bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BIM-based smart safety monitoring system using a mobile app: a case study in an ongoing construction site
Authors: Hossain Md. Mehrab , Ahmed Shakil , Anam S.M. Asif , Baxramovna Irmatova Aziza , Meem Tamanna Islam , Sobuz Md. Habibur Rahman , Haq Iffat
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Construction safety is a crucial aspect that has far-reaching impacts on economic development. But safety monitoring is often reliant on labor-based observations, which can be prone to errors and result in numerous fatalities annually. This study aims to address this issue by proposing a cloud-building information modeling (BIM)-based framework to provide real-time safety monitoring on construction sites to enhance safety practices and reduce fatalities.

Design/methodology/approach

This system integrates an automated safety tracking mobile app to detect hazardous locations on construction sites, a cloud-based BIM system for visualization of worker tracking on a virtual construction site and a Web interface to visualize and monitor site safety.

Findings

The study’s results indicate that implementing a comprehensive automated safety monitoring approach is feasible and suitable for general indoor construction site environments. Furthermore, the assessment of an advanced safety monitoring system has been successfully implemented, indicating its potential effectiveness in enhancing safety practices in construction sites.

Practical implications

By using this system, the construction industry can prevent accidents and fatalities, promote the adoption of new technologies and methods with minimal effort and cost and improve safety outcomes and productivity. This system can reduce workers’ compensation claims, insurance costs and legal penalties, benefiting all stakeholders involved.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study represents the first attempt in Bangladesh to develop a mobile app-based technological solution aimed at reforming construction safety culture by using BIM technology. This has the potential to change the construction sector’s attitude toward accepting new technologies and cultures through its convenient choice of equipment.
Essential competencies for organizational learning professionals according to job ads in the Israeli employment market
Authors: Amzalag Meital , Shoval Omri
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine core professional competencies required by organizational learning (OL) field, using the main knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA) theoretical framework for job candidates in Israel.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis was conducted on 100 job postings from two online platforms using content analysis techniques. The job offers were evaluated according to criteria established by prior research conducted in the USA.

Findings

The findings indicate that job announcements appear for three main professions in the field of learning in organizations in Israel: learning designer, learning developer and instructional designer. Most of the offers are for full-time jobs, without requiring a relevant academic degree or previous experience. In comparison to the US employment market, in Israel the demand for OL professionals necessitates communication abilities in English, macro development skills, knowing how to manage professional training and mastery of learning through innovative technology such as augmented reality/virtual reality. The findings also indicated which competencies are most recently required in the OL branch in Israel and the significant differences in KSA necessary for OL professionals in each of the three identified professions.

Practical implications

The study highlighted critical elements of the OL professional field and has implications for OL professionals seeking employment and human resources (HR) recruiters seeking them. Job seekers need to know the current job market requirements in the OL field, and HR recruiters need to know what is happening in the current job market. This can be done by following updated job offers in the OL field and responding quickly to changes. The findings also have implications for the educational/academic aspect of the OL teachers in various settings and inform them to refine the content of their syllabus and course content in accordance with the current requirements of the job market in the field of OL.

Originality/value

The study is based on the KSA theoretical framework and analysis of the OL US job market according to Wang et al.’s (2021) work. This study presents the Israel OL job market and discuss the authors’ critical view on Wang et al.’s work.
Islamic social finance for achieving sustainable development goals: a systematic literature review and future research agenda
Authors: Dirie Khadar Ahmed , Alam Md. Mahmudul , Maamor Selamah
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) devised by the United Nations (UN) call on countries – whether rich or poor – to solve global issues, improve lives and save the planet for future generations. However, the UN predicts that between $5 and $7tn will need to be spent annually between now and 2030 to accomplish these goals, posing a major financial hurdle. Islamic social finance, if used ethically, seeks to realise SDGs through fairness, justice and equity. Thus, this study aims to determine how Islamic social finance instruments such as Zakat, Waqf, Sadaqat and Qard-hasan contribute to realising SDGs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses-based systematic literature review. Scopus and Google Scholar were chosen for the qualitative and meta-analysis of studies. The topic was reviewed in 178 academic papers from 2000 to 2022. The required articles were analysed after careful review.

Findings

Islamic social financing mechanisms have the capacity to solve many social issues and create better welfare conditions by ensuring economic, social and environmental sustainability in line with the SDGs. Indonesia and Malaysia lead Islamic social finance research, the survey found. The review revealed that Islamic social funding can achieve 11 out of 17 SDGs. Islamic commercial finance can be used for the remaining goals. The paper highlights Islamic social funding research limitations and opportunities.

Research limitations/implications

The review study shows that Islamic social finance can fill the SDG funding gap, especially considering the post-pandemic financial crisis that has increased global income inequality and social disparities.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this article is the first of its kind to review the potential of Islamic social financing instruments to help achieve the SDGs.
The role of autonomy, competence and relatedness in motivation to use self-service technology (SST) among customers with difficulties in SST
Authors: Hong EunPyo , Ahn Jiseon
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Understanding customers’ experiences with self-service technology (SST) is of high importance to service research. Previous research, however, has mainly focused on customers who are adept in using SST services. This study aims to provide insights into the under-researched field of the experiences of customers’ with difficulties in using SST.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on self-determination theory, the role of motivational aspects in SST usage behavior is proposed. A model involving perceived needs and intrinsic motivation is developed and empirically tested in a survey among 213 American customers with difficulties using SST in restaurant service settings.

