bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ECP libraries and tools: An overview
Authors: Heroux Michael A , McInnes Lois Curfman , Ahrens James , Gamblin Todd , Germann Timothy C , Li Xiaoye Sherry , Mohror Kathryn , Munson Todd , Shende Sameer , Thakur Rajeev , Vetter Jeffrey , Willenbring James
Published: September 2024

The Exascale Computing Project (ECP) Software Technology and Co-Design teams addressed the growing complexities in high-performance computing (HPC) by developing scalable software libraries and tools that leverage exascale system capabilities. As we enter the exascale era, the need for reusable, optimized software solutions that can handle the unique challenges posed by these systems becomes increasingly important. The primary challenges the ECP teams faced were to create software libraries and tools that are performant on exascale architectures and portable and usable across diverse hardware platforms. Efforts addressed issues related to concurrent execution, memory management, and the integration of heterogeneous computing resources, such as GPUs from multiple vendors. The ECP’s strategy involved a structured development process encompassing the creation, optimization, and deployment of software in collaboration with industry, academia, and national laboratories. The project was organized into several technical areas: co-design of domain-specific suites with target applications, programming models and runtimes, development tools, mathematical libraries, data and visualization tools, and software ecosystem and delivery mechanisms. ECP has successfully developed a large portfolio of software libraries and tools that demonstrate significant improvements in performance and scalability on exascale systems. These products have been integrated into the Department of Energy’s computing facilities, supporting various scientific applications and ensuring robust performance across different hardware setups. ECP advancements in software development for exascale computing highlight the importance of a collaborative and adaptive approach to handling next-generation HPC systems complexities. The lessons learned emphasize the need for continuous engagement with end-users and vendors, and the importance of maintaining a balance between innovation and practical implementation. Future efforts will focus on ensuring scalability, keeping pace with rapid hardware advancements, and further enhancing the interoperability and usability of the software ecosystem. Subsequent articles in this special issue provide in-depth discussions and case studies into specific library and tool efforts.
Where Repronormativity is Questioned: A Case Study of Male Pregnancy in Berlin
Authors: Carapeto Pedro , R Pinho Ana , Lemos Sara , Rodrigues Liliana , Nogueira Conceição
Published: September 2024

Some trans men can get pregnant and through that decision they question repronormative ideals. This study aims to explore the experience of these men and to understand how Berlin, where they live, may influence their experience of pregnancy. To do so, a case study was conducted and, using semi-structured interviews, two participants talked about their experiences in the city, parenthood, masculinity, pregnancy and social experience. The results were analyzed following the thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke. Four main themes emerged: (1) unseen pregnancy, (2) (un)identity challenges, (3) interpersonal experiences of a pregnant man and (4) specificities of life in Berlin. All the themes seem to be involved with negotiations between their personal experiences and the social expectations about their pregnancy. The main results reveal that pregnancy was conceptualized by participants as a masculine experience, despite the lack of recognition by society. Some characteristics of Berlin - as the existence of a supportive Queer community, the economic and political system, and the existence of certain laws - seem to have an influence on the decision of these people to get pregnant. However, participants reported experiences of discrimination and invisibility. Therefore, despite the evidence of some protector factors, the city is not completely free of the violence inherent to a cisheterosexist system. The principal practical implications of this work are the creation of inclusive and safe spaces, free of discrimination, to allow the integration of visibility around masculine pregnancy, if people decide to, in order to improve recognition and respect.
Flexural and impact response of sandwich panels with Nomex honeycomb core and hybrid fiber composite skins
Authors: Ejaz Hassan , Khalid Sameer , Saeed M. Babar , Nadeem Abdullah
Published: September 2024

This study examined the flexural and impact responses of sandwich panels with honeycomb core and hybrid fiber-reinforced composite skins. The influence of laminate composition and thickness on these mechanical properties was investigated. Carbon, glass, and Kevlar fibers were employed in various combinations to fabricate the composite skins. The findings revealed a general trend of increasing flexural strength, modulus, and toughness with rising laminate thickness. However, the laminate configuration exerted a significant influence. Configurations with a higher carbon fiber content exhibited superior strength but reduced strain (ductility). Conversely, configurations incorporating glass or Kevlar fibers demonstrated enhanced ductility at the expense of strength. Overall, configurations utilizing dry carbon fabric skins achieved the highest flexural strength and toughness, while the combination of carbon and glass fibers offered a desirable compromise between strength and ductility. Regarding impact resistance, configurations with solely carbon fibers initially showed the best performance. However, configurations employing a combination of carbon and glass fibers exhibited a noteworthy increase in impact strength with increasing laminate thickness. This observation suggests that the inclusion of glass fibers alongside carbon fibers provides a well-balanced combination of strength and energy absorption capability.
Long-term prognosis of penetrating keratoplasty in a patient with limited form of Scleroderma- a case report
Authors: Anitha Venugopal , Patwardhan Veena , Ravindran Meenakshi
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To explore the challenges of managing recurrent graft rejections in patients with Macular Corneal Dystrophy (MCD) undergoing Penetrating Keratoplasty (PKP) who also have an underlying diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis, specifically the limited form known as CREST syndrome.

