bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Social Vulnerability to Coastal Hazards: A Case Study of Bandar Lampung City Coastal Area
Authors: Asbi A M , Mardiatno D , Ruslanjari D
Published: March 2024

Bandar Lampung City’s coastal area is highly susceptible to coastal hazards due to its location within the subduction zone of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Additionally, the presence of the Anak Krakatau volcano in the Sunda Strait further increases the vulnerability of the city’s coast to natural disasters. This study analyses the current social vulnerability in the coastal area of Bandar Lampung City. The aim is to provide a starting point for disaster management and policy planning in the city. To determine the level of social vulnerability in the coastal area of Bandar Lampung City, social vulnerability mapping is conducted by overlaying four indices: population, population density, sex ratio, and dependency ratio. The data indicates that there is significant variation in the level of social vulnerability among the coastal areas of Bandar Lampung City. Specifically, 8 out of 25 villages in the coastal area of Bandar Lampung City exhibit high levels of social vulnerability. The villages of Bumi Waras, Pesawahan, and Keteguhan have the highest levels of social vulnerability in the coastal area of Bandar Lampung City. As revealed by this study, the indicators of population size and dependency ratio have the most significant impact on the level of social vulnerability. These findings are expected to provide valuable input to stakeholders in their efforts to reduce social vulnerability in coastal areas.
Groundwater Management in Coastal Area of Batang Regency to Anticipate Sea Water Intrusion
Authors: Primacintya V A , Purnama I L S , Mawaddah M R
Published: March 2024

Of the water sources that exist on earth, almost all of human’s daily water needs such as drinking, bathing and washing are sourced from groundwater. Uncontrolled extraction of groundwater can cause various impacts on the environment, such as lowering of the groundwater level and seawater intrusion. Efforts to manage groundwater need to be carried out so that its availability is always maintained. The initial step of this effort is to formulate a management model as a basis for policy determination. For this reason, in this study a dynamic modeling simulation was carried out using dinamic program. The results of the research show that the priority for groundwater management efforts in the coastal area of Batang Regency is to reduce the use of groundwater for the domestic sector which can be done through saving groundwater use or by increasing the capacity of the local water company. Besides that, management through artificial recharge by making infiltration wells or biopore holes is also effective in maintaining the availability of groundwater in this area.
Carrying Capacity of Agricultural Land in Toll Road Construction in Sragen, Indonesia, 2011–2020
Authors: Asrofi M Z , Harini R
Published: March 2024

Sragen Regency has enormous agricultural potential and is among one of the largest rice suppliers for the population of Central Java, Indonesia. However, since the construction of the Solo-Kertosono toll road that passes through the regency, there have been more farmlands converted for non-agricultural purposes. This study was conducted to determine the extent of land conversion into a toll road and assess the carrying capacity of agricultural land from 2011 to 2020. To identify land conversion, data from the Purwodadi Road Management Center in the regency were analyzed. Meanwhile, the mathematical formula introduced by Odum et al. was applied to the secondary data obtained from the Bureau of Statistics to calculate carrying capacity. Results show that from 2011 to 2020, rice fields were converted most extensively into toll roads, with an average of 85.28% conversion. Further, the agricultural land’s carrying capacity in affected districts fluctuated across these years due to several factors, including harvested area, rice production, productivity, and water availability for irrigation.
Spatial Characteristic and Utilization Pattern of Riverside for Tourism Development in Yogyakarta
Authors: Widiyastuti D , Larasati N , Adhitama S Y , Pramesti S
Published: March 2024

The river as a natural attraction has the potential to be developed into a tourist attraction. In its development it requires space to accommodate tourist activities. Both main and supporting activities all require space, so that new spaces development tend to appear to facilitate these activities. Yogyakarta has been undergone an essential transformation in the spatial nature of its riverside due to tourism development. Therefore, this study focuses on the changes that occur in the riverside area due to tourism activities. This research focuses on the spatial characteristic and utilization patterns of riverside along three rivers in Yogyakarta through map analysis and field investigation. The constituent elements are determined, and then spatial characteristics are analysed in term of space used, activities and accessibility. The relationships between these characteristics and utilization pattern are discussed. The riversides developed for tourism activities have been undergone a fundamental change. There are significant relationships between utilization pattern and space used, activities and accessibility. The result presented here can provide a guidance for further development of riverside in Yogyakarta and beyond.
Optimal thermometers with spin networks
Authors: Abiuso Paolo , Andrea Erdman Paolo , Ronen Michael , Noé Frank , Haack Géraldine , Perarnau-Llobet Martí
Published: March 2024

The heat capacity

C

of a given probe is a fundamental quantity that determines, among other properties, the maximum precision in temperature estimation. In turn,

