bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 pandemic and mental health among Hispanic/Latino/a immigrants in the USA: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Ormiston Cameron K , Chiangong Jolyna , Livinski Alicia , Tompkins Dera , Williams Faustine
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has had drastic effects on worldwide mental health and laid bare health disparities and inequities among marginalised groups and racial/ethnic minoritised communities in the USA. This is especially the case among Hispanic/Latino/a immigrants who face numerous structural and socioeconomic barriers to well-being. The increased mental health burden on Hispanic/Latino/a immigrants may have far reaching effects if left unaddressed. Thus, by understanding further Hispanic/Latino/a immigrant mental health during the pandemic, communities and health providers may be able to better address this growing issue. This scoping review aims to assess and outline the current literature on the pandemic’s effects on Hispanic/Latino/a immigrant mental health in the USA, identify research gaps and areas of urgent concern, and inform future research and public health interventions and guidelines.

Methods and analysis

A scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology will be conducted. The PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science: Core Collection databases and five grey literature sources will be searched for articles published in English from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2022. Two independent reviewers will screen the search results at title and abstract and then full text using Covidence with conflicts resolved by a third reviewer. Data collection will also be performed in duplicate using Microsoft Excel with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer and consensus discussion.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required for this scoping review. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal as well as presented at local and national conferences and meetings relevant to our field. Furthermore, to make our findings accessible to non-scientific audiences, we will use various mediums, such as graphical abstracts, policy briefs and fact sheets to share the results in both English and Spanish on different platforms.
Evaluating the clinical relevance and reliability of outer retinal band length on optical coherence tomography in retinal disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cheung Rene , Ly Angelica , Wang Henrietta , Kalloniatis Michael , Nivison-Smith Lisa
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Hyper-reflective outer retinal band (HORB) disruptions are reported across a range of retinal disease, yet a reliable, easily implemented assessment method and thorough evaluation of their association to retinal disease is lacking. The purpose of the study was to assess the reliability of using magnitude estimation to evaluate HORB length and determine its association to visual acuity and retinal disease.

Design

Cross-sectional, retrospective study.

Setting

Patients attending a secondary eye care clinic in Sydney, Australia.

Participants

2039 unique consecutive patients were screened for inclusion between 2 November and 18 January 2021, and 600 were included in the study population. Patients were included if they were referred from primary care, presented for an initial, comprehensive eye examination during the study period, imaged with optical coherence tomography during their visit and over 18 years of age.

Primary outcome

Reliability of HORB length estimations and associations to clinical outcomes.

Results

Intragrader (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICCfovea=0.81; ICCworst=0.91) and intergrader (ICCfovea=0.78–0.79; ICCworst=0.75–0.88) agreement of HORB length was good to excellent. HORB length was significantly associated with age (p<0.001, β=−0.22 to –0.24) and refractive error (p<0.001, β=0.12–0.16) at all B-scan locations. Visual acuity (p=0.001, β=−0.13) was associated with the primary outcome for foveal B-scans and eccentricity (p=0.002, β=−0.13) and device type (p=0.002, β=0.13) for non-foveal B-scans. Glaucoma was associated with HORB length on univariate analysis (p=0.05–0.06, β=−0.08); however, multivariate analysis revealed no significant association between HORB length and retinal disease.

Conclusion

HORB length is reliably assessed using magnitude estimation and may be useful as a surrogate biomarker of visual acuity. Several factors affect HORB length estimations, which may contribute to the lack of association to retinal disease and highlights the need for covariable adjustment when examining HORB disruptions.
‘Super Rehab’: can we achieve coronary artery disease regression? A feasibility study protocol
Authors: Graby John , Khavandi Ali , Gillison Fiona , Smith Theresa , Murphy David , Peacock Oliver , McLeod Hugh , Dastidar Amardeep , Antoniades Charalambos , Thompson Dylan , Rodrigues Jonathan Carl Luis
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) are currently treated with medications and lifestyle advice to reduce the likelihood of disease progression and risk of future major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Where obstructive disease is diagnosed, revascularisation may be considered to treat refractory symptoms. However, many patients with coexistent cardiovascular risk factors, particularly those with metabolic syndrome (MetS), remain at heightened risk of future MACE despite current management.

Cardiac rehabilitation is offered to patients post-revascularisation, however, there is no definitive evidence demonstrating its benefit in a primary prevention setting. We propose that an intensive lifestyle intervention (Super Rehab, SR) incorporating high-intensity exercise, diet and behavioural change techniques may improve symptoms, outcomes, and enable CAD regression.

This study aims to examine the feasibility of delivering a multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) testing SR for patients with CAD, in a primary prevention setting.

