bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Splitting long‐term and short‐term financial ratios for improved financial distress prediction: Evidence from Taiwanese public companies
Authors: Rahmi Asyrofa , Lu Chia‐chi , Liang Deron , Fadilah Ayu Nur
Published: May 2024

Financial distress occurs when a company cannot meet its financial obligations within a specified timeframe, often owing to prolonged poor operational performance. While studies on financial distress prediction (FDP) use financial ratios (FRs) to forecast distress, they neglect to differentiate long‐term (LT) attributes from FRs. To address this gap, our study introduces a novel model that distinguishes between LT and short‐term (ST) accounting attributes in FRs. Using data from Taiwanese public companies (1991–2018), our proposed model employs a stacking ensemble classifier to split LT and ST Altman's ratios. This study addresses three key questions: (1) Do models involving split of LT and ST ratios outperform those that combine them? (2) How reliable and robust are these proposed models? (3) What is the proposed model's impact on distress prediction? The results show a significant outperformance of the existing solution, with higher accuracy, lower Type I and Type II errors, and reduced misclassification costs. These models are reliable in handling imbalanced data, proving suitable for real‐market investigations. Diverse FR contexts from previous Taiwanese studies validate the distinction between LT and ST features, representing robust performance. This model identifies characteristics of correctly and incorrectly predicted distress in companies, providing nuanced insights into complex distress attributes. This study introduces a pioneering model demonstrating superior predictive accuracy, reliability, and robustness by considering the split between LT and ST accounting attributes. It lays a foundation for future studies to extend and refine the proposed model, offering valuable insights into the complex dynamics of FDP.
Prevalence and contributing factors of intestinal parasitic infections among school children with malnutrition in Hetauda, Nepal: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Parajuli Rameshwor , Dhakal Pitambar , Thapa Sandeep , Ghimire Tirth Raj , Parajuli Rajendra Prasad
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims

With existing undernutrition in the developing world, the prevalence of obesity is increasing rapidly. Some studies reported an association of intestinal parasitic infection (IPIs) with undernutrition while few recent studies reported an inverse association of IPIs with overweight and obesity. This study evaluated the comparative risk and associated factors of IPIs among under (body mass index [BMI] < 18.5), normal (BMI: 18.5–24.9) and overweight (BMI > 24.9) school‐aged adolescents.

Methods

A total of 105 fecal samples were collected, with 35 samples from each group. The collected samples were tested for the presence of intestinal parasites via concentration method, and the parasites were identified morphologically.

Results

Overall prevalence of IPIs was 5.71% with 3 protozoa viz Giardia lamblia (2.86%), Entamoeba histolytica (1.90%) and Endolimax nana (0.95%). Univariate and multivariable regression analysis indicated none of the nutritional, socioeconomic status, demographic, lifestyle and behavioral characteristics were significantly associated with the prevalence of overall IPIs. Yet, significant numbers of male reported undernutrition and elevated risk of IPIs in this study population.

Conclusion

Despite low prevalence of IPIs in this study, risk of IPIs is attributable to individual differences in behavior like “not using soap for hand washing”. Relatively elevated malnutrition with risky hygiene behaviors, male adolescents appeared as risky cluster of school age population.
Dengue fever mapping in Bangladesh: A spatial modeling approach
Authors: Sarker Indrani , Karim Md. Rezaul , E‐Barket Sefat , Hasan Mehedi
Published: May 2024

Background

Epidemics of the dengue virus can trigger widespread morbidity and mortality along with no specific treatment. Examining the spatial autocorrelation and variability of dengue prevalence throughout Bangladesh's 64 districts was the focus of this study.

Methods

The spatial autocorrelation is evaluated with the help of Moran and Geary . Local Moran was used to detect hotspots and cold spots, whereas local Getis Ord G was used to identify only spatial hotspots. The spatial heterogeneity has been detected using various conventional and spatial models, including the Poisson‐Gamma model, the Poisson‐Lognormal Model, the Conditional Autoregressive (CAR) model, the Convolution model, and the BYM2 model, respectively. These models are implemented using Gibbs sampling and other Bayesian hierarchical approaches to analyze the posterior distribution effectively, enabling inference within a Bayesian context.

Results

The study's findings show that Moran and Geary analysis provides a substantial clustering pattern of positive spatial autocorrelation of dengue fever (DF) rates between surrounding districts at a 90% confidence interval. The Local Indicators of Spatial Autocorrelation cluster mapped spatial clusters and outliers based on prevalence rates, while the local Getis‐Ord G displayed a thorough breakdown of high or low rates, omitting outliers. Although Chattogram had the most dengue cases (15,752), Khulna district had a higher prevalence rate (133.636) than Chattogram (104.796). The BYM2 model, determined to be well‐fitted based on the lowest Deviance Information Criterion value (527.340), explains a significant association between spatial heterogeneity and prevalence rates.

Conclusion

This research pinpoints the district with the highest prevalence rate for dengue and the neighboring districts that also have high risk, allowing government agencies and communities to take the necessary precautions to mollify the risk effect of DF.
Prior COVID‐19 infection among newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients in a tertiary care center in Tehran: A case‐control study
Authors: Semnani Kiavash , Sohrabi Marjan , Alavijeh Parvaneh Ebrahimi , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Esmaeili Shirin , Halabchi Farzin , Alizadeh Zahra , Salami Amir , Khaneshan Arezoo Salami
Published: May 2024

Objective

To assess the risk of developing pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in accordance with prior history of COVID‐19 infection.