C

is limited by a quadratic scaling with the number of constituents of the probe, which provides a fundamental limit in quantum thermometry. Achieving this fundamental bound with realistic probes, i.e. experimentally amenable, remains an open problem. In this work, we tackle the problem of engineering optimal thermometers by using networks of spins. Restricting ourselves to two-body interactions, we derive general properties of the optimal configurations and exploit machine-learning techniques to find the optimal couplings. This leads to simple architectures, which we show analytically to approximate the theoretical maximal value of

C

and maintain the optimal scaling for short- and long-range interactions. Our models can be encoded in currently available quantum annealers, and find application in other tasks requiring Hamiltonian engineering, ranging from quantum heat engines to adiabatic Grover’s search.
Impact of Ross Gyre on surface circulation in the Amundsen Sea, Antarctica
Authors: He Hailun
Published: March 2024

The east limb of the Ross Gyre approaches the western Amundsen Sea, thereby exerting an influence on the surface circulation dynamics. This study investigates the impact of the zonal movement of the eastern boundary of the Ross Gyre on the surrounding surface geostrophic circulation in January. Specifically, a zonal shift of the eastern boundary of the Ross Gyre induces a substantial shelf-basin circulation within the Amundsen Sea. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the influence of the Ross Gyre on the exchange processes between the Amundsen Sea shelf and basin.
Pluralist Republicanism: Race, Gender and Domination
Authors: Lippert-Rasmussen Kasper
Published: March 2024

Laborde contrasts Default Republicanism with Labordian Republicanism. The latter view ‘answers’ the Probabilistic and the Anti-Psychology Objections to Default Republicanism. The former objection holds that the mere possibility of unconstrained intervention does not matter for unfreedom, whereas the latter contends that it is by virtue of the experience-independent fact of servitude that one is unfree. I argue that people sympathetic to these objections should have reservations about Labordian Republicanism. In any case, republicans should reject the Anti-Psychology Objection. More generally, Pluralist Republicanism might be preferable to Labordian Republicanism.
MoleMCL: a multi-level contrastive learning framework for molecular pre-training
Authors: Zhang Xinyi , Xu Yanni , Jiang Changzhi , Shen Lian , Liu Xiangrong
Published: March 2024

Motivation

Molecular representation learning plays an indispensable role in crucial tasks such as property prediction and drug design. Despite the notable achievements of molecular pre-training models, current methods often fail to capture both the structural and feature semantics of molecular graphs. Moreover, while graph contrastive learning has unveiled new prospects, existing augmentation techniques often struggle to retain their core semantics. To overcome these limitations, we propose a gradient-compensated encoder parameter perturbation approach, ensuring efficient and stable feature augmentation. By merging enhancement strategies grounded in attribute masking and parameter perturbation, we introduce MoleMCL, a new MOLEcular pre-training model based on multi-level contrastive learning.

Results

Experimental results demonstrate that MoleMCL adeptly dissects the structure and feature semantics of molecular graphs, surpassing current state-of-the-art models in molecular prediction tasks, paving a novel avenue for molecular modeling.

Availability and implementation

The code and data underlying this work are available in GitHub at https://github.com/BioSequenceAnalysis/MoleMCL.
Tryptophan metabolism and small fibre neuropathy: a correlation study
Authors: Kushibiki Hanae , Mizukami Hiroki , Osonoi Sho , Takeuchi Yuki , Sasaki Takanori , Ogasawara Saori , Wada Kanichiro , Midorikawa Shin , Ryuzaki Masaki , Wang Zhenchao , Yamada Takahiro , Yamazaki Keisuke , Tarusawa Takefusa , Tanba Taiyo , Mikami Tatsuya , Matsubara Atsushi , Ishibashi Yasuyuki , Hakamada Kenichi , Nakaji Shigeyuki
Published: March 2024

