bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intelligent diagnostic method for developmental hip dislocation
Authors: Sun Hang , Li Hong , Zhao Yuhang , Pan Shinong
Published: September 2024

Background

Developmental dislocation of the hip joint (DDH) is a condition that severely threatens children’s healthy growth. Without timely and correct treatment, it will lead to osteoarthritis and hip dysfunction in the evolution of children.

Objective

It is essential to develop an intelligent model for diagnosing hip dislocation and performing accurate quantitative analysis.

Methods

In this paper, 46 cases of computed tomography (CT) images were retrospectively collected, including 19 cases of hip dislocation and 27 cases of healthy people. The experiment first uses ITK-SNAP to sketch the ilium and femoral head in the original image. Then, it uses 3D U-Net to send the label of the background, ilium, and femoral head into three channels, respectively, to realize the three-dimensional segmentation of the ilium and femoral head. Next, the extraction of the surface of the acetabulum and femoral head is performed. Subsequently, the erroneous points are eliminated, and the spherical surfaces of the acetabulum and femoral head are fitted using the least squares method. Ultimately, the spherical center distance is calculated quantitatively to predict whether the hip joint is dislocated.

Results

Under the independent test set, the segmentation average dice coefficients of the ilium and femoral head are 89% and 93%, respectively. The spherical center distance between the acetabulum and femoral head is calculated quantitatively. If the value exceeds 10 mm, it is considered a hip dislocation. Compared with the doctor’s diagnosis, the accuracy result is 94.4%.

Conclusion

This paper successfully implements a precise and automated intelligent diagnostic system for the identification of hip dislocation. Commencing with the development of a 3D segmentation algorithm for the ilium and femoral head, we further introduce a novel method that computes the spherical distance for the prediction of hip dislocation. This approach provides robust quantitative analysis, thereby facilitating more informed clinical decision-making.
Bonner sphere measurements of high-energy neutron spectra from a 1 GeV/u 56Fe ion beam on an aluminum target and comparison to spectra obtained by Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Di Chicco Augusto , Horst Felix , Boscolo Daria , Schuy Christoph , Weber Uli , Zboril Miroslav
Published: September 2024

The goal of this work is to characterize the secondary neutron spectra produced by 1 GeV/u56Fe beam colliding with a thick cylindric aluminum target and to perform a quantitative comparison with simulated results obtained with Monte Carlo codes. The measurements were performed using extended-range Bonner sphere spectrometers at two positions (15° and 40°) with respect to the beam direction. The secondary radiation field was simulated using four Monte Carlo codes (FLUKA, MCNP6, Geant4 and PHITS) and several physical models of nuclei transport and interaction. Neutron and proton energy distributions were simulated for the experimental measurement positions. The simulated neutron spectra, together with data measured with Bonner sphere spectrometers, after carrying out the correction of the contributions induced by the secondary protons, were used as input for the MAXED spectrum unfolding code to obtain the measured neutron spectra. Unfolded neutron spectra were compared with simulated ones to carry out a quantitative analysis of the performance of the chosen Monte Carlo codes and their corresponding physical models. This comparison showed that, because of experimental uncertainties and physical models, there are no unique solutions for each measurement location, but a range of solutions where the true experimental neutron spectra probably lie. The results showed deviations between 4.23% and 8.42% for some simulated spectra. Regarding the total integral values of neutron fluence and ambient equivalent dose, the unfolded neutron spectra showed deviations lower than 2%.
Effects of 17α-methyltestosterone and letrozole on growth and gonadal development in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmodies)
Authors: Zhang Dongyun , Li Shengjie , Tian Taihang , Du Jinxing , Lei Caixia , Zhu Tao , Han Linqiang , Song Hongmei
Published: September 2024

