bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient Flow Management in Biological Events: A Scoping Review.
Authors: Hadinejad Zoya , Farrokhi Mehrdad , Saatchi Mohammad , Ahmadi Shokoufeh , Khankeh Hamidreza
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Biological Events affect large populations depending on transmission potential and propagation. A recent example of a biological event spreading globally is the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had severe effects on the economy, society, and even politics ,in addition to its broad occurrence and fatalities. The aim of this systematic scoping review was to look into patient flow management techniques and approaches used globally in biological incidents.Methods: The current investigation was conducted based on the guidelines of PRISMA for Scoping Review ,which is also used for systematic review and meta-analysis studies. All articles released until March 31, 2023, were examined for this study, regardless of the year of publication. The authores were searched in databases including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and Google scholar search engine. Papers with subjects and keywords about patient flow management and patient management policies during epidemics were included in the inclusion criteria, while all non-English language publications including those with only English abstracts were excluded.Results: A total of 19231 articles were included in this study and after screening, 36 articles were eventually entered into the final analysis. 84 primary categories and subcategories were identified from the review of pertinent studies. To facilitate more precise analysis and understanding, factors were categorised into seven categories: patient flow simulation models, risk communication management, integrated ICT system establishment, collaborative interdisciplinary and intersectoral approach, systematic patient management, promotion of health information technology models, modification of triage strategies, and optimal resource and capacity management.Conclusion:Patient flow management during biological Events plays a crucial role in maintaining the performance of the healthcare system. When public health-threatening biological incidents occur, due to the high number of patients, it is essential to implement a holistic ,and integrated approach from rapid identification to treatment and discharge of patients.
Is that mine? Ownership in autism spectre disorder
Authors: Yuan Yue , Tao Mingda
Published: June 2024

This study investigated the self-reference effect (SRE) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through the ownership paradigm across different task difficulties. Behavioral experiment results indicate that individuals with ASD retain the ability to process their sense of ownership in a simple item categorization task. However, deficits in the sense of ownership were observed when individuals with ASD engaged in a complex item categorization task. Eye-tracking experiments revealed no differences in eye-tracking outcomes related to the SRE in individuals with ASD during the first fixation duration. However, there were significant differences in eye-tracking outcomes related to the SRE for both simple and complex tasks in terms of ASD first-run dwell time and overall dwell time.
TRIM11 modulates sepsis progression by promoting HOXB9 ubiquitination and inducing the NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Gan Jiaqi , Zhang Wei , Pan Fei , QIU Zhiyun , Chen Xiaobing
Published: June 2024

Aim
The purpose of this investigation was to elucidate the functions of TRIM11 and HOXB9 in the pathogenesis of sepsis, focusing on their influence on inflammation, apoptosis, and the NF-κB signaling pathway.
Methods
Through public databases, TRIM family genes related to sepsis were screened, and TRIM11 was evaluated as a sepsis biomarker through ROC analysis. The UbiBrowser database screened TRIM11 downstream genes and identified HOXB9 as an important target. THP-1 cells were stimulated by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation and simulate sepsis. Flow cytometry, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blot (WB) experiments were used to detect changes in cell apoptosis rate, apoptosis-related proteins, and inflammatory cytokines after TRIM11 and HOXB9 were silenced. Additionally, we investigated the ubiquitination interaction between TRIM11 and HOXB9 and their effects on the NF-κB signaling pathway.
Results
Our findings demonstrated that sepsis patient samples had elevated levels of TRIM11 expression and had high clinical diagnostic value. Functional experiments showed that the knockdown of TRIM11 significantly alleviated LPS-induced THP-1 cell apoptosis and inflammation, while knockdown of HOXB9 did the opposite. Notably, the simultaneous downregulation of TRIM11 and HOXB9 balanced these responses, suggesting that they play a key role in regulating sepsis associated inflammation as well as apoptosis. In addition, TRIM11 regulated the NF-κB signaling pathway by reversing HOXB9-induced activation through ubiquitination, suggesting a novel regulatory mechanism in the pathogenesis of sepsis.
Conclusion
Our findings highlight the interaction between TRIM11 and HOXB9 in regulating inflammation and apoptosis pathways, providing new insights into sepsis treatment.
Association of Apolipoprotein E Gene Polymorphisms with Risk of Coronary Artery Disease in a Han Chinese Population at Middle and High Altitude in China
Authors: Zeng Fanrong , Zhang Xinyi , Zhang Meng , Liu Hongli , Li Yuan , Chen Xuejiao , Ye Fan , Zhou Lanting , Zhai Lihong , Zhu Fangyi
Published: June 2024

