bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Psychological Emptiness Scale: a psychometric evaluation
Authors: Herron Shona Joyce , Saunders Rob , Sani Fabio , Feigenbaum Janet
Published: February 2024

Background

Feelings of emptiness are commonly reported as deeply distressing experiences. Despite established relationships between emptiness and many mental health difficulties, alongside self-harm and suicide, further study into this phenomenon has been restricted by vague definition and clinical measures with limited utility. Recently the first definition validated by individuals with lived experience of emptiness has been conceptualised, providing an opportunity to create a new measure of emptiness.

Aims

This study aimed to psychometrically evaluate the 31-item Psychological Emptiness Scale (PES), identifying redundancy, and thus creating a psychometrically robust scale with optimised clinical utility.

Method

Utilising an online survey design, 768 participants completed the 31 items of the initial PES alongside other measures of mental health. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted, and item response theory employed to identify item redundancy and reduce test burden. Expert clinicians provided ratings of each item's clinical relevance and, combined with the psychometric analysis, led to the removal of a number of items. Confirmatory factor analysis was then undertaken. Reliability including test–retest, validity and sensitivity of the measure were evaluated.

Results

A two-factor structure encompassing ‘nothingness’ and ‘detachment’ was identified, and found to have acceptable fit. The resulting 19-item PES was found to have internal consistency (α = 0.95), convergent validity and test–retest reliability.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated strong psychometric properties of the PES. The PES has potential to support research into the role of emptiness in psychological distress and treatment in clinical practice.
Access to and Timeliness of Lung Cancer Surgery, Radiation Therapy, and Systemic Therapy in New Zealand: A Universal Health Care Context
Authors: Gurney Jason , Davies Anna , Stanley James , Cameron Laird , Costello Shaun , Dawkins Paul , Henare Kimiora , Jackson Christopher G.C.A. , Lawrenson Ross , Whitehead Jesse , Koea Jonathan
Published: February 2024

PURPOSE

Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer of indigenous peoples worldwide, including Māori people in New Zealand. There is some evidence of disparities in access to lung cancer treatment between Māori and non-Māori patients, but an examination of the depth and breadth of these disparities is needed. Here, we use national-level data to examine disparities in access to surgery, radiation therapy and systemic therapy between Māori and European patients, as well as timing of treatment relative to diagnosis.

METHODS

We included all lung cancer registrations across New Zealand from 2007 to 2019 (N = 27,869) and compared access with treatment and the timing of treatment using national-level inpatient, outpatient, and pharmaceutical records.

RESULTS

Māori patients with lung cancer appeared less likely to access surgery than European patients (Māori, 14%; European, 20%; adjusted odds ratio [adj OR], 0.82 [95% CI, 0.73 to 0.92]), including curative surgery (Māori, 10%; European, 16%; adj OR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.62 to 0.84]). These differences were only partially explained by stage and comorbidity. There were no differences in access to radiation therapy or systemic therapy once adjusted for confounding by age. Although it appeared that there was a longer time from diagnosis to radiation therapy for Māori patients compared with European patients, this difference was small and requires further investigation.

CONCLUSION

Our observation of differences in surgery rates between Māori and European patients with lung cancer who were not explained by stage of disease, tumor type, or comorbidity suggests that Māori patients who may be good candidates for surgery are missing out on this treatment to a greater extent than their European counterparts.
Dietary Magnesium Replacement for Prevention of Hypomagnesemia in Patients With Ovarian Cancer Receiving Carboplatin-Based Chemotherapy
Authors: Liu Wenli , Meyer Larissa , Morse Meroë , Li Yisheng , Song Juhee , Engle Rosalinda , Lopez Gabriel , Narayanan Santhosshi , Soliman Pamela T. , Ramondetta Lois , Bruera Eduardo , Cohen Lorenzo
Published: February 2024

PURPOSE

Hypomagnesemia is a common side effect of platinum-based chemotherapy and predicts poor overall survival in some cancers. Standard magnesium replacement strategies are often inadequate for maintaining magnesium levels. We hypothesized that a daily dietary magnesium replacement approach through magnesium-rich foods would help maintain adequate magnesium levels during platinum-based treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective feasibility study of magnesium-rich diets in patients 18 years and older with previously untreated ovarian cancer scheduled to receive carboplatin-containing chemotherapy of at least six consecutive cycles. Education about magnesium-rich diets was provided at enrollment and then weekly during chemotherapy. Feasibility was defined as ≥60% completion of dietary recalls and ≥280 mg average daily dietary magnesium intake across all patients.

RESULTS

Twenty-one of 26 patients enrolled completed at least five chemotherapy cycles and were included in the analysis. Adherence to the study diet was 76%. Daily dietary magnesium intake was 100.5 mg at baseline and increased throughout each cycle: 6% of patients at baseline, 24% after the first cycle, and 67% after the fifth cycle reached ≥280-mg/day magnesium intake. Seven (33%) of 21 had at least one incident of hypomagnesemia. Patients who were adherent had significantly lower incidence of hypomagnesemia (19% v 80%, P = .03) and less need for intravenous magnesium (6% v 60%, P = .03) than those who were nonadherent.

