bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Logistics Model for Indonesia’s National Freight Model System: From a Deterministic to a Stochastic Framework
Authors: Hidayati Lydia Novitriana Nur , de Jong Gerard , Whiteing Anthony
Published: August 2024

One of the components of a new model, called INTRAMOD, for Indonesia’s domestic freight transport is the logistics model. The logistics model describes shipment size choice and the choice between five different transport chain alternatives involving four main modes: truck, train, vessel, and plane. This paper presents the work to forecast the disaggregate transport chain and shipment size choices for Indonesia’s domestic shipments by applying a deterministic and a stochastic approach. Using a standard economic order quantity model with a consolidation assumption, a deterministic approach is used to determine the transport chain and shipment size, minimizing total logistics cost. As an alternative for this, a stochastic model aims to improve the logistics choice modeling by employing data on the manufacturer’s revealed preferences and stated preferences about only the transport chain choice. The chosen specification for the stochastic approach is utilizing the multinomial logit model. Using the demand elasticities for all alternatives with respect to changes in its transport cost, a comparison will be made between the two approaches. In addition, it is concluded that the deterministic model is susceptible to sticky and flip-flop behaviors. In contrast, this characteristic is absent from the stochastic approach.
Microstructural and wear properties of iron slag reinforced aluminum alloy (LM30) based composite prepared through a stir casting method
Authors: Singh Harvir , Gupta Aayush
Published: August 2024

Aluminum alloys are widely used in various industries due to their as low density, high strength-to-weight ratio, and good corrosion resistance. However, their wear resistance is often inadequate for certain applications. Utilization of industrial waste materials, such as iron slag, as reinforcement in aluminum alloy matrix composites offers a sustainable approach to material development and waste management. The utilization of industrial waste materials for aluminum alloy matrix composite fabrication offers a waste utilization to material development. The loading of this reinforcement varied from 0 to 15 wt.% and different particle size range (220-140, 140-70, and 70-0 µm). A microscopic analysis indicated that the iron slag particles are spread uniformly inside the metallic matrix. There is also a reduction in the size of primary silicon, as well as morphological changes (acicular to globular shape). The wear behavior was calculated using a pin-on-disk wear set up in accordance with ASTM G99 standard. The composites were employed to dry sliding wear test under various operating conditions such as applied pressure (0.2–1.4 MPa), and sliding distance (0–3000 m). The 15F composite outperformed all other composite samples in terms of wear rate under all working conditions. When compared to the base alloy, it demonstrated a remarkable 67% drop in steady state wear rate. The enhancements in wear performance for the 15F composite were attributed to the effects of Fe slag reinforcement. The inclusion of iron slag particles induced strong interfacial bonding between matrix and reinforcement particles improving the durability of the mechanical mixed layer developed during relative motion. Importantly, the wear rate parameters of the 15F composite were similar to those of the brake drum material used in commercial applications. This emphasizes the composite suitability for usage in a variety of automobile components.
Sound source localization in non-line-of-sight environment based on equivalent source method combined with time reversal method
Authors: Tian Haoyang , Peng Wei , Jin Mingyu , Wu Tianyi
Published: August 2024

Sound source localization is a critical task in various applications. However, it becomes challenging when the sound sources are not directly visible to the sensors due to obstacles or other environmental factors. This paper proposes a novel approach for locating sound sources in non-line-of-sight environments by combining the equivalent source method (ESM) with the time reversal method (TRM). The ESM is used to compute the frequency responses between the focusing points and the measurement points numerically. These frequency responses are then substituted to the TRM to localize the sound sources. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, it is tested through numerical simulations and an experiment. The results prove that the ESM can compute the frequency responses accurately, and the combination of TRM and ESM effectively localizes sound sources in non-line-of-sight environments.
Capital Structure and Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises: Empirical Evidence from Tanzania
Authors: Kambi Mayasa , Kasoga Pendo Shukrani
Published: August 2024

This research delves into the effects of capital structure on the performance of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Tanzania. The research is predicated on 276 SMEs in Tanzania. Panel data including 828 observations for the years 2017–2019 were used. To evaluate the models, an ordinary least-squares test was employed. Return on capital employed (ROCE), return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA) were employed to measure the SMEs’ performance. The findings reveal that total debt, short- and long-term debts have a negative effect on ROCE, ROE and ROA. Generally, the results uphold the Pecking Order Theory, which postulates a negative correlation between debt and firm performance. The results imply that firms with large debt levels have lower performance. This study recommends that SMEs’ financial managers should choose their capital structure carefully by avoiding excessive debt, in order to increase the firm’s overall worth, thereby maximizing firms’ performance. The investigation adds to earlier research by giving another point of view in Tanzania through analysing SMEs’ capital structure and performance by utilizing manufacturing sectors in their entirety while employing a panel data analysis.
Industrial Relation Climate and Provision of Labour Welfare Measures in Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Chatterjee Manidipa , Majumder Soumi
Published: August 2024