Background
This study aimed to assess how APOE gene polymorphisms affect the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) in the Han Chinese population at middle and high altitudes by regulating the body's lipid levels, which stimulates atherosclerosis.
Methods
A total of 628 CAD and non-CAD cases were enrolled in this study, respectively. APOE gene polymorphisms were determined by PCR and fluorescence hybridization techniques. Data analysis was performed using the software SPSS 26.0.
Results
This study revealed that the statistical differences in APOE gene ε3ε4 and ε4ε4 genotypes, as well as ε4 allele frequencies between the CAD and control groups, were significant (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Apo-B/Apo-A1, Apo-B, and LDL-C levels were statistically higher in CAD patients carrying the ε4 allele than in those carrying the ε2 and ε3 alleles. Moreover, multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that the APOE gene's ε3ε4 genotype (OR = 1.514, 95% CI = 1.087–2.109, p = 0.014) was the independent risk factor (IRF) for CAD in Han population at intermediate and high altitudes.
Conclusion
This study revealed that the APOE gene’s ε3ε4 genotype is a potential risk factor for the onset of CAD in the Han Chinese population at middle and high altitudes.
Rapid Diagnosis of Adult-type Diffuse Glioma using a Layered Scheme
Authors: Wu Jinsong , Wu Shuai , Cao Dandan , Xiong Zhang , Zhang Jianhua , Zou Yourui , Wu Zanyi , Nie Yanli , Yao Ye , Song Yanyan , Jiao Yuchen , Chen Hong , Ma Hui , Kang Dezhi , Mao Ying , Yan Hai
Published: June 2024

Background
Molecular biomarkers have become an essential part of the diagnosis of adult-type diffuse glioma. Still, complex detection methods and long-term turnaround for these biomarkers hinder integrated diagnosis in clinical practice. We hypothesized that IDH and TERTp mutations play similar roles in accurately classifying adult-type diffuse glioma compared to the complicated WHO CNS5-recommended biomarkers, and the detection of IDH and TERTp mutations should be the first layer in clinical practice.
Methods
We define a novel layered diagnostic scheme for adult-type diffuse gliomas with the detection of IDH and TERT promoter (TERTp) mutations as the first layer. Moreover, we develop a technology for rapid intraoperative testing of TERTp and IDH mutations within 35 mins. A retrospective cohort and a prospective multicenter diagnostic test were involved in. The diagnostic accuracy of the layered diagnostic scheme was measured via sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) with a 95% confidence interval.
Results
In retrospective cohort, the TERTp mutation displayed a similar statistical power as 1p/19q in distinguishing oligodendrogliomas from astrocytomas (kappa = 0.96, P < 0.001). In addition, 91.8% of all the glioblastomas with either EGFRamp or + 7/-10 had TERTp mutations. Moreover, prospective application of the layered diagnostic scheme and the rapid testing, 223 gliomas and 2 non-gliomas (76.5%) were classified accurately intraoperatively. With the assistance of the postoperative permanent section, 249 gliomas and 24 non-gliomas (92.9%) were accurately classified after detecting the first layer biomarkers.
Conclusions
The layered diagnostic scheme provides rapid and accurate integrated diagnoses of adult-type diffuse gliomas, facilitates the broader use of molecular classification, and expands its application from postoperatively to intraoperatively for most patients.
Molecular xenomonitoring as an indicator of microfilaraemia prevalence for lymphatic filariasis in Samoa in 2019
Authors: Howlett Maddison , Mayfield Helen , McPherson Brady , Rigby Lisa , Thomsen Robert , Williams Steven A , Pilotte Nils , Hedtke Shannon , Graves Patricia M. , Kearns Therese , Naseri Take , Sheridan Sarah , McLure Angus , Lau Colleen L
Published: June 2024

Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a globally significant, vector-borne, neglected tropical disease that can result in severe morbidity and disability. As the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis makes progress towards LF elimination, there is greater need to develop sensitive, post-intervention surveillance. Molecular xenomonitoring (MX), the detection of pathogen DNA in vectors and other biting insects, may provide a sensitive complement to traditional human-based surveillance techniques, including detection of circulating filarial antigen and microfilaraemia (Mf). This study aims to explore the relationship between human Mf prevalence and the prevalence of PCR-positive mosquitoes using MX.
Methodology: We compared Mf and MX results from a 2019 community-based survey conducted in 35 primary sampling units (PSUs) in Samoa. We investigated concordance between presence and absence of PCR-positive mosquitoes and Mf-positive participants at the PSU level, and calculated sensitivity and negative predictive values for each indicator using presence of any Mf-indicated infection in humans or PCR-positive mosquitoes as a reference. Correlation between prevalence of filarial DNA in mosquitoes and Mf in humans was estimated at the PSU and household/trap level using mixed-effect Bayesian multilevel regression analysis.
Results: Mf-positive individuals were identified in less than half of PSUs in which PCR-positive mosquito pools were present (13 and 28, respectively). Prevalence of filarial DNA in mosquitoes (each species separately) was positively correlated with Mf prevalence in humans at the PSU level. Analysed at the species level, only Aedes polynesiensis demonstrated strong evidence of positive correlation (r) with human Mf prevalence at both PSU (r: 0.46, 95% CrI: 0.05–0.81) and trap/household levels (r: 0.57, 95% CrI: 0.16–0.87).
Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that MX can be a sensitive surveillance method for identifying residual infection in low Mf prevalence settings. MX identified more locations with pathogen signals than Mf-testing. Strong correlation between estimated filarial DNA prevalence in the primary vector species and Mf in humans at small spatial scales demonstrates the utility of MX as an indicator for LF prevalence in Samoa and similar settings. Further investigation is needed to develop MX-based guidelines to strengthen the ability of MX to inform operational decisions.
Assessing cardiac function post chemotherapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors via automated two-dimensional speckle tracking
Authors: Wang Yiru , Sun Qiong , Gao Hanjing , Li Xiaoyan , Yang Weiwei , Shi Weiwei , Luo Yukun
Published: June 2024

