bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Hybrid Policy Development Framework to Combat Cyber Threats During Crisis Events
Authors: Silver Jason Peter
Published: March 2023

From the early months of 2019 to present day, the spread of the SARS COVID-19 virus has affected every aspect of modern-day life while having an especially substantial impact on the way that businesses carry out their day-to-day operations. The large spike in cybercrime can be accredited to the fact that most workers were thrust into a scenario that they were not prepared for. This could be due that most office workers lack technical skills that link into cyber security awareness and had previously relied on their in-office administrator to protect their business from outsider threats. Each office worker became an individual weak point that could be targeted outside of the protection of a configured office network. To minimise threats that companies may face when put into a crisis situation, this project will be conducted by carrying out research into cyber threat experiences that companies faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, analysing previously adopted methods and conducting surveys with various office workers to propose a solution that ensures workers are put at minimal risk.
The Interplay Between Privacy Policies and Self-Disclosure on Social Media
Authors: Daradkeh Mohammad
Published: March 2023

With the increasing adoption of social media platforms, privacy concerns and self-disclosure behaviors have attracted much attention in academic and business circles. Based on the antecedent-privacy concern-outcome (APCO) model of privacy concerns, this study develops a moderated mediation model to examine the mechanisms by which social media privacy policies (including both dimensions of privacy policy understanding and perceived effectiveness) influence self-disclosure. To test the model, this study used a deductive approach with a quantitative research design. Data were collected from social media users through a self-reported questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to test the research model and hypotheses. The results of this study show that trust in social media mediates the relationship between privacy policy and self-disclosure, and that privacy cost moderates the relationship between privacy policy and trust in social media. Moreover, the relationship between privacy policies and self-disclosure is a complex multilinear model with a mediated effect.
Structural Health Monitoring by Electrical Resistance Change Method
Authors: Guclu Mehmet , Turan Fatih
Published: March 2023

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is widely used to examine the structural integrity of a structure to improve safety considerations, minimize maintenance cost, and avoid sudden breakdowns that might occur under various loadings under service conditions. Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are widely used in aerospace, automotive, marine, energy, infrastructure, armor, and biomedical applications due to their high specific stiffness and strength, high degree of dimensional and thermal stability, and good resistance to corrosion. Thus, SHM of the damages developed in FRPs during service conditions is very crucial. However, traditionally used sensors for SHM in composites provide limited sensitivity and might negatively affect the structural integrity. Therefore, a self-sensing approach by evaluating the electrical resistance change (ERC) of FRPs has been successfully used by many researchers. The purpose of this chapter is to describe the ERC techniques using various nanoparticles such as graphene, carbon nanotube, expanded graphite, and carbon black.
Synthesis and Characterization of Carbon-Based Quantum Dot From Rice, Sugar, and Aloe-Vera
Authors: Pradhan Sunil Kumar , Durga Akula Maheswari , Kashyap Sumit , Vara Jostin
Published: March 2023

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs), a novel class of zero-dimensional carbon nanostructures with diameters below 10 nm, have recently come into existence. The authors have synthesized and analyzed carbon-based quantum dots from aloe-vera, rice, and sugar. The characterization of these quantum dots is done via UV-visible spectrophotometer. The quantum dots that are made from chemicals are toxic and are harmful to both humans and animals. However, the carbon quantum dots (CQD) which they have synthesized in this research work are bio-compatible, less toxic, and have the property of high aqueous dispersibility. CQDs are being used in various fields of applications such as bio-imaging, medical diagnosis, bio-sensing, chemical sensing, photo catalysis, and photovoltaic devices. This study helps the scientific community to understand the nature of carbon quantum dots and gives a brief idea of suitable materials that create CQD.
Current Trends, Regulations, Challenges, and Management Strategies of E-Waste in India
Authors: Kumar Dheeraj , Kumar Amit , Kumar Nagendra , Sharma Abhimannyu , Choudhury Ramit , Faisal Nadeem , Singh Ravi Kant , Mane Bhagyashri Krishnat
Published: March 2023

The safe handling of electronic and electrical waste (E-waste/WEE) is a growing concern in many nations' world. Particularly, developing nations have a variety of challenges regarding the creation, transboundary movement, and control of greenhouse gases. Examining the types of technology used to handle e-waste, evaluating the difficulties associated with implementing sustainable methods, and identifying the gaps across formal and informal e-waste employees were among the goals of the research. The following research inquiries were framed: What standard of state of the art is currently used to handle e-waste? What obstacles are preventing the implementation of sustainable innovations? The components of e-waste, its classification, worldwide and Indian e-waste circumstances, potential recoverable, recyclable, and hazardous materials discovered in e-waste, adverse effect on both the environment and human health best possible techniques, recycling, and regeneration used, as well as the risks to the environment and the workforce that they pose are all covered in this paper.
Integration of Sustainable Supply Chain Flexibility (SSCF) and the Circular Economy (CE)
Authors: Agrawal Animesh , Mukti Suraj Kumar
Published: March 2023

