bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergency department triage decision‐making by registered nurses: An instrument development study
Authors: Reay Gudrun , Rankin James A. , Then Karen L. , Fung Tak , Smith‐MacDonald Lorraine
Published: June 2024

Aim

To develop and psychometrically test the triage decision‐making instrument, a tool to measure Emergency Department Registered Nurses decision‐making.

Design

Five phases: (1) defining the concept, (2) item generation, (3) face validity, (4) content validity and (5) pilot testing.

Methods

Concept definition informed by a grounded theory study from which four domains emerged. Items relevant to the four domains were generated and revised. Face validity was established using three focus groups. The target population upon which the reliability and validity of the triage decision‐making instrument was explored were triage registered nurses in emergency departments. Three expert judges assessed 89 items for content and domain designation using a 4‐point scale. Psychometric properties were assessed by exploratory factor analysis, following which the names of the four domains were modified.

Results

The triage decision‐making instrument is a 22‐item tool with four factors: clinical judgement, managing acuity, professional collaboration and creating space. Focus group data indicated support for the domains. Expert review resulted in 46 items with 100% agreement and 13 with 66% agreement. Fifty‐nine items were distributed to a convenience sample of 204 triage nurses from six hospitals in 2019. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin measures indicated that the data were sufficient for exploratory factor analysis. Bartlett's test indicated patterned relationships among the items (X
2 (231) = 1156.69). An eigenvalue of >1.0 was used and four factors explained 48.64% of the variance. All factor loadings were ≥0.40. Internal consistency was demonstrated by Cronbach's alphas of .596 factor 1, .690 factor 2, .749 factor 3 and .822 for factor 4.

Conclusion

The triage decision‐making instrument meets the criteria for face validity, content validity and internal consistency. It is suitable for further testing and refinement.

Impact

The instrument is a first step in quantifying triage decision‐making in real‐world clinical environments. The triage decision‐making instrument can be used for targeted triage interventions aimed at improving throughput and staff education.

Statistical Support

Dr. Tak Fung who is a member of the research team is a statistician.

Statistical Methods

Development, validation and assessment of instruments/scales. Descriptive statistics.

Reporting Method

STROBE cross‐sectional checklist.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

The TDI makes the complexity of triage decision‐making visible. Identifying the influence of decision‐making factors in addition to acuity that affect triage decisions will enable nurse managers and educators to develop targeted interventions and staff development initiatives. By extension, this will enhance patient care and safety.
Past and future climate effects on population structure and diversity of North Pacific surfgrasses
Authors: Tavares Ana I. , Assis Jorge , Anderson Laura , Raimondi Pete , Coelho Nelson Castilho , Paulino Cristina , Ladah Lydia , Nakaoka Masahiro , Pearson Gareth A. , Serrao Ester A.
Published: June 2024

Aim

Understanding the impacts of past and future climate change on genetic diversity and structure is a current major research gap. We ask whether past range shifts explain the observed genetic diversity of surfgrass species and if future climate change projections anticipate genetic diversity losses. Our study aims to identify regions of long‐term climate suitability with higher and unique seagrass genetic diversity and predict future impacts of climate change on them.

Location

Northeast Pacific.

Time Period

Analyses considered a timeframe from the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; 20 kybp) until one Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenario of future climate changes (RCP 8.5; 2100).

Major Taxa Studied

Two seagrass species belonging to the genus Phyllospadix.

Methods

We estimated population genetic diversity and structure using 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers. We predicted the distribution of the species for the present, LGM, and near future (RCP 8.5, no climate mitigation) using Species Distribution Models (SDMs).

Results

SDMs revealed southward range shifts during the LGM and potential poleward expansions in the future. Genetic diversity of Phyllospadix torreyi decreases from north to south, but in Phyllospadix scouleri the trend is variable. Phyllospadix scouleri displays signals of genome admixture at the southernmost and northernmost edges of its distribution.

Main Conclusions

The genetic patterns observed in the present reveal the influence of climate‐driven range shifts in the past and suggest further consequences of climate change in the future, with potential loss of unique gene pools. This study also shows that investigating climate links to present genetic information at multiple timescales can establish a historical context for analyses of the future evolutionary history of populations.
First record of the invasive walnut leaf miner Caloptilia roscipennella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) in Kashmir, India
Authors: Mir Sajad Hussain , Nugnes Francesco , Bernardo Umberto
Published: June 2024

Caloptilia roscipennella (Hübner, 1796) is a leaf‐mining moth native to Central and Southern Europe. In this publication, we provide the first report of the occurrence of Caloptilia roscipennella in India. The identification was performed using an integrative approach, combining molecular (barcoding, COI) and morphological analysis (forewing pattern). In 2020, the larvae were initially found scraping in the silvery‐white mine and later feeding in folded or rolled leaves of the common walnut Juglans regia L. In the subsequent years, the species was found only in the same places. Two generations were recorded per year (May–June and August–September) and leaf miners overwintered as adults and reappeared in the early spring. Damage ranging from 15% to 20% was observed on the leaves of J. regia. Further efforts related to C. roscipennella should concentrate on evaluating its geographic distribution and its impact on walnut trees. Several species of parasitoids were reared from infested mines, with specimens belonging to the genus Chrysocharis Förster, 1856 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Itoplectis maculator (Fabricius, 1775) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). These species provided excellent control of leaf miner larvae, and out of 10 larvae, seven were found parasitized by the parasitoids and higher numbers of specimens were found with relative higher frequencies.
Circadian and ultradian rhythms: Clinical implications
Authors: Lightman Stafford L. , Conway‐Campbell Becky L.
Published: June 2024

