bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Silico Detection and Conveyance Feasibility of Antifungal Prodrug Flucytosine on the Surface of Pristine and Germanium‐Doped SiC Nanosheet
Authors: Krishna Anjaly Baiju , Suvilal Arjun , Vamadevan Rakhesh , Babu Jeetu Satheesh
Published: December 2024

The work describes a novel sensing and transportation feasibility of the well‐established antifungal drug Flucytosine (5‐FC) using a 2D Silicon carbide (SiC) and Germanium‐doped Silicon carbide (Ge@SiC) nanosheet via PBE level of Density functional theory. The computational study revealed that the drug molecules adhere to SiC and Ge@SiC sheets, maintaining their structural properties through physisorption on SiC and chemisorption on Ge@SiC. The charge transfer process associated with the adsorption is observed by Lowdin charge analysis and both the SiC and Ge@SiC sheets are identified as a feasible oxidation‐based nanosensor for the drug. The results of electronic property calculation revealed a reduction in bandgap by 48.2% and 44.8% on SiC and Ge@SiC sheets respectively on adsorption of the drug, highlighting SiC nanosheet to be used as a bandgap‐based sensing device. Sensing response at room temperature and human body temperature suggested that, the SiC sheet has an excellent selectivity to Flucytosine drug. The drug's desorption efficiency from the carrier is analyzed using recovery time analysis at different temperatures and frequencies, suggesting the SiC nanosheet to be a better candidate. Together, the study highlights the potential sensing ability of SiC nanosheet for Flucytosine in contrast to the existing 0‐D nanostructures.
Microalgae for Sustainable Biofuel Generation: Innovations, Bottlenecks, and Future Directions
Authors: Stephy G. Mary , Surendarnath S. , Flora G. , Amesho Kassian T. T.
Published: December 2024

Microalgae, with their rapid growth rates, high intracellular lipid accumulation, and ability to utilize wastewater, emerge as a promising feedstock for high‐quality biodiesel production. Recent contributions in algal fuel research include breakthroughs in genetic engineering to boost lipid yields, such as CRISPR‐modified strains optimized for biofuel production. Innovative bioreactor designs are enhancing scalability and energy efficiency, while integration with waste‐to‐energy systems enables resource recovery and cost savings. Additionally, advancements in techno‐economic models are making large‐scale algal biofuel production more feasible, aided by supportive government policies and subsidies. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in microalgal growth techniques and biofuel production methodologies. This study aims to identify key research gaps and contribute to the optimization of biofuel production processes and the development of sustainable bioenergy solutions.
Urinary protein‐to‐creatinine ratio in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus): Reference range and the effect of age and sex
Authors: Kovarikova Simona , Blahova Jana , Truhlarova Alena , Baslerova Sona , Krepinska Iva , Jekl Vladimir
Published: December 2024

Background

There are currently few reports on the normal urinary protein‐to‐creatinine (UPC) ratio of guinea pigs, and there is little information on the effects of age and sex on this parameter.

Methods

Urinary protein and creatinine concentrations were measured in a total of 161 clinically healthy guinea pigs, and the UPC ratio was subsequently calculated. The effect of age and sex on these parameters was assessed using Mann‐Whitney U tests. Using these data, UPC ratio reference ranges were established.

Results

Guinea pig pups younger than 6 months had a significantly higher UPC ratio than adult animals (median UPCs of 1.48 and 0.56, respectively). There was no effect of sex on this parameter. The reference range for the UPC ratio in adult guinea pigs was set at 0.12–2.21. For guinea pigs younger than 6 months, the reference range for the UPC ratio was set at 0.4–3.1.

Limitations

This study was limited by the lack of blood analysis, which could reveal a subclinical health problem that could affect renal function and the extent of proteinuria.

Conclusion

In guinea pigs, the UPC ratio is influenced by age but not by sex. Therefore, the reference range established for adult guinea pigs cannot be used for pups younger than 6 months.
Oil removal from seawater using sorbent plant matter before desalination plants
Authors: Eldoma Mubarak A. , Zouli Nasser , Kuku Mohammed , Maslamani Nujud , Alomar Mohammad S. , Bakather Omer Y. , Hassan Mohamed
Published: December 2024

Alfalfa leaf leftovers, a biomass waste from agriculture, were evaluated in this work as sorbent plant matter for oil elimination from seawater before desalination units. At 2 min and a 0.25 g biomass dosage, the exothermic (∆H: −51.55 kJ.mol−1) system's maximal oil removal was 90%, and an adsorption capacity of 1.76 g/g was attained. The oil uptake was formfitting using the pseudo‐first‐order kinetic (R2 = 0.9955) model and Langmuir (R2 = 0.93292) with Hill (R2 = 0.98216) isotherms, according to the results of kinetic and isotherm investigations conducted on the oil sorption outcomes. Also, the economic recycling of Alfalfa leaf leftovers decreased to less than 50% after two adsorption–desorption cycles. Leftover alfalfa leaves have good oil‐adsorbing properties that make them suitable as adsorbent material for cleaning up oil spills and used in systems that purify water and oil.
Family planning, pregnancy, and parenthood during surgical training: Experiences and perspectives from trainees and early career surgeons in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Xu Jennifer , Basto Marnique , Dowling Caroline , Ischia Joseph , Bolton Damien , Woon Dixon
Published: December 2024

