bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in coparenting quality in relation to child age: Links to coparents' relationship satisfaction and education
Authors: Han Gizem , Alfredsson Elin , Cox Laura , Psouni Elia
Published: March 2023

Coparenting, denoting shared responsibilities in caring for a child, is a core component of parenthood for most parents. Research has linked quality in the coparenting relationship to several child outcomes as well as parent relationship satisfaction and mental health, yet whether and how these links may differ depending on child age is unclear. Here, we investigated links between coparenting quality, relationship satisfaction, parents' education, and child age, after assessing the psychometric properties of a Swedish version of the 35‐item Coparenting Relationship Scale (CRS) in a sample of 206 parents in Sweden. Participants completed the full 35‐item CRS, alongside the Parenting Alliance Measure (PAM) and a relationship satisfaction measure. Our findings reveal good psychometric qualities and construct validity for both the CRS and PAM used with Swedish parents. Consistent with other adaptations of the CRS, we found four composite factors for the CRS, all demonstrating high reliability and convergence with the PAM. In relation to child age, parents of older children reported poorer coparenting quality than parents of younger children. The link between relationship satisfaction and coparenting quality was stronger for highly educated parents. Education also predicted partner endorsement in parents of children in early and middle childhood, but not parents of infants. Together, our findings expand the empirical base for understanding coparenting and its links to relationship satisfaction in parents with children of different ages, and they highlight a moderating role of parental education in these links.
Longitudinal associations among dimensional symptoms of depression and anxiety and first onset suicidal ideation in adolescents
Authors: Metts Allison V. , Echiverri‐Cohen Aileen M. , Yarrington Julia S. , Zinbarg Richard E. , Mineka Susan , Craske Michelle G.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Depression and anxiety are implicated in suicide risk, but the contributionof specific symptom dimensions within these disorders is not well understood. The present study examined longitudinal associations of transdiagnostic symptoms (General Distress[GD]) and unique symptom dimensions (Anhedonia–Apprehension [AA], Fears, and Narrow Depression [ND]) of depression and anxiety and suicidal ideation (SI).

Methods

Data from 551 adolescents oversampled on high neuroticism were examined in a series of discrete‐time survival analyses to predict first SI onset over an 8‐year period.

Results

Results indicate that GD, AA, and ND were independent predictors of increased likelihood of SI onset and remained significant when controlling for effects of fears. Furthermore, AA and GD remained significant when controlling for one another. ND effects reduced by 24% when adjusting for AA and 74% when adjusting for GD. Fears did not significantly predict SI onset.

Conclusion

Results suggest that broad levels of distress across depression and anxiety, deficits in positive affect, and elevated negative affect specific to depression increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts. As such, attention to broader distress and a lack of pleasure, interest, and motivation—potentially more so than negative affect characterizing depression—are particularly important for addressing suicide risk in adolescents.
Detection of a novel papillomaviral sequence in viral plaques confined to the pinna of a dog
Authors: Munday John S. , Orbell Geoff , Robinson Lynne
Published: March 2023

A raised plaque that contained histological evidence of papillomavirus infection and sequences from a novel papillomavirus type developed close to the ear canal of a 14‐year‐old West Highland white terrier. The plaque was excised, and further plaques developed within the same area of pinna.
Evaluation of a commercialNGSservice for detection of bacterial and fungal pathogens in infectious ulcerative keratitis
Authors: Bendlin Ashley , Gemensky‐Metzler Anne J. , Diaz‐Campos Dubraska , Newbold Georgina M. , Miller Eric J. , Chandler Heather L.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To compare results from a commercial next‐generation sequencing (NGS) service to corneal cytology and culture for identification of causative organisms in veterinary patients presenting for infectious ulcerative keratitis (IUK).

Procedure

Swabs for corneal aerobic and fungal cultures and DNA swabs for NGS were submitted for canine and equine normal controls (n = 11 andn = 4, respectively) and IUK patients (n = 22 andn = 8, respectively) for which microbrush cytology specimens confirmed the presence of infectious organisms. The sensitivity of the NGS results was compared with bacterial and fungal culture results. Concordance between the NGS and culture results was determined.

Results

The NGS results were positive for bacterial and fungal organisms in 5 and 1 normal and 18 and 1 IUK cases, respectively. Bacterial and fungal cultures were positive for 7 and 2 normal and 20 and 5 IUK cases, respectively. Sensitivity of NGS was 82.14% (95% confidence interval (CI), 63.11% to 93.94%) and specificity was 76.47% (95% CI, 50.10% to 93.19%). Concordance (complete and partial) between identified bacterial and fungal organisms was found in 79% and 100% of cases, respectively. NGS identified organisms in 3 culture‐negative IUK samples.