CONCLUSION

The study achieved primary feasibility objectives of retention and adherence to the study intervention. Weekly education about magnesium-rich diets was effective in increasing dietary magnesium intake. Adequate dietary magnesium appeared to be protective against hypomagnesemia.
Microsurgical Resection of a Thalamic Tumor Using an Endoscopic Contralateral Supracerebellar Infratentorial Keyhole Approach: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Stoica Sergiu , Mocanu Bogdan , Pavel Sebastian
Published: February 2024

The surgical treatment of the thalamic lesions is one of the most technically challenging interventions because of their deep-seated location and the proximity of the surrounding vital neurovascular structures: thalamic nuclei, limbic system components, visual and oculomotricity pathways, deep cerebral veins, and posterior cerebral artery branches.
1

Traditional microsurgical approaches for these lesions usually require large open craniotomies and further retraction or resection of neural tissue to facilitate better visualization, associating significant postoperative morbidity or even mortality.

The recent improvements in high-resolution fiber optics technology have allowed neurosurgeons to expand their surgical armamentarium for tackling these difficult-to-reach lesions.

The patient consented to the procedure, and in this surgical video, we try to emphasize the advantages of an endoscopic supracerebellar infratentorial approach over the classic microsurgical approach, along with the keyhole craniotomy and the sitting positioning of the patient. The endoscope provides better visualization—dynamic in-depth view of the anatomic and pathological structures, angled-optics help the surgeon to see “around-the-corner,” and the entire procedure is a more comfortable experience for the surgeon and also for the patient, using the minimally invasive techniques. Moreover, we underline the need for a strong collaboration with an experienced endoscopic surgeon (for eg, ear, nose and throat surgeon), as for other endoscopic skull base approaches.

The participants and any identifiable individuals consented to publication of his/her image.
Search engine optimisation (SEO) strategy as determinants to enhance the online brand positioning
Authors: Ahmad Umar Faruq , Mahdee Junainah , Abu Bakar Normazalila
Published: February 2024

Background Marketers face evolution of online brand positioning marketing strategy due to changes of search engine algorithm that affects the reaching out of brands to potential internet users. Brand owners realise that to be relevant in modern market, they need to transition and focus more into online market. However, many brand owners have ignored the power of search engine optimisation (SEO) strategy for attracting the online market, which is highly competitive and faces rapid changes.  A brand can be considered as old fashioned if it does not utilise the SEO as their marketing strategy, in penetrating the online marketplace. Various studies have analysed factors that can enhance the persistency of using the SEO strategy, however gaps remain regarding the relationship of this strategy with the online brand positioning. The main aim of this study was to identify the persistency of using the SEO strategy including the niche point of differentiation, valuable content, targeted keyword and scalable link building, as the determinants that enhance the success of online brand positioning. Methods This study applies quantitative design using online survey to gather information from the online business entrepreneurs. The survey questionnaire was arranged to focus on the use of SEO as a new way to strategise online business. Results Based on the results of this study, most online entrepreneurs have somewhat realised the effects of using the SEO strategy to enhance effectiveness of online brand positioning. Conclusion This research provides insights into the importance of SEO strategy in online business positioning. It is hoped that online entrepreneurs will consider the SEO strategy in the positioning of their brand in the marketplace. Implication This research focused on SEO as a new strategy to enhance brand positioning for online businesses. Future research may expand into another dimension of business such as customer satisfaction and business performance.
8.R.3. Dyson, Stephen L. (2006) In pursuit of ancient pasts: a history of classical archaeology in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries
Authors: Tiisvend Jaanika
Published: February 2024

Dyson, Stephen L. (2006) In pursuit of ancient pasts: a history of classical archaeology in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. New Haven; London: Yale University Press. XV, 316 p. ISBN-10 0-300-11097-9, ISBN-13 978-0-300-11097-5.
„PROSZĘ MI NIE ODMAWIAĆ!” KORESPONDENCJA ZE STEFANIĄ KOSSOWSKĄ
Authors: Sikora Jerzy
Published: February 2024

Tekst wspomnieniowy.
Pre-registration nursing students' perceptions of a district nursing career: a qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Lavery Joanna , Morrell-Scott Nicola
Published: February 2024

District nursing vacancies are recognised as high in comparison to many other nursing specialities. The role is often considered as an option for nurses after a period of registration as a nurse, which may be informed by multiple factors. The objectives of the study were to explore barriers to district nurse employment from the perspective of undergraduate nurses. A descriptive qualitative design was employed using focus groups as the method of data collection in accordance with study approval reference no: 21/NAH/006, 30/03/23. Participants were recruited from the current undergraduate nursing programme (n=60). Thematic analysis was chosen as a flexible method of qualitative data analysis. The study produced themes relating to role ambiguity, personal preferences, educational opportunities and recruitment and employer engagement. The experiences provided an insight into the barriers to recruitment of student nurses into district nursing on qualification. Increased engagement from community nurse providers is required to inform the role and incentivise entering this career option. Educational strategies that support community career pathways are required to ensure a balanced view of nursing roles among undergraduates.
Primary hypoaldosteronism in a dog with concurrent suspected chronic hepatitis
Authors: Perelló Marina Hernández , Albuquerque Carolina
Published: February 2024

