bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A quantitative analysis of artificial intelligence research in cervical cancer: a bibliometric approach utilizing CiteSpace and VOSviewer
Authors: Zhao Ziqi , Hu Boqian , Xu Kun , Jiang Yizhuo , Xu Xisheng , Liu Yuliang
Published: September 2024

Background

Cervical cancer, a severe threat to women’s health, is experiencing a global increase in incidence, notably among younger demographics. With artificial intelligence (AI) making strides, its integration into medical research is expanding, particularly in cervical cancer studies. This bibliometric study aims to evaluate AI’s role, highlighting research trends and potential future directions in the field.

Methods

This study systematically retrieved literature from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), employing VOSviewer and CiteSpace for analysis. This included examining collaborations and keyword co-occurrences, with a focus on the relationship between citing and cited journals and authors. A burst ranking analysis identified research hotspots based on citation frequency.

Results

The study analyzed 927 articles from 2008 to 2024 by 5,299 authors across 81 regions. China, the U.S., and India were the top contributors, with key institutions like the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the NIH leading in publications. Schiffman, Mark, featured among the top authors, while Jemal, A, was the most cited. ‘Diagnostics’ and ‘IEEE Access’ stood out for publication volume and citation impact, respectively. Keywords such as ‘cervical cancer,’ ‘deep learning,’ ‘classification,’ and ‘machine learning’ were dominant. The most cited article was by Berner, ES; et al., published in 2008.

Conclusions

AI’s application in cervical cancer research is expanding, with a growing scholarly community. The study suggests that AI, especially deep learning and machine learning, will remain a key research area, focusing on improving diagnostics and treatment. There is a need for increased international collaboration to maximize AI’s potential in advancing cervical cancer research and patient care.
Peripheral neurotoxicity induced by albumin-bound paclitaxel: a case report
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Wu Liuting , Bai Dunyao , Li Juan
Published: September 2024

Background

Despite its excellent therapeutic efficacy, albumin-bound paclitaxel often leads to peripheral neurotoxicity, significantly affecting patients’ quality of life. This study reported a case of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with peripheral neurotoxicity induced by albumin-bound paclitaxel.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old male was admitted to the Hubei Cancer Hospital complaining of left-side limb weakness and numbness for one month following the first cycle of albumin paclitaxel plus cisplatin plus tislelizumab regimen for the right-side NSCLC in December 2021. Chest CT displayed a soft tissue density mass in the apical segment of the right upper lung lobe (5.5×4.9 cm2). Immunohistochemistry results and CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy confirmed NSCLC stage cT3NXMX. The pain and numbness in both feet were alleviated after the first cycle of this regimen of liposomal paclitaxel 240 mg plus cisplatin 90 mg plus tislelizumab 200 mg. After four treatment cycles, the tumor treatment was evaluated as partial response (PR), and the tumor lesion became 2.9×2.7 cm2.

Conclusion

The regimen containing liposomal paclitaxel, cisplatin, and tislelizumab alleviated the symptoms of peripheral neurotoxicity induced by albumin-bound paclitaxel in an NSCLC case, which may be a potential therapeutic option.
Case Report: Mycoplasma pneumoniae–associated acute pancreatitis
Authors: Sun Hong , Wang Wei-Qun , Lin Long , Shao Zheng-Yang , Zhan Lu , Tang Lan-Fang
Published: September 2024

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the primary pathogen causing community-acquired pneumonia in children, accounting for approximately 10%–40% of cases. It can lead to various extrapulmonary complications, including acute pancreatitis, which has been reported in approximately 30 cases to date. Here, we report a 4-year-old girl who presented with fever, cough, and elevated levels of M. pneumoniae IgM antibodies, followed by the onset of abdominal pain, elevated lipase, and elevated blood and urine amylase. Abdominal CT implied diffuse inflammation of the pancreas. Serum inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor, and interferon-gamma, were elevated. After excluding other causes, it was determined that M. pneumoniae infection was the cause of her acute pancreatitis. She was treated with macrolides and glucocorticoids and ultimately made a full recovery. Therefore, acute pancreatitis should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients with M. pneumoniae infection who present with abdominal pain. Inflammatory cytokines may play a role in mediating pancreatic damage.
Safety and outcome of children, adolescents and young adults participating in phase I/II clinical oncology trials: a 9-year center experience
Authors: Pujol Manresa Anna , Buendía López Susana , Andión Maitane , Herrero Blanca , Lassaletta Álvaro , Ramirez Manuel , Ruano David , Hernández-Marqués Carmen , Varo Amalia , de Rojas Teresa , Cortés Hernández Marta , Verdú-Amorós Jaime , Martín Prado Silvia , Artigas Andrea , Redondo Esther , Ruiz Pato Julia , Herreros López Pilar , Sevilla Julián , Madero Luis , Moreno Lucas , Bautista Sirvent Francisco , Rubio-San-Simón Alba
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Enrolling children with cancer in early phase trials is crucial to access innovative treatments, contributing to advancing pediatric oncology research and providing tailored therapeutic options. Our objective is to analyze the impact of these trials on patient outcomes and safety, and to examine the evolution and feasibility of trials in pediatric cancer over the past decade.