Conclusion

A commercial NGS service may be useful in the identification of causative agents in IUK cases with a sensitivity greater than the sensitivity previously reported for aerobic culture. Further testing is needed to determine the clinical significance of additional organisms isolated by NGS from infected cases, as well as organisms isolated from normal corneas.
Extraction and determination of mercury from spring water, beverage and rice samples using combined microwave‐assisted cloud point and dispersive‐solid phase extraction in micellar media
Authors: Seyedmohammadi Parastoo , Taheri Alireza , Rezayatizad Zeinab
Published: March 2023

The determination of inorganic mercury species in water, beverages and foods has been a special research priority in recent years because mercury, as a highly carcinogenic species, even in trace concentration, has high adverse effects on the body of living organisms. In this research, combining two extraction techniques, including microwave‐assisted cloud point extraction and dispersive‐solid phase extraction (MA‐CP‐dSPE), for the separation and pre‐concentration of mercury in environmental samples is presented. This method is based on the dispersion of nanoparticles in micellar media in the presence of a novel mono‐thiosemicarbazone Schiff base (2 N′‐[4‐diphenylamino]benzylidene) hydrazinecarbothiohydrazide) ligand. Using the experimental conditions defined in the optimization, the method allowed mercury determination from 0.020 to 350 mg/L with a detection limit of 0.005 mg/L. The accuracy of the procedure was tested by analysing certified reference material. The method was successfully applied to copper determination in spring water, beverage and rice samples.
Xenotransplantation: A historical–ethical account of viewpoints
Authors: Rodger Daniel , Hurst Daniel J. , Cooper David KC
Published: March 2023

Formal clinical trials of pig‐to‐human organ transplant—known asxenotransplantation—may begin this decade, with the first trials likely to consist of either adult renal transplants or pediatric cardiac transplant patients. Xenotransplantation as a systematic scientific study only reaches back to the latter half of the 20th century, with episodic xenotransplantation events occurring prior to that. As the science of xenotransplantation has progressed in the 20th and 21st centuries, the public's knowledge of the potential therapy has also increased. With this, there have been shifting ethical stances toward xenotransplantation in key areas, such as religious and public viewpoints towards xenotransplantation, animal rights, and public health concerns. This review provides a historical–ethical account of xenotransplantation and details if or how viewpoints have shifted over time.
10-Year Historical Development of Dual Layer Hollow Fiber Hemodialysis Membranes
Authors: Mansur Sumarni , Zainol Abidin Muhammad Nidzhom
Published: March 2023

Hollow fiber membranes have been employed to purify blood from within the heart of hemodialysis process, namely dialyzer. In the past 10 years, the interest on the utilization of dual layer hollow fiber (DLHF) membranes has arisen due to the innovative idea of combining adsorption and diffusion processes into one step. This short review outlines the historical development of DLHF hemodialysis membranes that spans from year 2012 to year 2022. The motivation and the outcome from the first and the second generation DLHF hemodialysis membranes are discussed. In addition, the use of DLHF membranes in other hemodialysis-related application is presented. This short review would provide a perspective for membranologists to recognize the issues in DLHF hemodialysis membranes and to work their way to finding the real solutions.
Stability version of Dirac's theorem and its applications for generalized Turán problems
Authors: Zhu Xiutao , Győri Ervin , He Zhen , Lv Zequn , Salia Nika , Xiao Chuanqi
Published: March 2023

In 1952, Dirac proved that every 2‐connected ‐vertex graph with the minimum degree contains a cycle of length at least . Here we obtain a stability version of this result by characterizing those graphs with minimum degree and circumference at most . We present applications of the above‐stated result by obtaining generalized Turán numbers. In particular, for all we determine how many copies of a five‐cycle as well as four‐cycle are necessary to guarantee that the graph has a circumference larger than . In addition, we give a new proof of Luo's theorem for cliques using our stability result.
Koopman Model Predictive Control of an Integrated Thermal Management System for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Pan Chao , Li Yaoyu
Published: March 2023

This paper is concerned with energy efficient operation of an integral thermal management system (ITMS) for electric vehicles using a nonlinear model predictive control (MPC). Driven by a heat pump (HP), this ITMS can handle battery thermal management (BTM) while serving the need for cabin cooling or heating need. The objectives of the ITMS MPC control strategy include minimization of power consumption and achieving temperature setpoint regulation for the battery and cabin space based on predictive information of traction power and cabin thermal load. The control design is facilitated by a gray-box modeling framework, in which the nonlinear dynamics of HP subsystem are characterized with a data-driven Koopman subspace model, while the BTM subsystem dynamic is a bilinear physics-based model. The computational efficiency of the proposed MPC framework is improved with two aspects of convexification for the underlying receding-horizon constrained optimization problem: the Koopman-operator lifting and the McCormick envelopes implemented for handling the bilinear dynamics. The proposed control method is evaluated with simulation study, by developing a Modelica-Python cosimulation platform via the functional mockup interface (FMI), where the electric vehicle (EV)-ITMS plant is modeled in Modelica with Dymola and the MPC design is implemented in Python. By benchmarking against a recurrent-neural-networks (RNN) model based nonlinear MPC, the simulation results validate the effectiveness and improved computational efficiency of the proposed method.
Second-Law Considerations in Monte Carlo Ray-Trace and Discrete Green’s Function Analysis of Coupled Radiation and Conduction Heat Transfer
Authors: Vick Brian , Mahan J. Robert , Yarahmadi Mehran , Priestley Kory J.
Published: March 2023