A 3-year-old female spayed English Cocker Spaniel presented with a 2-month history of lethargy. The owner reported a single tonic-clonic seizure 7 months before presentation and intermittent mild gastrointestinal signs for the past 18 months. Initial investigations revealed hyponatraemia, hyperkalaemia and increased levels of liver enzymes. An adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test excluded hypocortisolism. The gastrointestinal signs resolved following a dietary change, suggesting that chronic enteropathy and most primary and secondary causes of hepatic disease were excluded, leaving idiopathic chronic hepatitis as the most likely cause of increased levels of liver enzymes. Liver parameters reduced to levels just above reference range after immunosuppressive doses of prednisolone. Aldosterone levels pre- and post-adrenocorticotrophic hormone stimulation were <20 pmol/litre, consistent with mineralocorticoid deficiency. The mineralocorticoid deficiency was treated with desoxycorticosterone pivalate at 1–1.3 mg/kg subcutaneously every 48–87 days, which resulted in immediate and complete resolution of the clinical signs and electrolyte imbalance. Given the dog's signalment and results from clinical investigations, the isolated hypoaldosteronism is speculated to be caused by immune-mediated adrenal gland destruction. Isolated hypoaldosteronism should be considered a differential diagnosis for hyponatraemia in dogs, when an adrenocorticotrophic hormone stimulation test excludes hypocortisolism.
Arming with knowledge
Authors: Brown Clementine Rees
Published: February 2024

Clementine Rees Brown speaks with Joan Hatchard, the new honorary president of the BADN.
Love in practice
Authors: Buxton Sarah
Published: February 2024

Sarah Buxton discusses the implications of intra-practice romance.
Becoming a smile champion
Authors: Chappell Kirsty
Published: February 2024

Kirsty Chappell recounts her journey from a nervous young patient to qualified dental professional.
Teenage kicks
Authors: Lloyd-Rees Kimberley
Published: February 2024

Kimberley Lloyd-Rees asks whether oral piercings are an appealing form of self-expression or a dental nightmare.
Central band interosseus membrane reconstruction for longitudinal instability injuries of the forearm
Authors: Gallego Juan A. , Rotman Dani , Watts Adam C.
Published: February 2024

Aims

Acute and chronic injuries of the interosseus membrane can result in longitudinal instability of the forearm. Reconstruction of the central band of the interosseus membrane can help to restore biomechanical stability. Different methods have been used to reconstruct the central band, including tendon grafts, bone-ligament-bone grafts, and synthetic grafts. This Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, and Long-term (IDEAL) phase 1 study aims to review the clinical results of reconstruction using a synthetic braided cross-linked graft secured at either end with an Endobutton to restore the force balance between the bones of the forearm.

Methods

An independent retrospective review was conducted of a consecutive series of 21 patients with longitudinal instability injuries treated with anatomical central band reconstruction between February 2011 and July 2019. Patients with less than 12 months’ follow-up or who were treated acutely were excluded, leaving 18 patients in total. Preoperative clinical and radiological assessments were compared with prospectively gathered data using range of motion and the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) functional outcome score.

Results

Of the 18 patients (nine male, nine female) who met the inclusion criteria, the median follow-up was 8.5 years (interquartile range (IQR) 5.6 to 10). Their mean age was 49 years (SD 11). The mean extension improved significantly from 38° (SD 15°) to 24° (SD 9°) (p = 0.027), with a mean flexion-extension arc change from 81° (SD 27°) to 93° (SD 30°) (p = 0.172) but with no forearm rotational improvement (p = 0.233) at latest follow-up. The QuickDASH functional score improved significantly from 80 (SD 14) to 52 (SD 26) following reconstruction (p = 0.031), but generally the level of disability remains high. Radiological assessment showed no progression of proximal migration of the radius, with a stable interbutton distance and ulnar variance from immediate postoperative radiograph to the latest follow-up.

Conclusion

Central band interosseus membrane reconstruction using a synthetic braided cross-linked graft can improve patient-rated arm function and range of motion, but significant functional deficits remain in patients with chronic injuries.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(2):182–188.
Calibration of Contact Parameters of Biochar Based on Discrete Element Method
Authors: Ren Dezhi , Zhang Luji , Cheng Huiting , Meng Jun , He Tianyi
Published: February 2024

Highlights

The rice husk and straw biochar particles were statistically analyzed, and two representative particles were obtained.

A particle model was established using the discrete element method and the Johnson-Kendall-Roberts method.

This study used a response surface design method to calibrate biochar particle parameters.