The Circular Economy (CE) is a backbone for sustainable economic growth and development. Companies now operate in a market that is more complicated, unpredictable, and fast-paced than ever before. The material closed-loop fluxes essential to a fully functional CE are the source of these difficulties. Addressing CE operational difficulties requires incorporating flexibility capabilities into sustainable supply networks. The development of this operational competence must not diminish performance, raise expenses, or lower product quality. Designers of supply chains now understand they must prioritize Sustainable Supply Chain Flexibility (SSCF) initiatives if they want to achieve CE-targeted performance. Material and energy recycling, a closed-loop supply chain, and minimal environmental impact all contribute to a product's performance aimed at achieving CE status. In this study, Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique has been used to integrate the most influencing factors of sustainable supply chain flexibility and circular economy.
Employability Skills Required by Entry-Level Engineers in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijesinghe D. P. S. , Jayawardane V. P. T.
Published: March 2023

Entry-level engineers mostly get opportunities to join private sector organisations at the initial stages of their careers. Hence, they should be equipped with a set of competencies and skills required by the industry. This study aims to identify the employability skills expected by leading employer engineers in Sri Lanka from entry-level engineers. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were held with purposefully selected 22 senior engineers who worked as Managing Directors (MD)/Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of the private sector engineering firms. Audio recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed employing the inductive thematic analysis method. As per the analysis, major themes like soft skills, technical knowledge, personality traits, ethics, values in life and extra-curricular activities were identified as employability skills expected by leading employer engineers from an ideal fresh engineering graduate to offer an engineering job in Sri Lanka. The findings of this study are highly beneficial for engineering undergraduates to adopt, as well as their teachers to teach the required competencies to students to satisfy the industry expectations of the private sector.
Developing Framework for Epidemiological Surveillance in India
Authors: Kapoor Suraj
Published: March 2023

Epidemiological surveillance is a major function of public health. Multiple disease outbreaks have prompted India to proactively respond with prevention and control measures. These actions are based on information from public health surveillance. However, many current systems rely on disease-specific approaches that inhibit efficiency and interoperability. The secondary data were used from the government official websites, MoHFW, IDSP portal. There is an existing integrated disease surveillance project with Central, state, and district surveillance units to detect early warning systems with a focus on some diseases of public health importance in the country. With the increase in economic and political power, the country may play a wider role at the International level. Thus, this review aimed at exploring the current surveillance system of the country with a developing framework for the future and its implications. There is a need for an integrated approach to digital health evidence and prediction. Political will and effective governance, with appropriate health financing and service delivery being pillars of universal health coverage are of utmost importance to be adopted in public health surveillance. There should be the creation of Rapid response teams at various health echelons These teams should be trained centrally with a role in investigating early warning systems and impending outbreaks. These teams should be empowered with materials and infrastructure for effective surveillance mechanisms. The one health approach concept is particularly important in the times of the pandemic and the emergence of emerging and Re-emerging diseases with the threat of potential biological warfare across the globe.
Effects of CT images at different reconstruction energies on radiotherapy planning of patients diagnosed with nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Xiufang Tian , Kun Liu , Jing Wang , Cuihua Li , Jiandong Zhang , Hou Yong
Published: March 2023

Objective and Aims:

We conducted this study to explore the influence of spectral computer tomography (CT) images at different reconstruction energies on the radiotherapy plan of patients with nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Subject and Methods:

Here, 38 NSCLC patients were selected to undergo energy spectral scanning. All energy spectral images obtained were then transferred to the Discover™ CT postprocessing workstation to generate 40k eV, 60 keV, 80keV, 100keV, 120keV, and different 140keV single-energy images. Subsequently, the images were imported to the Eclipse planning system, after which an oncologist contoured the target area and organs at risk (OARs) on these single-energy images described above. Furthermore, a physicist then designed radiotherapy plans to conduct statistical analysis on the tissue CT value and target volume of each single-energy image, to compare the dosimetry of different plans about the OARs and the target area.

Results:

The CT values of gross tumor volumes (GTV), heart, lung, and spinal cord samples subjected to different energy CT images were statistically different (P < 0.05). Among them, the CT value of each tissue obtained in the 40 keV group was the largest and decreased with the increase in energy. As shown, no statistically significant differences were observed in the homogeneity index and conformity index, including the maximum, minimum, and average doses of GTV delineated on the CT images of different energies (P > 0.05), as well as the OARs.

Conclusions:

When CT images of different energies obtained from the energy spectral CT scans were used in the design of radiotherapy planning, no significant differences were observed in the target area outlines and in the doses caused by energy factors. However, the differences in tissue CT values had statistical significance.
Risk of pneumothorax caused by computerized tomography-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy of the lung in elderly and young patients
Authors: Zhou Wei , Yu Xuejuan , Song Yang , Yang Fengxia , Li Chunhai , Liu Bo , Jia Haipeng , Wang Dexiang
Published: March 2023

Context:

The incidences and risk factors caused by computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous computed tomography-guided needle biopsies (PCNBs) in elderly and young patients were not very clear.