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre randomised controlled feasibility study of SR versus usual care in patients with CAD. The study aims to recruit 50 participants aged 18–75 across two centres. Feasibility will be assessed against rates of recruitment, retention and, in the intervention arm, attendance and adherence to SR. Qualitative interviews will explore trial experiences of study participants and practitioners. Variance of change in CAD across both arms of the study (assessed with serial CT coronary angiography) will inform the design and power of a future, multi-centre RCT.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was granted by South West—Frenchay Research Ethics Committee (reference: 21/SW/0153, 18 January 2022). Study findings will be disseminated via presentations to relevant stakeholders, national and international conferences and open-access peer-reviewed research publications.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN14603929.
How to co-design a prototype of a clinical practice tool: a framework with practical guidance and a case study
Authors: Woodward Matthew , Dixon-Woods Mary , Randall Wendy , Walker Caroline , Hughes Chloe , Blackwell Sarah , Dewick Louise , Bahl Rachna , Draycott Tim , Winter Cathy , Ansari Akbar , Powell Alison , Willars Janet , Brown Imogen A F , Olsson Annabelle , Richards Natalie , Leeding Joann , Hinton Lisa , Burt Jenni , Maistrello Giulia , Davies Charlotte ,   Thiscovery Authorship Group,   ABC Contributor Group, van der Scheer Jan W
Published: December 2023

Clinical tools for use in practice—such as medicine reconciliation charts, diagnosis support tools and track-and-trigger charts—are endemic in healthcare, but relatively little attention is given to how to optimise their design. User-centred design approaches and co-design principles offer potential for improving usability and acceptability of clinical tools, but limited practical guidance is currently available. We propose a framework (FRamework for co-dESign of Clinical practice tOols or ‘FRESCO’) offering practical guidance based on user-centred methods and co-design principles, organised in five steps: (1) establish a multidisciplinary advisory group; (2) develop initial drafts of the prototype; (3) conduct think-aloud usability evaluations; (4) test in clinical simulations; (5) generate a final prototype informed by workshops. We applied the framework in a case study to support co-design of a prototype track-and-trigger chart for detecting and responding to possible fetal deterioration during labour. This started with establishing an advisory group of 22 members with varied expertise. Two initial draft prototypes were developed—one based on a version produced by national bodies, and the other with similar content but designed using human factors principles. Think-aloud usability evaluations of these prototypes were conducted with 15 professionals, and the findings used to inform co-design of an improved draft prototype. This was tested with 52 maternity professionals from five maternity units through clinical simulations. Analysis of these simulations and six workshops were used to co-design the final prototype to the point of readiness for large-scale testing. By codifying existing methods and principles into a single framework, FRESCO supported mobilisation of the expertise and ingenuity of diverse stakeholders to co-design a prototype track-and-trigger chart in an area of pressing service need. Subject to further evaluation, the framework has potential for application beyond the area of clinical practice in which it was applied.
Effectiveness of conservative non-pharmacological interventions in people with muscular dystrophies: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Leone Enza , Pandyan Anand , Rogers Alison , Kulshrestha Richa , Hill Jonathan , Philp Fraser
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Management of muscular dystrophies (MD) relies on conservative non-pharmacological treatments, but evidence of their effectiveness is limited and inconclusive.

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of conservative non-pharmacological interventions for MD physical management.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and searched Medline, CINHAL, Embase, AMED and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial (inception to August 2022). Effect size (ES) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) quantified treatment effect.

Results

Of 31,285 identified articles, 39 studies (957 participants), mostly at high risk of bias, were included. For children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), trunk-oriented strength exercises and usual care were more effective than usual care alone in improving distal upper-limb function, sitting and dynamic reaching balance (ES range: 0.87 to 2.29). For adults with Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD), vibratory proprioceptive assistance and neuromuscular electrical stimulation respectively improved maximum voluntary isometric contraction and reduced pain intensity (ES range: 1.58 to 2.33). For adults with FSHD, Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), strength-training improved dynamic balance (sit-to-stand ability) and self-perceived physical condition (ES range: 0.83 to 1.00). A multicomponent programme improved perceived exertion rate and gait in adults with Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) (ES range: 0.92 to 3.83).

Conclusions

Low-quality evidence suggests that strength training, with or without other exercise interventions, may improve perceived exertion, distal upper limb function, static and dynamic balance, gait and well-being in MD. Although more robust and larger studies are needed, current evidence supports the inclusion of strength training in MD treatment, as it was found to be safe.
A self-adjusting parametric model for attenuation characteristics of WUSN signal
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Xie Yonghao , Yuan Mingze , Li Mingbao
Published: December 2023