Abstract. The discrete element method (DEM) is widely used in modelling particulate materials and related applications. DEM modelling requires the calibration of a large number of microparameters that are difficult to experimentally measure. This study aims to obtain the contact parameters of different types of biochar accurately and quickly and proposed a parameter calibration method for biochar particles to verify, which uses particle density, moisture content, inter-particle friction coefficient, particle and steel plates. A mathematical model was established for predicting parameter of friction coefficient, Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) surface energy, and contact behavior. The parameters were verified using the engineering design measurement method and a simulation analysis using a commercial software called Rocky. The results showed that: (a) the data obtained using the cylinder lifting method and the stacking and angle of repose tests of the drawing plate method were stable, the angle of repose of the biochar pellet pile was measured to be 36.55°; (b) the steepest climbing test results indicated that with the increased of Biochar-biochar rolling coefficient, Biochar-steel restitution coefficient, and JKR value, the angle of repose gradually increases; (c) a quadratic regression model was established through a Box-Behnken experiment, and it was found that the interaction term had an extremely significant effect on the angle of repose of biochar particles; (d) a preliminary design of a biochar return machine was created based on the calibration, simulation and actual test results. Keywords: Angle of repose, Biochar, Discrete element, Parameter calibration, Simulation parameters.
Reconciling science and democracy: evidence-based policy as seen from the perspective of a role-based democratic theory
Authors: Hindkjaer Madsen Tine
Published: February 2024

The question of whether policy can be informed by evidence and at the same time be democratically legitimate is contentious. The present article draws on the philosophy of democracy and role-based moral theory in order to inform a reconciliation of rigorous use of evidence with democratic legitimacy. The article argues that in order to realise the value of equality that underpins their offices, democratic officials have a special moral responsibility to utilise appropriate, high-quality evidence to identify the means by which to realise citizens’ democratically chosen aims, because utilising appropriate, high-quality evidence that addresses how to achieve citizens’ aims makes it more likely that their aims will be realised. Furthermore, the paper argues that when value judgments must be made in the employment of evidence for policy, these value judgments should ideally be made by elected representatives serving on scientific advisory committees.
“I Advise, You Decide”:
How Academic Advisors Shape
Community College Students’
Enrollment and Credit Load
Decisions
Authors: McKinney Lyle , Bourdeau Gerald , Burridge Andrea , Lee Mimi , Miller-Waters Melissa , Barnes Yolanda
Published: February 2024

Academic advising has been described as the second-most important
function in the community college (behind only instruction) toward helping
students achieve their goals. Using interview data from 78 students and 33
advisors at one of the nation’s largest and most racially diverse community
college systems, our qualitative case study examined how academic advisors
inform, and directly influence, students’ enrollment decisions. Advisors emphasized their role as supporting and scaffolding student decision-making, but
not making decisions for students. Most advisors endorsed a developmental
approach focused on building students’ knowledge and capacity to make better decisions about their own academic trajectory. However, some students
had conflicting expectations of the advising relationship (e.g., advisors should
tell them exactly what to study, which courses and how many to take), which
resulted in frustration and desires for highly prescriptive advising.
Advisors recognized a one-size-fits-all advising model would not work
well for their diverse student population and rejected prescriptive recommendations, such as uniform advice that each student take 15 credit hours per
semester. Instead, advisors considered the totality of each advisee’s circumstances (e.g., background, academic preparation, goals, family and work life,
transportation) when providing guidance on course load. But determining
each student’s optimal course load/combination was complicated by the wide
range of academic and personal factors advisors had to consider. Consequently,
most advisors accentuated the potential risks (for students and themselves) of
advising students to attempt too heavy a course load.
Evaluation of the learning state of online video courses based on functional near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Xie Hui , Yang Huiting , Zhang Pengyuan , Dong Zexiao , He Jiangshan , Jiang Mingzhe , Wang Lin , Yuan Zhen , Chen Xueli
Published: February 2024

Studying brain activity during online learning will help to improve research on brain function based on real online learning situations, and will also promote the scientific evaluation of online education. Existing research focuses on enhancing learning effects and evaluating the learning process associated with online learning from an attentional perspective. We aimed to comparatively analyze the differences in prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity during resting, studying, and question-answering states in online learning and to establish a classification model of the learning state that would be useful for the evaluation of online learning. Nineteen university students performed experiments using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to monitor the prefrontal lobes. The resting time at the start of the experiment was the resting state, watching 13 videos was the learning state, and answering questions after the video was the answering state. Differences in student activity between these three states were analyzed using a general linear model, 1s fNIRS data clips, and features, including averages from the three states, were classified using machine learning classification models such as support vector machines and k-nearest neighbor. The results show that the resting state is more active than learning in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, while answering questions is the most active of the three states in the entire PFC, and k-nearest neighbor achieves 98.5% classification accuracy for 1s fNIRS data. The results clarify the differences in PFC activity between resting, learning, and question-answering states in online learning scenarios and support the feasibility of developing an online learning assessment system using fNIRS and machine learning techniques.
Dynamic speckle illumination wide-field fluorescence microscopy with actively optical manipulation of rotational angles
Authors: Yin Jun , Miao Yan , Liang Ruijing , Hou Haoyi , Teng Chuanxin , Yu Lingyao
Published: February 2024