Aims:

This study explored the different incidences of pneumothorax caused by PCNBs and related risk factors in elderly and young patients.

Settings and Design:

The medical records of 1100 patients who underwent CT-guided PCNBs in a hospital from January 2018 to December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed.

Subjects and Methods:

Data relating to the patients, lesions, techniques, and diagnoses were collected according to the ethical standards of the institutional research committee (registration number: KYLL-202008-145).

Statistical Analysis Used:

The variables were significant by univariate analysis and further analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results:

In the 1100 patients with PCNBs, the incidence of pneumothorax in groups ≥65 years old and <65 years old was 15.2% and 12.9%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the incidence of pneumothorax between the young and elderly patients. In elderly and young patients, emphysema along the needle path and dwell time was independent predictors. However, in young patients, lesion-abutting pleura was an independent risk factor for pneumothorax, but not in elderly patients.

Conclusions:

The risk of pneumothorax caused by CT-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy of the lung does not increase in elderly patients. Emphysema along the needle path and dwell time is independent predictors of pneumothorax in elderly and young patients.
The survival outcomes of very young and elderly patients with high-risk prostate cancer after radical treatments
Authors: Ma Kai , Song Pan , Qing Yuxin , Li Yayin , Shu Mengxuan , Yang Luchen , Dong Qiang
Published: March 2023

Objective:

This study evaluated the survival outcomes of young (<50 years) and elderly patients (>80 years) with high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) postradical local treatments.

Materials and Methods:

We identified <50 and >80-year-old patients with high-risk PCa between 2004 and 2015 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The patients aged 65 and 66 years were also identified as the control group. The propensity-score matching method was adopted to compare the young and elderly patients with the control group. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression were conducted to evaluate the PCa-specific survival (PCSS) and overall survival.

Results:

A total of 17726 patients were identified, and 3355 were under 50 years old, whereas 4798 of them were >80 years old. The young patient group (<50 years) had similar PCSS with the control group (65–66 years) in both the overall cohort (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.73–1.06], P = 0.132) and matched cohort (HR: 0.96, 95% CI [0.74–1.24], P = 0.527). Young patients with both high-risk and very high-risk PCa after radical prostatectomy (RP) treatment had apparent longer mean cancer-specific survival time than those after external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and/or brachytherapy (BT) treatment (high-risk group: 153.38 ± 0.82 months vs. 149.72 ± 3.03 months; very high-risk group: 148.3 ± 1.84 months vs. 139.33 ± 3.25 months). For the elderly patients (>80 years), the PCSS outcomes were significantly worse than the control group (65–66 years) in both overall cohort (HR: 2.69, 95% CI [2.31–3.13], P < 0.001) and matched cohort (HR: 1.61, 95% CI [1.34–1.94], P < 0.001). Patients receiving RP treatment had similar PCSS outcomes with those receiving EBRT and/or BT in the high-risk PCa group (139.45 ± 9.98 months vs. 139.41 ± 1.84 months), and better PCSS in very high-risk PCa group (132.73 ± 13.56 months vs. 128.82 ± 3.43 months).

Conclusion:

The PCSS outcomes of young PCa patients (<0 years) were identical to those of the control group (65–66 years). RP had similar or better PCSS benefits than EBRT and/or BT in both young (<50 years) and elderly patients (>80 years).
A study of microwave ablation for small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Jiao , Hu Likuan , Yang Xia , Ye Xin , Ni Yang , Meng Min , Huang Guanghui , Zhang Tiehong , Li Wenhong , Han Xiaoying , Wei Zhigang , Dai Jianjian , Zou Zhigeng
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

To reveal the survival and safety of percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) combined with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in treating small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Materials and Methods:

Clinical data of 48 SCLC patients who underwent MWA were retrospectively collected; survival and incidence of major complications were analyzed.

Results:

Totally, 48 SCLC patients underwent 51 MWA procedures. The median overall survival (OS) for all SCLC was 27.0 months (95% confidence interval 22.4–31.6 months). The OS of limited-stage (LS-SCLC) was longer than the extensive-stage (ES-SCLC) (median 48.0 months vs. 25.0 months, P = 0.022). The OS of SCLC with tumor diameter ≤3.0 cm was longer than that of tumor diameter >3.0 cm (median 48.0 months vs. 27.0 months, P = 0.041). For LS-SCLC, the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year survival rate was 91.67%, 72.22%, 66.67%, and 61.11%, respectively. For ES-SCLC, the 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 83.33%, 50.0%, and 8.33%. Major complications included pneumothorax needing tube placement (29.4%), rarely arrhythmia (2.0%), empyema (2.0%), pulmonary fungal infection (2.0%), and shingles (2.0%).

