bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of neurophysiologic and functional connectivity changes following glioma resection using magnetoencephalography
Authors: Samuel Nardin , Harmsen Irene E , Ding Mandy Yi Rong , Sarica Can , Vetkas Artur , Wong Christine , Lawton Vanessa , Yang Andrew , Rowland Nathan C , Kalia Suneil K , Valiante Taufik , Wennberg Richard , Zadeh Gelareh , Kongkham Paul , Kalyvas Aristotelis , Lozano Andres M
Published: July 2023

Background

In patients with glioma, clinical manifestations of neural network disruption include behavioral changes, cognitive decline, and seizures. However, the extent of network recovery following surgery remains unclear. The aim of this study was to characterize the neurophysiologic and functional connectivity changes following glioma surgery using magnetoencephalography (MEG).

Methods

Ten patients with newly diagnosed intra-axial brain tumors undergoing surgical resection were enrolled in the study and completed at least two MEG recordings (pre-operative and immediate post-operative). An additional post-operative recording 6–8 weeks following surgery was obtained for six patients. Resting-state MEG recordings from 28 healthy controls were used for network-based comparisons. MEG data processing involved artifact suppression, high-pass filtering, and source localization. Functional connectivity between parcellated brain regions was estimated using coherence values from 116 virtual channels. Statistical analysis involved standard parametric tests.

Results

Distinct alterations in spectral power following tumor resection were observed, with at least three frequency bands affected across all study subjects. Tumor location-related changes were observed in specific frequency bands unique to each patient. Recovery of regional functional connectivity occurred following glioma resection, as determined by local coherence normalization. Changes in inter-regional functional connectivity were mapped across the brain, with comparable changes in low to mid gamma-associated functional connectivity noted in four patients.

Conclusion

Our findings provide a framework for future studies to examine other network changes in glioma patients. We demonstrate an intrinsic capacity for neural network regeneration in the post-operative setting. Further work should be aimed at correlating neurophysiologic changes with individual patients’ clinical outcomes.
Renewable energy and industrial development in pioneering and lagging regions: the offshore wind industry in southern Denmark and Normandy
Authors: Jolly Suyash , Steen Markus , Hansen Teis , Afewerki Samson
Published: July 2023

The increasing deployment of renewable energy (RE) hinges on the development and upscaling of manufacturing and logistics capacities, offering industrial development opportunities for regions and countries. In this paper, we analyse how contextual factors pertaining to pre-existing regional assets and multi-scalar institutional environments influence RE-related industrial development at the regional scale. To this avail, we purposefully selected two contrasting regional case studies of offshore wind energy-related industry developments in Southern Denmark (a pioneering region) and Normandy (France, a latecomer region) and discuss developments until 2020. Our qualitative analysis is informed by theoretical and empirical insights from the economic geography and sustainability transitions research fields. The identified contrasting regional path creation processes reflect substantial differences in context conditions, providing insights into how regions can capture value in the ongoing energy transitions.
Consequences of workplace bullying on hotel employees: a three-wave longitudinal approach
Authors: Singh Anupriya , Srivastava Shalini
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Workplace bullying has appalling fallouts for organizations and employees. While the association between bullying and employees’ exit intentions has been sufficiently established in research, the underlying conditions remain overlooked. Using the affective events and conservation of resources theories as the theoretical lens, the purpose of this study is to probe work alienation and emotional exhaustion as sequential mediators in the association between bullying and employees’ exit intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

A sequential mediation model was examined using three-wave longitudinal data gathered from 406 employees working with hotels situated in tourist destinations of India.

Findings

Work alienation serves as a significant mediator between bullying and emotional exhaustion. More importantly, work alienation and emotional exhaustion emerged as sequential mediators in the association between bullying and exit intentions.

Originality/value

Research on workplace bullying is often cross-sectional, and researchers have called for time-lagged and/or longitudinal examination. While responding to the frequent calls made by researchers to examine underlying conditions, this three-wave longitudinal study advocates for holistic cognizance, i.e., how workplace bullying results in employees’ exit.
Analysis of demand for Takaful insurance: a case study in Iran
Authors: Hamzeh Asma , Ghanbarzadeh Mitra
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The Islamic financial system consists of three functional areas of Islamic banking, Islamic insurance and the Islamic capital market, which, with its development and progress, has become an important part of the global financial market and as an alternative, efficient financial model in front of the financial system. Takaful insurance is a relatively new but growing sector of the Islamic financial industry. Today, this insurance has attracted the attention of many researchers and executives. To further improve, it is important to identify the key factors according to the demand and also to evaluate their importance. In Iran’s insurance industry, Takaful product has not yet been released, and insurers have recently entered this field. Therefore, the purpose of this paper, an attempt has been made to identify the factors affecting the demand for Takaful insurance in Iran. The results of this research can be useful for policymakers and Takaful providers in formulating appropriate strategies to increase the demand for Takaful insurance.