A generic Monte Carlo ray-trace (MCRT) engine for computing radiation distribution factors (RDFs), working in tandem with an efficient finite volume formulation based on discrete Green’s functions (DGFs), has been used to solve a massive (2636 nodes) coupled radiation/conduction problem. Distribution factors computed using the MCRT method are known to produce unconditionally stable solutions to pure radiation problems even though the RDFs themselves do not conform exactly to the reciprocity principle. However, when these same RFDs are introduced into time-dependent finite volume conduction formulations based on DGFs, the resulting model is found to be fundamentally unstable due to inherent violations of the second law of thermodynamics. A novel approach to addressing this instability is presented and demonstrated for the case of a telescope typical of those employed to monitor the planetary energy budget from low Earth orbit.
Parametric Studies on a Two-Stage Evaporative Cooler During Tropical Climates in India
Authors: Usharani T. , Suresh M.
Published: March 2023

This research study aims to work out the best possible performance parameters for a two-stage direct–indirect evaporative cooler (IDEC) when it is operated in Indian climatic conditions. A numerical simulation model has been developed to estimate temperature, relative humidity, cooling capacity, and saturation efficiency for a direct evaporative cooler (DEC), when it is operated during hot and humid and hot and less humid conditions in Chennai city. Simulation results have been corroborated with those obtained from experiments. Simulation techniques have also been extended for a fin and tube heat exchanger, which acts as IDEC. Both DEC and IDEC are combined and developed into a two-stage evaporative cooler in which performance studies have been carried out. Performance parameters are optimized for all three modes of evaporative cooling. These studies reveal that the DEC system with optimized parameters has a better approach to wet bulb temperature (WBT). Hence, cooling effectiveness of DEC depends on the ambient air WBT of Indian localities. IDEC systems perform better in places where ambient air WBT is less, either hot and less humid or hot and dry climates. Two-stage evaporative cooling is the preferred technique for Chennai weather when compared with direct and indirect cooling methods. In this cooler, spray water temperature approaches the WBT of IDEC cooled air, whereas it is reduced well below ambient air WBT and approaches ambient air dew point temperature. Also, when ambient air is cooled in this new cooler, dry bulb temperature (DBT) of IDEC cooled air can be reduced below ambient air WBT.
Biocompatibility evaluation of polyethersulfone–pyrolytic carbon composite membrane in artificial pancreas
Authors: Peighami Reza , Mehrnia Mohamadreza , Yazdian Fatemeh , Sheikhpour Mojgan
Published: March 2023

Polyethersulfone (PES) membranes are widely used in medical devices, especially intravascular devices such as intravascular bioartificial pancreases. In the current work, the pure PES and PES–pyrolytic carbon (PyC) composite membranes were synthesized and permeability studies were conducted. In addition, the cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility of the pure PES and PES–PyC membranes were investigated. These materials were characterized using peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) activation, platelet activation, platelet adhesion, ß-cell viability and proliferation, and ß-cell response to hyperglycemia. The results showed that platelet activation decreased from 87.3% to 27.8%. Any alteration in the morphology of sticking platelets was prevented, and the number of attached platelets decreased by modification with PyC. The 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay corroborated that PBMC activation was encouraged by the PyC-modified PES membrane surface. It can be concluded that PES-modified membranes show higher hemocompatibility than pure PES membranes. ß-cells cultured on all the three membranes displayed a lower rate of proliferation although the cells on the PES–PyC (0.1 wt. %) membrane indicated a slightly higher viability and proliferation than those on the pure PES and PES–PyC (0.05 wt. %) membranes. It shows that the PES–PyC (0.1 wt. %) membrane possesses superior cytocompatibility over the other membranes.
Transcriptional Self-Regulation of the Master Nitrogen Regulator GlnR in Mycobacteria
Authors: He Juanmei , Kang Xiaoman , Wu Jiacheng , Shao Zhihui , Zhang Zhenhua , Wu Yuqian , Yuan Hua , Zhao Guoping , Wang Jin
Published: March 2023

In actinomycetes, the nitrogen metabolism not only is essential for the construction of life macromolecules but also affects the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and even virulence (e.g.,
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
). The transcriptional regulation of genes involved in nitrogen metabolism has been thoroughly studied and involves the master nitrogen regulator GlnR.
Structure of the Spring Viraemia of Carp Virus Ribonucleoprotein Complex Reveals Its Assembly Mechanism and Application in Antiviral Drug Screening
Authors: Wang Zhao-Xi , Liu Bing , Yang Tian , Yu Daqi , Zhang Chu , Zheng Liming , Xie Jin , Liu Bin , Liu Mengxi , Peng Hailin , Lai Luhua , Ouyang Qi , Ouyang Songying , Zhang Yong-An
Published: March 2023

Aquaculture accounts for about 70% of global aquatic products, and viral diseases severely harm the development of aquaculture industry. Spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) is the pathogen causing highly contagious spring viremia of carp (SVC) disease in cyprinids, especially common carp (
Cyprinus carpio
), yet neither a vaccine nor effective therapies are available to treat this disease.
Single-Cell Genomics Reveals the Divergent Mitochondrial Genomes of Retaria (Foraminifera and Radiolaria)
Authors: Macher Jan-Niklas , Coots Nicole L. , Poh Yu-Ping , Girard Elsa B. , Langerak Anouk , Muñoz-Gómez Sergio A. , Sinha Savar D. , Jirsová Dagmar , Vos Rutger , Wissels Richard , Gile Gillian H. , Renema Willem , Wideman Jeremy G.
Published: March 2023

