bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonic Nondestructive Evaluation of Impacted Nylon/Carbon-Fiber Additively Manufactured Components
Authors: Wilkins Jackson C. , Ritter Cole L. , Fleck Trevor J. ,   Baylor University
Published: November 2023

Fusion-based material extrusion additive manufacturing (AM), commonly known as fused filament fabrication (FFF), is a layer-by-layer manufacturing process known for creating custom components, specializing in complex geometries, with applications in the aerospace, automotive, medical, as well as many other industries. Due to the critical nature of these industries, and the likelihood of components experiencing in-service damage, it is imperative to understand the relationship between the AM material in question, the nature of the resultant damage, and the impact of these two parameters on the future performance of the component. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between low-velocity impact and the resultant damage in common functional FFF materials, as well as to develop methods of visualizing that damage using ultrasonic nondestructive testing. To study the influence of short carbon fiber reinforcement on the damage tolerance of FFF components, FFF coupons were prepared using two different filaments, one being a composite material comprised of nylon matrix with 10% chopped carbon fiber and the other being neat nylon filament with no fiber content. These samples were impacted with 4-10 joules (J) using an Instron 9450 drop tower impact system. The extent of the damage was visualized using ultrasonic nondestructive testing, in which significant internal cracking was observed. Through the analysis of the contact force data in both material systems collected through these means, there was significantly higher damage and more complex impact behavior implicating cracking in the samples damaged using 7J or more, in comparison to 6J or less. It was also observed that the AM components in question have a fundamental different response to impact as compared to traditional CFRP components.
Ultrasonic Resonance Method for Quantifying Layered Structure in Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Huang Ming , Kirkaldy Niall , Patel Yatish , Cegla Frederic , Lan Bo ,   Imperial College London, Zhao Yan ,   Breathe Battery Technologies Limited
Published: November 2023

Accurately characterizing the internal states of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is crucial for ensuring optimal performance, durability, and safety. Despite the growing interest in battery research, this task remains challenging. Here we present a novel method using ultrasonic resonance to quantitatively characterize the layered structure of LIBs. The method employs simple, conventional ultrasound equipment to experimentally acquire resonant signals, and a new physical model to retrieve crucial information about the battery inner structures. This method has been successfully deployed to recover the number of repetitive layers, average thicknesses of anode and cathode active layers, spatially resolved image of internal layers, and the state of charge with layer-to-layer resolutions. Compared to existing ultrasonic techniques, this method offers improved layer-resolved characterization capacities while maintaining low-cost, in-operando operation. This makes it a powerful tool for battery inner structure characterization and management, enabling better quality control during production and quantitative monitoring of the states of health and charge during operation.
Multi-channel Optical Fiber-Coil Ultrasonic Sensor System
Authors: Chu Yufei , Wang Xiaoli , Mitul Abu Farzan , Alshammari Mohammed , Han Ming ,   Michigan State University, Karim Farzi ,   Nikon Inc.
Published: November 2023

We report a multiplexed fiber-optic ultrasonic sensor system with four sensors fabricated on a single span of optical fiber. Each of the sensors is a fiber coil with two identical fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) on the ends of the coil that form a low-finesse Fabry-Perot (FP) interferometer. The reflection spectrum of each sensor features dense sinusoidal fringes with a spectral profile determined by the FBGs. The FBGs for each of sensors have different wavelength so that their signal (the reflection spectra) can be separated in the wavelength domain. The sensors were demodulated using a modified phase-generated carrier (PGC) scheme, which involves modulating the phase of the laser to generate carrier signals that can be used to extract the ultrasound signal. The interferometer is designed to have a high sensitivity and a wide bandwidth. Toward practical applications, we integrated the demodulation circuit into a PCB circuit board. The ultrasound sensor system demonstrated here has many advantages over conventional piezoelectric sensors with the potential to overcome the limitations of other fiber-optic ultrasonic sensors, which makes them an attractive option for applications in nondestructive evaluation and structural health monitoring.
What about the Global North in Gender-Responsive Climate Policy? An Analysis of Canada’s and Sweden’s UNFCCC Communications
Authors:   Korea Association of International Development and Cooperation, Kim Kyu Yeong Christine
Published: November 2023