Methods

All patients recruited in pediatric anticancer phase I/II clinical trials from January 2014 to December 2022 were included. Clinical records and trial protocols were analyzed.

Results

A total of 215 patients (median age 11.2 years, range 1–29.5) were included in 52 trials (258 inclusions). Patients with extracranial solid tumors (67%), central nervous system (CNS) tumors (24%), and leukemia (9%) were included. The most common investigational drugs were small molecules (28.3%) and antibodies (20.5%). Serious adverse events were experienced by 41% of patients, 4.4% discontinued treatment because of toxicity and two had toxic deaths. Median event-free survival was 3.7 months (95%CI: 2.8–4.5), longer in phase II trials than in phase I (2 vs. 6.3 months; p ≤ 0.001). Median overall survival was 12 months (95%CI: 9–15), higher in target-specific vs. non-target-specific trials (14 vs. 6 months; p ≤ 0.001).

Discussion

A significant and increasing number of patients have been included in early clinical trials, suggesting that both oncologists and families consider it valuable to be referred to specialized Units to access new therapies. Moreover, our data suggests that participation in early clinical trials, although not without potential toxicities, might have a positive impact on individual outcomes.
Ameliorating effect of chotosan and its active component, Uncaria hook, on lipopolysaccharide-induced anxiety-like behavior in mice
Authors: Okawa Yasumasa , Ushio Soichiro , Izushi Yasuhisa , Kitamura Yoshihisa , Zamami Yoshito , Sendo Toshiaki
Published: September 2024

Introduction

In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of chotosan, a traditional Japanese botanical drug, and its active component, Uncaria hook, on anxiety-like behaviors induced by systemic inflammation in mice.

Methods

To induce systemic inflammation, the mice were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a bacterial endotoxin. Prior to LPS treatment, the mice were administered chotosan or Uncaria hook orally each day for 14 days. Anxiety-like behavior of the mice was evaluated using the light–dark test 24 h after LPS treatment.

Results

Repeated administration of chotosan prevented anxiety-like behavior in both normal and LPS-treated mice. Similarly, administration of Uncaria hook suppressed LPS-induced anxiety-like behavior in mice. Furthermore, treatment with tandospirone, a 5-HT1A receptor agonist, alleviated anxiety-like behavior in mice, whereas treatment with DOI, a 5-HT2A receptor agonist, enhanced anxiety-like behavior in mice. LPS treatment significantly increased serotonin (5-HT)2A receptor mRNA expression in the frontal cortex, whereas 5-HT1A receptor mRNA expression remained unchanged in the hippocampus. Notably, chotosan significantly suppressed the mRNA expression of 5-HT2A receptor.

Discussion

These findings indicate that chotosan exerts anxiolytic-like effects in the context of inflammation-induced anxiety, potentially mediated by the inhibition of 5-HT2A receptor hyperfunction in LPS-treated mice. Consequently, we postulate that chotosan may be effective in managing inflammation-induced anxiety-like behaviors.
Hyperboloidal method for quasinormal modes of non-relativistic operators
Authors: Burgess Christopher , König Friedrich
Published: September 2024

The recently reported compactified hyperboloidal method has found wide use in the numerical computation of quasinormal modes, with implications for fields as diverse as gravitational physics and optics. We extend this intrinsically relativistic method into the non-relativistic domain, demonstrating its use to calculate the quasinormal modes of the Schrödinger equation and solve related bound-state problems. We also describe how to further generalize this method, offering a perspective on the importance of non-relativistic quasinormal modes for the programme of black hole spectroscopy.
Effect of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training on blood lactate clearance after high-intensity test in adult men
Authors: Xie Han , Mao Xiaojin , Wang Zhaohong
Published: September 2024