Background
Although left ventricular (LV) dysfunction has been studied in patients with solid tumors and abnormal myocardial enzymes receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors, little is known about the early changes in LV strains and function in patients without significant markers of myocardial injury.
Methods
A total of 57 patients with solid tumors who received chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors were enrolled from December 2019 to June 2022. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. LVD, LVS, Volume D, Volume S, LVEF, Em, Am, E/A, E/e’, heart rate, and GLS were collected by 2 DE. Serum biomarkers of myocardial injury were tested at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. The discrimination of echocardiographic parameters and biomarkers between groups was statistically analyzed using SPSS version 19.0 software.
Results
A total of 49 patients (35 males; mean age ± SD, 57.5 ± 9.89 years) were included in this study. No significant differences were found in conventional ultrasound parameters, or HR throughout the follow-up period. The LA area decreased from 16.44 ± 4.17 at baseline to 15.13 ± 4.01 at 6-month follow-up (p < 0.001). Compared to baseline, the GLSs at the 3-month follow-up and 6-month follow-up were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The creatine kinase and CK-MB levels showed an upward trend (p < 0.05). The levels of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme (p < 0.05) decreased at 3 months and increased at 6 months. E/e’ was negatively correlated with troponin T, creatine kinase, and blood glucose levels (r=-0.477, -0.258, -0.426, respectively; p < 0.05). GLS (3P) levels were positively correlated with creatine kinase (r = 0.017, p < 0.05). Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence (G1,15 cases) of other system immune responses or absence (G0, 34 cases) of other system immune responses. There were statistical differences in EF values among different time points (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in left ventricular strain parameters between the G0 and G1 groups (p > 0.05), but significant differences were observed at different time points (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
The evaluation of left ventricular strain parameters by echocardiography is of great significance for early detection of myocardial toxicity caused by immunotherapy without evidence of elevated myocardial enzymes.
Trial registration
: retrospectively registered
Unraveling the Influence of Social, Economic, and Demographic Factors in Texas on Breast Cancer Survival
Authors: Fofana Sidketa Ida , Oraby Tamer , Cobos Everado , Tripathi Manish K.
Published: June 2024

Background
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. Affected people are financially challenged due to the high out-of-pocket cost of breast cancer treatment, as it is the most expensive treatment. Using a 16-year cohort study of breast cancer survival data in Texas, we investigate the factors that might explain why some breast cancer patients live longer than others.
Methods
Performing a survival analysis consisting of the log-rank test, a survival time regression, and Cox proportional hazards regression, we explore the breast cancer survivors’ specific attributes to identify the main determinants of survival time.
Results
Analyses show that the factors: stage, grade, primary site of the cancer, number of cancers each patient has, histology of the cancer, age, race, and income are among the main variables that enlighten why some breast cancer survivors live much longer than others. For instance, compared to White non-Hispanics, Black non-Hispanics have a shorter length of survival with a hazard ratio of (1.282). The best prognostic for White non-Hispanics, Hispanics (all races), and Black non-Hispanics is a woman aged between 40 to 49 years old, diagnosed with localized stage and grade one with Axillary tail of breast as a primary site with only one cancer and with a household income of 75,000.00 and over.
Conclusion
Policymakers should promote early diagnosis and screening and better assist the older and the poor to improve the survival time for breast cancer patients.
Antimicrobial Lock Therapy: Is it a real savior in pediatric hematopoetic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients?
Authors: Kara Manolya , Sutcu Murat , Aksoy Basak Adakli , Ersoy Gizem Zengin , Oner Ozlem Basoglu , Yaman Ayhan , Ozbek Ahmet , Bozkurt Ceyhun , Fisgin Tunç
Published: June 2024

Introduction
Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Antimicrobial lock treatment (ALT), when utilized alongside systemic antibiotics, may be lifesaving when catheter removal (CR) is not feasible.
Methods
This retrospective study analyzed the clinical, laboratory, and microbiologic characteristics of CLABSI episodes of pediatric patients who underwent HSCT and applied ALT.
Results
There were 137 cases of CLABSI (63.5 male) who were given ALT. The median age was 48 (3-204) months. The most common causative microorganism was Gram-negative bacteria, encountered in 85 patients (62%). Forty-six patients (33.6%) had Gram-positive bacterial growth, whereas 6 had (4.4%) fungal infection. ALT was successful in 77.4% of the patients (n = 106). CR was required in 25 patients (18.2%). The CLABSI-related mortality rate was 12.4%. When the outcome of ALT was evaluated, post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) use, fungal growth, persistent bacteremia/fungemia, re-HSCT, inappropriate empirical antibiotic use, hypotension, and pediatric intensive care unit admission were significantly more common in the “unsuccessful” ALT group. The patients in the unsuccessful group had higher C-reactive protein [110.2 (1.10-323.5) mg/L] levels when compared to the successful ALT group [58 (0.2-450.3) mg/L] (p = 0.029). The presence of hypotension, HLA-mismatch transplantation, and persistent bacteremia/fungemia were independent risk factors for ALT failure.
Conclusion
ALT can be an effective catheter-saving strategy in HSCT pediatric patients. Nevertheless, patients should be monitored very closely during ALT, and the presence of certain risk factors should be taken into account.
Analyzing empirically and optimizing surface roughness and tool wear during turning aluminum matrix/Bio-ash composite
Authors: Igwe Nnamdi Chukwunenye , Ozoegwu Chigbogu G.
Published: June 2024