Wireless underground sensor networks (WUSNs) are gradually being applied to smart agriculture for soil information collection and monitoring of crop growth environments. WUSN can avoid the inconvenience caused by tillage and other machine operation activities on farmland and obtain multi-level and multi-dimensional parameters in the underground soil environment, which is crucial for soil moisture monitoring of crops. However, WUSN has no universally applicable transmission protocol standards in the field. Therefore, the research of different soil compositions on the placement of wireless sensor network nodes can provide scientific guidance to obtain soil moisture information of agricultural fields, which is important for the development of precision agriculture. In this paper, low-power WUSN nodes were designed, based on the modified Frisian transmission model and the complex refractive index Fresnel model. We proposed an adaptive optimization model and also proposed an improved genetic algorithm that automatically adjusts the fusion parameter according to soil and distance factors, making the prediction of signal attenuation under different soil components more accurate. We used the adaptive optimized model for signal prediction, comparing it with the modified Friis prediction model and the complex refractive index Fresnel prediction model. The results showed that the proposed adaptive optimization model with an automatic parameter is convenient to predict the signal attenuation, and the adaptive optimization model made the prediction error stay really low. To compare with other sensors in the soil environment, the temperature of the distributed fiber-optic temperature sensor was tested, which was predicted by the adaptive model. The result shows that the adaptive model is more favorable to the prediction of signal attenuation in WUSN than distributed fiber-optic temperature sensors.
A study on the contact quality improvement of fin to tube assemblies
Authors: Zhao Zijian , Bouzid Abdel-Hakim
Published: December 2023

The fin-to-tube assembly is a prevalent connection type in heat exchangers, particularly in smaller equipment. During the assembly process, a die expands the tube to close the gap between the tube and the fin collar, enhancing heat transfer. The die expansion reduces the gap and creates slight interference that enables the fin collar to adhere to the tube. However, contact is not uniformly continuous across the width of the mating surfaces, as indicated by recent research. Due to this suboptimal contact quality, the conduction of heat is significantly impaired, and the efficiency of the heat exchanger is thus compromised. This study aims to establish a relationship between the profile shape of the fin hole and the contact quality, offering guidelines to enhance tube-to-fin contact. Tubes of various materials, dies of different sizes, and fins with a collar featuring an hourglass proposed shape are examined. The influence of a fin-hole hourglass shape will be assessed through a series of expansion simulations conducted on diverse finite element models. Subsequently, the micro-gaps formed during the expansion process at the tube-to-fin interface will serve to evaluate the quality of the contact surface, and a thermal transient analysis will be implemented to corroborate the findings.
Kolmogorov extension theorem for non-probability measures on Cayley trees
Authors: Haydarov F. H.
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we shall discuss the extendability of probability and non-probability measures on Cayley trees to a [Formula: see text]-additive measure on Borel fields which has a fundamental role in the theory of Gibbs measures.
DOES AIR POLLUTION REDUCE SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING? EVIDENCE FROM CHINA’S MICRO SURVEY DATA
Authors: YU YUNJIANG , SHU XING , ZHOU JIAWEN , ANWAR SAJID , YANG SIBO , ZHANG YUTING
Published: December 2023

Previous studies have not paid much attention to the heterogeneous effects of air pollution on subjective well-being. By matching the 2018 China Labor-Force Dynamics Survey data (CLDS2018) with urban air pollution data, we empirically examine the impact of air pollution on subjective well-being across pollution levels, income levels, gender, age, education as well as city size and region. Empirical analysis shows that an increase in air pollution has a negative and statistically significant impact on the well-being and the effect varies considerably across pollution levels, income levels, age, gender, education level, city size and region. Re-estimation using air pollution data released by the US embassy in China shows that the empirical results presented in this paper are robust. After accounting for potential endogeneity, PM2.5 continues to have a significant negative impact on the well-being of residents. Air pollution can affect an individual’s mental health, social networks and economic status, which in turn affects their subjective well-being. Our analysis shows that air pollution is an important contributor to the Easterlin paradox, and (in the process of air pollution control) attention needs to be paid to both individual heterogeneity and urban differences.
An Efficient and Scalable RFID Anti-Collision Algorithm on Optimal Partition and Collided Block Bit-Mapping
Authors: Yang Jian , Wang Yonghua , Cai Shuting
Published: December 2023

In RFID systems, many anti-collision algorithms, driven by the concept of rescheduling the response sequence between the reader and unidentified tags, have been put forward to solve tag collision problem, including ALOHA-based, tree-based and hybrid algorithms. In this paper, we propose a novel RFID anti-collision algorithm called EAQ-CBB, which adopts three main approaches: tag population estimation based on collided bit detection method, optimal partitions and trimmed query tree based on the strategy of collided block bit-mapping (QTCBB). The relatively accurate estimation of tag backlog and optimal partition ensure a great reduction of collisions in the initial phase. For each collided partition, a QTCBB process is introduced immediately, which eliminates all the empty slots and significantly reduces the collided slots. Simulation results show that EAQ-CBB performs good stability and scalability when the key parameters change. Compared with the existing algorithms, such as DFSA, QTI, T-GDFSA and CT, EAQ-CBB outperforms the others with high system throughput, low normalized latency and low normalized overhead at a low cost of energy, which makes it easier to be used widely in the efficient-aware and energy-aware applications.
Event-Triggered Fractional PID-Based Load Frequency Control in Islanded Microgrids Under Cloud-Edge Collaborative Framework
Authors: Zheng Min , Chen Ci , Zhang Yajian , Ruan Mengfan , Li Peike
Published: December 2023