In order to optimize the parameters for reversing masculinization and establish the techniques for sex induction of pseudo-males and creation of all-female fry in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmodies, LMB), 15-day-old LMB (1.00 ± 0.10 cm in length, 0.10 ± 0.01 g in weight) were fed a diet supplemented with either 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) or letrozole (LE) and their combination. The experimental groups were M20 (20 mg/kg MT), L20 (20 mg/kg LE) and M10L10 (10 mg/kg MT and 10 mg/kg LE). The control group, named C, was not feed MT or LE. After 60 days, exogenous hormone in the diets was stopped and the effects of MT and LE on growth, male ratio, and gonadal development in LMB were evaluated. At 12-month-old, blood and gonadal tissue samples were collected to measure sex steroid hormones levels, analyze expression levels of dmrt1 and cyp19a1a genes, as well as examine the gonads morphology. The results showed no significant differences in growth between the experimental groups and the control group after a 60-day feeding period with the formulated diet (p > 0.05). The sex reversal ratio of M20, L20, M10L10 were 95.00%, 80.00%, 76.47%, respectively. The gonadal tissue sections showed that the gonadal structure of masculinized fish morphologic resembled that of control male fish. At 12-month-old, the sex reversal ratio in M20, L20, M10L10 and C groups were 100%, 86.67%, 73.33% and 50.00%, respectively. The testicular of pseudo-male fish in the M20 group exhibited well-developed morphology similarities to that of the control group males. However, the testes of pseudo-male fish in the L20 and M10L10 groups were smaller size Estradiol (E2) levels in the experimental groups was significantly lower than those in the control group females (p < 0.05), while testosterone (T) levels were significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05). Compared to the female fish in the control group, pseudo-male fish from all experimental groups showed significantly upregulated expression of dmrt1 (p < 0.05), and significantly downregulated expression of cyp19a1a (p < 0.05). Pseudo-males selected from group M20 exhibited a significantly higher proportion of female offspring (92.00%) compared to the control group (46.50%). In summary, 20 mg/kg MT was the optimal inducing concentration.
Circular RNA expression in turkey skeletal muscle satellite cells is significantly altered by thermal challenge
Authors: Powell Ashley A. , Velleman Sandra G. , Strasburg Gale M. , Abrahante Lloréns Juan E. , Reed Kent M.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Understanding the genetic mechanisms behind muscle growth and development is crucial for improving the efficiency of animal protein production. Recent poultry studies have identified genes related to muscle development and explored how environmental stressors, such as temperature extremes, affect protein production and meat quality. Non-coding RNAs, including circular RNAs (circRNAs), play crucial roles in modulating gene expression and regulating the translation of mRNAs into proteins. This study examined circRNA expression in turkey skeletal muscle stem cells under thermal stress. The objectives were to identify and quantify circRNAs, assess circRNA abundance following RNAse R depletion, identify differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs), and predict potential microRNA (miRNA) targets for DECs and their associated genes.

Materials and methods

Cultured cells from two genetic lines (Nicholas commercial turkey and The Ohio State Random Bred Control 2) under three thermal treatments: cold (33°C), control (38°C), and hot (43°C) were compared at both the proliferation and differentiation stages. CircRNA prediction and differential expression and splicing analyses were conducted using the CIRIquant pipeline for both the untreated and RNase R depletion treated libraries. Predicted interactions between DECs and miRNAs, as well as the potential impact of circRNA secondary structure on these interactions, were investigated.

Results

A total of 11,125 circRNAs were predicted within the treatment groups, between both untreated and RNase R treated libraries. Differential expression analyses indicated that circRNA expression was significantly altered by thermal treatments and the genetic background of the stem cells. A total of 140 DECs were identified across the treatment comparisons. In general, more DECs within temperature treatment comparisons were identified in the proliferation stage and more DECs within genetic line comparisons were identified in the differentiation stage.

Discussion

This study highlights the significant impact of environmental stressors on non-coding RNAs and their role in gene regulation. Elucidating the role of non-coding RNAs in gene regulation can help further our understanding of muscle development and poultry production, underscoring the broader implications of this research for enhancing animal protein production efficiency.
Overexpression of the Liriodendron tulipifera TPS32 gene in tobacco enhances terpenoid compounds synthesis
Authors: Wu Junpeng , Bu Manli , Zong Yaxian , Tu Zhonghua , Cheng Yanli , Li Huogen
Published: September 2024

Liriodendron, a relic genus from the Magnoliaceae family, comprises two species, L. tulipifera and L. chinense. L. tulipifera is distinguished by its extensive natural distribution in Eastern North America. Conversely, L. chinense is nearing endangerment due to its low regeneration rate. A pivotal aspect in the difference of these species involves terpenoids, which play crucial roles in plant growth and attracting pollinators. However, the complex molecular mechanisms underlying terpenoid roles in Liriodendron are not well understood. Terpene Synthases (TPS) genes are widely reported to play a role in terpenoid biosynthesis, hence, this study centers on TPS genes in Liriodendron spp. Employing multiple bioinformatics methods, a differential expression gene in L. tulipifera, LtuTPS32, was discerned for further functional analysis. Subcellular localization results reveal the involvement of LtuTPS32 in chloroplast-associated processes, hence participate in terpenoid biosynthesis within chloroplasts. Heterologous transformation of the LtuTPS32 gene into tobacco significantly elevates the levels of common terpenoid compounds, including chlorophyll, gibberellin, and carotenoids. Collectively, these findings not only underscore the role of the LtuTPS32 gene in the biosynthesis of terpenoids but also lay a foundation for future research on interspecific differences in Liriodendron.
Retrospect and prospect of Nicotiana tabacum genome sequencing
Authors: Tong Zhijun , Huang Yujie , Zhu Qian-Hao , Fan Longjiang , Xiao Bingguang , Shen Enhui
Published: September 2024