Findings

The results show that customers’ perceived competence strongly influences their motivation to engage with SST, followed by autonomy and relatedness. Results also find the positive and significant impact of intrinsic motivation on satisfaction and behavioral intentions. Finally, multi-group analysis is performed to examine differences between customers with low and high technology anxiety. Results show that perceived autonomy and competence from SST usage are strong indicators among customers with low technology anxiety, and that relatedness is a major determinant of intrinsic motivation among customers with high technology anxiety.

Originality/value

As a neglected area of research has been in customers who have difficulty in using SST, the findings of this study provide useful guidelines to address customers’ difficulties in using SST.
Spillover effects of CEO performance-induced removal on competitor CEOs' firms' financial policies
Authors: Saif-Ur-Rehman  , Hussainey Khaled , Khan Hashim
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The authors examine the spillover effects of CEO removal on the corporate financial policies of competing firms among S&P 1500 firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used generalized estimating equations (GEE) on a sample of S&P 1,500 firms from 2000 to 2018 to test this study's research hypotheses. Return on assets (ROA), investment policy, and payout policy are used as proxies for corporate policies.

Findings

The authors found an increase in ROA and dividend payout in the immediate aftermath. Further, this study's hypothesis does not hold for R&D expenditure and net-working capital as the authors found an insignificant change in them in the immediate aftermath. However, the authors found a significant reduction in capital expenditure, supporting this study's hypothesis in the context of investment policy. Institutional investors and product similarity moderated the spillover effect on corporate policies (ROA, dividend payout, and capital expenditure).

Originality/value

The authors address a novel aspect of CEO performance-induced removal due to poor performance, i.e., the response of other CEOs to CEO performance-induced removal. This study's findings add to the literature supporting the bright side of CEOs' response to CEO performance-induced removal in peer firms due to poor performance.
Evaluating the effectiveness of two behaviour change techniques designed to improve safe food-handling among consumers
Authors: Charlesworth Jessica , Rowland Olivia , Mullan Barbara
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Safe food-handling media campaigns have been successful at improving some safe food-handling behaviours among consumers. However, little is known about whether specific mechanisms of change, such as habit and perceived risk, can improve the effectiveness of safe food-handling campaign materials. Consequently, this study aims to determine if habit and risk-based behaviour change techniques can improve the effectiveness of safe food-handling media campaign materials.

Design/methodology/approach

A prospective experimental design was used. Participants completed baseline measures of habit, perceived risk and behaviour before watching two short safe food-handling video advertisements. Participants were then randomly assigned to complete either a habit or a perceived risk-based behaviour change technique task. Two weeks later, participants completed the baseline measures again. A series of multivariate analyses of variance were conducted to determine differences over time between the two groups in relation to habit, perceived risk and behaviour.

Findings

Significant increases in habit (p < 0.001), perceived risk (p < 0.001) and behaviour (p < 0.001) among all participants were found over the study period. However, there were no significant differences in these changes between participants who completed either task for the majority of the target behaviours and related constructs. This suggested that both habit and risk-based behaviour change techniques may help improve campaign materials; however, future research is needed to determine these effects in comparison to a non-active control group.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to compare the use of two behaviour change techniques for improving safe food-handling health messaging materials. Future safe food-handling media campaigns would benefit from including habit and risk-based behaviour change techniques.
Subnuclear renal tubular vacuoles in alcohol use disorder
Authors: Auld Finn M. , Parai Jaqueline L. , Milroy Christopher M.
Published: July 2023

Subnuclear vacuoles in the proximal renal tubules have been reported as a histologic sign of ketoacidosis. Originally described in diabetic ketoacidosis, renal vacuoles can be found in other ketogenic states such as alcoholic ketoacidosis (AKA), starvation, and hypothermia, underpinned by deranged fatty acid metabolism. A retrospective analysis of 133 deaths associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD) examined at autopsy between 2017 and 2020 was undertaken. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of subnuclear vacuoles in deaths of those with AUD and their specificity for deaths from AKA, and to elucidate what demographic, biochemical, and pathologic findings are associated with subnuclear vacuoles. In each case, vitreous humor biochemistry including electrolytes, glucose, and beta‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) was analyzed alongside postmortem hemoglobin A1c and renal and liver histology. Renal histology was graded for the presence of vacuoles as absent (0), scanty (1), or easily identifiable (2). Liver histology was graded for steatosis and for fibrosis if Masson trichrome staining was available. Vacuoles were commonly seen in the deaths of those with AUD. They were seen in deaths due to AKA but were not specific to that cause of death. With vacuoles present, lower vitreous sodium (139 vs. 142 mmol/L; p = 0.005), higher vitreous BHB (1.50 vs. 1.39 mmol/L; p = 0.04), severe hepatic steatosis, and severe hepatic fibrosis were seen, compared with those without renal vacuoles.
Dysbiosis of intestinal homeostasis contribute to Whitmania pigra edema disease
Authors: Dai Caijiao , Chen Xin , Qian Shiyu , Fan Yihui , Li Lijuan , Yuan Junfa
Published: July 2023