Design/methodology/approach

In this regard, in this research, using library studies, indicators affecting demand were identified. After that, using a field study and distributing a questionnaire among experts in the field of research, the importance of the indicators was analyzed relative to each other and the indicators were ranked based on their importance.

Findings

Based on the results, the indicators are divided into five categories of economic, social, demographic, marketing and sales and features of Takaful insurance products.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study regarding the identification and ranking of factors affecting the demand for Takaful insurance in Iran’s insurance industry.
Do eco-labels trigger green product purchase intention among emerging market consumers?
Authors: Kumar Anil , Basu Rituparna
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the effect of eco-labels on green product purchase intention among consumers of electrical/electronic products in an emerging market context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted an extended theory of planned behaviour to assess the effects of eco-labels. To measure the key constructs, scales pertaining to the relevant literature were used to design a structured questionnaire for empirical examination. A final data set of 680 consumers was analysed using structured equation modelling.

Findings

The results indicate that eco-labels significantly impact perceived behavioural control, attitude, subjective norms and consumers’ willingness to pay higher prices for environmentally friendly green products.

Practical implications

The findings not only complement research on green consumerism but also serve as an important direction for socially responsible marketers who aim to play an important role in propagating pro-social consumption among emerging cohorts of consumers. The importance of eco-labelling as an effective marketing tool is highlighted, with valuable insights for future research and practices pertaining to emerging consumer markets.

Originality/value

This study fills a void in contemporary research by examining consumers of electrical/electronic products that typically involve long-term usage, with potentially greater environmental footprints.
Randomized controlled trial and cost‐effectiveness analysis: Comparing chlorhexidine scrub, ZnO‐nanoparticle socks, and their combination in pitted keratolysis treatment
Authors: Leeyaphan Charussri , Kulthanachairojana Nattanichcha , Taychakhoonavudh Suthira , Chanyachailert Pattriya , Kobkurkul Pantaree , Buranaporn Panyapat , Yenyuwadee Sasitorn , Matthapan Lalita , Prasong Waranyoo , Panyawong Chatisa , Bunyaratavej Sumanas
Published: July 2023

A cost‐effective treatment for pitted keratolysis (PK) is the use of 4% chlorhexidine scrub. Zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO‐NP)‐coated socks have also shown efficacy in PK prevention. In this study, we aimed to assess the cost‐effectiveness and safety of combined 4% chlorhexidine scrub and ZnO‐NP‐coated sock treatment compared to monotherapy. This randomized, controlled trial included 60 male security guards and hospital porters aged ≥18 with PK. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: 4% chlorhexidine scrub, ZnO‐NP‐coated socks, or combination therapy. Treatment outcomes were evaluated after 4 weeks. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated using cost‐utility analysis. The greatest reduction in visual analog scale scores for foot odor was observed in the combination therapy group, but it was nonsignificant (P = 0.186). Clinical improvement was observed across all groups. The cost‐utility analysis revealed that chlorhexidine scrub and regular socks were the least expensive options. The placebo and ZnO‐NP‐coated sock group had an ICER of US $31 082/quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) gain, while the combination therapy gained US $45 105/QALYs compared to the chlorhexidine scrub and regular sock group. Based on our findings, for the treatment of PK, 4% chlorhexidine scrub remains the most cost‐effective choice.
‘Am I that bad?’: Middle‐class moralism and weight stigma towards parents of children with higher weight
Authors: Aamann Iben Charlotte , Erlik Mikala
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this article is to explore how parents of children with higher weights are represented in policy documents constituted by health authorities in the Danish welfare state. It focuses on how discourses of moral judgements might play a role in child rearing, by framing child obesity as a parental problem in health professionals' practical guidelines. The article is based on a discursive analysis of cases from three guidelines published by two respected Danish health bodies. The cases describe how health professionals should perceive families with obesity when providing interventions. Using sociocultural class theories, we find that the cases in the guidelines display a middle‐class hegemony, which implies a preoccupation with moral judgements. Combining this with a post‐structuralist concept of discursive subject positions and representations, we reveal how mothers of obese children are subject to these judgements, either as passive and irresponsible lower‐class citizens or as morally worthwhile and responsible middle‐class citizens because of shame and fear of being judged. We conclude that the ways obesity is discursively constructed by the Danish health authorities is concerning because they build on outdated and stigmatising views on obesity. The moral implications of this might increase inequity in access to health by distributing stigma and thereby legitimating welfare retrenchment with reference to economic necessities and irresponsibility among the less privileged groups.
Reduced-visit antenatal care model combined with telemedicine for low-risk pregnant women: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Shi Huifeng , Wang Ying , Dang Binfei , Li Dantong , Ma Shang , Wang Xiaoli , Li Zhen , Hao Wenbin , Li Changhong , Jiang Yuanhui , Yuan Pengbo , Chen Lian , Gong Xiaoli , Wang Yipei , Wu Xinxia , Zhao Yangyu , Wei Yuan
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Antenatal care (ANC) is a critical measure to reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. However, there are issues of too many visits and cumbersome procedures of ANC in many maternity hospitals of China. In the past 2 years, reduced-visit ANC models combined with remote monitoring have been recommended and implemented at most hospitals in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, due to limited evaluations of the cost-effectiveness, policy-makers remain confused on how to appropriately integrate online delivery strategies with routine models to improve ANC quality and efficiency sustainably at scale. This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness, acceptability and cost of a reduced-visit ANC model combined with telemedicine.