The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis is an extremely dynamic system with a combination of both circadian and ultradian oscillations. This state of ‘continuous dynamic equilibration’ provides a platform that is able to anticipate events, is sensitive in its response to stressors, remains robust during perturbations of both the internal and external environments and shows plasticity to adapt to a changed environment. In this review, we describe these oscillations of glucocorticoid (GC) hormones and why they are so important for GC‐dependent gene activation in the brain and liver, and their consequent effects on the regulation of synaptic and memory function as well as appetite control and metabolic regulation. Abnormalities of mood, appetite and metabolic regulation are well‐known consequences of GC therapy, and we suggest that the pattern of GC treatment and hormone replacement should be a much higher priority for endocrinologists and the pharmaceutical industry. One of the major impediments to our research on the importance of these cortisol rhythms in our patients has been our inability to measure repeated levels of hormones across the day in patients in their home or work surroundings. We describe how new wearable methodologies now allow the measurement of 24‐h cortisol profiles – including during sleep – and will enable us to define physiological normality and allow us both to develop better diagnostic tests and inform, at an individual patient level, how to improve replacement therapy.
Direct and indirect effects of degree of interdisciplinarity on firms' innovation performance: The moderating role of firms' capabilities
Authors: Melnychuk Tetyana , Schultz Carsten
Published: June 2024

Combinations of heterogeneous knowledge from different scientific domains may drive highly innovative outcomes. Our study investigates whether firms can benefit from interdisciplinary research and development (R&D) activities by also reflecting on the potential negative consequences of increasing complexity of outcome validation activities at later stages of innovation processes. We explore which resources and organizational capabilities may influence the efficacy of interdisciplinary R&D activities. We examine whether the available financial slack, collaborations with universities, and a high betweenness centrality in scientific networks may promote the flexibility, scope, and efficiency of knowledge integration, and thus moderate the direct and mediated relationships between the degree of interdisciplinarity (DoI) of a firm's R&D activities and innovation performance. To test our hypotheses, we performed an analysis of medical technology firms that are highly dependent on interdisciplinary R&D. We collected a panel dataset of R&D activities and successful market launches of new products from 79 large medical technology firms between 1997 and 2021. The measurement of a firm's DoI is based on a novel approach involving neural networks in a bibliographic data graph. Our results suggest that firms can improve their innovation performance if they conduct interdisciplinary R&D activities. However, higher levels of DoI also increase the complexity of the required outcome validation, which reduces a firm's innovation performance. We also found that high levels of financial slack help to overcome barriers of implementing interdisciplinary R&D activities. Collaborations with universities, and good access to knowledge in scientific networks, further foster interdisciplinary knowledge application in new product development.
Racial and gender differences in relapse potential and treatment acceptance among rural residents in a substance use disorder treatment program
Authors: Wandji Serge R. , Tavakoli Abbas S. , Davis Jean E. , Pope Robert , Abshire Demetrius A.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To examine racial and gender differences in treatment acceptance and relapse potential among rural residents admitted to a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study using data collected from a sample of 1850 rural residents admitted to a South Carolina state‐run SUD treatment center between the years of 2018 and 2020. Chi‐square and t‐tests were used to compare treatment acceptance and relapse potential by race and gender. Multivariate logistic regression analyses was conducted to further examine the relationship of race and gender with treatment acceptance and relapse potential after adjusting for potential confounding variables.

Findings

Approximately 50% of participants were classified as being accepting of their treatment and committed to changing their substance use, and there were no racial or gender differences in the bivariate and multivariate analyses. Approximately 25% of participants were classified as having low/no potential risk for relapsing, and there were no racial or gender differences in the bivariate analysis. However, the adjusted odds ratio of relapsing risk were lower among White compared to Black adults [AOR = 0.49 with 95% CI (0.31–0.77)].

Conclusion

This study suggests there are no gender or racial differences in treatment acceptance for SUD but that Black adults are at greater risk of relapsing relative to White adults. Additional research is needed to identify factors that increase Black adults’ risk for relapse to inform interventions that can improve SUD treatment outcomes in this population.
Primary phenotypic features associated with caudal neck pathology in warmblood horses
Authors: Dyson Sue , Zheng Shichen , Aleman Monica
Published: June 2024

Background

Detailed descriptions of clinical signs associated with radiological findings of the caudal cervical vertebral column are not available.

Objectives/Hypotheses

Describe the clinical features associated with neck pain or stiffness, neck‐related thoracic limb lameness, proprioceptive ataxia consistent with a cervicothoracic spinal cord or nerve lesion, and their frequency of occurrence compared with control horses.

Animals

A total of 223 Warmblood horses.

