsy as seizures can lead to injury and even death, in addition to impacting quality of life. Prompt detection of seizures and intervention can help prevent injury and improve outcomes for individuals with epilepsy. Wearable sensors show promising results for automated detection of certain seizures, but they have limitations such as patient tolerance, impracticality for newborns, and the need for recharging. Non-contact video and audio-based technologies have become available, but a comprehensive literature review on these methods is lacking. This scoping literature review provides an overview of video and audio-based seizure detection, highlighting their potential benefits and challenges. It encompasses a thorough search and evaluation of relevant articles, summarizing methods and performances of these systems. The primary aim of this review is to examine and analyze existing research to identify patterns and gaps and establish a foundation for future advancements. We screened 7 databases using a set of standardized search criteria to minimize any potential missed articles. Four thousand four hundred eighty-seven deduplicated abstracts were screened and narrowed down to 34 studies that varied in design, algorithm methods, types of seizures detected, and performance metrics. Seizure detection sensitivity ranged from 100% to 0%, with optical flow analysis showing the highest sensitivity. The specificity of all included articles ranged from 97.7% to 60%. While limited studies reported accuracy, the highest reported was 100% using Radon Transform based technique on Dual Tree Complex Wavelet coefficients. Video and audio-based tools offer novel, noncontact approaches for detecting and monitoring seizures. Available studies are limited in sample sizes, dataset diversity, and standardized evaluation protocols, impacting the generalizability of results. Future research focusing on larger-scale investigations with diverse datasets, standardized evaluation protocols, and consistent reporting metrics is needed.
Remediation of Learning Difficulty Utilizing School-Based Cognitive Behavioral Intervention Measured by EEG Theta-Alpha and Theta-Beta Ratio During Resting and Cognitive Task Performance Conditions
Authors: Kaushik Pratima , Shrivastava Pranav Kumar
Published: May 2024

Background. EEG is an effective tool due to its ability to capture and interpret the changes in brain activity under different situations. Quantitative EEG (qEEG) can be essential in evaluating and treating children's learning problems. Methods and procedure. Fifty school-going children with difficulty in learning were studied. Analysis of the difference between pre-intervention and postintervention EEG power ratio of frequency bands, including Theta to Beta and Theta to Alpha, while eyes-closed, eyes-open, hyperventilation, writing, and reading conditions and the values for relative powers were calculated. The study correlated postintervention theta/beta ratio (TBR) and theta/alpha ratio (TAR) values with behavioral measures. Results. The findings suggested that there was a significant difference in pre-intervention and postintervention relative TAR and TBR power values. A significant increase of TAR and TBR power values was observed in eyes-closed (resting), hyperventilation, writing, and reading task conditions, indicative of a state of arousal at FP1FP2, T3T4, and O1O2 scalp locations. During eye open conditions, the TAR and TBR were significantly low at all 3 scalp locations, indicating a relaxed, conscious, and aware state of mind. Postintervention TAR and TBR values were significantly correlated with behavioral measures during 5 task conditions on several scalp locations. Conclusion. These quantitative electroencephalogram findings in children with learning problems indicate that with the increased complexity of the cognitive tasks, TAR and TBR increase, while postintervention, children could attain a relaxed and conscious state of mind during eyes-open condition.
A Snapshot of Inter-Methodology Mixing: The Intersection, Integration and Merging of Methodologies
Authors: Cameron Roslyn
Published: May 2024

The relatively recent trend of mixing MMR with other methodologies represents a significant methodological advancement in the field and on examination spans a diverse range of methodologies. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of recent trends in inter-methodology mixing. The paper will provide signposts to the methodological literature that has begun to conceptualize and advance these methodological innovations and highlights examples of empirical studies that are adopting these new forms of mixed methodological types. The article provides a snapshot of the current state of this trend with particular reference to the mixing and merging of MMR with four established methodologies: grounded theory, case study research, community-based participatory research, and action research.
Endovascular treatment of embolism-related acute basilar artery occlusion stroke: ADAPT versus stent retriever thrombectomy
Authors: Lan Xinghang , Liang Zi , Shen Chunyun , Yi Weiwen , Ni Fuwen , Zhang Zhenyu , Li Zhantao , Li Anhua , Liao Geng
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of a direct aspiration first-pass technique (ADAPT) and stent retriever thrombectomy (SRT) technique in embolism-related acute basilar artery occlusion (EMB-ABAO).