This study compared the effects of High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on blood lactate clearance. 21 adult males were equally and randomly assigned to the HIIT and MICT groups, and completed 8 weeks of training. Before the training intervention, after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of training, all subjects were tested for blood lactate levels between 0 and 55 min after the same high-intensity test. The results show that after 8 weeks, blood lactate levels were significantly lower than pre-tests in both the HIIT and MICT groups at “0–55 min” after high-intensity test (p < 0.05), and the blood lactate clearance percentage at15-min and 30-min in both groups were significantly higher than the pre-tests (P < 0.01). The blood lactate levels in the HIIT group were significantly lower than those in the MICT group at 15 min and 30 min after test (P < 0.05), and the blood lactate clearance percentage at 30 min in the HIIT group was significantly higher than those in the MICT group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, both HIIT and MICT enhance blood lactate clearance in adult males post high-intensity test, with HIIT demonstrating superior effectiveness, making it a viable alternative to MICT.
Genome-wide analysis of the ERF Family in Stephania japonica provides insights into the regulatory role in Cepharanthine biosynthesis
Authors: Yang Hanting , Liu Baimei , Ding Haiyan , Liu Zhaoyu , Li Xiaodong , He Tianxing , Wu Ya , Zhang Yuxuan , Wang Can , Leng Liang , Chen Shilin , Song Chi
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Cepharanthine (CEP), a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid (bisBIA) extracted from Stephania japonica, has received significant attention for its anti-coronavirus properties. While ethylene response factors (ERFs) have been reported to regulate the biosynthesis of various alkaloids, their role in regulating CEP biosynthesis remains unexplored.

Methods

Genome-wide analysis of the ERF genes was performed with bioinformatics technology, and the expression patterns of different tissues, were analyzed by transcriptome sequencing analysis and real-time quantitative PCR verification. The nuclear-localized ERF gene cluster was shown to directly bind to the promoters of several CEP-associated genes, as demonstrated by yeast one-hybrid assays and subcellular localization assays.

Results

In this work, 59 SjERF genes were identified in the S. japonica genome and further categorized into ten subfamilies. Notably, a SjERF gene cluster containing three SjERF genes was found on chromosome 2. Yeast one-hybrid assays confirmed that the SjERF gene cluster can directly bind to the promoters of several CEP-associated genes, suggesting their crucial role in CEP metabolism. The SjERFs cluster-YFP fusion proteins were observed exclusively in the nuclei of Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Tissue expression profiling revealed that 13 SjERFs exhibit high expression levels in the root, and the qRT-PCR results of six SjERFs were consistent with the RNA-Seq data. Furthermore, a co-expression network analysis demonstrated that 24 SjERFs were highly positively correlated with the contents of various alkaloids and expression levels of CEP biosynthetic genes.

Conclusion

This study provides the first systematic identification and analysis of ERF transcription factors in the S.japonica genome, laying the foundation for the future functional research of SjERFs transcription factors.
Impulsivity, trauma history, and interoceptive awareness contribute to completion of a criminal diversion substance use treatment program for women
Authors: Choquette Emily M. , Forthman Katherine L. , Kirlic Namik , Stewart Jennifer L. , Cannon Mallory J. , Akeman Elisabeth , McMillan Nick , Mesker Micah , Tarrasch Mimi , Kuplicki Rayus , Paulus Martin P. , Aupperle Robin L.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

In the US, women are one of the fastest-growing segments of the prison population and more than a quarter of women in state prison are incarcerated for drug offenses. Substance use criminal diversion programs can be effective. It may be beneficial to identify individuals who are most likely to complete the program versus terminate early as this can provide information regarding who may need additional or unique programming to improve the likelihood of successful program completion. Prior research investigating prediction of success in these programs has primarily focused on demographic factors in male samples.

Methods

The current study used machine learning (ML) to examine other non-demographic factors related to the likelihood of completing a substance use criminal diversion program for women. A total of 179 women who were enrolled in a criminal diversion program consented and completed neuropsychological, self-report symptom measures, criminal history and demographic surveys at baseline. Model one entered 145 variables into a machine learning (ML) ensemble model, using repeated, nested cross-validation, predicting subsequent graduation versus termination from the program. An identical ML analysis was conducted for model two, in which 34 variables were entered, including the Women’s Risk/Needs Assessment (WRNA).

Results

ML models were unable to predict graduation at an individual level better than chance (AUC = 0.59 [SE = 0.08] and 0.54 [SE = 0.13]). Post-hoc analyses indicated measures of impulsivity, trauma history, interoceptive awareness, employment/financial risk, housing safety, antisocial friends, anger/hostility, and WRNA total score and risk scores exhibited medium to large effect sizes in predicting treatment completion (p < 0.05; ds = 0.29 to 0.81).

Discussion

Results point towards the complexity involved in attempting to predict treatment completion at the individual level but also provide potential targets to inform future research aiming to reduce recidivism.
The relationship between psychological capital and self-directed learning ability among undergraduate nursing students—a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ye Shanshan , Yue Wenyu , Chen Yixin , Gui Keying , Li Yanlei , He Runyi , Liu Xiaohong
Published: September 2024

Background

Psychological capital has become a prominent focus in positive psychology, highlighting the positive influence of higher psychological capital on individuals. Self-directed learning ability is a fundamental skill for students, vital for enhancing academic performance and professional development, and is integral to the continuous learning process of nursing students. Recognizing the relationship between psychological capital and self-directed learning ability is crucial for the progress and development of undergraduate nursing students.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the correlation between psychological capital and self-directed learning ability in undergraduate nursing students, as well as to explore the factors that influence these variables.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 667 full-time undergraduate nursing students from a nursing school in Taizhou, China. Psychological capital and self-directed learning ability were assessed using the Psychological Capital Questionnaire and Self-Directed Learning Scale, respectively. Correlation and stepwise multiple regression analyses were then carried out to evaluate the relationship between psychological capital and self-directed learning ability among the participants.