Investigating plant genomes offers crucial foundational resources for exploring various aspects of plant biology and applications, such as functional genomics and breeding practices. With the development in sequencing and assembly technology, several Nicotiana tabacum genomes have been published. In this paper, we reviewed the progress on N. tabacum genome assembly and quality, from the initial draft genomes to the recent high-quality chromosome-level assemblies. The application of long-read sequencing, optical mapping, and Hi-C technologies has significantly improved the contiguity and completeness of N. tabacum genome assemblies, with the latest assemblies having a contig N50 size over 50 Mb. Despite these advancements, further improvements are still required and possible, particularly on the development of pan-genome and telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genomes. These new genomes will capture the genomic diversity and variations among different N. tabacum cultivars and species, and provide a comprehensive view of the N. tabacum genome structure and gene content, so to deepen our understanding of the N. tabacum genome and facilitate precise breeding and functional genomics.
Environmental ratification moves
Authors: Mazzega Pierre
Published: September 2024

For over 60 years, International Environmental Law has produced hundreds of texts aimed at protecting the environment at global to regional scales. Most of these texts do not gather the support of all the states concerned. The reasons for this are analysed here. This retrospective look provides a striking panorama of the current situation. The international and domestic motivations that lead a state to the sovereign decision to ratify or not a treaty, are first recalled and put into perspective in their interdependencies. The analysis of thousands of ratifications of 51 major treaties draws lines of divergence between leading states, follower states, and states reluctant to enter into environmental commitments. On a global scale the latter form a large majority, including most African and Asian states. The states of Northern and Western Europe are among the first to ratify these treaties, followed by other European states. G7 member states occupy vey contrasting normative positions. Overall, three major moves emerge from this global panorama. First, historical and persistent inequalities in the development of countries have cast an indelible shadow on environmental international multilateral treaties which do not bring the expected fruits of development. Second, in environmental matters, over the past 15 years the trend consists in establishing agreements of more restricted range (regional, bilateral), with commitments from states on fairly flexible objectives, adaptable to their social and economic context. Third, these agreements are set within the broadly negotiated and thematically inclusive principles of sustainable development.
The contingent role of state capacity on the impact of e-government on environmental sustainability in developing countries
Authors: Banda Lloyd George , Du Plessis Davy Julian
Published: September 2024

E-government is a prominent approach in environmental sustainability as it brings various arrangements that allow for the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. The article explores two main objectives. Firstly, the direct impact of e-government on ecological sustainability and secondly, whether e-government enhances environmental sustainability indirectly by improving state capacity. By understanding this nexus, we believe that states in LDCs will seek to explore the maximum potential benefits of ICTs in government operations to establish a more responsive, open, and people-oriented government. The paper utilizes a balanced macro-panel sample of 45 United Nations classified least developed countries from 2003 to 2022. To ensure the reliability of empirical findings, three econometric methods—system generalized methods of moments (GMM), instrumental variable GMM (IV-GMM), and bootstrap ordinary least squares (BOLS) are employed. The results of the entire sample model reveal several key findings. These findings are that e-government development has a direct and positive impact on environmental sustainability, secondly state capacity negatively influences ecological sustainability, and lastly e-government development indirectly affects environmental sustainability by enhancing state capacity. Additionally, intriguing sub-sample findings for least developed countries in Africa and Asia are observed, with notable lessons from the latter, where environmental performance is improving at the expense of a high volume of carbon emissions. However, these overall findings underscore the importance of considering how governments can address environmental sustainability requirements by managing e-government programs and enacting responsible ICT-enabled transformations.
Cognitive and motor improvement by tummy time practice in preemies from low-income settings: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sampaio Sabrinne Suelen Santos , Amorim Rodrigues Nathalia Allana , Souza Thalyson Luiz Gomes , Moura Julia Raffin , Azevedo Ingrid Guerra , Lima-Alvarez Carolina Daniel , Pereira Silvana Alves
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Early intervention and parental education for preemies are limited in some low-income countries. Thus, this study aimed to assess whether daily tummy time (TT) associated with usual care (UC) enhances motor and cognitive development in preemies from low-income countries. The main and secondary aim was to assess prone head elevation (PHE) and motor and cognitive functions, respectively.

Methods

Thirty-one preemies with a mean gestational age at birth of 33.3 ± 1.6 weeks and weighing <2,500 g were included and 18 completed all assessments. Parents from the TT group were asked to perform TT with their preemies for at least 20 min during daily activities and playtime. Motor and cognitive functions were assessed by a blinded examiner using the motor and cognitive composite scores of Bayley-III after two and four months of corrected age. PHE was given by the angle from the tragus of the ear to the supporting surface of the infant; measurements were obtained using the Kinovea® software at baseline, after two, three, and four months of corrected age.

Results

The Bayley-III motor composite score of the TT group was higher than the UC group after two and four months of corrected age. The PHE angle increased over time but did not differ between groups.