Background

Since the advent of the COVID‐19 pandemic much discussion has been had on the possible role it might play on global efforts to combat TB; most, focusing on the pandemic's impact on health care systems' capabilities to manage TB cases. Mechanisms have also been proposed by which the COVID‐19 infection may directly affect individuals' chance of developing TB infection. Cases have been reported with a history of COVID‐19 infection preceding a diagnosis of TB, evidencing its possible role as a risk factor for the disease.

Methods

A case‐control study was conducted enrolling patients diagnosed with pulmonary TB in the absence of major risk factors previous history of TB, (HIV) human immunodeficiency virus infection), end‐stage renal disease, organ transplants, and use of immunosuppressive agents) for developing TB. Each patient was age and sex matched with one healthy control. Data regarding prior COVID‐19 infection, diabetes, and smoking status as well as the use of corticosteroids and Tocilizumab for the treatment of COVID‐19 infection was obtained. Bivariate analysis was conducted and variables with a likely association with TB status were entered in a multivariate model.

Results

Bivariate analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between prior COVID‐19 infection and TB (95% confidence interval = 1.1−22.8, odds ratio [OR] = 5). Among other variables the severity of COVID‐19 infection was found to have a likely association with TB status (p = .125). In a multivariate model, prior COVID‐19 infection per se, was not found to be significantly associated with TB (p = .12, OR = 4.5).

Conclusions

There seems to be an association between prior history of COVID‐19 and a future diagnosis of TB partially linked to the severity of disease. The findings of the current study may serve as a basis for further studies to determine the need for and efficacy of measures to follow‐up COVID‐19 patients at an increased risk for developing TB.
Optimizing autologous stem cell collections for patients with multiple myeloma receiving G‐CSF and Plerixafor: A single center project
Authors: Javanbakht Ayda , Stringer Stephanie , Anderson Hollie , Hamilton Ellie , Philip Anisha , Waller Edmund K. , Langston Amelia A. , Joseph Nisha , Roback John D. , Schneider Thomas , Sullivan H. Cliff , Hendrickson Jeanne E.
Published: May 2024

Background

Increasing indications for cellular therapy collections have stressed our healthcare system, with autologous collections having a longer than desired wait time until apheresis collection. This quality improvement initiative was undertaken to accommodate more patients within existing resources.

Study Design and Methods

Patients with multiple myeloma who underwent autologous peripheral blood stem cell collection from October 2022 to April 2023 were included. Demographic, mobilization, laboratory, and apheresis data were retrospectively collected from the medical record.

Results

This cohort included 120 patients (49.2% male), with a median age of 60 years. All received G‐CSF and 95% received pre‐emptive Plerixafor approximately 18 hours pre‐collection. Most (79%) had collection goals of at least 8 × 106/kg CD34 cells, with 63% over 70 years old having this high collection goal (despite 20 years of institutional data showing <1% over 70 years old have a second transplant). With collection efficiencies of 55.9%, 44% of patients achieved their collection goal in a single day apheresis collection. A platelet count <150 × 103/μL on the day of collection was a predictor for poor mobilization; among 27 patients with a low baseline platelet count, 17 did not achieve the collection goal and 2 failed to collect a transplantable dose.

Conclusions

With minor collection goal adjustments, 15% of all collection appointments could have been avoided over this 6‐month period. Other strategies to accommodate more patients include mobilization modifications (Plerixafor timing or substituting a longer acting drug), utilizing platelet counts to predict mobilization, and modifying apheresis collection volumes or schedule templates.
All the menisco‐ligamentary structures of the medial plane play a significant role in controlling anterior tibial translation and tibial rotation of the knee. Cadaveric study of 29 knees with the Dyneelax® laximeter
Authors: Guegan Baptiste , Drouineau Michel , Common Harold , Robert Henri
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the respective roles of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the different components of the medial plane in the control of anterior tibial translation and internal and external tibial rotation.

Methods

Twenty‐nine fresh lower limbs, disarticulated at the hip, were tested in the anatomy laboratory. The following structures were isolated: the ACL, the anteromedial retinaculum (AMR), the medial collateral ligament (superficial and deep MCL), the posterior medial capsule (PMC) and the posterior horn of the medial meniscus (PHMM). The lower limb was positioned at 30° of flexion on the Dyneelax® laximeter (0.1 mm and 0.1° accuracies) and underwent anterior loads up to 200 N and internal and external tibial rotations sectioned from front to back. and the knee was then retested. The results were presented as relative gains in translation and rotations for each structure. Student's t test and Wilcoxon tests were used.