Methods and analysis

A single-blind, randomised controlled trial will be conducted among low-risk pregnant women at Peking University Third Hospital in Beijing. 1476 patients (738 in each group) would be required, and they will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive the reduced-visit ANC combined with telemedicine services or the routine ANC. The primary outcome is the composite rate of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes which will be extracted from the medical records. Secondary outcomes include acceptability of ANC models, which is assessed by satisfaction with ANC, pregnancy-related stress and ANC costs measured from the perspectives of both service providers and demanders. Both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses will be performed. Non-inferiority tests will be used to compare the two ANC models for the primary outcome. A cost-effectiveness analysis comparing the two ANC models will be conducted by estimating the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the ethical review committee of the Peking University Third Hospital (Beijing, China). The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at relevant academic conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT05290467.
One-year recovery rates for young people with depression and/or anxiety not receiving treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Roach Anna , Stanislaus Sureshkumar Diliniya , Elliot Kathryn , Hidalgo-Padilla Liliana , van Loggerenberg Francois , Hounsell Lauren , Jakaite Zivile , Esnal Fernando , Donaghy Jade , Bird Victoria Jane , Priebe Stefan
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To systematically review 1-year recovery rates for young people experiencing depression and/or anxiety who are not receiving any specific mental health treatment.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Global Health were searched for articles published from 1980 through to August 2022.

Eligibility criteria

Articles were peer-reviewed, published in English and had baseline and 1-year follow-up depression and/or anxiety outcomes for young people aged 10–24 years without specific treatment.

Data extraction and synthesis

Three reviewers extracted relevant data. Meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the proportion of individuals classified as recovered after 1 year. The quality of evidence was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results

Of the 17 250 references screened for inclusion, five articles with 1011 participants in total were included. Studies reported a 1-year recovery rate of between 47% and 64%. In the meta-analysis, the overall pooled proportion of recovered young people is 0.54 (0.45 to 0.63).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that after 1 year about 54% of young people with symptoms of anxiety and/or depression recover without any specific mental health treatment. Future research should identify individual characteristics predicting recovery and explore resources and activities which may help young people recover from depression and/or anxiety.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021251556.
Evaluating the effectiveness of a brief digital procrastination intervention targeting university students in Sweden: study protocol for the Focus randomised controlled trial
Authors: Åsberg Katarina , Bendtsen Marcus
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The concept of procrastination can be described as a conscious, yet irrational, postponement of important tasks or decisions—despite awareness that the delay may lead to negative consequences. Procrastination behaviours are common among university students and is often described as a failure of self-regulation, and the behaviour is associated with stress, symptoms of depression and anxiety, poorer academic performance and negative effects on overall health and well-being.

Methods and analysis

A two-arm, parallel groups (1:1), single-blind randomised controlled trial will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of a brief digital procrastination intervention (Focus) among university students in Sweden. The intervention consists of a screening and feedback component based on Pure Procrastination Scale (PPS) score, allowing intervention participants to assess their current procrastination behaviours and receive behaviour change advice. Participants in the control group will be shown their total PPS score without any further feedback. Monte Carlo simulations (assuming a standardised effect of 0.35 Cohen’s d of the intervention on the primary outcome, to at least 80% of the time estimate a posterior probability of effect of at least 95%) indicated that data from 1000 participants are required for analysis, meaning that 2000 participants are required to be randomised when assuming a 50% attrition rate. The primary outcome will be procrastination behaviour measured at 2 months postrandomisation. Secondary outcomes will be anxiety and stress symptoms and lifestyle behaviours. Outcomes will be analysed using multilevel regression models estimated using Bayesian inference.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority on 2022-08-24 (dnr 2022-00353). Students will be asked to give informed consent before participation and after having been given information about the study. The results will be submitted for publication in open access, peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN13533793
Distinct socioeconomic profile of patients hospitalised with severe COVID-19 and prepandemic respiratory infections in Brussels’s deprived areas: a case–control study
Authors: Racape Judith , Dauby Nicolas , Goffard Jean-Christophe , Abdellaoui Kaoutar , Radulescu Cristina , Coppieters Yves , Rea Andrea
Published: July 2023

Objective

Belgium has been hit harder by COVID-19 than other countries in Europe. While clinical risk factors are well studied, socioeconomic risk factors remained underexplored. This study’s objective was to analyse the social and clinical profile of patients hospitalised for COVID-19 during the two waves of 2020, compared with a control population in 2019 in two hospitals located in Brussels’ most deprived area.