Results

The study revealed that the psychological capital score averaged at 103.24 ± 15.51, while the self-directed learning scale score averaged at 230.67 ± 27.66. Variations in psychological capital scores were noted based on factors including grade level, being an only child, growth environment, monthly living expenses, parental education level, voluntary selection of nursing major, and club experience. Similarly, differences in self-directed learning scores were associated with factors such as grade level, gender, parental education level, and voluntary selection of nursing major. Moreover, a positive correlation was identified between the overall psychological capital scores and the total self-directed learning ability scores among nursing students. Notably, the multiple regression analysis highlighted that optimism and resilience played significant roles as predictors of self-directed learning ability.

Conclusion

Psychological capital is positively correlated with the self-directed learning ability of nursing students, with optimism and resilience identified as crucial predictors. Nursing educators can utilize strategies rooted in positive psychology and perseverance to improve the self-directed learning ability of nursing students.
Designing a resilience-based intervention program for children with cancer and their families: a study protocol
Authors: Simard Chantale , Roberge Véronique , St-Pierre Maxime , Cherblanc Jacques , Bergeron-Leclerc Christiane , Kadri Mohamed Abdelhafid , Lacharité Carl , Bérubé Samuel , Lapointe Laurie , Faucher Valérie , Dufresne Sebastien S.
Published: September 2024

Background

Advances in pediatric oncology have significantly increased survival rates, yet have introduced challenges in managing long-term treatment side effects. This study process introduces an interdisciplinary clinical intervention program rooted in the family resilience framework, aimed at improving well-being across the cancer trajectory for children and their families, especially those in Canadian communities far from specialized oncology centers with limited access to resources.

Methods

Employing an intervention mapping approach, this program collaboratively involves patients, families, professionals, and researchers. It aims to identify vulnerability factors, establish a logic model of change, and devise comprehensive strategies that include professional interventions alongside self-management tools. These strategies, tailored to address biopsychosocial and spiritual challenges, are adapted to the unique contexts of communities distant from specialized cancer treatment centers. A mixed-methods approach will evaluate program effectiveness.

Expected results

Anticipated outcomes include the empowerment of families with self-management tools and professional support, designed to mitigate biopsychosocial and spiritual complications. By addressing the specific needs and limitations of these communities, the program strives to improve the overall health and well-being of both undergoing treatment and survivorship phases.

Discussion

By focusing on comprehensive care that includes both professional interventions and self-management, this initiative marks a significant shift toward a holistic, family-centered approach in pediatric oncology care for remote communities. It underlines the necessity of accessible interventions that confront immediate and long-term challenges, aiming to elevate the standard of care by emphasizing resilience, professional support, and family empowerment in underserved areas.
Mental processes in professional football players
Authors: Grønset Johan , Langagergaard Martin , Sæther Stig Arve
Published: September 2024

Objective

Clear connections have been found between mental processes and performance in elite level football. Yet, few studies have investigated how professional football players’ experience the influence of mental processes on performance.

Method

This study used a qualitative research design and in-depth interview of six Norwegian professional football players at elite level with a mean age of 28, 3 years and represented five professional clubs. The aim of the study was to investigate how they perceived the importance of arousal regulation, mental toughness, and self-confidence, and that of the sport psychologist in developing these skills.

Results

The results revealed a complex and multifaceted link between mental processes and performance. All players, demonstrate a conscious awareness of how mental processes influence their performance. The use of a sport psychologist in working with mental processes emerges as a crucial factor for developing their mental skills. Another important aspect is the need for increased knowledge about mental training’s effect in elite football. Mental toughness emerges as the most significant mental process for players’ performance because it makes them capable of coping with challenging situations and periods.