Objective

To identify and address areas for improvement within the current surgical training model in Australia and New Zealand relating to family planning and inflexible training as top barriers to gender equity in surgery.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of accredited surgical trainees and early career surgeons in Australia and New Zealand was conducted between September and October 2023. Participants were recruited by the RACS Fax Mentis, the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ) e‐newsletter, and medical social media networks. Qualitative and quantitative data were collated by the electronic survey and thematically analyzed.

Results

There was a total of 146 participants. Approximately two‐thirds of respondents identified as mothers and one‐third as fathers, with representation from all surgical specialties. We identified four key themes including the disruptive impact of poor work‐life balance on family planning, an absence of workplace systemic supports, a need for structured support program upon return‐to‐work from parental leave, and challenges in balancing professional and parental identities and responsibilities.

Conclusion

To promote a culture of equity, inclusivity, and acceptance, restructuring of surgical training programs are necessary to support trainees as they navigate family planning and parenthood. Promotion of flexible training options and recruitment of additional clinical supports around parental leave period may reduce negative biases toward trainees simultaneously balancing family and work. Systemic change is required to lower barriers to entry and achieve gender equality in surgery.
Time Between Diagnosis and Completion of Treatment for Locally Advanced Cervical Carcinoma
Authors: Nunes Ravine Sales , Oliveira Marco Aurélio Pinho de , Soares Leila Cristina
Published: December 2024

Chemoradiotherapy combined with brachytherapy is the standard treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer. Guidelines recommend initiating treatment within 8 weeks of diagnosis and completing it within 8 weeks of initiation. This study aimed to analyze the duration between diagnosis and the completion of treatment for women attending a gynecological oncology clinic. We retrospectively evaluated the waiting times and treatment durations for 57 women diagnosed with cervical cancer attended at a tertiary hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who received radiotherapy between January 2016 and December 2023. Out of 57 medical records, 23 were excluded due to incomplete data, leaving 34 records for analysis. Radiotherapy treatment initiation was delayed beyond 8 weeks in 73.5% of women, with 47% experiencing delays exceeding 16 weeks. Throughout the study period, no significant temporal trends were observed in the time to initiate treatment (z = −0.99741, p = 0.31), the interval between radiotherapy and brachytherapy (z = 0, p = 1), the treatment duration (z = 0, p = 1), or the total treatment time (z = −0.24935, p = 0.8). The waiting time to initiate treatment and the interval between radiotherapy and brachytherapy exceeded the recommended duration. The main delay was attributed to the waiting period for brachytherapy. Expanding service availability and integrating the scheduling of radiotherapy and brachytherapy could help reduce delays and improve treatment efficiency.
Exploring bioconvective heat transfer dynamics on curved surfaces: Insights into non‐Newtonian behavior and multifaceted influencing factors
Authors: Khan Muhammad Riaz , Li Mingxia , Mao Shipeng
Published: December 2024

This research article investigates the bioconvective flow of a second‐grade fluid along a curved surface, considering non‐Newtonian behavior and diverse influencing factors such as heat generation, chemical reactions, slip, Lorentz force, and viscous dissipation. By employing MATLAB's bvp4c tool and the similarity transformations, the nondimensional partial differential equations are solved. We discover that the stable and unstable solutions differ significantly from one another, which has significant consequences for industries including microfluidic devices and curved surface manufacturing. The study also examines the effects of homogenous and heterogenous reaction parameters on reactant concentrations, revealing that higher values reduce concentration, particularly for the second solution. Designing effective heat exchangers and chemical reactors requires consideration of the sensitivity of skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number to curvature, slip, and heat generation, as demonstrated by this work. The findings may guide future experimental study and yield important insights for optimization of bioconvective systems.
Accelerating Climate Innovation in Cities
Authors: Ossola Alessandro , Lin Brenda
Published: December 2024

The rate at which climate action is currently achieved is often outpaced by the increasing speed of climate impacts in many urbanised regions globally. Actions related to coping with climate extremes, improving adaptive responses, and ultimately transforming cities for climate resilience have had variable success and have often failed to be implemented at scale. Climate stresses and impacts are accelerating; current climate action is not, at least not fast enough.

Here we propose a novel conceptual framework based on the concept of ‘climate innovation’: the pervasive, strategic application of new and yet-to-be-born ideas, knowledge, and technology that can significantly accelerate the mitigation of climate change impacts and realise climate adaptation in human societies.

We identify a typology of climate innovations—incremental, sustaining, radical, and disruptive—highlighting possible foci and examples of innovations. We further discuss how climate innovation and adoption curves, as well as innovation series, could be idealised and implemented to fast-track climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies at multiple scales.

