bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among US adults with prehypertension: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhou Yongmei , Chen Yu , Chen Fuli , Li Gang , Zhou Long
Published: February 2024

Background

Prehypertension affects 25–50% of adults worldwide and no prior study has examined the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and mortality risk in individuals with prehypertension. This study aims to investigate the association of serum 25(OH)D concentrations with all-cause and CVD mortality among prehypertensive adults by utilizing data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2014 and linked 2019 mortality file.

Methods

We included 4345 prehypertensive adults who participated in the NHANES between 2007 and 2014 and were followed up until 31 December 2019. Weighted Cox proportional hazards models were used with adjustments for multiple covariates to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the risks of dying from any cause and CVD.

Results

During a median follow-up of 8.8 years, 335 deaths from any causes were documented, of which 88 participants died from CVD. Compared with participants with sufficient 25(OH)D (≥ 75 nmol/L), the multivariate-adjusted HRs and 95% CIs for participants with severe deficiency (< 25 nmol/L), moderate deficiency (25–49.9 nmol/L), and insufficient concentrations (50–74.9 nmol/L) of serum 25(OH)D for all-cause death were 2.83 (1.46–5.52), 1.17 (0.74–1.86), and 1.36 (0.93–1.98), respectively. Similarly, the multivariable-adjusted HRs and 95%CIs for CVD death were 4.14 (1.10–15.51), 1.23 (0.46–3.28), and 1.73 (0.96–3.14), respectively. We found that there was a 9% reduction in the risk of death from all causes and a 14% reduction in the risk of death from CVD for every 10 nmol/L increase in serum 25(OH)D concentrations.

Conclusion

Severe serum 25(OH)D deficiency among prehypertensive adults was associated with increased risk of mortality from all causes as well as from CVD. Our work suggests that supplementing with vitamin D may prevent premature death in severely deficient individuals with prehypertension.
Industry 5.0 and SDG 9: a symbiotic dance towards sustainable transformation
Authors: Costa Evaldo
Published: February 2024

The convergence of Industry 5.0 (I5.0) and Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9) signifies a transformative shift in global industries, propelled by a new triple bottom line approach– human-centric, sustainable, and resilient. Departing from traditional models, I5.0, an evolution from Industry 4.0, strategically aligns with SDG 9 to reshape industrial landscapes and promote global sustainable, resilient, and inclusive development.

I5.0’s emphasis on resource optimization and collaboration between humans and machines marks a departure from technologically driven manufacturing (I4.0), ushering in a sustainable production model. Cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and automation, optimize resource utilization, enhancing operational efficiency to support sustainability goals. Yet, challenges like initial implementation costs and a lack of global sustainability standards pose obstacles.

The human-centric integration within I5.0 prioritizes human needs throughout the manufacturing process. Collaborations with Cobots and AI-ML technologies optimize workflows, contribute to customization, and align with SDG 9’s vision, necessitating robust training programs and strategic considerations for workforce adaptation and financial investments.

Exploring I5.0 resilience within SDG 9 unveils its pivotal role during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussions navigate challenges related to supply chain disruptions, economic impacts, and geopolitical factors, emphasizing the need for strategic resilience, sustainability, and human-centric approaches. I5.0 resilience, guided by Cobots, aligns with SDG 9’s focus on resilient infrastructure.

Sustainable Business Model Innovation (SBMI) emerges as a central point of contention in the I5.0 and SDG 9 interplay. Advocates tout its transformative potential for sustainability goals, while skeptics question scalability and adaptability, reflecting the complexity of factors in achieving sustainable and resilient industrial development.

Therefore, the strategic imperative of I5.0 and SDG 9 unfolds as a transformative force for positive change, embedded in SBMI. This collaborative journey transcends the confines of a production system, ushering in a future where technology management, supported by SBMI, proactively reinforces resilience, societal well-being, and environmental stewardship. The future of I5.0 raises questions about innovative ecosystems, collaboration practices, geopolitical impacts, circular production models, and extending I5.0 beyond current geographical limits.
An artificial intelligence approach of feature engineering and ensemble methods depicts the rumen microbiome contribution to feed efficiency in dairy cows
Authors: Monteiro Hugo F. , Figueiredo Caio C. , Mion Bruna , Santos José Eduardo P. , Bisinotto Rafael S. , Peñagaricano Francisco , Ribeiro Eduardo S. , Marinho Mariana N. , Zimpel Roney , da Silva Ana Carolina , Oyebade Adeoye , Lobo Richard R. , Coelho Jr Wilson M. , Peixoto Phillip M. G. , Ugarte Marin Maria B. , Umaña-Sedó Sebastian G. , Rojas Tomás D. G. , Elvir-Hernandez Modesto , Schenkel Flávio S. , Weimer Bart C. , Brown C. Titus , Kebreab Ermias , Lima Fábio S.
Published: February 2024