Methods

We collected data from patients with EMB-ABAO in multiple stroke centers from January 2017 to February 2024. We defined two groups of enrolled patients, the ADAPT group and the SRT group. The primary outcome was the first attempt recanalization (FAR) rate. Secondary outcomes were the puncture to recanalization (PTR) time and the 90-day favorable functional outcome. The safety outcome was 90-day all-cause mortality rate.

Results

A total of 406 patients were screened for endovascular treatment (EVT) of ABAO ischemic stroke, and 108 patients were identified with EMB-ABAO stroke. Among these, 96 patients were included in the final analysis. Among them, 58 (60.42%) were in the ADAPT group, and 38 (39.58%) were in the SRT group. Compared with the SRT group, the ADAPT group achieved FAR more frequently (60.34% versus 39.47%; p = 0.045) and a higher 90-day favorable functional outcome rate (44.83% versus 36.84%; p = 0.438). The median PTR time of the ADAPT group was significantly shorter than that of the SRT group (42 versus 105 min; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In cases where EMB-ABAO is suspected, ADAPT was superior to SRT in terms of FAR rate and PTR time, but the 90-day mRS scores had no statistical significance. Given the reduced time to recanalization with ADAPT, an initial attempt at recanalization with ADAPT may be necessary before stent retriever. However, due to the study limitations, these findings should be interpreted as preliminary and require further study.
Challenges and best practices for recruiting families of children with intellectual disabilities for health research
Authors: MacNeil Morgan , Benoit Britney , Disher Timothy , Newman Aaron J , Campbell-Yeo Marsha
Published: May 2024

Research focused on children with intellectual disabilities has been of increasing interest over the last two decades. However, a considerable lag in the amount of research that is representative and generalizable to this population in comparison to neurotypical children remains, largely attributed to issues with participant engagement and recruitment. Challenges and barriers associated with engaging and recruiting this population include lack of research to provide a sound foundation of knowledge, ethical considerations, parental attitudes, family commitments, and organizational gatekeeping. Researchers can engage children and their families using participatory research methods, honouring the child’s right to assent, and collaborating with parents. Recruitment strategies include partnering with organizations, working with parent and patient partners, and using remote methods. Employing evidence-informed engagement and recruitment strategies may provide substantial social and scientific value to the research field by ensuring that this underrepresented population benefits equitably from research findings.
The kinematics of pace bowling associated with lumbar bone stress injuries: Disparities observed in elite male and female cricketers
Authors: Feros Simon Andrew , Gerhardy Michael H , Fyfe Jackson J , Dwyer Dan B
Published: May 2024

Elite cricket pace bowlers commonly sustain debilitating bone stress injuries. Lumbar bone stress injuries are more prominent in males, while lower limb bone stress injuries are more common in females. Bone stress injuries are partly attributable to bowling technique; however, scant research exists comparing bowling techniques of males and females as to better understand why males are more susceptible to lumbar bone stress injury. Three-dimensional pace bowling kinematics previously linked with lumbar bone stress injury were compared between 59 male and 19 female elite pace bowlers. Participants bowled 18 match-intensity deliveries indoors from a full run-up, whereby the mean of six deliveries was analyzed. Compared to females, males exhibited: a more extended thoraco-pelvic segment at back foot contact ( p = 0.039, g = 0.46), larger shoulder counter-rotation from back foot contact to front foot flat ( p = 0.021, g = 0.64), greater thoraco-pelvic lateral flexion at front foot flat ( p = 0.001, g = 0.95), larger front knee flexion at ball release ( p = 0.046, g = 0.57), and greater maximum front knee flexion from front foot flat to ball release ( p = 0.009, g = 0.57). Australian elite male pace bowlers performed techniques linked to lumbar bone stress injury to a much greater extent than their female counterparts. A straighter front leg technique observed in elite Australian females may be why they more commonly experience lower limb bone stress injuries via possibly higher vertical loading rates. This information may assist in developing sex-specific bone stress injury risk mitigation approaches.
Wing-shaped walls: A directional effect of obstacles on manual avoidance
Authors: Harada Yuki , Mitsudo Hiroyuki
Published: May 2024