Design and methods

We did a case–control study by using the minimal clinical data set in two Brussels hospitals. All patients hospitalised for COVID-19 in 2020, divided into two waves (n=3220), were compared with all patients hospitalised for viral pneumonia and respiratory diseases in 2019 (control population n=2950). Multinomial regression models were used to estimate the relative risk ratios of the association between the COVID-19 hospitalised populations (waves 1 and 2) and risk factors (social and clinical) stratified by age.

Results

Patients under 65 years of age and hospitalised for COVID-19 presented significantly higher rates (relative rate ratio (95% CI)), especially for the first wave, of obesity 1.6 (1.2–2.2), African nationalities 1.4 (1.0–1.8), lack of health insurance 1.6 (1.3–2.1), living in high-density population areas 1.6 (1.3–2.1) and low incomes 1.7 (1.4–2.1), compared with the control population For patients over 65 years of age, we did not observe significant excess of COVID-19 hospitalisations for any risk factors, except diabetes during for the second wave but we have a significant excess mortality rate than the control population for both waves (p<0.002).

Conclusions

The social and clinical profile of patients hospitalised for COVID-19 compared with a population hospitalised for viral respiratory diseases differed between age groups and waves. For younger patients, risk factors were linked to patients’ precarious situations. This study underlines the role of selected social health determinants and the importance of routinely collecting social data, along with clinical data, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Quality of routine data for monitoring nutrition and diarrhoea indicators of children under 5 in Mozambique: an ecological study over a 5-year period
Authors: Sambo Júlia , Chicumbe Sérgio , de Deus Nilsa , Gonçalves Luzia
Published: July 2023

Background

Undernutrition and diarrhoea have a high burden in children under 5 in low/middle-income countries. Having data-driven quality health services for these two diseases is key in order to address the high burden of diseases; therefore, health systems must provide data to monitor, manage, plan and decide on policies at all levels of health services.

Objective

We aimed to assess the quality of nutrition and diarrhoea routine data on children under 5 in Mozambique.

Design

A longitudinal ecological study was implemented. Secondary data were used to assess the quality of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM), deworming and rotavirus vaccine indicators based on the data’s completeness, presence of outliers and consistency, and seasonality analysis in the form of time series analysis was performed.

Setting

We used monthly district-level count data from 2017 to 2021, from all health facilities, from the Mozambican health information system (Sistema de Informação de Saúde para Monitoria e Avaliação, or District Health Information System version 2).

Results

The rotavirus vaccine indicators presented better completeness when compared with other indicators under analysis. Extreme outliers were observed for deworming and rotavirus vaccines, with a higher number of outliers in the Zambezia and Nampula Provinces. Better consistency over time was observed when analysing the period before the COVID-19 pandemic, for all of the indicators and across provinces. Indicators of MAM and MAM-recovered showed more consistency issues over time in both periods of 2017–2019 and 2018–2021. In terms of seasonality analysis, for the MAM and MAM-recovered indicators, lower variation was observed, and heterogeneous patterns were seen across provinces for the rotavirus vaccine, which had the most pronounced negative seasonality components in Maputo City.

Conclusion

Major deficits regarding the analysed quality indicators were observed for Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Zambezia, Tete, Manica, and Maputo City and Province.
Association between chiropractic spinal manipulation and gabapentin prescription in adults with radicular low back pain: retrospective cohort study using US data
Authors: Trager Robert J , Cupler Zachary A , Srinivasan Roshini , Casselberry Regina M , Perez Jaime A , Dusek Jeffery A
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Radicular low back pain (rLBP) is often treated off-label with gabapentin or by chiropractors using chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy (CSMT). To date, no studies have examined the association between these interventions. We hypothesised that adults under 50 years of age receiving CSMT for newly diagnosed rLBP would have reduced odds of receiving a gabapentin prescription over 1 year-follow-up.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

US network including linked medical records, medical claims and pharmacy claims of >122 million patients attending large healthcare organisations (TriNetX), queried 15 June 2023, yielding data from 2017 to 2023.

Participants

Adults aged 18–49 were included at their first occurrence of rLBP diagnosis. Exclusions were severe pathology, other spinal conditions, on-label gabapentin indications and gabapentin contraindications. Propensity score matching controlled for variables associated with gabapentin use and receipt of prescription medication over the preceding year.

Interventions

Patients were divided into CSMT or usual medical care cohorts based on the care received on the index date of rLBP diagnosis.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

OR for gabapentin prescription.

Results

After propensity matching, there were 1635 patients per cohort (mean age 36.3±8.6 years, 60% women). Gabapentin prescription over 1-year follow-up was significantly lower in the CSMT cohort compared with the usual medical care cohort, with an OR (95% CI) of 0.53 (0.40 to 0.71; p<0.0001). Sensitivity analyses revealed early divergence in cumulative incidence of prescription; and no significant between-cohort difference in a negative control outcome (gastrointestinal medication) suggesting adequate control for pharmacological care preference.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that US adults receiving CSMT for newly diagnosed rLBP have significantly reduced odds of receiving a gabapentin prescription over 1-year follow-up compared with those receiving usual medical care. Results may not be generalisable and should be replicated in other healthcare settings and corroborated by a prospective study to reduce confounding.
COVID-19 outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with biologic or targeted synthetic DMARDs
Authors: Tsai Jih-Jin , Liu Li-Teh , Chen Chun-Hong , Chen Liang-Jen , Wang Shiow-Ing , Wei James Cheng-Chung
Published: July 2023

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the role of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARD) exposure in COVID-19 outcomes.