The study was conducted on a sample population of 150 employees of two manufacturing units based in West Bengal, India. Mostly permanent workers at plant level and employees of the zonal offices were considered for the purpose of the study. The overall objectives of the study focus on finding the general causes of job dissatisfaction and industrial fatigue among workers in the manufacturing sector, including the problem of industrial relations and getting proper statutory labour welfare benefits. Improper job scheduling, overburden of work and job complexities were some of the major factors of industrial fatigues that had been detected from structured questionnaire survey. Though majority of the employees revealed that the general industrial climate was good, in many cases employees were not aware of the claim settlement procedure about various provisions under the Gratuity Act and ESI Act leading to delays and payments not being received in time. This study also established the fact that overall industrial relation climate, availability of welfare measures and awareness level of the employees about different social security schemes varies with the educational level, total tenure of the employees in the present company and total years of working experience of the employees in the manufacturing sector. Lastly, lack of proper trade union to reflect employee grievances, proper training and engagement programmes are the other causes of disengagement and attrition of employees in the manufacturing sector, as also reflected from this study.
The Impact of Traditional Children’s Games on Internet Use, Social Skills, and Stress Level: A Cross-Sectional Design
Authors: Ayaz-Alkaya Sultan , Akca Ayşegül
Published: August 2024

Introduction:

Traditional games are essential for children’s social inclusion due to cultural values and beliefs. This study was conducted to measure the impact of traditional children’s games on internet use, social skills, and stress levels.

Methods:

A cross-sectional design was carried out. Children who had parental approval and agreed to participate were included in the study ( n = 314). The data were collected using a questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (8–11 years), and the Social Skills Assessment Scale. Linear regression and multinomial logistic regression were performed to analyze the data. Mantel–Haenszel chi-square test was performed to assess the confounding factors for playing traditional games.

Results:

The children’s mean age was 11.58 ( SD = 0.49), and 56.1% were girls. Children who did not play traditional games were more likely to use the internet than those who played traditional games (odds ratio [OR] = 2.16, p = .014). The social skills were significantly associated with daily internet use time (β = 0.164, p = .003), playing traditional games (β = 0.155, p = .008), and frequency of gaming per week (β = 0.123, p = .035). The stress levels were associated with gender (β = 0.120, p = .033) and academic level (β = 0.111, p = .048).

Discussion:

Traditional game playing reduced the duration of one sitting and daily internet use. Moreover, outdoor gaming, frequency of playing games, and daily internet use duration were predictors of social skills, whereas being a girl and sixth-grade student were predisposing factors of stress level. Nurses could benefit from traditional games in reducing internet use and stress and improving social skills in children.
Effectiveness and Feasibility of Home-Based Palliative Care Interventions for Geriatric Oncology Patients: A Systematic Review Using Narrative Synthesis
Authors: Vlachopoulos Nikolaos , Kontogiannis Georgios , Papageorgiou Dimitra Iosifina , Symvoulakis Emmanouil , Haidich Anna-Bettina , Smyrnakis Emmanouil
Published: August 2024

Background

Due to an urgent need to develop palliative care services for geriatric patients with advanced cancer, an overview of available information regarding home-based palliative care interventions would be valuable.

Aim

To summarize current literature for interventions targeted to homebound, older patients with incurable cancer, and investigate whether these patients can be benefited from home-based palliative care and achieve improved outcomes.

Design

A search strategy consisting of terms related to home care, palliation, oncology, and geriatrics was employed. A protocol following PRISMA guidelines was prospectively uploaded at PROSPERO (ID = CRD42023404675).

Data sources

Pubmed (MEDLINE), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ClinicalTrials.gov , and Epistemonikos.org databases were searched from inception until the present day. Eligibility criteria were selected based on the research question, the population of interest, and the research design. The Risk of Bias Assessment Tool version 2 (RoB-2) was used to appraise study quality.

Results

A total of 10 articles including 871 patients (out of 1236 titles and 141 fully-reviewed texts) were selected. Four studies assessed exercise interventions, two evaluated multi-component home-care models, two focused on supervision services, and two had nutrition and activity components. Eight studies reported improved outcomes in either specified or mixed cancer geriatric populations.