Small nerve fibres located in the epidermis sense pain. Dysfunction of these fibres decreases the pain threshold known as small fibre neuropathy. Diabetes mellitus is accompanied by metabolic changes other than glucose, synergistically eliciting small fibre neuropathy. These findings suggest that various metabolic changes may be involved in small fibre neuropathy. Herein, we explored the correlation between pain sensation and changes in plasma metabolites in healthy Japanese subjects. The pain threshold evaluated from the intraepidermal electrical stimulation was used to quantify pain sensation in a total of 1021 individuals in the 2017 Iwaki Health Promotion Project. Participants with a pain threshold evaluated from the intraepidermal electrical stimulation index <0.20 mA were categorized into the pain threshold evaluated from the intraepidermal electrical stimulation index-low group (n = 751); otherwise, they were categorized into the pain threshold evaluated from the intraepidermal electrical stimulation index-high group (n = 270). Metabolome analysis of plasma was conducted using capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The metabolite set enrichment analysis revealed that the metabolism of tryptophan was significantly correlated with the pain threshold evaluated from the intraepidermal electrical stimulation index in all participants (P < 0.05). The normalized level of tryptophan was significantly decreased in participants with a high pain threshold evaluated from the intraepidermal electrical stimulation index. In addition to univariate linear regression analyses, the correlation between tryptophan concentration and the pain threshold evaluated from the intraepidermal electrical stimulation index remained significant after adjustment for multiple factors (β = −0.07615, P < 0.05). These findings indicate that specific metabolic changes are involved in the deterioration of pain thresholds. Here, we show that abnormal tryptophan metabolism is significantly correlated with an elevated pain threshold evaluated from the intraepidermal electrical stimulation index in the Japanese population. This correlation provides insight into the pathology and clinical application of small fibre neuropathy.
Mutation Rate of AmpC β-Lactamase–Producing Enterobacterales and Treatment in Clinical Practice: A Word of Caution
Authors: Maillard Alexis , Dortet Laurent , Delory Tristan , Lafaurie Matthieu , Bleibtreu Alexandre ,   for the Treatment of AmpC producing Enterobacterales study group, Azoulay Elie , Joseph Adrien , Molina Jean-Michel , Lafaurie Matthieu , Bercot Béatrice , Maillard Alexis , Paccoud Olivier , Bleibtreu Alexandre , Robert Jérôme , Drieux Laurence , Bernier Juliette , Villa Antoine , Maury Éric , Surgers Laure , Chopin Dorothée , Lalande Valérie , Tankovic Jacques , Delory Tristan , Contejean Adrien , Poupet Hélène , Mouthon Luc , Baillard Christophe , Escaut Lélia , Jaureguiberry Stéphane , Cuzon Gaëlle , Dortet Laurent , Chaibi Khalil , El Alaoui Fatma , Zahar Jean-Ralph
Published: March 2024

In a retrospective multicenter study of 575 patients with bloodstream infections or pneumonia due to wild-type AmpC β-lactamase–producing Enterobacterales, species with low in vitro mutation rates for AmpC derepression were associated with fewer treatment failures due to AmpC overproduction (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.5 [95% CI, .2–.9]). However, compared to cefepime/carbapenems, using third-generation cephalosporins as definitive therapy remained associated with this adverse outcome (15% vs 1%).
Prognostic value of left ventricular global longitudinal strain in transcatheter edge-to-edge repair for chronic primary mitral regurgitation
Authors: Shechter Alon , Hong Gloria J , Kaewkes Danon , Patel Vivek , Visrodia Parth , Tacon P Ryan , Koren Ofir , Koseki Keita , Nagasaka Takashi , Skaf Sabah , Makar Moody , Chakravarty Tarun , Makkar Raj R , Siegel Robert J
Published: March 2024

Aims

Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) is a known outcome predictor in transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) for functional mitral regurgitation (MR). We aimed to assess its prognostic yield in the setting of TEER for chronic primary MR.

Methods and results

We conducted a single-centre, retrospective analysis of 323 consecutive patients undergoing isolated, first-time procedures. Stratified by baseline LVGLS quartiles (≤−19%, −18.9% to −16%, −15.9% to −12%, >−12%), the cohort was evaluated for the primary composite outcome of all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalizations, as well as secondary endpoints consisting of mitral reinterventions and the persistence of significant residual MR and/or functional disability—all along the first year after intervention. Subjects with worse (i.e. less negative) LVGLS exhibited higher comorbidity, more advanced HF, and elevated procedural risk. Post-TEER, those belonging to the worst LVGLS quartile group sustained increased mortality (16.9% vs. 6.3%, Log-Rank P = 0.005, HR 1.75, 95% CI 1.08–4.74, P = 0.041) and, when affected by LV dysfunction/dilatation, more primary outcome events (21.1% vs. 11.5%, Log-Rank P = 0.037, HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.02–5.46, P = 0.047). No association was demonstrated between baseline LVGLS and other endpoints. Upon exploratory analysis, 1-month post-procedural LVGLS directly correlated with and was worse than its baseline counterpart by 1.6%, and a more impaired 1-month value—but not the presence/extent of deterioration—conferred heightened risk for the primary outcome.

Conclusion

TEER for chronic primary MR is feasible, safe, and efficacious irrespective of baseline LVGLS. Yet, worse baseline LVGLS forecasts a less favourable post-procedural course, presumably reflecting a higher-risk patient profile.
Measuring up: the significance of measurement invariance in cardiovascular research
Authors: Acuña Mora Mariela , Raymaekers Koen
Published: March 2024

Cardiovascular research frequently involves comparing patient-reported outcomes across groups. These groups can include individuals from different countries or those have different cardiovascular conditions, and it is frequently assumed that their understanding of the assessed outcome is similar. However, to ascertain that this is indeed the case, measurement invariance needs to be evaluated. This psychometric property helps us understand whether a test measures the same underlying construct in the same way across different groups. In the absence of measurement invariance, conclusions regarding group comparisons of the construct at hand may be inappropriate. This Methods Corner paper provides an overview of measurement invariance and an example of how it can be evaluated.
Different Host–Endogenous Retrovirus Relationships between Mammals and Birds Reflected in Genome-Wide Evolutionary Interaction Patterns
Authors: Zheng Wanjing , Gojobori Jun , Suh Alexander , Satta Yoko
Published: March 2024