This framework can hopefully help societies and decision-makers to better contextualise how meaningful climate action can be envisioned, prioritised, and implemented—and discontinued when it fails to accelerate climate innovations and meet climate goals in increasingly accelerated timeframes.
Coupled antimony and sulfur isotopic composition of stibnite as a window to the origin of Sb mineralization in epithermal systems (examples from the Kremnica and Zlatá Baňa deposits, Slovakia)
Authors: Koděra Peter , Mathur Ryan , Zhai Degao , Milovský Rastislav , Bačo Pavel , Majzlan Juraj
Published: December 2024

Stibnite is a relatively common mineral in epithermal deposits, with little known about Sb transport and efficient stibnite precipitation. The famous Kremnica Au-Ag low-sulfidation deposit and Zlatá Baňa intermediate-sulfidation Pb-Zn-Cu-Au-Ag-Sb deposit are hosted in two different Neogene volcanic fields in Western Carpathians, Slovakia. In both deposits, stibnite-rich veins occur outside of major vein structures, accompanied by illite, illite/smectite, and kaolinite alteration, and affiliated to late-stage fluids (< 2 wt% NaCl eq., < 150 °C). Sulfur isotopic composition of stibnite and sulfides is different at both deposits, likely due to a different magmatic-hydrothermal evolution of the parental magmatic chambers in the Central and Eastern Slovak Volcanic Fields. The Sb isotopes (δ123Sb), however, show similar values and trends of gradual simultaneous increase with δ34S values, explained by a progressive precipitation of stibnite and its fractionation with the fluid. The data were modeled by two coupled Rayleigh fractionation models, (for Sb and for S), assuming a predominant Sb transport in HSb2S4– with a variable amount of S species. Higher molality ratio mS/mSb of fluids was found in Kremnica (~ 3–4) than in Zlatá Baňa (~ 2). At both deposits, the heaviest δ123Sb values are accompanied by a decrease in the δ34S values probably due to the commencement of pyrite/marcasite precipitation. According to thermodynamic models of solubility of Sb(III) complexes and observations from active geothermal fields, stibnite precipitation was triggered by temperature decrease accompanied by mixing with a mildly acidic fluid (pH 4–5) of a steam-heated CO2-rich condensate on margins and in the final stages of epithermal systems. The proposed model for the origin of stibnite-bearing veins in epithermal systems can be used for their better targeting and efficient mineral exploration.
Cave Pools in Carlsbad Caverns National Park Contain Diverse Bacteriophage Communities and Novel Viral Sequences
Authors: Ulbrich Joseph , Jobe Nathaniel E. , Jones Daniel S. , Kieft Thomas L.
Published: December 2024

Viruses are the most abundant biological entities on Earth, and they play a critical role in the environment and biosphere where they regulate microbial populations and contribute to nutrient cycling. Environmental viruses have been the most studied in the ocean, but viral investigations have now spread to other environments. Here, viral communities were characterized in four cave pools in Carlsbad Caverns National Park to test the hypotheses that (i) viral abundance is ten-fold higher than prokaryotic cell abundance in cavern pools, (ii) cavern pools contain novel viral sequences, and (iii) viral communities in pools from developed portions of the cave are distinct from those of pools in undeveloped parts of the same cave. The relationship between viral and microbial abundance was determined through direct epifluorescence microscopy counts. Viral metagenomes were constructed to examine viral diversity among pools, identify novel viruses, and characterize auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs). Bacterial communities were characterized by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Epifluorescence microscopy showed that the ratio of viral-like particles (VLPs) to microorganisms was approximately 22:1 across all sites. Viral communities from pools with higher tourist traffic were more similar to each other than to those from less visited pools, although surprisingly, viruses did not follow the same pattern as bacterial communities, which reflected pool geochemistry. Bacterial hosts predicted from viral sequences using iPHoP showed overlap with both rare and abundant genera and families in the 16S rRNA gene dataset. Gene-sharing network analysis revealed high viral diversity compared to a reference viral database as well as to other aquatic environments. AMG presence showed variation in metabolic potential among the four pools. Overall, Carlsbad Cavern harbors novel viruses with substantial diversity among pools within the same system, indicating that caves are likely an important repository for unexplored viromes.
Risk factors and surgical outcomes in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease and ischemic colitis
Authors: Mokhaberi N. , Schneider E. P. , Aftzoglou M. , Hüners I. , Körner M. , Armbrust L. , Biermann D. , Kozlik-Feldmann R. , Hübler M. , Reinshagen K. , Tomuschat C.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

This study investigates risk factors and surgical outcomes in pediatric patients with congenital heart defects (CHD) who develop ischemic colitis (IC). Previous research indicates a higher IC risk in very low birth weight neonates with CHD.