Methods

Our study retrieved data from the US Collaborative Network in TriNetX between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2022. We investigated b/tsDMARD use for RA: interleukin 6 inhibitor (IL-6i), Janus-associated kinase inhibitors (JAKi) or tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors (TNFi, reference group). The outcomes of COVID-19 were the incidence of infection and adverse outcomes (hospitalisation, critical care services, mechanical ventilation and mortality). The HR and 95% CI of the outcomes were calculated between propensity score-matched (PSM) patients with different b/tsDMARDs.

Results

After PSM, 2676 JAKi vs 2676 TNFi users and 967 IL-6i vs 967 TNFi users were identified. As for COVID-19 incidence, JAKi users did not reach statistical significance (HR: 1.058, 95% CI: 0.895 to 1.250) than TNFi users. RA with JAKi users had a significant risk for hospitalisation (HR: 1.194, 95% CI: 1.003 to 1.423), mortality (HR: 1.440, 95% CI: 1.049 to 1.976) and composite adverse outcomes (HR: 1.242, 95% CI: 1.051 to 1.468) compared with TNFi users. Mortality risk tended to be significantly higher in the JAKi group without COVID-19 vaccination (HR: 1.511, 95% CI: 1.077 to 2.121). IL-6i users compared with TNFi users did not have the above findings.

Conclusions

RA with JAKi users had a significant risk for hospitalisation, mortality or composite adverse outcomes, especially higher mortality among those without COVID-19 vaccination. COVID-19 vaccination should be encouraged in these target cohorts. When using JAKi for patients with RA, clinicians should be vigilant about these adverse outcomes to prevent their occurrence or detect them early for early intervention.
Encryption Using Optical Pseudo-Random Binary Sequence Based on Optical Logic Gate
Authors: Fan Shunyao , Rahman Ashiq , Dutta Niloy K.
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we propose a scheme for high-speed all-optical Pseudo-Random Binary Sequence (PRBS) generator and use it for generating keystream for encryption. This PRBS generator design is based on Linear Feedback Shift Registers (LFSR) and optical XOR and AND gates. The optical logical gates are based on quantum dot-semiconductor optical amplifier Mach-Zehnder interferometer (QD-SOA-MZI). With two photon absorption (TPA) in quantum dot-semiconductor optical amplifier (QD-SOA), this kind of optical logic gates performs well when processing data in an ultra-fast timescale and therefore able to function as high speed PRBS generator. Result shows that it’s possible for this scheme to realize all-optical encryption and decryption at high process rate up to 320 Gb/s. We simulated different ways of generating keystream with schemes such as cascaded generator, parallel generator and alternating step generator. These generators use more than one LFSR. Result shows that the schemes we use can function as stable and complex keystream generators.
Next Generation RF Modules for 5G, IoT, AR/VR and RFID Applications
Authors: Joshi Marvin , Hu Kexin , Soto-Valle Genaro , Al Jamal Hani , Tentzeris Manos
Published: July 2023

The rapid development and deployment of 5G/mm-Wave technologies for communication, sensing and energy harvesting applications have been on the rise. Consequently, the need for low-cost, scalable, agile and compact RF modules has become more prominent than ever. This paper presents a review of recent efforts in utilizing additive manufacturing techniques such as inkjet printing to sustainably accelerate the massive deployment of 5G/mm-Wave. First, a novel flexible and massively scalable multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) tile-based phased array enabled by additively manufactured microstrip-to-microstrip transitions is presented. Next, a novel Rotman-Based harmonic mmID tag for Ultra-Long-Range localization is presented. Finally, low-power, low-cost mm-Wave backscattering modules for localization and orientation sensing are demonstrated.
Fabrication of Multi-Bit SRAMs Using Quantum Dot Channel (QDC)-Quantum Dot Gate (QDG) FET
Authors: Gudlavalleti Raja Hari , Goosen Jacques , Liu Tao , Bradley Hunter , Parent Elisa , Almalki Abdulmajeed , Perez Erik , Jain Faquir
Published: July 2023

This paper presents fabrication of multi-state inverters incorporating SiOx-cladded Si quantum dot in the channel and gate region of driver, load, and access transistors. Experimental characteristics are presented exhibiting 3-state behavior in Quantum-dot Channel (QDC)-Quantum-dot Gate (QDG) FETs having Si quantum dots. It is shown that QDC-QDG-FETs-based enhancement mode inverter configurations are the building blocks of a multi-bit static random access memory (SRAM). QDC-QDG-FETs exhibiting four states can also be used to implement compact 4-state logic and nonvolatile memories or random access nonvolatile memories.
A possibility of existence of a pseudovector-type quark–antiquark condensate in the quark matter and Nambu–Goldstone modes on that condensate in the Nambu–Jona–Lasinio model
Authors: Hayashi Kentaro , Tsue Yasuhiko
Published: July 2023