We present a dynamic speckle illumination wide-field fluorescence microscopy (DSIWFM) combined with a line optical tweezers (LOTs) for rotational fluorescence sectioning imaging. In this method, large polystyrene fluorescent microspheres are stably trapped with LOTs, and precisely manipulated to rotate around a specific rotation axis. During the rotation process, multiple raw fluorescence images of trapped microspheres are obtained with dynamic speckle illumination. The root-mean-square (RMS) algorithm is used to extract the drastically changing fluorescent signals in the focal plane to obtain the fluorescence sectioning images of the samples at various angles. The influence of speckle granularity on the image quality of fluorescence sectioning images is experimentally analyzed. The rotational fluorescence sectioning images obtained by DSIWFM with LOTs could provide an alternative technique for applications of biomedical imaging.
Photodetection performance of TiS3 nanoribbons studied by optical pump: terahertz probe spectroscopy
Authors: Paukov M. I. , Bulgakova V. V. , Goncharov Y. G. , Mishra P. , Ushakov A. A. , Syuy A. V. , Arsenin A. A. , Volkov V. , Zaytsev K. I. , Garnov S. V. , Burdanova M. G.
Published: February 2024

Titanium trisulfide (TiS3) is an important representative of nanomaterials, which are regarded as significant candidates for nanoscale optoelectronics. Due to the promising high intrinsic charge-carrier mobility, it has been proposed as a high performance visible and near-infrared-resistive photodetector with excellent stability. However, the conventional diagnostics of such materials require specific sample preparation. Here, we present the effective utility of the optical pump–terahertz probe technique for the additional photodetector characterization, which is deprived of these shortcomings. In particular, we non-invasively determined the lifetime of charge carriers of 80 ps at a pump fluence F = 1.6 μJcm−2. The responsivity, which is defined in our research, was R = Δσ/F = 84 × 104 m2/ΩJ. The quantum efficiency Q.E. = N
e
/N
ph
 = 3 × 104. These characteristics confirm that TiS3 nanoribbons are a highly desirable material for optoelectronic devices.
Aberration correction for deformable-mirror-based remote focusing enables high-accuracy whole-cell super-resolution imaging
Authors: Shi Wei , He Yingchuan , Wang Jianlin , Zhou Lulu , Chen Jianwei , Zhou Liwei , Xi Zeyu , Wang Zhen , Fang Ke , Li Yiming
Published: February 2024

Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) enables three-dimensional (3D) investigation of nanoscale structures in biological samples, offering unique insights into their organization. However, traditional 3D super-resolution microscopy using high numerical aperture (NA) objectives is limited by imaging depth of field (DOF), restricting their practical application to relatively thin biological samples. Here, we developed a unified solution for thick sample super-resolution imaging using a deformable mirror (DM) which served for fast remote focusing, optimized point spread function (PSF) engineering, and accurate aberration correction. By effectively correcting the system aberrations introduced during remote focusing and sample aberrations at different imaging depths, we achieved high-accuracy, large DOF imaging (
∼8  μm
) of the whole-cell organelles [i.e., nuclear pore complex (NPC), microtubules, and mitochondria] with a nearly uniform resolution of approximately 35 nm across the entire cellular volume.
Psychometric properties of the Brazilian-Portuguese Flow State Scale Short (FSS-BR-S)
Authors: Bittencourt Ig Ibert , Freires Leogildo , Lu Yu , Challco Geiser Chalco , Fernandes Sheyla , Coelho Jorge , Costa Julio , Pian Yang , Marinho Alexandre , Isotani Seiji
Published: February 2024

“Flow experience” is a term used to describe the state of being fully immersed in what you are doing. The Flow State Scale (FSS-2) was developed to assess how people feel when they are in the flow state while participating in certain sports activities. The goal of this study was to obtain a short adapted version of the FSS-2 for the Brazilian-Portuguese language and for general activities (FSS-BR-S). To do this, we translated it both ways (forwards and backwards) and verified that the translation was accurate. Methods: After getting answers from 396 Brazilian participants, we performed (1) the construct validity of the FSS-BR-S and (2) the psychometric item quality analysis. The confirmatory factorial analysis shows that a FSS-BR-S factorial model is the best fit for the data (χ2 = 44.36, p = .023, df = 27, χ2/df = 1.64, CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.98, and RMSEA = 0.04). Reliability tests done in this structure show that the FSS-BR-S (which only has nine items) has good internal consistency. The item quality analysis reveals that its difficulty and differentiating parameters are good for estimating the overall flow state. The test information curve for the short version demonstrates that it is very useful for estimating the flow states of each disposition. Discussion and Conclusions: Based on these findings, we can conclude that the FSS-BR-S has demonstrated sufficient validity to be used with Brazilians.
Renin-angiotensin system mechanism underlying the effect of auricular acupuncture on blood pressure in hypertensive patients with phlegm-dampness constitution: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhu Qianyin , Mu Tingyu , Dong Die , Chen Lingshan , Xu Jiayi , Shen Cuizhen
Published: February 2024

Background

Phlegm-dampness constitution is a traditional Chinese medicine constitution typically associated with essential hypertension. Previous studies have demonstrated that auricular acupuncture effectively decreases blood pressure and adjusts the constitution. However, the mechanism underlying auricular acupuncture’s effect is poorly understood.

