bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Student nurses' knowledge of and attitudes toward palliative care in the Middle East: an integrative review
Authors: Alomari Domam , Abu-Snieneh Hana Mohammad
Published: March 2023

Background:

Palliative care is one of the most important areas of practice because it includes caring for vulnerable people who are mostly in their last stage of life. Palliative care is a relatively new specialty in the Middle East and little is known about student nurses' knowledge of and attitudes towards it.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to explore students' knowledge of and attitudes towards palliative care in the Middle East, and to use the findings to make recommendations to higher education institutions about its importance.

Design:

An integrative review following an established framework was used. Hawker's Assessment Tool was employed to evaluate the quality of the research articles.

Results:

The search found seven quantitative studies from four countries in the Middle East. Their focus was on students' knowledge (n=5) and attitudes (n=2). The number of participants ranged from 110 to 452, with knowledge scores ranging from 5.23 to 8.0 out of 20 on all or part of the Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing. Students' attitudes were marginally positive toward palliative care and dying patients.

Conclusion:

There are few studies in the Middle East investigating student nurses' knowledge of and attitude toward palliative care; consequently, more attention needs to be given to this area of practice.
Do you have too much security?
Authors: Mansfield-Devine Steve
Published: March 2023

Organisations seem to accumulate cyber security solutions, to the point where they become difficult to use and it becomes impossible to ensure that they are operating efficiently. The result can be unnecessary and expensive duplication as well as unseen gaps that leave you vulnerable to attack.
Flora da Bahia: Brasiliocroton (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Arruda Evilli , Cordeiro Inês , Carneiro-Torres Daniela Santos , Silva Otávio Luis Marques da
Published: March 2023

The genus Brasiliocroton (Euphorbiaceae) has two species, B. mamoninha and B. muricatus, both occur in the state of Bahia. The treatment includes an identification key, descriptions and comments on geographic distribution, habitat and phenology.
The many meanings of policy instruments: exploring individual and structural determinants in obesity policy
Authors: Ralston Rob , Godziewski Charlotte , Carters-White Lauren
Published: March 2023

Health inequalities researchers have long advocated for governments to adopt policy instruments that address structural determinants of health rather than targeting individual behaviours. The assumption behind this position is that such instruments might challenge a core neoliberal principle of individualism embedded in the prevailing health policy paradigm. We critique this assumption by highlighting the discursive construction of policy instruments, and their discursive effects. Using the UK’s Tackling Obesity policy as a case study, we demonstrate how instruments designed to target structural determinants of health (such as food advertisement regulation) can actively sustain – rather than challenge, the dominant policy paradigm. We call this phenomenon ‘upstream individualism’, exploring how it relates to tensions in the research-policy relationship, and its relevance beyond health policy. We argue that instruments can shape policy change and continuity, including at a paradigm level, and that ‘upstream individualism’ provides a useful basis for theorising these power dynamics. This article contributes to the constructivist public policy literature by noting how policy instruments meant to challenge the discursive construction of individualism within public health can ultimately reinforce it.
Care and caring among ageing migrant workers in two informal settlements in Harare
Authors: Ncube Chiko , Gutsa Ignatius , Price Debora J.
Published: March 2023

In this study of older migrants living in informal settlements in Harare, we seek to understand what care and caring means for older people ageing far from their place of origin in conditions of informality in a country with no formal care infrastructure. We find that care relations derive from histories of migration, community, kinship, aspiration, displacement and disenfranchisement, with the provision of security within insecure systems core to the very idea of care. Further action is needed at all levels to foreground how older migrants are living on Zimbabwean society’s margins and to facilitate their daily practices of care.
Real-time and accurate estimation ex vivo of four basic optical properties from thin tissue based on a cascade forward neural network
Authors: Chen Haitao , Liu Kaixian , Jiang Yuxuan , Liu Yafeng , Deng Yong
Published: March 2023

Double integrating sphere measurements obtained from thin ex vivo tissues provides more spectral information and hence allows full estimation of all basic optical properties (OPs) theoretically. However, the ill-conditioned nature of the OP determination increases excessively with the reduction in tissue thickness. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a model for thin ex vivo tissues that is robust to noise. Herein, we present a deep learning solution to precisely extract four basic OPs in real-time from thin ex vivo tissues, leveraging a dedicated cascade forward neural network (CFNN) for each OP with an additional introduced input of the refractive index of the cuvette holder. The results show that the CFNN-based model enables accurate and fast evaluation of OPs, as well as robustness to noise. Our proposed method overcomes the highly ill-conditioned restriction of OP evaluation and can distinguish the effects of slight changes in measurable quantities without any a priori knowledge.
LED lighting area recognition for visible light positioning based on convolutional neural network in the industrial internet of things
Authors: Du Xiaoxiao , Zhang Yanyu , Ye Ziwei , Wang Dapeng , Zhu Yijun
Published: March 2023