Whitmania pigra is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. However, W. pigra is being threatened by an edema disease with unknown causes (WPE). In this study, a comprehensive exploration of virome, microbiome, and metabolome aberrations in the intestine of W. pigra was performed to address the aetiology of WPE. Virome analysis indicated that eukaryotic viruses did not contribute to WPE, whereas an expansion of Caudovirales was observed in WPE. Compared to the control, the microbial richness and diversity in diseased W. pigra decreased remarkably. Nine genera, including Aeromonas, Anaerotruncus, Vibrio, Proteocatella, Acinetobacter, and Brachyspira were overrepresented in WPE, whereas eleven genera, including Bifidobacterium, Phascolarctobacterium, Lactobacillus, Bacillus and AF12, were enriched in healthy individuals. Furthermore, certain metabolites, especially amino acids, short‐chain fatty acids, and bile acids, were found to be linked to intestinal microbiota alterations in WPE. An integration of the microbiome and metabolome in WPE found that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota or metabolites caused WPE. Notably, W. pigra accepted intestinal microbiota transplantation from WPE donors developed WPE clinical signs eventually, and the dysbiotic intestinal microbiota can be recharacterized in this recipient W. pigra. Strikingly, pathological features of metanephridium and uraemic toxin enrichment in the gut indicated a putative interconnection between the gut and metanephridium in WPE, which represents the prototype of the gut–kidney axis in mammals. These finding exemplify the conservation of “microecological Koch's postulates” from annelids to insects and other vertebrates, which provides a direction of prevention and treatment for WPE and opens a new insight into the pathogenesis of aquatic animal diseases from an ecological perspective.
Roy's love for dogs
Authors: Fox Aaron A.
Published: July 2023

In this “hundreds” honoring Kathleen Stewart, I tell a story about an Inuit hunter and his love for dogs.
In Search for Soul: The Contribution of Analytical Psychology to Heal Human Rights Violations
Authors: Luci Monica
Published: July 2023

Humanity continues to experience serious violations of human rights, and the recent critical events, like the COVID‐19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, seem to have directly or indirectly intensified the occurrence of violations of human rights like torture, enforced disappearances, human trafficking, gender‐based violence and war crimes. Can analytical psychology make a significant contribution to the prevention, treatment, remedying such violations, from the individual level to the most macro level of socio‐political systems? I will support the thesis that the Jungian concept of soul has a special role in such an endeavour. My proposal is that when a social terrifying threat, like in the case of widespread social violence, is perceived at the social level, the functioning of the individual Self and society may change dramatically. In particular, both lose their containing function and are subjected to an unconscious massive collective pressure to align themselves to a specific kind of functioning that I call monolithic functioning. It is the splintering of what I call the reflective triangle, which is illustrated here, and has an effect on societal, groupal, interpersonal and intrapsychic levels. Some vignettes from a clinical case of a patient who suffered torture and gender‐based violence are presented to illustrate how these human rights violations affect the three levels mentioned.
Personalised indocyanine‐guided lymphadenectomy for prostate cancer: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: de Pablos‐Rodríguez Pedro , Claps Francesco , Rebez Giacomo , Vidal Crespo Natalia , Gómez‐Ferrer Álvaro , Mascarós Juan Manuel , Collado Serra Argimiro , Caltrava Fons Ana , Rubio‐Briones José , Casanova Ramon Borja Juan , Ramírez Backhaus Miguel
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To study the safety and efficacy of a personalised indocyanine‐guided pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) against extended PLND (ePLND) during radical prostatectomy (RP).

Patients and Methods

Patients who were candidates for RP and lymphadenectomy, with intermediate‐ or high‐risk prostate cancer (PCa) according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, were enrolled in this randomised clinical trial. Randomisation was made 1:1 to indocyanine green (ICG)‐PLND (only ICG‐stained LNs) or ePLND (obturator fossa, external, internal, and common iliac and presacral LNs). The primary endpoint was the complication rate within 3 months after RP. Secondary endpoints included: rate of major complications (Clavien–Dindo Grade III‐IV), time to drainage removal, length of stay, percentage of patients classified as pN1, number of LNs removed, number of metastatic LNs, rate of patients with undetectable prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), biochemical recurrence (BCR)‐free survival, and rate of patients with androgen‐deprivation therapy at 24 months.

Results

A total of 108 patients were included with a median follow‐up of 16 months. In all, 54 were randomised to ICG‐PLND and 54 to ePLND. The postoperative complication rate was higher in the ePLND (70%) vs the ICG‐PLND group (32%) (P < 0.001). Differences between major complications in both groups were not statically significant (P = 0.7). The pN1 detection rate was higher in the ICG‐PLND group (28%) vs the ePLND group (22%); however, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.7). The rate of undetectable PSA at 12 months was 83% in the ICG‐PLND vs 76% in the ePLND group, which was not statistically significant. Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences in BCR‐free survival between groups at the end of the analysis.