Methods

The case of a 47-year-old female diagnosed with MCD who underwent multiple PKPs over a 13 year period was reviewed. The patients treatment included extensive surgical interventions (PKPs, amniotic membrane transplatation, tarsorrhaphy) and medical management involving systemic and topical steroids and immunosuppressive therapy (Tacrolimus ointment).

Results

Initial PKP surgeries improved the patients vision, but subsequently graft rejections,both acute and chronic, required further surgical and medical interventions. Despite aggressive management, the patient experienced multiple graft failures, with the final visual outcome being significantly compromised (vision 6/60). the presence of CREST syndrome complicated the management and prognosis of graft survival.

Conclusion

This case illustrates the significant impact of systemic autoimmune disorders like CREST syndrome on the prognosis of PKP in patients with MCD. It highlights the necessity for diligent systemic evaluation and possibly more aggressive immunosuppresive strategies to manage graft rejections and prolong graft survival in such complex clinical scenarios.
Label Transfer for Drug Disease Association in Three Meta-Paths
Authors: Dao Nam Anh , Le Manh Hung , Dang Xuan Tho
Published: September 2024

The identification of potential interactions and relationships between diseases and drugs is significant in public health care and drug discovery. As we all know, experimenting to determine the drug-disease interactions is very expensive in both time and money. However, there are still many drug-disease associations that are still undiscovered and potential. Therefore, the development of computational methods to explore the relationship between drugs and diseases is very important and essential. Many computational methods for predicting drug-disease associations have been developed based on known interactions to learn potential interactions of unknown drug-disease pairs. In this paper, we propose 3 new main groups of meta-paths based on the heterogeneous biological network of drug-protein-disease objects. For each meta-path, we design a machine learning model, then an integrated learning method is formed by these models. We evaluated our approach on 3 standard datasets which are DrugBank, OMIM, and Gottlieb’s dataset. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is better than some recent methods such as EMP-SVD, LRSSL, MBiRW, MPG-DDA, SCMFDD,. . . in some measures such as AUC, AUPR, and F1-score.
Iinaaka Siinakupii Tsiniikii (Little video storyteller): co-designing digital literacy with Piikani First Nation
Authors: McMahon Rob , Mack Amy C , Many Guns Herman
Published: September 2024

Tensions persist in co-designing appropriate forms of digital literacy with Indigenous peoples, particularly in contexts of settler colonialism. Given the historically extractive nature of many institutional research relations with Indigenous peoples, emphasis should be placed on community-led approaches to learn how people are adapting and adopting digital technologies. Through concepts like Niitooii (the same that is real; paralleling), Indigenous peoples offer guidance to ensure projects generate reciprocal benefits for both researchers and communities. In this context, our article documents a multi-year project to co-design a land-based camp blending Piikani (Scabby Robe People; an Indigenous People, prairie regions of Alberta, Canada and northern Montana, USA) First Nation culture with digital literacy pedagogies. Guided by Aapátohsipikáni (Northern Piikani, an Indigenous People, prairie region of Alberta, Canada) scholarship and research on Indigenous-settler relations and methodologies, we illustrate how our long-term, iterative project design generated good relations and moments of tension and transformation.
A Simple, Fast, and Reliable Method for the Identification of Candida albicans
Authors: Chiang Su Jane Fan , Chien Mei-Kuei , Tsai Chang-Yi , Hsiao Jui-Chang , Koo Fan-Hlan , Yen Yung-Feng , Chou Yi-Chang , Cheng Chih-Chien
Published: September 2024

Background:

Candida is one of the common pathogens in nosocomial infections. Culture is the gold standard for diagnosing candidemia. Candida albicans is identified via the germ tube test, which uses serum as the culture medium, which is costly and time-consuming. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare a relatively simple, fast, and reliable method for the detection of Candida albicans.

Methods:

We conducted this randomized case study at Taipei City Hospital (TCH) from January 2023 to August 2023, with a total of 30 specimen culture reports collected and confirmed to be cases of Candida albicans infection. A germ tube test was performed in a 37°C water bath using serum, plasma, and safe plasma products (Fresh Frozen Plasma, FFP). Further, the same procedures were repeated with the addition of 22% bovine serum albumin (BSA) to the identification/culture.

Results:

By adding BSA, more than 50% of the budding phenomenon was observed in 40 minutes, which shortened the diagnosis time compared with the traditional method (2-3 hours). Using BSA can shorten the identification time for early clinical medication and improve the quality of medical care

Conclusion:

Using safer plasma products for germ tube test of candidiasis not only reduced the risk of infection for medical technicians but could also replace the serum used in traditional methods to increase convenience and save time. This study proposed BSA as a germ tube induction medium enhancer, which reduced the culture time, thereby enabling quicker diagnosis of C. albicans infections.
Trends in Level of Implementation of the WHO FCTC Article 5.3 in India
Authors: Bassi Shalini , Chopra Mansi , Chugh Aastha , Das Shivangi , Bhojani Upendra , Nazar Gaurang P. , Amin Adhip , Dutta Jhumki , Lal Pranay , Gupta P. C. , Arora Monika
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The tobacco industry intends to ensure continuing marketing of tobacco products by influencing and interfering in tobacco control policies. This paper assessed trends of tobacco industry interference (TII), the level of implementation, and the government’s response to enforcing Article 5.3 guidelines in India to safeguard tobacco control efforts from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive comparative analysis of four consecutive India TII Indexes (January 2018-December 2021) based on the seven key 5.3 recommendations and twenty indicators to capture (i) the Level of Industry Participation, (ii) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Activities, (iii) Benefits to the Tobacco Industry, (iv) Forms of Unnecessary Interactions, (v) Transparency, (vi) Conflict of Interest, and (vii) Preventive Measures. The Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance’s (SEATCA) TII Index was used to undertake this assessment.