Purpose: This study contributes to our understanding of state practices of integrating a gender perspective into climate policy. Specifically, the gender mainstreaming practices of Canada and Sweden in their National Communications (NCs) to the UNFCCC were examined.
Originality: In recent years, the UNFCCC has begun to emphasize the need for gender-responsive climate policy, especially through frameworks such as the Lima Work Programme on Gender and its corresponding Gender Action Plan.
However, few studies have examined how countries apply such frameworks into their national climate policies. The small amount of work that has been done has focused almost exclusively on the Global South. However, this study demonstrates, through a case study of two countries considered global ‘gender champions,’ that developed countries are also demonstrating uneven and limited gender mainstreaming practices in their climate policies.
Methodology: Canada’s and Sweden’s latest three rounds of NCs were analyzed for their content through a three-step methodology. First, a keyword search served as a baseline analysis of engagement with gender issues. Then, the documents were coded using a typology of 15 thematic codes derived primarily from the UNFCCC Gender Action Plan. Finally, additional in-depth qualitative analyses were conducted for context and implications.
Result: The analysis reveals that while Canada and Sweden are relatively active in referencing women and gender issues in their NCs, the overall scope and depth of this engagement remains shallow.
Conclusions and Implication: Despite an underlying assumption in the global climate regime that developed countries are leading the way for gender-responsive climate policy, the results of this case study seem to indicate otherwise. Further studies are required to systematically map state practices transcending Global North and South divisions, to better understand the root causes of the problems identified in this case study.
Priority Analysis of Sustainability Influencing Factors of International Agricultural Development Cooperation Project in Uganda
Authors:   Korea Association of International Development and Cooperation, Kim Soyoen , Jeong Ahn-Seong
Published: November 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the need for sustainability of international agricultural development cooperation projects and to provide implications on which factors affect the enhancement of project sustainability. Originality: This study is meaningful in that it compared and analyzed the factors that affect the sustainability of the project targeting experts in the donor country and the recipient country. As agriculture is important in Uganda, a priority partner country, it intends to provide direction in terms of securing the sustainability of international agricultural development cooperation projects.
Methodology: After deriving the factors that affect the sustainability of international agricultural development cooperation project through previous studies, 15 experts in Korea and Uganda were surveyed and analyzed using AHP analysis.
Result: In the top-factors, both donor and beneficiary countries showed the same priority.
However, in the sub-factors, there showed a difference between the two countries, as donor countries say “Market development is more important than production technology and quality management,” and beneficiary countries say “Production technology and quality management are more important than market development”. In addition, donor country were found to have a lower priority in ‘ownership’ than recipient country.
Conclusion and Implication: As the importance of ‘capacity building’ was found to be the highest in both country’s experts. Therefore, it is a need to promote development cooperation and field experts, which are the main agents of the project, and also the training of local manpower, which are the main agents of the after the end of the project. It is desirable to enhance the local manpower in both facility management and international cooperation as well as agricultural to contribute to the creation of a friendly international cooperation ecosystem as well as to enhance the sustainability of the project.
Innovative meat products from non-traditional sources
Authors: Simonova I. , Drachuk U. , Halukh B. , Basarab І. , Koval H. , Kinash S.
Published: November 2023

This scientific article presents a study on the quality and organoleptic characteristics of roasted venison meat as a potentially promising raw material for producing high-quality food products. The research encompasses an analysis of parameters such as appearance, consistency, aroma, taste, and juiciness. The study's results reveal that venison meat possesses a distinct gamey flavor and aroma, characterized by high taste intensity and meat firmness. The overall quality rating of the finished product stands at 4.82 points, with taste receiving a lower score compared to other attributes. The study also explores the influence of stress on the animal before slaughter on the pH level and moisture-holding capacity of venison meat. Furthermore, the article discusses the importance of monitoring the levels of heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, in food products and confirms that the levels of these metals in venison meat comply with food safety standards. These findings are critical for ensuring consumer safety and determining the suitability of venison meat for consumption. The research also examines the prospects of using venison meat for delicacy production, leveraging its unique taste and aroma. It substantiates the advantages and limitations of utilizing this type of meat to pique consumer interest in new food products and expand the market. Finally, the article underscores the importance of further research into the quality and safety of venison meat, as well as the development and adherence to sanitary and technological procedures during the processing of venison carcasses to ensure a high-quality and safe end product. This scientific article sheds light on essential aspects of utilizing venison meat as a raw material for food production and contributes to a broader understanding of the potential of this type of meat in the food industry. The research findings make a significant contribution to comprehending the organoleptic properties of venison meat, its quality, and safety, which are pivotal for both producers and consumers.
Time to market access in Italy: duration of the P&R process for rare disease drugs
Authors: Marcellusi Andrea , Raimondo Paola , Galeone Carlotta , Canonico Pier Luigi
Published: November 2023