To address the issue of frequency stability in microgrids with limited communication resources and bandwidth, this paper proposed an event-triggered control method based on a cloud-edge collaborative architecture. Firstly, to address the limited communication resources, event-triggered detector is set up at the edge to upload state variables and update control instructions only when the frequency deviation exceeds a pre-set threshold. Secondly, a fractional-order PI–PD controller is designed at the cloud control center, which achieves higher control degrees of freedom and stronger robustness than traditional integer-order PID control schemes. Additionally, to obtain better control parameters, an optimized design method based on an improved Big Bang-Big Crunch method (BB-BC3) is proposed for the fractional-order PI–PD controller. At last, a simulation example is given to prove the validity of the proposed method. Simulation results show that compared to the integer-order PI–PD controller, the fractional-order PI–PD controller based on the BB-BC3 algorithm proposed in this paper reduces the peak value of the response curve by 5%, and shortens the setting time by 0.14 s.
Applying SMART-Based Power Gating Approach in NoC System
Authors: Ouyang Yiming , Cao Cheng , Wang Qi , Huang Zhengfeng
Published: December 2023

SMART is a low-latency solution that transmits nonconflicting flits to remote routers, enabling traversal of multi-hop paths within a single cycle. It reduces packet latency but ignores high power consumption in idle components. Additionally, SMART’s low latency is highly dependent on [Formula: see text], which represents the maximum number of hops traversed within a cycle. Therefore, this paper presents SMART-PG, a power gating method based on SMART that reduces network power consumption by shutting down idle components such as router buffers under low-load conditions. We also extend the router architecture to enable the continuous establishment of single-cycle multi-hop bypass paths. Compared to SMART routers, our method eliminates packet buffering even when a packet reaches the last router of a single-cycle multi-hop path, reducing packet latency and sensitivity to [Formula: see text]. Finally, we propose a routing algorithm that enables efficient packet transmission in one-dimensional and two-dimensional networks even when routers are powered off. Experimental results show that our method reduces packet latency and static power consumption by an average of 7.5% and 46.4%, respectively, compared to the baseline router. Compared to SMART routers, our method demonstrates significant superiority in terms of packet latency and the impact of multi-hop length on packet latency.
Dynamical Analysis of a Predator–Prey Model with Additive Allee Effect and Migration
Authors: Huang Xinhao , Chen Lijuan , Xia Yue , Chen Fengde
Published: December 2023

In this paper, a predator–prey model in which the prey has the additive Allee effect and the predator has artificially controlled migration is proposed. When the system introduces additive Allee effect and artificially controlled migration, more complicated dynamical behavior is obtained. The system can undergo saddle-node bifurcation, transcritical bifurcation, pitchfork bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation and Bogdanov–Takens bifurcation. Two limit cycles are found and discussed. The influence of the additive Allee effect and artificially controlled migration on the dynamics of the system is also presented. In detail, when the Allee effect is large, the prey will become extinct. When the artificially controlled migration rate is larger, the intensity of the prey (pest) will be smaller and the intensity of the predator will be larger. This indicates that artificially controlled migration can be effectively used to control the pest.
Bifurcation Analysis of a New Aquatic Ecological Model with Aggregation Effect and Harvesting
Authors: Liang Chenyu , Zhang Hangjun , Xu Yancong , Rong Libin
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we investigated the dynamics of the interaction between Microcystis aeruginosa and filter-feeding fish in a new aquatic ecological model and considered the effects of aggregation and harvesting and focused on studying the critical threshold conditions through the analysis of saddle-node bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation, and Bogdanov–Takens bifurcation. We also conducted numerical simulations to illustrate our findings and provided biological interpretations. The results obtained indicate that the aggregation effect or harvesting can disrupt the coexistence of Microcystis aeruginosa and filter-feeding fish. The filter-feeding fish population may go extinct while the Microcystis aeruginosa population could survive. We identified the importance of finding an appropriate timing for harvesting Microcystis aeruginosa in order to promote the growth of the filter-feeding fish population. This optimal timing may be influenced by the carrying capacity of Microcystis aeruginosa. Taken together, our study sheds light on the dynamics of Microcystis aeruginosa and filter-feeding fish in an aquatic ecosystem, highlighting the critical role of aggregation, harvesting, and timing in determining the coexistence and survival of these species.
Infinitely many arithmetic alternating links: Class number greater than one
Authors: Baker M. D. , Reid A. W.
Published: December 2023