Methods

Case‐control study. Controls and cases were recruited prospectively. All horses underwent predetermined lameness and neurologic examinations. The frequency of occurrence of each clinical feature was compared between cases and controls and relative risk (RR) were calculated.

Results

Ninety‐six cases and 127 controls were included. Forty‐seven (49%) of the cases were classified as neurologic, 31 (32.3%) had thoracic limb lameness, and 18 (18.7%) had neck stiffness or pain or both. Focal caudal cervical muscle atrophy (46, 47.9%), hypoesthesia (38, 39.6%), patchy sweating (16, 16.7%), hyperesthesia (11, 11.5%), and pain upon firm pressure applied over the caudal cervical articular process joints and transverse processes (58, 60.4%) were only observed in cases (P < .001). Sideways flexion of the neck was restricted in a higher proportion of cases (47/96, 49%) compared with controls (40/127, 31.8%; P = .009, RR 1.5). Hopping‐type thoracic limb lameness was only observed in cases, (30, 31.6%). Deterioration in lameness after diagnostic anesthesia occurred in 13/31 (41.9%) cases.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Systematic clinical evaluation using the methods described should enable clinical differentiation between horses with caudal cervical lesions and horses with other causes of gait abnormalities.
Attention‐optimized 3D segmentation and reconstruction system for sewer pipelines employing multi‐view images
Authors: Ma Duo , Wang Niannian , Fang Hongyuan , Chen Weiwei , Li Bin , Zhai Kejie
Published: June 2024

Existing deep learning‐based defect inspection results on images lack depth information to fully demonstrate the sewer, despite their high accuracy. To address this limitation, a novel attention‐optimized three‐dimensional (3D) segmentation and reconstruction system for sewer pipelines is presented. First, a real‐time sewer segmentation method called AM‐Pipe‐SegNet is developed to inspect defects (i.e., misalignment, obstacle, and fracture) efficiently. Attention mechanisms (AMs) are introduced to improve the performance of segmentation. Second, an attention‐optimized and sparse‐initialized depth estimation network called AM‐Pipe‐DepNet is presented to generate depth maps from multi‐view images. Third, a 2D‐to‐3D mapping algorithm is proposed to remove noise and transform the sewer segmentation results into 3D spaces. Comparison experiments reveal that incorporating AMs into the network significantly enhances pipe segmentation and 3D reconstruction performance. Finally, two digital replicas of real sewer pipes are built based on photos taken by probes, providing valuable insights for sewer maintenance.
Deep Q‐network learning‐based active speed management under autonomous driving environments
Authors: Kang Kawon , Park Nuri , Park Juneyoung , Abdel‐Aty Mohamed
Published: June 2024

Efficient traffic safety management necessitates real‐time crash risk prediction using expressway characteristics. With the emergence of autonomous vehicles (AVs), the development and evaluation of variable speed limit (VSL) strategies, a key active traffic management technique, become crucial for enhancing safety and mobility in mixed traffic flows. This underscores the need for optimized VSL strategies to accommodate both conventional and AVs. This paper presents a study on the development of VSL control algorithms using deep reinforcement learning in a microscopic traffic simulation. As the rewards function, time‐to‐collision and speed were considered. To enhance traffic safety, VSL strategies were refined across various market penetration of connected AVs. Analysis revealed that safety and traffic density are improved by 53% and 59%, respectively, in market penetration rate (MPR) 50, marking significant safety improvements in congested and low MPR scenarios. These findings present the importance of developing and evaluating VSL strategies for mixed traffic flow, particularly in the context of increasing the prevalence of connected and AVs.
Deservingness at the frontline: How health‐related responsibility cues affect sanctioning and prioritization of citizens
Authors: Halling Aske , Christensen Julian , Hansen Frederik Godt , Petersen Niels Bjørn Grund
Published: June 2024

Deservingness literature has shown that people, including frontline workers, spontaneously judge whether welfare recipients are responsible for their own situation or are victims of circumstances beyond their own control, and that these judgments shape behaviors and opinions. We contribute to this literature by examining the impact of clients' responsibility for their own sickness on how the clients are treated by frontline workers. Using a pre‐registered vignette survey experiment among 1050 caseworkers, we examine our hypothesis that frontline workers treat clients who are responsible for their own sickness more harshly. In the experiment, we manipulate whether a client got COVID‐19 because of his own behavior or was unlucky to catch it. We find that although the manipulation strongly influences frontline workers' responsibility attribution, it does not affect inclinations to help or sanction the client. Our findings highlight that factors other than deservingness are important for frontline workers' prioritization of sick citizens.
Diagnosis and management of food allergy‐induced constipation in young children—An EAACI position paper
Authors: Meyer Rosan , Vandenplas Yvan , Lozinsky Adriana Chebar , Vieira Mario C. , Berni Canani Roberto , du Toit George , Dupont Christophe , Giovannini Mattia , Uysal Pinar , Cavkaytar Ozlem , Knibb Rebecca , Fleischer David M. , Nowak‐Wegrzyn Anna , Venter Carina
Published: June 2024