The effect of biomaterial that is rice husk ash (RHA while turning aluminum alloy (AlSi10Mg) was investigated in this study. Stir casting was the chosen fabrication technique. On the responses of tool wear and surface roughness, the combined effects of the following turning process parameters were examined: cutting speed (s), feed (f), depth of cut (d), and weight fraction of reinforcement (\({w}_{t}\)). Taguchi \({\text{L}}_{16}\) orthogonal array was adopted to determine the experimental runs. The results of the tool wear and surface roughness were documented. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the most important factors influencing each of the tool wear and surface roughness were the feed and the cutting speed respectively. Applying single objective optimization also affirmed feed and cutting speed as the most impacting parameters for the tool wear and surface roughness respectively. The predicted model for tool wear and surface roughness obtained from the regression equation shows good correlation with the experimental results. A correlation of 95% and 94% of tool wear and surface roughness was determined between the predicted and corresponding experimental results.
Conceptual Analysis of Brand Image and Perceived Value: Assessing Its Impact on Brand Loyalty
Authors: Kumari Smitee , Chawla Prof. (Dr). Amit , Rai Shivendu Kumar
Published: June 2024

This research tries to establish an understanding between the customer perception and loyalty towards a brand. The primary issues this study tries to explore are does brand image, perceived risk, perceived price, and perceived quality affect the perceived value for cosmetic products and does perceive value lead towards brand loyalty in the cosmetic product category. Data has been collected from 532 Indian female respondents who have recently shopped for cosmetic products. Exploratory factor analysis was carried out in SPSS (24), followed by CFA and path analysis to validate the results. It has been found that brand image is significantly related to the perceived value. Perceived risk and perceived price are negatively associated with the perceived value. Perceived quality significantly affects the perceived value. Finally, perceived value is positively associated with brand loyalty. Limitations and scope for further research is also discussed in this study.
Causality between Crohn's disease and Alzheimer's disease: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Zhen , Li Qing , Han Min
Published: June 2024

Background: Crohn's disease has been associated with the formation of Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we investigated the bidirectional causal relationship between Crohn's disease and Alzheimer's disease using a Mendelian randomization analysis.
Methods: A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis between Crohn's disease and Alzheimer's disease was performed using MR Egger, weighted median, simple mode, weighted mode, and inverse variance weighted regression algorithms. We focused on theinverse variance weighted analytical method. Subsequent sensitivity analyses were performed via a heterogeneity test, a pleiotropy test, and the leave-one-out method.
Results: The forward Mendelian randomization results revealed that Crohn's disease was causallyrelated to Alzheimer's disease (p = 0.0194), and Crohn's disease was a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (b = 0.0109). There was no causal relationship between Alzheimer's disease and Crohn's disease based on the inverse variance weighted method applied to a reverse Mendelian randomization analysis, nor with the remaining four methods. The reliability of the results was confirmed the by the sensitivity analysis.
Conclusion: Our study supported a causal relationship between Crohn's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Crohn's disease was a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease without the influence of reverse causality. This study provides new ideas for further exploring the relationship between Crohn's disease and Alzheimer's disease. The information is relevant to the prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
Active HIV infection and current effectiveness rate of dolutegravir-based treatment among people living with HIV in Gabon
Authors: Mangala Christian , Maulot-Bangola Denis , Assembe-Tome Elias Feroll , Yenze-Mouelé Darly , Kengue Roselyne Raïssa
Published: June 2024

Antiretroviral therapy continues to make an enormous contribution to improving the well-being of people living with HIV/AIDS globally. In Gabon, dolutegravir is administered to PLHIV from first-line treatment. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of active HIV infection and current effectiveness rate of dolutegravir-based treatment among PLHIV in the Gabon. This study was conducted at National Public Health Laboratory from January to December 2023 among 361 PLHIV under treatment based-dolutegravir or treatment-naive. RNA extraction was carried out on the GXT extractor. HIV viral load and CD4+ count were determined using QuantStudioTM5 and BD FACS PrestoTM, respectively. A total of 361 PLHIV were included in the study. The overall prevalence of active infection among PLHIV was 21.1%. The effectiveness rate of DTG-based treatment was 85.01%. Among the 76 PLHIV with an active infection, 64.5% were on DTG-based treatment. Among PLHIV with a CD4+ count greater than 200 cel/mm3, 97.8% were PLHIV receiving DTG-based treatment. PLHIV with a CD4+ count below 200cel/mm3, singles and treatment-naive PLHIV were likely to develop an active infection (P=0.0001). The prevalence of active infection is worrying among people living with HIV/AIDS, but treatment with dolutegravir still remains effective among PLHIV in the Gabonese context.
Cost-sharing policy and its long-term impact on quantity–quality tradeoff: Evidence from Kenya
Authors: Wakano Ayako , Yamada Hiroyuki
Published: June 2024