Results

The relative gains in translation for the ACL, AMR, superficial MCL, deep MCL, PMC and PHMM, respectively, were 42.9%, 6.7%, 7.4%, 6%, 7.5% and 11.6%. The relative gains in internal rotation for ACL, AMR, superficial MCL, deep MCL, PMC and PHMM, respectively, were 13%, 6.9%, 4.6%, 3.9%, 13% and 8%. The relative gains in external rotation for ACL, AMR, superficial MCL, deep MCL, PMC and medial meniscus, respectively, were 8.9%, 6%, 9.7%, 13.8%,11.2% and 8.5%. All the relative gains in translation, internal and external rotations were significant at each step of transection (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The ligamentous structures of the medial plane constitute a functional unit in which each component has a specific passive contribution. This study highlights the importance of recognising the extent of the medial ligament tears and performing a medial side anatomic and individual reconstruction and a suture of a ramp lesion, in addition to an ACL surgery.
The role of digitalization and inclusive climate in building a resilient workforce: An ability–motivation–opportunity approach
Authors: Zahoor Nadia , Roumpi Dorothea , Tarba Shlomo , Arslan Ahmad , Golgeci Ismail
Published: May 2024

Organizations need resilient employees to navigate and leverage constant change and maneuver in turbulent, disruptive contexts. As such, it is imperative to advance a nuanced understanding of drivers and enablers of employee resilience, especially in the current business context of pervasive digitalization and the growing practice of work‐from‐everywhere. Our research explores how digitalization in the organization is reflected in the employees' behavior of taking charge and resilience. By accounting for core self‐evaluation, digital literacy, and inclusive climate boundary conditions, we offer a holistic picture of under what conditions digitalization enhances taking charge and employee resilience. To test our study model, we follow a survey research design and rely on 173 employees' data working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Our results show that digitalization is positively related to employee resilience. Further, our findings show that core self‐evaluation, digital literacy, and inclusive climate moderate the impact of digitalization on employee resilience. Our results received further support in a two‐wave online survey with 306 employees in the United States. The support we found for the hypothesized mediating relationship highlights the criticality of taking charge in relation to digitalization and employee resilience. Taking charge is critical in relatively turbulent environments as it helps employees deal with changes in processes, procedures, and structures.
Relative contribution of the nail and plate to a nail‐plate construct for comminuted distal femoral fractures
Authors: Lin Charles C. , Parody Nicholas , Anil Utkarsh , Egol Kenneth A.
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this study was to assess the biomechanical contributions of the nail and the plate individually to a complete nail‐plate construct in the setting of comminuted distal femur fractures. For this biomechanical study, comminuted extra‐articular distal femur fractures were created in 24 synthetic osteoporotic femur models. These were then split into three groups: the nail‐only group, the plate‐only group, and the nail‐plate group. After fixation, each specimen underwent sequential axial and torsional loading, and axial and torsional stiffness were calculated and compared. The addition of a nail to a plate‐only construct increased axial stiffness by 19.7% and torsional stiffness by 59.4%. The plate‐only group and nail‐plate group both demonstrated significantly greater axial and torsional stiffness than the nail‐only group at all levels of axial and torsional load. (p < 0.001) At 1000 and 2000 N of cyclic loading, the nail‐plate group demonstrated significantly greater axial stiffness than the plate‐only group (p ≤ 0.018). The nail‐plate group demonstrated greater torsional stiffness than the plate‐only groups at all levels of torsional loading (p < 0.001). In osteoporotic comminuted distal femur fracture models, most of the axial stiffness in a nail‐plate construct comes from the plate. While the combination of the two constructs is not fully additive, the plate contributes the majority of the axial and torsional stiffness in a nail‐plate construct. The supplementation of the plate with a nail primarily helps to increase resistance to rotational forces. Level of Evidence: III.
Comparison of budesonide vehicles in inducing histologic remission in pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Lendner Nuphar , Minich Nori Mercuri , Malay Sindhoosha , Sferra Thomas J. , Young Denise D.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Oral viscous budesonide (OVB) is a common medication used to treat eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). It is typically mixed with Splenda to produce a slurry, but other delivery vehicles have been used in clinical practice. We aimed to evaluate outcomes of pediatric EoE patients treated with OVB using different drug delivery vehicles.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of pediatric EoE patients treated with OVB. The primary aim was to evaluate rates of histologic remission (defined by <15 eosinophils per high power field in both mid and distal esophagus) after 6−12 weeks of OVB treatment for each delivery vehicle. Secondary aims were to evaluate histologic response and endoscopic response and remission of different delivery vehicles, and to compare the efficacy of different treatment regimens.

Results

A total of 111 patients were included in the study. Median treatment duration was 3.4 months. Overall rate of histologic remission with OVB was 52.6%. There was no difference in rates of histologic remission (p = 0.313) or response (p = 0.195 and p = 0.681 in mid and distal esophagus, respectively) among the different vehicle types or treatment regimens. Similarly, there was no difference in endoscopic remission and response among the different vehicle types (p = 0.853 and p = 0.727) or treatment regimens (p = 0.244 and p = 0.157). Patients who achieve histologic remission were more likely to be non‐Hispanic Caucasian.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest there is no difference in histologic and endoscopic outcomes with various delivery vehicles or combination therapy with OVB in the treatment of EoE. More palatable and cost‐effective vehicles can be used to treat EoE.
Listening to the Past, Predicting the Future: A Bibliometric Exploration of Hearing Loss Publications Over Four Decades
Authors: Aktar Uğurlu Gülay , Uğurlu Burak Numan
Published: May 2024

Objectives

This article aims to analyze the scientific literature on hearing loss (HL) in the field of Otorhinolaryngology published from the past to the present.