We present the reduced mitochondrial genomes of Retaria, the rhizarian lineage comprising the phyla Foraminifera and Radiolaria. By applying single-cell genomic approaches, we found that foraminiferan and radiolarian mitochondrial genomes contain an overlapping but reduced mitochondrial gene complement compared to other sequenced rhizarians.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Sinomicrobium
sp. Strain PAP.21, Isolated from a Coast Sample of Papua, Indonesia
Authors: Riyanti  , Zumkeller Celine M. , Spohn Marius , Mihajlovic Sanja , Schwengers Oliver , Goesmann Alexander , Riviani Riviani , Meinita Maria D. N. , Schäberle Till F. , Harwoko Harwoko
Published: March 2023

Sinomicrobium
sp. strain PAP.21 (EXT111902) was isolated from the coast of Cenderawasih Bay National Park in West Papua, Indonesia. Its genome was assembled into 151 contigs with a total size of 5.439 Mbp, enabling the prediction of its specialized metabolite production capacity.
Comparison of Culture Results between Specimens from Corneal Scraping with Microhomogenization and Corneal Swab in Moderate and Severe Bacterial Corneal Ulcers
Authors: Martha Faraby , Edwar Lukman , Karuniawati Anis , Fuady Ahmad , Tuasikal Ramadhiana Maktazula
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to compare the culture results between scraping specimens with microhomogenization and corneal smears in patients with moderate to severe bacterial corneal ulcers. This study could be a guideline for treating bacterial corneal ulcers.
Digital Ark of Knowledge
Authors: Goryachko V. V. , Bubnov A. S. , Rayevskii E. V. , Semenov A. L.
Published: March 2023

The general problem of creating and using encyclopedic knowledge in the digital civilization is considered. The creation and use of a digital encyclopedia are an example of intellectual activities of a collective expanded personality. The basic principles concerning the creation and functioning the “Digital ark of knowledge” at Lomonosov Moscow State University are described in the case of mathematical sciences. The arising problems and their solutions are discussed.
Differential effects of diet and physical activity interventions in pregnancy to prevent gestational diabetes mellitus and reduce gestational weight gain by level of maternal adiposity: a protocol for an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Boath Anna , Vale Luke , Hayes Louise , Allotey John , Heslehurst Nicola
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Women and their infants are at increased risk of complications if gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) occurs in pregnancy. Weight management interventions in pregnancy, consisting of diet and physical activity components are targeted based on maternal body mass index (BMI). However, the relative effectiveness of interventions targeted based on alternative measures of adiposity to BMI is unclear. This individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis aims to explore whether interventions are more effective at preventing GDM and reducing GWG in women according to their level of adiposity.

Methods

The International Weight Management in Pregnancy Collaborative Network has a living database of IPD from randomised trials of diet and/or physical activity interventions in pregnancy. This IPD meta-analysis will use IPD from trials identified from systematic literature searches up until March 2021, where maternal adiposity measures (eg, waist circumference) were collected prior to 20 weeks’ gestation. A two-stage random effects IPD meta-analysis approach will be taken for each outcome (GDM and GWG) to understand the effect of early pregnancy adiposity measures on the effect of weight management interventions for GDM prevention and GWG reduction. Summary intervention effects with 95% CIs) will be derived along with treatment covariate interactions. Between-study heterogeneity will be summarised by I2and tau2statistics. Potential sources of bias will be evaluated, and the nature of any missing data will be explored and appropriate imputation methods adopted.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required. The study is registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42021282036). Results will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021282036.
In-hospital mortality and risk factors among elderly patients with traumatic brain injury: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Zixuan , Hui Jiyuan , Yang Chun , Jiang Jiyao , Xie LI , Feng Junfeng
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The elderly population is more vulnerable to traumatic brain injury (TBI) compared with younger adults, and there is an increasing trend in TBI-related hospitalisations and deaths in the elderly due to the ageing global population. This is a thorough update to a previous meta-analysis on the mortality of elderly TBI patients. Our review will include more recent studies and provide a comprehensive analysis of risk factors.