The Republic of Kenya implemented its first Free Primary Education program in 1974 for grades 1–4 but the program was suddenly terminated and changed to a cost-sharing system in 1988. The policy change from free primary education to cost-sharing system led to a 1.3-year reduction in the length of female education. Taking this sudden policy change as a quasi-experiment, our paper attempts to identify the long-term impacts of female education on the quality–quantity trade-off. Using the 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, we investigate the impact of female education on total fertility as well as child quality. Our results show that one additional year of female education reduces total fertility by 0.25 and 0.44 by the ages of 26 and 37 years, respectively, and also increases educational investment in their children. As for the mechanism of these changes, we examine three possible pathways: labor participation, knowledge of contraception, and assortative mating. We found that the women affected by the termination of free education were largely vulnerable and seemed to withdraw from education. Furthermore, their total fertility increased, while the educational quality of their children decreased. Our paper infers that the universal primary education policies implemented in many countries today could serve to both contain rapid increases in population and exert long-lasting effects on subsequent generations.
JEL Classification Codes: I25, I28, O12, J13
Functional Food Development using Ulva fasciata and Its Acute & Chronic Toxicity on Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Jain Pratishtha , R Hari Ramanan , B Hari Priya , Soundararajan Vishalakshi , S Mohan Kumar , Sarvepalli Kavitha Rao , Ravi Lokesh
Published: June 2024

The aim of this investigation is to develop functional food recipes that combines millets and edible seaweed (Ulva fasciata), to help maintain blood sugar levels in diabetes mellitus patients. The U. fasciata sample was procured from Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu, and botanically authenticated at CSMCRI, Rameswaram. The U. fasciata thallus was subjected for Drosophila melanogaster toxicity studies, to assess the effect on mortality, fecundity, negative geotaxis and feeding behaviors for both acute and chronic durations. It was concluded that the procured U. fasciata sample is non-toxic and it improves the physiological functioning of the flies such as neural, muscular, digestive function and feeding potential of the flies. Further, the seaweed was infused into three unique functional food recipes i.e., Ragi Soup, Sorghum Ice Cream and Foxtail Millet Dosa (each infused with 1% dry U. fasciata). The functional foods were developed based on trial-and-error method, coupled with sensory panel analysis (semi-trained) to improve the palatability and acceptability. Proximate analysis was performed for all the three food products and fresh U. fasciata thallus, to understand their nutritional composition. The developed products contain a good balanced source of nutrients and rich source of minerals, that could help improve the metabolic process of diabetic patients. The optimized functional foods were lyophilized to convert these products into ready-to-eat commercial recipes. To the best of knowledge, this is the first report on developing functional foods that combines millets and edible seaweeds for their anti-diabetic applications.
Deep reinforcement learning for active flow control in a turbulent separation bubble
Authors: Font Bernat , Alcántara-Ávila Francisco , Rabault Jean , Vinuesa Ricardo , Lehmkuhl Oriol
Published: June 2024

The control efficacy of deep reinforcement learning (DRL) compared with classical periodic forcing is assessed for a turbulent separation bubble (TSB) reaching a friction Reynolds number of Re𝝉=750. The TSB is a simplified representation of the separation phenomenon naturally arising in wings, and a successful reduction of the TSB has practical implications in the reduction of the aviation carbon footprint. We use two different grid resolutions so that the DRL training is run on the coarse grid for computational simplicity. Since this coarse grid captures the most important features of the flow, the obtained strategy can be directly applied on the fine grid, reaching a very good performance. While the classical zero-net-mass-flux (ZNMF) periodic control is able to reduce the TSB length by a 6.8%, the DRL-based control achieves 8.9% reduction. Furthermore, DRL control provides a smoother control strategy while also being ZNMF. To the best of our knowledge, the current test case is the highest Reynolds-number flow that has been successfully controlled using DRL to this date. Last, we provide details of our open-source computational framework suited for the next generation of exascale computing machines.
Validation of Sampling Points for Airborne Radioactivity in Particulate-Generating Operations
Authors: Chakraborty Abinash , Parashar Neeraj , Pandey Dhananjay Kumar , Kumar Pankaj , Deokar U.V. , Pandey J.P.N.
Published: June 2024