A possibility of a pseudovector-type quark–antiquark condensed phase, which leads to a quark spin polarized phase, in the quark matter is investigated taking account of the vacuum effects leading to the chiral symmetry breaking by using the Nambu–Jona–Lasinio model. Also, possible Nambu–Goldstone modes on the pseudovector-type quark–antiquark condensate and the tensor-type quark–antiquark condensate, which also leads to the quark spin polarized phase, are investigated.
Organic Solar Cells: An Analysis of AC and DC Electrical Properties
Authors: Al Hashimi Mohammed K. , Abdulameer Ameer F. , Kadem Burak Yahya , Abdullah Muatazbullah Ibrahim
Published: July 2023

In this paper, AC and DC electrical properties of organic solar cells based on P3HT:PCBM active layer have been investigated. The performance of such solar cell has demonstrated the efficiency of 2.31% corresponding with short-circuit current density of 6.08 mA ⋅ cm[Formula: see text], open circuit voltage of 0.64 V and fill factor of 60%. The equivalent circuit and the properties of the supposed interfaces between the layers in the P3HT:PCBM-based solar cell have been estimated. AC properties have demonstrated series capacitance increasing with increasing frequencies, which means series capacitance saves charges and parallel capacitance has decreased with increasing of frequency work as discharge part of charges stored in series capacitance. Also, equivalent series and parallel resistances have demonstrated a decrease from 7 [Formula: see text] and 120 k[Formula: see text] at low frequency to 1 [Formula: see text] and 43 k[Formula: see text] at high frequencies, respectively.
Synthesis, Characterization and Influence of Silver Nanoparticles Against Phases of Musca Domestica
Authors: Mahadi Mostafa Nazhan , Hameed Ahmed , Lafta Saeed Maher
Published: July 2023

The achievement of this research was to study the influence of AgNPs on the life stages of Musca domestica. The supernatant of Trichoderma harzianum successfully reduces AgNO3 into AgNPs through the duration of incubation, as noticed by the color change from white to red. The absorbance of UV–visible light results in an absorbance peak at 418 nm for nanoparticle solutions of Ag particles. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image confirmed the formation of AgNPs with an average particle size of 46.63 nm without aggregation or adhesion. The microscopy of energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) approved the formation of AgNPs with a high amount of some atoms of carbon and oxygen derivatives from components of fungus extract used to reduce AgNO3. The concentration of AgNPs prepared with serial dilutions of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%, also with sterilized distilled water as a control and the influence of AgNPs on phases of [Formula: see text] domestica had been studied. The eggs of the studied insects were affected by 20% of AgNPs, which showed an increase in incubation time of 11 h without any hatched eggs at 25%. The larval stage of the insect was also influenced by AgNPs solution, which at 25% increased the duration of incubation to reach 11 h with 27 larval insects dead, compared with 7 h without any missing membrane in the larval stage of the insect. As well as the pupal phase of insects, we increased the period of incubation to 10 h with 7 h in control, and in addition, the number of pupal insects dead reached 23 in 25% concentration. Finally, the AgNPs also increased the number of adult insects to reach 27 at 25% concentration. The AgNPs approved the activity toward [Formula: see text] domestica and therefore considered it a preferable option for biological control.
Modeling Size and Shape Dependence of Electro-Optical Properties of Semiconductor Nanosolids
Authors: Singh Madan , Lara Seskhantso , Matjelo Naleli J. , Lepekola Limakatso , Kao Moruti , Matobako Mampesi T.
Published: July 2023

Based on cohesive energy, the size and shape effect on Bandgap, Dielectric constant and Phonon frequency of low-dimension semiconductor nanomaterials are predicted with structural miniaturization down to the nanoscale. It is projected that nanomaterial’s optical and electrical properties no longer remain constant but become tunable. The model reports that the bandgap increases while the dielectric constant and phonon frequency drop on decreasing size to the nanoscale. The bandgap variation, dielectric constant and phonon frequency are reported for spherical, thin film, nanowire, regular tetrahedral and regular octahedral shapes of semiconductor nanosolids. The shape effect becomes prominent as the form changes from spherical to regular tetrahedral shape up to the size limit of 20 nm. A good agreement between our model predictions and the available experimental and simulation data justifies the theory’s validity.
Table S24 from Spatial Transcriptomics of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas Identifies NKX6-2 as a Driver of Gastric Differentiation and Indolent Biological Potential
Authors: Sans Marta , Makino Yuki , Min Jimin , Rajapakshe Kimal I. , Yip-Schneider Michele , Schmidt C. Max , Hurd Mark W. , Burks Jared K. , Gomez Javier A. , Thege Fredrik I. , Fahrmann Johannes F. , Wolff Robert A. , Kim Michael P. , Guerrero Paola A. , Maitra Anirban
Published: July 2023

