bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex, gender, sexual orientation, and more: Sexual diversity in Alzheimer's research needs a new lens to achieve inclusive research and generalizable results
Authors: Stites Shana D. , Velocci Beans
Published: June 2024

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts in Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) research are guiding the adoption of two‐step self‐report questions that capture research participants’ identity based on categories of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The intent is to facilitate inclusion and representation of sexual and gender minoritized (SGM) communities in ADRD research. The data from using these questions are on a collision course with another National Institute of Aging initiative, which is aimed at understanding sex differences in ADRD mechanisms. Here, we critically analyze the goals and methods of the two initiatives. We propose that, in addition to being SGM focused, DEI efforts are needed to expand how scientists consider and measure sexual diversity itself.

Highlights

Sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity (SSOGI) will be asked in ADRD studies.

SSOGI data will expand representation of research participant identities.

SSOGI data are on a collision course with sex differences research.

Both emphasize sexual diversity (SD) largely as SSOGI identity categories.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts must develop SD methods in ADRD research.
Integrated assessment models for resource–environment–economy coordinated development
Authors: Li Hao , Fan Pengru , Wang Yukun , Lu Yang , Chen Feng , Zhang Haotian , Zhang Bin , Wang Bo , Wang Zhaohua
Published: June 2024

Resources–environment–economy coordinated development (REECD) is important for global sustainable development goals (SDGs). Integrated assessment model (IAM) is widely applied to investigate REECD‐related issues and design policy or technology development pathways. Accordingly, this study reviews existing literatures on the REECD related IAMs in terms of nexus mechanism, classification, theoretical basis and applicability, and puts forward possible expansion dimensions for improving the models. IAMs could be categorized into top‐down ones mainly based on computable general equilibrium and optimization theories, and bottom‐up ones generally based on engineering‐technological and ecology‐environmental analysis. Top‐down and bottom‐up combined IAMs are increasingly employed to evaluate the impacts of policy implementation, technological penetration and behavior modification, in order to improve the accuracy for decision‐making. Meanwhile, IAMs for REECD are need to be further developed to increase its applicability for analyzing high‐resolution and high‐frequency inventories of resource development and pollutant emissions. Existing IAMs should also embrace key resources consumption such as heavy and strategic metals. Due to tighter carbon emission space under 1.5‐degree and carbon‐neutral climate targets, the nexus mechanism of REECD would change significantly in future, which we need to characterize these variations in the models. Furthermore, researchers and developers should pay more attention to model improvement towards the developing and emerging economies.

This article is categorized under:

Sustainable Development > Emerging Economies

Sustainable Development > Goals

Human and Social Dimensions > Energy and Climate Justice
Wildlife monitoring with drones: A survey of end users
Authors: Iglay Raymond B. , Jones Landon R. , Elmore Jared A. , Evans Kristine O. , Samiappan Sathish , Pfeiffer Morgan B. , Blackwell Bradley F.
Published: June 2024

Rapid advancements in technology often yield research inquiry into novel applications and drone (i.e., unoccupied aircraft systems or UAS) applications in wildlife management are no exception. We questioned the time lag between drone‐related research and end‐user assessments. We implemented an online, cross‐sectional survey of wildlife professionals to better understand current drone use and benefits or concerns, complemented by a review of contemporary peer‐reviewed and gray literature. We found little disparity between scientific inquiry and end‐user experiences (i.e., similar trends among concerns in published literature and survey results). Exploring new (i.e., advancements in computer vision) and refining original drone applications (i.e., evaluating animal behavior responses during monitoring) were strong among pilots of relatively minimal experience (1–5 years). Advancements in drone technology and changes in drone‐related legislation will continue to offer benefits and challenges.
Best Practices in Technology Usage for Promotion of Music Festivals in Spain
Authors: Toubes Diego R. , Araújo-Vila Noelia , Fraiz-Brea José Antonio
Published: June 2024

Technology plays a crucial role in the success of festivals and music events, contributing to the promotion of tourist destinations, optimization of dissemination processes, accessibility for attendees, and overall enhancement of their experience. This article presents a case study of best practices in the use of technology in festivals and music events in Spain, based on award-winning technological initiatives from the Talkfest Music Fest Summit, which promotes the Iberian Festival Awards. A cooperative benchmarking methodology is employed, and the challenges and directions in the face of the technological paradigm shift posed by artificial intelligence (AI) are assessed. The results provide updated insights into the best practices in technology usage in music events in Spain, as well as identifying challenges and trends in this field.
Controlling Drones in Contemporary Science Fiction
Authors: Rettberg Jill Walker
Published: June 2024