This study introduces an approach to validate sampling points for air monitoring in environments where operations generate significant airborne particulate radioactivity. A case study of repair works in a nuclear spent fuel reprocessing facility is used to synthesis and demonstrate the methodology. We use the probability distribution of air activity measurements and the correlation between two sampling points near high particulate generating operations and the ventilation ducts. The methodology developed in this paper can be applied in task-related air monitoring scenarios for validation of sampling points. This will augment internal exposure control measures during works involving physical entries in areas with high potential of escalation of air activity (e.g., during major repairs, during decommissioning of nuclear facilities etc.) and to evaluate the sufficiency of respiratory protection.
Flexible Self-rectifying Synapse Array for Energy-efficient Edge Multiplication in Electrocardiogram Diagnosis
Authors: Kim Kyung Min , Lee Younghyun , Rhee Hakseung , Kim Geun Young , Cheong Woon Hyung , Kim Do Hoon , Song Hanchan , Kay Sooyeon Narie , Lee Jongwon
Published: June 2024

Edge computing devices, which generate, collect, process, and analyze data near the source, enhance the data processing efficiency and improve the responsiveness in real-time applications or unstable network environments. To be utilized in wearable and skin-attached electronics, these edge devices must be compact, energy efficient for use in low-power environments, and fabricable on soft substrates. Here, we propose a flexible memristive dot product engine (f-MDPE) designed for edge use and demonstrate its feasibility in a real-time electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring system. The f-MDPE comprises a 32×32 crossbar array embodying a low-temperature processed self-rectifying charge trap memristor on a flexible polyimide substrate and exhibits high uniformity and robust electrical and mechanical stability even under 5-mm bending conditions. Then, we design a neural network training algorithm through hardware-aware approaches and conduct real-time edge ECG diagnosis. This approach achieved an ECG classification accuracy of 93.5%, while consuming only 0.3% of the energy compared to digital approaches. Furthermore, our simulations indicated that the energy reduction could be further reduced to 0.001% through device scaling to a 100-nm-line width, highlighting the strong potential of this approach for emerging edge neuromorphic hardware.
How childhood allowance affects financial literacy in adulthood: A gender perspective study from Japan
Authors: Yamane Chisako , Aman Hiroyuki , Motonishi Taizo
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the long-term associations between a childhood allowance and financial literacy, monetary attitudes, and time discounting preferences in adulthood, with a specific focus on gender differences, using survey data from Japan. Gender factor analyses were conducted to identify common factors in psychological attitudes toward money. Subsequently, using reduced-form estimation, we estimated the relationship between childhood allowance and these factors, as well as the time discounting preference and financial literacy by gender. Our findings reveal that regular monthly allowances are associated with good budgeting habits among males, whereas females receiving any form of allowance tend to have less-negative attitudes toward money. Furthermore, the relationship between a childhood allowance and time-discounting preferences varies by gender, with females being more affected by the allowance. Additionally, the impact of financial literacy differs between males and females depending on how the child allowance is received. Overall, this study underscores the importance of considering childhood financial experiences to understand financial behaviors and attitudes.
The expression patterns of different cell types and their interactions in the tumor microenvironment are predictive of breast cancer patient response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Ruppin Eytan , Dhruba Saugato Rahman , Sahni Sahil , Wang Binbin , Wu Di , Rajagopal Padma , Gurevich-Schmidt Yael , Shulman Eldad , Sinha Sanju , Sammut Stephen-John , Caldas Carlos , Wang Kun
Published: June 2024

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem of diverse cell types whose interactions govern tumor growth and clinical outcome. While the TME’s impact on immunotherapy has been extensively studied, its role in chemotherapy response remains less explored. To address this, we developed DECODEM (DEcoupling Cell-type-specific Outcomes using DEconvolution and Machine learning), a generic computational framework leveraging cellular deconvolution of bulk transcriptomics to associate the gene expression of individual cell types in the TME with clinical response. Employing DECODEM to analyze the gene expression of breast cancer (BC) patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, we find that the gene expression of specific immune cells (myeloid, plasmablasts, B-cells) and stromal cells (endothelial, normal epithelial, CAFs) are highly predictive of chemotherapy response, going beyond that of the malignant cells. These findings are further tested and validated in a single-cell cohort of triple negative breast cancer. To investigate the possible role of immune cell-cell interactions (CCIs) in mediating chemotherapy response, we extended DECODEM to DECODEMi to identify such CCIs, validated in single-cell data. Our findings highlight the importance of active pre-treatment immune infiltration for chemotherapy success. The tools developed here are made publicly available and are applicable for studying the role of the TME in mediating response from readily available bulk tumor expression in a wide range of cancer treatments and indications.
Does Economic Complexity Promote Inclusive Green Growth?
Authors: Gbolonyo Emmanuel Y. , Ofori Isaac K. , Ojong Nathanael
Published: June 2024