The recognition of constipation as a possible non‐Immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated allergic condition is challenging because functional constipation (unrelated to food allergies) is a common health problem with a reported worldwide prevalence rate of up to 32.2% in children. However, many studies in children report challenge proven cow's milk allergy and constipation as a primary symptom and have found that between 28% and 78% of children improve on a cow's milk elimination diet. Due to the paucity of data and a focus on IgE‐mediated allergy, not all food allergy guidelines list constipation as a symptom of food allergy. Yet, it is included in all cow's milk allergy guidelines available in English language. The Exploring Non‐IgE‐Mediated Allergy (ENIGMA) Task Force (TF) of the European Academy for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) considers in this paper constipation in the context of failure of standard treatment and discuss the role of food allergens as culprit in constipation in children. This position paper used the Delphi approach in reaching consensus on both diagnosis and management, as currently published data are insufficient to support a systematic review.
You are a hero! The influence of audience‐as‐hero narratives on policy support
Authors: Chalaya Tatiana , Schlaufer Caroline , Uldanov Artem
Published: June 2024

Effective communication increases support for policy measures. This article argues that a narrative that portrays a policy's target group as a hero is most effective in generating support for the given policy. The research builds on the Narrative Policy Framework (NPF) to test the influence of an audience‐as‐hero narrative on the opinion about a new campfire regulation among visitors to a national park in Russia. A survey experiment with 314 visitors to the national park compares the influence of a narrative portraying the regulation's target group as a hero (a park visitor) on policy opinion and a narrative portraying another hero (a firefighter). Results show that the audience‐as‐hero narrative has more influence on policy support than a nonnarrative message and also more than a narrative portraying another hero. This indicates that audience‐as‐hero narratives are particularly effective in generating support for policies.

Related Articles

Crow, Deserai A., Lydia A. Lawhon, John Berggren, Juhi Huda, Elizabeth Koebele, and Adrianne Kroepsch. 2017. “A Narrative Policy Framework Analysis of Wildfire Policy Discussions in Two Colorado Communities.” Politics & Policy 45(4): 626–56. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12207.

Shanahan, Elizabeth A., Mark K. McBeth, and Paul L. Hathaway. 2011. “Narrative Policy Framework: The Influence of Media Policy Narrative on Public Opinion.” Politics & Policy 39(3): 373–400. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2011.00295.x/abstract.

Smith‐Walter, Aaron, Holly L. Peterson, Michael D. Jones, and Ashley Nicole Reynolds Marshall. 2016. “Gun Stories: How Evidence Shapes Firearm Policy in the United States.” Politics & Policy 44: 1053–88. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12187/full.
HgS2, a novel salt‐responsive gene from the Halophyte Halogeton glomeratus, confers salt tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Huang Zhilei , Yao Lirong , Li Baochun , Ma Xiaole , Si Erjing , Yang Ke , Zhang Hong , Meng Yaxiong , Wang Juncheng , Wang Huajun
Published: June 2024

Halophyte Halogeton glomeratus mostly grows in saline desert areas in arid and semi‐arid regions and is able to adapt to adverse conditions such as salinity and drought. Earlier transcriptomic studies revealed activation of the HgS2 gene in the leaf of H. glomeratus seedlings when exposed to saline conditions. To identify the properties of HgS2 in H. glomeratus, we used yeast transformation and overexpression in Arabidopsis. Yeast cells genetically transformed with HgS2 exhibited K+ uptake and Na+ efflux compared with control (empty vector). Stable overexpression of HgS2 in Arabidopsis improved its resistance to salt stress and led to a notable rise in seed germination in salinity conditions compared to the wild type (WT). Transgenic Arabidopsis regulated ion homeostasis in plant cells by increasing Na+ absorption and decreasing K+ efflux in leaves, while reducing Na+ absorption and K+ efflux in roots. In addition, overexpression of HgS2 altered transcription levels of stress response genes and regulated different metabolic pathways in roots and leaves of Arabidopsis. These results offer new insights into the role of HgS2 in plants' salt tolerance.
The growth factors amphiregulin and epiregulin are novel stimulators of feline ovarian granulosa cell functions
Authors: Fabová Zuzana , Loncová Barbora , Harrath Abdel Halim , Sirotkin Alexander V.
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the epidermal growth factor receptor ligands amphiregulin (AREG) and epiregulin (EREG) on the fundamental functions of feline ovarian granulosa cells. Granulosa cells isolated from feline ovaries were incubated with AREG and EREG (0, 0.1, 1 or 10 ng/mL). The effects of these growth factors on cell viability, proliferation (assessed through BrdU incorporation), nuclear apoptosis (evaluated through nuclear DNA fragmentation) and the release of progesterone and estradiol were determined using Cell Counting Kit‐8 assays, BrdU analysis, TUNEL assays and ELISAs, respectively. Both AREG and EREG increased cell viability, proliferation and steroid hormone release and reduced apoptosis. The present findings suggest that these epidermal growth factor receptor ligands may serve as physiological stimulators of feline ovarian cell functions.
Using summary tables to introduce principal component analysis in an elementary data science course
Authors: Paolino Jon‐Paul
Published: June 2024