Results

The comparative analysis showed that the overall score of the India TII Indexes over the years decreased from 72 (2018) to 57 (2021). Improvements were shown over the years in adherence to Article 5.3 for limiting unnecessary interactions with the tobacco industry, avoiding conflicts of interest, and having preventive measures. However, major gaps were observed in restricting industry participation, regulating their so-called CSR, providing benefits to the industry in the form of incentives, exemptions, and maintaining transparency.

Conclusion

The study provides the status of implementing Article 5.3 and its guidelines in India. Given the gaps in the existing measures, India needs to comprehensively adopt Article 5.3 guidelinesin all states and union territories adopting whole-of-government approach. There is an urgent need to establish an observatory for periodic compilation of the TII indexes to monitor the tobacco industry and report violations at the national and sub-national levels.
Giant “Hydra Headed” Uterine Fibroid in a Nullipara: A Case Report
Authors: Igbodike Emeka , Iwuala Ijeoma , Mbonu Chijioke , Okechukwu Ugwu , Funtua Anas , Eleje George , Akinjo Andrea , Ubom Akaninyene , Ikechebelu Joseph , Anunobi Charles , Uche Onwudiegwu
Published: September 2024

Background:

Uterine fibroids, or Leiomyoma is a type of Smooth Muscle Tumors of the uterus (SMTs) and are common in the black race. Giant uterine fibroids, on the other hand, are uncommon and may occur during patient dissimulation. Dissimulation may occur because of a dread of surgery and hospitals visits, fear of surgical death, chronic intake of herbal concussion, and a religio-traditional strong belief system on instant healing following prayers, among others. Myths like belief of defecating the uterine fibroids, some herbs that can melt them away, and the belief that such illness may follow ancestral curses can fuel dissimulation. The surgical approach can be a source of challenge, careful case selection considering the size and number of tumors can be helpful.

Case report:

We present a 35-year-old nulligravida who presented to the clinic with a 14-year history of progressive abdominal swelling. Examination revealed a firm mass with a symphysio-fundal height of 55 cm. She subsequently had an open abdominal myomectomy with all the myoma nodules weighing 12.9 kg in total! Histology confirmed uterine fibroid.

Conclusion:

It is possible to offer open myomectomy in patients with giant uterine fibroid following careful patient selection with a consent for possible hysterectomy. Dissimulation can be minimized with repetitive counseling of patients. The choice of surgery depends on the size and number of uterine fibroids, but surgical approach does not necessarily influence fecundity.
Patient With a Diffuse Large B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in the Right Heart Chamber That Caused Cardiogenic Shock Was Well-Responded to Corticosteroids and Chemotherapy
Authors: Trung Nguyen Kien , Van Dang Ba , Thai Pham Dung , Viet Tran Tien , Dinh Le Tuan , Tien Nguyen Son , Minh Vu Duong , Tien Le Dung , Van Nguyen Bang , Anh Vu Hai , Manh Do Hung , Quang Nguyen Huy , Ba Ta Thang , Huy Duong Hoang , Pham Vu Thu Ha , Duy Nguyen Toan , Hong Le Trung , Van Ngo Dan , Dinh Hoa Trung , Luong Cong Thuc
Published: September 2024

Heart tumors are sporadic. Secondary heart tumors are 30 times more common than primary ones. Depending on the location and origin of the tumor, clinical pictures vary from asymptomatic to severe manifestations such as arrhythmia, heart failure, pericardial effusion, and cardiogenic shock. We report hereby a rare case who presented with faint clinical symptoms, rapidly progressing to right heart failure within a month. Echocardiography and computed tomography of the chest revealed a tumor in the right heart chamber of 72.0 × 43.0 mm, in addition to large mediastinal lymph and left supraclavicular lymph nodes, cardiogenic shock appeared 4 days after admission. Through examination, it was suspected that this was a cardiac lymphoma. The patient was treated with 2 mg methylprednisolone per kg body weight. Symptoms of cardiogenic shock improved significantly and disappeared after 6 hours of treatment. After supraclavicular lymph node biopsy and immunohistochemistry, the final result was diagnosed as diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma with large lymphoma in the right heart. The patient received chemotherapy with the R-CHOP regimen (Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, and Prednisolone). Re-examination before the 5th chemotherapy cycle showed no signs of right heart failure, normal self-activity, and no dyspnea on exertion, and the tumor size in the heart on the echocardiogram was 23.8 × 19.1 mm. The report shows that a large right heart tumor with a clinical picture of cardiogenic shock in a patient with diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma was well-responded to initial treatment with methylprednisolone at a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight and R-CHOP chemotherapy.
Digital Racism and Antiracism Toward Asian and Muslim Communities During the Covid-19 Pandemic: The Australian Experience
Authors: Haw Ashleigh L.
Published: September 2024