Discussion

Nevertheless, TT expanded the perspective of preemies to explore their bodies and environment, favoring the stimuli for motor and cognitive patterns. The loss of participants (31%) was one of the limitations of the study, illustrating the challenge of providing continued early interventions to preemies from low-income countries. In this sense, TT practice is a home intervention that may improve motor and cognitive function of preemies immediately after hospital discharge.
Mediation effect of knowledge management on the impact of IT capability on firm performance: exploring the moderating role of organization culture management
Authors: Wu Weiwei , Li Xue , Surangkana Bowornsintuchon
Published: September 2024

Introduction

With the development of the digital economy, a multitude of firms have embarked on the path of digital transformation through information technology (IT). Scholars have called for attention to the mediating or moderating mechanisms of IT capability on firm performance. This study argues that further exploration is needed regarding the relationship between IT capability and firm performance.

Methods

This study obtained questionnaire data from 152 IT senior managers of randomly selected manufacturing firms. The data was used to empirically test the proposed hypotheses using hierarchical regression analysis.

Results

The results showed that IT capability has a positive effect on firm performance directly and indirectly via knowledge stock and knowledge process. Moreover, organizational culture management moderates the relationship between knowledge stock/knowledge process, and firm performance.

Discussion

This study proposes the “resources-knowledge-performance” mechanism, which sheds light on the “black box” of how IT capability affects firm performance. This enriches the research on knowledge from different perspectives and the the research on organizational culture by discussing the moderating role of organizational culture management in the relationship between knowledge stock/process and firm performance. Our research also has important managerial implications to firm.
Job demands-resources on digital gig platforms and counterproductive work behavior
Authors: Zhao Shanshan , Liu Yanfeng
Published: September 2024

Introduction

With the rapid expansion of digital gig platforms, counterproductive work behavior among gig workers has become increasingly prominent, adversely impacting the platform’s reputation, operational efficiency, and user experience. This study aims to explore how job demands and job resources influence counterproductive work behavior among gig workers.

Methods

Grounded in the Job Demands-Resources model and Job Engagement Theory, this study develops a second-order chain mediation structural model to analyze the effects of job demands (Work pace/workload, physical demands, psychological demands, and customer-related social stressors) and job resources (Compensation, job security, learning opportunities, and opportunities for professional development) on counterproductive work behavior. Cognitive, emotional, and behavioral engagement are also examined as mediators.

Results

Job demands positively influence counterproductive work behavior, while job resources have a negative impact. Cognitive, emotional, and behavioral engagement each negatively affect counterproductive work behavior. Additionally, platform formalization moderates the negative influence of gig workers’ engagement on counterproductive work behavior.

Discussion

This research provides a comprehensive theoretical framework for digital gig platform managers to understand and predict gig workers’ counterproductive work behavior. It also offers practical implications for optimizing the work environment, enhancing job engagement, and mitigating counterproductive work behavior, thus fostering mutual development between gig workers and the platform.
Effects of social support on music performance anxiety among university music students: chain mediation of emotional intelligence and self-efficacy
Authors: Huawei Zhang , Jenatabadi Hashem Salarzadeh
Published: September 2024

The primary goal of this research is to investigate the relationship between social support and music performance anxiety in the context of social cognitive theory and stimulus-organization-response theory among music university students in China. The study involved both postgraduate and undergraduate students. The suggested framework consisted of three independent variables: parental support, teacher support, and peer support, two mediators: emotional intelligence and self-efficacy, and one dependent variable: music performance anxiety. A survey of 483 students was undertaken, and the data was analyzed using path analysis and structural equation modeling. The study discovered that all three forms of parental, teacher, and peer support were positively associated to both self-efficacy and emotional intelligence, with postgraduate students experiencing the strongest effects. Furthermore, self-efficacy and emotional intelligence had a negative significant effect on music performance anxiety, with the association being stronger among postgraduate students. Finally, self-efficacy and emotional intelligence emerged as significant mediators of the relationship between social support and music performance anxiety. These results add to our knowledge of the mechanisms by which social support influences music performance anxiety.
A novel method for objectively classifying sequential emotion within dreams: a proof-of-concept pilot study
Authors: van Wyk Mariza , Solms Mark , Lipinska Gosia
Published: September 2024