Genetic selection has remarkably helped U.S. dairy farms to decrease their carbon footprint by more than doubling milk production per cow over time. Despite the environmental and economic benefits of improved feed and milk production efficiency, there is a critical need to explore phenotypical variance for feed utilization to advance the long-term sustainability of dairy farms. Feed is a major expense in dairy operations, and their enteric fermentation is a major source of greenhouse gases in agriculture. The challenges to expanding the phenotypic database, especially for feed efficiency predictions, and the lack of understanding of its drivers limit its utilization. Herein, we leveraged an artificial intelligence approach with feature engineering and ensemble methods to explore the predictive power of the rumen microbiome for feed and milk production efficiency traits, as rumen microbes play a central role in physiological responses in dairy cows. The novel ensemble method allowed to further identify key microbes linked to the efficiency measures. We used a population of 454 genotyped Holstein cows in the U.S. and Canada with individually measured feed and milk production efficiency phenotypes. The study underscored that the rumen microbiome is a major driver of residual feed intake (RFI), the most robust feed efficiency measure evaluated in the study, accounting for 36% of its variation. Further analyses showed that several alpha-diversity metrics were lower in more feed-efficient cows. For RFI,[Ruminococcus] gauvreauii groupwas the only genus positively associated with an improved feed efficiency status while seven other taxa were associated with inefficiency. The study also highlights that the rumen microbiome is pivotal for the unexplained variance in milk fat and protein production efficiency. Estimation of the carbon footprint of these cows shows that selection for better RFI could reduce up to 5 kg of diet consumed per cow daily, potentially reducing up to 37.5% of CH4. These findings shed light that the integration of artificial intelligence approaches, microbiology, and ruminant nutrition can be a path to further advance our understanding of the rumen microbiome on nutrient requirements and lactation performance of dairy cows to support the long-term sustainability of the dairy community.
Effect of manila palm (
Veitchia merrillii
Becc.) on rumen fermentation and microbial population in beef heifers
Authors: Pongjongmit Tanitpan , Norrapoke Thitima , Phesatcha Kampanat
Published: February 2024

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of manila palm (MP) on rumen fermentation and rumen microbial ecology in beef cattle. Four Brahman crossbred heifers with an initial body weight (BW) of 250 ± 40 kg (1–1.5 years old) were randomly assigned according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to the following treatments: (1) Control (0% concentrate powder MP), (2) 1% concentrate powder MP, (3) 3% concentrate powder MP, and (4) 5% concentrate powder MP. The manila palm contained 12.54% of condense tannin. Cow were fed with a rice straw ad libitum and concentrate at 1%BW. There were no treatments effect on ruminal pH, NH
3
-N, microbial protein synthesis, nor ruminal temperature. Inclusion of MP did not affect (P > 0.12) blood urea N and hematocrit. However, ruminal concentration of acetic acid was linearly decreased (P < 0.01), while propionic acid was linearly increased (P < 0.01) as MP was increased in diet. In a such a manner that predicted ruminal CH
4
production was decreased (P < 0.01) as MP was increased in diet. Inclusion of MP in diet decreased linearly (P = 0.02) protozoal population as MP level increased. The present study suggests that manila powder has modulatory effects on ruminal fermentation, decreasing acetate to propionate ratio, reducing estimated CH
4
production without effects on ruminal pH, microbial synthesis nor blood parameters. Changes on ruminal fermentation parameters could be partially explained by decreases in the ruminal protozoa. Supplementation beyond 3% of concentrate portion (approximately 1.2% of total ration DM intake) did not increase significantly this positive effects, thus is recommended 1.2% of total ration as optimal use as an animal feed supplement.
Assessment of seizure duration and utility of using SedLine® EEG tracing in veterans undergoing electroconvulsive therapy: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Amirfarzan Houman , Cassidy Kaitlin Jane , Moaddab Mehrak , Demin Ma , Schumann Roman , Lewis Bradford
Published: February 2024

Background

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) endures as a definitive treatment for refractory depression and catatonia and is also considered an effective treatment for a number of other severe psychiatric disorders (Lisanby, N Engl J Med 357:1939-1945, 2007)(Weiner and Prudic, Biol Psychiatry 73:105-106, 2013). GA is an essential component of the ECT procedure for various reasons (Lee, Jenkins and Sparkle, Life 11, 2021). Monitoring anesthetic effects on the brain is desirable as anesthetic agents affect seizure duration and recovery (Rasulo, Hopkins, Lobo, et al,  Neurocrit Care 38:296-311, 2023) (Jones , Nittur , Fleming and Applegate,  BMC Anesthesiol 21:105, 2021) (Soehle , Kayser , Ellerkmann and Schlaepfer,  BJA 112:695-702, 2013). Perioperative anesthetic effects on consciousness can be assessed with brain function monitoring using raw electroencephalogram (EEG) traces and processed EEG indices.

Objective

We examined the usefulness and utility of the SedLine® anesthetic effect monitor during ECT procedures. We hypothesized that the seizure duration as measured by the EEG tracing of the ECT machine is equivalent to the duration assessed by the SedLine® EEG tracing. A secondary objective was to describe the SedLine® patient state indices (PSI) at different phases of treatment.

Methods

Following IRB approval, we analyzed the data of the electronic medical records of 45 ECT treatments of 23 patients in an urban VA medical center between July 01, 2021, and March 30, 2022. We compared the seizure duration in minutes and seconds as measured either by the ECT machine EEG tracing or the SedLine® EEG tracing. We then collected SedLine® processed EEG indices at four different stages during the treatment. Appropriate comparative and observational statistical analyses were applied.

Results

There was no significant difference in measured seizure duration between the two methods examined (p < 0.05). We observed a lag of the SedLine PSI value at the time before stimulus delivery and limited PSI utility during the course of ECT.