Conclusion:

For SCLC patients, who received MWA combined with CRT, OS of LS-SCLC and tumor diameter ≤3.0 cm was better than that of the ES-SCLC and tumor diameter >3.0 cm. For inoperable SCLC, MWA was safe.
Recent advances in nonsurgical treatment of pulmonary ground-glass nodules
Authors: Kong Yongmei , Xu Hui , Huang Yahan , Lv Xinyuan , Ye Xin
Published: March 2023

Since the 1990s, low-dose computed tomography technology has been used in lung cancer screening. With the increase of computed tomography screening, the detection rate of ground-glass nodules (GGN) has increased dramatically. At present, the main treatment strategy for GGN is surgical resection. However, for patients with poor cardiopulmonary functions, a history of lung resection, multiple pulmonary nodules, or the age of >75 years, surgical resection is very difficult and not medically encouraged. This article reviews the applications and outcomes evaluation of nonsurgical treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, moleculartargeted drug therapy, immunity therapy, and image-guided thermal ablation in patients with GGN.
Microwave ablation of non-small cell lung cancer tumors changes plasma levels of cytokines IL-2 and IFN-γ
Authors: Xu Hui , Tan Xiaojing , Kong Yongmei , Huang Yahan , Wei Zhigang , Ye Xin
Published: March 2023

Background:

Combined therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and microwave ablation (MWA) is known to improve outcome in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the mechanism underlying the synergistic effect of these two treatments is unknown. Tumor immune microenvironment is known to affect the efficacy of ICI. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated changes in the levels of peripheral cytokines at 48 h and 1-month post-ablation in patients with NSCLC.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 44 patients with primary NSCLC were retrospectively enrolled. All patients underwent MWA of the primary tumors. Plasma samples were collected pre- and post-ablation to examine the levels of various cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ).

Results:

Although the levels of the majority of cytokines remained within normal range, levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ were significantly decreased at 48 h post-ablation and increased at 1-month post-ablation. In the subgroup analyses, changes in IL-2 and IFN-γ levels were commonly identified. Moreover, the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status, sex, pathology type, tumor site, and tumor size were associated with cytokines' levels pre-ablation or post-ablation.

Conclusion:

MWA of NSCLC tumors influenced the plasma levels of cytokines IL-2 and IFN-γ.
The efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors in the maintenance treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Wei Li-ya , Xie Jing , Wang Yue-qiao , Liu Xuan-yong , Chen Xiao , Zhang Yi-huizhi , Wang Qiang , Guo Zhi
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

To explore the impact of PD-1 maintenance therapy on the relapse-free survival (RFS) of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed patients with DLBCL admitted to our center between January 2018 and July 2019 who achieved complete remission (CR) after induction chemotherapy. Forty-five patients who received PD-1 inhibitor maintenance therapy were considered the treatment group. Forty-five patients who did not undergo maintenance treatment during the same period were selected as the control group. The base levels of the two groups of patients were similar. The 2-year RFS rate of the two groups was compared. The correlation between the adverse prognosis factors of the patients and the RFS rate was performed subgroup analysis.

Results:

The 2-year RFS rates of the treatment and control groups were 86.7% VS 75.6% (P = 0.178), respectively, until July 2021. A single factor analysis showed that patients with International Prognostic Index (IPI) score ≥ 3, non-GCB DLBCL receiving PD-1 inhibitor maintenance treatment, can improve their 2-year RFS (72.2% VS 30.8%, P = 0.022; 88.5% VS 62.5%, P = 0.032). For non-GCB patients, the 2-year RFS of the treatment group can reach 88.5%, while the 2-year RFS of the control group is 62.5%, which is statistically significant (P = 0.032). In all patients treated with PD-1 inhibitors, the adverse reactions were all grade I–II, and there were no grade III–IV adverse reactions. There were no clear adverse events in the follow-up patients in the control group.

Conclusion:

Maintenance treatment with PD-1 inhibitors can improve the 2-year RFS rate of patients with IPI score of ≥3 and non-GCB DLBCL. This prompts the potential advantage of PD-1 inhibitors in DLBCL maintenance treatment. However, longer follow-ups remain needed to obtain more definite data.
Percutaneous ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation for giant desmoid tumors of the intra-abdominal cavity in a patient with Gardner syndrome
Authors: Wang Liping , Xu Dong , Chen Liyu , Huang Pintong
Published: March 2023