Conclusions

There is a scarcity of clinical trials regarding home-based palliative care for geriatric oncology patients, resulting in poor information and a lack of evidence. At-home interventions seem feasible and have a positive effect on pain management and functional status, but more high-quality studies are required.
Disparities in Liver Transplant Outcomes: Race/Ethnicity and Individual- and Neighborhood-Level Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Gummaraj Srinivas Niharika , Chen Ye , Rodday Angie Mae , Ko Dami
Published: August 2024

Race/ethnicity and individual-level socioeconomic status (SES) may contribute to health disparities in liver transplant (LT) outcomes. The socioeconomic conditions of a neighborhood may either mitigate or exacerbate these health disparities. This retrospective study investigated the relationship between race/ethnicity, individual- and neighborhood-level SES, and LT outcomes, and whether neighborhood-level SES modified the relationship between individual factors and LT outcomes. Adult individuals who underwent LT between 2010 and 2019 ( n = 55,688) were identified from the United Network for Organ Sharing database. Primary exposures were race/ethnicity, education, primary insurance type, and the Social Deprivation Index (SDI) scores. Education and primary insurance type were used as proxies for individual-level SES, while SDI scores were used as a proxy for neighborhood-level SES. The primary outcome was time to occurrence of graft failure or mortality. Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the associations between the exposures and outcomes. LT recipients who were Black (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.27, p < .0001), completed high school or less (HR: 1.06, p = .002), and had public insurance (HR: 1.14, p < .0001) had a higher rate of graft failure or mortality than those who were White, completed more than high school, and had private insurance, respectively. The SDI scores were not significantly associated with LT outcomes when adjusting for individual factors (HR: 1.02, p = .45) and did not modify the associations between individual factors and LT outcomes. Findings of this study suggest that disparities based on individual factors were not modified by neighborhood-level SES. Tailored interventions targeting the unique needs associated with race/ethnicity and individual-level SES are needed to optimize LT outcomes.
User-centered Social Interaction Design in Intelligent Personal Assistants and Social Robots
Authors: Montalvo Fernando , Thai Phuoc , Stephens Promise , Hinkle Sean , Sasser Jordan
Published: August 2024

User-centered design practices are used to develop the social interaction characteristics of intelligent personal assistants and social robots. In this approach, developers establish characteristics favored by the majority of users. However, catering to target users may negate the benefits in user experience and use intention achieved from matching a product’s characteristics to the preferences of individual users. The present study examines differences between target versus individual user based approaches to user-centered design. Specifically, a framework is presented on how to develop a product to meet individual user preferences. Results show that individual user preferences, while similar to the target user preferences, can vary significantly from the baseline. Machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches should be employed to help adjust social interaction approaches from a baseline to individual user preferences.
Efficiency of Group Movement within Human Risk Perception
Authors: Matsubayashi Shota , Mochizuki Asuku , Ninomiya Yuki , Miwa Kazuhisa , Terai Hitoshi
Published: August 2024

A braking index that incorporates the risk perception of human drivers has been developed to estimate how many drivers would brake in a given situation. We used agent simulations to verify whether incorporating the braking index can improve the efficiency of the agents’ movement in the whole space. The completion time and the number of collisions were measured to compare the simple avoidance algorithm without the braking index and the proposed algorithm with it. While a simple avoidance algorithm showed a strong trade-off between the completion time and the number of collisions, the proposed algorithm resulted in an efficient movement with a shorter time and fewer collisions. More efficient movement could be achieved by incorporating human risk perception because the risk of collision with others was individually evaluated according to others’ position and direction, and only as much avoidance as necessary was performed.
Taking It Easy: Off-the-Shelf Versus Fine-Tuned Supervised Modeling of Performance Appraisal Text
Authors: Speer Andrew B. , Perrotta James , Kordsmeyer Tobias L.
Published: August 2024

When assessing text, supervised natural language processing (NLP) models have traditionally been used to measure targeted constructs in the organizational sciences. However, these models require significant resources to develop. Emerging “off-the-shelf” large language models (LLM) offer a way to evaluate organizational constructs without building customized models. However, it is unclear whether off-the-shelf LLMs accurately score organizational constructs and what evidence is necessary to infer validity. In this study, we compared the validity of supervised NLP models to off-the-shelf LLM models (ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4). Across six organizational datasets and thousands of comments, we found that supervised NLP produced scores were more reliable than human coders. However, and even though not specifically developed for this purpose, we found that off-the-shelf LLMs produce similar psychometric properties as supervised models, though with slightly less favorable psychometric properties. We connect these findings to broader validation considerations and present a decision chart to guide researchers and practitioners on how they can use off-the-shelf LLM models to score targeted constructs, including guidance on how psychometric evidence can be “transported” to new contexts.
CXCL5 Promotes the Malignant Phenotype of Pancreatic Cancer and Is Associated With Immune Infiltration
Authors: Wang Tao , Sheng Jian , Wang Xiaoguang , Zhu Minyuan , Li Shijun , Shen Yiyu , Wu Bin
Published: August 2024

Background:

The significance of CXCL5 in pancreatic cancer is unclear, although it has been implicated in the malignant process of many different types of cancer. Research on the impact of CXCL5 on immune cell infiltration and the malignant phenotype of pancreatic cancer is needed. This study aimed to examine the connection between CXCL5 expression and immune cell infiltration and the malignant phenotype of pancreatic cancer.