Traditionally, emotions in dreams have been assessed using subjective ratings by human raters (e.g., external raters or dreamers themselves). These methods have extensive support and utility in dream science, yet they have certain innate limitations due to the subjective nature of the rating methodologies. Attempting to circumvent several of these limitations, we aimed to develop a novel method for objectively classifying and quantifying sequential (word-for-word) emotion within a dream report. We investigated whether sentiment analysis, a branch of natural language processing, could be used to generate continuous positive and negative valence ratings across a dream. In this pilot, proof-of-concept study, we used 14 dream reports collected upon awakening following overnight polysomnography. We also collected pre- and post-sleep affective data and personality metrics. Our objectives included demonstrating that (1) valence ratings derived from sentiment analysis (Valence Aware Dictionary for sEntiment Reasoning [VADER]) could be used to visualize (plot) positive and negative emotion fluctuations within a dream, (2) how the visual properties of emotion fluctuations within a dream (peaks and troughs, area under the curve) can be used to generate novel “emotion indicators” as proxies for emotion regulation throughout a dream, and (3) these emotion indicators correlate with sleep, affective, and personality variables known to be associated with dreaming and emotion regulation. We describe 6 novel, objective dream emotion indicators: Total number of Peaks, total number of Troughs, Positive, Negative, and Overall Emotion Intensity (composites from an “area under the curve” method using the trapezoid rule applied to the peaks and troughs), and the Emotion Gradient (a polynomial trendline fitted to the emotion fluctuations in the dream chart). The latter signifies the overall direction of sequential emotion changes within a dream. Results also showed that ⅚ emotion indicators correlated significantly with at least one existing sleep, affective, or personality variable known to be associated with dreaming and emotion regulation. We propose that the novel emotion indicators potentially serve as proxies for emotion regulation processes unfolding within a dream. These preliminary findings provide a methodological foundation for future studies to test and refine the method in larger and more diverse samples.
Positive vaccine beliefs linked to reduced mental stress in healthcare professionals during COVID-19: a retrospective study
Authors: Lin Yu-Yin , Cho Shih-Feng , Hsieh Yi-Ling , Chuang Yun-Shiuan , Hsu Chia-En , Liu Yun-Chen , Sung Chia-Chi , Huang Ya-Hsiu , Ku Wen , Hsieh Meng-Hsuan , Huang Ya-Chin , Tu Hung-Pin , Wang Chao-Ling , Ho Chi-Kung
Published: September 2024

Background and aim

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant adverse effect on the mental health of healthcare professionals. This study aims to assess the effects of the prolonged pandemic on burnout and mood disorders and to evaluate the influence of positive vaccination beliefs on these factors at a medical center during the extended COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed the results of an online questionnaire survey including burnout status and mood disorders from 2020 to 2022. The factors related to mood moderate/severe disorders and the impact of the positive vaccine belief were also explored.

Results

The initial analysis revealed that healthcare professionals continued to experience significant levels of personal and work-related burnout, along with mood disorders. However, the scores and the percentage of moderate to severe burnout gradually decreased. Notably, the percentage of individuals with moderate to severe mood disorders also gradually declined (2020: 13.4%, 2021: 12.3%, 2022: 11.1%). The number of participants who need professional interventions decreased from 56.2% in 2020 to 45.9% in 2021, and 46% in 2022. Multivariate analysis revealed a positive vaccine belief was associated with a lower risk of moderate/severe mood disorders, with odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of 0.38 (0.28 – 0.52) and 0.41 (0.30 – 0.52) in the 2021 and 2022 cohorts, respectively. Further investigation revealed that age over 50 was linked to a positive vaccine belief in 2021 and 2022. Within the 2022 cohort, working as nurses was identified as the independent factor associated with a less positive belief, with the OR and 95% CI of 0.49 (0.27 – 0.90).

Conclusion

The findings of the present study suggest burnout and mood disorders are still significant during the pandemic. A positive vaccine belief may mitigate pandemic-related mental distress. Further interventions to enhance the belief combined with other supporting measures are important in a long fight against the pandemic.
Enhanced classification and severity prediction of major depressive disorder using acoustic features and machine learning
Authors: Liang Lijuan , Wang Yang , Ma Hui , Zhang Ran , Liu Rongxun , Zhu Rongxin , Zheng Zhiguo , Zhang Xizhe , Wang Fei
Published: September 2024

Background

Previous studies have classified major depression and healthy control groups based on vocal acoustic features, but the classification accuracy needs to be improved. Therefore, this study utilized deep learning methods to construct classification and prediction models for major depression and healthy control groups.

Methods

120 participants aged 16–25 participated in this study, included 64 MDD group and 56 HC group. We used the Covarep open-source algorithm to extract a total of 1200 high-level statistical functions for each sample. In addition, we used Python for correlation analysis, and neural network to establish the model to distinguish whether participants experienced depression, predict the total depression score, and evaluate the effectiveness of the classification and prediction model.

Results

The classification modelling of the major depression and the healthy control groups by relevant and significant vocal acoustic features was 0.90, and the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves analysis results showed that the classification accuracy was 84.16%, the sensitivity was 95.38%, and the specificity was 70.9%. The depression prediction model of speech characteristics showed that the predicted score was closely related to the total score of 17 items of the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD-17) (r=0.687, P<0.01); and the Mean Absolute Error(MAE) between the model’s predicted score and total HAMD-17 score was 4.51.

Limitation

This study’s results may have been influenced by anxiety comorbidities.