Conclusion

This study shows that mental processes are important for performing, both related to arousal regulation, and self-confidence, and especially mental toughness. However, mental toughness was also considered a product of age and experience, where older players tend to have experience of more situations that enable them to handle adversity better than younger players. Interestingly, the youngest players seem to be most aware of the use of a sports psychologist.
The integration of psychology and medicine: an empirical study of curriculum reform from the perspective of China
Authors: Ma Xinyan , Wang Yuze , Pu Yanmin , Shang Herui , Zhang Huiqun , Zhang Xueqin
Published: September 2024

Under the background of new medicine, innovative reform of medical education is mushrooming in Mainland, China. New medicine advocates an innovative training mode supported by medicine + X discipline. In the present study, we made use of the advantages of medical colleges to reform the curriculum of applied psychology and constructed an innovative curriculum system by integrating medicine with psychology. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the innovative curriculum system on the curriculum satisfaction of applied psychology and investigate the key factors that impact students’ curriculum satisfaction. The class of 2018–2022 college students from the Department of Applied Psychology who were under different course training systems were selected to complete the curriculum evaluation questionnaire to evaluate students’ curriculum satisfaction. The results demonstrated that curriculum satisfaction of the innovative curriculum system was significantly higher than that the one prior to the curriculum reform (P < 0.001), curriculum design, and teaching effect are the significant predictors affecting curriculum satisfaction. The results of this research provide innovative ideas for curriculum reform in psychology and strategies for the integration and development of medicine and psychology.
Disordered eating attitude and associated factors among late adolescent girls in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Engdyhu Betlihem Muche , Gonete Kedir Abdela , Mengistu Berhanu , Worku Netsanet
Published: September 2024

Background

Disordered eating attitudes are characterized by abnormal beliefs, thoughts, and feelings regarding food and weight control. Dieting, intentional weight loss, and weight control affect 41–62% of girls worldwide. However, there is limited information related to disordered eating attitudes and associated factors among late adolescent girls in Ethiopia, including in the study area. Thus, the study aimed to assess disordered eating attitudes and associated factors among late adolescent girls in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

For this community-based cross-sectional study, which was conducted from 26 June to 26 July 2022, in Gondar city, Ethiopia, 1,188 adolescent girls were included. Multistage stratified sampling followed by a systematic random sampling technique was applied to recruit participants for the study. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire containing the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26). Anthropometric measurements were also taken. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were employed to identify factors associated with disordered eating attitudes. In the final model, variables with a p-value of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 1,158 late adolescent girls (a response rate of 97.5%) participated in the study. The prevalence of disordered eating attitudes among late adolescent girls was 9.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 7.96, 11.4%]. Having a mother who was unable to read and write [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 3.88 (95% CI: 1.07, 14.11)], having a mother who could read and write [AOR: 4.31: (95% CI: 1.14, 16.24)], having a father who only attended primary school [AOR: 3.78 (95% CI: 1.33, 10.78)], having severe anxiety [AOR: 3.26 (95% CI: 1.42, 7.49)], and severe usage of social media [AOR: 2.80 (95% CI: 1.22, 6.46)] were factors significantly associated with disordered eating attitudes among late adolescent girls.

Conclusion

This study revealed that disordered eating attitudes among late adolescent girls were relatively high. The educational status of parents, anxiety, and severe usage of social media were positively associated with disordered eating attitudes. Therefore, nutritional education for parents of adolescents who are vulnerable to unhealthy behavior is imperative. The finding also implied the importance of an inclusive strategy to mitigate the emerging problem of targeting vulnerable groups.
Digital economy and the medical and health service supply in China
Authors: Guan Xueling , Xu Jiayue , Huang Xinru
Published: September 2024

The impact of the digital economy on the healthcare sector is becoming increasingly profound. This article focuses on the relationship between the development of China’s digital economy and medical and health services supply. Based on panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2012 to 2021, the CRITIC weight method was applied to measure the supply capacity of medical and health services and the level of digital economy development, and the kernel density estimation method and Dagum Gini coefficient method was used to characterize the evolutionary trends and regional differences. Additionally, a two-way fixed-effects model is adopted to investigate the impact of digital economy development on medical and health services supply. The results show that both the supply capacity of healthcare services and the level of digital economy development have been increasing continuously in terms of evolutionary trends. From the perspective of regional differences, compared to the supply level of healthcare services, the regional differences in digital economy development are more significant. The intra-regional differences in medical and health services supply are greater than the inter-regional differences, while the development of the digital economy exhibits the opposite trend. The findings of this paper provide supports for China to enhance the development level of digital economy and improve supply of medical and health service.
What drives China’s healthcare expenditure? A theoretical and empirical study of determinants and trends
Authors: Ge Zhilin , Cai Jinfeng , Hu Jingbo
Published: September 2024