Conclusion

The SedLine® EEG tracing can be an alternative to the machine EEG tracing for the determination of seizure duration. The SedLine® processed EEG indices are not consistently useful before and after ECT delivery. Anesthetic effect monitoring during ECT is feasible.
Functional Status Associations With Treatment Receipt and Outcomes Among Older Adults Newly Diagnosed With Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Jensen Christopher Edward , Kuo Tzy-Mey , LeBlanc Matthew R. , Baggett Christopher D. , Duchesneau Emilie D. , Zhou Xi , Reeder-Hayes Katherine E. , Lund Jennifer L.
Published: February 2024

PURPOSE

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a prevalent hematologic malignancy in older adults, who often experience physical disability, increased health care usage, and reduced treatment tolerance. Home health (HH) services are frequently used by this group, but the relationship between disability, HH use, and MM treatment receipt is unclear. This study examines the connections between disability, treatment receipt, and survival outcomes in older adults with newly diagnosed MM using a nationwide data set.

METHODS

The SEER-Medicare data set was used to identify adults aged 66 years and older diagnosed with MM from 2010 to 2017, who used HH services the year before diagnosis. Disability was assessed with the Outcome and Assessment Information Set, using a composite score derived from items related to ability to complete activities of daily living. Mortality, therapy receipt, and health care utilization patterns were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 37,280 older adults with MM, 6,850 (18.2%) used HH services before diagnosis. Moderate disability at HH assessment resulted in similar MM-directed therapy receipt as mild disability, with comparable health care usage after diagnosis to severe disability. HH users had a higher comorbidity burden and higher mortality (adjusted risk ratio for 3-year mortality: 1.59 [95% CI, 1.55 to 1.64]). Severe functional disability before diagnosis was strongly related to postdiagnosis mortality.

CONCLUSION

Among older adults with MM receiving HH services, disability is a predictor of early mortality. Moderately disabled individuals undergo similar therapy intensity as the mildly disabled but experience increased acute care utilization. Previous HH use could identify patients with MM requiring intensive support during therapy initiation.
Results from the randomized phase III DREAMM-7 study of belantamab mafodotin (belamaf) + bortezomib, and dexamethasone (BVd) vs daratumumab, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (DVd) in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).
Authors: Mateos Maria-Victoria , Robak Pawel , Hus Marek , Xia Zhongjun , Zherebtsova Vera , Ward Christopher , Ho P. Joy , Hajek Roman , Kim Kihyun , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Cerchione Claudio , Riccio Antonio , McKeown Astrid , Rogers Rachel , Baig Hena , Eccersley Lydia , Roy-Ghanta Sumita , Opalinska Joanna , Hungria Vania
Published: February 2024

439572

Background: Belamaf, a BCMA-targeted antibody drug conjugate, has previously demonstrated clinical activity and a manageable safety profile, supporting its use in combination with standard-of-care (SoC) therapies in RRMM. DREAMM-7 (NCT04246047) is a global, randomized, open-label, phase III head-to-head trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of BVd triplet vs SoC triplet, DVd, in patients (pts) with RRMM with ≥1 prior line of therapy (LOT). Methods: Pts with ≥1 prior LOT were randomized (1:1) to BVd: B 2.5 mg/kg IV Q3W + V 1.3 mg/m2 (D1, 4, 8, 11 of 21-day cycles (C); up to 8 C) + d 20 mg (D1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12; up to 8 C) or DVd: D 16 mg/kg (21-day C), C1-3, Q1W, C4-8, Q3W, and Q4W from C 9 on); V and d schedules were the same. The primary endpoint was independent review committee-assessed progression free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints available include overall survival (OS), duration of response (DOR), overall response rate (ORR). Results: 494 pts were randomized (BVd n = 243, DVd n = 251). With a median (range) follow-up of 28.2 mo (0.10-40 mo), the median PFS (mPFS) in the BVd arm was 36.6 mo (95% CI, 28.4 mo-NR) vs 13.4 mo (11.1-17.5 mo) with DVd; hazard ratio (HR) 0.41 (95% CI, 0.31-0.53; p < 0.00001). OS data was 29% mature; median OS was not reached in either arm; HR, 0.57 (95% CI, 0.40-0.80; nominal p < 0.0005). ORR was 82.7% (95% CI, 77.4-87.3%) with BVd and 71.3% (65.3-76.8%) with DVd. Median DOR (mDOR) was 35.6 mo (95% CI, 30.5 mo-NR) for BVd vs 17.8 mo (13.8-23.6 mo) for DVd. All pts in both arms experienced ≥1 AE (Table). Grade 3/4 treatment-related AEs (TRAE) were reported in 90% of pts in the BVd arm and 67% with DVd. Serious AEs (SAE) were reported in 50% of pts in BVd vs 37% in DVd arm. Ocular AEs were more frequent on BVd vs DVd (79% vs 29%) and were manageable. Conclusions: The DREAMM-7 head-to-head study of BVd vs DVd demonstrated statistically significant PFS benefit of BVd with a mPFS improvement of 23 mo in pts with RRMM with ≥1 prior LOT. A strong and clinically meaningful OS benefit (nominal p < 0.0005) was observed. Additionally, BVd led to greater depth of response and doubling of mDOR vs DVd and had a manageable safety profile. These results support BVd as a potential new SoC in this setting. Clinical trial information: NCT04246047 . [Table: see text]
Association of Major Adverse Financial Events and Later-Stage Cancer Diagnosis in the United States
Authors: Warren Joan L. , Mariotto Angela B. , Stevens Jennifer , Davidoff Amy J. , Shankaran Veena , Ward Kevin C. , Wu Xiao-Cheng , Schwartz Stephen M. , Penberthy Lynne , Yabroff K. Robin
Published: February 2024

PURPOSE

This study assessed the prevalence of specific major adverse financial events (AFEs)—bankruptcies, liens, and evictions—before a cancer diagnosis and their association with later-stage cancer at diagnosis.