Conclusion

The vocal acoustic features can not only effectively classify the major depression and the healthy control groups, but also accurately predict the severity of depressive symptoms.
Late-life suicide: machine learning predictors from a large European longitudinal cohort
Authors: Meda Nicola , Zammarrelli Josephine , Sambataro Fabio , De Leo Diego
Published: September 2024

Background

People in late adulthood die by suicide at the highest rate worldwide. However, there are still no tools to help predict the risk of death from suicide in old age. Here, we leveraged the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) prospective dataset to train and test a machine learning model to identify predictors for suicide in late life.

Methods

Of more than 16,000 deaths recorded, 74 were suicides. We matched 73 individuals who died by suicide with people who died by accident, according to sex (28.8% female in the total sample), age at death (67 ± 16.4 years), suicidal ideation (measured with the EURO-D scale), and the number of chronic illnesses. A random forest algorithm was trained on demographic data, physical health, depression, and cognitive functioning to extract essential variables for predicting death from suicide and then tested on the test set.

Results

The random forest algorithm had an accuracy of 79% (95% CI 0.60-0.92, p = 0.002), a sensitivity of.80, and a specificity of.78. Among the variables contributing to the model performance, the three most important factors were how long the participant was ill before death, the frequency of contact with the next of kin and the number of offspring still alive.

Conclusions

Prospective clinical and social information can predict death from suicide with good accuracy in late adulthood. Most of the variables that surfaced as risk factors can be attributed to the construct of social connectedness, which has been shown to play a decisive role in suicide in late life.
Predictors of the length of stay in psychiatric inpatient units: a retrospective study for the Paris Psychiatry Hospital Group
Authors: Barruel David , Perozziello Anne , Lefèvre Hassina , Msellati Annie , Launay Corine , Dauriac-Le Masson Valérie
Published: September 2024

Objective

Shortening the length of hospital stay (LOS) has become a major challenge for psychiatric hospitals in reducing unnecessary costs and improving the patient healthcare experience. We investigated the key factors associated with a long psychiatric hospitalization.

Method

This was a retrospective study of 8,870 full-time psychiatric hospital stays (6,216 patients) in the Paris Psychiatry Hospital Group, with a discharge in 2022. We used machine learning tools and univariate and multivariate methods to explore the impact of demographic, pathway-related, and clinical variables on the LOS.

Results

LOS >30 days was associated with age >55 years {odds ratio [OR] =2 [95% confidence interval 1.7–2.3]}, admission from outside the sectorization zone [OR=1.2 (1.1–1.3)], admission via a psychiatric emergency unit [OR, 1.2 (1.1–1.4)], and some clinical severity markers, such as psychotic disorder diagnosis [OR, 1.5 (1.3–1.7)], mandatory care [request of a third party, OR, 2.5 (2.1–2.9); case of imminent danger, OR, 2.3 (1.9–2.7)], the presence of seclusion and mechanical restraint measures (highlighting the positive effect of restraint duration), the somatic comorbidity for female sex [OR, 1.4 (1.2–1.7)], and treatment resistance [OR, 1.4 (1.2–1.6)]. Conversely, LOS ≤30 days was associated with being in a relationship [OR, 0.6 (0.5–0.8)], admission during a travel-related psychiatric episode [OR, 0.5 (0.3–0.6)], and personality and behavior disorders [OR, 0.7 (0.6–0.9)]. We found no significant association for features such as sex and a lack of treatment compliance.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first recent study to investigate and highlight the impact of factors related to various illness severity markers, medication adherence, and patient journeys on the length of psychiatric hospital stay. A better understanding of long-stay risk factors might be helpful for optimizing the allocation of medical resources and anticipating tailored therapeutic programs.
Quantitative relationship between grip strength and quality of life in the older adult based on a restricted cubic spline model
Authors: Meng Fanhao , Zhang Yunqing , Liu Chaoxing , Zhou Cailiang
Published: September 2024

Background

Grip strength have been showed diverse associations with quality of life for the older adult population in the literature, still there is lack of evidence of the threshold value of grip strength for maintaining good quality of life in older adults. The purpose of this study was to study the dose-effect relationship between grip strength and quality of life in the older adult, and to explore the factors affecting quality of life in the older adult, so as to provide effective theoretical basis for realizing healthy aging.

Methods

A total of 105 older adult people over 60 years old were selected from 3 communities in Beijing. Grip strength was measured by hand dynamometer apparatus and quality of life was assessed by 36-item Short-Form (SF-36). On the basis of controlling confounding factors, the dose-effect relationship between grip strength and quality of life was analyzed with the restricted cubic spline model.