Conclusions

Personalised ICG‐guided PLND is a promising technique to stage patients with intermediate‐ and high‐risk PCa properly. It has shown a lower complication rate than ePLND with similar oncological outcomes at short‐term follow‐up.
Attention to novelty interferes with toddlers' emerging memory decision‐making
Authors: Leckey Sarah , Bhagath Shefali , Johnson Elliott G. , Ghetti Simona
Published: July 2023

Memory decision‐making in 26‐ to 32‐month‐olds was investigated using visual‐paired comparison paradigms, requiring toddlers to select familiar stimuli (Active condition) or view familiar and novel stimuli (Passive condition). In Experiment 1 (N = 108, 54.6% female, 62% White; replication N = 98), toddlers with higher accuracy in the Active condition showed reduced novelty preference in that condition, but not in the Passive condition (d = −.11). In Experiment 2 (N = 78; 52.6% female; 70.5% White), a brief 5% increase in target size boosted gaze transitions across conditions (d = .50) and accuracy in the Active condition (d = .53). Overall, evidence suggests that better attentional distribution can support decision‐making. Research was conducted between 2014 and 2020 in Northern California.
White matter structural topologic efficiency predicts individual resistance to sleep deprivation
Authors: Guo Fan , Zhang Tian , Wang Chen , Xu Ziliang , Chang Yingjuan , Zheng Minwen , Fang Peng , Zhu Yuanqiang
Published: July 2023

Background

Sleep deprivation (SD) is commonplace in modern society and there are large individual differences in the vulnerability to SD. We aim to identify the structural network differences based on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) that contribute to the individual different vulnerability to SD.

Methods

The number of psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) lapses was used to classify 49 healthy subjects on the basis of whether they were vulnerable or resistant to SD. DTI and graph theory approaches were used to investigate the topologic organization differences of the brain structural connectome between SD‐vulnerable and ‐resistant individuals. We measured the level of global efficiency and clustering in rich club and non‐rich club organizations.

Results

We demonstrated that participants vulnerable to SD had less global efficiency, network strength, and local efficiency but longer shortest path length compared with participants resistant to SD. Lower efficiency was mainly distributed in the right insula, bilateral thalamus, bilateral frontal, temporal, and temporal lobes. Furthermore, a disrupted subnetwork was observed that consisted of widespread connections. Moreover, the vulnerable group showed significantly decreased strength of the rich club compared with the resistant group. The strength of rich club connectivity was found to be correlated negatively with PVT performance (r = −0.395, p = 0.005). We further tested the reliability of the results.

Conclusion

The findings revealed that individual differences in resistance to SD are related to disrupted topologic efficiency connectome pattern, and our study may provide potential connectome‐based biomarkers for the early detection of the vulnerable degree to SD.
Agminated presentation of fusion‐driven melanocytic neoplasms
Authors: Fumero‐Velázquez Mónica , Hagstrom Michael , Dhillon Soneet , Olivares Shantel , Jennings Lawrence J. , Dittman David , Sukhanova Madina , Arva Nicoleta C. , Goldstein Seth D. , Theos Amy , Pavlidakey Peter , Carr Zachary , Gerami Pedram
Published: July 2023

Background

The conventionally understood pathogenesis of agminated Spitz nevi includes a mosaic HRAS mutation followed by copy number gains in 11p. However, we have recently observed agminated presentations of fusion‐driven melanocytic neoplasms.

Methods

We retrieved cases from our database of benign fusion‐induced melanocytic neoplasms with an agminated presentation. Both the primary lesion and the secondary lesion were sequenced. TERT‐promoter mutational testing and the melanoma fluorescence in situ hybridization assay were also performed.

Results

Three cases were included. Two had a PRKCA fusion (partners ATP2B4 and MPZL1) and one had a ZCCHC8::ROS1 fusion. None of the cases met morphologic or molecular criteria for malignancy. There was no evidence of tumor progression in secondary lesions. The same fusion was identified in the primary and secondary lesions. None of the patients developed evidence of nodal or systemic metastasis.

Conclusions

We present accumulating evidence that fusion‐driven melanocytic neoplasms can present with an agminated presentation. The differential diagnosis of an agminated presentation versus a locally recurrent or potentially locally metastatic tumor is critical, and accurate diagnosis has significant prognostic and therapeutic consequences for the patient. As with HRAS mutations, fusion‐driven melanocytic tumors may have an agminated presentation.
Population density and genetic diversity are positively correlated in wild felids globally
Authors: Azizan Amira , Anile Stefano , Nielsen Clayton K. , Paradis Emmanuel , Devillard Sébastien
Published: July 2023

Aim

Insights into the biological and evolutionary traits of species, and their ability to cope with global changes, can be gained by studying genetic diversity within species. A cornerstone hypothesis in evolutionary and conservation biology suggests that genetic diversity decreases with decreasing population size, however, population size is difficult to estimate in threatened species with large distribution ranges, and evidence for this is limited to few species. To address this gap, we tested this hypothesis across multiple closely related species at a global scale using population density which is a more accessible measure.