In the industrial environment, the positioning of mobile terminals plays an important role in production scheduling. Visible light positioning (VLP) based on a CMOS image sensor has been widely considered as a promising indoor positioning technology. However, the existing VLP technology still faces many challenges, such as modulation and decoding schemes, and strict synchronization requirements. In this paper, a visible light area recognition framework based on convolutional neural network (CNN) is proposed, where the training data is the LED images acquired by the image sensor. The mobile terminal positioning can be realized from the perspective of recognition without modulating LED. The experimental results show that the mean accuracy of the optimal CNN model is as high as 100% for the two-class and the four-class area recognitions, and is more than 95% for the eight-class area recognition. These results are obviously superior to other traditional recognition algorithms. More importantly, the model has high robustness and universality, which can be applied to various types of LED lights.
Adaptive inverse mapping: a model-free semi-supervised learning approach towards robust imaging through dynamic scattering media
Authors: Hu Xiaowen , Zhao Jian , Antonio-Lopez Jose Enrique , Gausmann Stefan , Correa Rodrigo Amezcua , Schülzgen Axel
Published: March 2023

Imaging through scattering media is a useful and yet demanding task since it involves solving for an inverse mapping from speckle images to object images. It becomes even more challenging when the scattering medium undergoes dynamic changes. Various approaches have been proposed in recent years. However, none of them are able to preserve high image quality without either assuming a finite number of sources for dynamic changes, assuming a thin scattering medium, or requiring access to both ends of the medium. In this paper, we propose an adaptive inverse mapping (AIP) method, which requires no prior knowledge of the dynamic change and only needs output speckle images after initialization. We show that the inverse mapping can be corrected through unsupervised learning if the output speckle images are followed closely. We test the AIP method on two numerical simulations: a dynamic scattering system formulated as an evolving transmission matrix and a telescope with a changing random phase mask at a defocused plane. Then we experimentally apply the AIP method to a multimode-fiber-based imaging system with a changing fiber configuration. Increased robustness in imaging is observed in all three cases. AIP method’s high imaging performance demonstrates great potential in imaging through dynamic scattering media.
Super-resolution THz endoscope based on a hollow-core sapphire waveguide and a solid immersion lens
Authors: Kucheryavenko A. S. , Zhelnov V. A. , Melikyants D. G. , Chernomyrdin N. V. , Lebedev S. P. , Bukin V. V. , Garnov S. V. , Kurlov V. N. , Zaytsev K. I. , Katyba G. M.
Published: March 2023

To address a challenging problem of super-resolution terahertz (THz) endoscopy, in this paper, an antiresonant hollow-core waveguide was coupled with a sapphire solid immersion lens (SIL), aimed at subwavelength confinement of guided mode. The waveguide is formed by a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-coated sapphire tube, the geometry of which was optimized to ensure high optical performance. SIL was judiciously designed, fabricated of bulk sapphire crystal, and then mounted at the output waveguide end. Study of the field intensity distributions at the shadow side of the waveguide–SIL system revealed the focal spot diameter of ≃0.2λ at the wavelength of λ = 500 μm. It agrees with numerical predictions, overcomes the Abbe diffraction limit, and justifies super-resolution capabilities of our endoscope.
Piezoelectric deformable mirror driven by unimorph actuator arrays on multi-spatial layers
Authors: Han Xiaoshuai , Ma Jianqiang , Bao Kaiye , Cui Yuguo , Chu Jiaru
Published: March 2023

In order to reduce the cost of the piezo actuator array deformable mirror (DM), a piezoelectric DM driven by unimorph actuator arrays on multi-spatial layers is proposed. The actuator density can be multiplied by increasing the spatial layers of the actuator arrays. A low-cost DM prototype with 19 unimorph actuators located on three spatial layers is developed. The unimorph actuator can generate a wavefront deformation up to 11 µm at an operating voltage of 50 V. The DM can reconstruct typical low-order Zernike polynomial shapes accurately. The mirror can be flattened to 0.058 µm in RMS. Furthermore, a focal spot close to Airy spot is obtained in the far field after the aberrations of the adaptive optics testing system being corrected.
Enhanced Förster resonance energy transfer on layered metal–dielectric hyperbolic metamaterials: an excellent platform for low-threshold laser action
Authors: Shih Chun-Teng , Chao Yu-Chieh , Shen Ji-Lin , Chen Yang-Fang
Published: March 2023