Australia witnessed a substantial degree of racism toward Asian and Muslim communities during the Covid-19 pandemic, much of which was shared and amplified on social media. However, while a growing body of national and international literature has illuminated the problem of racism during significant crisis events, limited studies have addressed how these narratives are both produced and resisted in online spaces. In this paper, I present the findings of a Thematic Content Analysis of how Asian and Muslim communities were constructed on Twitter/X during Australia's 2020–2021 lockdowns. Drawing on the literature surrounding Networked Counterpublics—and analyzed through a Systemic Racism lens—findings illuminate how publics used Twitter/X as a space to both legitimize and contest racist narratives relating to the pandemic, further demonstrating the power of social media as a vehicle for the amplification and resistance of racism during a significant global crisis.
Hand functioning in progressive multiple sclerosis improves with tDCS added to daily exercises: A home-based randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Pilloni Giuseppina , Lustberg Matthew , Malik Martin , Feinberg Charles , Datta Abhishek , Bikson Marom , Gutman Josef , Krupp Lauren , Charvet Leigh
Published: September 2024

Background:

Many individuals with progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) are challenged by reduced manual dexterity and limited rehabilitation options. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) during motor training can improve rehabilitation outcomes. We developed a protocol for remotely supervising tDCS to deliver sessions of stimulation paired with training at home.

Objective:

This study evaluated the effectiveness of at-home tDCS paired with manual dexterity training for individuals with PMS.

Methods:

Sixty-five right-hand dominant participants with PMS and hand impairment were randomized to receive either active or sham M1-SO tDCS paired with manual dexterity training over 4 weeks. Clinical outcomes were measured by the changes in Nine-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT) and Dellon-Modified-Moberg-Pick-Up Test (DMMPUT).

Results:

The intervention had high rates of adherence and completion (98% of participants completed at least 18 of 20 sessions). The active tDCS group demonstrated significant improvement for the left hand compared with baseline in 9-HPT (−5.85 ± 6.19 vs −4.23 ± 4.34, p = 0.049) and DMMPUT (−10.62 ± 8.46 vs −8.97 ± 6.18, p = 0.049). The active tDCS group reported improvements in multiple sclerosis (MS)-related quality of life (mean increase: 5.93 ± 13.04 vs −0.05 ± −8.27; p = 0.04).

Conclusion:

At-home tDCS paired with manual dexterity training is effective for individuals with PMS, with M1-SO tDCS enhancing training outcomes and offering a promising intervention for improving and preserving hand dexterity.
Is there a prodrome to NMOSD? An investigation of neurologic symptoms preceding the first NMOSD attack
Authors: Lee Sydney , Marrie Ruth Ann , Fadda Giulia , Freedman Mark S , Lee Liesly , Muccilli Alexandra , Vyas Manav V , Konig Andrea , Rotstein Dalia L.
Published: September 2024

Background:

It is unknown whether people with aquaporin-4 antibody positive (AQP4-IgG+) neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) experience a prodrome, although a few cases report AQP4 + serology up to 16 years before the first attack.

Objectives:

To evaluate whether individuals with AQP4-IgG + NMOSD have prodromal neurologic symptoms preceding the first attack.

Methods:

We reviewed medical records of participants meeting the 2015 diagnostic criteria for AQP4-IgG + NMOSD from four demyelinating disease centres in the Canadian NMOSD cohort study CANOPTICS. We searched for neurologic symptoms occurring at least 30 days before the first attack.

Results:

Of 116 participants with NMOSD, 17 (14.7%) had prodromal neurologic symptoms. The median age was 48 years (range 25–83) at first attack; 16 (94.1%) were female. Participants presented with numbness/tingling ( n = 9), neuropathic pain ( n = 5), visual disturbance ( n = 4), tonic spasms ( n = 2), Lhermitte sign ( n = 2), severe headache ( n = 2), incoordination ( n = 2), weakness ( n = 1), psychosis ( n = 1) or seizure ( n = 1). Of eight who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain, orbits and/or spinal cord, five had T2 lesions. Within 1.5–245 months (median 14) from the onset of prodromal neurologic symptoms, participants experienced their first NMOSD attack.