As economic development advances, there is an increasing focus on improving health conditions, making healthcare expenditure a critical issue worldwide. In China, healthcare spending has shown a marked upward trend, highlighting the importance of understanding its underlying determinants to guide effective policy-making. This study introduces the application of an SV-TVP-FAVAR model to examine the drivers of healthcare expenditure in China from 2007 to 2022. The analysis reveals that economic factors, demographic composition, and policy interventions significantly influence healthcare spending dynamics. Economic growth is strongly linked to increased healthcare expenditure, with economic factors having a particularly pronounced impact during periods of prosperity. Although an aging population drives greater demand for healthcare, the growth rate of healthcare spending has not kept pace with demographic aging, especially following China’s economic slowdown. Policy variables present a dual-edged impact: while increased fiscal outlays contribute to budget deficits, limiting the fiscal space for healthcare investment, government emphasis on scientific and technological progress tends to enhance healthcare spending, indicating a synergistic relationship between these areas. Furthermore, the study identifies a prolonged impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare expenditure, which continues to interact with other driving factors over an extended period. The empirical findings from this research provide crucial evidence to support the development of informed healthcare policies.
Software patterns and data structures for the runtime coordination of robots, with a focus on real-time execution performance
Authors: Artigas Maria I. , Rodrigues Rômulo T. , Vanderseypen Lars , Bruyninckx Herman
Published: September 2024

This paper introduces software patterns (registration, acquire-release, and cache awareness) and data structures (Petri net, finite state machine, and protocol flag array) to support the coordinated execution of software activities (also called “components” or “agents”). Moreover, it presents and tests an implementation for Petri nets that supports real-time execution in shared memory for deployment inside one individual robot and separates event firing and handling, enabling distributed deployment between multiple robots. Experimental validation of the introduced patterns and data structures is performed within the context of activities for task execution, control and perception, and decision making for an application on coordinated navigation.
Social change requires more justification than maintaining the status quo
Authors: Blanchar John C. , Eidelman Scott , Allen Eric
Published: September 2024

Three studies demonstrate that, all else being equal, the threshold for justifying social change is higher than the threshold for maintaining the status quo. Higher standards for justifying change were observed across institutional requirements (Study 1), political candidates (Study 2), and city ordinances (Study 3). In all studies, lopsided standards increased as status quo preference increased. Study 1 revealed higher standards for novel entities lacking precedence, Study 2 demonstrated increased information-seeking about non-status quo alternatives to scrutinize them, and Study 3 showed biased interpretation of evidence toward maintaining the status quo, even when evidence skewed toward advocating change. The robustness of higher standards for change (d = 0.69; k = 7, N = 535), its relationship with status quo preference (r = 0.39; k = 7, N = 533), and information seeking scrutinizing alternatives (d = 1.17; k = 5, N = 285), rather than confirmation bias (d = 0.03; k = 5, N = 285), was established via small-scale meta-analyses including all data collected for this research program. Implications for theories of social change vs. status quo maintenance are discussed.
Effects of dry needling on vertical jump performance in female volleyball players. A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ladriñán-Maestro Arturo , Sánchez-Infante Jorge , Martín-Vera Daniel , Del-Blanco-Múñiz Jose Angel , Domínguez-Balmaseda Diego , Guzmán-Pavón María José , Sánchez-Sierra Alberto
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Injury prevention and performance enhancement are paramount goals in sports. Myofascial Pain Syndrome, primarily caused by myofascial trigger points, can result in referred pain, stiffness, muscle shortening, and weakness. This study aimed to assess the impact of dry needling (DN) on latent myofascial trigger points on vertical jump performance in female volleyball players.

Methods

A single-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with twenty-six healthy female volleyball players who had no lower limb injuries in the last six months, exhibited latent trigger points in the triceps surae muscles, and were familiar with the countermovement jump test. Participants were randomly assigned to either a control group or an experimental group (which received a single DN session). Vertical jump performance variables, including jump height as the primary outcome, were assessed using a force platform at five time points: before the intervention, immediately post-treatment, 24 h post-treatment, 72 h post-treatment, and one-week post-intervention.

Results

The experimental group showed significantly lower values for vertical jump height, flight time, velocity, strength, and power immediately after the needling intervention (p < 0.05). However, these values were significantly higher one-week post-intervention across all variables (p < 0.01). These findings indicate that DN initially decreases jumping performance, but improvements are observed one week after the intervention. In the comparison between groups, the experimental group exhibited higher values at the one-week follow-up for vertical jump height, flight time, speed, and power compared to the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

DN appears to be an effective technique for improving vertical jump performance in female volleyball players one week after its application.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier (NCT06184672).
Interprofessional education in cardiothoracic surgery: a narrative review
Authors: Lampridis Savvas , Scarci Marco , Cerfolio Robert J.
Published: September 2024