Objective: This paper aims to investigate the duration of the pricing & reimbursement (P&R) procedures submitted in Italy by pharmaceutical marketing authorization holders (MAH) for drugs indicated for rare diseases.
Methods: All the data used in this analysis were publicly available on different sources of the Italian Ministry of Health, the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) and other official websites. The information was systematically collected to investigate the timeline (days) needed to complete the P&R process. The process was divided into 6 simplified steps and the median and range of days needed for each phase were estimated based on data reported in official/published documents. The analysis was stratified considering every single step of the assessment phase and included segmentation of drugs into indications for rare diseases, Orphan designation, Innovation assessment and Managed entry agreements (MEAs).
Results: Overall, 181 first indication procedures were submitted to AIFA in the period considered and, of these, 167 (92.3%) were completed and 129 procedures were considered for the final analysis and the median duration of the entire process (MAH submission to final Gazette publication) was 434 days (range 176.0-918.0). The duration of procedures for rare diseases (n = 53) was longer than those for non-rare-disease procedures (n = 76) (463.0 days vs 407.5 days respectively). Among rare disease procedures, orphan designation and MEAs represent predictors for time prolongation while innovation is associated with a shorter assessment time.
Conclusion: The study describes the time spent in each phase of the assessment and the appraisal process and demonstrates that uncertainty represents the main driver for the increment in the overall time.
A Study on the Research Trend of GungJoong JeongJae through TextMining
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Choi SungHee
Published: November 2023

This study conducted a text mining analysis, which is for the development of future-oriented research by identifying the current status of theses related to JeongJae. As a result, the subjects of preceding researches related to JeongJae could be classified into 3 major categories: work research, content development research, and component analysis. The trend of research shows that the number of papers and the number of researchers have decreased since 2010. The reasons for this were the consolidation and reduction of related departments, the weakening of the importance of preservation and transmission of original forms, and the decrease in related education such as chinese characters. To improve these problems, expanding access to historical book, theoretical education is conducted at schools, expansion of research at the NT GugAk Center, and recruitment of professional researchers and expansion of support. Also to research support, popularization is also necessary.
The Labor Experience and Gendering of Telephone Operators Represented in the Media: Focusing on the Netflix Series
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Koh Oonee , Choi Yoon
Published: November 2023

There has been growing interest in hidden subjects in the development of science and technology and it has been reflected not only in academic research but also in popular culture. This study focuses on the Netflix drama series , which features telephone operators who played an important role in the early days of telecommunication, and analyzed the labor experience of the telephone operator. In the late 1920s, the setting of the series, telephone operators were one of the few jobs women could have, and were an object of envy. However, the telephone exchange system at the time was still at infancy and was supplemented by women's emotional labor. In addition, low wages and strict labor regulations were applied. The labor had been gendered, standardized and often invisible.  depicts the friendship and solidarity of women who want to live their lives independently through their jobs as telephone operators in this working environment. Despite the limitations of being a romance melodrama,  has a special significance in that it describes the multi-layered aspect of telephone operator, re-examining the hidden labor of telephone operators.
Pre-service Special Educational Teacher’s Perception of Specialized Curriculum Operation System: A Case Study of U University U-human Care Convergence Curriculum
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Mi-sun , Park Byoung Sook
Published: November 2023

This study qualitatively analyzed the perception of on the U-human care convergence curriculum(U-HCCC). From the results of this study, we presented that U-HCCC viewed by pre-service special educational teacher identified what it was like, the difficulties they faced, and finally we suggested how the difficulties can be solved. Participants in the study are sixteen pre-service special educational teacher. As a result of qualitative analysis, 1) special and convergence education, 2) U-human care convergence curriculum, 3) the entry barriers of U-HCCC and 4) the activation plan of implementing U-HCCC. There are four subjects and ten sub themes. In the discussion and conclusion, a practical direction was suggested to increase effectiveness of implementing U-HCCC.
Gwangju's Overseas Chinese Food Culture and Metaverse-based Virtual Museum
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Ahn Jaeyeon , Park Jinhong
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study is to present a case of a metaverse-based virtual museum based on local history and cultural content. Metaverse type museums have emerged as new platforms for exhibition and communication, especially after COVID-19. However, most of them have been limited to transferring offline exhibitions to the online space or showcasing institutional collections. In this study, we analyze a case that involves creating history and food culture content related to the overseas Chinese community in Gwangju and implementing it in the Gwangju Overseas Chinese Elementary School. In conclusion, it can bring positive effects such as local cultural archiving and multi-cultural education. However, it also points out the limitations in terms of personalization and sharing, which have not yet reached a satisfactory level.
The Effects of Large Disaster Information Acquisition Level on Police Role Recognition
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Sangwoon
Published: November 2023