We prove the existence of infinitely many alternating links in [Formula: see text] whose complements are commensurable with the Bianchi orbifold [Formula: see text].
WELL-POSEDNESS AND REGULARIZATION FOR NONLOCAL DIFFUSION EQUATION WITH RIEMANN–LIOUVILLE DERIVATIVE
Authors: WANG RENHAI , VAN DAI HOANG , ANH TUAN NGUYEN , CAN NGUYEN HUU
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we are interested in studying the fractional diffusion equation with Riemann–Liouville as follows: [Formula: see text] with nonlocal in time condition. We are going to study the well-posedness of the above problem with some assumptions of the input data. On the other hand, in Hilbert scale and [Formula: see text] spaces, we provide several estimates of regularity results of the mild solution. We also establish the evaluation for gradient term of the mild solution. We also show that the nonlocal problem is ill-posed in the sense of Hadamard. We also derive the regularity result by applying Fourier truncation method. The main tool of the paper is to use some estimates of Wright functions and Sobolev embeddings. In addition, we also obtain a lower bound of the solution according to the input data.
Vibration Mitigation via Tuned Mass Damper for Adjacent Stay Cables Interconnected with Rigid Cross-Tie
Authors: Wang Xidong , Gou Wei , Gao Wudi , Li Shengli
Published: December 2023

The characteristics of low damping and closely spaced natural frequencies make stay cables susceptible to wind-induced vibrations. This work proposed a novel damping device consisting of tuned mass damper (TMD) and rigid cross-tie (RCT) to mitigate the vibration of stay cables effectively. Two adjacent stay cables interconnected with RCTs can provide installation locations for TMDs, thus making the novel TMD-RCT control system feasible. Experimental control tests were carried out on a two-cable model of adjacent stay cables built in laboratory, where one TMD was designed based on the fundamental vibration mode of the stay cable. The effects of CT stiffness, number of RCTs, mass ratio, and installation position on the vibration reduction effect of the device were studied. To validate the efficacy of the proposed TMD-RCT device in vibration mitigation of stay cables under different loading cases, simulation tests and corresponding control performance evaluation were conducted.
Ecological, Social and Governance Impact on the Company’s Performance: Information Technology Sector Insight
Authors: Karminsky Alexander M. , Egorova Alexandra A. , Chigireva Daria A.
Published: December 2023

Sustainable topics have become increasingly important in recent years, as the world faces growing environmental and social challenges. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings are tools used to assess the sustainability practices of companies. This study focuses on the impact of environmental, social and governance components on the financial performance of IT companies. The panel data were collected for 43 IT companies operating in the time period from 2004 to 2020. Data include ESG ratings, their components and financial performance indicators of IT companies. The method of OLS regression, a model with fixed individual effects or a model with random individual effects, was used. It was found that the increase in the environmental and social scores has a significant impact on the financial performance of IT companies. This paper is an extended version of our work published in the ITQM 2022.
Imputation for Single-cell RNA-seq Data with Non-negative Matrix Factorization and Transfer Learning
Authors: Zhu Jiadi , Yang Youlong
Published: December 2023

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has been proven to be an effective technology for investigating the heterogeneity and transcriptome dynamics due to the single-cell resolution. However, one of the major problems for data obtained by scRNA-seq is excessive zeros in the count matrix, which hinders the downstream analysis enormously. Here, we present a method that integrates non-negative matrix factorization and transfer learning (NMFTL) to impute the scRNA-seq data. It borrows gene expression information from the additional dataset and adds graph-regularized terms to the decomposed matrices. These strategies not only maintain the intrinsic geometrical structure of the data itself but also further improve the accuracy of estimating the expression values by adding the transfer term in the model. The real data analysis result demonstrates that the proposed method outperforms the existing matrix-factorization-based imputation methods in recovering dropout entries, preserving gene-to-gene and cell-to-cell relationships, and in the downstream analysis, such as cell clustering analysis, the proposed method also has a good performance. For convenience, we have implemented the “NMFTL” method with R scripts, which could be available at https://github.com/FocusPaka/NMFTL.
Decentralized Autonomous Organizations: A Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Bonnet Severin , Teuteberg Frank
Published: December 2023

The coordination and organization of economic activity has always been one of the greatest challenges of humanity. For a long time, centralized models have been the dominant approach, but the emergence of technologies such as the internet, open-source software, peer-to-peer and ubiquitous computing, smart contracts and blockchain is leading to a shift toward decentralization. This trend is now culminating with a new phase of innovation called Decentralized Autonomous Organization (“DAO”). DAOs offer the potential to empower communities, promote decentralization and reliable coordination, and increase transparency and meritocracy in corporate governance using the institutional technology that is blockchain. In this paper, we present a systematic literature review of 195 academic publications on the DAO phenomenon using the PRISMA methodology. We aim to answer the following research questions: What are the characteristics of DAOs? What topics related to DAOs were researched by whom? Why do DAOs show great potential? When do DAOs face limitations? Where can solutions be found for the identified limitation? We also propose a research agenda and suggest future research directions.
The matter Lagrangian of a non-perfect fluid
Authors: Mendoza Sergio , Silva Sarahí
Published: December 2023