Methods:

Tissue samples and clinical information were collected from 90 patients with pancreatic cancer. Tumour tissues and adjacent tissues were made into a tissue microarray and stained for immunohistochemistry analysis. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analysis were performed to measure the expression level of CXCL5. CXCL5-overexpressing/CXCL5-knockdown cell lines were constructed via transfection for cytological experiments. CCK-8, cell apoptosis, cell cycle, cell invasion, and cell colony formation assays were used to detect the effect of CXCL5 on the malignant phenotype of pancreatic cancer cells. Finally, a mouse model of pancreatic cancer was constructed for in vivo verification.

Results:

Compared with control cells, pancreatic cancer cells overexpressing CXCL5 exhibited increased proliferation, migration, and invasion but decreased apoptosis. Conversely, knockdown of CXCL5 did not enhance the malignant phenotype of pancreatic cancer cells. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that there was a significant negative correlation between CXCL5 levels and the CD8 IRS. However, there was a significant positive correlation between FOXP3 IRS and CXCL5 levels.

Conclusions:

CXCL5 is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer and promotes the malignant phenotype of pancreatic cancer cells. CXCL5 is associated with immunosuppressive FOXP3 + T-cell infiltration, which facilitates the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment (with low CD8 + T-cell infiltration).
The time to include cognition in the multiple sclerosis concept of progression independent from relapse activity is now
Authors: Ziccardi Stefano , Guandalini Maddalena , Fuchs Tom A , Calabrese Massimiliano , Benedict Ralph HB
Published: August 2024

Progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) has been recently proposed in multiple sclerosis (MS) as a model identifying a continuous silent progression of disability without the manifestation of new clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) events that contribute to MS worsening. Despite evidence suggesting that clinical MS manifestations often affect cognitive functioning and the importance of neuropsychological monitoring over time, attention to silent cognitive progression is lacking, and the PIRA concept does not include a measure of cognitive function. In this personal viewpoint, we highlight the need to include cognition in the PIRA model to have a more comprehensive understanding of clinical progression in patients with MS.
Morphology, mechanical property, and molten pool dynamics by narrow gap AMF-GTAW with swing filler wire
Authors: Sun Qi , Liu Yibo , Kang Kexin , Qian Xinjun , Liu Chengyin , Zhang Qinghua , Sun Qingjie
Published: August 2024

The present study employed swing filler wire to enhance the microstructure and properties of thick joints in Ti–6Al–4V titanium alloy by narrow gap alternating-magnetic-field-assisted tungsten gas welding (AMF-GTAW). Results show that the addition of swing filler wire resulted in the refinement of prior β grains and α laths. Consequently, the tensile strength exhibited an increase from 877 ± 13 MPa to 913 ± 24 MPa (4.1% increase), while the fracture elongation showed a significant improvement from 6.3% ± 1.1% to 8.7% ± 0.9% (38.1% increase). The introduction of swing filler wire alters the flow state of the molten pool and exerts a stirring effect on its entirety. This stirring effect promotes nucleation and dendrite fragmentation within the molten pool.
A dynamic justice framework for analyzing conceptions of justice: the case of urban development projects
Authors: Weghorst Max , Buitelaar Edwin , Pelzer Peter
Published: August 2024

In the reality of planning practice, where there is usually no a priori ‘right’ substantive conception of justice to guide and evaluate decision making, conceptions are negotiated between stakeholders. Moreover, these conceptions vary in space and time. The existing academic discussion on justice in planning provides limited insight in and guidance for how to navigate the plurality of conceivable and valid substantive conceptions of justice that may be articulated and applied. To address this gap, we introduce a dynamic justice framework, which looks at how the different elements of justice (‘materials of justice’) are being articulated, connected, and changed in discourses and institutions. We believe this dynamic justice framework helps to make explicit the conceptions of justice in planning practice and the processes that shape them.
Paternal Filicide in Sweden: Background, Risk Factors and the Cinderella Effect
Authors: Temrin Hans
Published: August 2024

An overrepresentation of stepchildren as victims of filicide has been explained as a consequence of ‘discriminative parental solicitude’. The idea being that Darwinian selection has favoured parental love and concern only for biological children, and when such parental feelings are absent, as in stepparents, conflicts with a child could easier escalate to lethal violence. An alternative explanation for this overrepresentation of stepchildren is that risk factors for filicide, such as criminal behaviour and mental health problems, are more prevalent in stepparents. This study focused on paternal filicide in Sweden and investigated (i) if stepchildren are overrepresented as victims of filicide compared with biological children, (ii) if filicides are committed in a context that implies a ‘conflict with the child victim’ and (iii) if stepfathers and biological fathers differ in characteristics associated with filicide risk. The analyses showed that stepchildren were overrepresented as victims compared with children of fathers in families with two biological parents and this overrepresentation was even higher in young children. Children of single biological fathers and children of non-residential biological fathers were also overrepresented as victims of filicide. Less than 20 percent of the filicides were committed in the context of a ‘conflict with the child’ and in these cases only stepchildren were overrepresented as victims. In the population at large, both stepfathers and single biological fathers had higher rates of mental health problems, violent criminality and illegal possession of drugs compared with fathers in families with two biological parents.
Comparison and application of the far-field identification algorithms for multiple sound sources based on microphone array
Authors: Wang Yansong , Yang Chao , Guo Hui , Yuan Tao , Wang Yue
Published: August 2024