Visual information can be used to plan, start, and coordinate manual movements in obstacle avoidance. An intriguing example of visuomotor coordination is the effect of wing-shaped walls, in which walls are oriented away from or toward a moving agent. A historical story from medieval Japan recounts that wing-shaped walls disrupted the agent's movement more when oriented toward the agent than when oriented away from the agent. This study aimed at examining whether the disruptive effect of wing-shaped walls occurs in a schematic situation represented on a 2D plane. In this study, we conducted psychophysical experiments in which participants were asked to move a stylus from a start point to a goal while avoiding multiple line obstacles that were arranged alternately at a course. In the two experiments, we manipulated the orientation and the size of the visible parts of the obstacles systematically. We found that the obstacles oriented toward the agent produced frequent contacts with the agent and attracted manual movements to the endpoints of obstacles. We discussed possible interpretations of the results in the context of attentional guidance.
State property, venture capital and the urbanisation of state capitalism
Authors: Alami Ilias
Published: May 2024

To sharpen the conversation between urban studies and ‘new state capitalism’, I argue that studies of the state's role as a venture capitalist in the urban process may be developed along four lines: (1) expounding where logics of state-backed venture capitalism fit within shifting repertoires of urban entrepreneurialism; (2) specifying how the injection of state-owned capital in start-ups facilitates processes of both real and financial valorisation, thereby altering urban relations of production; (3) analysing state-backed venture capitalism in light of emerging forms of ‘derisking developmentalism’; and (4) foregrounding geopolitically infused techno-nationalism as a potentially significant driver of state-backed venture capital.
Circadian rhythm and variability of large and small airway spirometric variables in healthy individuals
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Wu Yiting , Zhang Xue , Lv Chengjian , Lin Jingwang , Zhao Lei , Lin Yanmei , Zhang Min , Bao Wuping
Published: May 2024

Objective

To assess the diurnal rhythm and variability of lung function in healthy individuals, encompassing both large and small airways.

Methods

A prospective study enrolled 35 healthy adults without a history of smoking. Initial spirometry and a bronchodilation test were performed using the Jaeger spirometer, followed by a seven-day continuous home monitoring using the GOSPT2000. We evaluated repeatability using the intraclass correlation coefficient and agreement through linear regression and Bland–Altman analyses. Circadian rhythm and variability in spirometric measurements were analyzed using the coefficient of variation (CV) and daily variation rate.

Results

The GOSPT2000 demonstrated strong repeatability and high agreement with the Jaeger spirometer. Notable findings included a decrease in nocturnal forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV3 by 44, 59, and 53 mL, respectively. In contrast, peak expiratory flow at noon showed an increase of 0.143L/min. Small-airway variables, including forced expiratory flow at 50% and 75% of the FVC and maximum midexpiratory flow, showed no significant diurnal variation. The nocturnal CV for large-airway variables was ≤ 4%, while for small-airway variables, it was ≤ 11.89%.

Conclusion

This study has established a spectrum of variability for both large and small airways in healthy populations. The variability of small-airway variables is higher than that of large-airway variables. The investigation into the diurnal rhythms and variability characteristics of both large and small airway variables in the healthy population can serve as a foundation for diagnosing asthma or assessing the efficacy of asthma treatments.
Mothers’ socioeconomic status and children's status attainment during the Chinese market transition
Authors: Kong Siyang
Published: May 2024

Numerous studies have demonstrated the importance of mothers in children's status attainment process in Western societies. Using pooled data from two nationally representative surveys in China, this study investigates the influence of mothers’ socioeconomic status (education and occupation) on the status attainment of men and women in a socialist country and how maternal impact changed with the market reform. In total, 10,124 sons and 8984 daughters born between 1943 and 1985 were studied. Using chained multiple imputation data and linear regressions, this study finds that mothers’ socioeconomic status matters for both sons’ and daughters’ status attainment and, in the case of daughters, is as important as that of fathers. With the economic transition, the influence of mothers’ education has become more important for both sons’ and daughters’ education and can thus indirectly benefit their occupational status attainment. Mothers’ occupational status, however, has become less important for sons’ and daughters’ occupational status attainment with the transition, whereas the influence of fathers’ occupational status has remained the same. These findings suggest that the re-emergence of traditional gender norms that has accompanied the market reform has played a role in shaping the status attainment process of men and women. Since the reform, the role of mothers has been more restricted to the family domain.
Percutaneous transcatheter aspiration of pulmonary embolism leading to diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma tumor embolus and change in systemic chemotherapy
Authors: Verloh Niklas , Vogt Katharina , Bettinger Dominik , Schultheiß Michael , Kandilaris Kosmas , Holzner Philipp A , Doppler Michael C , Uller Wibke
Published: May 2024