Methods

A retrospective analysis compared an IC-CHD group to a CHD-only group. Key variables included gestational age, birth weight, multiple pregnancies, prematurity, APGAR scores, cardiac and surgical characteristics, Aristotle-Score, and mortality rates. Surgical outcomes such as bowel resection and stoma procedures were also evaluated.

Results

IC-CHD exhibited significantly lower gestational ages and birth weights, with higher rates of multiple pregnancies and prematurity. APGAR scores were notably lower. Cardiac and surgical data showed more frequent ECMO use and shorter cardiopulmonary bypass durations in the IC-CHD group. High rates of bowel resection highlighted severe gastrointestinal involvement. Mortality was significantly higher in IC-CHD with elevated Aristotle scores correlating with poorer outcomes.

Conclusion

Gestational age, birth weight, and initial health status are critical in predicting IC risk and surgical outcomes in pediatric patients with CHD. The significantly higher mortality and complex surgical needs in the IC-CHD group underscore the necessity for vigilant monitoring and tailored interventions. Development of targeted therapeutic strategies adjustment for confounding factors in future studies is needed.
Safety of vaginal breech delivery following an unsuccessful external cephalic version: a comparative study
Authors: Aviv Danit , Weintraub Amir , Issakov Gal , Pasternak Yael , Griffin Rachel , Shochat Tzipora , Lopian Miriam , Yekel Yael , Perlman Sharon
Published: December 2024

Objective

To determine whether patients undergoing a trial of labor with a breech presentation following a failed attempt of external cephalic version (ECV) are at increased risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single university-affiliated medical center. The study group comprised women with singleton pregnancies at term, categorized into three groups: those who underwent a failed external cephalic version (ECV) and subsequently attempted a trial of breech delivery (Breech-failed-ECV group), those who attempted an assisted vaginal breech delivery without a prior ECV attempt (Breech-no-ECV group), and those with vertex presentation following a successful ECV (Vertex-ECV). The primary outcome measured was the mode of delivery. Secondary outcomes included adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Results

The study group consisted of 229 patients who attempted a vaginal delivery during the study period following a diagnosis of non-cephalic presentation at term. There were 42 women in the Breech failed-ECV group, 102 in the Breech-no-ECV group, and 85 in the Vertex-ECV group. Among patients undergoing a trial of labor with a breech presentation, there were no significant differences in successful vaginal delivery rates between those who had an attempted ECV and those who did not (80.39% vs. 80.95%, p > 0.05), nor in the rate of adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes between the groups. However, the Vertex-ECV were more likely to have a vaginal delivery (91.78 vs 80.56%, p = 0.03) and less likely to experience adverse neonatal outcomes, including meconium-stained amniotic fluid, non-reassuring fetal heart rate (NRFHR), compared to those who underwent labor with a breech presentation (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

A failed external cephalic version does not adversely affect maternal or neonatal outcomes in patients undergoing a trial of labor with a breech presentation and meet the criteria of our study.
Short- and long-term costs of sinus balloon sinuplasty and middle meatal antrostomy
Authors: Luukkanen Johanna , Harju Teemu , Rautiainen Markus , Kivekäs Ilkka
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To evaluate and compare hospital related costs, postoperative costs, and the long-term costs of maxillary balloon sinuplasty (BSP) and middle meatal antrostomy (MMA) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Methods

Data were collected from patient registers on 88 patients treated with BSP and 240 patients treated with MMA between 2011 and 2017. Information was also gathered on the related costs of surgery, material, postoperative ward care, and any extra patient visits that took place within one year following the operation. The costs of sick leave were estimated based on the number of sick leave days.

Results

The total costs of BSP (mean 3382 €, 95% CI 3157–3607) within one year after the operation were lower than those of MMA (mean 4546 €, 95% CI 4297–4796) (p < 0.001). However, the hospital related 24 h perioperative costs were higher in BSP (mean 1853 €, 95% CI 1781–1925) than in MMA (mean 1581 €, 95% CI 1515–1647) (p < 0.001). The number of sick leave days after BSP (mean 4 days) was half that of MMA (8 days) (p < 0.001), leading to an increase in sick leave costs after MMA. The duration of the BSP operation was significantly shorter than that of MMA.

Conclusion

BSP of the maxillary sinus ostium appears to be less expensive than MMA when the total costs are calculated one year after the operation. This information should be considered in the preoperative visit.

Level of evidence

3.
Morphological studies of labyrinthine tissue in patients affected with Meniere’s disease and vestibular schwannoma following labyrinthectomy
Authors: Ajmera Ankit , John Nikeith , Morey Adrienne , Biggs Nigel , Flanagan Sean , Earls Peter , Brown Daniel , Mukherjee Payal
Published: December 2024

Background

Meniere’s disease (MD) is a disabling disease of the inner ear, having a substantial effect on a patient’s quality of life. While various postulations regarding its aetiology exists, due to the difficulty with accessing inner ear tissue, there have been limited histological studies in patients with active MD.