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a well-known physical phenomenon, which has been widely used in a variety of fields, spanning from chemistry, and physics to optoelectronic devices. In this study, giant enhanced FRET for donor-acceptor CdSe/ZnS quantum dot (QD) pairs placed on top of Au/MoO3 multilayer hyperbolic metamaterials (HMMs) has been realized. An enhanced FRET transfer efficiency as high as 93% was achieved for the energy transfer from a blue-emitting QD to a red-emitting QD, greater than that of other QD-based FRET in previous studies. Experimental results show that the random laser action of the QD pairs is greatly increased on a hyperbolic metamaterial by the enhanced FRET effect. The lasing threshold with assistance of the FRET effect can be reduced by 33% for the mixed blue- and red-emitting as QDs compared to the pure red-emitting QDs. The underlying origins can be well understood based on the combination of several significant factors, including spectral overlap of donor emission and acceptor absorption, the formation of coherent closed loops due to multiple scatterings, an appropriate design of HMMs, and the enhanced FRET assisted by HMMs.
Aspheric surface measurement by absolute wavelength scanning interferometry with model-based retrace error correction
Authors: Stašík Marek , Kredba Jan , Nečásek Jakub , Lédl Vít , Fuchs Ulrike , Psota Pavel
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a non-nulling absolute interferometric method for fast and full-area measurement of aspheric surfaces without the necessity of any mechanical movement. Several single frequency laser diodes with some degree of laser tunability are used to achieve an absolute interferometric measurement. The virtual interconnection of three different wavelengths makes it possible to accurately measure the geometrical path difference between the measured aspheric surface and the reference Fizeau surface independently for each pixel of the camera sensor. It is thus possible to measure even in undersampled areas of the high fringe density interferogram. After measuring the geometrical path difference, the retrace error associated with the non-nulling mode of the interferometer is compensated for using a calibrated numerical model (numerical twin) of the interferometer. A height map representing the normal deviation of the aspheric surface from its nominal shape is obtained. The principle of absolute interferometric measurement and numerical error compensation are described in this paper. The method was experimentally verified by measuring an aspheric surface with a measurement uncertainty of λ/20, and the results were in good agreement with the results of a single-point scanning interferometer.
Spectral narrowing and broadening of Cr:ZnS/Se laser oscillation due to mode competition and spatial hole burning in the gain element
Authors: Danilin Rem , Fedorov Vladimir , Martyshkin Dmitry , Gafarov Ozarfar , Mirov Sergey
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we demonstrate the laser characterization of Cr:ZnS/Se polycrystalline gain media in non-selective unpolarized, linearly polarized, and twisted mode cavities. Lasers were based on post-growth diffusion-doped, commercially available antireflective-coated Cr:ZnSe and Cr:ZnS polycrystals with a length of 9 mm. The spectral output of lasers based on these gain elements in non-selective unpolarized and linearly polarized cavities was measured to be broadened to ∼20-50 nm due to the spatial hole burning (SHB) effect. SHB alleviation in the same crystals was realized in the “twisted mode” cavity, with linewidth narrowing to ∼80-90 pm. Both broadened and narrow-line oscillations were captured by adjusting the orientation of intracavity waveplates with respect to facilitated polarization.
Electrically controlled dual-mode polarization beam splitter using a nematic liquid crystal
Authors: Sharma Vaibhav , Sinha Aloka
Published: March 2023

Polarization handling using an external source is highly desirable in applied optics and photonics to increase the degree of freedom of an optical system. Here we report an electrically controlled polarization beam splitter (PBS) by sandwiching the nematic liquid crystal (LC) between two equilateral prisms. The presented LC-PBS is operated in two different modes: non-splitting mode and polarization splitting mode. The externally applied voltage can switch the mode of the PBS, which makes the device active and flexible. The proposed electrically controlled PBS exhibits features such as bistability with highly stable modes, large splitting angle, wider operating range, and ease of fabrication with lower cost.
Three-dimensional force-tactile sensors based on embedded fiber Bragg gratings in anisotropic materials
Authors: Jin Kezhen , Li Zeren , Nan Pengyu , Xin Guoguo , Lim Kok-Sing , Ahmad Harith , Yang Hangzhou
Published: March 2023

Three-dimensional force-tactile sensors have attracted much attention for their great potential in the applications of human–computer interaction and bionic intelligent robotics. Herein, a flexible haptic sensor based on dual fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) embedded in a bionic anisotropic material is proposed for the detection of 3D forces. To achieve the discrimination of normal and tangential force angles and magnitudes, FBGs were orthogonally embedded in a flexible silicone cylinder for force determination. Fe3O4 nanoparticles were used as a modifying agent to induce anisotropic elasticity of the silicone structure to improve the angle detection resolution. The results show that the flexible tactile sensor can detect the angle and magnitude of the 3D force.
Automatic turbulence mitigation for coherent free-space optical links using crystal-based phase conjugation and fiber-coupled data modulation
Authors: Zhou Huibin , Duan Yuxiang , Song Hao , Su Xinzhou , Zhao Zhe , Zou Kaiheng , Song Haoqian , Zhang Runzhou , Boyd Robert W. , Tur Moshe , Willner Alan E.
Published: March 2023