Methods

A comprehensive dataset comprising 8013 articles on HL, spanning from 1980 to 2023, was retrieved from the Web of Science database and analyzed using various statistical and bibliometric methods.

Results

The leading countries in productivity were the United States, Japan, and Germany. The top productive journals included the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology (n = 652), Otology & Neurotology (579), and Acta Oto‐Laryngologica (512). The journals with the highest h‐index on hearing loss were Hearing Research (h = 65), Ear and Hearing (60), and Laryngoscope (55). Factor analysis revealed that the HL literature consisted of four constructs: main topics, speech/sound, genetics, and pharmaceutical therapies. Sudden sensorineural HL, sensorineural HL, cochlear implant, unilateral, noise‐induced and conductive HL, pediatric and age‐related HL, tinnitus, auditory brainstem response, audiometry, and prognoses for hearing health were the most researched topics from past to present. In recent years, the trending topics are genomic analysis, gene mutations, whole‐exome sequencing, genetic sequencing technique, the use of machine learning in HL, and the effect of COVID‐19 on hearing health.

Conclusion

The bibliometric analysis results clearly indicate significant progress in the field of hearing loss over the past 40 years. The 8013 articles published between 1980 and 2023 encompass a wide range of research in this area. These analyses can assist in identifying priority areas and focal points for future research.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:4697–4706, 2024
A Comprehensive Study of Method Optimisation of Re‐Refining Spent Lubricating Oil
Authors: Sarkar Sayantan , Datta Deepshikha , Ravindiran Gokulan , Das Bimal
Published: May 2024

Used lubricating oil is generated by various machinery after extended operation. It is also referred to as spent mobile oil. Extremely hazardous waste lubricating oil is detrimental to the environment because it produces oxidative products when additives break down. Used lubricating oil is classified as a hazardous waste substance and has a negative impact on the environment. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), carcinogenic substances and other impurities make lubricating oil poisonous and pose a serious threat to human health and the environment. Re‐refining is considered the preferred technology for resource conservation, waste minimisation and reduced environmental hazards. The present study focuses on optimising the method of re‐refining waste lubricating oil. The effects of various operating parameters such as refining time, refining temperature, solvent‐to‐used oil ratio and flocculant dosage have been extensively studied to maximise the percentage recovery of lubricating oil. Optimum process parameters are (i) a refining time of 80 min, (ii) a refining temperature of 48°C, (iii) solvent‐to‐waste oil ratio of 5:1 (w/w) and (iv) a flocculant dosage of 2 g/kg of solvent; the optimum yield was found to be 75% with the solvent extraction method and 78% with the extraction–flocculation method, respectively. The purity and physico‐chemical properties of the recovered oil were thoroughly analysed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ASTM standard methods. It was concluded that refined oil can effectively reduce the ongoing oil crisis and create a clean, healthy environment.
Examining evidence for violence at the end of the Assyrian trading colonies period at Kaman‐Kalehöyük
Authors: Anderson Cheryl P.
Published: May 2024

The end of the Assyrian Trading Colonies Period (ATCP) in Anatolia represents a time of significant change in the region. Historical and archaeological evidence suggests that considerable conflict and turmoil were associated with the end of the ATCP, but thus far little evidence from human skeletal remains has been available to support this hypothesis. One of the largest human skeletal samples dating to the end of the ATCP has been excavated at Kaman‐Kalehöyük in central Anatolia. A minimum of 73 individuals have been found in and around areas of the site that have signs of destruction and burning. These individuals appear to be associated with a battle that occurred in the town in the mid‐18th century BCE. The results show that the victims of the battle included individuals of all age groups and both sexes. The degree of burning and fragmentation made the identification of perimortem trauma challenging; however, perimortem trauma was observed in at least two individuals. An additional five individuals had evidence of antemortem trauma that was likely the result of interpersonal violence prior to the attack on the town. The skeletal evidence for trauma further supports the idea that a battle occurred at the site. This battle may have also been a part of a regional pattern of violence corresponding with the end of the ATCP, as suggested by the textual and archaeological evidence.
Exploring height outcomes with adjuvant aromatase inhibition in growth hormone–deficient male survivors of childhood cancer
Authors: Pollock Netanya I. , Song Minkeun , Wolf Alexander J. , Li Yimei , Hawkes Colin P. , Motamedi Niloofaralsadat , Denburg Michelle R. , Mostoufi‐Moab Sogol
Published: May 2024

Background

Aromatase inhibitors (AI) may improve height in short stature conditions; however, the effect in childhood cancer survivors (CCS) is unknown. We assessed final adult height (FAH) in CCS treated with AI and GH compared with those treated with GH alone.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of GH‐deficient male CCS treated between 2007 and 2023. FAH was noted as the height at the fusion of growth plates or 18 years of age. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine treatment association with FAH, adjusting for other risk factors.