Protein panel used for the COMET protocol for cyclic immunofluorescent staining.
Table S13 from Spatial Transcriptomics of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas Identifies NKX6-2 as a Driver of Gastric Differentiation and Indolent Biological Potential
Authors: Sans Marta , Makino Yuki , Min Jimin , Rajapakshe Kimal I. , Yip-Schneider Michele , Schmidt C. Max , Hurd Mark W. , Burks Jared K. , Gomez Javier A. , Thege Fredrik I. , Fahrmann Johannes F. , Wolff Robert A. , Kim Michael P. , Guerrero Paola A. , Maitra Anirban
Published: July 2023

Correlation between percentage of NKX6-2 positive nuclei and GATA-6, MUC5AC, TFF1, and VIM protein expression.
Table S1 from Spatial Transcriptomics of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas Identifies NKX6-2 as a Driver of Gastric Differentiation and Indolent Biological Potential
Authors: Sans Marta , Makino Yuki , Min Jimin , Rajapakshe Kimal I. , Yip-Schneider Michele , Schmidt C. Max , Hurd Mark W. , Burks Jared K. , Gomez Javier A. , Thege Fredrik I. , Fahrmann Johannes F. , Wolff Robert A. , Kim Michael P. , Guerrero Paola A. , Maitra Anirban
Published: July 2023

Table containing demographic and clinical patient information
Association of Sodium and Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake With Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Adolescents and Young Adults With Obesity
Authors: Ong Jason , Roem Jennifer , Ducharme-Smith Kirstie , Vizthum Diane , Lu Mengyang , Agrawal Pranjal , Urbina Elaine M. , Brady Tammy M.
Published: July 2023

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in children have increased in prevalence. Dietary intake may modify risk. Data collected during a randomized trial testing the effect of a behavioral intervention on adiposity, blood pressure (BP), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were analyzed using multivariable regression to determine independent associations of sodium, sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB), and artificially sweetened beverage (ASB) intake with outcomes. High sodium intake (≥3.5 g) was associated with hypertensive BP (odds ratio 12.8; P = .027) in minimally adjusted models. High SSB intake (≥4 oz) was independently associated with body mass index z-score (β = .34; P = .035) and waist circumference z-score ( β = .49; P = .022) in fully adjusted models. Any ASB intake was associated with LVMI in fully adjusted model (% change 38.22; P = .004). There was no effect modification between sodium and SSB on outcomes. Dietary factors explored in this study independently impacted CVD risk. Further effect measure modification should be explored in larger cohorts.
We Wear the Mask: The Lived Experiences of Black Undergraduate Music Education Students in Predominantly White Schools of Music
Authors: Parker Quinton D.
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand how Black undergraduate music education students make meaning of their lived experiences in predominantly White schools of music (PWSOM). The study was guided by the overall research questions: (1) What makes the lived experience of Black undergraduate music education students unique? and (2) What meaning(s) and understanding(s) do Black undergraduate music education students ascribe to their experiences in PWSOM? Data were collected primarily through open-ended interviews with nine Black undergraduate music education students in PWSOM in the United States. Data analysis revealed seven emergent themes, including (a) navigating the negative perceptions of White people; (b) making White people comfortable; (c) working harder to prove myself; (d) “Do I belong here?”; (e) a climate of racial and cultural insensitivity; (f) distrust of White faculty; and (g) sacrifice and survival. Findings were interpreted using Du Bois’s theory of double consciousness and van Manen’s four existentials of lived experience. Interpretation revealed the essence of the phenomenon to be living a dissonant existence.
Favoring Inequalities and Mind-Reading: Social Dominance Orientation Relates to Poor Mentalizing
Authors: Ekerim-Akbulut Müge , Selcuk Bilge
Published: July 2023

Although studies have so far investigated social dominance orientation (SDO) in relation to its association with prejudice and discrimination toward outgroups, it is not known whether SDO’s link with poor intergroup relations might be underlined by specific socio-cognitive factors such as reduced mind-reading motivation (MRM) and poor mind-reading performance. The present study tested whether endorsement of SDO is associated with decreased MRM and mind-reading accuracy toward both ingroup and outgroup targets. We randomly assigned one hundred and 20 Turkish university students ( M age = 22.02) into two target groups for mind-reading, Turkish ingroup ( N = 60) and Syrian outgroup ( N = 60), and asked them to infer minds of either ingroup or outgroup members depending on their target group. Participants also reported their level of MRM and SDO through questionnaires. When the target was a Turkish ingroup member, SDO negatively and directly predicted mind-reading, when the target was an outgroup member, however, higher SDO indirectly predicted lower mind-reading through reduced MRM. These results pointed that favoring intergroup hierarchies relates to poor understanding of others’ mental states although the mechanism of the relation changes depending on the group membership of the target.
Single Stage Nasal Reconstruction for Solitary Neurofibroma Isolated in the Columella
Authors: Jeon Yung Jin , Kim Ye Ram , Lee Seok Yeong , Lim So Jin
Published: July 2023