Mammals and birds differ largely in their average endogenous retrovirus loads, namely the proportion of endogenous retrovirus in the genome. The host–endogenous retrovirus relationships, including conflict and co-option, have been hypothesized among the causes of this difference. However, there has not been studies about the genomic evolutionary signal of constant host–endogenous retrovirus interactions in a long-term scale and how such interactions could lead to the endogenous retrovirus load difference. Through a phylogeny-controlled correlation analysis on ∼5,000 genes between the dN/dS ratio of each gene and the load of endogenous retrovirus in 12 mammals and 21 birds, separately, we detected genes that may have evolved in association with endogenous retrovirus loads. Birds have a higher proportion of genes with strong correlation between dN/dS and the endogenous retrovirus load than mammals. Strong evidence of association is found between the dN/dS of the coding gene for leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 23 and endogenous retrovirus load in birds. Gene set enrichment analysis shows that gene silencing rather than immunity and DNA recombination may have a larger contribution to the association between dN/dS and the endogenous retrovirus load for both mammals and birds. The above results together showing different evolutionary patterns between bird and mammal genes can partially explain the apparently lower endogenous retrovirus loads of birds, while gene silencing may be a universal mechanism that plays a remarkable role in the evolutionary interaction between the host and endogenous retrovirus. In summary, our study presents signals that the host genes might have driven or responded to endogenous retrovirus load changes in long-term evolution.
The Spillover Effects of the Spouse’s Retirement on Depression: Evidence From Chinese Middle-Aged and Older Adult Couples
Authors: Xiong Xiaohan , Li Lin , Li Rui , Yang Hualei , Feng Amei
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The present study expands on previous research by examining whether the spouse’s retirement affects individual depression both directly, by the changes in individual health investment, and indirectly, through the social interaction effect of the couples’ depression.

Methods

Using the panel data from the 2010–2018 China Family Panel Studies, we investigate the direct and indirect spillover effects of the spouse’s retirement on depression among Chinese urban-worker couples (men aged 50–70, women aged 40–60; n = 10,466). To address the potential endogeneity and reflect the social interaction effect of the couples’ depression, we combine the Fuzzy Regression Discontinuity method with simultaneous equations.

Results

Overall, a spouse’s retirement would improve an individual’s depression, with the direct spillover dominating compared to the indirect spillover. Gender heterogeneity indicates that husbands’ depression is improved by wives’ retirement mainly because husbands might receive more healthcare and companionship provided by their retired wives, while wives’ depression is aggravated by husbands’ retirement because of the decline in household income and the lesser health investment. This difference is more evident when wives retire earlier and both spouses retire in the same year. With the spouse’s retirement years increasing, husbands’ depression improves and wives’ depression declines each year. Moreover, spouses’ depression is significantly interactive, and wives’ depression is more vulnerable to husbands’ depression.

Discussion

The results highlight that the health spillover effects of the spouse’s retirement need greater attention in future research and retirement reform.
Mother–Child Closeness and Adult Children’s Time and Financial Assistance
Authors: Lin I-Fen , Hammersmith Anna M
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Drawing on the intergenerational solidarity framework and life course perspective, the authors assessed how mother-child closeness across different life stages is associated with adult children’s time and financial assistance to mothers in later life.

Methods

Using children’s reports of their perceived closeness to mothers from Waves 1 to 4 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) and mothers’ reports about adult children’s time and financial assistance from Wave 2 of the Add Health Parent Study (AHPS) in the United States, the authors investigated how mother-child closeness during adolescence, emerging adulthood, and young adulthood is related to midlife adult children’s support with a focus on difference between mother-daughter (N = 934) and mother-son (N = 899) dyads.

Results

Closeness during young adulthood was an important determinant of adult children’s time assistance to their mothers, regardless of child’s gender. Daughters’ closeness with mothers during young adulthood also had a direct association with their financial support to mothers but not sons’. In contrast, sons’ perceived closeness during emerging adulthood had a direct association with their financial support later in life. Closeness during adolescence had no direct association with later-life transfers of time or money but had an indirect association through its influence on mother-child relationships at subsequent life stages.