Results

Ninety‐two patients were included; 70 were treated with GH and 22 with combination AI/GH. The mean age at GH initiation did not differ between groups. The mean age at AI initiation was 13.7 ± 1.9 years. A greater proportion of patients in the AI/GH group were treated with stem cell transplantation, abdominal radiation, total body irradiation, and cis‐retinoic acid (p < .01). Multivariable linear regression demonstrated no significant treatment association with FAH Z‐score (β = 0.04, 95% CI: −0.9 to 0.9). History of spinal radiation (β = −0.93, 95% CI: −1.7 to −0.2), lower starting height Z‐score (β = −0.8, 95% CI: −1.2 to −0.4), and greater difference between bone age and chronological age (β = −0.3, 95% CI: −0.5 to −0.07) were associated with lower FAH Z‐score.

Conclusions

Adjuvant AI was not associated with increased FAH in male CCS compared with GH monotherapy. Future work is needed to determine the optimal adjunctive treatment to maximize FAH for this population.
Auf Tuchfühlung mit der Sonne
Authors: Bothmer Volker
Published: May 2024

Am 28. April 2021 um 09:33 UT hat die Parker Solar Probe als erste Raumsonde überhaupt die Sonnenkorona direkt durchflogen. Der Abstand betrug nur 18 Millionen Kilometer zur Sonnenoberfläche. Dies ist der Menschheit erster Besuch einer Sternatmosphäre. Unser Verständnis der magnetischen Prozesse auf der Sonne und in der Sonnenkorona sowie ihrer Auswirkungen auf den Weltraum haben ein völlig neues Bild ergeben: Die Korona und der sonnennahe Raum sind ein Medium, das von turbulenten Sonnenwindströmen und von der Sonne aus expandierenden Magnetfeldern ausgefüllt wird. Dies steht im Gegensatz zur bisherigen Vorstellung einer statischen Korona, die von gelegentlichen Sonneneruptionen überlagert wird.
Tiefer Einblick ins innere Sonnensystem
Authors: Bothmer Volker
Published: May 2024

Die Parker Solar Probe‐Mission hat einzigartige neue Beobachtungen der Staubverteilungen im inneren Sonnensystem und in den Planeten‐ und Asteroidenbahnen von Venus und Phaeton 3200 ermöglicht. Zum ersten Mal konnte die bisher nur theoretisch postulierte Existenz einer staubfreien Zone nahe der Sonne direkt optisch bestätigt werden. Aufnahmen der WISPR‐Kamera zeigten erstmals die Oberfläche der Venus im sichtbaren, dem Infraroten nahen Spektralbereich. Auch die Bahn des Staubschweifs des Asteroiden Phaeton konnte sie aufnehmen. Das erlaubt wichtige Rückschlüsse auf die mineralogische Zusammensetzung der Venusoberfläche sowie eine Datierung des Ursprungs des Geminiden‐Meteoritenschauers durch eine kosmische Kollision vor etwa 2000 bis 3000 Jahren.
Sexual satisfaction and its predictors in patients with advanced cancer and their family caregivers in six European countries: Baseline data from the DIAdIC study
Authors: Matthys Orphé , Dierickx Sigrid , Van Goethem Vincent , Deliens Luc , Lapeire Lore , De Pauw Aglaja , Hudson Peter , Vulsteke Christof , Geboes Karen , De Waele Stefanie , Spoormans Isabelle , Di Leo Silvia , Guberti Monica , Schmidt Ulrik Sørensen , Scott David , Harding Richard , Witkamp Erica , Connolly Michael ,   DIAdIC team, De Vleminck Aline , Cohen Joachim
Published: May 2024

Objective

To identify predictors of sexual satisfaction in patients with advanced cancer and their family caregivers.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study using baseline survey data from a randomized controlled trial in six European countries. Patients with advanced cancer and their family caregiver completed measures on sexual satisfaction (one item from Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy ‐ General questionnaire for patients and Caregiver Quality of Life Index‐Cancer scale for family caregivers) and health‐related characteristics. Multivariable linear regressions were performed for all predictors (identified based on literature) with sexual satisfaction as dependent variable.

Results

The sample comprised 431 patient‐family caregiver dyads. Patients with prostate or gynecological cancer reported lower sexual satisfaction (respectively B = −0.267 95% CI: −1.674, −0.594 and B = −0.196, 95% CI −2.103, −0.452). Higher emotional (B = 0.278, 95% CI 0.024, 0.057) physical (B = 0.305, 95% CI 0.012, 0.025) and social functioning (B = 0.151, 95% CI 0.001, 0.013), global health (B = 0.356, 95% CI 0.007, 0.013) and social wellbeing (B = 0.161, 95% CI 0.013, 0.082) among patients were associated with higher sexual satisfaction. Among family caregivers, sexual satisfaction was lower with increased age (B = −0.142, 95% CI −0.022, −0.004). Higher emotional functioning (B = 0.027, 95% CI 0.011, 0.043) and quality of life (B = 0.165, 95% CI −0.165, 0.716) were associated with higher sexual satisfaction in family caregivers.