Methods

Tissue was collected during labyrinthectomy from 8 patients with intractable MD who had failed medical therapy (22 samples), and 9 patients undergoing translabyrinthine resection of vestibular schwannoma (19 samples). 20 additional samples were obtained from 2 cadavers without a history of inner ear disease. Samples were assessed with routine histology and a panel of immunohistochemical markers to assess any differences between the groups.

Results

No MD samples demonstrated significant inflammatory infiltrate, evidence of denervation of the sensory epithelium, fibrosis, or thickening of blood vessel wall stroma. Novel findings included confirmation that no lymphatic channels of usual type were present and that the subepithelial stromal cells are strongly positive for S100, suggesting possible perineurial origin. There were no consistent differences in expression of Claudin or Aquaporin between the MD and VS patient samples.

Conclusion

This is one of the largest comparative histological study utilising operative samples from inner ear of living donors with active intractable MD and control patients with VS. There were no significant morphological differences between the two groups, suggesting that the aetiology lies elsewhere within the vestibular system. Examination of endolymphatic sac tissue is therefore a priority for future work.
Occupational adjustments and work ability of young adult cancer survivors: results from the AYA-Leipzig study
Authors: Brock Hannah , Schröter Katharina , Friedrich Michael , Sender Annekathrin , Richter Diana , Mehnert-Theuerkauf Anja , Geue Kristina , Leuteritz Katja
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYA-CS) face a long working life after treatment, yet factors related to a successful return to work remain largely unexplored. We therefore aimed to investigate the use of occupational adjustments and their impact on work ability upon return to work.

Methods

As part of the AYA-LE study, we surveyed AYA-CS (aged 18–39 at diagnosis) who returned to work and assessed work ability (Work Ability Index) as well as use and benefit of occupational adjustments. We analyzed predictors of use and benefit of occupational adjustments on average 4 years post-diagnosis using multivariate linear and logistic regression.

Results

Out of 438 AYA-CS, 389 (88.8%) returned to work after cancer diagnosis and were included in analyses. Mean work ability was M = 36.2 (SD = 6.9), 11.4% reported poor, 34.7% moderate, 41.4% good and 12.5% excellent work ability. Following treatment, 82.3% used occupational adjustments, most frequently: flexible working hours, gradual reintegration and reduced working hours. The probability of a reduction in working hours was found to be higher among older AYA-CS (≥ 30), female gender and with a fatigue index ≥ 11 (R2 = 0.073). A fatigue index < 11, elevated levels of pain and the presence of metastases/recurrence were associated with a lower benefit of reduced working hours (R2 = 0.183). Younger age (< 30) and stem cell transplant were associated with a lower benefit of support from colleagues (R2 = 0.077).

Conclusion

Our results highlight the need for targeted occupational counselling throughout the treatment and even beyond the return-to-work process, considering individual and social factors.
Hormonal regulation and crosstalk during early endosperm and seed coat development
Authors: Pankaj R. , Lima R. B. , Figueiredo D. D.
Published: December 2024

Key message

This review covers the latest developments on the regulation of early seed development by phytohormones.

The development of seeds in flowering plants starts with the fertilization of the maternal gametes by two paternal sperm cells. This leads to the formation of two products, embryo and endosperm, which are surrounded by a tissue of maternal sporophytic origin, called the seed coat. The development of each of these structures is under tight genetic control. Moreover, several phytohormones have been shown to modulate the development of all three seed compartments and have been implicated in the communication between them. This is particularly relevant, as embryo, endosperm, and seed coat have to coordinate their development for successful seed formation. Here, we review the latest advances on the hormonal regulation of early seed development in the model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana, with a focus on the endosperm and the seed coat. Moreover, we highlight how phytohormones serve as mechanisms of non-cell autonomous communication between these two compartments and how they are determinant in shaping seed formation.
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Thai version of the core outcome measures index for the back (COMI‐back) in patients with low back pain
Authors: Santipas Borriwat , Luksanapruksa Panya , Ruangchainikom Monchai , Korwutthikulrangsri Ekkapoj , Poolpol Sarunya , Wilartratsami Sirichai
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To translate and culturally adapt the Core Outcome Measures Index for the back (COMI-back) into Thai and to evaluate its psychometric properties in Thai-speaking patients with low back pain (LBP).

Methods

The translation process followed a standardized forward–backward method with two independent translators, followed by synthesis and back-translation. An expert committee reviewed the translations for cultural and conceptual equivalence. Pre-testing was done with Thai patients to refine the questionnaire. The validation study included 131 patients with LBP, who completed the Thai COMI-Back along with other validated questionnaires like the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and EQ-5D-5L. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Construct validity was determined by correlating COMI scores with those of reference scales.

Results

The Thai COMI-Back exhibited strong reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha values from 0.89 to 0.93 and ICC values over 0.80 for all domains. Construct validity was supported by significant correlations with reference scales, with Spearman's rho values ranging from 0.47 to 0.84. Floor and ceiling effects were acceptable for most items, with notable exceptions for symptom-specific well-being and work disability.