This thesis is a study aimed at examing the effect of the level of information acquisition on the perception of the role of the police in order to reduce the damage of a disaster in the event of a large-scale disaster and suggesting improvement measures. Recently, as society develops, the world becomes more complex and diverse, so when disaster occurs, it tends to become larger and more severe. In order to reduce damage from large-scale disasters, it is necessary to actively follow the control of agencies responding to disasters. In many cases, it is not possible to respond effectively due to problems. As a result of statistical analysis based on the contents of the survey, it was found that the more effective the information, the less aware the role of the police is in Korean citizens, proving that the existing disaster information delivery system needs to be improved. In order to improve this, it is necessary to provide important information stably and repeatedly in a unified way rather than providing a lot of information. Suggested ways to improve the current system.
Consumption Motivation and Consumption Behavior of Korean Pop Music Consumers
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Ko Sunha , Jun Jongwoo
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this paper is to understand the consumption motivation and consumption behavior of Korean pop music for Generation Z, the main domestic consumer who consumes Korean pop music. Since popular music is a thoroughly audience-centered culture, the tastes and needs of the audience have a profound influence on the production of popular music. The related industry is paying attention to Generation Z as the main acceptance group of Korean pop music and the main consumer group that has led to global interest in Korean pop music. They are now the main consumers of the music and entertainment industries and see them as a new group of consumers who will exert a huge influence on the future market at home and abroad. For the growth and development of Korean pop music, research should be conducted to identify the main motivational and behavioral characteristics of Generation Z consumers, a group of domestic audiences with high exposure and acceptance rates to Korean pop music.
A Study on the Communication Ability and Interaction of Practical Beauty Learners
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Juhye , Chon Haejung
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study was to provide basic data for the development of teaching and learning methods for beauty practical education by studying the effect of communication skills of beauty major students on practical class interaction. The data collection was conducted from March 14 to April 17, 2023 on college students majoring in beauty at domestic universities, and a total of 413 copies were analyzed using the SPSS WIN 21.0 program. The research conclusions are as follows. First, students with higher communication skills showed the highest interaction during class. Second, the higher the communication ability, the higher the correlation between class time interaction. Third, linguistic communication skills have been shown to affect interaction. Therefore, as a way to increase interaction, it is necessary to apply subjects and teaching methods that can increase linguistic communication skills. In addition, interactions such as mutual conversation and emotional exchange, listening and rejection, recognition and understanding should be activated by appropriately using textbooks, practical classes, and materials. It is believed that communication skills should be cultivated through various classes such as discussion and presentation as a professional beauty person.
Meaning of the Subject Crossing Virtual and Reality in the Survival Narrative of : Focusing on the Gap between Virtual and Reality
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee Jinsoo
Published: November 2023

This thesis is an attempt to confirm the meaning created by the gap between the subject who plays the survival narrative of the digital game . It allows players to experiment with their own potential in the face of numerous interactivity in hypertext. However, in the 21st century neoliberalism, those who know the direction of survival well are socially structurally limited to vested interests. Unlike reality, however, players in  can grasp the hidden order through countless failures and can also bypass the direction at any time. As such,  operates as a virtual world as an alternative to reality, but at the same time, it is also positioned as a function to preserve self-efficacy. In the end, it can be said that the meaning of the subject across virtual and reality stems from efforts to overcome its own limitations.
MERCADO DE TRABALHO: RUPTURAS E PERSPECTIVAS CONTEMPORÂNEAS SOBRE O EMPREGO
Authors:   UEMG - Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - Unidade Frutal, RUFINO Anderson , TOMAZ Rozaine A. Fontes ,   Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - Unidade Frutal
Published: November 2023

This study presents an analytical approach to the labor market, based on the effects of the Outsourcing Law (No. 13.429/2017), the lack of qualifications for the labor market, the pandemic context, and the challenges generated by the political and economic oscillations experienced in Brazil and around the world. This work aims to analyze the environment and possible motivations that have caused unemployment in Brazil today, in order to build a repertoire that discusses the feeling of professional instability that has plagued the population due to the economic and political crisis. This examination is justified by the need to create models of understanding applicable to scenarios of success and failure when it comes to acquiring and maintaining formal jobs in the country. The essence of the results offered by this research is that, in a context of volatile job vacancies, salaried employment, characterized by indefinite contracts, has been replaced by a new type of wage relationship that is less based on job stability and more adjusted to contemporary uncertainties. The research's main bibliographical contribution is the book Globalization and unemployment: diagnosis and alternatives, by Paul Singer (2012)
Neorealist Analysis of Security Dilemma in Cyberspace; A Quantitative Study
Authors: Arslan Ahmet Selçuk
Published: November 2023