Conclusions:

One in seven people with NMOSD experienced neurologic symptoms before their first attack. Further investigation of a possible NMOSD prodrome is warranted.
Different shades of leadership A comparative assessment of leaders’ traits in explaining the vote for populist radical right parties
Authors: Angelucci Davide , Baldini Gianfranco , Tronconi Filippo
Published: September 2024

Populist Radical Right parties (PRR) have gained prominence in many European countries, with leadership often considered a key factor in their electoral success. Despite this, limited research has explored how voters’ perceptions of leaders’ traits influence support for PRR parties. This study delves into the impact of perceived leaders’ traits on the vote for PRR parties, using original survey data collected during recent general elections in six European countries (Italy 2022, France 2017, Germany 2017, Austria 2017, UK 2017, Netherlands 2017). Combining descriptive findings and regression analyses, our results reveal three key insights: (1) Voters differentiate among leaders’ traits, with the influence of each trait varying across different party types; (2) the effect of leader’s perceptions on all traits is significant also after taking into account party identification; (3) PRR parties are particularly adept at attracting voters based on positive assessments of leaders’ strength and empathy, more so than other party types.
Economic impacts of tourism demand on the European food and accommodation industry
Authors: Alemayehu Fikru K. , Kumbhakar Subal C. , Lien Gudbrand
Published: September 2024

Sustainability strategies have become central topics in the literature on tourism development, given the significant increase in tourism demand in Europe. This study examines the economic (cost) impact of increased tourism demand on the European Food and Accommodation Industry. We employed three distinct models — pooled linear regression, flexible nonparametric, and semiparametric smooth coefficients — using data spanning European countries from 2005 to 2020. Our findings reveal the heterogeneous impacts of tourist arrivals and length of stay on costs. Although the direct effects were predominantly positive, the indirect effects were found to be negative, resulting in a minor overall negative effect on the average. Furthermore, we found that the proportion of domestic tourists has a notable impact on costs, revealing that higher proportions are linked to lower direct costs but higher indirect costs on average. These findings provide valuable insights for industry stakeholders and policymakers alike.
Modelling and forecasting European Airbnb occupancy during the pandemic: The specific merits of panel-data and Markov-switching models
Authors: Gunter Ulrich , Zekan Bozana , Milone Francesco Luigi
Published: September 2024

This study models European Airbnb occupancy from January 2017 to December 2020 for 43 European countries within an econometric panel-data framework. Besides typical economic covariates, the COVID-19 Stringency Index is employed to allow for the recent pandemic. The counterfactual observations created by two versions of the econometric model (one with and one without European aggregates of macroeconomic controls) are benchmarked against traditional univariate time-series models and a seasonal Markov-switching autoregression. For pandemic times, the latter performs very well in terms of several forecast accuracy measures due to its ability of (a) detecting the pandemic-induced structural break and (b) accounting for seasonal patterns in the data. The econometric models also predict well as they outperform the time-series models in the majority of cases. Hence, the panel-data approach is suitable when looking for economically interpretable Airbnb occupancy forecasts, even during the time of the pandemic.
Producing intimacy in virtual reality
Authors: Glover Ragan
Published: September 2024

This article offers an autoethnographic account of the author’s experiences with facilitating relational intimacy in the Oculus Meta Quest 2 virtual reality (VR) platform. In doing so, it provides accounts of the author conversing, playing games, and watching movies with her relational partner. It also details the author’s user practices for contending with such issues as limited social and physical fidelity, functional limitations of the VR device, infrastructural failure, and data privacy. The discussion is organized into three inter-related sections: (1) intimate-affective experiences in VR, (2) the materialities of VR intimacy, and (3) the politics of VR intimacy. The article applies a critical materialist perspective to interrogate how VR environments might contribute to the production of intimate-affective experiences for some users. It demonstrates how these intimate-affective experiences are produced in coordination with the materialities and attendant politics of VR. The article concludes by suggesting that the politics of platforms and infrastructures become the politics of digitally mediated intimacy.
The influence of patient sex on pulmonary embolism evaluation, treatment modality, and outcomes
Authors: Newman Joshua , Bruno Elizabeth , Allen Sorcha , Moore Jonathan , Zilinyi Robert , Khaliq Asma , Alkhafan Fahad , Vitarello Clara , Lookstein Robert , Keeling Brent , Michael Gibson C , Rosenfield Kenneth , Secemsky Eric A , Rosovsky Rachel P , Darki Amir
Published: September 2024

Background:

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third-leading cause of cardiovascular mortality, accounting for 100,000 deaths per year in the United States. Although sex-based disparities have previously been described in this population, it is unclear if these differences have persisted with the expansion of PE evaluation and treatment approaches. The purpose of this study is to investigate sex-based differences in the evaluation, management, and outcomes of patients with acute PE.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients enrolled in the national Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) Consortium database between October 2015 and October 2022. We evaluated patient demographics, clinical characteristics, diagnostic imaging performed, treatment at several phases of care (pre-PERT, PERT recommendations, and post-PERT), and clinical outcomes.

Results:

A total of 5722 patients with acute PE (2838 [49.6%] women) from 35 centers were included. There were no differences in PE risk category between male and female patients. Women were less likely to undergo echocardiography (76.9% vs 73.8%) and more likely to receive no anticoagulation prior to PERT evaluation (35.5% vs 32.9%). PERT teams were more likely to recommend catheter-based interventions for men (26.6% vs 23.1%), and men were more likely to undergo these procedures (21.9% vs 19.3%). In a multivariable analysis, female sex was a predictor of in-hospital mortality (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.21).