Neurofibromas are benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors that can originate from several elements of peripheral nerves, including axons, Schwann cells, endoneurial fibroblasts, and perineurial cells. The occurrence of a solitary neurofibroma in the external nose, especially that isolated in the nasal columella, is extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, only 4 cases of solitary neurofibromas in the external nose have been reported in the English literature: on the nasal dorsum, tip, and pyriform aperture, all originating from the trigeminal nerve. We report the first case of a solitary neurofibroma isolated in the nasal columella, which we found in an otherwise healthy 42-year-old man. We completely resected this tumor with a negative resection margin and performed reconstruction with a bilateral spreader graft and caudal septal extension graft using autologous septal cartilage. The postoperative course was successful in both cosmetic and functional results, with no sensory changes at the 1-year follow-up. Surgical treatment for this lesion was challenging due to the cosmetically obvious location and high rate of recurrence. A review of the literature highlights the clinical and histological characteristics, differential diagnosis, and management of solitary neurofibroma of the external nose.
Post-Diversity, Precarious Work for All: Unmaking borders to govern labour in the Amazon warehouse
Authors: Zanoni Patrizia , Miszczyński Miłosz
Published: July 2023

This paper investigates the (un)making of borders as a form of labour governmentality in one of Amazon’s warehouses in Poland. Guided by a critical theory of borders as a form of labour governmentality under global capitalism, we identify organizational practices through which socio-demographic categories traditionally deployed as principles of organizing work (e.g., gender, age, ability) are unmade: the management of deskilled labour through an algorithmic system, the non-selective hiring of workers, the enforcement of social norms of interpersonal respect and a universal system of casualized employment. Together, these practices constitute workers as undifferentiated, interchangeable and equal labour, let them compete with each other under harshly exploitative conditions, and continuously dispose of the least productive among them, keeping all in structural uncertainty. The study contributes to the critical diversity literature by showing a ‘post-diversity’ governmentality that rests on equality, competition and precarization of labour as a whole, rather than segregation and marginalization through an ‘ideal worker’ norm. This labour governmentality operates by eliciting consent from historically subordinated workers and eliminating the advantage of historically relatively privileged ones. Unmaking borders within labour inside the organization, this governmentality at the same time crucially rests on borders outside it.
Analysis of the postoperative hemodynamic changes in varicose vein surgery related with small saphenous vein reflux
Authors: Park Joon-Kee , Woo Shin-Young , Yang Shin-Seok , Kim Dong-Ik
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the postoperative hemodynamic changes in varicose vein surgery related with SSV reflux using APG.

Methods

Totals of 181 limbs and 178 patients who underwent high ligation and stripping (HLS) (87 limbs), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (43 limbs), or endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) (51 limbs) for SSV reflux from 1995 to 2022 were enrolled. We measured venous volume (VV), venous filling index (VFI), ejection fraction (EF), and residual volume fraction (RVF) preoperatively and at postoperative one and 6 months.

Results

Comparing preoperative results to those at postoperative 1 month, the reduction rates of VV, VFI, and RVF were 27, 53, and 31%, while EF increased by 18% ( p < 0.001). Comparing preoperative and postoperative 6 month, the reduction rates of VV, VFI, and RVF were 27, 45, and 35%, while EF increased by 27% ( p < 0.001).

Conclusions

There were hemodynamic improvement in the lower leg after varicose vein surgery including HLS, RFA, and EVLA.
The development and reliability testing of the Functional Lower-Limb Amputee Gait Assessment
Authors: Gailey Robert S , Gaunaurd Ignacio A , Kirk-Sanchez Neva J , Gard Steven A , Kristal Anat
Published: July 2023

Objective

The study purpose was three-fold: (a) to describe the development of the Functional Lower-Limb Amputee Gait Assessment, (b) to determine its reliability with two groups of raters, physical therapists, and certified prosthetists, and (c) to determine the agreement on its results between the two groups.

Design

A reliability study.

Setting

Institution for higher education.

Participants

Five physical therapists and five certified prosthetists.

Intervention

Not applicable.

Main measure

The gait of people with unilateral lower limb amputation was evaluated using the Functional Lower-Limb Amputee Gait Assessment. Kappa statistic was used to analyze reliability.

Results

The intra-rater reliability of nine gait deviations in the physical therapists’ group and eight in the certified prosthetists’ group was between moderate and almost perfect agreement (kappa = .41–1). In the physical therapists’ group, the inter-rater reliability of four gait deviations was moderate (kappa = .41–.6). In the certified prosthetists’ group, the inter-rater reliability of six gait deviations was moderate to substantial (kappa = .41–.8). Three gait deviations achieved moderate agreement in both groups of clinicians (kappa = .41–.6).

Conclusions

Most gait deviations included in the Functional Lower-Limb Amputee Gait Assessment appear stable over time when used by the same clinician. Six gait deviations in the certified prosthetists’ group and four in the physical therapists’ group may be used by multiple clinicians, and three gait deviations may be used across both professions to assist in communication and collaboration on the best course of treatment for a patient with a unilateral lower limb amputation.