Two crucial factors have urged IR scholars to account for state behavior in cyberspace: the increasing volume of cyber attacks and the rising scale of damage induced by these attacks. These have led to a series of initiatives appealing to the grand theories of IR to scrutinize state behavior in depth, particularly regarding securitization and militarization of cyberspace. Following a similar pattern, this work intends to contribute to IR literature by presenting a neorealist analysis of state behavior in cyberspace by relying on quantitative methods. Two regression analyses, one using a linear algorithm and the other using a negative binomial algorithm, were conducted. The analyses indicate that as states build more cyber security capacity, they tend to engage in more disruptive actions against other states in cyberspace. Both regression models were subsequently trained using artificial neural networks (ANNs) for robustness check, which enhanced the results computed by the traditional models.
Advances in current in vitro models on neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Pereira Inês , Lopez-Martinez Maria J. , Samitier Josep
Published: November 2023

Many neurodegenerative diseases are identified but their causes and cure are far from being well-known. The problem resides in the complexity of the neural tissue and its location which hinders its easy evaluation. Although necessary in the drug discovery process, in vivo animal models need to be reduced and show relevant differences with the human tissues that guide scientists to inquire about other possible options which lead to in vitro models being explored. From organoids to organ-on-a-chips, 3D models are considered the cutting-edge technology in cell culture. Cell choice is a big parameter to take into consideration when planning an in vitro model and cells capable of mimicking both healthy and diseased tissue, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), are recognized as good candidates. Hence, we present a critical review of the latest models used to study neurodegenerative disease, how these models have evolved introducing microfluidics platforms, 3D cell cultures, and the use of induced pluripotent cells to better mimic the neural tissue environment in pathological conditions.
Adaptive selection of members for convective-permitting regional ensemble prediction over the western Maritime Continent
Authors: Sharma Kuldeep , Lee Joshua Chun Kwang , Porson Aurore , Chandramouli Krishnamoorthy , Roberts Nigel , Boyd Douglas , Zhang Huqiang , Barker Dale Melvyn
Published: November 2023

A common issue faced by the downscaled regional ensemble prediction systems is the under-dispersiveness of the ensemble forecasts, often attributed to the lack of spread under the initial conditions from the global ensemble. In this study, a novel method that adopts an adaptive approach to selecting global ensemble members for regional downscaling has been developed. Instead of using a fixed set of pre-selected global ensemble members, the adaptive selection performs a sampling algorithm and selects the global ensemble members, which maximizes a fractions skill score (FSS)-based displacement between ensemble members. The method is applied to a convective-permitting ensemble prediction system over the western Maritime Continent, referred to as SINGV-EPS. SINGV-EPS has a grid spacing of 4.5 km and is a 12-member ensemble that is driven by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) 51-member global ensemble. Month-long trials were conducted in June 2020 to assess the impact of adaptive selection on the ensemble forecast spread and rainfall verification scores. In both fixed pre-selection and adaptive selection experiments, SINGV-EPS was still under-dispersive. However, adaptive selection improved the ensemble spread and reduced the root-mean-square error (RMSE) of the ensemble mean in wind, temperature, and precipitation fields. Further verification of the rainfall forecasts showed that there was a reduction in the Brier score and a higher hit rate in the relative operating characteristic (ROC) curve for all rainfall thresholds when adaptive selection was applied. Additionally, the ensemble mean forecasts from adaptive selection experiments are more accurate beyond 24 h, with a higher FSS for all rainfall thresholds and neighborhood lengths. These results suggest that the adaptive selection is superior to the fixed pre-selection of global ensemble members for downscaled regional ensemble prediction.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa in children with cerebral palsy: a prospective study
Authors: Romaen Katrien , Van Ussel Isabelle , Van Rossem Carolin , Kenis Sandra , Ceulemans Berten , Van Hoorenbeeck Kim , Verhulst Stijn
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often present with chronic respiratory symptoms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), is a known pathogen associated with more severe respiratory disease. Preventive actions to eradicate this bacterium and to improve the respiratory condition of children with CP could be very valuable. Therefore, we assessed the prevalence of PA and its association with respiratory disease.

Methods

Throat swabs were taken in children with CP, aged 0–18 years. Data from patient records were extracted from the electronic medical records. Follow-up of respiratory symptoms was done by the Liverpool respiratory symptom questionnaire (LRSQ) after 3 months.

Results

A throat swab and a completed LRSQ after 3 months were received from 79 children with CP. Twenty-eight patients (35.4%) were found to have at least one positive respiratory culture. Only 4 patients (5.1%) were contaminated with PA. Gram negative bacteria were isolated in 21.5% of the positive throat swabs, S. aureus was found in 13.9%. Most pathogens were found in patients with higher GMFCS score (GMFCS IV and V). Results of the LRSQ showed that 52.1% of these patients reported having 1 cold in the past 3 months.