Despite the growing scholarly attention concerning the effect of economic complexity (ECI) on inclusive growth and the environment, there remain some pertinent gaps in the literature. First, previous studies have not explored the effect of ECI on inclusive green growth (IGG). Second, prior contributions have not assessed the role of energy consumption (disaggregated into renewable and non-renewable) in the relationship between ECI and IGG. This study addresses these gaps by using macro data for 22 selected African countries. Robust evidence based on the dynamic system GMM and the Driscoll-Kraay standard errors estimators reveal that economic complexity promotes IGG. Additionally, the contingency analysis reveals that non-renewable energy diminishes the IGG-enhancing effect of ECI, whereas renewable energy amplifies it. Finally, when we decompose IGG into environmental and socioeconomic sustainability, we find that the ECI-energy consumption interaction has a greater effect on the latter rather than the former. We conclude that investments for boosting Africa's productive knowledge and renewable energy capacities are crucial for IGG.
JEL Code: O44; O55; Q01; Q43; Q56
Coherent design of chromium oxide nanoparticles immobilized on layered double hydroxide as competent nanocatalyst for the oxidation of cyclohexane to KA oil
Authors: Kirar Jagat Singh
Published: June 2024

Transition metals are commonly used in the oxidation of cyclohexane, but their robust reaction conditions and lack of efficiency make further use challenging. This work aimed to improve the efficiency of the reaction further, a heterogeneous catalyst for the oxidation of cyclohexane was developed using chromium oxide nanoparticles immobilized on layered double hydroxide (Cr2O3/LDH). Various spectroscopy methods were used to identify the synthesized catalysts. The synthesized Cr2O3/LDH nanocatalyst was used for the selective oxidation of cyclohexane in the liquid phase without solvent. The structural characterization showed that the Cr2O3-NPs were well anchored on the LDH layers, resulting in a fine dispersion. The Cr2O3/LDH hybrid significantly increased conversion and selectivity, achieving a maximum conversion of 34.73% cyclohexane and 97.85% selectivity to K/A oil. The leaching experiment revealed that the Cr2O3/LDH exhibited the properties of a heterogeneous nanocatalyst, which could be reused for at least six cycles without affecting its catalytic efficiency.
Multiple Sclerosis Patients taking Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor (GLP-1) Agonists: A Single-Institution Retrospective Cohort Study of Tolerability and Weight Loss
Authors: Udawatta Methma , Fidalgo Nicholas , Mateen Farrah
Published: June 2024

Obesity is a risk factor for developing and worsening multiple sclerosis (MS) and is often comorbid with MS, exacerbating disability. We retrospectively studied MS patients starting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists at the Mass General Brigham, U.S.A. (January 2005-June 2024). Patients (n=49) were mostly female (73%), average age 54 years old, with relapsing disease (78%) and an average starting body mass index (BMI) of 39.7 kg/m2 (range 25.9, 58.9 kg/m2; n=43 clinically obese or BMI >30 kg/m2) and weight of 110.6 kg (245.6 lbs.; range 68-155.8kg, 150-343.4 lbs.). The most commonly taken disease modifying therapy (DMT) was ocrelizumab (39%) while 24% of patients were not taking any DMT. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (59%), hyperlipidemia (55%), and diabetes mellitus (41%). Patients took GLP-1 agonists for an average of 24.2 months (median 21.4; range 3.2, 88.5 months). Patients lost on average 0.47kg/month (1.03 lbs./month; range of total weight change: 27.7 kg (61.1 lbs.) lost, 7.7 kg (17.0 lbs.) gained). Among overweight and obese patients with MS, those with a higher starting BMI tended to lose more weight. 29% experienced side effects of the GLP-1 drugs with 3 discontinuations due to tolerability. Four patients accrued new demyelinating lesions on MRI (one on no DMT, two started on a high-efficacy DMT for the first time in the past 6 months, and one on a high-efficacy DMT) and one patient experienced a new MS attack (treated with interferon beta-1a). Our early experience suggests GLP-1 agonists are safe in MS patients, who have a similar tolerability to the general population on this medication class and measurable and sustained but somewhat less than anticipated weight loss.
Reading and Writing Research Based on Surname Group in a University (2012-2023)
Authors: Liu Jiexuan
Published: June 2024

The study aims to investigate how surnames influence academic achievements and hierarchy in higher education. It analyzes millions of book circulation records at Nanjing Normal University’s library from 2012 to 2023. The study employs various data analysis techniques such as Kendall coefficients, binary logistic regression, factor analysis, scale optimization, survival analysis, factor analysis, and structural equation modeling to examine the reading and writing patterns of the top 300 surnames. The results are analyzed within the framework of female-dominated education and teacher preparation. The results suggest a noticeable pattern of consistency in 12-year book borrowing and renewing habits within the top 300 reader surnames, and a complex hierarchical misalignment between the reader hierarchy, book category hierarchy, and author hierarchy, resulting in a staggered correspondence. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, readers with surnames above the average have shown a decreased willingness to use the book renewal service. This decreased intention has had a more pronounced effect on the logical rationality of readers, resulting in a negative impact on females and literary books, and a positive impact on STEM books.
Tailoring implementation strategies to promote brief verbal intervention for smoking cessation among primary healthcare providers: a hybrid III multi-center randomized factorial trial
Authors: Chen Jiangyun , Yang Jiao , Liu Siyuan , Luo Lingzi , He Wenjun , Zhou Haozheng , Ren Na , Zhou Yan , Cai Yiyuan , Luo Huanyuan , Lin Zhiwen , Xu Dong (Roman)
Published: June 2024