Gardner syndrome (GS) is a rare variant of familial adenomatous polyposis, leading to numerous intra- and extracolonic lesions. Extracolonic lesions of GS are most common with desmoid tumors (DTs) in the abdominal wall, intra-abdominal cavity, and mesentery. Surgery remains the primary treatment for DTs; however, the patients are challenged with the high recurrence rate after surgical resection, and wide resection often results in debilitating loss of function. This study presents a case of a 47-year-old female with GS who had undergone total colectomy and ultra-low anastomosis of the ileal anal canal, and she developed giant DTs in the intra-abdominal cavity. The patient underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for intra-abdominal DTs in September 2014, October 2015, and January 2016. Palliative RFA significantly slowed the progression of the tumor and improved the symptoms of abdominal compression; thus, it is a possible therapeutic option for intra-abdominal unresectable DTs in patients with GS.
Effect of microwave ablation on platelet and coagulation function in patients with BCLC-A hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Wenpeng , Li Honglu , Li Wei , Guo Jiang , Cai Liang , Duan Youjia , Hou Xiaopu , Diao Zhenying , Shao Xihong , Du Hongliu , Li Wei , Li Changqing
Published: March 2023

Aim:

To preliminarily evaluate the effect of microwave ablation (MWA) alone on platelet (PLT) and coagulation function in patients with BCLC-A hepatocellular carcinoma (B-A-HCC) using a retrospective method.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 36 patients with 48 B-A-HCCs were radically treated with MWA alone under the guidance of ultrasound between April and October 2018. PLT coagulation indexes were measured before and after MWA at 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, and 2 weeks, and blood samples (after morning fasting) were collected from cubital veins. Coagulation indexes included prothrombin time (PT), prothrombin activity (PTA), thrombin time (TT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT), international standardized ratio (INR), plasma fibrinogen (FIB), plasma antithrombin III (AT-III), and D dimer (DD). Overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), local tumor progression (LTP), and adverse reactions were also recorded.

Results:

All patients were radically treated with MWA alone. The median size of the lesion was 2.6 (1.5–7.0) cm 3. On the first day after MWA, the level of PLT decreased significantly compared with the values before MWA and gradually returned to preoperative levels one week after MWA. One day after MWA, the levels of PT, INR, and AT-III increased markedly and the level of PTA decreased significantly, all of them gradually returned to baseline after 3 days to a week of time. 1, 3, and 7 days after MWA, the levels of FIB, and DD increased significantly, and the level of TT decreased significantly; all of them gradually returned to baseline at 2 weeks. At 6 months posttreatment, the OS and RFS rates were 100% and 91.7%, the LTP rates was 5.6%, no significant adverse reactions.

Conclusion:

PLT and coagulation indexes were abnormal in patients with B-A-HCC who were radically treated with MWA alone after treatment; without specific treatment, they all gradually returned to baseline within a week or two.
Efficacy and safety of sintilimab-based regimens against advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Yusheng , Zhao Jian , Yu Hongmei , Wang Jie , Zhang Ninggang , Cao Bangwei
Published: March 2023

Aims:

Our study assessed the efficacy and safety of sintilimab-based regimens for real-world treatment of advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (G/GEJAC).

Materials and Methods:

Cases of advanced nonresectable G/GEJAC treated with sintilimab-based regimens in the Department of Gastroenterology of Shanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital between December 2018 and September 2020 were retrospectively examined. Endpoints included median progression-free survival (mPFS), median overall survival (mOS), disease control rate (DCR), objective response rate (ORR), and adverse events (AEs). Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the effect of stratification factors on efficacy.

Results:

Among the 37 included patients, mPFS and mOS were 4.27 and 7.3 months, respectively. Efficacy was evaluated at least once in 32 of 37 patients. The ORR and DCR were 12.5% and 65.63%, respectively. Among four patients with mismatch repair deficiency/microsatellite instability-high (dMMR/MSI-H) lesions, two achieved partial remission, and two displayed stable disease, resulting in a DCR of 100%. The most observed AEs included leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, nausea, and skin rash. mPFS was 4.90 months in patients who received sintilimab in the first- or second-line setting, versus 3.00 months in other patients. A significant survival difference was found between these groups in univariate and multivariate analyses.

Conclusions:

The application of sintilimab-based regimens achieved good disease control and tolerability for the real-world treatment of advanced G/GEJAC. The treatment was more effective when administered in the first- or second-line setting. Patients with dMMR/MSI-H lesions may also benefit from sintilimab-based regimens.
Cardio-Cerebral Infarction in a Patient with Deep Coma: A Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Sonoda Taketo , Hamada Michika , Yanagawa Youichi
Published: March 2023

The patient was a 69-year-old man who called an ambulance due to dyspnea. When emergency medical technicians found him, he had collapsed into deep coma in front of his house. On arrival, he remained in a deep coma with severe hypoxia. He underwent tracheal intubation. An electrocardiogram showed ST elevation. Chest roentgen showed bilateral butterfly shadow. Cardiac ultrasound revealed diffuse hypokinesis. Head computed tomography (CT) showed early cerebral ischemic signs that had been initially overlooked. Urgent transcutaneous coronary angiography showed obstruction of the right coronary artery that was treated successfully. However, the next day, he was still in coma and demonstrated anisocoria. Repeated head CT showed diffuse cerebral infarction. He died on the 5th day. We herein report a rare case of cardio-cerebral infarction with a fatal outcome. Patients with acute myocardial infarction and a coma state should be evaluated for cerebral perfusion or occlusion of major cerebral vessels by enhanced CT or an aortogram if percutaneous coronary intervention is performed.
Risk Factors and Prediction of Postoperative Delirium in Aortic Arch Replacement: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Fang Miaoxian , Li Jiaxin , Zeng Rong , Huang Yuming , Xiao Yingkai , Peng Wenying , Liu Siyi , Wang Han , Xiong Weiping , Chen Chunbo , Lei Liming
Published: March 2023

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the risk factors and prediction of postoperative delirium (POD) in aortic arch replacement.