Conclusions:

In this analysis, we identified sex-based differences in the evaluation and management of patients presenting with acute PE. Subsequently, women presenting with acute PE were at higher risk of in-hospital mortality.
Stakeholder perspectives on managing the adolescent sleep crisis using a transdiagnostic self-management app for sleep disturbances: A qualitative follow-up study
Authors: Lau Parky H , Carney Colleen E
Published: September 2024

Sleep problems are diverse and pervasive among the adolescent population. Current sleep health interventions are ill-equipped to address the sleep crisis. We developed DOZE (Delivering Online Zzz’s with Empirical Support), which is a self-management evidence-based app for sleep disturbances. In an initial study, we found that DOZE was perceived as an acceptable and effective support for teen sleep. In a qualitative follow-up study, we engaged with students and other stakeholders to understand their experiences with implementing, disseminating, and using DOZE. The study employed a combination of qualitative surveys and semi-structured interviews to students ( n = 21) and stakeholders (teachers, social workers, and researchers; n = 5), respectively. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify themes related to experiences implementing and engaging with the app. Students reported increased sleep regularity and sleep duration after using DOZE. Facilitators included greater integration of the app with school curriculum, timing of implementation, and researcher involvement in supporting knowledge dissemination and engagement. Barriers included worries about phone use at night and normalized poor sleep patterns among adolescents. There is need to identify ways to support implementation and engagement in different communities. Researchers continue to engage with stakeholders to support timely access to sleep health interventions for adolescents.
Attrition of older adults in web-based health interventions: Survival analysis within an observational cohort study
Authors: Hurmuz-Bodde Marian ZM , Jansen-Kosterink Stephanie M , Hermens Hermie J , van Velsen Lex
Published: September 2024

To identify demographics and personal motivation types that predict dropping out of eHealth interventions among older adults. We conducted an observational cohort study. Participants completed a pre-test questionnaire and got access to an eHealth intervention, called Stranded, for 4 weeks. With survival and Cox-regression analyses, demographics and types of personal motivation were identified that affect drop-out. Ninety older adults started using Stranded. 45.6% participants continued their use for 4 weeks. 32.2% dropped out in the first week and 22.2% dropped out in the second or third week. The final multivariate Cox-regression model which predicts drop-out, consisted of the variables: perceived computer skills and level of external regulation. Predicting the chance of dropping out of an eHealth intervention is possible by using level of self-perceived computer skills and level of external regulation (externally controlled rewards or punishments direct behaviour). Anticipating to these factors can improve eHealth adoption.
Reproductive identity of women undergoing IVF: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Janković Ivana , Spasić Šnele Miljana , Mitrović Milica , Ćirović Nikola , Guberinić Mila , Opsenica Kostić Jelena
Published: September 2024

This study investigated how women undergoing IVF make sense of themselves in the context of their reproductive experiences. Interviews were conducted with fourteen women aged 27–42. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used. Four main themes emerged: Motherhood beyond all, Us and them, Changes in self-perception, My agency. The results are discussed in the context of reproductive identity. It has shown that being a mother is an identity the participants strongly strive for. Participants feel connected to women with whom they share the experience of dealing with infertility and different from those without such an experience. The specificity of their reproductive experience leads to changes in self-perception that can be interpreted as either impairment or growth. On their reproductive journey, they show their agency by undertaking a series of activities (control of thoughts, feelings, and body). Practical implications of the obtained results are discussed.
Comparative efficacy and safety of tenofovir amibufenamide vs tenofovir alafenamide in the initial 48-week treatment of high viral load chronic hepatitis B: A single-centre retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Qing , Xu Jianhua , Liu Dan , Wang Lilin , Ren Shan , Zheng Sujun , Chen Xinyue , Qi Li , Lu Junfeng
Published: September 2024

Background/aim

Tenofovir amibufenamide (TMF) employs innovative ProTide technology and a methylation strategy to enhance the lipid solubility and plasma stability of the amide bond, providing advantages over tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). Despite promising Phase III clinical trial results demonstrating its antiviral efficacy, real-world data on TMF remains scarce. This study evaluates the antiviral efficacy and safety of TMF compared to TAF as the initial treatment in patients with high viral loads of chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Methods

We retrospectively collected clinical data from March 1 2022 to June 30 2022 for highly viremic CHB patients who received either TMF ( n = 58) or TAF ( n = 32) as their initial monotherapy at Beijing YouAn Hospital. To understand the efficacy and safety of TMF over 48 weeks, we compared the virological response rates and HBeAg/HBsAg serological clearance rates between TMF and TAF groups. Also, the changes in serum creatinine, eGFR and serum lipid levels were assessed.

Results

Baseline median HBV DNA levels were 7.85 (6.89, 8.36) IgIU/ml for TMF and 7.44 (6.89, 8.03) IgIU/ml for TAF. Median ALT levels were 102.0 (56.0, 210.0) U/L for TMF and 195.0 (73.5, 371.0) U/L for TAF, with HBeAg positivity rates of 70.7% and 75.0%, respectively. At 48 weeks, virological response rates (HBV DNA <10 IU/ml) were 43.5% (20/46) for TMF and 42.9% (12/28) for TAF ( p = 1.000). ALT normalization rates were 87.9% for TMF and 90.6% for TAF ( p = .969), and HBeAg serological clearance rates were 21.1% and 18.2%, respectively ( p = 1.000). No patients achieved HBsAg clearance. Compared with the baseline, LDL-C levels increased, while eGFR decreased, with no significant differences in serum creatinine, triglycerides and total cholesterol levels noted at week 48 for both TMF and TAF groups.