Methods

A non-blinded, randomized controlled trial will be undertaken between September 2022 and May 2023. Eighty essential hypertensive patients with a phlegm-dampness constitution will be randomly allocated to one of two groups. The intervention group will receive eight weeks of auricular acupuncture and regular use of antihypertensive drugs, while the control group will only receive antihypertensive drugs. The primary outcome will be any mean differences in office systolic blood pressure. The secondary outcomes investigations will include proteins of the renin-angiotensin system, office blood pressure of different genotypes, and phlegm-dampness constitution scores.

Discussion

By demonstrating how auricular acupuncture affects the renin-angiotensin system, this research will offer significant new information on the mechanism underlying the action of auricular acupuncture in hypertension. Moreover, the results will provide crucial clinical information on the associations between renin-angiotensin system gene polymorphisms and the antihypertensive effects of auricular acupuncture.

Trial registration

Registered at thechictr.org.
Human error risk prioritization in crane operations based on CPT and ICWGT
Authors: Li Aihua
Published: February 2024

Human error plays a significant role in crane safety. To increase the accuracy and rationality of human error risk prioritization for crane operations, this study proposes a risk prioritization model for human errors in crane operations based on the cumulative prospect theory (CPT) and the improved combination weighting model of game theory (ICWGT). The ICWGT integrates the risk-factor weights obtained via subjective and objective methods. Trapezoidal fuzzy numbers are used to describe experts’ uncertainty information. Then, the CPT is applied to handle the assessment of experts’ risk attitudes in the decision process. The human error risk ranking of crane operations is obtained according to the overall prospect values calculated using the CPT. A case study of human error in overhead crane operations was conducted, and sensitivity and comparison analyses confirmed the feasibility of the proposed model. The proposed ranking mechanism for human error risk priority in crane operations is helpful for crane risk management.
Performance of machine translators in translating French medical research abstracts to English: A comparative study of DeepL, Google Translate, and CUBBITT
Authors: Sebo Paul , de Lucia Sylvain
Published: February 2024

Background

Non-English speaking researchers may find it difficult to write articles in English and may be tempted to use machine translators (MTs) to facilitate their task. We compared the performance of DeepL, Google Translate, and CUBBITT for the translation of abstracts from French to English.

Methods

We selected ten abstracts published in 2021 in two high-impact bilingual medical journals (CMAJ and Canadian Family Physician) and used nine metrics of Recall-Oriented Understudy for Gisting Evaluation (ROUGE-1 recall/precision/F1-score, ROUGE-2 recall/precision/F1-score, and ROUGE-L recall/precision/F1-score) to evaluate the accuracy of the translation (scores ranging from zero to one [= maximum]). We also used the fluency score assigned by ten raters to evaluate the stylistic quality of the translation (ranging from ten [= incomprehensible] to fifty [= flawless English]). We used Kruskal-Wallis tests to compare the medians between the three MTs. For the human evaluation, we also examined the original English text.

Results

Differences in medians were not statistically significant for the nine metrics of ROUGE (medians: min-max = 0.5246–0.7392 for DeepL, 0.4634–0.7200 for Google Translate, 0.4815–0.7316 for CUBBITT, all p-values > 0.10). For the human evaluation, CUBBITT tended to score higher than DeepL, Google Translate, and the original English text (median = 43 for CUBBITT, vs. 39, 38, and 40, respectively, p-value = 0.003).

Conclusion

The three MTs performed similarly when tested with ROUGE, but CUBBITT was slightly better than the other two using human evaluation. Although we only included abstracts and did not evaluate the time required for post-editing, we believe that French-speaking researchers could use DeepL, Google Translate, or CUBBITT when writing articles in English.
Clinical outcomes of a joint ICU and palliative care multidisciplinary rounding model: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shalman Dov
Published: February 2024

Objectives

This retrospective cohort study assessed whether implementation of a joint inpatient palliative care (IPC) and ICU multidisciplinary rounding model affected clinical outcomes including ICU length of stay (LOS).

Methods

Beginning in October of 2018, an IPC physician joined the pre-existing ICU multidisciplinary rounds. Data were collected for ICU patients admitted during a 6-month period before this intervention and a 6-month period after the intervention. Data were extracted from an integrated electronic medical records (EMR) data system and compared by Wilcoxon and chi-square test for continuous and categorical variables respectively. Negative binomial regression was used to analyze the primary outcome measure, ICU LOS.

Results

Patients in the intervention group spent fewer days in the ICU (3.7 vs. 3.9 days, p = 0.05; RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.70–0.97, p = 0.02) and in the hospital (7.5 vs. 7.8 days, p<0.01) compared to the pre-intervention group. The rate of CPR was lower in the intervention group, but the difference was not statistically significant [13(3.1%) vs. 23(5.3%), p = 0.10]. The groups did not differ significantly in rate of hospital mortality, number of days connected to mechanical ventilation via endotracheal tube, or bounceback to the ED or hospital. Multivariable analysis of the primary outcome demonstrated that patients with prior palliative care involvement had longer ICU LOS (RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.04–2.06, p = 0.03) when controlling for other variables.