Discussion

Mother-child closeness is a continuously evolving process. Although mother-child bond formed during adolescence has no direct influence on help to mothers later in life, it shapes the progression of mother-child interactions over time that eventuates in support.
A physiologic roll for cell surface GlycoRNAs
Authors: Muller William A
Published: March 2024

Glycosylated RNA molecules that can be bound by lectins have been demonstrated on the surfaces of leukocytes, but their physiologic function(s) was not known. A recent study (PMID 38262409) demonstrates that at least 1 function is to promote capture and rolling of neutrophils in the vasculature. Of interest, the neutrophil glycosylated RNA molecules bind to P-selectin but not E-selectin.
Evidence that keratinocyte microvesicle particles carrying platelet-activating factor mediate the widespread multiorgan damage associated with intoxicated thermal burn injury
Authors: Lohade Rushabh P , Brewer Chad , Rapp Christine M , Henkels Karen M , Zhang Wenfeng , Thyagarajan Anita , Singh Shikshita , Manjrekar Pranali , Sabit Taskin , Sahu Ravi P , Travers Jeffrey B
Published: March 2024

Thermal burn injuries can result in significant morbidity and mortality. The combination of ethanol intoxication with thermal burn injury results in increased morbidity through an exaggerated inflammatory response involving many organs. Recent studies have linked involvement of the lipid mediator platelet-activating factor (PAF) in the pathology associated with intoxicated thermal burn injury (ITBI). The present studies tested the roles of PAF and the elevated levels of subcellular microvesicle particles (MVP) generated in response to ITBI in the subsequent multiorgan toxicity. First, thermal burn injury of HaCaT keratinocytes preincubated with ethanol resulted in augmented MVP release, which was blocked by inhibiting the PAF-generating enzyme cytosolic phospholipase A2 and the PAF receptor (PAFR). Second, ITBI of mice resulted in increased proinflammatory cytokine production and neutrophilic inflammation in multiple organs, which were not present in mice deficient in PAFRs or the MVP-generating enzyme acid sphingomyelinase (aSMase). Moreover, the increased bacterial translocation from the gut to mesenteric lymph nodes previously reported in murine ITBI was also dependent on PAFR and aSMase. MVP released from ITBI-treated keratinocytes contained high levels of PAFR agonistic activity. Finally, use of topical aSMase inhibitor imipramine following ITBI attenuated the widespread organ inflammatory response of ITBI, suggesting a potential therapeutic for this condition. These studies provide evidence for PAF-enriched MVP generated in skin, which then act on the gut PAFR, resulting in bacterial translocation as the mechanism for the multiorgan dysfunction associated with ITBI. Inasmuch as aSMase inhibitors are widely available, these studies could result in effective treatments for ITBI.
Justified belief as an epistemic aim of education
Authors: Pfister Jonas
Published: March 2024

Critical thinking is considered to be a central epistemic aim of education. The claim may be about skills, but also about the state of justified belief. In opposition to this latter view, Alvin Goldman claimed that justification is only a means to true belief and that the only fundamental epistemic aim of education is true belief. Harvey Siegel’s response defended the view that justified belief is in fact a fundamental epistemic aim of education. In a recent article, Alessia Marabini and Luca Moretti analyse Siegel’s arguments, reject all of them, and provide two new ones. I defend one of Siegel’s arguments against their objection, raise some doubts about one of their own arguments, and give an additional argument against Goldman’s view.
Discipline, caregiving, and identity work of frontline professionals: Talking about the acts of compliance and resistance in the everyday practices of social workers
Authors: Shams Farshid , Sanderson Kathy
Published: March 2024

This article investigates how the identities of frontline professionals are (re)constructed in their talk about their everyday work activities. Based on a study of a mental health and addiction counselling service organization in Ontario, we illustrate that when talking about acting in accordance with their organizational policies, the social workers’ identities are disciplined by and appropriated from addressing the practices of documentation and regular meetings with their supervisors that constitute the routine processes of organizing. However, when discussing instances where they override the organizationally sanctioned rules, their identities are disciplined by the aspiration of fabricating a client-centred caregiver identity adopted from the dominant discourse in their profession. We, therefore, counterbalance the understanding that professionals’ identity work related to their deliberate micro-emancipation acts are merely an expression of agency and argue that their preferred resistant identities pertaining to their self-declared apparent deviation from the organizational order are also made within frameworks of disciplinary power. By delineating that both discursive conformity and resistance cut across the boundaries between acting in alignment with and against organizational guidelines, we unveil an underexplored complexity of conducting professional identity work associated with the interrelationships between practices of talk and action that has largely been overlooked in prior scholarship. We, therefore, offer an action-related analysis of discursive identity work that extends beyond the context of this study and informs future research.
Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the prone position for esophageal bronchogenic cyst
Authors: Kim Yeon Soo
Published: March 2024

Esophageal bronchogenic cysts are very rare. A bronchogenic cyst is a congenital malformation resulting from abnormal sprouting of primitive bronchi because of a foregut bronchopulmonary malformation. An 18-year-old patient with a cystic tumor in the left posterior mediastinum was identified. The mediastinal tumor was removed by uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The operation was performed in the prone position through a single 4-cm incision on the lateral scapular line in the left ninth intercostal space. After tumor resection, the dissected esophageal muscle and mediastinal pleura were sutured with two continuous barbed sutures. The operation took 80 min. A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of esophageal bronchial cyst. Diet was started on the evening of the operation. The chest tube was removed on the 1st postoperative day, and the patient was discharged without any problems on the 2nd postoperative day.
Robust capital cost optimization of generation and multitimescale storage requirements for a 100% renewable Australian electricity grid
Authors: Shaikh Raheel A , Vowles David J , Dinovitser Alex , Allison Andrew , Abbott Derek
Published: March 2024