Location

Global.

Time Period

Contemporary.

Major Taxa Studied

Wild felids in their natural habitats.

Methods

We obtained data from published estimates of population density assessed via camera trap and within‐population genetic diversity generated from microsatellite markers on 18 felid species across 41 countries from 354 studies. We propose a novel method to standardize population density estimates and to spatially join data using K‐means clustering. Linear mixed‐effect modelling was applied to account for confounding factors such as body mass, generation length and sample size used for the genetic estimates.

Results

We found a significant positive correlation between population density and genetic diversity, particularly observed heterozygosity and allelic richness. While the confounding factors did not affect the main results, long generation length and large sample size were significantly associated with high genetic diversity. Body mass had no effect on genetic diversity, likely because large‐bodied species were over‐represented in our data sets.

Main Conclusions

Our study emphasizes how recent demographic processes shape neutral genetic diversity in threatened and small populations where extinction vortex is a risk. Although caution is needed when interpreting the small population density effect in our findings, our methodological framework shows promising potential to identify which populations require actions to conserve maximal genetic variation.
Exploring the views and experiences of people recovering from a stroke about a new text message intervention to promote physical activity after rehabilitation—Keeping Active with Texting After Stroke: A qualitative study
Authors: Farre Albert , Morris Jacqui H. , Irvine Linda , Dombrowski Stephan U. , Breckenridge Jenna P. , Ozakinci Gozde , Lebedis Thérèse , Jones Claire
Published: July 2023

Background

Participating in exercise following a stroke is essential for recovery. When community‐based rehabilitation services end, some people struggle to remain active. We codesigned Keeping Active with Texting After Stroke (KATS), a text message intervention to support home‐based, self‐directed plans to continue exercising. KATS delivers a series of automated text messages over a 12‐week period from the point of discharge from National Health Service‐funded therapy. The aim of this study was to explore the views and experiences of the first cohort of participants to complete the KATS intervention about the meaning, engagement, workability and worth of the intervention.

Methods

We undertook a qualitative study, theoretically informed by Normalisation Process Theory. We conducted semi‐structured telephone interviews with people with stroke from two Health Boards in Scotland. Data collection took place over two phases, with each participant being interviewed twice: first, halfway through intervention delivery (Week 6) and then again at the end of the intervention (Week 12). All interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.

Results

A total of 24 interviews were conducted with 12 participants. Our findings were organised around four overarching analytical themes: (1) making sense of KATS: timing and complementarity in the rehabilitation journey; (2) engaging with KATS: connection and identification with others; (3) making KATS work: flexibility and tailorable guidance; (4) appraising the worth of KATS: encouragement and friendliness. Participants differentiated KATS from current rehabilitation practice, finding it relevant, fitting and worthwhile. Variations were reported in engagement with behaviour change techniques, but participants were able to tailor KATS use, making it work for them in different ways.

Conclusions

Perceived benefits went beyond promoting physical activity, including feeling supported and connected. Future research will test the effectiveness of KATS in promoting physical activity and explore any associations with relevant social and emotional secondary outcomes.

Patient or Public Contribution

A research funding proposal was developed in collaboration with five people with stroke and three spouses. After securing funding, six people with stroke were invited to join the project's Collaborative Working Group, alongside health professionals and stroke rehabilitation experts, to codevelop the intervention and support the feasibility study.
Electrochemical performance of La0.6Sr0.4CoO3–δ–Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 composite cathode for IT‐SOFCs
Authors: Fan Hongpeng , Liu Zhijun , Wu Yang , Wang Qin , Yang Jun , Guan Wanbing , Han Liang , Wang Jianxin
Published: July 2023

In this work, the performance of solid oxide fuel cells is improved by physically mixing Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 (GDC) in La0.6Sr0.4CoO3–δ (LSC) cathode. The grain size and chemical compatibility of the powder were analyzed using X‐ray diffraction. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the microstructure of powder and cells. The thermal expansion coefficients (TECs) of LSC–GDC powder with different mass ratios were tested (LSC:GDC = 10:0, 9:1, 8:2, 7:3, 6:4, and 5:5) and LSC–GDC (5:5) showed the minimal TEC (1.34 × 10−5 K−1 at 650°C). The cathodes with different mass ratios are prepared by screen printing. The symmetrical cell with LSC–GDC (5:5) had the smallest cathode polarization resistance (0.0801 Ω cm2 at 650°C) and the lowest activation energy (1.12 eV). The button cell with LSC–GDC (5:5) exhibited the maximum power density (513 mW cm−2 at 650°C) and could be discharged for 550 h without significant degradation. The LSC–GDC (5:5) cathode was applied to a flat‐tube solid oxide fuel cell and achieved a high power density of 552 mW cm−2 at 0.8 V. The results show that the LSC–GDC (5:5) has a bright future in commercialization.
“I think I am bilingual, but…”: Teachers’ practices of and student’ attitudes toward translanguaging in a Chinese intercultural communication class
Authors: Wang Zhijie , Shen Bin
Published: July 2023