Conclusion

The presented joint IPC-ICU multidisciplinary rounding model was associated with a statistically significant reduction in ICU and hospital LOS, but the clinical significance of this reduction is unclear.
Healthcare providers’ perception towards utilization of health information applications and its associated factors in healthcare delivery in health facilities in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Okyere Boadu Richard , Adzakpah Godwin , Kumasenu Mensah Nathan , Okyere Boadu Kwame Adu , Kissi Jonathan , Dziyaba Christiana , Bermaa Abrefa Rosemary
Published: February 2024

Background

Information and communication technology (ICT) has significantly advanced global healthcare, with electronic health (e-Health) applications improving health records and delivery. These innovations, including electronic health records, strengthen healthcare systems. The study investigates healthcare professionals’ perceptions of health information applications and their associated factors in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana’s health facilities.

Methods

We used a descriptive cross-sectional study design to collect data from 632 healthcare professionals (HCPs), in the three purposively selected health facilities in the Cape Coast municipality of Ghana, in July 2022. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to check the normality of dependent variables. Descriptive statistics were used to report means with corresponding standard deviations for continuous variables. Proportions were also reported for categorical variables. Bivariate regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors influencing the Benefits of Information Technology (BoIT); Barriers to Information Technology Use (BITU); and Motives of Information Technology Use (MoITU) in healthcare delivery. Stata SE version 15 was used for the analysis. Ap-value of less than 0.05 served as the basis for considering a statistically significant accepting hypothesis.

Results

Healthcare professionals (HCPs) generally perceived moderate benefits (Mean score (M) = 5.67) from information technology (IT) in healthcare. However, they slightly agreed that barriers like insufficient computers (M = 5.11), frequent system downtime (M = 5.09), low system performance (M = 5.04), and inadequate staff training (M = 4.88) hindered IT utilization. Respondents slightly agreed that training (M = 5.56), technical support (M = 5.46), and changes in work procedures (M = 5.10) motivated their IT use. Bivariate regression analysis revealed significant influences of education, working experience, healthcare profession, and IT training on attitudes towards IT utilization in healthcare delivery (BoIT, BITU, and MoITU). Additionally, the age of healthcare providers, education, and working experience significantly influenced BITU. Ultimately, age, education, working experience, healthcare profession, and IT training significantly influenced MoITU in healthcare delivery.

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals acknowledge moderate benefits of IT in healthcare but encounter barriers like inadequate resources and training. Motives for IT use include staff training and support. Bivariate regression analysis shows education, working experience, profession, and IT training significantly influence attitudes towards IT adoption. Targeted interventions and policies can enhance IT utilization in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana.
Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against the Gc fusion loop region of Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus
Authors: Li Liushuai , Chong Tingting , Peng Lu , Liu Yajie , Rao Guibo , Fu Yan , Shu Yanni , Shen Jiamei , Xiao Qinghong , Liu Jia , Li Jiang , Deng Fei , Yan Bing , Hu Zhihong , Cao Sheng , Wang Manli
Published: February 2024

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a highly pathogenic tick-borne virus, prevalent in more than 30 countries worldwide. Human infection by this virus leads to severe illness, with an average case fatality of 40%. There is currently no approved vaccine or drug to treat the disease. Neutralizing antibodies are a promising approach to treat virus infectious diseases. This study generated 37 mouse-derived specific monoclonal antibodies against CCHFV Gc subunit. Neutralization assays using pseudotyped virus and authentic CCHFV identified Gc8, Gc13, and Gc35 as neutralizing antibodies. Among them, Gc13 had the highest neutralizing activity and binding affinity with CCHFV Gc. Consistently, Gc13, but not Gc8 or Gc35, showed in vivo protective efficacy (62.5% survival rate) against CCHFV infection in a lethal mouse infection model. Further characterization studies suggested that Gc8 and Gc13 may recognize a similar, linear epitope in domain II of CCHFV Gc, while Gc35 may recognize a different epitope in Gc. Cryo-electron microscopy of Gc-Fab complexes indicated that both Gc8 and Gc13 bind to the conserved fusion loop region and Gc13 had stronger interactions with sGc-trimers. This was supported by the ability of Gc13 to block CCHFV GP-mediated membrane fusion. Overall, this study provides new therapeutic strategies to treat CCHF and new insights into the interaction between antibodies with CCHFV Gc proteins.
El mito de la “guerra lenta”. Revisitando un axioma historiográfico
Authors: Alonso Ibarra Miguel , Ruiz Casero Luis A.
Published: February 2024

Este artículo cuestiona uno de los principales axiomas de la guerra civil española, que Franco deliberadamente condujo una guerra lenta con dos objetivos: implementar un minucioso proceso represivo para eliminar más efectivamente a la anti-España; y consolidarse en el poder. Varios de los principales historiadores de la guerra civil han defendido esta idea, siendo reproducida en sucesivos trabajos. Nuestro objetivo es cuestionar esa interpretación mediante el estudio de la documentación militar del ejército sublevado, lo que permitirá incorporar un enfoque bélico que no se ha tenido en cuenta hasta ahora, al menos extensiva y sistemáticamente. Con ello, buscamos poner en relación lo militar con lo político, lo social y lo simbólico, considerando todas estas dimensiones como igualmente relevantes para entender cómo se construyó el franquismo. Por último, queremos también subrayar la importancia que ha tenido la renovación de los estudios de la guerra en ese proceso de actualización de la historiografía sobre la guerra civil.
Queridísimo Caudillo… Victoria, miseria material y corrupción moral: Las cartas de los españoles a Franco, 1936-1952.
Authors: Román Ruiz Gloria , Rodríguez Barreira Oscar
Published: February 2024