Based on the conventional beamforming (CBF), some algorithms for far-field sound source identification have been proposed in the past few decades. Typically, the functional beamforming (FBF) and the deconvolution methods, such as CLEAN, CLEAN with source coherence (CLEAN-SC), CLEAN-SC with compressed grids (CLEAN-SC-CG), CLEAN with cross spectral matrix function (CLEAN-CSM), High-resolution CLEAN-SC (HR-CLEAN-SC), are frequently mentioned and their advantages are widely discussed in the previous literatures. To assess their efficacy and suitability in engineering applications, with a focus on spatial resolution, computational efficiency, and dynamic range, a comparative study by locating two types of sound sources is carried out. The first scenario represents the case where the distance between two sound sources is smaller than the Rayleigh limit, while the second scenario represents the situation involving multiple sound sources, such as four or more complex sound sources. The analysis demonstrates that CBF, CLEAN, and CLEAN-SC cannot surpass the Rayleigh limit. However, FBF, CLEAN-SC-CG, CLEAN-CSM, and HR-CLEAN-SC have the potential to overcome it. In FBF, the grid mismatch results in a compromise between its dynamic range and source strength estimation. Meanwhile, HR-CLEAN-SC requires prior knowledge of the number of sound sources, which is challenging in applications. Because of superiority in the fundamental acoustic image and searching strategy, CLEAN-CSM and CLEAN-SC-CG exhibits superior features compared to the others. By compressing the number of grids, the CLEAN-SC-CG can improve the computational efficiency up to at least 46%. By constructing the cross spectral matrix function related to the real source, CLEAN-CSM uses the power function to simultaneously enhance the spatial resolution, dynamic range and source strength estimation. The conclusions are further validated through sound-source identification experiments involving two loudspeakers and an engine. The findings presented in this paper serve to guide the selection of suitable approaches for multi-sound source identification in engineering applications.
Flash sintering mechanism in multiphase materials system of copper smelting slags
Authors: Arici Gokhan
Published: August 2024

Flash sintering (FS) is of great interest today, as it allows the production of high-density ceramics in seconds at lower temperatures than conventional sintering. In this study, the effects of conventional sintering at 1250°C for 4 h and FS at various electric fields (12.5, 25, 50 and 75 V/mm) on copper smelting slag (CSS), which is a multiphase material system, are investigated. The results show that FS occurs at substantially lower temperatures with much shorter times than conventional sintering, in conjunction with improved density and hardness values for CSS. The optimum condition for better densification is observed for the sample applied the 25 V/mm electric field in 554 s, and the maximum power density of about 76.49 mW/mm3. On the other hand, the shortest FS duration is achieved with the sample applied 75 V/mm in 114 s. Flash sintering at lower temperatures also stabilizedthe magnetite-hematite the phase transition, which arouses at higher temperatures. Overall, FS has made a huge contribution to reducing sintering time and temperature while providing better microstructure integrity and mechanical properties in multiphase materials systems.
Image perception and reception in wordless picture books: Eye movements of children with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Sarimski Ruth , Schwartze Manuel M , Müller Christian , Zentel Peter
Published: August 2024

Wordless picture books enhance comprehension and vocabulary growth and motivate children with intellectual disabilities (ID) to participate in literary activities. However, the reception of picture books can be challenging because deliberate selective attention processes and recognition of the image's meaning are often delayed. Examining eye movements may help explore these cognitive processes. Therefore, we examined eye movements in 29 children with mild and moderate ID as they explored a wordless picture book, presented on a screen and compared them to 14 typically developing children using a Tobii Pro X3-120 eye tracker. The findings showed that children with moderate ID had shorter fixation duration, fixated less often, and revisited regions of interest less frequently. Our results suggest that children with moderate ID have greater difficulties in selectively directing their attention toward regions of visual input with a high level of informativeness and expend less cognitive effort to understand their meaning.
Understanding how organizational culture shapes the experiences of direct support professionals: A qualitative meta-synthesis from an organizational justice perspective
Authors: Yu Amy Pei-Lung
Published: August 2024