Conclusion

The Thai COMI-Back shows strong psychometric properties, making it suitable for clinical and research use in Thailand.
Hazard rates of recurrence for gastric cancer after curative resection: implications for postoperative surveillance
Authors: Kanematsu Kyohei , Nakayama Yuta , Tanabe Mie , Morita Junya , Nagasawa Shinsuke , Yamada Takanobu , Ogata Takashi , Oshima Takashi
Published: December 2024

Background

Identifying the most effective postoperative surveillance interval in patients with gastric cancer (GC) remains challenging. To elucidate a logical and effective surveillance schedule, we analyzed GC recurrence risk trends after gastrectomy using the hazard function.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 2503 patients who underwent curative GC resection between 2000 and 2018. We examined recurrence risk over time and the influence of clinicopathological variables on it.

Results

Overall, GC recurred in 291 patients (11.6%) over a median of 64.6 months. Recurrence risk was highest at approximately 11-months postoperatively (hazard rate [HR]: 0.0045), decreasing to half the peak at approximately 39-months postoperatively. Patients with Stage I GC maintained a low risk. In Stage II patients, the risk peaked at 16-months postoperatively (HR: 0.006) and gradually declined thereafter. Stage III patients had the highest risk at 11 months postoperatively (HR: 0.019), plateauing at 40 months.

Conclusions

We demonstrated significant cancer stage-dependent differences in postsurgical GC recurrence risk by using the hazard function. Reductions in surveillance intensity might be acceptable according to the individual risk of recurrence.
Experimental investigation of pulp dewatering by high vacuum suction boxes
Authors: Mafela Mahlohonono , Louw Tobias , Görgens Johann , Saunders Garreth , de Gois Michael Garces , Kotze Johannes P. , Van der Westhuizen Wian , Tyhoda Luvuyo
Published: December 2024

Reducing energy consumption by industrial processes has become imperative because of rising energy costs and efforts toward decarbonisation. The continuous manufacturing of paper is energy intensive due in part to the water removal process required to convert pulp slurries to valuable paper products. This necessitates the development of energy conservation techniques, while simultaneously ensuring the quality of the product. A pilot-scale test unit was developed to quantify the effects of dwell time, vacuum pressure, and refining energy on the achievable pulp concentration or dryness level of three pulp types utilised in paper machines. Pulp dry matter was investigated as a means of gauging vacuum consumption and hence energy utilisation in paper machines, which could potentially reduce utility consumption of the overall drying process. A novel approach to simulate the pulsating high vacuum zone in the forming section of a paper machine was implemented, allowing the development of statistical correlations to explore vacuum dewatering conditions that may lead to energy efficiency. Bleached hardwood, mechanical/groundwood and recycled pulp were characterised to determine the effects of refining energy on fibre morphology and their drainage behaviour in pulp slurries. A dryness level of 21.8% at − 55 kPa gauge was achieved for bleached hardwood, whereas lower values of 19.8 and 18.3% were observed for recycled and mechanical pulps, respectively. This behaviour was attributed to the differences in drainability and morphology of the pulps due to their respective unique properties, further exaggerated by refining.
Explaining Mortgage Defaults Using SHAP and LASSO
Authors: Ozturkkal Belma , Wahlstrøm Ranik Raaen
Published: December 2024

We utilize machine learning methods to model the credit risk of mortgages in a significant emerging market. For this purpose, we investigate a multitude of variables that explain the characteristics of the loans, the demographics of the borrowers, and macroeconomic factors. We employ SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values in conjunction with five different tree-based machine learning methods, as well as the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) in conjunction with logistic regressions. Our findings, which are robust across two sampling schemes, reveal that while demographic variables are significant and important, loan-specific and macroeconomic variables are the most crucial in explaining mortgage defaults. As existing literature on mortgage default has primarily focused on advanced markets, we aim to bridge this gap by concentrating on emerging market data. We also share our code, which we hope will encourage others to utilize the methods we have applied.
Removal efficiencies and environmental risk assessment of selected pharmaceuticals and metabolites at a wastewater treatment plant in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Authors: Inarmal Nikitha , Moodley Brenda
Published: December 2024