Translanguaging encourages active and integrated usage of varied languages and other resources and exploitation of students’ whole linguistic repertories and cultural resources in teaching and learning. Zooming into an intercultural communication class in an English‐as‐a‐medium‐of‐instruction (EMI) fashion, the present study intends to discuss the teacher's pedagogical translanguaging practices used in class, the possible influences of these practices on students’ intercultural communication competence (ICC) and students’ attitudes toward these translanguaging practices by adopting a mixed‐method approach of in‐class observation, questionnaires, and semi‐structured interviews. The findings suggest that translanguaging was practiced to serve various purposes in class, namely concept explanation, engagement check, context knowledge reorientation, and maintenance of classroom relationships; the teacher's translanguaging practices could help to promote students’ ICC; students demonstrated positive attitudes toward translanguaging utilized by teachers, while some were concerned about the students’ use of translanguaging in the EMI class where the monolingual ideology was expected to be dominant. Therefore, students’ awareness of translanguaging and multilingualism should be fostered to make full use of their bilingual and multilingual advantages, which will further contribute to cultivating their ICC.
Comparison between lymecycline with multidrug therapy and standard multidrug regimen (WHO‐MDT) in the treatment of multibacillary leprosy patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Diaz Jianella Catrisse D. , Abad‐Venida Ma. Luisa , Espinoza‐Thaebtharm Agnes , Cathryn Salonga Ma. Eleanor , Abad-Casintahan Ma. Flordeliz
Published: July 2023

Background

Hansen's disease or leprosy is a chronic, infectious disease that has locally and globally afflicted all populations. Despite standard treatment with multidrug therapy (WHO‐MDT), the incidence of drug resistance has been an increasingly prevalent global problem in leprosy management. This study compared the effectiveness between lymecycline with WHO‐MDT and standard WHO‐MDT in leprosy treatment.

Methods

The research is a retrospective cohort study at a tertiary hospital from January 2011 to July 2021. Pre‐ and post‐treatment bacillary index, presence of new lesions, nerve function impairment, and leprosy reactions were obtained through chart review.

Results

The results showed a significant difference in bacteriological index (BI) in both groups at the end of the treatment. However, a higher reduction in BI was noted for the lymecycline group. For the group that took WHO‐MDT alone, BI decreased by 0.7 (P < 0.001) whereas patients who took lymecycline and WHO‐MDT had a BI difference of 3 (P < 0.001) upon completion of treatment. A significant decrease in the recurrence of lesions (P = 0.006) and nerve function impairment (P = 0.038) was also noted in the lymecycline group whereas there was no significant difference in leprosy reactions between the two groups.

Conclusion

Lymecycline 600 mg daily for 3 months can be used as an adjunct in cases of leprosy resistance and treatment failure among multibacillary patients. Lymecycline significantly reduced bacillary index, recurrence of skin lesions, and nerve function impairment through its possible immunomodulatory, antiapoptotic, and neuroprotective effects.
Site Disorder as a Predictor for Compositionally Complex 5RE2Zr2O7 Ceramic Phase Stability
Authors: Lowry Daniel R. , Boro Joseph R. , Blea‐Kirby Mia , Valdez Nichole R. , Bishop Sean R.
Published: July 2023

Phase formation and stability of five component compositionally complex rare earth zirconates (5RE2Zr2O7) were investigated by X‐ray diffraction and electron microprobe analysis. Zirconates with different rare earth compositions (LaNdSmEuDy, LaNdSmEuYb, LaNdEuErYb, LaNdDyErYb, SmEuDyYHo, LaYHoErYb, and DyYHoErYb) were synthesized at 1700°C and 2000°C by the solid‐state method to investigate the effect of A‐site site disorder (δA) on phase stability. Increased site disorder results from mixed cation occupancy with localized crystallographic strain and bond disorder. Compositions LaNdSmEuDy (δA = 4.6) and LaNdSmEuYb (δA = 6.0) produced a single pyrochlore phase and compositions SmDyYHoErYb (δA = 2.8), LaYHoErYb (δA = 6.2), and DyYHoErYb (δA = 1.7) produced a single fluorite phase. High δA compositions LaNdEuErYb (δA = 6.9) and LaNdDyErYb (δA = 7.2) produced a pyrochlore and fluorite phase mixture at 1700°C. Single phase was obtained for the latter composition at 2000°C. Of the single phase compositions calcined at 1700°C, LaNdSmEuYb and LaYHoErYb (both with largest δA) showed decomposition to mixed fluorite and pyrochlore phases during lower temperature anneals, indicating entropic stabilization. Comparison with prior work shows a temperature dependence of the critical δA for phase stability, and compositions near it are expected to be entropy stabilized.
Development of a lateral flow immuno‐chromatic strip assay for the detection of cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV‐3)
Authors: Zheng Yihua , Zhou Yi , Zhao Lupin , Li Jiaxun , Lu Liqun , Jiang Yousheng
Published: July 2023