Methods and analysis

The protocol of our systematic review and meta-analysis is reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines. We will search the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase from inception to 1 February 2023 reporting in-hospital mortality and/or risk factors predicting in-hospital mortality among elderly patients with TBI. We will perform a quantitative synthesis for in-hospital mortality data combined with meta-regression and subgroup analysis to determine whether there is a trend or source of heterogeneity. Pooled estimates for risk factors will be presented in the form of ORs and 95% CIs. Examples of risk factors include age, gender, cause of injury, severity of injury, neurosurgical intervention and preinjury antithrombotic therapy. Dose–response meta-analysis for age and risk of in-hospital mortality will be performed if sufficient studies are included. We will perform a narrative analysis if quantitative synthesis is not appropriate.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required; we will publish findings from this study in a peer-reviewed journal and present results at national and international conferences. This study will promote a better understanding and management of elderly/geriatric TBI.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022323231.
Can artificial intelligence accelerate the diagnosis of inherited retinal diseases? Protocol for a data-only retrospective cohort study (Eye2Gene)
Authors: Nguyen Quang , Woof William , Kabiri Nathaniel , Sen Sagnik , Daich Varela Malena , Cabral De Guimaraes Thales Antonio , Shah Mital , Sumodhee Dayyanah , Moghul Ismail , Al-Khuzaei Saoud , Liu Yichen , Hollyhead Catherine , Tailor Bhavna , Lobo Loy , Veal Carl , Archer Stephen , Furman Jennifer , Arno Gavin , Gomes Manuel , Fujinami Kaoru , Madhusudhan Savita , Mahroo Omar A , Webster Andrew R , Balaskas Konstantinos , Downes Susan M , Michaelides Michel , Pontikos Nikolas
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Inherited retinal diseases (IRD) are a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in the working age population. Mutations in over 300 genes have been found to be associated with IRDs and identifying the affected gene in patients by molecular genetic testing is the first step towards effective care and patient management. However, genetic diagnosis is currently slow, expensive and not widely accessible. The aim of the current project is to address the evidence gap in IRD diagnosis with an AI algorithm, Eye2Gene, to accelerate and democratise the IRD diagnosis service.

Methods and analysis

The data-only retrospective cohort study involves a target sample size of 10 000 participants, which has been derived based on the number of participants with IRD at three leading UK eye hospitals: Moorfields Eye Hospital (MEH), Oxford University Hospital (OUH) and Liverpool University Hospital (LUH), as well as a Japanese hospital, the Tokyo Medical Centre (TMC). Eye2Gene aims to predict causative genes from retinal images of patients with a diagnosis of IRD. For this purpose, 36 most common causative IRD genes have been selected to develop a training dataset for the software to have enough examples for training and validation for detection of each gene. The Eye2Gene algorithm is composed of multiple deep convolutional neural networks, which will be trained on MEH IRD datasets, and externally validated on OUH, LUH and TMC.

Ethics and dissemination

This research was approved by the IRB and the UK Health Research Authority (Research Ethics Committee reference 22/WA/0049) ‘Eye2Gene: accelerating the diagnosis of IRDs’ Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) project ID: 242050. All research adhered to the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki. Findings will be reported in an open-access format.
Estimation of effects of extreme temperature on the risk of hospitalisation in Taiwan
Authors: Sharma Ayushi , Deng Liwen , Wang Yu-Chun
Published: March 2023

Background

Extreme temperatures are triggering and exacerbating hospital admissions and health burdens; however, it is still understudied. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of the average temperature on overall hospitalisation and the average length of hospital stay.

Methods

Daily area-specific age-sex stratified hospitalisation records from 2006 to 2020 were collected from the National Health Research Institutes of Taiwan. The distributed lag non-linear model was used to estimate the area-specific relative risk (RR) and 95% CI associated with daily average temperature. Overall cumulative RR was pooled from area-specific RRs using random effects meta-analysis. Temperature effects of extreme high and low thresholds were also evaluated based on the 99th (32°C) and 5th (14°C) percentiles, respectively.

Results

Our findings suggested that the elderly (age ≥65 years) are vulnerable to temperature effects, while differential gender effects are not explicit in Taiwan. A higher risk of in-patient visits was seen among the elderly during extreme low temperatures (RR 1.08; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.11) compared with extreme high temperatures (RR 1.07; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.10). Overall, high-temperature extremes increased the risk of hospitalisation with an RR of 1.05 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.07) among the all-age-sex population in Taiwan. Additionally, lag-specific analysis of the study revealed that high-temperature effects on in-patient visits are effective on the same day of exposure, while cold effects occurred after 0–2 days of exposure. The average length of hospital stays can also increase with high-temperature extremes among age group 41–64 years and the elderly.

Conclusion

Public health preparedness should consider the increased load on health facilities and health expenditures during extreme temperatures.
Mapping out the arguments for and against patient non-attendance fees in healthcare: an analysis of public consultation documents
Authors: Fystro Joar Røkke , Feiring Eli
Published: March 2023

Background

Patients not attending their appointments without giving notice burden healthcare services. To reduce non-attendance rates, patient non-attendance fees have been introduced in various settings. Although some argue in narrow economic terms that behavioural change as a result of financial incentives is a voluntary transaction, charging patients for non-attendance remains controversial. This paper aims to investigate the controversies of implementing patient non-attendance fees.

Objective

The aim was to map out the arguments in the Norwegian public debate concerning the introduction and use of patient non-attendance fees at public outpatient clinics.

Methods

Public consultation documents (2009–2021) were thematically analysed (n=84). We used a preconceived conceptual framework based on the works of Grant to guide the analysis.

Results

A broad range of arguments for and against patient non-attendance fees were identified, here referring to the acceptability of the fees’ purpose, the voluntariness of the responses, the effects on the individual character and institutional norms and the perceived fairness and comparative effectiveness of patient non-attendance fees. Whereas the aim of motivating patients to keep their appointments to avoid poor utilisation of resources and increased waiting times was widely supported, principled and practical arguments against patient non-attendance fees were raised.