There are various performance advantages when using temporal phase-based data encoding and coherent detection with a local oscillator (LO) in free-space optical (FSO) links. However, atmospheric turbulence can cause power coupling from the Gaussian mode of the data beam to higher-order modes, resulting in significantly degraded mixing efficiency between the data beam and a Gaussian LO. Photorefractive crystal-based self-pumped phase conjugation has been previously demonstrated to “automatically” mitigate turbulence with limited-rate free-space-coupled data modulation (e.g., <1 Mbit/s). Here, we demonstrate automatic turbulence mitigation in a 2-Gbit/s quadrature-phase-shift-keying (QPSK) coherent FSO link using degenerate four-wave-mixing (DFWM)-based phase conjugation and fiber-coupled data modulation. Specifically, we counter-propagate a Gaussian probe from the receiver (Rx) to the transmitter (Tx) through turbulence. At the Tx, we generate a Gaussian beam carrying QPSK data by a fiber-coupled phase modulator. Subsequently, we create a phase conjugate data beam through a photorefractive crystal-based DFWM involving the Gaussian data beam, the turbulence-distorted probe, and a spatially filtered Gaussian copy of the probe beam. Finally, the phase conjugate beam is transmitted back to the Rx for turbulence mitigation. Compared to a coherent FSO link without mitigation, our approach shows up to ∼14-dB higher LO-data mixing efficiency and achieves error vector magnitude (EVM) performance of <16% under various turbulence realizations.
Strong chiral optical force for small chiral molecules based on electric-dipole interactions, inspired by the asymmetrical hydrozoan Velella velella
Authors: Cameron Robert P. , McArthur Duncan , Yao Alison
Published: March 2023

Drawing inspiration from a remarkable chiral force found in nature, we show that a static electric field combined with an optical lin-perp-lin polarization standing wave can exert a chiral optical force on a small chiral molecule that is several orders of magnitude stronger than other chiral optical forces proposed to date, being based on leading electric-dipole interactions rather than relying on weak magnetic-dipole and electric-quadrupole interactions. Our chiral optical force applies to most small chiral molecules, including isotopically chiral molecules, and does not require a specific energy-level structure. Potential applications range from chiral molecular matter-wave interferometry for precision metrology and tests of fundamental physics to the resolution of enantiomers for use in chemistry and biology.
Ten simple rules for socially responsible science
Authors: Zivony Alon , Kardosh Rasha , Timmins Liadh , Reggev Niv
Published: March 2023

Guidelines concerning the potentially harmful effects of scientific studies have historically focused on ethical considerations for minimizing risk for participants. However, studies can also indirectly inflict harm on individuals and social groups through how they are designed, reported, and disseminated. As evidenced by recent criticisms and retractions of high-profile studies dealing with a wide variety of social issues, there is a scarcity of resources and guidance on how one can conduct research in a socially responsible manner. As such, even motivated researchers might publish work that has negative social impacts due to a lack of awareness. To address this, we propose 10 simple rules for researchers who wish to conduct socially responsible science. These rules, which cover major considerations throughout the life cycle of a study from inception to dissemination, are not aimed as a prescriptive list or a deterministic code of conduct. Rather, they are meant to help motivated scientists to reflect on their social responsibility as researchers and actively engage with the potential social impact of their research.
Factors associated with viral load suppression among orphans and vulnerable children and adolescents living with HIV in Kenya
Authors: Onyango Brian , Mokaya Rose , Wasianga Jeniffer , Wao Hesborn , Achwoka Dunstan , Onyango Nelson , Kadengye Damazo T.
Published: March 2023

While tremendous progress has been made on attaining HIV treatment goals (95-95-95), children’s viral load suppression remains a challenge particularly among the orphans and vulnerable groups. In Sub Saharan Africa, there is limited evidence of specific interventions in orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) programs to support children and adolescents living with HIV (CALHIV) to attain durable viral load suppression. Through a large OVC cohort, the study sought to identify correlates of optimal viral load suppression among CALHIV in the Kenya OVC program. This cross-sectional study utilized data on CALHIV below the age of 18 years who were enrolled in the OVC program and actively receiving HIV care and treatment services from ART clinics across Kenya and with documented VL results between October 2019 and September 2020. To obtain a nationally representative sample, data was retrieved from USAID implementing partners’ databases across the country. Association between selected variables and VL suppression (outcome of interest) were assessed using a multivariate mixed effect logistic regression model, using glmer function in the LME4 package in R. Factors associated with VL suppression included child’s education status (aOR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.65), membership of a psychosocial support group (aOR = 1.258; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.38), and membership of a voluntary savings and lending association (VSLA) (aOR = 1.226; 95% CI: 1.129, 1.33). In addition, child’s sex (aOR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.83, 0.94), caregiver sex (aOR = 0.909; 95% CI: 0.839, 0.997) and “high” status for caregiver household vulnerability (aOR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.71, 0.924), had an inverse relationship with VL suppression. CALHIV characteristics including child’s sex, child’s education status (whether currently active in school or inactive) and child’s membership in a psychosocial support group were key determinants of VL suppression. Similarly, caregiver sex and membership in a voluntary savings and lending association also influence VL suppression.
Chronic Salmonella Typhi carriage at sites other than the gallbladder
Authors: Hoffman Seth A. , Sikorski Michael J. , Levine Myron M.
Published: March 2023