This research study critically evaluates the concentrations of selected pharmaceuticals found within wastewater and at various stages within a selected wastewater treatment plant. The study further investigates the effects of seasonal variation, between wet and dry months, on the removal of target analytes. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, ivermectin in wastewater has not been investigated in South Africa. The methodology used was extraction of the wastewater samples using solid phase extraction with Oasis HLB cartridges followed by analysis on a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer. As expected, analyte concentrations were observed to decrease as wastewater went through the treatment process with the greatest reduction in concentrations observed between secondary effluent and maturation samples, which could be indicative of photodegradation of compounds. Influent concentrations of analytes ranged from 0.008184 to 1.243 mg L−1 while maturation river concentrations ranged from not detected to 0.9286 mg L−1. Removal efficiencies ranged from 7.70 to > 99.99% of analyte removed. Significant differences in removals were observed between the wet and dry seasons experienced within the province. Environmental risk assessment ratios ranged from 0.0863 to 10.5 × 108. Ratios for metformin and valsartan were well below 1, indicating that they would not be of environmental risk. While ratios for ivermectin were substantially high, ranging from 25.4 × 107 to 10.5 × 108 indicating that it is of severe environmental risk and is of significant concern. Generally, the analyte concentrations quantified within influent samples were higher than effluent samples which is indicative of the treatment process being able to partially remove some of the analytes. Risk assessment ratios suggest high risk of selected pharmaceuticals which are of environmental concern.
Tools to support learning to plan discussions that promote students’ mathematical reasoning
Authors: Ødegaard Reidun Persdatter , Arnesen Kristin Krogh , Langfeldt Marit Buset
Published: December 2024

We investigate pre-service teachers’ learning to plan discussions promoting students’ mathematical reasoning. Specifically, we analyse opportunities to learn to plan provided by three planning tools: a conceptual framework of the mathematical work of reasoning and proving, a set of talk moves, and a mathematical task with students’ work. In learning cycles, the pre-service teachers investigated, planned, enacted, and reflected on practice, using role-plays as an approximation to practice. The planning was organised in small groups, and these groups’ collaborative work was videotaped, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. Our findings reveal three patterns of tool use: tools as a support for planning, planning as a context to make sense of the tools, and the use of talk moves to plan when the students’ work was insufficient as a support. From these patterns, we identify several opportunities to learn afforded by the tools. However, we also identify and discuss limitations in the design of the tools, particularly related to mathematical reasoning. Based on our findings, we discuss implications for teacher education.
Preparation of specific-purpose 57Co radiation sources for specialised Mössbauer techniques
Authors: Vondrášek René , Pechoušek Jiří , Procházka Vít
Published: December 2024

The presented work outlines the methodology employed in the preparation of two distinct Mössbauer radiation sources, characterised by their respective emission properties. Two matrices were selected for the electrodeposition and subsequent high-temperature diffusion of 57Co. The objective was to prepare a single-line and a six-line source, with emission spectra that overlap the absorption spectra of selected steel phases (namely, paramagnetic austenite and ferromagnetic ferrite/martensite). The rationale behind the aforementioned source preparation is to develop a bespoke apparatus based on the Mössbauer principle for the rapid determination of the aforementioned steel phases.
Optimized Convolutional Neural Network at the IoT edge for image detection using pruning and quantization
Authors: Naveen Soumyalatha , Kounte Manjunath R
Published: December 2024

Most real-time computer vision applications heavily rely on Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) based models, for image classification and recognition. Due to the computationally and memory-intensive nature of the CNN model, it’s challenging to deploy on resource-constrained Internet of Things (IoT) devices to enable Edge intelligence for real-time decision-making. Edge intelligence requires minimum inference latency, memory footprint, and energy-efficient model. This work aims to develop an energy-efficient deep learning accelerator using a 3-stage pipeline: Training, Weight-pruning, and Quantization to reduce the model size and optimize the resources. First, we employ YOLOv3, a CNN architecture to detect objects in an image on the trained data. In addition, a sparse network of YOLO has been created by using pruning, which helps to improve the network’s performance and efficiency by reducing the computational requirements. Finally, we utilize 8-bit quantization to reduce the precision of the weights and activations, in a neural network. The evaluation of our proposed model shows that combining pruning and 8-bit quantization improves the efficiency and performance of the model. While pruning shows a decline of 80.39% in model parameters. The combination of 8-bit quantization results in an improvement in inference latency by 22.72% compared to existing SQuantization approach and a reduction of energy consumption by 29.41%.
The decision-making of students in post-compulsory education: influence of personal, academic, family, and socioeconomic dimensions on the choice of Vocational Education and Training
Authors: Belando-Montoro María R. , Fernández-Salinero Carolina , Virgós-Sánchez Marta , Naranjo-Crespo María
Published: December 2024

This article is a response to the absence of multidimensional research into the decision-making of students in their choice of post-compulsory education. The aim is to analyse the personal, academic, family, and socioeconomic dimensions which influence the choices of students in the final (4th) year of Compulsory Secondary Education in Spain, specifically of Vocational Education and Training (VET). A multidimensional, 360-degree study was conducted, using a mixed, concurrent methodology (QUALITATIVE + quantitative) which permitted the triangulation and complementing of the resulting data. A total of 14 discussion groups were formed, 8 with students and 6 with the families of students in the 4th year of Compulsory Secondary Education from public schools in four Autonomous Communities in Spain. A questionnaire was also conducted with a sample of 731 educators (tutors and guidance councillors) teaching 4th year students in Compulsory Secondary Education in these Communities. These four dimensions are closely interlinked, as revealed by an analysis of the discourses of families and students, the results of the teacher surveys, and consideration of documentation from national and European institutions specialised in this area. The conclusions of the study highlight the implications of educational policies and practices and the need for action plans which meet the requirements of students and their families for information, regarding both academic and professional opportunities, responding to their socioeconomic circumstances as well as the changing perception of VET as “remedial” compared to the more “development oriented” Baccalaureate.
Innovations in mathematical modeling, AI, and optimization techniques
Authors: Ohue Masahito , Yasuo Nobuaki , Takata Masami
Published: December 2024