Methods:

The preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative clinical data of patients undergoing aortic arch replacement in our hospital from January 1, 2018, to March 31, 2019, were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether POD occurred, cases were divided into delirium group and control group. The clinical data of the patients were firstly screened by univariate analysis, and then the meaningful variables were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the meaningful factors in predicting the occurrence of POD after aortic arch replacement.

Results:

A total of 162 patients were included in the study. The prevalence of POD was 46.9% (n = 76). The results of univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the intraoperative minimum mean arterial pressure (MAP) (odds ratio [OR] = 0.635, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.5510.731, P < 0.001), postoperative C-reactive protein (OR = 1.010, 95% CI = 1.0031.018, P = 0.005), and postoperative infection (OR = 3.148, 95% CI = 1.1188.867, P = 0.030) were the independent risk factors for POD in aortic arch replacement. Among them, the intraoperative minimum MAP has the best prediction effect. When its cutoff value reaches ≤ 49 mmHg, the specificity for predicting POD is 84.88% and the sensitivity is 81.58%. Conclusions: A lower intraoperative minimum MAP is an independent risk factor and has the predictive value for POD in aortic arch replacement.
A qualitative study of the experience of mothers with mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic: Learnings from a perinatal psychiatry service
Authors: Almas Saima , Kennedy Vanathi , Kar Nilamadhab
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:

Pregnancy and childbirth are one of the vulnerable periods in women's lives, and women with mental illness require additional support during this period. The COVID-19 pandemic along with its impact on clinical services brought challenging situations. We intended to study the experiences of women with mental illness in their perinatal period reflecting about the perinatal psychiatric services.

METHODS:

It was a qualitative, interview-based study. Information was collected through a discussion with the patients through telephone. Both open- and closed-ended questions were used to explore their experiences and facilitate the content. The content was analyzed into various themes.

RESULTS:

There were a few major themes in the following areas: the effect of COVID on life during pregnancy and postnatal period, the effect of COVID on prenatal and postnatal care, a preference for in-person, face-to-face assessment and care, areas where the perinatal psychiatry services performed well, and suggestions from patients for improvement of the services.

CONCLUSIONS:

The study findings can help to improve existing perinatal psychiatric services to make these more accessible and responsive to the needs of the patients, especially during challenging times.
Choosing my gender: Challenges faced by transgender persons in India
Authors: Mohapatra Ankita , Mohapatra Prasanta Kumar
Published: March 2023

The golden thread that runs through the equality scheme of the Indian Constitution (Articles 14, 15, 16, 19, and 21) is the “enjoyment of life by all citizens and an equal opportunity to grow as human beings irrespective of their race, caste, religion, community, social status, and gender.” One of the basic tenets of the equality scheme lies in the recognition and acknowledgment of the right of choice and self-determination. Nonrecognition of transgender in the Indian legal framework has resulted in the systematic denial of equal protection of the law and widespread socioeconomic discrimination in society at large as well as in Indian workplaces. The article below brings into discussion the significant challenges faced by the transgender population that further fuel their inability to uplift themselves in Indian society.
Identifying Acoustic Features to Distinguish Highly and Moderately Altered Soundscapes in Colombia
Authors: Martínez-Tabares Fernando , Orozco-Alzate Mauricio
Published: March 2023

Numerous acoustic features have been proposed as useful measures to characterize natural soundscapes, which can be employed to examine the impact of land transformation on the audible properties of a location. The extensive collection of available features demands an examination to identify the most informative and discriminative ones for a given problem. In this study, we conduct an empirical investigation into the selection of acoustic features for discriminating between highly and moderately transformed versions of four Colombian soundscapes: Moorlands, coffee plantations, dry tropical forests, and pastures. We employ classical supervised feature selection techniques along with exploratory tools such as correlation matrices and scatter plots. Our results indicate that a few acoustic features are sufficient to differentiate between the classes. Specifically, those features that estimate acoustic complexity via intrinsic variability of sound intensities or biodiversity through species richness or abundance in specific frequency bands are the most discriminative ones. These findings suggest that the selection of acoustic features can assist in analyzing and distinguishing between different soundscapes.
Colonizing and Virulence Factors in Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli from Peru
Authors: Rivera Fulton P. , Medina Anicia , Riveros Maribel , Ochoa Theresa J. , Pons Maria J. , Ruiz Joaquim
Published: March 2023