We show that the matter Lagrangian of a non-perfect fluid takes the negative or positive value of the total energy density of the fluid, which is composed of the rest plus internal energy densities. The ambiguity of the sign depends on the definition of the matter action and the chosen signature.
Mechanical, Pneumatic and Thermal Energy Storages for Micro-Air Vehicles
Authors: Sher Eran , Fofaive Anton , Samuels Hannah
Published: December 2023

The growing demand for high-power propulsion systems with high energy density for micro-air vehicles (MAVs) has motivated a worldwide search for alternatives to the present conventional propulsion units which are mainly internal combustion engines (ICEs) and electric motors. Here, we evaluate the advantages of alternative mechanical energy-based storage system having high energy density and high power density characteristics. Additional key requirements for such an alternative propulsion system are high power for taking off and maneuverability, efficient energy conversion during cruise flights, easy speed control, allowing high-altitude operation, low noise signature, low thermal signature, low pollutants emission and easy restarting when needed. The various excellent features of both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor have placed them as the leading means for propulsion systems. However, the breathing difficulties of the ICEs at high-altitude conditions, their relatively low reliability and their high noise signature encouraged the search for alternative solutions. Although electric motors overcome these major drawbacks, the energy density of their energy source is much lower than that of the hydrocarbon fuels (more than an order of a magnitude) and their ability to function in missions requiring long flight durations is significantly inferior. Here, we examine alternative means of energy storage systems. Alternative mechanical energy storages including elastic (different types of springs), compressed air, thermal (phase-change materials and cryogenic reservoirs) and kinetic (flywheels) were analyzed and examined. Promising emerging technologies which are based on exceptional materials like specially designed elastomers and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been critically reviewed here. The carbon nanotubes are known for their very high energy density, where the energy can be delivered directly to the aircraft propeller with a remarkably high conversion efficiency.
Experimental Investigation of Novel Configuration of Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES)
Authors: Iqbal Faisal , Asif Muhammad , Rizvi Syed Abis Hussain , Salman Umar Bin , Cheema Muhammad Zeewaqar
Published: December 2023

Compressed air energy storage (CAES) is a technology that harnesses the power of compressed air to store energy for future use. However, a drawback of compressed air energy storage lies in the relatively inefficient nature of the expanders used. To tackle this challenge, a novel configuration is proposed and thoroughly investigated through experimentation. The core concept of the system revolves around introducing compressed air into a water-filled cylinder, which then propels an oscillating mass back and forth. Magnets, generating a magnetic field, are strategically positioned around the cylinder. As the oscillating mass moves to and fro inside the main cylinder, it triggers specific valves at predetermined intervals, resulting in the generation of voltage. The peak voltage produced is used to calculate the power output and efficiency of the system. The calculated electrical power efficiency of the proposed configuration is determined to be 5.33%. This relatively low efficiency can primarily be attributed to the lower frequency of oscillations and the presence of resistance effects. However, the results also indicate that when considering mechanical efficiency, the concept achieves a significantly higher value of 52.14%. This finding suggests that the configuration holds greater potential for sustainable mechanical output. While this mechanism demonstrates promising capabilities as an air expander, the induction of voltage through this method proves to be inefficient for energy utilization.
Emotion Regulation in Couples Across Adulthood
Authors: Haase Claudia M.
Published: December 2023

Intimate relationships are hotbeds of emotion. This article presents key findings and current directions in research on couples’ emotion regulation across adulthood as a critical context in which older adults not only maintain functioning but may also outshine younger adults. First, I introduce key concepts, defining qualities (i.e., dynamic, coregulatory, bidirectional, bivalent), and measures (i.e., self-report versus performance-based) of couples’ emotion regulation. Second, I highlight a socioemotional turn in our understanding of adult development with the advent of socioemotional selectivity theory. Third, I offer a life-span developmental perspective on emotion regulation in couples (i.e., across infancy, adolescence and young adulthood, midlife, and late life). Finally, I present the idea that emotion regulation may shift from “me to us” across adulthood and discuss how emotion regulation in couples may become more important, better, and increasingly consequential (e.g., for relationship outcomes, well-being, and health) with age. Ideas for future research are then discussed.
The Clockwork Embryo: Mechanisms Regulating Developmental Rate
Authors: Diaz-Cuadros Margarete , Pourquié Olivier
Published: December 2023