Conclusion

TMF demonstrates comparable antiviral efficacy to TAF when used as initial therapy in highly viremic CHB patients, with similar impacts on renal function and lipid profiles.
The effects of teacher motivational practice on learner L2 achievement: A self-determination theory perspective using structural equation modeling
Authors: Alrabai Fakieh , Alamer Abdullah
Published: September 2024

A central point that has attracted researchers’ attention for several decades is related to establishing the causal relationship between student motivation and second language (L2) achievement. Based on self-determination theory, we investigated the effects of motivational interventions applied by English language teachers on subsequent L2 achievement through the meditating effect of students’ basic psychological need for autonomy, intrinsic motivation, and motivational intensity. To obtain precise results, we applied structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine whether the impact of the intervention on L2 achievement was direct and/or indirect. The results of SEM indicated that the effect is both direct and indirect, and the model variables explained approximately 87% of the variance in students’ achievement. Moreover, the indirect effects of the intervention on L2 achievement were significant, suggesting the key role that autonomy and intrinsic motivation played in understanding the positive impact of teacher motivational strategies on students’ language achievement. The experimental-driven findings represented by the SEM model in the present study denote a strong empirical evidence of the role of teacher motivational practice on student L2 achievement and important implications for the English as a foreign language (EFL) profession in this regard.
Relative clause attachment preferences of late bilinguals
Authors: Mergen Filiz , Karakoç Nihal Yetkin
Published: September 2024

Aims and Objectives/Purpose/Research Questions:

This study examines how late bilinguals parse temporarily and globally ambiguous relative clauses, and whether this preference is modulated by their reading habits. Research questions are as follows: (1) Do late bilinguals’ attachment preferences differ as the task varies, for example, translating versus identifying the NP modified by the given RC? (2) Are attachment preferences influenced by locally or globally ambiguous subject relative clauses? (3) Do late bilinguals’ reading habits have any influence on their attachment preferences in the two tasks?

Design/Methodology/Approach:

We used a self-paced reading task and translation task with a group of late bilinguals whose native language (L1) was Turkish and who learned English (L2) as a foreign language in formal settings ( N = 43).

Data and Analysis:

We performed a repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) on the data.

Findings/Conclusions:

We found that task type influenced participants’ attachment preferences. Greater use of the second noun phrase (NP2) as opposed to the first noun phrase (NP1) was found in the translation task, regardless of ambiguity type, which shows that proficient late bilinguals were able to perform like native speakers. In the question-answer task, however, the reverse pattern observed can be interpreted either as the L1 influence, or alternatively, the underuse of syntactic information in L2, supporting the Shallow Structure Hypothesis (SSH). We found no correlation between the attachment preferences and reading habits of the participants.

Originality:

This study was the first to examine parsing ambiguity in RCs through a translation task.

Significance/Implications:

The results may be taken into consideration in a psycholinguistic approach to translation studies. Further studies may investigate ambiguity parsing by using online tasks backed by the eye-tracking method.
Where are all the Black girls on TikTok?: Exploring in-group community and (in)visibility through #BlackGirlTikTok
Authors: Taylor Zari A. , Abidin Crystal
Published: September 2024

Since the global virality of the ‘Renegade’ dance on TikTok and beyond in 2020, concerns regarding the erasure of Black girls have been noted. This paper extends the conversation by considering how Black girls and teenagers may continue to wrestle with visibility and suppression even within a more intimate in-group community of Black TikTokers. In this paper, we assemble an original corpus of TikTok posts purposively sampled from #BlackGirlTikTok and apply content analysis guided by critical technocultural discourse analysis. Our findings reveal that the dominant discourse on #BlackGirlTikTok focused on embodied self-care (i.e. body and beauty care, health and wellness) and Black popular culture (i.e. audio memes, parlance), constituting a niche community for users to commune. However, despite the nomenclature of the hashtag, the users dominating the community were overtly Black women rather than Black girls or teenagers, thus raising issues of visibility, competition, and suppression within the in-group community.
“Ins and outs”: Ethnic identity, the need to belong, and responses to inclusion and exclusion in inclusive common ingroups
Authors: Borinca Islam , Guerra Rita , Uka Fitim
Published: September 2024