Transitioning from a fossil-fuel-dependent economy to one based on renewable energy requires significant investment and technological advancement. While wind and solar technologies provide lower cost electricity, enhanced energy storage and transmission infrastructure come at a cost for managing renewable intermittency. Energy storage systems vary in characteristics and costs, and future grids will incorporate multiple technologies, yet the optimal combination of storage technologies and the role of interconnectors in alleviating storage needs are not widely explored. This study focuses on optimal generation-storage capacity requirements to elucidate associated investments. We propose a multitimescale storage solution consisting of three storage categories and an interconnector between Australia’s eastern and western grids. Subsequently, through an extensive sensitivity analysis, we investigate the impact of specific storage technologies and cost variations. Our findings demonstrate that the proposed interconnector offers a cost-effective solution, reducing generation and storage power capacity needs by 6 and 14%, respectively, resulting in 4% savings on overall investment costs. Moreover, the study’s sensitivity analysis reveals that wind generation provides 50–70% of the energy demand for the least-cost solution. Despite storage inefficiencies, long-duration storage would need to be deployed to support power capacity for 2–4 days, representing 15–40% of peak demand, depending on future technology costs. Subsequently, achieving a fully renewable electricity sector in Australia requires a significant expansion of generation and storage infrastructure, with a 13-fold increase in storage power capacity and a 40-fold increase in storage energy capacity compared to existing levels.
Advances in 3D bioprinting for regenerative medicine applications
Authors: Loukelis Konstantinos , Koutsomarkos Nikos , Mikos Antonios G , Chatzinikolaidou Maria
Published: March 2024

Biofabrication techniques allow for the construction of biocompatible and biofunctional structures composed from biomaterials, cells and biomolecules. Bioprinting is an emerging 3D printing method which utilizes biomaterial-based mixtures with cells and other biological constituents into printable suspensions known as bioinks. Coupled with automated design protocols and based on different modes for droplet deposition, 3D bioprinters are able to fabricate hydrogel-based objects with specific architecture and geometrical properties, providing the necessary environment that promotes cell growth and directs cell differentiation towards application-related lineages. For the preparation of such bioinks, various water-soluble biomaterials have been employed, including natural and synthetic biopolymers, and inorganic materials. Bioprinted constructs are considered to be one of the most promising avenues in regenerative medicine due to their native organ biomimicry. For a successful application, the bioprinted constructs should meet particular criteria such as optimal biological response, mechanical properties similar to the target tissue, high levels of reproducibility and printing fidelity, but also increased upscaling capability. In this review, we highlight the most recent advances in bioprinting, focusing on the regeneration of various tissues including bone, cartilage, cardiovascular, neural, skin and other organs such as liver, kidney, pancreas and lungs. We discuss the rapidly developing co-culture bioprinting systems used to resemble the complexity of tissues and organs and the crosstalk between various cell populations towards regeneration. Moreover, we report on the basic physical principles governing 3D bioprinting, and the ideal bioink properties based on the biomaterials’ regenerative potential. We examine and critically discuss the present status of 3D bioprinting regarding its applicability and current limitations that need to be overcome to establish it at the forefront of artificial organ production and transplantation.
Capi-score: a quantitative algorithm for identifying disease patterns in nailfold videocapillaroscopy
Authors: Gracia Tello Borja del Carmelo , Sáez Comet Luis , Lledó Gema , Freire Dapena Mayka , Mesa Miguel Antonio , Martín-Cascón Miguel , Guillén del Castillo Alfredo , Martínez Robles Elena , Simeón-Aznar Carmen Pilar , Todolí Parra Jose Antonio , Varela Diana Cristina , Maldonado Vélez Genessis , Marín Ballvé Adela , Aramburu Llorente Jimena , Pérez Abad Laura , Ramos Ibáñez Eduardo
Published: March 2024

Objectives

EULAR supports the use of nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) for identifying disease patterns (DPs) associated with SSc and RP. Recently, EULAR proposed an easy-to-manage procedure, a so-called Fast Track algorithm, for differentiating SSc patterns from non-SSc patterns in NVC specimens. However, subjectivity among capillaroscopists remains a limitation. Our aim was to perform a software-based analysis of NVC peculiarities in a cohort of samples from SSc and RP patients and, subsequently, build a Fast Track–inspired algorithm for identifying DPs without the constraint of interobserver variability.

Methods

NVCs were examined by 9 capillaroscopists. Those NVCs whose DPs were consensually agreed upon (by ≥2 out of 3 interobservers) were subsequently analysed using in-house–developed software. The results for each variable were grouped according to the consensually agreed-upon DPs in order to identify useful hallmarks for categorizing them.