Direct support professionals (DSPs) are critical to the quality of life of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, yet high turnover rates significantly affect the quality and consistency of their services. A qualitative meta-synthesis could help understand how organizational culture shapes the experiences of DSPs. A systematic search found six articles that met all inclusion criteria. The initial findings show that although DSPs perceived their work as worthy and rewarding, they did not feel valued or supported by management either monetarily or professionally. The analysis revealed an overarching theme with elements congruent with the organizational justice literature. Findings suggest that cultivating a culture of justice and fairness is vital to retaining quality DSPs, promoting organizational outcomes, and improving the quality of life of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Higher tumor mutational burden and PD-L1 expression correlate with shorter survival in hematologic malignancies
Authors: Jeong Ah-Reum , Trando Aaron H. , Thomas Sean D. , Riviere Paul , Sakowski Patrick J. , Sokol Ethan S. , Goodman Aaron M. , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: August 2024

Background:

The prognostic implications of tumor mutational burden (TMB) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression are poorly studied in hematologic malignancies.

Objectives:

This study aimed to better understand the characteristics and prognostic value of TMB and PD-1/PD-L1 in hematologic malignancies.

Design:

This real-world study was conducted among patients with hematologic malignancies who had next-generation sequencing (NGS) (Foundation Medicine) at the University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center (2014–2018).

Methods:

TMB was measured by NGS. PD-L1 expression (tumor proportion score, TPS) was measured by immunohistochemistry (classified as high (⩾50%), low (1–49%), and negative (<1%)). Data was curated from the electronic medical records.

Results:

In 388 evaluable patients, the most common diagnoses were B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) (35%) and Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative disorders (16%). Median TMB was 1.6 mutations/Mb (range, 0–46.83). Forty-eight patients (12%) had TMB ⩾10 mutations/Mb, 90% of which were B-cell or T-cell NHL. In 85 samples with available PD-L1 scores, 11 were high; 26, low; and 48, no tumor cell expression. PD-L1 TPS positive (⩾1%) was most common in T-cell NHL (7/9 (77%) cases) followed by B-cell NHL (21/51 (41%) cases). TMB ⩾4 mutations/Mb and PD-L1 score ⩾1% were significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS) from diagnosis, with hazard ratio (HR) = 1.46 ( p = 0.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–2.03) and HR = 2.11 ( p = 0.04, 95% CI 1.04–4.30), respectively; the relationship was more pronounced when PD-L1 ⩾50% versus <50% was used (HR = 2.80, p = 0.02, 95% CI 1.19–6.59). Higher TMB and higher PD-L1 positivity correlation were significant but weak (Pearson correlation coefficient R2 = 0.04, p = 0.04).

Conclusion:

TMB ⩾4 mutations/Mb and positive PD-L1 TPS are poor prognostic factors, correlating with shorter OS across hematologic malignancies.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02478931.
Hazard area assessment of vehicles running over vehicle security barriers using finite element method combined with stochastic analysis
Authors: Brunnabend Luis , Habtemariam Abinet K , Fischer Kai , Stolz Alexander
Published: August 2024

A clear procedure for determining the performance of vehicle security barriers (VSB) will aid event planners and security forces in selecting an appropriate type of VSB and placing it at a safe distance from the crowd. This paper presents a numerical analysis procedure for precisely determining the penetration distance of vehicles running over VSBs in various site conditions. Here, the finite element (FE) method is used in combination with stochastic analysis. The certification crash test results of the VSB are used to verify the FE model by comparing the vehicle’s maximum penetration distance, velocity-displacement curve, and motion sequence of the barrier and vehicle. This verification process ensures the accuracy of the FE model. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to model the impact of parameters such as vehicle impact speed and impact angle. The hazard area was then approximated using the moving least squares method (MLS) to show the vehicle’s penetration behind the VSB.
How do smartphone users access the internet? An exploratory analysis of mobile web browser use
Authors: Fichte Ludwig , York Chance
Published: August 2024

In this article, we use a top tasks survey ( n = 466) and unmoderated interviews ( n = 101) to explore how smartphone users access the internet: through browsers or standalone applications. We found a surprising number of users surveyed rely on mobile browsers to conduct internet-based tasks ordinarily associated with standalone apps, such as reading emails (34%), watching videos (24%), and listening to music (16%). Interviews revealed several practical and socioeconomic explanations for “browser-centric” smartphone use, including memory conservation on inexpensive mobile handsets and privacy management. We discuss the implications for information systems and technology adoption theories and for applied researchers who work in mobile product spaces.
Digital health tools in nephrology: A comparative analysis of AI and professional opinions via online polls
Authors: Pham Justin H , Thongprayoon Charat , Suppadungsuk Supawadee , Miao Jing , Craici Iasmina M , Cheungpasitporn Wisit
Published: August 2024

Background

Professional opinion polling has become a popular means of seeking advice for complex nephrology questions in the #AskRenal community on X. ChatGPT is a large language model with remarkable problem-solving capabilities, but its ability to provide solutions for real-world clinical scenarios remains unproven. This study seeks to evaluate how closely ChatGPT's responses align with current prevailing medical opinions in nephrology.