Conclusion

A narrow economic understanding of incentives cannot capture the breadth of arguments for and against patient non-attendance fees. Policy makers may draw on this insight when implementing similar incentive schemes. The study may also contribute to the general debate on ethics and incentives.
Prior anticoagulation and bridging thrombolysis improve outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing endovascular thrombectomy for anterior circulation stroke
Authors: Lin Longting , Blair Christopher , Fu James , Cordato Dennis , Cappelen-Smith Cecilia , Cheung Andrew , Manning Nathan W , Wenderoth Jason , Chen Chushuang , Bivard Andrew , Butcher Kenneth , Kleinig Timothy J , Choi Philip , Levi Christopher R , Parsons Mark
Published: March 2023

Background

Where stroke occurs with pre-existing atrial fibrillation (AF)studies validating the safety and efficacy of bridging thrombolysis, and the use of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in the setting of prior anticoagulation, are limited to single-center reports.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis, AF patients undergoing EVT for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke enrolled in a prospectively-maintained, international multicenter database (International Stroke Perfusion Imaging Registry (INSPIRE)) between 2016 and 2019 were studied. Patients were categorized by anticoagulation status: anticoagulated (warfarin/non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants) versus not anticoagulated. Patients not anticoagulated were further divided into intravenous thrombolysis versus no thrombolysis. Outcomes compared between groups included 90-day modified Rankin Scale, 90-day mortality, rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), and good reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2b-3).

Results

Of 563 AF patients, 118 (21%) were on anticoagulation. AF patients on anticoagulation showed improved 90-day functional outcomes (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.68, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.00 to 2.82). Mortality (26.3% vs 23.8%), sICH (4.5% vs 3.9%), and rates of good reperfusion (91.3% vs 88.0%) were similar between those anticoagulated and those not anticoagulated. Thrombolysis before EVT in AF patients was independently associated with improved 90-day functional outcomes (aOR 1.81, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.79) and reduced mortality (aOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.84), with similar sICH rates (3.4% vs 4.5%).

Conclusions

Anticoagulated patients with AF who underwent EVT had improved 90-day functional outcomes and similar sICH rates. Thrombolysis before EVT in AF patients was associated with improved 90-day functional outcomes and reduced mortality.
Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal Onyx embolization of a paracavernous dural arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Karas Patrick J , Lee Jae Eun , Oliver Brian T , Allison Randall Z , Lees Katherine A , Shaltoni Hashem , Kan Peter
Published: March 2023

Paracavernous dural arteriovenous fistulas (pdAVFs) are extremely rare and can mimic carotid cavernous fistulas (CCFs) in both clinical presentation and imaging characteristics. Access to the venous pouch often presents the greatest challenge in the treatment of pdAVFs. Here we present a novel access technique utilizing an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach, where we directly puncture the venous pouch under both stereotactic guidance and endoscopic visualization, thereby completely embolizing a pdAVF with no alternate access (video 1).

Video 1

Technical video demonstrates the complete embolization of a pdAVF using an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach.
Dual-layered stents reduce cerebral embolism compared with first-generation stents during carotid stenting of high lipid core plaque lesions
Authors: Nakagawa Ichiro , Kotsugi Masashi , Yokoyama Shohei , Maeoka Ryosuke , Furuta Takanori , Tanaka Haku , Takeshima Yasuhiro , Matsuda Ryosuke , Yamada Shuichi , Nakase Hiroyuki
Published: March 2023

Background

Periprocedural lipid core plaque (LCP) has been detected in carotid arteries assessed by catheter-based near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). High LCP is associated with cerebral embolism after carotid artery stenting (CAS) using a first-generation stent. We aimed to evaluate whether dual-layered stents reduce embolic infarcts in patients with high LCP and change of lipid signal as assessed by NIRS during CAS.

Methods

Participants comprised 210 consecutive patients undergoing CAS. The study was divided into two distinct periods, with first-generation closed-cell stents used in the earlier period and dual-layered stents used in the later period. NIRS was performed at baseline, after stent implantation, and after balloon post-dilatation to analyze maximal lipid core burden index at minimal luminal area (max-LCBIMLA).

Results

The ipsilateral cerebral embolism rate was significantly lower with dual-layered stents (9%) than with first-generation stents (33%, p<0.001), particularly with highly lipidic lesions (12% vs 60%, p<0.001). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, high LCP and first-generation stent usage were factors related to ipsilateral cerebral embolism (both p<0.001; OR 8.28 (95% CI 3.49 to 19.64) and OR 8.07 (95% CI 2.33 to 27.93), respectively). Max-LCBIMLAdecreased significantly after stenting in both groups (both p<0.01) and max-LCBIMLAafter balloon post-dilatation was significantly lower with dual-layered stents (22.4±65.6) than with first-generation stents (124.2±208.2; p=0.006).