Typhoid fever caused by infection with Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serotype Typhi (S. Typhi), an important public health problem in many low- and middle-income countries, is transmitted by ingestion of water or food contaminated by feces or urine from individuals with acute or chronic S. Typhi infection. Most chronic S. Typhi carriers (shedding for ≥12 months) harbor infection in their gallbladder wherein preexisting pathologies, particularly cholelithiasis, provide an environment that fosters persistence. Much less appreciated is the existence of non-gallbladder hepatobiliary chronic S. Typhi carriers and urinary carriers. The former includes parasitic liver flukes as a chronic carriage risk factor. Chronic urinary carriers typically have pathology of their urinary tract, with or without renal or bladder stones. Even as the prevalence of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant S. Typhi strains is rising, global implementation of highly effective typhoid vaccines is increasing. There is also renewed interest in identifying, monitoring, and (where possible) treating chronic carriers who comprise the long-term reservoir of S. Typhi.
VISTA+/CD8+ status correlates with favorable prognosis in Epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Jlassi Aida , Manai Maroua , Morjen Maram , Sahraoui Ghada , Elasmi Allal Monia , ELBini-Dhouib Ines , Naija Lamia , Charfi Lamia , Rejaibi Rim , Ben Ahmed Melika , Marrakchi Naziha , Srairi-Abid Najet , Mezlini Amel , Manai Mohamed , Mrad Karima , Doghri Raoudha
Published: March 2023

Immunotherapy by blocking immune checkpoint regulators has emerged as a new targeted therapy for some cancers. Among them V-domain Ig suppressor of Tcell activation (VISTA) which is identified as a novel checkpoint regulator in ovarian cancer. This study aimed to investigate the VISTA role in Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), and its relationship with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) markers and its prognostic value. The expression of VISTA, CD3, CD8, CD4, FOXP3, and CD56 was assessed in 168 EOC tissue microarrays (TMA) by immunohistochemistry (IHC). In addition, associations between VISTA, TILs, clinicopathological variables, and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. VISTA expression in IGRov1 cells, as well as in PBMC of EOC patient, was evaluated by western blot. VISTA expression was detected in 64,28% of tissues, among which 42.3% were positive for tumor cells (TCs), and 47,9% were positive for immune cells (ICs). In univariate analysis, VISTA expression was significantly associated with a high density of TILs:CD3+ (p = 0,001), CD4+ (p = 0,002) and CD8+ (p≤0,001), in ICs but not in TCs. In terms of OS, multivariate analysis showed a significant association between the high density of CD8+ TILs and VISTA positive staining in ICs (p = 0,044), but not in TCs (p = 0,108). Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated no correlation between VISTA expression and prolonged OS in both ICs (p = 0,841) and TCs (p = 0,090). Classification of EOC tumor microenvironment based on VISTA and CD8+TILs expression, demonstrated four immune subtypes: VISTA+/CD8+, VISTA+/CD8-, VISTA-/CD8+ and VISTA-/CD8-. The dual positive VISTA+/CD8+ subtype was significantly associated with prolonged OS in both TCs and ICs (p = 0,012 and p≤0,01, respectively), whereas patients with VISTA+/CD8- had the worst OS. Our results showed that VISTA is highly expressed in the IGRov1 cell line and LT-CD8 from a patient with EOC. Our results highlighted the association of VISTA expression and CD8+ TILs in EOC, with prolonged OS in patients with VISTA+/CD8+ and proposed VISTA as a potential immunotherapeutic target in EOC.
Identification of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network and its role in cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Gong Ke , Yang Kai , Xie Ting , Luo Yong , Guo Hui , Tan Zhiping , Chen Jinlan , Wu Qin , Gong Yibo , Wei Luyao , Luo Jinwen , Yao Yao , Yang Yifeng , Xie Li
Published: March 2023

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a grave hazard to human health. Circular RNA (circRNAs) and micro RNA (miRNAs), which are competitive endogenous RNA, have been shown to play a critical role inHCM pathogenicity. However, to a great extent, the biological activities of ceRNA in HCM pathophysiology and prognosis remain to be investigated.

Materials and methods

By analyzing the expression files in the Gene Expression Comprehensive (GEO) database, differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs in HCM were identified, and the target molecules of circRNAs and miRNAs were predicted. The intersection of the differentially expressed RNA molecules and the expected target was then calculated, and a ceRNA network was subsequently constructed using RNA molecules. Using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, the potential etiology was elucidated. qPCR was used to validate a portion of the hub gene using Angiotensin II to generate a cell hypertrophy model.

Results

Three large-scale HCM sample datasets were extracted from the GEO database. After crossing these molecules with their expected targets, the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network had two DEcircRNAs, two DEmiRNAs, and thirty DEmRNAs, compared to normal tissues. Functional enrichment analysis of GO and KEGG demonstrated that many of the HCM pathways and mechanisms were associated with calcium channel release, which is also the primary focus of future research. The qPCR results revealed that circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA expression levels were different. They may include novel noninvasive indicators for the early screening and prognostic prediction of HCM.

Conclusion

In this study, we hypothesized a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulation network that is closely related to the progression and clinical outcomes of HCM and may contain promising biomarkers and treatment targets for HCM.
The impact of identified agility components on project success—ICT industry perspective
Authors: Kanski Lukasz , Budzynska Katarzyna , Chadam Jan
Published: March 2023

Context

The complexity of modern economic processes, along with the pressure from competition, the increasing client expectations and the need to introduce changes in the course of project implementation have led to a great interest in agile management methods. Therefore, the answer the question whether the implementation of an agile approach to project management can contribute to the project success is gaining relevance in a changing and inconsistent environment.