Conclusions

The results underscore that sexual wellbeing of patients and family caregivers is related to health related factors in physical, emotional, and social domains. Patients and family caregivers could benefit from a dyadic approach to address sexual wellbeing.
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium co‐limitation in terrestrial ecosystems: A global meta‐analysis
Authors: Fang Jingchun , Chen Baozhang , Wang Fei , Li Weibin , Zhang Huifang , Fang Junjun , Liu Shuan , Zheng Zichen , Guo Man , Niu Shuli
Published: May 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are essential elements for plant growth and are the primary nutrients in commercial fertilizers. However, the extent to which these nutrients individually limit plant growth is still unclear, as is the influence of their interactions. Using a meta‐analysis approach, plant growth was found to be co‐limited by nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Furthermore, these findings demonstrate that multiple nutrient additions are primarily additive, with the exception of synergistic effects observed with NP additions on plant growth. These findings are important as they provide a timely and valuable reference for assessing the ecosystem‐scale consequences of increasing nutrient deposition caused by human activities.

Numerous field studies and a few meta‐analyses have confirmed that terrestrial primary production is individually or jointly limited by nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Meanwhile, a recent synthesis emphasized that potassium (K) limitation in terrestrial ecosystems is more widespread than previously thought. However, it remains unclear whether N, P, and K co‐limit terrestrial production and how their interactions influence plant growth.

Therefore, we conducted a globally comprehensive synthesis of a total 2877 observations to explore the individual and interactive effects of N, P, and K additions on plant growth.

We found that N, P, K, NP, NK, PK, and NPK additions significantly increased aboveground biomass production (AGP) by 30.8%, 15.3%, 12.3%, 68.4%, 36.5%, 21.1%, and 78.7%, respectively. The combined addition of multiple nutrients resulted in a larger increase in AGP than a single addition of nutrients. These findings suggested that terrestrial production is widely co‐limited by N, P, and K. However, no significant responses of belowground biomass production (BGP) to nutrient additions were observed. Except for synergistic interactions between N and P additions, the responses of AGP to other pairs of nutrient additions were predominantly additive.

This meta‐analysis highlights the importance of multiple‐nutrient limitation in regulating terrestrial primary production while pointing out that non‐additive effects (including synergistic and antagonistic) of multiple‐nutrient additions on terrestrial production are relatively rare.
Effective Lifetime of Nonequilibrium Carriers in Perovskite‐Inspired Cu2AgBiI6
Authors: Cai Zenghua , Dai Chen‐Min , Ma Chunlan
Published: May 2024

Perovskite‐inspired materials (PIMs) are potential alternatives to lead halide perovskites, as they not only inherit the benign optoelectronic properties but also diminish the stability and toxicity issues of lead halide perovskites. As a newly discovered PIM, Cu2AgBiI6 has exhibited promising potential for photovoltaic applications. However, studies on its fundamental properties related to photovoltaic performance are scarce, particularly from a theoretical perspective. Herein, the effective lifetime of nonequilibrium carriers (photo‐excited charge carriers) is systematically investigated, a critical property affecting the photovoltaic performance of Cu2AgBiI6, based on the nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulations. It is found that under the standard solar spectrum illumination, the dominant recombination mechanism affecting the effective lifetime can be band‐to‐band nonradiative decay, band‐to‐band radiative decay, or Shockey–Read–Hall defect‐assisted decay. The specific mechanism is highly dependent on the radiative recombination coefficient and the density of defect recombination levels. The effective lifetime can vary from 0.1 ms to 10 ns. When considering different illumination conditions (generation rates), Auger decay can also become the dominant recombination mechanism, with the effective lifetime varying from 0.1 s to 0.1 ns. These findings can be vital for further experimental researches aimed at enhancing the power conversion efficiency of Cu2AgBiI6‐based solar devices.
Prenatal predictors of ambulation without assistance by 30 months of age in children following prenatal repair of open spina bifida, a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mustafa Hiba J. , Arab Kholoud , Javinani Ali , Garg Shreya , Nawab Sadia , Habli Mounira , Khalil Asma
Published: May 2024

Objectives

We aimed to investigate prenatal predictors for ambulation without assistance in children following prenatal repair of open spina bifida (OSB).

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in three databases until June 2022. We included articles reporting on prenatal repair of open spina bifida (OSB) and ambulation outcomes. The random‐effect model was used. Effect sizes are presented as odds ratio (OR), using the Mantel–Haenszel test, with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Five studies encompassing 460 pregnancies that underwent prenatal repair of OSB of which a total of 234 had data on ambulation and were included. The follow‐up age for all included studies was 30 months. Two studies were open repairs, two were fetoscopic repairs, and one included both open and fetoscopic repairs. Of the 234 included population, ambulation without assistance occurred in 159/234, 68% (95% CI 58, 76), and ambulation with assistance occurred in 75/234, 32% (95% CI 23.6, 41.6). Significant prenatal preoperative predictors that are negatively associated with ambulation without assistance were lateral ventricle (LV) width ≥15 mm (OR: 0.29; 95% CI 0.12, 0.69, I2 = 0.0%; p < 0.0001), lesion level T12‐L2 (OR: 0.22; 95% CI 0.07, 0.7; I2 = 65%, p = 0.01), and severe hindbrain herniation (OR: 0.28; 95% CI 0.1, 0.77; I2 = 0.0%; p = 0.01). Factors including gestational age at surgery (p = 0.5), Myeloschisis (p = 0.4), talipes (p = 0.29), and gestational age at birth (p = 0.95) were not significantly associated with ambulatory status.