The management of metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is complex, particularly when complicated by pulmonary embolism. In these cases, atezolizumab-bevacizumab therapy is contraindicated due to an elevated risk of thromboembolic events. Differentiating pulmonary tumor embolism from thromboembolic disease is diagnostically challenging. This report outlines the benefit of transcatheter aspiration to obtain pathological evidence of pulmonary artery tumor embolus in an HCC patient. The intervention enabled a significant shift in the management strategy, leading to an escalation of systemic HCC therapy. This case underscores the importance of precise diagnostic techniques such as transcatheter aspiration in guiding treatment decisions, particularly in cases where pulmonary embolism may signify an underlying malignancy-driven process.
Psychometric Properties Assessment of Postgraduate Self-Determined Learning Questionnaire (PSLQ): A Mixed Method Approach
Authors: Chia Chun Tiew , Samsudin Mohd Ali , Abdullah Melissa Ng Lee Yen
Published: May 2024

Postgraduate students need to be equipped with self-determined learning skills in order to meet the demands of higher degree and employment in the fourth industrial revolution (IR 4.0) environment. However, the lack of analysis conducted on item level for validating the measurement of postgraduate students’ self-determined learning skills prompted the development of The Postgraduate Self-determined Learning Questionnaire (PSLQ) to fill in the research gaps. This paper aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the newly developed 42-item instrument through a mixed method approach as no study has evaluated the psychometric properties of PSLQ at the item level through Rasch model analysis. Quantitatively, 440 postgraduate students were sampled from a higher education institution in Malaysia to answer the questionnaire. Qualitatively, 10 respondents from science and non-science disciplines were interviewed. The paper reports findings on the psychometric properties of PSLQ through Rasch Rating Analysis and participants’ perspectives on the item validity. The results revealed that the items in PSLQ demonstrated good psychometric properties for the measurement of self-determined learning skills of postgraduate students. Implications of the study were discussed in this paper. Future studies can further investigate the psychometric properties of PSLQ according to students’ discipline of study.
Trabecular Bone Remodeling after Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Comparison of the Osseointegration in Three-Dimensional Porous Titanium Cages and Polyether-Ether-Ketone Cages
Authors: Segi Naoki , Nakashima Hiroaki , Ito Sadayuki , Ouchida Jun , Oishi Ryotaro , Yamauchi Ippei , Miyairi Yuichi , Morita Yoshinori , Matsumoto Tomohiro , Kanbara Shunsuke , Ito Keigo , Imagama Shiro
Published: May 2024

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives

Imaging changes in the vertebral body after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) are determined to be trabecular bone remodeling (TBR). This study aimed to investigate the influence of cage materials on TBR and segment stabilization in PLIF by studying image changes.

Methods

This was a retrospective study reviewing 101 cases who underwent one-level PLIF with three-dimensional porous titanium (3DTi) cages (53 patients) or polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) cages (48 patients). Computed tomography images obtained 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively were examined for TBR, vertebral endplate cyst formation as an instability sign, cage subsidence, and clear zone around pedicle screw (CZPS).

Results

No significant differences in the TBR-positivity rates were observed between the two cages at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. However, all 3DTi cage segments that were TBR-positive at 3 months postoperatively showed no CZPS and fewer final instability segments than the TBR-negative segments (0% vs 9%). In contrast, although the PEEK cage segments that were TBR-positive at 3 months postoperatively were not associated with future segmental stabilization, those that were TBR-positive at 1 year postoperatively had fewer final instability segments than the TBR-negative segments (0% vs 33%).

Conclusions

The 3DTi cage segments with TBR 3 months postoperatively showed significant final segmental stabilization, whereas TBR at 1 year rather than 3 months postoperatively was useful in determining final segmental stabilization for the PEEK cage segments. The timing of TBR, a new osseointegration assessment, were associated with the cage material.