Objective

This study attempts to answer the question which aspects of agility and in what manner can influence the final outcome of project work? The underlying objective of the study was to identify the conditions and success factors of implemented projects.

Method

This paper presents the results of a survey conducted in companies in ICT sector. For this purpose, a number of reports and materials provided by organisations and associations dealing with project management issues, in particular ICT projects, were analysed, complemented with data obtained from statistical offices and financial institutions. For the purposes of the own study, an original questionnaire was developed to identify critical factors for project success, in particular the defined agile components.

Results

On the basis of the conducted survey it can be concluded that the presence and high level agility is conducive to successful projects. It is the high level of agility supporting project activities that is essential for success. Of no less importance are the people and interactions between them, as well as self-organising teams. They are crucial for a positive evaluation of the project activities.

Conclusions

Identification of the relationship between selected agility components and project success components allowed recommendations for solutions and attitudes that increase the chances of success in project management to be formulated. The synergy of individual agile components applied that increases the chances for project success.
The importance of trust in the relation between COVID-19 information from social media and well-being among adolescents and young adults
Authors: Hoffman Adam J. , McGuire Luke , Mathews Channing J. , Joy Angelina , Law Fidelia , Drews Marc , Rutland Adam , Hartstone-Rose Adam , Winterbottom Mark , Mulvey Kelly Lynn
Published: March 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, young people have been exposed to distressing content about COVID-19 without knowing whether they can trust such content. This indicates a need to examine the effects of social media use on mental health and well-being. Existing research provides an inconsistent impression of such effects. Thus, we examined the relation between exposure to COVID-19 information on social media and well-being and assessed if trust in COVID-19 information on social media moderated this relationship. The sample consisted of 168 adolescents and young adults from the U.K. and U.S. (Mage = 17.4 years). Participants completed measures of exposure to, and trust in, COVID-19 information on social media platforms, and measures of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Results revealed a null to positive relation between exposure to COVID-19 information on social media and well-being across measures. However, when trust was added to the models as a moderator, results indicated that, for adolescents with higher levels of trust in COVID-19 information found on social media, the relation between information encountered on social media and well-being was positive. In contrast, for adolescents with lower levels of trust, the association between information encountered on social media and well-being was null or sometimes negative. Given the lack of consensus about the impact of social media use on well-being, these results point to the importance of trust when assessing the relationship between exposure to COVID-19 information and well-being.
The association of prenatal amniotic sex hormones and digit ratio (2D:4D) in children aged 5 to 70 months: A longitudinal study
Authors: Ernsten Luisa , Körner Lisa M. , Schaper Marie Luisa , Lawrenz Judith , Richards Gareth , Heil Martin , Schaal Nora K.
Published: March 2023

The sex difference of the 2D:4D digit ratio (female > male)–a proposed marker for prenatal testosterone exposure—is well established. Studies suggest it already exists in utero and is of moderate effect size in adulthood. However, evidence for the claim that 2D:4D reflects prenatal androgen action is limited, and the sex difference may exhibit lability during childhood. In the present study, 244 mothers were recruited in the course of an amniocentesis examination (performed between gestational weeks 14 and 18). Prenatal testosterone (T) and estradiol (E) levels were determined from amniotic fluid for boys and girls. The majority (97.4%,n= 114) of available female T levels (n= 117) were found below the level of quantification. Therefore, only male amniotic fluid data (n= 117) could be included for the analysis of associations between amniotic sex hormones (T levels and T to E ratio (T/E)) and 2D:4D. The families were then invited to each of the five consecutive follow-ups (ages: 5, 9, 20, 40, and 70 months) where children’s 2D:4D was measured for both hands. The alternative marker D[r-l]reflects the directional asymmetry of 2D:4D (right subtracted by left 2D:4D) and was subsequently calculated as an additional measure for prenatal T exposure. No significant correlations between amniotic T or the T/E ratio (measured between week 14 and 18 of gestation) with 2D:4D respectively D[r-l]were observed for any time point. There was a significant sex difference (females > males) and a significant age effect with moderate correlations of 2D:4D between time points. 2D:4D increased between 20 and 40 months and between 40 and 70 months of age. The findings raise questions regarding the applicability of 2D:4D as a marker for prenatal androgen action and are discussed in terms of the reliability of obtained digit ratio data as well as in terms of the developmental timing of amniocentesis.
Domain-guided data augmentation for deep learning on medical imaging
Authors: Athalye Chinmayee , Arnaout Rima
Published: March 2023