Conclusion

Following the prenatal repair of OSB, preoperative factors that are negatively associated with walking without assistance were preoperative LV width ≥15 mm, lesion level T12‐L2, and preoperative severe hindbrain herniation. These results provide pertinent counselling points for parents with pregnancies affected by OSB considering a prenatal repair.
A new clustering model based on the seminal plasma/serum ratios of multiple trace element concentrations in male patients with subfertility
Authors: Tanaka Takazo , Kojo Kosuke , Nagumo Yoshiyuki , Ikeda Atsushi , Shimizu Takuya , Fujimoto Shunsuke , Kakinuma Toshiyuki , Uchida Masahiro , Kimura Tomokazu , Kandori Shuya , Negoro Hiromitsu , Nishiyama Hiroyuki
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To investigate whether seminal plasma (SP)/serum ratios of multiple trace elements (TEs) can classify patients with male subfertility.

Methods

SP/serum ratios of 20 TEs (lithium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, rubidium, strontium, molybdenum, cesium, barium, and thallium) were calculated for healthy volunteers (n = 4) and those consulting for male subfertility (n = 245). Volunteer semen samples were collected by split ejaculation into early and subsequent fractions, and SP/serum ratio data were compared between fractions. The patients' SP/serum ratio data were used in an unsupervised clustering analysis and qualitatively compared with the data from the fractions of ejaculation from the volunteers. Semen quality parameters and pregnancy outcomes were compared between patient clusters.

Results

The early fraction of volunteers was characterized by lower phosphorus and arsenic and 18 other higher TEs than the subsequent fraction. Cluster analysis classified patients into four distinct clusters, one sharing characteristics with the early fraction and another with the subsequent fraction. One cluster with the early fraction characteristics had significantly lower semen volume and higher pregnancy rates from spontaneous pregnancies or intrauterine insemination.

Conclusions

Classification of patients based on SP/serum ratios of multiple TEs represents the dominance of fractions of ejaculation samples.
Age, sexual abstinence duration, sperm morphology, and motility are predictors of sperm DNA fragmentation
Authors: Yoshiakwa‐Terada Kento , Takeuchi Hiroki , Tachibana Ryota , Takayama Erina , Kondo Eiji , Ikeda Tomoaki
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has recently received attention as a cause of male infertility. However, SDF cannot be fully assessed using conventional semen parameter evaluations alone. Therefore, the authors aimed to elucidate the relationship between SDF and sperm parameters via computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA) to improve treatment strategies in reproductive medicine.

Methods

This retrospective observational study analyzed the relationship between sperm parameters assessed by CASA and SDF values determined by the TUNEL assay in 359 patients who visited the Mie University Hospital for infertility treatment. The methodology involved semen analyses covering concentration, motility, and morphology, followed by SDF quantification using the flow cytometry.

Results

Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between SDF and various factors, including age, sexual abstinence period, and specific CASA‐measured parameters. Notably, lower sperm motility rates and abnormal head dimensions were associated with higher SDF values, indicating that these parameters were predictive of SDF.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of sperm motility and head morphology as indicators of SDF, suggesting their usefulness in assessing male fertility. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of detailed sperm analysis, potentially increasing the success rate of assisted reproductive technologies by improving sperm selection criteria.
Finite‐time pinning synchronization control for multi‐layer complex networks
Authors: Sun Shixiang , Wei Xinjiang , Zhang Huifeng , Hu Xin
Published: May 2024

The synchronization of multi‐layer networks can greatly improve production and life efficiency, thus having important research significance. In this article, the finite‐time pinning synchronization control strategy is investigated for multi‐layer networks. A new finite‐time pinning controller, which not only considers the intra‐layer coupling connection, but also the inter‐layer coupling connection, is designed. The pinning synchronization criteria for the multi‐layer networks is established based on the finite‐time control protocols. Additionally, the corresponding convergence analysis are also provided. Finally, the effectiveness of the obtained theoretical results is illustrated using three comparison methods in a two‐layer network.
Climate justice from the lens of sustainable development
Authors: Kaklauskaite Ulijona , Streimikiene Dalia
Published: May 2024

This paper provides a systematic review of the concept of climate justice by revealing it's main linkages to sustainable development. The United Nations established the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, instituting a set of universal goals in essential areas of action related to sustainable development. The SDGs confront especially pertinent socioeconomic problems and pressing environmental challenges like climate change. Including a specific climate target, SDG 13, climate change is a global and acute issue that jeopardizes the achievement of all SDGs. This study aims to analyze the concept of climate justice in the context of sustainable development. The systematic literature review integrates the Search, Appraisal, Synthesis, and Analysis (SALSA) framework, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews, and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement under the PSALSAR (Protocol, Search, Appraisal, Synthesis, Analysis, and Report) framework. The performed analysis provides future research guidelines based on identified gaps.
Efficient matrix profile computation with Euclidean distance using Eigen transformation: Performance evaluation based on beat‐to‐beat interval (BBI) data
Authors: Yang James J. , Buu Anne
Published: May 2024