METHODS

Patients age 20-69 years diagnosed with cancer during 2014-2015 were identified from the Seattle, Louisiana, and Georgia SEER population–based cancer registries. Registry data were linked with LexisNexis consumer data to identify patients with a history of court-documented AFEs before cancer diagnosis. The association of AFEs and later-stage cancer diagnoses (stages III/IV) was assessed using separate sex-specific multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among 101,649 patients with cancer linked to LexisNexis data, 36,791 (36.2%) had a major AFE reported before diagnosis. The mean and median timing of the AFE closest to diagnosis were 93 and 77 months, respectively. AFEs were most common among non-Hispanic Black, unmarried, and low-income patients. Individuals with previous AFEs were more likely to be diagnosed with later-stage cancer than individuals with no AFE (males—odds ratio [OR], 1.09 [95% CI, 1.03 to 1.14]; P < .001; females—OR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.13 to 1.24]; P < .0001) after adjusting for age, race, marital status, income, registry, and cancer type. Associations between AFEs prediagnosis and later-stage disease did not vary by AFE timing.

CONCLUSION

One third of newly diagnosed patients with cancer had a major AFE before their diagnosis. Patients with AFEs were more likely to have later-stage diagnosis, even accounting for traditional measures of socioeconomic status that influence the stage at diagnosis. The prevalence of prediagnosis AFEs underscores financial vulnerability of patients with cancer before their diagnosis, before any subsequent financial burden associated with cancer treatment.
Structural and Functional Alterations of Hippocampal Subfields in Patients With Adult-Onset Primary Hypothyroidism
Authors: Zhang Taotao , Zhao Lianping , Chen Chen , Yang Chen , Zhang Huiyan , Su Wenxiu , Cao Jiancang , Shi Qian , Tian Limin
Published: February 2024

Context

Hypothyroidism is often associated with cognitive and emotional dysregulation; however, the underlying neuropathological mechanisms remain elusive.

Objective

The study aimed to characterize abnormal alterations in hippocampal subfield volumes and functional connectivity (FC) in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and overt hypothyroidism (OH).

Methods

This cross-sectional observational study comprised 47 and 40 patients with newly diagnosed adult-onset primary SCH and OH, respectively, and 53 well-matched healthy controls (HCs). The demographics, clinical variables, and neuropsychological scale scores were collected. Next, the hippocampal subfield volumes and seed-based FC were compared between the groups. Finally, correlation analyses were performed.

Results

SCH and OH exhibited significant alterations in cognitive and emotional scale scores. Specifically, the volumes of the right granule cell molecular layer of the dentate gyrus (GC-ML-DG) head, cornu ammonis (CA) 4, and CA3 head were reduced in the SCH and OH groups. Moreover, the volumes of the right molecular layer head, CA1 body, left GC-ML-DG head, and CA4 head were lower in SCH. In addition, the hippocampal subfield volumes decreased more significantly in SCH than OH. The seed-based FC decreased in SCH but increased in OH compared with HCs. Correlation analyses revealed thyroid hormone was negatively correlated with FC values in hypothyroidism.

Conclusion

Patients with SCH and OH might be at risk of cognitive decline, anxiety, or depression, and exhibited alterations in volume and FC in specific hippocampal subfields. Furthermore, the reduction in volume was more pronounced in SCH. This study provides novel insights into the neuropathological mechanisms of brain impairment in hypothyroidism.
Contemporary Analysis of Reexcision and Conversion to Mastectomy Rates and Associated Healthcare Costs for Women Undergoing Breast-Conserving Surgery
Authors: Kim Youngran , Ganduglia-Cazaban Cecilia , Tamirisa Nina , Lucci Anthony , Krause Trudy Millard
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study was designed to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of population-level reoperation rates and incremental healthcare costs associated with reoperation for patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery (BCS).

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study using Merative™ MarketScan® commercial insurance data and Medicare 5% fee-for-service claims data. The study included females aged 18–64 years in the commercial cohort and females aged 18 years and older in the Medicare cohort, who underwent initial BCS for breast cancer in 2017–2019. Reoperation rates within a year of the initial BCS and overall 1-year healthcare costs stratified by reoperation status were measured.

Results

The commercial cohort included 17,129 women with a median age of 55 (interquartile range [IQR] 49–59) years, and the Medicare cohort included 6977 women with a median age of 73 (IQR 69–78) years. Overall reoperation rates were 21.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 20.5–21.8%) for the commercial cohort and 14.9% (95% CI 14.1–15.7%) for the Medicare cohort. In both cohorts, reoperation rates decreased as age increased, and conversion to mastectomy was more prevalent among younger women in the commercial cohort. The mean healthcare costs during 1 year of follow-up from the initial BCS were $95,165 for the commercial cohort and $36,313 for the Medicare cohort. Reoperations were associated with 24% higher costs in both the commercial and Medicare cohorts, which translated into $21,607 and $8559 incremental costs, respectively.