Discussion

The prevalence of PA in our population of children with CP is low, gram-negative bacteria were most commonly found. The respiratory consequences of being colonized with these bacteria were limited. These results may have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research is recommended.
Utilizing machine learning algorithms for the prediction of carotid artery plaques in a Chinese population
Authors: Weng Shuwei , Chen Jin , Ding Chen , Hu Die , Liu Wenwu , Yang Yanyi , Peng Daoquan
Published: November 2023

Background: Ischemic stroke is a significant global health issue, imposing substantial social and economic burdens. Carotid artery plaques (CAP) serve as an important risk factor for stroke, and early screening can effectively reduce stroke incidence. However, China lacks nationwide data on carotid artery plaques. Machine learning (ML) can offer an economically efficient screening method. This study aimed to develop ML models using routine health examinations and blood markers to predict the occurrence of carotid artery plaques.

Methods: This study included data from 5,211 participants aged 18–70, encompassing health check-ups and biochemical indicators. Among them, 1,164 participants were diagnosed with carotid artery plaques through carotid ultrasound. We constructed six ML models by employing feature selection with elastic net regression, selecting 13 indicators. Model performance was evaluated using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Negative Predictive Value (NPV), F1 score, kappa value, and Area Under the Curve (AUC) value. Feature importance was assessed by calculating the root mean square error (RMSE) loss after permutations for each variable in every model.

Results: Among all six ML models, LightGBM achieved the highest accuracy at 91.8%. Feature importance analysis revealed that age, Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-c), and systolic blood pressure were important predictive factors in the models.

Conclusion: LightGBM can effectively predict the occurrence of carotid artery plaques using demographic information, physical examination data and biochemistry data.
Relationship between learning flow and academic performance among students: a systematic evaluation and meta-analysis
Authors: Jinmin Zhang , Qi Fang
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The concept of “flow experience,” characterized by a state of immersive enjoyment and profound engagement, pertains to individuals’ deep involvement in intriguing and pleasant tasks. In the field of study, individuals are in a state of flow when encountering challenging tasks, which matters considerably in completing the tasks. Therefore, learning flow is considered a hotspot in education that may be related to improving academic performance. Nonetheless, there remains contention regarding the extent of learning flow’s impact on academic performance. To this end, meta-learning was hereby used to provide evidenced on the relationship between them.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted under the guidance of PRISMA to examine the evidence of learning flow and academic performance, check the potential mechanism and evaluate the current evidence. Clinical research or empirical research on the influence of learning flow on academic achievement was collected by searching four databases. The literature retrieval spanned from each database’s inception until June 2023, specifically covering the PubMed (2000–2023.6), Embase (1974–2023.6), Cochrane Library (1993–2023.6), and the Web of Science (1807–2023.6), with particular attention to the period between 2000 and 2023.

Results

Thirteen RCTs were included, the total sample size used in the study was 3,253. Using the NOS evaluation tool of queue study, the average evaluation score of the included literatures was 7.46, indicating that the overall literature was above average. Besides, the data software StataSE was used to test the heterogeneity of the data, and the correlation coefficient and 95% confidence interval effect were found to be 0.43 (0.28, 0.57).

Discussion

Our research indicates a link between learning flow and academic performance, that is, students with high learning flow levels tend to have better academic performance. At the same time, this conclusion needs to be verified by more high-quality literature and larger sample data.

Systematic review registration

https://inplasy.com, identifier INPLASY202360079.
The construct validity of an abridged version of the general self-efficacy scale for adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Skliarova Tatiana , Pedersen Henrik , Hafstad Hege , Vaag Jonas Rennemo , Lara-Cabrera Mariela Loreto , Havnen Audun
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The General Self-Efficacy (GSE) scale is a validated self-rated questionnaire increasingly used in mental health research. However, despite several psychometric advantages of the GSE scale, its validity in those diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has not yet been examined. Moreover, a shorter version of the GSE scale would contribute to a more rational use of resources in extensive multivariate studies. Therefore, as self-rated scales to measure self-efficacy in this population are lacking, the current study aims to develop a condensed version of the GSE for adults with ADHD.

Methods

A group of patient collaborators (user representatives) from an ADHD organization and health professionals shortened the original 10-item GSE scale to six items and evaluated the content validity of the revised scale. Second, 525 potential participants were invited to participate in a cross-sectional study conducted in 2021 (between January 19th and February 7th). Of them, 403 filled out the GSE-6 for ADHD and two scales measuring psychological well-being and mental health (the five-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index, WHO-5, and the four-item Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-4). The psychometric properties of the new scale were examined, testing a priori formulated hypotheses.

Results

The brief GSE-6 for ADHD displayed good internal consistency with a Cronbach’s α of 0.907. No floor or ceiling effect was detected. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a one-factor structure. The GSE-6 also showed a moderate positive correlation with the WHO-5 (rs = 0.578) and a moderate negative correlation with the depression and anxiety rating scale PHQ-4 (rs = −0.595).