Conclusions

Dual-layered stents reduce embolic infarcts in patients with highly lipidic plaque lesions as assessed by NIRS who undergo CAS. Dual-layered stents significantly reduced NIRS-derived lipid signals after stenting.
Topologies of $$^{76}$$Ge double-beta decay events and calibration procedure biases
Authors: Comellato Tommaso , Agostini Matteo , Schönert Stefan
Published: March 2023

The analysis of the time profile of electrical signals produced by energy depositions in germanium detectors allows discrimination of events with different topologies. This is especially relevant for experiments searching for the neutrinoless double beta decay of $$^{76}$$

76

Ge to distinguish the sought-after signal from other background sources. The standard calibration procedures used to tune the selection criteria for double-beta decay events use a $$^{228}$$

228

Th source, because it provides samples of signal-like events. These samples exhibit energy spatial distributions with subtle different topologies compared to neutrinoless double-beta decay events. In this work, we will characterize these topological differences and, with the support of a $$^{56}$$

56

Co source, evaluate biases and precision of calibration techniques which use such event samples. Our results will be particularly relevant for future experiments in which a solid estimation of the efficiency is required.
FRACTIONAL-ORDER MEASLES INFECTION MODEL WITH VACCINATION EFFECTS
Authors: MOMANI SHAHER , CHAUHAN R. P. , KUMAR SUNIL , HADID SAMIR
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this work is to investigate the dynamical behavior of a measles disease model adopting fractional and fractal–fractional operators with Mittag-Leffler kernel using two distinct numerical algorithms. First, we discuss the measles model in a fractional framework with Atangana–Baleanu–Caputo derivative and examine some fundamental mathematical assumptions of the considered model. We implement fixed-point theory to explore the existence and uniqueness of model solutions. Next, we apply the novel fractal–fractional concept with Atangana–Baleanu derivative to the measles model and reveal that the model has unique solution. We present the approximate results for the proposed models with graphical illustrations. The results are presented with various choices of fractal and fractional orders. The system behavior to various biological parameters is also investigated. In addition, we compare the considered operators using novel numerical schemes that take into account different [Formula: see text] values.
QUESTIONING THE NOVELTY IN A NOVEL BUSINESS MODEL: HOW DOES STRATEGIC ORIENTATION TEMPER FIRM PERFORMANCE?
Authors: SHAHWAN RANI , ZAMAN TABISH
Published: March 2023

Building on a robust data set of 281 manufacturing and service firms in the UK, the paper offers an empirical analysis of relationship between the three strategic orientations and novel business model (BM). The paper plugs the gap around design and implementation of new BM and role of diverse strategic orientations. The empiric in the paper is supported by structure equation modelling and findings confirm the validity of the model thereby providing theoretical support around complexity of BM and its relationship with three strategic orientations. In the light of strategic importance around renewed business model, our paper is a timely contribution to understanding some of the antecedents of novel business model, its link to business performance and implementation of BM across firms in manufacturing and service sectors.
Explosive sequence of La Soufrière, St Vincent, April 2021: insights into drivers and consequences via eruptive products
Authors: Cole Paul D. , Barclay J. , Robertson R. E. A. , Mitchell Sam , Davies B. V. , Constantinescu R. , Sparks R. S. J. , Aspinall W. , Stinton A.
Published: March 2023

This paper forensically reconstructs the timings, impacts and processes that drove the sequence of explosive eruptions of La Soufrière, St Vincent in April 2021 using a combination of field-based stratigraphy and textural dissection of the deposit character together with contemporary visual observations.

Explosive activity on 9 April and early on 10 April involved destruction of almost all of the 2020/2021 lava dome,
c.
60% of the 1979 dome and formation of a 600 m diameter crater by 2pm UTC on 10 April. Following the initial explosion, plumes rose to altitudes of
c.
15 km and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), formed by column collapse, first occurred on 10 April, only after >24 h of explosive activity. Dense PDCs reached the sea only in the Larikai and Roseau valleys, and dilute PDCs were restricted to within 2.5 km of the Summit Crater rim.

The tephra fallout deposits are stratified, composed of numerous layers of both lapilli-rich and ash-rich layers, which we have grouped into at least 7 units, based on their common characteristics (Units 1 to 7).

Volume estimates, using a range of techniques to constrain uncertainties, indicate that the bulk volume of tephra (fallout and PDC) is 1.19 × 10
8
m
3
± 20% making this a VEI 4 eruption.
The Perceptual Science of Augmented Reality
Authors: Cooper Emily A.
Published: March 2023

Augmented reality (AR) systems aim to alter our view of the world and enable us to see things that are not actually there. The resulting discrepancy between perception and reality can create compelling entertainment and can support innovative approaches to education, guidance, and assistive tools. However, building an AR system that effectively integrates with our natural visual experience is hard. AR systems often suffer from visual limitations and artifacts, and addressing these flaws requires basic knowledge of perception. At the same time, AR system development can serve as a catalyst that drives innovative new research in perceptual science. This review describes recent perceptual research pertinent to and driven by modern AR systems, with the goal of highlighting thought-provoking areas of inquiry and open questions.
Simulation Analysis of the Effect of Pile Spacing on the Compressive Load-Bearing Performance of CEP Double Piles
Authors: Qian Yongmei , Li Xun , Ai Lishuang , Jiang Yaling , Dong Yu
Published: March 2023