Conclusions

The rates of reoperation after BCS have remained high and have contributed to increased healthcare costs. Continuing efforts to reduce reoperation need more attention.
Clinical utility of CLL-IPI scoring system in Pakistani Chronic Lymphocytic Patients: A single center experience
Authors: Hameed Aisha , Nadia Sajid  , Muhammad Fayyaz  , Khaliq Shagufta
Published: February 2024

Objectives: To determine validity of the CLL International prognostic index (IPI) scoring system in Pakistani chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients, as the validity and universal applicability of various prognostic scoring systems such as the CLL-IPI remains a challenge, particularly in under-developed countries like Pakistan.

Methods: This prospective single center study was conducted at Department of Hematology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore and included sixty patients with CLL diagnosed between July, 2019 to July, 2022. Patients were followed for a period of two years and 02 year overall survival (OS) was noted. Risk stratification was conducted according to CLL-IPI prognostic model.

Results: Among 60 patients, the mean age was 60±11years. Advanced Binet stage B+C and elevated β2-microglobulin >3.5mg/L was observed in 73.3% and 38.3% patients respectively. The estimated median 02 years OS was 16.5 months (95% CI: 10-20 months). In total, 40 of 60 CLL patients (67%) were accessible for follow-up analyses. For the present CLL cohort, 25% patients (n = 10) were classified as CLL-IPI low risk and intermediate risk group, 35% (n = 14) as high risk and 15% (n = 06) as very high-risk group. However, this classification of patients according to CLL-IPI did not yield significant differences in terms of OS (p = 0.24), although the median OS of CLL-IPI very high-risk group was noted as only six months and was not reached for low and intermediate risk groups.

Conclusion: To conclude, clinical validation of CLL-IPI scoring system could not be established for the present CLL cohort and needs to be evaluated in further studies with larger sample size.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.8703

How to cite this: Hameed A, Sajid N, Fayyaz M, Khaliq S. Clinical utility of CLL-IPI scoring system in Pakistani Chronic Lymphocytic Patients: A single center experience. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(4):701-705. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.8703

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Critical Review of the Metallurgical Operation of the Greek Nickel Industry and Perspectives, based on the recent Industrial Experience on Smelting Reduction Process
Authors: Zografidis Charalabos , Betsis Konstantinos , Xenidis Anthimos
Published: February 2024

The mining and industrial production of Greek ferronickel industry LARCO have ceased since 30.07.2022. The last LME nickel price crisis, exclusion from bank loaning, extremely high cost of electrical energy, management issues, resulted inter alia, in a prohibitive operational cost. Nevertheless, LARCO faces the challenge of restructuring and reoperation in the future, given that privatization is in progress, including the acquisition of the company’s assets to a joint venture enterprise.

Within this framework, the current paper aims to contribute to the discussion for developing a new management strategy for the optimization of pyrometallurgical process, focusing on the critical step of smelting reduction. Based on industrial experience concerning open bath submerged arc electric furnaces, factors which critically affect the safety and cost-effectiveness of smelting reduction are detected and presented by means of case studies, being mainly classified as following: i) Optimal raw materials’ feed management, including laterite ores (domestic or not), solid fuels and electrode paste. Moreover, taking for granted the need for Ni-rich ‘foreign’ ores to increase the recovery and reduce the cost of the process, the extent of dependence on Fe-rich domestic ores is investigated, in order a safe and stable operation to be ensured. ii) Focus on preventive maintenance management. Substantial increase of the facilities’ operational index and cost saving is obtained, as proved by operational case studies. iii) Modern human resources management strategy. Their economical footprint is further discussed.
Smartic: A smart tool for Big Data analytics and IoT
Authors: Sayeed Shohel , Ahmad Abu Fuad , Peng Tan Choo
Published: February 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) is leading the physical and digital world of technology to converge. Real-time and massive scale connections produce a large amount of versatile data, where Big Data comes into the picture. Big Data refers to large, diverse sets of information with dimensions that go beyond the capabilities of widely used database management systems, or standard data processing software tools to manage within a given limit. Almost every big dataset is dirty and may contain missing data, mistyping, inaccuracies, and many more issues that impact Big Data analytics performances. One of the biggest challenges in Big Data analytics is to discover and repair dirty data; failure to do this can lead to inaccurate analytics results and unpredictable conclusions. Different imputation methods were employed in the experimentation with various missing value imputation techniques, and the performances of machine learning (ML) models were compared. A hybrid model that integrates ML and sample-based statistical techniques for missing value imputation is being proposed. Furthermore, the continuation involved the dataset with the best missing value imputation, chosen based on ML model performance for subsequent feature engineering and hyperparameter tuning. K-means clustering and principal component analysis were applied in our study. Accuracy, the evaluated outcome, improved dramatically and proved that the XGBoost model gives very high accuracy at around 0.125 root mean squared logarithmic error (RMSLE). To overcome overfitting, K-fold cross-validation was implemented.
Una crónica de la República de las letras: La Nápoles literaria en el epistolario viquiano.
Authors: de Amorim Silva Neto Sertório
Published: February 2024

: El artículo indaga en el desarrollo de una crónica en el epistolario viquiano. En los mensajes intercambiados con los intelectuales y autoridades de la época, Vico aprovecha el relato de su propia vida como profesor y literato como oportunidad para examinar la situación de la clase intelectual en Nápoles a principios del siglo XVIII. Una vez expuestas, a la luz de las cartas, las causas externas e internas de la ruina de la República de las Letras, relacionadas con la negligencia de los monarcas y el mal uso de la erudición, el artículo detalla dos acontecimientos vinculados a la introducción de la modernidad en Nápoles, ilustrando, con ejemplos, la dinámica disfuncional de las disputas académicas en esa ciudad que amenazaban con corroer desde dentro la convivencia de los literatos.
How to Control Waste Incineration Pollution? Cost-Sharing or Penalty Mechanism—Based on Two Differential Game Models
Authors: Li Huijie , Tan Deqing
Published: February 2024