Conclusion

The 6-item GSE for ADHD was evaluated to have good content validity. The scale demonstrated good psychometric properties. The results indicate that the GSE-6 may help assess self-efficacy in adults with ADHD.
Psychometric properties of the mock interview rating scale for autistic transition-age youth
Authors: Smith Matthew J. , Sherwood Kari L. , Genova Helen M. , Ross Brittany , DaWalt Leann Smith , Bishop Lauren , Telfer David , Brown Cheryl , Sanchez Barbara , Kallen Michael A.
Published: November 2023

Background

Employment is a major contributor to quality of life. However, autistic people are often unemployed and underemployed. One potential barrier to employment is the job interview. However, the availability of psychometrically-evaluated assessments of job interviewing skills is limited for autism services providers and researchers.

Objective

We analyzed the psychometric properties of the Mock Interview Rating Scale that was adapted for research with autistic transition-age youth (A-MIRS; a comprehensive assessment of video-recorded job interview role-play scenarios using anchor-based ratings for 14 scripted job scenarios).

Methods

Eighty-five transition-age youth with autism completed one of two randomized controlled trials to test the effectiveness of two interventions focused on job interview skills. All participants completed a single job interview role-play at pre-test that was scored by raters using the A-MIRS. We analyzed the structure of the A-MIRS using classical test theory, which involved conducting both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyzes, Rasch model analysis and calibration techniques. We then assessed internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, and test–retest reliability. Pearson correlations were used to assess the A-MIRS’ construct, convergent, divergent, criterion, and predictive validities by comparing it to demographic, clinical, cognitive, work history measures, and employment outcomes.

Results

Results revealed an 11-item unidimensional construct with strong internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, and test–retest reliability. Construct [pragmatic social skills (r = 0.61, p < 0.001), self-reported interview skills (r = 0.34, p = 0.001)], divergent [e.g., age (r = −0.13, p = 0.26), race (r = 0.02, p = 0.87)], and predictive validities [competitive employment (r = 0.31, p = 0.03)] received initial support via study correlations, while convergent [e.g., intrinsic motivation (r = 0.32, p = 0.007), job interview anxiety (r = −0.19, p = 0.08)] and criterion [e.g., prior employment (r = 0.22, p = 0.046), current employment (r = 0.21, p = 0.054)] validities were limited.

Conclusion

The psychometric properties of the 11-item A-MIRS ranged from strong-to-acceptable, indicating it may have utility as a reliable and valid method for assessing the job interview skills of autistic transition-age youth.
Efficiency trends of essential public health services and possible influencing factors since the new round health reform in China: a case study from Hainan Province
Authors: Tian Ye , Peng Jia , Liu Yumei , Huang Jiayan
Published: November 2023

Objective

This article aimed to evaluate the efficiency trends and influencing factors of essential public health services in Hainan Province after the healthcare reform launched in 2009 in China.

Methods

The efficiency of essential public health services (EPHS) at primary health institutions was assessed using data envelopment analysis (DEA), and the efficiency change was analyzed by employing the Malmquist productivity index (MPI). We used Tobit regression to identify the influence of environmental factors on the efficiency of public health services. The bootstrap method was adopted to reduce the impact of random errors on the result.

Results

The bootstrapping bias-corrected efficiency revealed that the average values of technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency, and scale efficiency were 0.7582, 0.8439, and 0.8997, respectively, which meant that the EPHS in Hainan Province were not at the most effective state. The average bias-corrected MPI was 1.0407 between 2010 and 2011 and 1.7404 between 2011 and 2012. MPIs were less than 1.0000 during other periods investigated, ranging from 0.8948 to 0.9714, indicating that the efficiency of EPHS has been decreasing since 2013. The Tobit regression showed that the regression coefficients of per capita GDP, population density, the proportion of older people aged over 65, and the proportion of ethnic minority population were 0.0286, −0.0003, −0.0316, and − 0.0041 respectively, which were statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

There was a short-term improvement in the efficiency of EPHS in Hainan after the launch of the new round of health reform. However, this trend has not been sustained after 2013. In particular, equalized financial investment in essential public health could not fulfill the needs of poor counties. This has resulted in the inability to improve scale efficiency in some counties, which in turn has affected the improvement of overall EPHS efficiency. Therefore, to promote EPHS efficiency sustainably, it is suggested that under this model of provincial control of counties, the equity of resource allocation should be effectively improved while further advancing the technology of service delivery.
Prevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus in cats from southern Italy: a 10-year cross-sectional study
Authors: Fusco Giovanna , Marati Luisa , Pugliese Annamaria , Levante Martina , Ferrara Gianmarco , de Carlo Esterina , Amoroso Maria Grazia , Montagnaro Serena
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are well-known retroviruses causing important infections in domestic cats worldwide. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of FeLV and FIV infections in cat living indoor and outdoor in southern Italy.