This article presents a novel approach to introducing principal component analysis (PCA), using summary tables and descriptive statistics. Given its applicability across a variety of academic disciplines, this topic offers abundant opportunity for class discussion and activities. However, teaching PCA in an introductory class can be challenging due to the potential abstraction of multivariate datasets, and especially when students have a minimal background in statistics or data science. This method aims to help teachers bridge the gap between basic descriptive statistics and the more advanced concepts of PCA; this is done by disregarding mathematical optimization, while emphasizing the use of summary tables and the programming language R. The focus is on implementing this method in an introductory tertiary data science course; however, it may potentially be used in higher level courses, and across a variety of disciplines.
Performance of an automated immunoturbidimetric assay for bovine serum amyloid A
Authors: Nielsen Lise N. , Petersen Mette B. , Capion Nynne , Lundsgaard Jo F.‐H. , Jensen Asger L.
Published: June 2024

Background

Acute phase proteins are a group of vital constituents of the innate immune system, which may also serve as circulatory biomarkers of inflammation. The major acute phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA) is a reliable and sensitive biomarker in cows, allowing for rapid detection of inflammatory disease. A multispecies automated immunoturbidimetric assay (VET‐SAA, Eiken) has been validated for horses, dogs, and cats, and it has been used to measure SAA concentrations in bovine samples.

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to perform an analytical validation of the VET‐SAA immunoturbidometric assay based on monoclonal antihuman SAA antibodies for the measurement of SAA in clinical samples from cows.

Methods and Results

The validation included an assessment of imprecision, inaccuracy, and detection limit, as well as an evaluation of the overlap performance, using banked serum from healthy and sick cows with or without inflammatory disease. Intra‐ and interassay variation ranged from 0.91% to 2.9% and 2.5% to 5.8%, respectively. The assay was performed with acceptable accuracy within a clinically relevant range of SAA, although minor signs of inaccuracy were detected. Overlap performance was acceptable, with the VET‐SAA assay able to differentiate between healthy cows and cows with inflammatory and noninflammatory conditions. The automated VET‐SAA assay is considered acceptable for the measurement of SAA in cows.
OPTIMIZATION AND VALIDATION OF FOXP3, BRAFV600E AND MMR IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY STAINING PROTOCOLS
Authors: Tsamiya Rilwanu Isah , Mohd Nafi Siti Norasikin , Che Jalil Nur Asyilla , Mat Zin Anani Aila
Published: June 2024

To ensure consistent and repeatable results, the optimal immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining conditions must be determined when utilising a new antibody. Here, we described how manipulating several technical variables of IHC such as antigen retrieval conditions such as pH and temperature, primary antibody concentration and incubation period could enhance the IHC signals of the targeted antibodies. Mismatch Repair (MMR) proteins such as MutL homolog 1 (MLH1), Mut S homolog 2 (MSH2), Mut S homolog 6 (MSH6), and postmeiotic segregation 2 (PMS2), including B-rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma with V600E mutation (BRAFV600E) protein and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) protein, are important for colorectal cancer diagnosis. The IHC staining was performed using different archival tissue controls and commercial antibodies. MLH1 and PMS2 showed higher staining intensity after an overnight incubation at a higher concentration of primary antibody (1:50) compared to BRAFV600E (1:100). The enhanced MSH2 signal was likewise generated at a one- hour incubation period with an equivalent antibody concentration. However, even with a shorter incubation duration of one hour, MSH6 and FOXP3 generated good IHC signals when incubated with primary antibody at a lower antibody concentration of 1:100 and 1:300, respectively. The addition of a primary antibody linker improved the IHC signals for all targeted proteins. In conclusion, when using archival tissues, modifying the aforementioned IHC staining variables produces optimal staining for the MMR, BRAFV600E, and FOXP3 proteins.
APPLICATION OF IMAGE DIGITAL PROCESSING TO EVALUATE ACCURACY IN PREDICTING ROCK FRAGMENTATION INDUCED BY BLASTING
Authors: Sujatono Supandi
Published: June 2024

Predicting rock fragmentation induced by blasting operation is important in order to evaluate the success of blasting operation. It is necessary to select a method that is in accordance with the characteristics of geological condition and rock mass so that it can quickly provide accurate information. This study aims to evaluate whether Kuz-Ram model is accurate enough in predicting fragmentation of andesite. The analysis was carried out statistically by comparing the andesite fragmentation based on theoretical calculation method by Kuz-Ram model to the fragmentation based on image analysis method by Split Desktop which represents the actual field condition. The data were obtained from 30 blasting operations on andesite. The analysis result shows that the fragmentation based on the theoretical calculation using Kuz-Ram model is not significantly different from the fragmentation based on Split Desktop. The maximum error of percent passing predicted by Kuz-Ram model is around 7% with an average error of 4.94%. Based on the result, calculation using Kuz-Ram theory can be performed to predict fragmentation of andesite.
THE EFFECT OF RIVET GUN OPERATING PRESSURE AND HOLE CLEARANCE ON RIVET SHEAR STRENGTH IN SHEET METAL RIVETING PROCESS
Authors: Saputro Galang , Rizza Muhammad Akhlis , Amrullah Utsman Syah , Wicaksono Hangga
Published: June 2024