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) ranks among the most relevant diarrheagenic pathogens. Efforts to design vaccines to fight ETEC have been focused on colonizing factors (CFs) and atypical virulence factors (AVF). An effective vaccine must account for differences in the regional prevalence of these CFs and AVFs to be truly effective in a given area. In the present study, the presence of 16 CFs and 9 AVFs, as well as the heat-stable (ST) variants (STh or STp), was established by polymerase chain reaction in 205 Peruvian ETEC isolates (120 from diarrhea cases and 85 from healthy controls). Ninety-nine (48.3%) isolates were heat-labile, 63 (30.7%) ST, and 43 (21.0%) presented both toxins. Of ST isolates, 59 (28.8%) possessed STh, 30 (14.6%) STp, five (2.4%) both STh and STp, and 12 (5.8%) were not amplified for any variant tested. The presence of CFs was associated with diarrhea (P < 0.0001). The presence of eatA as well as concomitant presence of CSI, CS3, and CS21 and of C5 and C6 was statistically related to diarrhea cases. The present results suggests that, if effective, a vaccine considering CS6, CS20, and CS21, together with EtpA, would provide protection against 64.4% of the isolates analyzed, whereas the addition of CS12 and EAST1 would lead to 83.9% coverage. Large studies are needed to establish both the ideal candidates to be considered to develop a vaccine effective in the area, and continuous surveillance is needed to detect displacement of circulating isolates that may compromise future vaccines.
A Study on Improving the Usability of Metaverse Spaces through Analysis of UX Design in Gather Town: Hallym University Medical Center Metaverse Children's Burn Hospital Counseling Room
Authors:   Korea Institute of Design Research Society, An Sang Woo , Song Ji Sung
Published: March 2023

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the medical field has actively attempted non-face-to-face transformations, and the use of the metaverse has attracted attention in this regard. In this study, we investigated and analyzed the user experience (UX) characteristics and inconveniences that appear in the service objects inside a counseling room at the Hallym University Medical Center's Metaverse Children's Burn Hospital, which was launched on the Gathertown metaverse platform. UX improvement of this hospital is expected to benefit other hospitals as well as non-face-to-face treatments that will eventually be launched in the Metaverse. We first analyzed the non-face-to-face treatment services on the Gathertown metaverse platform based on the techniques reported in the literature and using some examples. Second, the usability of the service object in the counseling room was analyzed via tests. Third, a major analysis was conducted on the UX of the service object. Fourth, a UX design of the service object was proposed, and its usability was evaluated. By analyzing the data collected, the design direction was derived based on three keywords: Object connectivity, object unity, object visibility. Based on these keywords, the object placement and graphic design direction were set to improve the UX of the service object within the counseling room. To better utilize the metaverse platform in non-face-to-face treatments, investigation of other service objects will be conducted as a follow-up study.
The development and implementation of famous painting appreciation teaching aid using dimension expanded 3D-printing for enhancing literacy of the visually-impaired
Authors:   Korea Institute of Design Research Society, Hyun Eun Ryung
Published: March 2023

The dimension-expanded 3D printing art appreciation teaching aid developed in this study is a 3D printer that layers famous paintings that have been unable to appreciate touch due to their flat shape in the order of “background, sub-topic, and subject.” In other words, unlike the method of putting famous paintings on a single layer, it was organized to facilitate understanding of the concept of dimension by separating people, objects, and spaces for each layer. As a result of applying it to two blind schools over a total of three years from 2020 to 2022, students with starting disabilities can understand that famous paintings, which have been composed in a flat form, were produced through the principle of stacking and accumulation. This understanding of masterpiece production made it possible to have an interest in the artist and the times at the time, confirming that this parish could be used as a literacy cultivation tool for blind children to understand the world. In particular, the developed teaching aids and textbooks were evaluated to be able to meet the timeliness and necessity in the special education field as they were provided as auxiliary media for educational programs based on demand.
A study on the Importance of Color Image througeh the Analysis of Film Scenarios: Focusing on the short films  and
Authors:   Korea Institute of Design Research Society, Yi Hye Won , Hong Min Hee
Published: March 2023

The image in the movie is strongly influenced by the element of color. Through the digital color correction process, colors can be used to highlight the emotional atmosphere and story according to the theme intended for directing. Therefore, a study was conducted to find out the role and how the image of color plays through digital color correction during the short film production process. Through the short films  and , the images and symbols reminiscent of colors in the film can help understand the overall mood and narrative of the film, and play a major role in conveying the director's theme or intention when setting the direction of color correction according to the narrative structure. It builds a color image of the movie based on the genre, narrative, and character analysis of the movie. After setting the associated image of color in character-oriented and event-oriented films, and figuring out whether it is set to fit the narrative of the film, we want to see if the image of color affects the subject of the director.
Stably semiorthogonally indecomposable varieties
Authors: Pirozhkov Dmitrii
Published: March 2023