Background
The current situation regarding tobacco consumption in China is grave, posing a significant threat to the health of smokers. The Chinese government has implemented several policies aimed at controlling tobacco use. Brief verbal Intervention for Smoking Cessation (BISC) has been demonstrated as highly effective and cost-efficient. Primary Healthcare (PHC) providers play a pivotal role as pioneers in executing BISC. However, the current execution of BISC within PHC providers in China falls short of ideal standards. Thus, this study aims to devise more suitable implementation strategies to facilitate the implementation of BISC by PHC providers in China.
Method
This study will utilize the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) to conduct two-phase randomized trial in Guangdong, Hubei and Xinjiang in China. In the preparation phase, a scoping review will be conducted to examine current findings on the facilitators and barriers of BISC implementation by PHC providers, employing the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change compilation (ERIC) will inform the development of primary implementation techniques. Following an online survey utilizing best-worst scaling (BWS) to rank the most effective implementation techniques, stakeholder discussions will be conducted to create a list of candidate implementation techniques and their respective levels, as well as to identify optimization objectives. Subsequently, in the optimization phase, a factorial trial involving more than 152 participants will be conducted to ascertain the optimized combination of implementation techniques, which will then be validated in the evaluation phase. The study outcomes align with the principles of Proctor's Implementation Outcomes Framework (IOF) and RE-AIM. Primary (delivery of BISC), secondary (coverage of BISC delivery), and other outcomes (applicability, acceptance, and costs of BISC delivery) will be collected through Unannounced Standardized Patient (USP) visits, semi-structured interviews, NPT-guided questionnaires, and administrative data. Modified Poisson Regression Models (MPRM) will be employed to test hypotheses concerning the main effects of the implementation techniques and their interaction effects on the primary outcome of the study.
Discussion
This protocol outlines the utilization of the MOST framework to customize the optimized combination of implementation techniques for BISC within the local context.
Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2300069008. Registered on August 19, 2022.
Influence of Preprocessing Methods of Automated Milking Systems Data on the Prediction of Mastitis with Machine Learning Models
Authors: B.O. Kashongwe , T. Kabelitz , T. Amon , C Ammon , B. Amon , M. Doherr
Published: June 2024

Missing data and class imbalance represent a hindrance to accurate prediction of rare events such as mastitis (udder inflammation). Various methods are susceptible to handle the problem, however, little is known about their individual and combined effects on the performance of ML models fitted to AMS (automated milking system) data for mastitis prediction. We apply imputation and resampling to improve performance metrics of classifiers (logistic regression, stochastic gradient descent, multilayer perceptron, decision tree and random forest). Three imputation methods: simple imputer (SI), multiple imputer (MICE) and linear interpolation (LI) were compared to complete cases. Three resampling procedures: synthetic minority oversampling technique (SOMTE), Support Vector Machine SMOTE and SMOTE with Edited Nearest Neighbours were compared. We evaluated different techniques by calculating precision, recall, F1 Score and compared models based on kappa score. Both imputation and resampling techniques improved models performance. Complete case analysis suited the Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD) Classifier better than resampling or imputation (kappa=0.280). The Logistic regression (LR) performed better with SVMSMOTE rand no imputation (kappa= 0.218). The Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree (DT) and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) performed better than SGD and LR and handled well class imbalance and missing values without preprocessing. We propose careful selection of the technique to handle class imbalance and missing value prior to subjecting data to ML model is crucial to attain best ML model performance.
Medientagebücher als Teil sequenzieller Triangulation in der qualitativen Forschung
Authors: Domdey Paulina , Potzel Katrin
Published: June 2024

In Zeiten einer tiefgreifenden Mediatisierung stellt sich der Medienalltag Heranwachsender zunehmend vielfältig und komplex dar. Um sich diesem empirisch anzunähern, bedarf es daher geeigneter Analyseinstrumente, die besonders alltagsnahe und vergleichsweise authentische Einblicke in den Medienalltag von Kindern und Jugendlichen gewähren. Der vorliegende Beitrag erörtert in diesem Zusammenhang die Potenziale der Medientagebuchmethode im Kontext qualitativer (Medien-)Sozialisationsforschung. Anhand einer längsschnittlichen Panelstudie wird veranschaulicht, wie strukturierte Medientagebücher im Rahmen einer (sequenziellen) Methodentriangulation eingesetzt werden können. In Kombination mit Interviews mit Kindern und Jugendlichen sowie ihren Eltern ermöglichen sie ein differenziertes Bild der Medienpraktiken sowie der individuellen Medienrepertoires Heranwachsender im Kontext ihrer sozialen Beziehungen. Schrittweise wird der Forschungsprozess von der Nutzung der Tagebücher bis hin zur triangulativen Auswertung dargestellt und reflektiert. Durch dieses Einbinden der Medientagebücher in den methodischen Gesamtkontext des Projekts werden neben den Potenzialen auch die Herausforderungen für die Mediensozialisationsforschung verdeutlicht. Der Beitrag schliesst mit Überlegungen zur Weiterentwicklung der Methode im Sinne einer altersgerechten Umsetzung und unter den Bedingungen einer tiefgreifend mediatisierten Gesellschaft.