The matrix profile serves as a fundamental tool to provide insights into similar patterns within time series. Existing matrix profile algorithms have been primarily developed for the normalized Euclidean distance, which may not be a proper distance measure in many settings. The methodology work of this paper was motivated by statistical analysis of beat‐to‐beat interval (BBI) data collected from smartwatches to monitor e‐cigarette users' heart rate change patterns for which the original Euclidean distance (‐norm) would be a more suitable choice. Yet, incorporating the Euclidean distance into existing matrix profile algorithms turned out to be computationally challenging, especially when the time series is long with extended query sequences. We propose a novel methodology to efficiently compute matrix profile for long time series data based on the Euclidean distance. This methodology involves four key steps including (1) projection of the time series onto eigenspace; (2) enhancing singular value decomposition (SVD) computation; (3) early abandon strategy; and (4) determining lower bounds based on the first left singular vector. Simulation studies based on BBI data from the motivating example have demonstrated remarkable reductions in computational time, ranging from one‐fourth to one‐twentieth of the time required by the conventional method. Unlike the conventional method of which the performance deteriorates sharply as the time series length or the query sequence length increases, the proposed method consistently performs well across a wide range of the time series length or the query sequence length.
High‐Power and Large‐Area Anodes for Safe Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Ha Son , Park Ji Yong , Huh Sung‐Ho , Yu Seung‐Ho , Kwak Jin Hwan , Park Jungjin , Lim Hee‐Dae , Ahn Dong June , Jin Hyoung‐Joon , Lim Hyung‐Kyu , Yang Seung Jae , Yun Young Soo
Published: May 2024

The lithium deposited via the complex electrochemical heterogeneous lithium deposition reaction (LDR) process on a lithium foil‐based anode (LFA) forms a high‐aspect‐ratio shape whenever the reaction kinetics reach its limit, threatening battery safety. Thereby, a research strategy that boosts the LDR kinetics is needed to construct a high‐power and safe lithium metal anode. In this study, the kinetic limitations of the LDR process on LFA are elucidated through operando and ex situ observations using in‐depth electrochemical analyses. In addition, ultra‐thin (≈0.5 µm) and high modulus (≥19 GPa) double‐walled carbon nanotube (DWNT) membranes with different surface properties are designed to catalyze high‐safety LDRs. The oxygen‐functionalized DWNT membranes introduced on the LFA top surface simultaneously induce multitudinous lithium nuclei, leading to film‐like lithium deposition even at a high current density of 20 mA cm−2. More importantly, the layer‐by‐layer assembly of the oxygen‐functionalized and pristine DWNT membranes results in different surface energies between the top and bottom surfaces, enabling selective surface LDRs underneath the high‐modulus bilayer membranes. The protective LDR on the bilayer‐covered LFA guarantees an invulnerable cycling process in large‐area pouch cells at high current densities for more than 1000 cycles, demonstrating the practicability of LFA in a conventional liquid electrolyte system.
Microporous Electrode Binders for Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers
Authors: Khalid Hamza , Plevová Michaela , Bui Trung Tuyen , Najibah Malikah , Hnát Jaromír , Bouzek Karel , Henkensmeier Dirk
Published: May 2024

In anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolyzers, AEMs separate hydrogen and oxygen, but should efficiently transport hydroxide ions. In the electrodes, catalyst nanoparticles are mechanically bonded to the porous transport layer or membrane by a polymeric binder. Since these binders form a thin layer on the catalyst particles, they should not only transport hydroxide ions and water to the catalyst particles, but should also transport the nascating gases away. In the worst case, if formation of gases is >> than gas transport, a gas pocket between catalyst surface and the binder may form and hinder access to reactants (hydroxide ions, water). In this work, the ion conductive binder SEBS‐DABCO is blended with PIM‐1, a highly permeable polymer of intrinsic microporosity. With increasing amount of PIM‐1 in the blends, the permeability for water (selected to represent small molecules) increases. Simultaneously, swelling and conductivity decrease, due to the increased hydrophobicity. Ex situ data and electrochemical data indicate that blends with 50% PIM‐1 have better properties than blends with 25% or 75% PIM‐1, and tests in the electrolyzer confirm an improved performance when the SEBS‐DABCO binder contains 50% PIM‐1.
Enhancing Orbital Interaction in Spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Cathode for High‐Voltage and High‐Rate Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Fu Tianji , Li Yujie , Yao Ziqing , Guo Tongsen , Liu Shuangke , Chen Zhongxue , Zheng Chunman , Sun Weiwei
Published: May 2024

High voltage cobalt‐free spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) is well organized as a high‐power cathode material for lithium (Li)‐ion batteries, however, the weak interaction between the 3d orbital of the transition metal (TM) ions and the 2p orbital of oxygen (O) leads to the instability of crystal structural, hindering the long‐term stable cycling of LNMO cathode especially at high temperatures. Here, a design strategy of orbital interaction is initiated to strengthen TM 3d‐O 2p framework in P‐doped LNMO (P‐LNMO) by choosing phytic acid as P dopant, which can realize more uniform doping compared to regular phosphate. The results show that the enhancement of TM 3d‐O 2p orbital interaction in P‐LNMO can suppress the Jahn–Teller effect and subsequent dissolution of Mn, as well as lowers the energy barrier for Li ion insertion/extraction kinetics. As a result, superior electrochemical performances including high discharge capacity, stable cycling behavior and enhanced rate capability of P‐LNMO are obtained. Significantly, the P‐LNMO pouch cell shows great cycling stability with 97.4% capacity retention after 100 cycles.