Interprofessional education, an approach where healthcare professionals from various disciplines learn with, from, and about each other, is widely recognized as an important strategy for improving collaborative practice and patient outcomes. This narrative review explores the current state and future directions of interprofessional education in cardiothoracic surgery. We conducted a literature search using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, focusing on English-language articles published after 2000. Our qualitative synthesis identified key themes related to interprofessional education interventions, outcomes, and challenges. The integration of interprofessional education in cardiothoracic surgery training programs varies across regions, with a common focus on teamwork and interpersonal communication. Simulation-based training has emerged as a leading modality for cultivating these skills in multidisciplinary settings, with studies showing improvements in team performance, crisis management, and patient safety. However, significant hurdles remain, including professional socialization, hierarchies, stereotypes, resistance to role expansion, and logistical constraints. Future efforts in this field should prioritize deeper curricular integration, continuous faculty development, strong leadership support, robust outcome evaluation, and sustained political and financial commitment. The integration of interprofessional education in cardiothoracic surgery offers considerable potential for enhancing patient care quality, but realizing this vision requires a multifaceted approach. This approach must address individual, organizational, and systemic factors to build an evidence-based framework for implementation.
Patient Safety Culture and Safety Attitudes in the Estonian Context: Simultaneous Bilingual Cultural Adaptation and Validation of Instruments
Authors: Asi Signe , Calsbeek Hiske , Kangasniemi Mari Katariina , Vähi Mare , Põlluste Kaja
Published: September 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to simultaneously and bilingually validate the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC 2.0) and the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ).

Methods

The validation included translation, cultural adaptation, and assessment of validity and consistency. Data were collected in three hospitals in 2022 via online and paper surveys, with Estonian- and Russian-speaking employees participating.

Results

In total, 579 (30%) participants from the three hospitals completed both questionnaires. Among them, 293 (51%) were Russian-speaking and 286 (49%) were Estonian-speaking. Cronbach’s αhy for HSOPSC 2.0 was ≥0.60, except in the Russian version for the three dimensions. Cronbach’s α for SAQ was ≥0.60, except in the Russian version for one dimension. Pearson’s correlations of the Estonian HSOPSC 2.0 ranged from 0.26 to 0.60 and in the Russian version from 0.18 to 0.47.

Conclusion

The validity of the HSOPSC 2.0 and SAQ questionnaires was confirmed in the Estonian versions. Minor corrections were recommended for the Russian. Both versions are considered suitable for assessing PSC in Estonian hospitals.
Ex-Vivo Human-Sized Organ Machine Perfusion: A Systematic Review on the Added Value of Medical Imaging for Organ Condition Assessment
Authors: Van Der Hoek Jan L. , Krommendijk Marleen E. , Manohar Srirang , Arens Jutta , Groot Jebbink Erik
Published: September 2024

Machine perfused ex-vivo organs offer an excellent experimental platform, e.g., for studying organ physiology and for conducting pre-clinical trials for drug delivery. One main challenge in machine perfusion is the accurate assessment of organ condition. Assessment is often performed using viability markers, i.e., lactate concentrations and blood gas analysis. Nonetheless, existing markers for condition assessment can be inconclusive, and novel assessment methods remain of interest. Over the last decades, several imaging modalities have given unique insights into the assessment of organ condition. A systematic review was conducted according to accepted guidelines to evaluate these medical imaging methods, focussed on literature that use machine perfused human-sized organs, that determine organ condition with medical imaging. A total of 18 out of 1,465 studies were included that reported organ condition results in perfused hearts, kidneys, and livers, using both conventional viability markers and medical imaging. Laser speckle imaging, ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging were used to identify local ischemic regions and quantify intra-organ perfusion. A detailed investigation of metabolic activity was achieved using 31P magnetic resonance imaging and near-infrared spectroscopy. The current review shows that medical imaging is a powerful tool to assess organ condition.
Advances in Sustainable Crop Management: Integrating Precision Agriculture and Proximal Sensing
Authors: Laveglia Sabina , Altieri Giuseppe , Genovese Francesco , Matera Attilio , Di Renzo Giovanni Carlo
Published: September 2024

This review explores the transformative potential of precision agriculture and proximal sensing in revolutionizing crop management practices. By delving into the complexities of these cutting-edge technologies, it examines their role in mitigating the adverse impacts of agrochemical usage while bringing crop health monitoring to a high precision level. The review explains how precision agriculture optimizes production while safeguarding environmental integrity, thus offering a viable solution to both ecological and economic challenges arising from excessive agrochemical application. Furthermore, it investigates various proximal sensing techniques, including spectral imaging, thermal imaging, and fluorescence sensors, showcasing their efficacy in detecting and diagnosing crop health indicators such as stress factors, nutrient deficiencies, diseases, and pests. Through an in-depth analysis of relevant studies and successful practical applications, this review highlights that it is essential to bridge the gap between monitoring sensors and real-time decision-making and to improve image processing and data management systems to fully realize their potential in terms of sustainable crop management practices.
Research on Energy Intensity of Wheat Harvesting at Different Ripeness Phases with a New Stripping–Threshing Unit
Authors: Pakhomov Viktor , Rudoy Dmitry , Kambulov Sergey , Maltseva Tatyana
Published: September 2024