Several parameters related to the riveting process and the quality or result of the rivets are squeeze force, rivet length, rivet diameter, and hole clearance. This riveting experiment uses a semi-automatic riveting tool to set riveting parameters. The parameter set is the operating pressure of the rivet gun with a semi-automatic riveting tool, while the drilling process on sheet metal makes the hole clearance. The results of riveting using an automatic rivet tool show that the operating pressure of the rivet gun and the hole clearance have a direct effect on the shear strength of the rivets; the higher the operating pressure of the rivet gun and the greater the hole clearance will increase the shear strength of the rivets. This rise in the rivet’s shear strength is because, during the riveting process, the rivets experience strain hardening when pounded using a rivet gun.
INTERLOCKING BRICKS AND PRISMS USING WASTE GLASS AGGREGATES BY INTEGRATING GEOPOLYMER TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Rathinam Kumutha , P. V. Karthick Kumar , S. Srikiruthiga , P. Vijay
Published: June 2024

An attempt has been made to develop sustainable and low-cost geopolymer interlocking bricks using the binders namely Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) and fly ash by activating them with hydroxides and silicates of sodium. M-Sand is used in combination with waste glass as fine aggregates. Seven mix ratios adopted are : Bricks with 100% M-Sand, 90% M-Sand and 10% waste glass, 80% M-Sand and 20% waste glass, 70% M-Sand and 30% waste glass, 60% M-Sand and 40% waste glass, 50% M-Sand and 50% waste glass and 40% M-Sand and 60% waste glass. Physical tests were conducted for all the materials used. In total, eighty-four interlocking bricks of size 300 mm x 200mm x 125mm were cast and the bricks were kept in room temperature for 28 days. Interlocking bricks were then tested for density, compressive strength and water absorption. Prisms of length 600 mm, height 375 mm and width 200 mm were constructed using three layers of interlocking bricks and subjected to compressive load. Interlocking bricks with 70% M-Sand and 30% Waste glass exhibited maximum compressive strength and low water absorption. Prisms with 70% M-Sand and 30% waste glass has maximum ultimate load carrying capacity and energy Absorption.
A Review of Mechanism and Technology of Hybrid Bonding
Authors: Xu Yipeng , Zeng Yanping , Zhao Yi , Lee Choonghyun , He Minhui , Liu Zongfang
Published: June 2024

With the development of semiconductor technology, traditional flip-chip bonding has been difficult to meet the high-density, high-reliability requirements of advanced packaging technology. As an advanced three-dimensional stacked packaging technology, Cu-SiO2 hybrid bonding technology can achieve high-density electrical interconnection without bumps, which expands the transmission performance and interconnection density of chips greatly. However, the investigation on Cu-SiO2 bonding is far from mature, and many researchers are studying Cu-SiO2 bonding passionately. There are many technologies that use different bonding mechanisms to achieve Cu-SiO2 bonding, which will affect the bonding strength directly. We review the mechanism and research progress of Cu-Cu bonding, SiO2-SiO2 bonding. What is more, we summarize the comparison of bonding conditions and bonding strength of various methods furtherly. According to the bonding mechanism, we propose some economical solutions for low-temperature Cu-SiO2 hybrid bonding, with the aim of providing certain references for the further development of advanced semiconductor packaging.
Scalable multiparty steering using a single entangled photon-pair
Authors: Pepper Alex , Baker Travis J. , Wang Yuanlong , Song Qiu-Cheng , Shalm Lynden K. , Verma Varun B. , Nam Sae Woo , Tischler Nora , Slussarenko Sergei , Wiseman Howard M. , Pryde Geoff J.
Published: June 2024

The distribution and verification of quantum nonlocality across a network of users is essential for future quantum information science and technology applications. However, beyond simple point-to-point protocols, existing methods struggle with increasingly complex state preparation for a growing number of parties. Here, we experimentally demonstrate multiparty detection-loophole-free quantum steering, where one party simultaneously steers multiple spatially separate parties, using a multi-qubit state produced from a set of qubits of which only one pair is entangled. We derive loss-tolerant steering inequalities, enabling our experiment to close the detection loophole, and enabling us to show the scalability of this approach to rigorously verify quantum nonlocality across arbitrarily many parties. This provides practical tools for developing the future quantum internet.
Mid-frequency acoustic tracking of breaking waves
Authors: Saenger Ryan , Lenain Luc , Hodgkiss William S.
Published: June 2024

Large surface wave breaking events in deep water are acoustically detectable by beamforming at 5–6 kHz with a mid-frequency planar array located 130 m below the surface. Due to the array's depth and modest 1 m horizontal aperture, wave breaking events cannot be tracked accurately by beamforming alone. Their trajectories are estimated instead by splitting the array into sub-arrays, beamforming each sub-array toward the source, and computing the temporal cross-correlation of the sub-array beams. Source tracks estimated from sub-array cross-correlations match the trajectories of breaking waves that are visible in aerial images of the ocean surface above the array.
Speech preprocessing and enhancement based on joint time domain and time-frequency domain analysis
Authors: Zhang Wenbo , Xie Xuefeng , Du Yanling , Huang Dongmei
Published: June 2024