While domain-specific data augmentation can be useful in training neural networks for medical imaging tasks, such techniques have not been widely used to date. Our objective was to test whether domain-specific data augmentation is useful for medical imaging using a well-benchmarked task: view classification on fetal ultrasound FETAL-125 and OB-125 datasets. We found that using a context-preserving cut-paste strategy, we could create valid training data as measured by performance of the resulting trained model on the benchmark test dataset. When used in an online fashion, models trained on this hybrid data performed similarly to those trained using traditional data augmentation (FETAL-125 F-score 85.33 ± 0.24 vs 86.89 ± 0.60, p-value 0.014; OB-125 F-score 74.60 ± 0.11 vs 72.43 ± 0.62, p-value 0.004). Furthermore, the ability to perform augmentations during training time, as well as the ability to apply chosen augmentations equally across data classes, are important considerations in designing a bespoke data augmentation. Finally, we provide open-source code to facilitate running bespoke data augmentations in an online fashion. Taken together, this work expands the ability to design and apply domain-guided data augmentations for medical imaging tasks.
Italian cross-cultural adaptation of the Quality of Communication questionnaire and the 4-item advance care planning engagement questionnaire
Authors: De Panfilis Ludovica , Veronese Simone , Perin Marta , Cascioli Marta , Farinotti Mariangela , Kruger Paola , Zagarella Roberta M. , Curtis J. R. , Sudore Rebecca L. , Nielsen Elizabeth L. , Engelberg Ruth A. , Giordano Andrea , Solari Alessandra ,   on behalf of the ConCure-SM project
Published: March 2023

Background

Advance care planning (ACP) is influenced by several factors (e.g., patient’s readiness to engage, clinician’s skills, and the cultural environment). Availability of reliable and valid self-reported measures of the ACP domains is crucial, including cross-cultural equivalence.

Aim

To culturally adapt into Italian the 19-item Quality of Communication (QOC) and the 4-item ACP Engagement (4-item ACP-E) questionnaires.

Methods

We translated and culturally adapted the two questionnaires and produced a significant other (SO) version of the QOC (QOC-SO). Each questionnaire was field tested via cognitive interviews with users: nine patients (QOC, 4-item ACP-E) and three SOs (QOC-SO) enrolled at three palliative care services.

Results

We made minor changes to 5/19 QOC items, to improve clarity and internal consistency; we changed the response option ‘didn’t do’ into ‘not applicable’. Finally, we slightly revised the QOC to adapt it to the paper/electronic format. QOC debriefing revealed that the section on end of life was emotionally challenging for both patients and SOs. We simplified the 4-item ACP-E layout, added a sentence in the introduction, and revised the wording of one item, to improve coherence with the Italian ACP legislation. ACP-E debriefing did not reveal any major issue.

Conclusions

Results were satisfactory in terms of semantic, conceptual and normative equivalence of both questionnaires. Acceptability was satisfactory for the 4-item ACP-E, while findings of the QOC cognitive debriefing informed a major amendment of a pilot trial protocol on ACP in multiple sclerosis (ConCure-SM): use of the interviewer version only, in an adaptive form. Psychometric testing of both questionnaires on a large, independent sample will follow.
Cross-sectional study to describe allergic rhinitis flare-ups and associated airways phenotype in house dust mite sensitization
Authors: de Gabory Ludovic , Amet Sabine , Le Maux Annelore , Meunier Jean-Pierre , Chartier Antoine , Chenivesse Cécile
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To quantify and describe flare-ups of house dust mite allergic rhinitis (HDM-AR) which had occurred during the last 12 months in a population of adults and children candidate for Allergen ImmunoTherapy (AIT). Next, to identify associated clinical features.

Materials and methods

This was an observational, multicenter, cross-sectional study that included patients aged ≥ 5 years with HDM-AR eligible for AIT and without prior AIT for at least 12 months. Flare-ups were all period with impairment of quality of life (QoL) and requiring a change in their usual treatment. Data were collected using medical records and patient questionnaires. Variables associated with the occurrence of ≥ 2 AR flare-ups were identified.

Results

1,701 patients were included (average age: 23 years, 51.5% males, 30.4% children, 17.7% adolescents and 51.9% adults). Severe and persistent AR affected 70.9% of them and 53.7% showed polysensitization. Asthma was associated with AR in 34.4% and was well-controlled in 58.5%. The occurrence of at least one AR flare-up in the year was reported by 77.7%, with an annual rate in the whole population of 2.6 ± 3.9 and a duration of 14.1 ± 17.1 days. Deeply or moderately AR-related degraded QoL was experienced by 39.5% and 64.6%, respectively. The occurrence of ≥ 2 AR flare-ups was reported by 54.5% and was associated with polysensitization, AR intermittence and severity.

Conclusion

AR flare-ups are frequent and impair QoL in HDM-allergic patients, suggesting that it could be considered as therapeutic targets.
Emergency department reorganisation introducing increased autonomy: A mixed effects approach to evaluate the effects of a national policy
Authors: Tipsmark Line Stjernholm , Obel Børge , Andersson Tommy , Søgaard Rikke
Published: March 2023

Background

In 2007, a Danish national policy to future-proof emergency department (ED) performance was launched. The policy included several recommendations for the management and organisation of care that essentially introduced greater ED autonomy. In this study, we evaluate the effects of increased ED autonomy on readmission, mortality and episode costs for two large patient groups.