This study explores whether the government should implement a cost-sharing or penalty mechanism to control waste incineration pollution and investigates which policy can best incentivize incineration plants to invest in pollution control. We design two differential game models, one based on a cost-sharing approach and one on a penalty system, to model the interactions between the government and incineration plants. We then compare and analyze the equilibrium outcomes in both scenarios. Our findings reveal that when incineration pollution significantly impacts the government, both the cost-sharing and penalty mechanisms are effective in stimulating incineration plants to enhance their pollution control efforts. However, when incineration pollution significantly affects the incineration plants themselves, the cost-sharing mechanism proves to be more effective in terms of pollution control. Furthermore, we find that the government derives greater utility under the cost-sharing mechanism compared with the penalty mechanism, especially as the amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) increases. In contrast, incineration plants tend to generate higher profits under the cost-sharing mechanism. These findings and their accompanying managerial implications may provide valuable guidance for government agencies in formulating policies to manage incineration pollution and encourage waste incineration plants to invest in improving their pollution control systems.

Funding: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 71571149], Humanities and Social Sciences Foundation for Youth Scholars of Ministry of Education of China [Grant 22YJC630171], and Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province of China [Grant 2023NSFSC1055].
escola desinteressada: poesia como um caminho libertador e transformador na escola pública
Authors: Ferreira Maria onete lopes
Published: February 2024

Este texto oferece uma reflexão nascida de uma experiência com literatura, poesia e também filosofia na escola, com turmas do ensino fundamental nos anos iniciais. A experiência foi iniciada em 2011 e deu origem a um projeto de pesquisa, ensino e extensão, hoje em curso em escolas públicas. O projeto tem como fundamentação teórico-metodológica pensamentos críticos à escola voltada para a formação compreendida como utilitarista. Concepção esta que segue dominante, a despeito das inúmeras mudanças na base curricular, ao longo do tempo. Não parece razoável que a preocupação que promove as mudanças na organização curricular tome por base aspectos como o baixo rendimento na aprendizagem refletido em reprovações e “fracassos” ou no próprio abandono e evasão precoce da escola, sem que se questione as razões inerentes à experiência escolar. Diante desse fato, a reflexão aponta para a defesa de uma escola que possa ser compreendida como desinteressada na perspectiva de Gramsci e recorre à literatura e poesia como dispositivos para impulsionar o fazer pedagógico transformador. O estudo da literatura sobre poesia, assim como os resultados obtidos pela experiência em questão, permitem pensar uma concepção de escola revolucionária no sentido gramsciano e libertadora como propugnava Paulo Freire. Nesse sentido, propõe conexões com a felicidade, que conjuga o propósito da escola desinteressada com a filosofia de Epicuro. Na pesquisa, a poesia é compreendida como um caminho para se contemplar a valorização do lúdico, que é um aspecto dos mais relevantes para a aprendizagem nas infâncias.
A EDUCAÇÃO DAS RELAÇÕES ÉTNICO-RACIAIS NA FORMAÇÃO INICIAL DE PROFESSORES: UMA ANÁLISE DE TESES E DISSERTAÇÕES PUBLICADAS NA CAPES (2003-2020)
Authors: Azevedo Samara Moço , Vasconcelos Vera Lúcia , Martínez Silvia Alicia , Reis Maria Clareth Gonçalves
Published: February 2024

A Educação das Relações Étnico-Raciais (ERER) se apresenta como assunto relevante dentro dos currículos brasileiros, sobretudo pela diversidade na composição da nossa população. A introdução dessa temática nas escolas e nas universidades tornou-se mais urgente com a promulgação das Leis 10.639/03 e 11.645/08, que alteraram a Lei de Diretrizes e Bases da Educação Nacional - LDBEN (BRASIL, 1996), incluindo a obrigatoriedade do ensino da História da África e da Cultura Afro-brasileira e Indígena no Ensino Fundamental e Médio, nas escolas públicas e privadas. Desse modo, o presente trabalho tem como proposta analisar as produções científicas sobre a implementação da ERER em cursos de formação inicial de professores/as publicadas no Catálogo de Teses e Dissertações da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Capes), no período de 2003 a 2020. O levantamento das publicações no portal da Capes culminou em um “Estado da Questão” acerca da temática, que nos permitiu refletir sobre a implementação das leis, a partir da análise dos trabalhos que compõem o corpus da pesquisa. Para este artigo, destacamos duas categorias de análise: I) relações étnico-raciais e formação de professores/as; II) a temática indígena nos cursos de licenciatura. O resultado encontrado aponta para a necessidade de um maior debate acerca das relações étnico-raciais no contexto educacional. Também identificamos que a inclusão da ERER nos cursos de formação de professores/as tornou-se instrumento fundamental para a construção de uma educação antirracista.
INCORPORAÇÃO TEMÁTICA E APROPRIAÇÃO TEÓRICA DA PEDAGOGIA HISTÓRICO-CRÍTICA NAS PRODUÇÕES DO PROGRAMA DE DESENVOLVIMENTO EDUCACIONAL DO ESTADO DO PARANÁ (2007-2018)
Authors: Gimenes Lucivani Delmarco , Orso Paulino José
Published: February 2024