Speech enhancement aims to make noisy speech signals clearer. Traditional time-frequency domain methods struggle to differentiate between speech and noise, leading to a risk of speech distortion. This paper introduces an approach that combines the time domain and time-frequency domain using the W-net module to suppress noise at the front end. The module is an improved version of Wave-U-Net, called TTF-W-Net. We conducted experiments using the TIMIT speech and NOISEX-92 noise datasets to evaluate the enhancement performance achieved by integrating preprocessing networks, specifically Wave-U-Net and our TTF-W-Net, into the baseline methods: Phase, FullSubNet+, and DB-AIAT. Experimental results show that TTF-W-Net outperforms the baseline Wave-U-Net by 15.7% on the PESQ metric and the effect of the network by using our preprocessing method is improved. Consequently, the TTF-W-Net preprocessing Net offers effective speech enhancement.
Active Learning Through Video Conferencing to Maintain Physical Activity Among Older Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Uemura Kazuki , Kamitani Tsukasa , Watanabe Atsuya , Okamoto Hiroshi , Saho Kenshi , Yamada Minoru
Published: June 2024

This randomized pilot trial investigated the feasibility of an active learning physical activity intervention through video conferencing and its preliminary effects. Participants comprised community-dwelling older adults who could use e-mail. The intervention group underwent a 12-week active learning intervention via video conferencing to promote a healthy lifestyle, particularly physical activity. The control group received information via e-mail once per week. The amount of physical activity and sedentary behavior was measured using an accelerometer at baseline, postintervention, and 24-week postintervention (36 weeks). Of the 31 participants, 29 were eligible and randomized into two groups (15 for the intervention and 14 for the control). Adherence to the intervention was 83%–100% (mean, 97%). Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed moderate maintenance effects on total physical activity and sedentary behavior at 36 weeks. Active learning physical activity intervention through video conferencing was found to be feasible and contributed to the prevention of physical activity decline in older adults.
Evaluating Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Esports: A Focus on Competitive and Recreational Players From the Philippines and Japan
Authors: Mariano Lizbeth , Loh Ping Yeap , Ishihara Yujiro , Choi Jeewon , Muraki Satoshi
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to gain insights into the prevalence and self-perceived severity of musculoskeletal pain when playing esports among competitive and recreational players in the Philippines and Japan. Additionally, it aimed to determine the association between pain/discomfort experienced and the number of playing years, playing frequency, and playing hours. We used online descriptive questionnaires to collect data from 14- to 26-year-old esports players. The participants were 159 Filipino and 120 Japanese esports players, including 77% and 89% male participants, respectively. The Filipino participants had a significantly higher prevalence of pain in the back (p < .001), hands (p < .001), neck (p < .05), and wrists (p < .001) than the Japanese participants. Based on the Japanese participants’ data, the number of playing years correlated positively with the presence of neck pain (rs = .229, p = .012), shoulder pain (rs = .183, p = .045), and wrist pain (rs = .350, p < .001). Moreover, the number of playing hours correlated positively with hand pain (rs = .194, p = .034).
Individual Differences in Cognitive Abilities and Personality Traits Predict Car-Soccer Video Game Performance
Authors: Bonny Justin W.
Published: June 2024

Associations with player performance in traditional field-based sports and video games have been observed with specific cognitive abilities and personality traits. The present study investigated whether such connections can be used to predict performance in hybrid genre video games that include game mechanics from multiple traditional games. The focus of the present was on the hybrid genre car-soccer game, Rocket League. The gameplay shares some aspects of traditional soccer and video games along with unique mechanics. Psychological traits that have been observed to correlate with performance in these traditional games were hypothesized to be associated with better Rocket League performance. In the present study, participants greater in mental rotation ability and number processing tended to have higher performance. Evidence from detailed match metrics indicated that they more effectively navigated and maneuvered around the car-soccer arena. Connections with personality traits suggested that player openness and neuroticism affected offensive–defensive metrics, likely via team dynamics. Variations in associations with match metrics indicated that different car-soccer gameplay actions relied upon different psychological abilities. This research suggests that psychological predictors of performance in traditional sports may predict performance in hybrid video games that share game mechanics.
Quantification of human papillomavirus cell-free DNA from low-volume blood plasma samples by digital PCR
Authors: Rosing Fabian , Meier Matthias , Schroeder Lea , Laban Simon , Hoffmann Thomas , Kaufmann Andreas , Siefer Oliver , Wuerdemann Nora , Klußmann Jens Peter , Rieckmann Thorsten , Alt Yvonne , Faden Daniel L. , Waterboer Tim , Höfler Daniela
Published: June 2024