Results

The results showed that there was a dose-effect relationship between grip strength and physical component summary (PCS) (p < 0.01). However, grip strength was not significantly associated with mental component summary (MCS) (p > 0.05). The threshold value of grip strength for male and female is 34.75 and 23.2 kg, for normal weight group and overweight and obesity group is 24.82 and 29.00 kg, for 60–69, 70–79, 80+ years group is 24.88, 23.37, and 22.97 kg, respectively. When the grip strength value is lower than the threshold value, the increase of grip strength was related to significant improvement of quality of life of the older adult, and when the grip strength value is higher than the threshold value, the quality of life can be maintained in good condition.

Conclusion

A dose-effect relationship was found between grip strength and physical health in quality of life. Results of our study indicated that the grip strength of the older adults needed to be greater than certain threshold values to maintain good quality of life.
The nexus between poverty and maternal healthcare utilization with a focus on antenatal care visits and choice of place of birth in Somaliland
Authors: Abdi Khalid Ahmed , M. K. Jayamohan , Adem Mohammed
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Poverty poses a significant barrier to accessing healthcare globally, particularly in relation to antenatal care (ANC) visits and the use of childbirth facilities, both of which are crucial for women’s health and fetal well-being. In Somaliland, only 47% of pregnant women attend healthcare facilities for ANC, with a mere 33% receiving care from skilled birth attendants. Despite this, no previous studies have examined the relationship between poverty and maternal healthcare utilization in Somaliland. This study aims to investigate the effect of poverty on maternal healthcare utilization with focus on ANC visits and the choice of place of birth in Somaliland.

Method

Utilizing data from the 2020 Somaliland Demographic Health Survey, a cross-sectional study design was employed, analyzing a nationally representative sample. The sample size used in this study was 3,183 women of reproductive age. Descriptive analysis, negative binomial regression, and multinomial logistic regression were conducted using Stata version 18.0. Diagnostic tests, including Chi-square − 2log likelihood statistic, Akaike Information Criterion, and Bayesian Information Criterion, were employed to evaluate model fit.

Results

Poverty, as indicated by wealth quintile, was associated with reduced ANC visits (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) = 0.884, 95% CI: 0.791–0.987) among women in poorer households compared to those in richer households. Women in Togdheer, Sool, and Sanaag regions had lower ANC visit rates compared to Maroodi Jeex region (aIRR = 0.803, 95% CI: 0.687–0.939; aIRR = 0.710, 95% CI: 0.601–0.839; aIRR = 0.654, 95% CI: 0.558–0.768, respectively). Women from poorer households had lower probabilities of opting for public health facilities (adjusted relative risk ratio (aRRR) = 0.457, 95% CI: 0.352–0.593) and private health facilities (aRRR = 0.195, 95% CI: 0.111–0.341) over home births compared to women in richer households. Women in Togdheer, Sool, and Sanaag regions had lower probabilities of choosing public (aRRR range: 0.331–0.175) and private (aRRR range: 0.350–0.084) health facilities for delivery over home births compared to women in Maroodi Jeex region.

Conclusion

Poverty significantly impedes maternal healthcare utilization, contributing to lower ANC attendance and preference for home births over public or private health facility births. Addressing these disparities requires initiatives to eliminate financial barriers, such as user fees, and enhance equitable access through community-based health insurance and improved healthcare infrastructure.
DRG payment for major pancreatic surgery: analysis of resource consumption and suggestions from a tertiary hospital in China
Authors: Hou Rui , Liu Xiaokun , Zhou Jingya , Zhang Taiping , Wang Weibin , Zhu Weiguo
Published: September 2024

Aim

To investigate the cost homogeneity within the Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) “major operation of pancreas and liver, with general complications or comorbidities” (HB13), its cost-influencing factors, and to propose suggestions for better grouping efficacy.

Methods

Medical and insurance settlement data of inpatients covered by the DRG payment system at the author’s institution were collected from March 15, 2022 to December 31, 2023. The cost homogeneity of group HB13 was assessed using the coefficient of variation (CV). Clinical factors that may have an impact on hospitalization cost for patients undergoing pancreatic surgery were identified through a semi-structured interview administered to the pancreatic surgeons in author’s department, their significance was analyzed using multiple linear regression, along with their impact on the cost of different service categories. A proposal to subdivide HB13 was made and evaluated by CV and t-test.

Results

The CV of the HB13 group was 0.4. Robotic-assisted surgery and pancreaticoduodenectomy were two independent factors that significantly affected the total cost. Patients undergoing robotic-assisted surgery have an average increase of 41,873 CNY in total cost, primarily derived from operation fee. Patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy have an average increase of 37,487 CNY in total cost, with significant increases across all service categories. HB13 was subdivided based on whether pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed. The newly formed groups exhibited lower CVs than the original HB13.