Este artigo apresenta os resultados de uma análise realizada nas produções do Programa de Desenvolvimento Educacional do Estado do Paraná (PDE/PR), produzidas e publicadas, entre 2007 e 2018, com o objetivo de expor em que medida a Pedagogia Histórico-Crítica (PHC) foi incorporada e apropriada nesses trabalhos. Trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, com abordagem mista (quanti-qualitativa). Após efetuarmos a revisão de literatura e a análise dos Documentos Norteadores do Programa, coletamos dados nos Cadernos Sinopses das produções de oito edições do PDE/PR, contemplando as 17 Linhas de Estudo do Programa, a partir de um levantamento utilizando termos-chave alusivos à PHC. Também coletamos dados nos Cadernos PDE – Volume I (Artigos Científicos), por meio de uma leitura informativa em 38 trabalhos previamente selecionados mediante critérios de inclusão e de exclusão. Nos Cadernos Sinopses, constatamos uma baixa ocorrência dos termos-chave ligados à PHC. Os dados indicam que a incorporação temática dessa pedagogia nas produções do PDE/PR foi pouco expressiva. Com relação à apropriação da concepção histórico-critica nos artigos analisados, constatamos coerência teórica, entretanto, em um nível incipiente. Consideramos que os resultados encontrados nas pesquisas combinadas refletem as condições em que se desenvolvem o trabalho pedagógico e a formação docente no contexto de uma sociedade capitalista na qual a escola e o Estado estão inseridos.
CUERPOS EN LA ENCRUCIJADA: UN TRIBUTO DE INVESTIGACIÓN-CREACIÓN
Authors: Uribe-Viveros Margarita María
Published: February 2024

El presente dossier quiere ser un tributo a la encrucijada en dos sentidos: el primero, histórico centrado en el cruce de caminos que ha sido para nosotros la realización de los intercambios y cooperación entre colegas e instituciones, llevados a cabo en la Facultad de Ciencias sociales, humanas y educación de la Institución Universitaria de Envigado, Colombia, durante los últimos 7 años. En este septenio hemos reunido académicos y artistas dedicados al cuerpo, a pensar en, sobre y desde el cuerpo, en un recorrido variopinto de investigaciones, algunos de cuyos resultados se han venido publicando en diferentes formatos (véanse los libros a mi cargo, Cuerpos contemporáneos, subjetividad y emociones aparecidos en mayo de 2023 y Cuerpos y creación: materialidades, presencias y virtualidades, en octubre de 2023 y publicados por el Fondo Editorial IUE, Colombia)
Potential use of Polyphenol-Enriched Extract from Moringa oleifera Leaves as an Active Ingredient in Sunscreen
Authors:   Deparment of Chemical Engineering, Nha Trang University, Viet Nam, Thi Phuong Anh Tran , Thi Thao Vy Tran ,   Deparment of Chemical Engineering, Nha Trang University, Viet Nam, Thi Lan Pham ,   Institut of Biotechnology and Environment, Nha Trang University, Viet Nam, Thi Khanh Vinh Phan ,   Department of Food Technology, Nha Trang University, Viet Nam
Published: February 2024

Moringa oleifera is commonly referred to as the “tree of life” due to its high nutrient content and valuable biological activities. Widely found in tropical zones, this plant is usually used in local cuisine, cosmetic products and nutraceuticals. In this paper, we explored the potential of Moringa oleifera leaf alcoholic extract as a bioactive ingredient in sunscreen. Characterizations of extract were firstly investigated, including total polyphenol content, antioxidant activity. Formulations of extract containing creams were then created in order to examine its ability to protect against UVB radiation in the presence of other ingredients. Various evaluations of cream were carried out, including stability testing, UV absorption capacity, in vitro SPF values and microbial testing. The results revealed that Moringa oleifera extract showed a promising active ingredient in sunscreen, with a moderate antioxidant activity. Cream containing 2% of extract incorporated with 2% of oxybenzone demonstrated good in vitro SPF values.
Variability of the femoral mechanical-anatomical axis angle and its implications in primary and revision total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Jang Seong J. , Kunze Kyle N. , Casey Jack C. , Steele Jack R. , Mayman David J. , Jerabek Seth A. , Sculco Peter K. , Vigdorchik Jonathan M.
Published: February 2024

Aims

Distal femoral resection in conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA) utilizes an intramedullary guide to determine coronal alignment, commonly planned for 5° of valgus. However, a standard 5° resection angle may contribute to malalignment in patients with variability in the femoral anatomical and mechanical axis angle. The purpose of the study was to leverage deep learning (DL) to measure the femoral mechanical-anatomical axis angle (FMAA) in a heterogeneous cohort.

Methods

Patients with full-limb radiographs from the Osteoarthritis Initiative were included. A DL workflow was created to measure the FMAA and validated against human measurements. To reflect potential intramedullary guide placement during manual TKA, two different FMAAs were calculated either using a line approximating the entire diaphyseal shaft, and a line connecting the apex of the femoral intercondylar sulcus to the centre of the diaphysis. The proportion of FMAAs outside a range of 5.0° (SD 2.0°) was calculated for both definitions, and FMAA was compared using univariate analyses across sex, BMI, knee alignment, and femur length.