Queridísimo Caudillo… investiga la huella de la guerra civil sobre la cotidianidad de la población hasta el fin del racionamiento, en los años de la autarquía. El objetivo es analizar las continuidades en la cotidiano entre la guerra y la posguerra resumida en el concepto de Victoria y que se alargaría casi una década, más que en otros contextos posbélicos. Se busca analizar tanto la miseria material como la corrupción moral, dos de los aspectos que más impactaron en el día a día de la gente de a pie durante el periodo 1936-1952. Se sostiene que las experiencias de hambre y miseria moral que se vivieron durante la contienda persistieron tras abril de 1939. Además afectaron a personas de toda ideología.
Developing a Business Maturity Framework (BMF) in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Panduru Dan Andrei , Scarlat Cezar , Ioanid Alexandra
Published: February 2024

This study explores the utility of business maturity models in navigating dynamic business landscapes. It assesses existing models, develops an industry-specific Business Maturity Framework (BMF), and emphasizes foundational considerations for effective implementation aligned with organizational goals. The study concludes by highlighting the perpetual nature of business maturity and the BMF's efficacy in enhancing operational excellence, competitiveness, and sustainable growth in the oil and gas sector. The paper contributes to specialized literature by introducing a novel dimension that evaluates market and customer readiness for future digitalization levels, thereby providing a comprehensive approach to business maturity.

Keywords: business transformation, digital process maturity, business maturity framework (BMF), incremental changes, maturity assessment, disruptive changes, oil and gas industry
Integrated Reporting and Group Decision-Making for Sustainable Development: A Bibliometric Review
Authors: Cunha Carlos , Duncan Luis
Published: February 2024

The demands of society are constantly evolving, imposing significant pressures on business organizations within the context of sustainable development policy. As a result, organizations have begun to move towards promoting information disclosure through integrated reporting, transitioning from sustainability reports to financial reports. Simultaneously, decisions made to address specific problems are no longer the sole responsibility of a single individual. Challenges now revolve around group decision-making with the aim of achieving a consensus solution. To comprehend the landscape of integrated reporting and group decision-making in the scientific literature concerning sustainable development, a bibliometric review was conducted across major scientific databases from 2008 to 2023. The analysis utilized Bibliometrix, based on the R language, and Biblioshiny for graphic generation. The results indicate a quantitative increase in publications addressing integrated reporting and group decision-making in the context of sustainable development. However, a thematic isolation among existing studies was evident, pointing to an opportunity for future research to bridge the gap and establish more robust connections between the subjects. 

Keywords: integrated reporting, group decision-making, sustainable development, bibliometric review
A contribuição da Educação Ambiental crítica para o Estatuto da Cidade
Authors: Figueiredo Vanessa Aguiar , Caporlingua Vanessa Hernandez
Published: February 2024

The contribution of critical environmental education to the status of the city: an analysis of the socio-environmental recovery of cities in the post-pandemic context
O presente artigo versa sobre a possível contribuição da Educação Ambiental crítica (EAc) ao Estatuto da Cidade, no contexto pós pandemia da recuperação socioambiental das cidades, principalmente no que diz respeito à sustentabilidade urbana. Portanto, tem como objetivos específicos: compreender, por meio da EAc, a crise socioambiental gerada pela pandemia, apresentar os principais desafios enfrentados pelas cidades nesse contexto, por fim, tecer reflexões sobre o Estatuto da Cidade, no que se refere a sustentabilidade, a partir das possíveis contribuições da EAc. Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa com revisão bibliográfica e documental, e os resultados apontam que a EAc pode contribuir para aplicação do Estatuto da Cidade, principalmente no que concerne a recuperação socioambiental das cidades pós-pandemia, enfatizando a necessidade de uma educabilidade para a sustentabilidade urbana.
olhar transdisciplinar ao desenvolvimento sustentável no ensino superior
Authors: Rocha Filho João Bernardes da , Silva Luciano Racts Claudio da
Published: February 2024

A transdisciplinary look at sustainable development in higher education Este artigo discute o papel da educação superior frente à globalização econômica e à disseminação irrestrita da informação, considerando a premência do desenvolvimento de atitudes transdisciplinares na população em geral, visando a compatibilizar as necessidades dos habitantes do planeta desde uma perspectiva que contemple a diversidade biológica e cultural, assim como a higidez do meio ambiente. O método utilizado para a escrita deste artigo foi a pesquisa bibliográfica, e considerou a universidade como centro de excelência que reúne um grande número de especialistas e que pode se constituir em um núcleo holístico e transdisciplinar capaz de promover estudos e ações estratégicas na direção da sustentabilidade. Como sugestão, as instituições de ensino superior podem enfatizar os diferentes níveis ou graus de identidade que caracterizam os seres humanos, promovendo uma desidentificação em relação às atitudes egóicas que contribuem para a deterioração do meio ambiente.