An often overlooked aspect of intergroup relations is how people react to inclusion in a beneficial superordinate category. To examine this issue, we conducted four studies ( N = 1,686) in Kosovo about the European Union (EU), using adult (Studies 1, 3, 4) and adolescent (Study 2) samples. We employed experimental designs (Studies 1, 3, 4) and a two-wave longitudinal design (Study 2). In Studies 1–3, we assessed ethnic identification before exposing participants to one of three experimental conditions: inclusion in the superordinate category, exclusion, or a control. Results showed that individuals with low ethnic identification perceived less discrimination (i.e., less unfair treatment), greater metahumanization (i.e., being seen as equal), and less collective victimhood (i.e., lower feelings of being unjustly targeted) in the inclusion condition compared to exclusion or control conditions, whereas those with high ethnic identification exhibited the opposite reactions regardless of condition. In Study 4, we assessed the need to belong to the EU and ethnic identification before exposing participants to similar conditions. Results showed that individuals with a high need to belong to the EU perceived less discrimination, greater metahumanization, and lower collective victimhood in the inclusion condition compared to other conditions, regardless of ethnic identification. This pattern also held for those with a low need to belong to the EU and low ethnic identification. However, it did not appear for those with a low need to belong to the EU and high ethnic identification, whose reactions to inclusion differed from those of participants in other conditions. These effects were mediated by collective victimhood.
Prediction and optimization framework of shear strength of reinforced concrete flanged shear wall based on machine learning and non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II
Authors: Zhang Hanwen , Liu Jinlong , Wang Shiqi , Chen Keyu , Xu Lei , Ma Jiaxing , Wang Qinghe
Published: September 2024

Reinforced concrete (RC) flanged shear wall has good lateral strength and stiffness, which has been widely used in building structures. Due to the coupling effect of many factors such as wall section shape, shear span ratio, so the shear performance evaluation of flanged wall is still very limited. This paper proposed a prediction framework for the shear capacity of RC flanged shear walls. A database containing 14 input variables, 1 output variable and 153 samples was constructed to evaluate the prediction accuracy of 11 existing design methods. The Pearson coefficient was used to preliminarily analyze the correlation between variables. The grid search was used to optimize the hyperparameters of 4 machine learning models, and six statistical indicators ( R2, R, RMSE, SD, MAE, and MAPE) were used to comprehensively compare the prediction results of the ML models to determine the best model. On this basis, SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was used to enhance the interpretability of the prediction models, and the mechanism of the input variables on the shear capacity was quantified. A graphical user interface (GUI) was proposed to guide the engineering design. A multi-objective model (MOO) was established to analyze the trade-off between shear performance and cost, thereby determining the best optimal scheme. The results show that the prediction accuracy of the ML models is better than the existing design methods. The XGB model has the best prediction performance, with R2, R, RMSE are 0.99, 0.99, 118.96, respectively. The SHAP method can effectively enhance the interpretability of the ML models, and tw, lw and f ′c are the key parameters affecting the shear capacity of the flanged shear wall.
Experimental investigation on shear behavior of double-row perforated GFRP rib connectors in FRP-concrete hybrid beams
Authors: Xue Weichen , Yan Dawei , Wang Yongsheng , Jiang Jiafei
Published: September 2024

Perforated GFRP rib (PFR) connectors have been used in FRP-concrete hybrid beams due to durability and ease of construction. PFR connectors are parallel FRP plates with predrilled holes positioned in the flange of FRP beams. The optimal plate spacing needs to be determined because it affects the shear performance of PFR connectors. 18 push-out tests were conducted to investigate the effect of plate spacing ( Sl), penetrating GFRP bar diameter ( d), and concrete strength ( fc) on the failure mode, capacity, and shear load-slip (P-S) curves of double-row PFR connectors. Results showed that PFR connectors suffered plate shear failure with the concrete dowel undamaged. Typical P-S curves consisted of micro-slipping and significant-slipping phases. The shear capacity and stiffness of PFR connectors were improved by 33.3% and 45.1%, respectively, by increasing the plate spacing from 1.2  h (where h denotes the plate height) to 3.2  h. The effect of plate spacing on shear capacity and stiffness could be neglected if the ratio ( Sl/ h) was more than 3.2. Specimens with a larger diameter of penetrating bar and higher concrete strength demonstrated higher capacity and stiffness. An empirical equation based on the maximum stress failure criterion was proposed to estimate the capacity of PFR connectors, considering the plate spacing effect, and verified by available data. Additionally, a description of the P-S curve was developed and calibrated by the experimental results.
Synthesis and performance study of biomass-based suppressant and its application in radioactive aerosol sedimentation
Authors: Xie Dong , Jiang Linwen , Zhang Yugui , Li Suzhe , Tang Zengming
Published: September 2024

The decommissioning of nuclear facilities and nuclear accidents may release a various amount of radioactive aerosols, which could pose a serious threat to the natural environment and human health. Therefore, there is a need to develop an eco-friendly aerosol suppressant to control the radioactive aerosol. In this paper, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), rhamnolipid and sophorajaponica glycolipid were selected as the raw material, and the aerosol suppressant was prepared by solution polymerization. The sample was characterized by FTIR, TGA, viscosity, surface tension and contact angle analysis. The results indicated that the grafted reaction was successful. Rhamnolipid and sophorajaponica glycolipid effectively reduced the surface tension of the copolymer solution to 27.7 mN/m, and the contact angle between the polymer solution and experimental dust was decreased to 27.36°. The aerosol sedimentation experiment showed that the suppressant had a significant effect on aerosol. The sedimentation efficiency of concrete aerosols was 87.7%, and the sedimentation efficiency of radioactive aerosols reached 90.8%. It provided an eco-friendly and effective method to quickly and easily control and remove high-concentration radioactive aerosol.