The incidence rate of human papillomavirus-driven oropharyngeal cancer (HPV-OPC) is increasing in countries with high human development index. HPV cell-free DNA (cfDNA) isolated from 3 to 4 mL blood plasma has been successfully used for therapy surveillance. A highly discussed application of HPV-cfDNA is early detection of HPV-OPC. This requires sensitive and specific cfDNA detection as cfDNA levels can be very low. To study the predictive power of pre-diagnostic HPV-cfDNA, archived samples from epidemiological cohorts with limited plasma volume are an important source. To establish a cfDNA detection workflow for low plasma volumes, we compared cfDNA purification methods [MagNA Pure 96 (MP96) and QIAamp ccfDNA/RNA] and digital PCR systems (Biorad QX200 and QIAGEN QIAcuity One). Final assay validation included 65 low-volume plasma samples from oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) patients with defined HPV status stored for 2–9 years. MP96 yielded a 28% higher cfDNA isolation efficiency in comparison to QIAamp. Both digital PCR systems showed comparable analytical sensitivity (6–17 copies for HPV16 and HPV33), but QIAcuity detected both types in the same assay. In the validation set, the assay had 80% sensitivity (
n
= 28/35) for HPV16 and HPV33 and a specificity of 97% (
n
= 29/30). In samples with ≥750 µL plasma, the sensitivity was 85% (
n
= 17/20), while in samples with <750 µL plasma, it was 73% (
n
= 11/15). Despite the expected drop in sensitivity with decreased plasma volume, the assay is sensitive and highly specific even in low-volume samples and thus suited for studies exploring HPV-cfDNA as an early HPV-OPC detection marker in low-volume archival material.

IMPORTANCE

HPV-OPC has a favorable prognosis compared to HPV-negative OPC. However, the majority of tumors is diagnosed after regional spread, thus making intensive treatment necessary. This can cause lasting morbidity with a large impact on quality of life. One potential method to decrease treatment-related morbidity is early detection of the cancer. HPV cfDNA has been successfully used for therapy surveillance and has also been detected in pre-diagnostic samples of HPV-OPC patients. These pre-diagnostic samples are only commonly available from biobanks, which usually only have small volumes of blood plasma available. Hence, we have developed a workflow optimized for small-volume archival samples. With this method, a high sensitivity can be achieved despite sample limitations, making it suitable to conduct further large-scale biobank studies of HPV-cfDNA as a prognostic biomarker for HPV-OPC.
Geologic and anthropologic history of Riverfront Park, Spokane, Washington, USA
Authors: Pritchard C.J. , Morton T. , Imel J. , King S. , Vandenhaak B. , Warren S.
Published: June 2024

Riverfront Park in Spokane, Washington, USA, hosts a wide range of sites that highlight the interplay between prominent geologic features and the cultural development of Spokane. Stops in this field guide illustrate such topics as the impacts of historic Silver Valley mining, extraordinary fluvial incisions in Miocene Columbia River Basalt Group flows, cataclysmic alterations to the Spokane River valley from Pleistocene megafloods, earthquake hazards, hydroelectric generation, stormwater management solutions, and fascinating historical tidbits. Human interactions with the land began with the Interior Salish-speaking tribes, who have inhabited this region for thousands of years and historically gathered at the falls to fish. After European American influx, the Spokane River has been harnessed for many uses, including mills, water supply, irrigation, flood control, and hydropower. Today, Riverfront Park is the core of downtown Spokane, providing community access to the river and the largest urban waterfall in the United States.
Arc versus river—The geology of the Columbia River Gorge
Authors: O’Connor* Jim E. , Wells* Ray E. , Bennett* Scott E.K. , Cannon* Charles M. , Staisch* Lydia M. , Anderson* James L. , Pivarunas* Anthony F. , Gordon* Gabriel W. , Blakely* Richard J. , Stelten* Mark E. , Evarts† Russell C.
Published: June 2024

The Columbia River Gorge is the Columbia River’s long-held yet evolving passage through the volcanic arc of the Cascade Range. The globally unique setting of a continental-scale river bisecting an active volcanic arc at the leading edge of a major plate boundary creates a remarkable setting where dynamic volcanic and tectonic processes interact with diverse and energetic fluvial processes. This three-day field trip explores several elements of the gorge and its remarkable geologic history—cast here as a contest between regional tectonic and volcanic processes building and displacing landscapes, and the relentless power of the Columbia River striving to maintain a smooth passage to the sea.

This field trip generally follows the GSA guide published in GSA Field Guide 55 (available at https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsa):

O’Connor, J.E., Wells, R.E., Bennett, S.E.K., Cannon, C.M., Staisch, L.M., Anderson, J.L., Pivarunas, A.F., Gordon, G.W., Blakely, R.J., Stelten, M.E., and Evarts, R.C., 2021, Arc versus river—The geology of the Columbia River Gorge, in Booth, A.M., and Grunder, A.L., eds., From Terranes to Terrains: Geologic Field Guides on the Construction and Destruction of the Pacific Northwest: Geological Society of America Field Guide 62, p. 131–186, https://doi.org/10.1130/2021.0062(05).

DEDICATION

Dedicated to Russell C. Evarts (7 April 1947–11 July 2017) and his contributions to Pacific Northwest geology. Russ Evarts devoted most of his 30-year career with the U.S. Geological Survey to geologic mapping of Oregon and Washington. His thorough geologic mapping of the near-vertical terrain of the western Columbia River Gorge underpins much of what is reported in this guide and continues to inspire our studies of the geology of the Pacific Northwest.