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV‐3) is the main pathogen of koi herpesvirus disease (KHVD), which has caused serious damage to the ornamental and food‐producing carp industry. Effective and rapid on‐site detection methods are needed for early diagnosis of CyHV‐3. A lateral flow immuno‐chromatographic assay (LFIA) using two specific anti‐CyHV‐3 monoclonal antibodies has been developed and validated for on‐site detection of CyHV‐3. MAb 3C9 was used to bio‐conjugate CyHV‐3 antigen with colloidal gold, and MAb 2A8 was used to capture antigen bound colloidal gold on the test line. The control line was lined with goat anti‐mouse IgG to capture unbound colloidal gold to validate performance. The test results can be viewed within 10 min after putting the strip into CyHV‐3 virus infection fluid. The lowest limit of detection for the LFIA test was found to be 1.5 × 104 copies/μL and it showed no cross‐reactivity with other fish viral pathogens. The specificity of the strip was 100% when spleen and kidney tissues of CyHV‐3‐infected and healthy koi were validated at the field level. The LFIA strip will be an effective device for the early detection of CyHV‐3 in the future.
Use of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rong Lim , Ch'ng Daniel , Jia Pingping , Tsoi Kelvin K F , Wong Sunny H , Sung Joseph J Y
Published: July 2023

Background and Aim

Patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) exhibit compositional changes in their gut microbiome, which represents a potential therapeutic target. Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics are microbiome‐targeted therapies that have been proposed as treatment for NAFLD. We aim to systematically review the effects of these therapies in liver‐related outcomes of NAFLD patients.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search in Embase (Ovid), Medline (Ovid), Scopus, Cochrane, and EBSCOhost from inception to August 19, 2022. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that treated NAFLD patients with prebiotics and/or probiotics. We meta‐analyzed the outcomes using standardized mean difference (SMD) and assessed study heterogeneity using Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk‐of‐Bias 2 tool.

Results

A total of 41 (18 probiotics, 17 synbiotics, and 6 prebiotics) RCTs were included. Pooled data demonstrated that the intervention had significantly improved liver steatosis (measured by ultrasound grading) (SMD: 4.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.27, 7.25), fibrosis (SMD: −0.61 kPa; 95% CI: −1.12, −0.09 kPa), and liver enzymes including alanine transaminase (SMD: −0.86 U/L; 95% CI: −1.16, −0.56 U/L), aspartate transaminase (SMD: −0.87 U/L; 95% CI: −1.22, −0.52 U/L), and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (SMD: −0.77 U/L; 95% CI: −1.26, −0.29 U/L).

Conclusions

Microbiome‐targeted therapies were associated with significant improvements in liver‐related outcomes in NAFLD patients. Nevertheless, limitations in existing literature like heterogeneity in probiotic strains, dosage, and formulation undermine our findings. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022354562) and supported by the Nanyang Technological University Start‐up Grant and Wang Lee Wah Memorial Fund.
How to suspect the presence of high‐risk esophageal varices and when to start endoscopic surveillance in children with biliary atresia?
Authors: Poddar Ujjal , Samanta Arghya , Sarma Moinak Sen , Kumar Basant , Lal Richa , Srivastava Anshu , Upadhyaya Vijay Datta , Yachha Surender Kumar , Mandelia Ankur
Published: July 2023

Background and Aim

Portal hypertension determines the outcome of children with biliary atresia (BA) and is common even after a successful Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE). However, there are no clear‐cut guidelines on the age of starting surveillance and the modality (endoscopy vs non‐invasive tests [NITs]). In this cohort study, we analyzed our database to find out the utility of NITs in detecting high‐risk esophageal varices in BA.

Methods

From June 2010 to May 2022, consecutive children of BA who underwent upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy were included. Esophageal varices were classified as high‐risk (grade II with red‐color signs or grade III or IV irrespective of red‐color signs. NITs such as splenomegaly (clinical and USG), platelet count, aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI), and platelet‐to‐spleen diameter ratio were compared between cases with high‐risk and low‐risk varices.

Results

A total of 110 children, 75 boys (66 successful KPE and 44 failed/KPE not performed) were enrolled. The median age at KPE was 85 days (IQR 63–98). Thirteen (11.8%) children presented with UGI bleeding. The first endoscopy revealed gastroesophageal varices in 75.4% of cases, and 32% of them had high‐risk varices. Multivariate analysis revealed failed KPE, history of UGI bleeding, bigger spleen size (> 3.5 cm), lower platelet count (< 150 000), and higher APRI (> 2) are independent predictors of the presence of high‐risk esophageal varices.

Conclusion

Endoscopy is the best in predicting the presence of high‐risk varices that might bleed; hence, early surveillance endoscopy should be started in children with splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, and high APRI score to prevent variceal bleeding.
Comparing artificial intelligence to humans for endoscopic diagnosis of gastric neoplasia: An external validation study
Authors: Quek Sabrina Xin Zi , Lee Jonathan W. J. , Feng Zhu , Soh Min Min , Tokano Masayuki , Guan Yeoh Khay , So Jimmy B. Y. , Tada Tomohiro , Koh Calvin J.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Artificial intelligence (AI) uses deep learning functionalities that may enhance the detection of early gastric cancer during endoscopy. An AI‐based endoscopic system for upper endoscopy was recently developed in Japan. We aim to validate this AI‐based system in a Singaporean cohort.