Organismal development requires the reproducible unfolding of an ordered sequence of discrete steps (cell fate determination, migration, tissue folding, etc.) in both time and space. Here, we review the mechanisms that grant temporal specificity to developmental steps, including molecular clocks and timers. Individual timing mechanisms must be coordinated with each other to maintain the overall developmental sequence. However, phenotypic novelties can also arise through the modification of temporal patterns over the course of evolution. Two main types of variation in temporal patterning characterize interspecies differences in developmental time: allochrony, where the overall developmental sequence is either accelerated or slowed down while maintaining the relative duration of individual steps, and heterochrony, where the duration of specific developmental steps is altered relative to the rest. New advances in in vitro modeling of mammalian development using stem cells have recently enabled the revival of mechanistic studies of allochrony and heterochrony. In both cases, differences in the rate of basic cellular functions such as splicing, translation, protein degradation, and metabolism seem to underlie differences in developmental time. In the coming years, these studies should identify the genetic differences that drive divergence in developmental time between species.
A Case of Spontaneous Autoamputation of Ovary in a 46-Year-Old Woman: An Uncommon Presentation (Painless Ovarian Torsion) with Unique Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges
Authors: Chaichian Shahla , Khandan Mohanna , Rokhgireh Samaneh , Hosseini Sahar , Derakhshan Roya
Published: December 2023

This article presents a case of spontaneous autoamputation of ovary in a 46-year-old nulligravid woman with a history of rheumatoid arthritis and hypertension, who presented with secondary amenorrhea and white vaginal discharge. Despite an initial diagnosis of dermoid cyst based on ultrasound findings, subsequent laparoscopic surgery revealed a necrotized oval-shaped mass in the cul-de-sac, which was identified as the right ovary that had undergone torsion and autoamputation. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with this uncommon presentation, which may be easily misdiagnosed. Clinicians should consider spontaneous autoamputation of ovary as a potential differential diagnosis in women presenting with adnexal masses, even if there is no prior history of abdominal pain.
The Impacts of High-Speed Railway on Urban GDP and Its Agglomeration: Evidence from China
Authors: Li Mingyuan , Guo Fengxiang , Geng Qingqiao , Gu Yuanli
Published: December 2023

This study develops difference-in-differences (DID) models to examine the direct and indirect effects of high-speed railway (HSR) operation on the urban gross domestic product (GDP) and its agglomeration. The period from 2010 to 2019 is selected as the study period, and 30 HSR-operating cities across the Chinese mainland are chosen as the study sites to be investigated. Individual fixed effects and time fixed effects are introduced to panel data models to account for the heterogeneities between cities and the endogeneities of explanatory variables. Estimation results suggest that the operation of HSR can improve the development of the urban GDP by accelerating the migration of population to HSR-operating cities, promoting the upgrading of the urban industrial structure, and improving the level of urban scientific research. Moreover, the level of urban economic agglomeration can also be improved as a result of HSR. However, the ability of HSR-promoting economic development is more significant in cities with more developed economies. Therefore, when formulating a sensible plan for the development of HSR, policymakers should prioritize the construction of HSR in more developed cities.
A Case Report of Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Gallbladder with Multiple Metastases
Authors: Adams Steven H. , Luo Erinn , Lozeau Daniel , Wen Xiaoyun
Published: December 2023

Primary malignant melanoma of the gallbladder is an extremely rare tumor with approximately 39 cases described in the literature so far. However, since the first case was reported in 1907, it remains controversial whether gallbladder involvement in malignant melanoma is primary or metastatic. Here, we report a case of primary malignant melanoma of the gallbladder. A 52-year-old male presented to the emergency department with right upper quadrant abdominal pain and was found to have tumefactive sludge filling the majority of the gallbladder with possible gallbladder wall thickening on ultrasonography. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed for presumed acute cholecystitis. Histopathologic examination of the gallbladder revealed malignant melanoma arising from the mucosa of the gallbladder. Further clinical investigation excluded other primary sites, supporting a diagnosis of primary malignant melanoma of the gallbladder.
Potential of Mushrooms Bioactive for the Treatment of Skin Diseases and Disorders
Authors: Anil Kumar Nanjangud V. , Quispe Cristina , Herrera-Bravo Jesús , Herrera Belén Lisandra , Loren Pía , Salazar Luis A. , Silva Victor , Erdogan Orhan Ilkay , Senol Deniz F. Sezer , Nemli Elifsu , Capanoglu Esra , Olatunde Ahmed , Cristina Cirone Silva Nathália , Zivkovic Jelena , Shorog Eman M. , Calina Daniela , Sharifi-Rad Javad
Published: December 2023