Methods

Nephrology polls from X were submitted to ChatGPT-4, which generated answers without prior knowledge of the poll outcomes. Its responses were compared to the poll results (inter-rater) and a second set of responses given after a one-week interval (intra-rater) using Cohen's kappa statistic (κ). Subgroup analysis was performed based on question subject matter.

Results

Our analysis comprised two rounds of testing ChatGPT on 271 nephrology-related questions. In the first round, ChatGPT's responses agreed with poll results for 163 of the 271 questions (60.2%; κ = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.38–0.46). In the second round, conducted to assess reproducibility, agreement improved slightly to 171 out of 271 questions (63.1%; κ = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.42–0.50). Comparison of ChatGPT's responses between the two rounds demonstrated high internal consistency, with agreement in 245 out of 271 responses (90.4%; κ = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.82–0.90). Subgroup analysis revealed stronger performance in the combined areas of homeostasis, nephrolithiasis, and pharmacology (κ = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.47–0.59 in both rounds), compared to other nephrology subfields.

Conclusion

ChatGPT-4 demonstrates modest capability in replicating prevailing professional opinion in nephrology polls overall, with varying performance levels between question topics and excellent internal consistency. This study provides insights into the potential and limitations of using ChatGPT in medical decision making.
Effects of Rhythm and Accent Patterns on Tempo-Keeping Property of Finger Tapping
Authors: Matsuo Hiroki , Sakaguchi Yutaka
Published: August 2024

Tempo of music performance is often accelerated irrespective of players’ intention. Though the characteristics of the tempo deviation phenomenon have been investigated using a finger-tapping task, most such studies dealt with tapping with a fixed interval and intensity; few studies considered the effects of rhythm and accent, both important factors of music performance. Here, we asked how different rhythm and accent patterns affected the tempo-keeping property using a synchronization-continuation task paradigm: Participants were asked to keep tapping with reproducing the given rhythm/accent patterns designated by the target tones. Tapping tempo was significantly deviated depending on rhythm/accent patterns, but their magnitudes were only several percent in 150 s, much smaller than those in real music performance. We also ran experiments in the conditions that participants need not reproduce the accent patterns but only response tones were accented. These auditory modulations affected the tempo deviation, implying that perceptual processes induced by the auditory feedback also influence the tempo maintenance. Inter-tap intervals (ITIs) were modulated by the accent pattern, but no clear relationship was observed between ITI fluctuations and long-term tempo deviation, suggesting that different mechanisms are involved. In sum, the present finding shows that non-uniform motor actions required for music articulation can disturb the long-term tempo maintenance but their effect is rather small. We also reported the tempo deviation when the response tone was modulated by loudness (crescendo vs. diminuendo) or pitch (ascending vs. descending).
Short Mindfulness Meditations During Breaks and After Work in Everyday Nursing Care: A Simple Strategy for Promoting Daily Recovery, Mood, and Attention?
Authors: Riedl Elisabeth M. , Perzl Johanna , Wimmer Kathrin , Surzykiewicz Janusz , Thomas Joachim
Published: August 2024

Background

Nurses experience high job demands, which makes recovery particularly necessary to maintain well-being and performance. However, these demands also make recovery challenging. Short mindfulness meditations could potentially help alleviate this paradox.

Methods

Two ecological momentary intervention studies were conducted among geriatric nurses (Study 1: break study) and hospital nurses (Study 2: after-work study) to investigate whether short audio-guided mindfulness meditations are beneficial for recovery during breaks and psychological detachment after work. Furthermore, break recovery and after-work detachment were examined as mediators of the associations between mindfulness meditations and after-break/after-sleep mood and attention after respective recovery periods. Multilevel path models were based on a sample of 38 nurses and 208 after-break surveys in the break study and 26 nurses and 192 after-sleep surveys in the after-work study.

Results

Compared to breaks spent as usual, breaks that incorporated short mindfulness meditations were associated with higher break recovery, which mediated the positive associations between mindful breaks and after-break calmness, valence, and energetic arousal. Only with certain constraints did mindfulness meditations predict a lower rate of attention failures. In the after-work study, short mindfulness meditations were positively related to psychological detachment, which mediated the positive associations between the intervention and after-sleep valence and calmness.