Under the action of vertical pressure, the variation of pile spacing affects the bearing performance of concrete expanded-plate (CEP) double pile and the damaged state of soil around the pile. In this study, finite element simulation analysis is performed by ANSYS software, and six sets of semisectional double pile models with different pile spacings and one set of semisectional monopile models with the same specifications are established after applying the vertical pressure to the model pile. The mapping method is used for the pile-soil model meshing, the model adopts the contact type of rigid and flexible bodies, and the simulation analysis adopts the way of applying surface load and loading step-by-step. The displacement distribution, load-displacement curve, stress cloud, and shear stress curve are collated to obtain the displacement and stress change law of pile-soil under different pile spacings and then determine the effect of the changes in pile spacing on the CEP double pile. Meanwhile, the CEP double pile model is compared with the monopile model to determine their similarities and differences. Finally, a reasonable range of pile spacing for CEP double piles is provided. It further improves the research theory of CEP group pile compressive load-bearing capacity and provides the theoretical basis for its design and application in practical engineering.
The Recognition of Holy Qur’an Reciters Using the MFCCs’ Technique and Deep Learning
Authors: Samara Ghassan , Al-Daoud Essam , Swerki Nael , Alzu’bi Dalia
Published: March 2023

The Holy Qur’an has recently gained recognition in the field of speech-processing research. It is the central book of Islam, from which Muslims derive their religious teachings. The Qur’an is the primary source and highest authority for all Islamic beliefs and legislation. It is also one of the most widely memorized and recited texts around the world. Listening to and reciting the Qur’an is one of the most important daily practices for Muslims. In this study, we propose a deep learning model using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and a dataset consisting of seven well-known reciters. We utilize mel frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs) to extract and evaluate information from audio sources. We compare our proposed model to different deep learning and machine learning methodologies. Our proposed model outperformed the competing models with an accuracy of 99.66%, compared to the support vector machine’s accuracy of 99%.
Suppression of lncRNA OIP5‐AS1 Attenuates Apoptosis and Inflammation, and Promotes Proliferation by Mediating miR‐25‐3p Expression in Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Myocardial Injury
Authors: Ma Jiaju , Qian Hebu , Zou Han
Published: March 2023

Purpose. Long non‐coding RNAs (LncRNAs) OIP5‐AS1 and miR‐25‐3p play important roles in myocardial injury, whereas their roles in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced myocardial injury remain unknown. The purpose of our study was to investigate the functional mechanisms of OIP5‐AS1 and miR‐25‐3p in LPS‐induced myocardial injury. Methods. Rats and H9C2 cells were treated with LPS to establish the model of myocardial injury in vivo and in vitro, respectively. The expression levels of OIP5‐AS1 and miR‐25‐3p were determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was performed to measure the serum levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α. The relationship between OIP5‐AS1 and miR‐25‐3p/NOX4 was determined by luciferase reporter assay and/or RNA immunoprecipitation assay. The apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry, and cell viability was detected by 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide assay. Western blot was performed to detect the protein levels of Bax, Bcl‐2, caspase3, c‐caspase3, NOX4, and p‐NF‐κB p65/NF‐κB p65. Results. OIP5‐AS1 was up‐regulated, and miR‐25‐3p was down‐regulated in myocardial tissues of LPS‐induced rats and LPS‐treated H9C2 cells. Knockdown of OIP5‐AS1 relieved the myocardial injury in LPS‐induced rats. Knockdown of OIP5‐AS1 also inhibited the inflammation and apoptosis of myocardial cells in vivo, which was subsequently confirmed by in vitro experiments. In addition, OIP5‐AS1 targeted miR‐25‐3p. MiR‐25‐3p mimics reversed the effects of OIP5‐AS1 overexpression on promoting cell apoptosis and inflammation and on inhibiting cell viability. Besides, miR‐25‐3p mimics blocked the NOX4/NF‐κB signalling pathway in LPS‐induced H9C2 cells. Conclusion. Silencing of lncRNA OIP5‐AS1 alleviated LPS‐induced myocardial injury by regulating miR‐25‐3p.
Gas Concentration Monitoring Prewarning Based on Adaptive Prediction and Feature Extraction
Authors: Dong Dingwen
Published: March 2023

This study presents a reliable method for predicting gas concentration and implementing prewarning analysis. Gas monitoring data are decomposed into intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) with different time scales by using empirical mode decomposition (EMD), which represents the intrinsic features of gas concentration on different time scales. The prediction accuracy is evaluated by the prediction effectiveness, and the IMF phase space parameters and the Gaussian process regression (GPR) hyperparameters are dynamically adjusted to achieve adaptive prediction. Combined with singular value decomposition (SVD) to extract the intrinsic features of gas monitoring data, a prediction and prewarning model is established. The case study shows that the prediction accuracy of the adaptive model is significantly higher than that of direct GPR prediction and that it solves the problem of low prediction accuracy at mutational points in gas concentration time series. The degree of influence of the production process on the variation in gas concentration is quantitatively determined to improve the reliability of prewarning applications.