Mushrooms have long been revered not only as a staple food source but also for their potential medicinal properties. Their role as a natural repository of bioactive compounds positions them uniquely in the pharmaceutical domain, with particular relevance to cosmeceuticals and nutricosmetics. The global ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological chronicles highlight the traditional application of mushrooms against many diseases, with many even finding their way into cosmetic formulations. This review aims to consolidate the existing knowledge regarding the efficaciousness of mushroom-derived bioactives in the realm of skin disorders and diseases. In addition, it sheds light on the instances where certain mushroom species have been implicated in causing dermatological reactions, underscoring the dual nature of these fungal entities. A comprehensive assessment was undertaken involving ethnobotanical databases and relevant scientific literature to identify mushrooms used traditionally for treating skin conditions. In addition, contemporary research elucidating the biological activities of these mushrooms, specifically their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing capabilities, was scrutinized. Special attention was accorded to instances of contact dermatitis induced by mushrooms, notably the shiitake fungus. Preliminary findings reinforce the therapeutic potential of certain mushrooms in managing skin ailments, attributed primarily to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Conversely, some species, prominently shiitake, emerged as potent dermatitis triggers. Mushrooms undeniably harbor an array of compounds that can be instrumental in treating various skin conditions, thereby underscoring their potential in dermatological applications. However, an understanding of their dual nature, acting both as a remedy and a trigger for certain skin reactions, is essential for their judicious application in skin care. Further research is mandated to unravel the comprehensive pharmacological spectrum of these fungal treasures.
Nurses’ Experiences of Conflict Management at a Teaching Hospital in Namibia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Munangatire Takaedza , Tomas Nestor , Alweendo Maria M.
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study was to explore nurses’ experiences of conflict management at a central hospital in Namibia. Conflict in nursing practice is inevitable and experienced regularly. Understanding how nurses experience conflict is at the centre of the successful handling of conflict, which may enhance teamwork and quality of patient care. A phenomenological transcendental (descriptive) phenomenology design was used in this study. Fifteen nurses were purposively selected at the teaching hospital and interviewed to generate data, which were analysed thematically between June and November 2021. Five themes were generated from a rigorous analysis process: understanding of conflict and conflict management; development of conflict; conflict management approaches; consequences of conflict; and in-service training. Conflict situations that nurses face during their practice may remain unresolved or inappropriately resolved if they lack the necessary education and skills in conflict management. Nursing education and continuous education on conflict management should thus be provided to all nurses to empower them to manage conflict situations, which could improve their nursing practice and quality of patient care. There is a need to strengthen conflict management education in both undergraduate and continuous education programmes for nurses.
In Search of Lost Biomarker for Immunotherapy in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Rolfo Christian , Russo Alessandro
Published: December 2023

Chemo-immunotherapy is the current standard of care for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, but predictive biomarkers are lacking. In a recent article, the authors report the predictive role of programmed death ligand-1 expression and tissue tumor mutational burden on durvalumab ± tremelimumab + platinum-etoposide efficacy.

See related article by Paz-Ares et al., p. 824
Data from Structural Basis of PML-RARA Oncoprotein Targeting by Arsenic Unravels a Cysteine Rheostat Controlling PML Body Assembly and Function
Authors: Bercier Pierre , Wang Qian Qian , Zang Ning , Zhang Jie , Yang Chang , Maimaitiyiming Yasen , Abou-Ghali Majdouline , Berthier Caroline , Wu Chengchen , Niwa-Kawakita Michiko , Dirami Thassadite , Geoffroy Marie-Claude , Ferhi Omar , Quentin Samuel , Benhenda Shirine , Ogra Yasumitsu , Gueroui Zoher , Zhou Chun , Naranmandura Hua , de Thé Hugues , Lallemand-Breitenbach Valérie
Published: December 2023

Abstract
PML nuclear bodies (NB) are disrupted in PML-RARA–driven acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Arsenic trioxide (ATO) cures 70% of patients with APL, driving PML-RARA degradation and NB reformation. In non-APL cells, arsenic binding onto PML also amplifies NB formation. Yet, the actual molecular mechanism(s) involved remain(s) elusive. Here, we establish that PML NBs display some features of liquid–liquid phase separation and that ATO induces a gel-like transition. PML B-box-2 structure reveals an alpha helix driving B2 trimerization and positioning a cysteine trio to form an ideal arsenic-binding pocket. Altering either of the latter impedes ATO-driven NB assembly, PML sumoylation, and PML-RARA degradation, mechanistically explaining clinical ATO resistance. This B2 trimer and the C213 trio create an oxidation-sensitive rheostat that controls PML NB assembly dynamics and downstream signaling in both basal state and during stress response. These findings identify the structural basis for arsenic targeting of PML that could pave the way to novel cancer drugs.
Significance:
Arsenic curative effects in APL rely on PML targeting. We report a PML B-box-2 structure that drives trimer assembly, positioning a cysteine trio to form an arsenic-binding pocket, which is disrupted in resistant patients. Identification of this ROS-sensitive triad controlling PML dynamics and functions could yield novel drugs.

See related commentary by Salomoni, p. 2505.

This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 2489