Results

The algorithm measured 1,078 radiographs at a rate of 12.6 s/image (2,156 unique measurements in 3.8 hours). There was no significant difference or bias between reader and algorithm measurements for the FMAA (p = 0.130 to 0.563). The FMAA was 6.3° (SD 1.0°; 25% outside range of 5.0° (SD 2.0°)) using definition one and 4.6° (SD 1.3°; 13% outside range of 5.0° (SD 2.0°)) using definition two. Differences between males and females were observed using definition two (males more valgus; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

We developed a rapid and accurate DL tool to quantify the FMAA. Considerable variation with different measurement approaches for the FMAA supports that patient-specific anatomy and surgeon-dependent technique must be accounted for when correcting for the FMAA using an intramedullary guide. The angle between the mechanical and anatomical axes of the femur fell outside the range of 5.0° (SD 2.0°) for nearly a quarter of patients.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(2):101–108.
Who Let the Dogs Out? Race as Illness in Tezuka Osamu's Ode to Kirihito
Authors: Whaley Ben
Published: February 2024

Abstract: This article examines the link between illness and racialized difference in the medical manga Kirihito sanka (1970–71; Ode to Kirihito , 2006) by Japan's "God of Manga," Tezuka Osamu (1928–89). Centering on a fictional disease that physically transforms its victims into human-canine hybrids, Kirihito sanka illustrates how easily ethno-racial stereotypes can inform discourses on disease, and how discrimination and racism are illnesses without national or cultural boundaries. As such, the manga is a sterling example of Tezuka's gekiga -inspired works of the 1970s that evolved to tell more literary and socially resonant stories reflecting the author's racial politics.
Quantifying nanoscopic alterations associated with mitochondrial dysfunction using three-dimensional single-molecule localization microscopy
Authors: Brenner Benjamin , Xu Fengyuanshan , Zhang Yang , Kweon Junghun , Fang Raymond , Sheibani Nader , Zhang Sarah X. , Sun Cheng , Zhang Hao F.
Published: February 2024

Mitochondrial morphology provides unique insights into their integrity and function. Among fluorescence microscopy techniques, 3D super-resolution microscopy uniquely enables the analysis of mitochondrial morphological features individually. However, there is a lack of tools to extract morphological parameters from super-resolution images of mitochondria. We report a quantitative method to extract mitochondrial morphological metrics, including volume, aspect ratio, and local protein density, from 3D single-molecule localization microscopy images, with single-mitochondrion sensitivity. We validated our approach using simulated ground-truth SMLM images of mitochondria. We further tested our morphological analysis on mitochondria that have been altered functionally and morphologically in controlled manners. This work sets the stage to quantitatively analyze mitochondrial morphological alterations associated with disease progression on an individual basis.
Psychophysical determination of boundaries and smoothness of color gradients
Authors: Xiong Nian , Shamey Renzo
Published: February 2024

Color gradients constitute an important component in the evaluation of the color quality of multicolored patterns that contain color transitions. A two-part psychophysical study was designed and employed to test the appearance of a set of hue-, chroma-, or lightness-based color gradients. The influence of several parameters on the visual determination of gradients’ boundaries and perceived smoothness was tested. These parameters included gradient type, e.g., transitions based on hue, chroma, lightness or their combination, orientation, slope, and quantization step size of color transitions. The influence of these parameters on intra- and interobserver variability in responses was calculated using the standardized residual sum of squares metric. In the first part of the experiment, the perceived boundaries of color gradient stimuli as well as observer confidence ratings in performing these visual tasks were determined. In the second part, the perceived smoothness ratings of the stimuli and visual confidence ratings in assessments were examined. Four binary color transition images, i.e., brown-green, brown-tan, green-olive, and light sage-olive, were generated. Three different linear-gradient slopes were applied to each transition, and each stimulus was shown to observers, separately, in four orientations: horizontal, vertical, right diagonal, and left diagonal. Results indicate that the gradient slopes influence perceived boundaries and smoothness ratings. When determining smoothness ratings, observers were found to be more tolerant to changes in chroma and lightness than in hue.
Hierarchical blind phase search for correcting imperfect phase rotation in QAM signals synthesized via optical coherent superposition
Authors: Zhang Hong-Bo , Lu Guo-Wei , Luo Kunping , Liu Jiao , Zhang Qianwu
Published: February 2024

Coherent superposition has been proposed to synthesize high-order quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) by coherently superposing low-order QAMs in the optical domain. These approaches could effectively relax the digital-to-analog converter resolution and reduce the complexity of the driving electronics. However, in the superposition process, imperfect phase rotations (IPRs) in low-order QAMs will be transferred to the resultant high-order QAM. Importantly, the induced IPR cannot be compensated for by conventional linear equalizers and carrier recovery methods. To combat the induced IPR, herein, we propose a hierarchical blind phase search (HBPS) algorithm to compensate for the IPRs in synthesized high-order QAMs. The proposed HBPS can match the generation mechanism of the IPRs in coherent superposition, by tracing back and estimating the IPR in the QPSK-like constellation of each hierarchy and finally correcting the induced IPRs. Simulation and experimental results verify that this algorithm could effectively compensate for the IPR in the resultant 16-QAMs synthesized using coherent superposition approaches. The proposed HBPS shows significant optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) gains compared to the conventional blind phase search (BPS) method for high-order QAMs coherently superposed using optical signal processing (OSP) and tandem modulators (TMs). Specifically, at the BER of 2.4e-2, the HBPS achieves a 1.5-dB OSNR sensitivity enhancement over the BPS in either OSP or TMs-based schemes, even with an imperfection rotation of up to 20∘.