Methods

The survey was conducted on 1322 stray and owned cats from the regions of Campania, Basilicata, and Calabria. It was carried out over a 10-year period to obtain a more realistic picture of the prevalence of these retroviral diseases in the country. FIV and FeLV status was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a commercial kit (SNAP Combo Plus FeLV/FIV, IDEXX). Risk factors were analysed by logistic regression.

Results and Discussion

The results showed that 101/1322 (7.64%) cats were positive for FeLV antigen and 110/1322 (8.32%) cats were positive for FIV antibody. Twenty-six of the 1322 cats (1.97%) were positive for both FIV and FeLV infection. Our results are similar to those published in recent studies in Europe. A statistically significant association (p < 0.05) was found between year, province, region, lifestyle and risk of FeLV infection. FIV positivity was instead statistically associated only with year and lifestyle.
Assessment of Knowledge, Perceptions, and Attitudes During the Global Mpox Outbreak in June 2022: A Cross-Sectional Study From the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Zeidan Rouba Karen , Shukla Ankita , Hussein Amal , AlZubaidi Hamzah , Temsah Mohamad-Hani , AlHajjaj Mohamed S. , Al-Bluwi Najlaa , Awad Manal , Alsayed Hawra Ali Hussein , Saheb Sharif-Askari Narjes , AlHano Zahraa , Agha Razan , Hamid Qutayba , Halwani Rabih , Saddik Basema
Published: November 2023

Objectives: To examine knowledge, worry, anxiety, and vaccine acceptance for mpox among UAE adults.

Methods: An online survey, advertised on academic and social media platform in June 2022 collected data from 959 participants (aged 18 and above) on mpox beliefs, risks, knowledge, worry, anxiety, COVID-19 infection, vaccination, and willingness to receive the mpox vaccine. Bivariate and logistic regression analysis identified associations and predictors between variables.

Results: 56% had optimal knowledge of mpox transmission and symptoms. 54% were worried, and 27% experienced anxiety related to the outbreak. Knowledge scores were higher among women, healthcare workers, and those with reliable information sources. High perceived infection risk, changes in precautionary measures, and belief in difficult treatment predicted more worry and anxiety. Higher worry and two or more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine predicted higher likelihood of taking the mpox vaccine.

Conclusion: The UAE population showed low knowledge and high worry and anxiety during the global mpox outbreak. Increasing public awareness through targeted educational campaigns is vital. Promoting better understanding of infectious diseases, addressing concerns, and encouraging vaccine uptake can prepare for future outbreaks.
Genetic Polymorphisms Involved in Bladder Cancer: A Global Review
Authors: Kourie Hampig Raphael , Zouein Joseph , Succar Bahaa , Mardirossian Avedis , Ahmadieh Nizar , Chouery Eliane , Mehawej Cybel , Jalkh Nadine , kattan Joseph , Nemr Elie
Published: November 2023

Bladder cancer (BC) has been associated with genetic susceptibility. Single peptide polymorphisms (SNPs) can modulate BC susceptibility. A literature search was performed covering the period between January 2000 and October 2020. Overall, 334 articles were selected, reporting 455 SNPs located in 244 genes. The selected 455 SNPs were further investigated. All SNPs that were associated with smoking and environmental exposure were excluded from this study. A total of 197 genes and 343 SNPs were found to be associated with BC, among which 177 genes and 291 SNPs had congruent results across all available studies. These genes and SNPs were classified into eight different categories according to their function.
Optimal Design and Fish-Passing Performance Analysis of a Fish-Friendly Axial Flow Pump
Authors: Yang Chunxia , Zhang Qianxu , Guo Jia , Wu Jiawei , Zheng Yuan , Ren Ziwei
Published: November 2023

In this paper, the parameters of a prototype runner of an axial flow pump are optimized by using the immersion boundary–lattice Boltzmann numerical method based on a large-eddy simulation (LES-IB-LBM). A fish-friendly axial flow pump with a leading-edge thickness of 11.4 mm and blade cutting angle of 18° is proposed. Through experiments, the living conditions of many kinds of fish in extremely positive and negative pressure environments are explored, and the probability of damage caused by pump to fish is analyzed by taking −40 kPa as the low-pressure damage threshold. The flow passage of the fish-friendly axial flow pump effectively guides the fish to low-risk areas, reducing the risk of friction, shear, and impact damage to the fish. The total impact mortality ratio of runners before and after the axial flow pump optimization is close to 7:1.