Results

A total of 851 NVCs (21 957 images) whose DPs had been consensually agreed upon were software-analysed. Appropriate cut-offs set for capillary density and percentage of abnormal and giant capillaries, tortuosities and haemorrhages allowed DP categorization and the development of the CAPI-score algorithm. This consisted of four rules: Rule 1, SSc vs non-SSc, accuracy 0.88; Rules 2 and 3, SSc-early vs SSc-active vs SSc-late, accuracy 0.82; Rule 4, non-SSc normal vs non-SSc non-specific, accuracy 0.73. Accuracy improved when the analysis was limited to NVCs whose DPs had achieved full consensus between the interobservers.

Conclusion

The CAPI-score algorithm may become a tool that is useful in assigning DPs by overcoming the limitations of subjectivity.
The worldwide prevalence of psoriatic arthritis—a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lembke Stephanie , Macfarlane Gary J , Jones Gareth T
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Previous attempts to pool prevalence studies in PsA have failed to take account of important methodological differences between studies that may have created biased estimates. The aim of this review is to estimate the prevalence of PsA within the adult general population worldwide, considering potential differences between population-based and health administrative studies separately.

Methods

Four electronic databases were systematically searched for articles reporting the prevalence of PsA. Data were pooled to generate worldwide prevalence estimates. Where sufficient data were available, results were summarized by continent.

Results

Thirty studies were identified, with half from Europe (n = 15). Thirteen population-based studies were identified comprising >92 000 adults, plus 17 studies (>180 million adults) based on health administrative data. The worldwide prevalence of PsA was 112 per 100 000 adults. The prevalence of PsA estimated using population-based studies was 113 per 100 000 with continent-specific estimates of 207 (Europe), 64 (North America) and 37 (Asia) per 100 000. Health administrative studies gave a global prevalence of 109 per 100 000 with continent-specific prevalence of 175 (Europe), 147 (North America), 78 (Asia) and 17 (South America).

Conclusion

This review compiles currently available estimates of PsA prevalence in the general population into global and continent-based estimates and considers important study design characteristics. There is wide variability between continents, and data in some geographical areas are sparse, but available evidence suggests that PsA is more common in Europe and North America compared with Asia and South America, and current best estimates suggest a global prevalence of 112 per 100 000 adults.
Assessment and treatment of compulsive sexual behavior disorder: a sexual medicine perspective
Authors: Briken Peer , Bőthe Beáta , Carvalho Joana , Coleman Eli , Giraldi Annamaria , Kraus Shane W , Lew-Starowicz Michał , Pfaus James G
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The addition of compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) into the ICD-11 chapter on mental, behavioral, or neurodevelopmental disorders has greatly stimulated research and controversy around compulsive sexual behavior, or what has been termed “hypersexual disorder,” “sexual addiction,” “porn addiction,” “sexual compulsivity,” and “out-of-control sexual behavior.”

Objectives

To identify where concerns exist from the perspective of sexual medicine and what can be done to resolve them.

Methods

A scientific review committee convened by the International Society for Sexual Medicine reviewed pertinent literature and discussed clinical research and experience related to CSBD diagnoses and misdiagnoses, pathologizing nonheteronormative sexual behavior, basic research on potential underlying causes of CSBD, its relationship to paraphilic disorder, and its potential sexual health consequences. The panel used a modified Delphi method to reach consensus on these issues.

Results

CSBD was differentiated from other sexual activity on the basis of the ICD-11 diagnostic criteria, and issues regarding sexual medicine and sexual health were identified. Concerns were raised about self-labeling processes, attitudes hostile to sexual pleasure, pathologizing of nonheteronormative sexual behavior and high sexual desire, mixing of normative attitudes with clinical distress, and the belief that masturbation and pornography use represent “unhealthy” sexual behavior. A guide to CSBD case formulation and care/treatment recommendations was proposed.

Conclusions

Clinical sexologic and sexual medicine expertise for the diagnosis and treatment of CSBD in the psychiatric-psychotherapeutic context is imperative to differentiate and understand the determinants and impact of CSBD and related “out-of-control sexual behaviors” on mental and sexual well-being, to detect forensically relevant and nonrelevant forms, and to refine best practices in care and treatment. Evidence-based, sexual medicine–informed therapies should be offered to achieve a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences.
The Global Impact of COVID-19: A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Effects on Various Aspects of Life
Authors: Naveed Nabiha , Ahmad Khalil , Majeed Hammad , Qureshi Khizar , Ahmad Irfan , Awan Mudassar Fareed , Iftikhar Tehreema , Ahmad Shakeel , Noreen Fozia , Amin Muhammad Awais , Batool Hifza
Published: March 2024