This special issue is dedicated to examining the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence, mathematical modeling, and optimization, with particular emphasis on their growing importance in computational science. It features the most notable papers from the "Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving" workshop at PDPTA'24, the 30th International Conference on Parallel and Distributed Processing Techniques and Applications. The issue showcases pioneering research in areas such as natural language processing, system optimization, and high-performance computing. The nine selected studies include novel AI-driven methods for chemical compound generation, historical text recognition, and music recommendation, along with advancements in hardware optimization through reconfigurable accelerators and vector register sharing. Additionally, evolutionary and hyper-heuristic algorithms are explored for sophisticated problem-solving in engineering design, and innovative techniques are introduced for high-speed numerical methods in large-scale systems. Collectively, these contributions demonstrate the significance of AI, supercomputing, and advanced algorithms in driving the next generation of scientific discovery.
AIoT-Driven Leak Detection in Real Water Networks Using Hydrophones
Authors: Bakhtawar Beenish , Fares Ali , Zayed Tarek
Published: December 2024

Acoustic sensing technology is a familiar approach to detect leakage in urban water networks. Critical issues like false alarms, difficult leak locations, missed leaks, unknown site conditions, and high repair costs are still prevalent. The situation warrants developing a more sophisticated and efficient leak detection approach in real water networks. Hydrophone based acoustic technology has a strong promise for high precision detection of leaks. However, AIoT approach using hydroacoustic data for real water leak detection are rarely reported. The current study, therefore, proposes an integrated signal analysis and machine learning-based ensemble model for leak detection using a hydrophone-based smart IoT system. The results show that the most significant features are peak frequency and maximum amplitude. Random forest is the most robust classifier for cost effective long-term monitoring, and the proposed voting ensemble classifies leaks and no leaks with high accuracy on both unseen data and new sites. Specifically, proposed models have very few alarms and missed leaks are reported, a significant problem in models developed using accelerometers and noise loggers. The study shows a significant contribution to the domain of leak detection for real urban water networks.
Mobilization in Neurocritical Care: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Nobles Kristen , Cunningham Kyle , Fecondo Brianna , Closs Susan M. , Donovan Kathleen , Kumar Monisha A.
Published: December 2024

Purpose of Review

Mobilization in the Neurological Intensive Care Unit (NICU) significantly improves outcomes and functional recovery while preventing immobility-related complications. The heterogeneity of neurologic conditions necessitates tailored, interdisciplinary mobilization strategies. This article reviews recent research on enhancing the feasibility and effectiveness of mobilization interventions in NICU settings.

Recent Findings

Early mobilization improves functional outcomes, reduces complications like muscle atrophy and pressure ulcers, and can shorten ICU stays. Safe implementation involves individualized protocols and a multidisciplinary team, emphasizing that early mobilization benefits critically ill neurological patients.

Development of evidenced-based protocols for interdisciplinary NICU patient mobilization enhances patient outcomes and quality of life. Use of outcome measures can facilitate mobility while preventing complications from immobility. Future research in embracing emerging technologies such as mobilization equipment and virtual/augmented reality will help determine optimal timing as well as dosage of mobility to improve long-term functional outcomes in the unique NICU population.
Antisemitism as a dark-ego vehicle
Authors: Bertrams Alex , Krispenz Ann
Published: December 2024

According to the recently proposed dark-ego-vehicle principle (DEVP), individuals high in dark-personality traits (e.g., narcissism, psychopathy) tend to be attracted to certain kinds of (political) ideologies if and when these ideologies can be used to satisfy their dark needs. With the present pre-registered longitudinal study, we attempted to falsify the DEVP in the context of antisemitism. In this regard, we predicted positively directed relationships between certain dark-personality traits (i.e., grandiose narcissism, antagonistic narcissism, psychopathy) and antizionist antisemitism. Individuals from several samples from the US and the UK (N = 3,981) completed validated psychometric measures of antisemitic attitudes. This data was correlated with several variables which had already been assessed previously: individuals’ dark-personality traits and specific dark-personality-needs indicators (e.g., aggression, virtue signaling). The results showed a failed falsification of the DEVP: The vast majority of the correlations between the examined dark-personality traits and antisemitism were positively directed. This was not only true for antizionist antisemitism but also for the classical Judeophobic antisemitism. The overall pattern of the found relationships was in line with the DEVP and its assumption that individuals high in dark-personality traits, particularly in antagonistic narcissism and psychopathy, may be attracted to antisemitic ideology.