Conclusion/Application to Practice

Both pilot studies showed that short mindfulness meditations aid in recovery among nurses. However, to fully utilize the advantages of recovery-promoting breaks, structural changes are necessary to ensure that breaks of an appropriate duration are consistently implemented.
The Statistical Fragility of Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis Research: A Systematic Review
Authors: Byrne Rory , Ahn Benjamin , Zhao Leon , Quinn Matthew , Naphade Om , Owens Brett D.
Published: August 2024

Background:

A P value of <.05 is often used to denote statistical significance; however, in many scenarios, this threshold is vulnerable to a small number of outcome reversals. This study joins a body of studies within the orthopaedic literature that evaluate the statistical fragility of existing research via metrics such as fragility index (FI) and fragility quotient (FQ).

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the statistical fragility of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative studies on the topic, given the resurgent interest in lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) to augment primary or revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). It was hypothesized that the outcomes reported in these studies would be statistically fragile.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Comparative studies and RCTs regarding LET as an adjunct procedure to ACLR published between 2000 and 2022 were analyzed. Descriptive characteristics, dichotomous outcomes, and continuous outcomes were extracted. The FI and continuous FI (CFI) were calculated by the number of event reversals to change significance; the FQ and continuous FQ (CFQ) were calculated to normalize the fragility metrics per sample size.

Results:

Of 455 studies screened, 29 studies were included (9 RCTs, 20 comparative); 79.3% of included studies were published after 2020. A total of 48 dichotomous and 265 continuous outcomes were analyzed. The median FI was 9.0 (IQR, 7.0-13.3), with FQ of 0.1 (IQR, 0.04-0.17); the median CFI was 7.8 (IQR, 4.2-19.6), with CFQ of 0.12 (IQR, 0.08-0.19). The FQ and CFQ for studies on LET with revision ACLR were larger (0.117 and 0.113, respectively) than those focused on primary ACLR (0.042 and 0.095, respectively).

Conclusion:

Studies focused on LET with primary ACLR were more fragile than those on LET with revision, which suggests that further research on the indications for LET with primary ACLR is necessary. Future orthopaedic comparative research should include fragility metrics alongside traditional P values.
A Retrospective Cohort Analysis Comparing Analytic and Holistic Marking Rubrics in Medical Research Education
Authors: Yeo Siew Wan , Signorelli Christina , Vo Khanh , Smith Greg
Published: August 2024

OBJECTIVES

The use of analytic rubrics in assessing and grading students’ performance has become more prominent among instructors due to its reliability and validity in ensuring consistency in student evaluation. However, there is limited evidence demonstrating the consistency of examiner judgments between analytic marking rubrics and holistic marking rubrics.

METHODS

Therefore, we aimed to compare the consistency of marks given using holistic marking methods and analytic rubrics at an Australian university by analyzing the mean mark differences and number of adjudications between two rubric types as well as the inter-rater reliability between two assessors. We analyzed all scores for project manuscripts between 2016 and 2021 for Honours medical students. We compared the mean mark differences graded using the Kruskal–Wallis test and Welch t-test. We used chi-squared tests to compare the frequency of adjudications for each rubric type. We assessed interrater reliability by comparing the marks between the two examiners utilizing Pearson correlation.

RESULTS

We found that analytic rubrics have lower mean mark differences and fewer adjudicators are required. We showed a strong positive association between the consistency of marks given and the use of analytic rubrics when compared to holistic marking. Pearson correlation showed a low but stronger correlation between marks awarded by the two assessors when analytic rubrics were used ( r = 0.36), compared to holistic marking rubrics ( r = 0.24).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the use of analytic rubrics may increase the consistency and reliability between two independent examiners in marking medical students’ work.
Is language impaired in Spanish-speaking children with autism spectrum disorder level 1?
Authors: Sánchez Pedroche Alberto , Valera-Pozo Mario , Mateus Moreno Angelica , Lara Díaz Maria Fernanda , Aguilar-Mediavilla Eva , Adrover-Roig Daniel
Published: August 2024

The current diagnostic criteria for the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) include the possibility to specify concomitant language difficulties.

Purpose

Our main aim was to explore whether children with ASD-Level 1 (ASD-L1) present difficulties in the acquisition of structural language, as little work has been done in this regard so far. As a secondary aim we evaluated the degree to which the potential language impairment in ASD is directly associated with their social communication deficits or it represents a distinct deficit.

Methods

To further clarify the nature and characteristics of putative language difficulties in ASD-L1, we evaluated language skills in 89 children and preadolescents diagnosed with ASD-L1, and a group of typically developing participants (TD). All of them were between 8 and 13 years old and had similar socioeconomic backgrounds.

Results

Children with ASD-L1 obtained lower scores than those in TD group in repeating sentences, in finding the semantic relationships between words, and in applying word structure rules (morphology). Congruently, the core language standard score was lower in the ASD-L1 group, and the proportion of language delay was significantly higher in the ASD-L1 group than in the control group.

Conclusion

Language scores were associated with autistic traits; thus, language performance in ASD-L1 is closely related to autistic symptoms. These results are discussed according to the literature on linguistic deficits in ASD-L1 and their relations with phonological working memory.