In this study COVID-19 effects on different aspects of life that how this virus created a mess in every discipline of life starting from a small tuck shop of a street to a huge business with a chain between different countries; and some preventive measures are also suggested. Not only mental healthiness as well as physical health of people was also disturbed to a large extent. People being quarantined did not do any practice and had nothing to do, their boredom made them mentally and physically inactive. For minimization the effect of this pandemic on mental healthiness, interventions were practiced and psychological support systems were developed to help mentally effected people; on the other hand, to improve physical health the hospital workers worked day and night in return they got affected too either mentally or physically. Many of the youngsters started alcohol consumption during quarantine. Because of the closure of educational institutes, the students were sent back to their homes where there was no proper guidance for them and they lost their interests in studies; and in a sense educational impact of COVID-19 was also unbearable. Agricultural system was affected badly and the whole world passed through a huge economic loss. The flights and traffic were blocked throughout the world, and it is the only positive impact that COVID-19 led to the environment by improving water and air quality as there was a remarkable reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases.
Spontaneous splenic rupture and a congenital splenorenal anomalous shunt
Authors: Popa Sanda M. , Wilke Christian P.
Published: March 2024

Atraumatic splenic rupture is rare and not often considered in the differential diagnosis for patients with abdominal pain. This article describes a patient with atraumatic splenic rupture complicated by a congenital splenorenal anomalous shunt. The congenital anomaly increases patient risk and the degree of surgical difficulty, even if it is identified preoperatively.
Designing an impactful APRN residency program for rural communities
Authors: Stiesmeyer Johanna Kathleen , Lundin Elisa , Galves Lori , Wade Kathleen , Pelowitz Kira
Published: March 2024

The largest healthcare system in New Mexico, in collaboration with the University of New Mexico College of Nursing, identified an opportunity to increase and retain the number of family practice NPs and certified nurse midwives in rural communities by creating an immersive 1-year rural residency program for newly graduated advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). This article describes the journey to design this program and build its infrastructure with the aim of addressing the needs of both APRNs during their transition to practice and patients in rural areas, while providing a return on the healthcare system's business investment. Program results are also reported. Program funding was provided by a Health Resources and Services Administration grant, the Presbyterian Healthcare Services executive team, and the Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation.
HPV education and vaccination uptake in college students
Authors: Hemingway Bridget , Thornberry Jennifer , Harrington Jamie
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

The purpose of this DNP project was to establish baseline human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates, improve baseline knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccines, reduce barriers to HPV vaccination, and increase intention of HPV vaccine uptake among college students.

Methods:

A precaution adoption process model-based survey, in-person education session, and posteducation survey were administered to college students in a Midwestern university to measure perceptions of HPV and HPV vaccination as well as to identify barriers to HPV vaccination.

Results:

From the preeducation survey to the posteducation survey, correct answers to questions increased, and barriers and misconceptions about HPV and the HPV vaccine decreased, indicating successful education. HPV vaccination intent, defined as indication of “likely” or “very likely” to receive the vaccine on the surveys, rose from 28.0% to 90.7% among participating college students.

Conclusion:

This study showed that implementing engaging, in-person HPV prevention education is an effective method for decreasing barriers related to vaccination and increasing vaccination intention.
Do Complications After Pancreatoduodenectomy Have an Impact on Long-Term Quality of Life and Functional Outcomes?
Authors: Gikandi Ajami , Fong Zhi Ven , Qadan Motaz , Narayan Raja R. , Lwin Thinzar , Fernández-del Castillo Carlos , Lillemoe Keith D. , Ferrone Cristina R.
Published: March 2024

Objective:

Our aim was to assess whether complications after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) impact long-term quality of life (QoL) and functional outcomes.

Background:

There is an increasing number of long-term post-PD survivors, but few studies have evaluated long-term QoL outcomes.

Methods:

The EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PAN26 questionnaires were administered to patients who survived >5 years post-PD. Clinical relevance (CR) was scored as small (5–10), moderate (10–20), or large (>20). Patients were stratified based on whether they experienced a complication during the index hospitalization.

Results:

Of 305 patients >5 years post-PD survivors, with valid contact information, 248 completed the questionnaires, and 231 had complication data available. Twenty-nine percent of patients experienced a complication, of which 17 (7.4%) were grade 1, 27 (11.7%) were grade 2, and 25 (10.8%) were grade 3. Global health status and functional domain scores were similar between both groups. Patients experiencing complications reported lower fatigue (21.4 vs 28.1, P < 0.05, CR small) and diarrhea (15.9 vs 23.1, P < 0.05, CR small) symptom scores when compared to patients without complications. Patients experiencing complications also reported lower pancreatic pain (38.2 vs 43.4, P < 0.05, CR small) and altered bowel habits (30.1 vs 40.7, P < 0.01, CR moderate) symptom scores. There was a lower prevalence of worrying (36.2% vs 60.5%, P < 0.05) and bloating (42.0% vs 56.2%, P < 0.05) among PD survivors with complications.

Conclusions:

Post-PD complication rates were not associated with long-term global QoL or functionality, and may be associated with less severe pancreas-specific symptoms.