Conclusion

The cost homogeneity of HB13 was lower than that of other DRG groups in author’s department. It is recommended to introduce a supplementary payment for patients requiring robotic-assisted surgery, to guarantee their access to this advanced technology. It is recommended to establish a new group with higher payment standard for patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. A tiered CV criterion for the evaluation of grouping efficacy is recommended to increase intra-group homogeneity, facilitating a better allocation of health insurance funds, and the prevention of unintended negative outcomes such as service cuts and cherry-picking.
Precision prevention in occupational health: a conceptual analysis and development of a unified understanding and an integrative framework
Authors: Mess Filip , Blaschke Simon , Gebhard Doris , Friedrich Julian
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Precision prevention implements highly precise, tailored health interventions for individuals by directly addressing personal and environmental determinants of health. However, precision prevention does not yet appear to be fully established in occupational health. There are numerous understandings and conceptual approaches, but these have not yet been systematically presented or synthesized. Therefore, this conceptual analysis aims to propose a unified understanding and develop an integrative conceptual framework for precision prevention in occupational health.

Methods

Firstly, to systematically present definitions and frameworks of precision prevention in occupational health, six international databases were searched for studies published between January 2010 and January 2024 that used the term precision prevention or its synonyms in the context of occupational health. Secondly, a qualitative content analysis was conducted to analyze the existing definitions and propose a unified understanding. Thirdly, based on the identified frameworks, a multi-stage exploratory development process was applied to develop and propose an integrative conceptual framework for precision prevention in occupational health.

Results

After screening 3,681 articles, 154 publications were reviewed, wherein 29 definitions of precision prevention and 64 different frameworks were found, which can be summarized in eight higher-order categories. The qualitative content analysis revealed seven themes and illustrated many different wordings. The proposed unified understanding of precision prevention in occupational health takes up the identified themes. It includes, among other things, a contrast to a “one-size-fits-all approach” with a risk- and resource-oriented data collection and innovative data analytics with profiling to provide and improve tailored interventions. The developed and proposed integrative conceptual framework comprises three overarching stages: (1) data generation, (2) data management lifecycle and (3) interventions (development, implementation and adaptation).

Discussion

Although there are already numerous studies on precision prevention in occupational health, this conceptual analysis offers, for the first time, a proposal for a unified understanding and an integrative conceptual framework. However, the proposed unified understanding and the developed integrative conceptual framework should only be seen as an initial proposal that should be critically discussed and further developed to expand and strengthen both research on precision prevention in occupational health and its practical application in the workplace.
Urban community security system model from the perspective of resilience: a study on Chinese cities
Authors: Song Yinghua , Zhang Ying , Yu Huiqin
Published: September 2024

To enhance urban governance and bolster community disaster resilience, it is urgent to innovate and develop an urban community security system to cope with the complex and volatile social security situation. From the perspective of resilience, the concept, layout, and structure of the security system are organized. Considering the current situation and development trend of the social security system, and based on the constructed cost-capability model, the cost and benefit of the two modes are analyzed and compared. Subsequently, from the perspective of multi-agent participation, a game model between governments and enterprises is constructed. The evolutionary stability strategies of enterprises are analyzed, and simulation analysis is conducted on the factors influencing enterprises. Finally, to propose targeted improvement measures based on the community security capabilities of different communities, a grey fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is employed. The community security comprehensive capabilities of the top 10 cities in China are quantitatively analyzed and evaluated. The results indicate that the urban community security system from a resilience perspective is more comprehensive compared to the traditional security system. Adopting mode 2 is relatively effective to improving government emergency management capability. In a certain range, reducing C, increasing F, reducing R2, and increasing h can achieve the effect of promoting enterprise to participate in construction. The urban community security capability is within the upper-medium level in general, close to the level of good. The urban community security system constructed in this paper can provide a theoretical basis for the government to formulate policies of the urban community security system and serve as a reference for strengthening the comprehensive capability of the urban community security.
Tip and vibration control of space robots using estimated flexible coordinates
Authors: Patel Dhruvi , Damaren Christopher J.
Published: September 2024

This paper provides an extension to previous work on end-effector control of flexible space manipulators. Those works considered the use of a special output called the μ-tip rate for feedback control of desired end-effector trajectories with simultaneous vibration control. Implementation of this special output requires measurement of end-effector position or the use of flexible forward kinematics to determine it. For the latter, one requires measurements of the joint angles and flexible coordinates. The second of these is difficult to measure in space scenarios, so this paper looks at the use of an estimation scheme to approximate it and use it in a task-space control law. Multiple simulations are conducted to investigate the use of these approximated elastic coordinates in robustly controlling a one-link and two-link flexible manipulator with a payload mass. The error between desired and actual trajectory is calculated, and the results are juxtaposed with results from a joint-space feedback scheme. There is an emphasis on comparing the estimated elastic coordinates with the actual simulated coordinates. Using the estimated elastic coordinates to determine the end-effector location via forward kinematics, yielded similar results to when the actual elastic coordinates were used. Overall, the estimation equation used is shown to provide reasonable end-effector tracking results with the end-effector being able to track various types of trajectories.