Method

A non-randomised stepped wedge study-design where all EDs gradually implemented the policy at different steps during the study period (2008–2016). The timing and extent of policy implementation was determined from a retrospective cross-sectional survey of all 21 Danish EDs. This was linked to all episodes of hip fracture (n = 79,697) and erysipelas (n = 39,900) identified in the Nation Patient Registry and with episode-level outcomes. Mixed effect models were specified for the outcomes of 30-day readmission, 30-day mortality and episode costs, and adjusted for relevant ED- and episode-level heterogeneity.

Results

Increased ED autonomy was associated with more readmissions (p<0.05) and higher episode costs (p<0.001) in hip fracture episodes. In erysipelas episodes, no general associations were found. When restricted to night-time admissions, increased ED autonomy was associated with poorer outcomes for erysipelas episodes and increased episode costs for both patient groups.

Conclusion

The intended policy effects were not found for these two patient groups; in fact, reorganisation appeared to have harmed hip fracture patients and increased episode costs. Uncertainty remains regarding the longer-term consequences.
The relative age effect is widespread among European adult professional soccer players but does not affect their market value
Authors: Bezuglov Eduard , Morgans Ryland , Butovskiy Mikhail , Emanov Anton , Shagiakhmetova Larisa , Pirmakhanov Bekzhan , Waśkiewicz Zbigniew , Lazarev Artemii
Published: March 2023

Background

The relative age effect (RAE) is most prevalent in highly competitive youth soccer and persists to a lesser extent in senior soccer. However, it is known that soccer players born in the second half of the year are as successful at senior level, indicating that they are equally talented although under-represented at youth level due to bias during the selection process, in which the emphasis is on more pronounced physical qualities in a specific period of time. Examining the prevalence of the RAE among professional soccer players depending on the level of competition and playing position, as well as analyzing the relationship between the player’s birth quarter and market value, are of scientific interest.

Methods

The dates of birth, playing position, and market value of all adult male soccer players included in the final rosters of teams from the top-division of 54 European countries, listed on www.transfermarkt.com on August 15th, 2020, were analyzed (18,429 soccer players in total). All players were categorized into four groups according to the quarter of birth (Q) and playing position. All teams were further sub-divided in groups depending on the soccer clubs’ level of representation in the UEFA Champions League.

Results

Of 18,429 players, 30.9% were born in Q1, 25.7% in Q2, 23.8% in Q3 and 19.6% in Q4. The number of soccer players born in Q1 was lower in less competitive leagues. The number of players born in Q1 decreased as the level of competition decreased; the highest percentage of these players was observed in clubs that are among the top 50 ranked in UEFA or compete in the most prestigious European championships. The RAE was less pronounced in teams that participate in lower competitive championships. There was no significant difference in market value between players playing position and level of competition when born in different quarters. Although, the most expensive soccer players in the European championships were late-born forwards. Players of various groups differed in their market value.

Conclusions

The RAE is currently prevalent in all the most competitive senior soccer leagues and teams in Europe regardless of playing position. There are no significant differences in market value between players of the same playing position and level of competition when born in different quarters. The most expensive soccer players in the European championships are forwards born in Q4. These findings may indicate that the under-representation of “late-born” soccer players in youth, and then consequently in adult soccer, is not associated with lower talent, but with other factors, possibly based on physiological characteristics and socio-cultural factors. Further measures are needed to mitigate the discriminatory effects of selection bias based on the RAE.
Thermal effect on the geo-engineering characteristics of a rock salt
Authors: Tunar Özcan Nazlı
Published: March 2023

Rock salt caverns are considered one of the best hosts to store oil, natural gas, radioactive and toxic wastes due to their low permeability, self-healing characteristics and wide distribution on the Earth. Stored nuclear waste in rock salts will radiate for many years. Therefore, the thermal energy and also temperature in the host environment will increase depending on time. In this study, P-wave velocity (Vp), Brazilian tensile strength (σt), uniaxial compression strength (σc) of Çankırı rock salt were investigated under different temperatures ranging from 20°C to 250°C since the temperature is a factor that causes changes in some physical and geo-mechanical properties of rocks. The acoustic emission technique was utilized during uniaxial compression strength tests, to monitor the crack accumulation. Additionally, X-ray micro-computed tomography technique was employed to observe the microstructure and determine the porosity of rock salt samples depending on the temperature. The Vp and the σt of Çankırı rock salt decrease with increasing temperatures of samples whereas the σc increases. The ductility of rock salt tends to increase with augmented temperature and the axial strain at the ultimate stress level is 2.96% at 20°C whereas it reaches up to 6.29% at 250°C. The AE activity of rock salt generates at the early stages of loading and AE count prominently increases with the increasing temperature of samples. Therefore, the stress levels of crack initiation (σi) and crack damage (σcd) thresholds were reached earlier than the previous one with each temperature increment. According to X-ray micro-CT images of rock salts, the number of cracks increased markedly in thermally treated rock salt samples and therewith the porosity increases from 1.12% to 2.73% with an increase in temperature from 50°C to 250°C.