Methods

There were 300 de‐identified still images prepared from endoscopy video files obtained from subjects that underwent gastroscopy in National University Hospital (NUH). Five specialists and 6 non‐specialists (trainees) from NUH were assigned to read and categorize the images into “neoplastic” or “non‐neoplastic.” Results were then compared with the readings performed by the endoscopic AI system.

Results

The mean accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for the 11 endoscopists were 0.847, 0.525, and 0.872, respectively. These values for the AI‐based system were 0.777, 0.591, and 0.791, respectively. While AI in general did not perform better than endoscopists on the whole, in the subgroup of high‐grade dysplastic lesions, only 29.1% were picked up by the endoscopist rating, but 80% were classified as neoplastic by AI (P = 0.0011). The average diagnostic time was also faster in AI compared with endoscopists (677.1 s vs 42.02 s (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

We demonstrated that an AI system developed in another health system was comparable in diagnostic accuracy in the evaluation of static images. AI systems are faster and not fatigable and may have a role in augmenting human diagnosis during endoscopy. With more advances in AI and larger studies to support its efficacy it would likely play a larger role in screening endoscopy in future.
Practical strategies for robust and inexpensive imaging of aqueous‐cleared tissues
Authors: Williams Rebecca M. , Bloom Jordana C. , Robertus Cara M. , Recknagel Andrew K. , Putnam David , Schimenti John C. , Zipfel Warren R.
Published: July 2023

Lightsheet microscopy offers an ideal method for imaging of large (mm–cm scale) biological tissues rendered transparent via optical clearing protocols. However the diversity of clearing technologies and tissue types, and how these are adapted to the microscope can make tissue mounting complicated and somewhat irreproducible. Tissue preparation for imaging can involve glues and or equilibration in a variety of expensive and/or proprietary formulations. Here we present practical advice for mounting and capping cleared tissues in optical cuvettes for macroscopic imaging, providing a standardised 3D cell that can be imaged routinely and relatively inexpensively. We show that acrylic cuvettes cause minimal spherical aberration with objective numerical apertures less than 0.65. Furthermore, we describe methods for aligning and assessing the light sheets, discriminating fluorescence from autofluorescence, identifying chromatic artefacts due to differential scattering and removing streak artefacts such that they do not confound downstream 3D object segmentation analyses, with mouse embryo, liver and heart imaging as demonstrated examples.
RETRACTED: Comparative effectiveness of low‐level laser therapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in symptomatic Temporomandibular Disorders: A Randomised Control Trial
Authors: Batra Sakshi , Srivastava Adit , Shivakumar Ganiga Channaiah , Marrapodi Maria Maddalena , Herford Alan Scott , Cicciù Marco , Minervini Giuseppe
Published: July 2023

Background

Myofascial pain is one of the most common facial region pains, presenting itself with various signs and symptoms like tenderness of masticatory muscles and difficulty in mouth opening. Considering its multifactorial aetiology various treatment modalities are present.

Objective

The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)and low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) for the patients of temporomandibular disorders (TMDS).

Methods

The study was conducted with 20 patients diagnosed with TMDS. Group A received LLLT at 660 nm, 6 J/point, two sessions/week for 4 weeks and group B received TENS at 2–250 Hz, two sessions/week for 4 weeks.

Results

Pain Score decreased and mouth opening increased in both groups with time, however, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. Right and left lateral excursions showed improvement at different intervals in both groups. However, the LLLT group showed significant improvement.

Conclusion

Clinical trial showed improvement in visual analogue scale (VAS), maximum mouth opening (MMO) and lateral excursion in the different time intervals in both the groups with LLLT showed more improvement with lateral excursions movements.
Research on microstructural‐mechanical and shearing properties of castor seed during mechanical extraction
Authors: Yang Liu , Cui Bo , Chen Huan , Fan Yuchao , Zhang Yonglin , Song Shaoyun , Yin Qiang , Zhao Gang , Hao Zhiqiang
Published: July 2023

Castor seed oil, as an important biomass fuel, has attracted extensive attention worldwide due to inclusive applications. Castor seed screw mechanical extraction is in fact seed shear damage and oil output. Seed shearing mechanism has been investigated with a developed tribometer. Influences of pressing load, shearing speed, roller roughness were analyzed. Castor seed structural damage was in‐situ observed with optical microscope, and in‐depth analyzed with Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy. The results reveal that shear interaction can be divided into three stages: coat damage, transition shearing and endosperm oil output. Seed shear mechanism includes coat peeling, endosperm plowing, tissue transferring and oil lubrication. High pressing load leads to more damage of coat and endosperm, causing more oil to flow out. With shearing speed increasing, coat is easily peeled, obvious endosperm shear plowing and oil lubrication happened in contact area. Coat damage by high roughness leads more oil output. Castor oil enters the contact area and work as lubricant, leading to the decrease of friction resistance.