A triangulated category is said to be indecomposable if it admits no nontrivial semiorthogonal decompositions. We introduce a definition of a noncommutatively stably semiorthogonally indecomposable (NSSI) variety. This propery implies, among other things, that each smooth proper subvariety has indecomposable derived category of coherent sheaves, and that if $Y$ is NSSI, then for any variety $X$ all semiorthogonal decompositions of $X \times Y$ are induced from decompositions of $X$. We prove that any variety whose Albanese morphism is finite is NSSI, and that the total space of a fibration over NSSI base with NSSI fibers is also NSSI. We apply this indecomposability to deduce that there are no phantom subcategories in some varieties, including surfaces $C \times \mathbb{P}^1$, where $C$ is any smooth proper curve of positive genus.

Comment: 15 pages; published version
The What and How of Existential Phenomenological Research
Authors: Pandin Moses Glorino Rumambo , Yanto Elih Sutisna
Published: March 2023

In this book, Scott D. Churchill introduces readers to existential phenomenological research, an approach that explores a comprehensive, embodied knowledge of subjective human life that reflects a person's values, goals, ideals, intents, emotions, and relationships. This approach helps researchers understand people’s and needs by identifying and resolving theoretical and ideological misconceptions. In this book, Churchill defines important aspects of EPR as: a method based on empirical data for evaluating the mental life of individuals. In this case, the researchers are concerned with the evidence and access to it, which is based on first-person narratives of experience and the researchers' reflections on those experiences, as well as encouraging the researchers' sensory sensitivity and a sense of empathy, curiosity, and excitement in of human experience.
POMOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF SELECTED WALNUT GENOTYPES FROM THE NATURAL POPULATION
Authors:   University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture, Serbia, Jasnić Ivana , Janković Slađana ,   University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture, Serbia, Janković Dragan ,   University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture, Serbia, Milatović Dragan ,   University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Serbia, Grčak Dragan ,   University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture, Serbia, Grčak Milosav ,   University of Priština, Faculty of Agriculture, Serbia
Published: March 2023

The pomological characteristics of selected walnut genotypes from the natural population in the municipality of Leposavić were examined. The study included 33 walnut genotypes from the natural population in the valley of the river Ibar. Due to the permanent generative reproduction, the walnut population is very heterogeneous. The main goal of the research is to find and describe promising genotypes that can be used in breeding work or for establishing new plantations.Obtained results showed that inthe natural population of walnuts, the genotypes of poorer traits predominate, but several genotypes of exceptional characteristics weresingled out, which are interesting for further research.
PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PROSPECTIVE VINE HYBRIDS IN THE NIS WINE-GROWING REGION
Authors:   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Agronomy, Serbia, Garić Mlađan , Radojević Ivana ,   Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Sector of Agricultural Inspection, Nikolić Dragan ,   University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Serbia, Rakonjac Vera ,   University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Serbia, Petrović Aleksandar ,   University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Serbia, Ranković-Vasić Zorica ,   University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Serbia
Published: March 2023

This paper presents the results on the study of promising vine hybrids in the Nis wine-growing region. The following promising vine hybrids were obtained from three different crossing combinations: NI 11-92 (Prokupac x Gamay Noir), NI 8-92 (Smederevka x Traminer Savagnin rose), and NI 2-92 (Smederevka x Riesling Rhine). The hybrids were created in the “Centre for Viticulture and Winemaking” in Niš. The tested hybrids differed in their cropping potential, grape yield and quality, chemical composition and sensory evaluation of the wine.
INFLUENCE OF MACERATION CONDITIONS ON THE ANTIOXIDATIVE PROPERTIES OF VRANAC AND MERLOT RED WINES
Authors:   University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Agriculture, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jovanović-Cvetković Tatjana , Savić Aleksandar ,   University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Technology, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Starčević Danijela ,   University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Agriculture, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Pašalić Boris ,   University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Agriculture, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Published: March 2023

Maceration is the basic process by which red and white wine production technologies differ from each other, and thanks to this process, red wines acquire most of their characteristics. Mainly during maceration, phenolic compounds, which are powerful antioxidants, are extracted from the solid parts of the berries. Depending on the variety, it is necessary to apply different maceration regimes. The aim of this research was to determine the influence of the maceration temperature and duration on the antioxidant properties of red wines of the Vranac and Merlot varieties. The research was carried out in 2021, where maceration procedures were applied for 6 and 12 days, at temperatures of 16 and 25°C. When macerated for 6 days at 25°C, the wines of both varieties had the lowest total phenolic content (Vranac 7.27 g/l; Merlot 7.15 g/l), but the highest total free anthocyanin content (Vranac 841.04 mg/l; Merlot 572.85 mg/l). Higher antioxidant activity of Vranac variety wines was obtained at shorter maceration (6 days), and Merlot variety wines at longer maceration (12 days).