Cereal grain crops are used as main food and raw feed materials all over the world. Among cereal crops, wheat occupies a leading place as the most valuable crop. Harvesting is the most energy-intensive stage in wheat cultivation. Therefore, improving technologies and tools to reduce energy costs in this process is an urgent task. A new stripping and threshing unit for harvesting cereal crops has been developed, allowing the harvesting of grain at both full maturity and in the early stages of maturity, when the grain has an increased content of protein and amino acids and is a valuable raw feed material. The new unit consists of a stripping and threshing unit. The stripping unit consists of a stripping drum and stripping combs. The threshing unit contains replaceable decks that collide with the grain, separating it from the ear; an auger for transporting the heap to the unloading device; and a blade beater with a cut-off shield. Wheat grain in the early stages of maturity has a strong connection with the ear, as a result of which harvesting such grain can be energy-intensive and impractical. In this regard, the purpose of this research was to study the dynamics of changes in the energy intensity of the wheat grain harvesting process during ripening and to compare the energy intensity of the harvesting process with the new unit with the energy intensity of a combine harvester. The methodology is based on measuring torque on the shaft of the stripping and threshing unit. The results show that the power required for stripping by the new unit is reduced from 8–10 kW to 2–4 kW, which is 2.5–4 times lower. The difference in power values between harvesting at the hard wax ripeness stage and full ripeness is only 1–1.5 kW, indicating the feasibility of harvesting grain at this stage.
Detection of AI-Generated Synthetic Images with a Lightweight CNN
Authors: Lokner Lađević Adrian , Kramberger Tin , Kramberger Renata , Vlahek Dino
Published: September 2024

The rapid development of generative adversarial networks has significantly advanced the generation of synthetic images, presenting valuable opportunities and ethical dilemmas in their potential misuse across various industries. The necessity to distinguish real from AI-generated content is becoming increasingly critical to preserve the integrity of online data. While traditional methods for detecting fake images resulting from image tampering rely on hand-crafted features, the sophistication of manipulated images produced by generative adversarial networks requires more advanced detection approaches. The lightweight approach proposed here is based on convolutional neural networks that comprise only eight convolutional and two hidden layers that effectively differentiate AI-generated images from real ones. The proposed approach was assessed using two benchmark datasets and custom-generated data from Sentinel-2 imagery. It demonstrated superior performance compared to four state-of-the-art methods on the CIFAKE dataset, achieving the highest accuracy of 97.32%, on par with the highest-performing state-of-the-art method. Explainable AI is utilized to enhance our comprehension of the complex processes involved in synthetic image recognition. We have shown that, unlike authentic images, where activations often center around the main object, in synthetic images, activations cluster around the edges of objects, in the background, or in areas with complex textures.
Implementation of a Two-Dimensional Finite-Element Fatigue Damage Model with Peridynamics to Simulate Crack Growth in a Compact Tension Specimen
Authors: Mansfield Kyle , Callahan Levee , Xia Ting , Gau Jenn-Terng , Tan Jifu
Published: September 2024

The traditional finite element method (FEM) has limitations in accurately modeling crack propagation. Peridynamics, a nonlocal extension of the classical continuum theory, provides an alternative approach to remedy the limitations of the FEM but with a higher computational cost. In this paper, a peridynamic bond-based fatigue damage model is developed and incorporated into a commercial finite-element software (ABAQUS 2017) via user subroutines. Model-predicted results including the crack path spatial position and the damage accumulation rate were validated against empirical data. The predicted crack growth as a function of loading cycle and crack trajectory showed good agreement with the experimental data over 200,000 loading cycles. Therefore, the integration of the peridynamic bond-based fatigue damage model into existing FEM software provides an economical means to simulate complex fracture behaviors, such as crack growth, in a compact tension specimen examined in this paper.
The “Growth Curve”: An Autocorrelation Effect
Authors: Schiraldi Alberto
Published: September 2024

A purposely naïve and semi-empirical model allows for the reproduction of the phenomenological behavior of any real microbial culture by adjusting the values of three parameters, which have a biological meaning only for a virtual microbial culture that mimics the behavior of the real ones. Any genomic, biochemical, and physical peculiarity (microbial species, physiological condition, pH, water activity, temperature, etc.) that distinguishes one real culture from another is “translated” to an effect of the degree of progress of the population density and cell age in the virtual culture. The model leads to a self-consistent description of the growth curve, which looks like the result of an autocorrelation effect. This explains why, in spite of genomic and physiologic differences, all the growth curves show a sigmoid trend. The traditional growth curve and the subsequent exponential decay in the log(N)-vs-t plot can be replaced by straight-line trends when referring to the degree of progress of the population density of the virtual culture.