This chapter draws upon a dataset that documents and analyses representations of machine vision technologies in 500 creative works, including digital artworks, video games and science fiction novels and movies. Drones are involved in 72 of these works. Analysing a range of examples from contemporary science fiction and video games (e.g. Little Brother (2008), Infinite Detail (2018), Lessons on Leaving Your Body (2014), The Salvage Crew (2020)), this chapter discusses that while machine vision overall is portrayed as more helpful than hostile, drones stand out, alongside facial recognition and surveillance cameras, as more hostile than technologies like holograms, augmented reality, general AI and devices that display the non-visible spectrum. Yet when looking at which actions drones take in machine vision situations, we also see that they are frequently controlled.
Comparison of Stored and Fresh Injectable Acellular Adipose Matrix in Soft Tissue Reconstruction in a Murine Model
Authors: Kim Jaewoo , Tran Vinh Vuong The , Hong Ki Yong , Chang Hak
Published: June 2024

Background

We previously showed comparable volume effects of injections of acellular adipose matrix (AAM), an adipose tissue-derived extracellular matrix, and conventional fat grafting in a murine model. Thus, AAM could be a novel allogenic injectable product. However, its retention rate poses a concern, as repeated AAM injections may be required in some cases. This study investigated the biological properties and therapeutic value of stored AAM and compared them with those of fresh AAM, in a murine model.

Methods

AAM was manufactured from fresh human abdominoplasty fat. Fresh and stored injectable AAM was prepared within 24 h and 3 months after generation, respectively. Either fresh or stored injectable AAM was injected into the scalp of athymic nude mice (0.2 mL/sample, n = 6 per group). After 8 weeks, graft retention was assessed through weight measurement, and histological analysis was performed, including immunofluorescence staining for CD31 and perilipin.

Results

Retention rate was significantly reduced in the stored compared to the fresh injectable AAM group. Nevertheless, histological analysis revealed comparable inflammatory cell presence, with minimal capsule formation, in both groups. Adipogenesis occurred in both groups, with no significant difference in the blood vessel area (%) between groups.

Conclusions

Although the volume effects of stored AAM for soft tissue reconstruction were limited compared to those of fresh injectable AAM, stored AAM had similar capacity for adipogenesis and angiogenesis. This promising allogeneic injectable holds the potential to serve as an effective “off-the-shelf” alternative for repeated use within a 3-month storage period.

No Level Assigned

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors https://link.springer.com/journal/00266.
Electrospun lavender essential oil-loaded polylactic acid nanofibrous mats for antioxidant applications
Authors: Ismaili Dea , Parın Fatma Nur , Sıcak Yusuf , Öztürk Mehmet , Terzioğlu Pınar
Published: June 2024

In this study, the lavender essential oil-incorporated polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibers were fabricated by the electrospinning technique with the presence of kolliphor as a nonionic surfactant. The FTIR spectra supported the chemical composition of the fibers. The FTIR spectra demonstrated that there is no chemical reaction present between PLA and lavender essential oil. The SEM images of all nanofibers showed bead-free morphology. ImageJ results showed that the average diameter of lavender oil-loaded fibers ranged between 121.6 ± 32 and 228.2 ± 53 nm. All lavender essential oil-incorporated nanofibers were hydrophobic with satisfactory thermal properties. Furthermore, the lavender essential oil-incorporated PLA nanofibrous mats exhibited good antioxidant activity. The results showed that as the concentration of the essential oil in resulting nanofibers increased, the antioxidant activity also increased. According to the results of this study, lavender essential oil-loaded PLA fibers can be considered for a wide range of potential applications such as active packaging, food coating, facial masks, and wound dressing.
Serum tumor marker and CT body composition scoring system predicts outcomes in colorectal cancer surgical patients
Authors: Song Mingming , Liu Zhihao , Wu Feihong , Nie Tong , Heng Yixin , Xu Jiaxin , Huang Ning , Wu Xiaoyu , Cao Yinghao , Hu Gang
Published: June 2024

Objective

To investigate the prognostic value of preoperative body composition and serum tumor markers (STM) in patients undergoing surgical treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC) and to establish the prognostic score for patients with CRC.

Methods

This study enrolled 365 patients (training set 245, validation set 120) with CRC who underwent surgical resection. The predictive value of various body composition features and STM for determining CRC prognosis were compared. A novel index score based on the independent risk factors from Cox regression for CRC patients was established and evaluated for its usefulness.

Results

Multivariate Cox regression showed that low skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMD) (p = 0.020), low subcutaneous fat area (SFA) (p = 0.029), high carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (p = 0.008), and high alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (p = 0.039) were all independent prognostic factors for poor overall survival (OS). The multifactorial analysis indicated that high intermuscular fat area (IMFA) (p = 0.033) and high CEA (p = 0.009) were independent prognostic factors for poor disease-free survival (DFS). Based on these findings, two scoring systems for OS and DFS were established in the training datasets. CRC patients who scored higher on the new scoring systems had lower OS and DFS (both p < 0.001) as shown in the Kaplan–Meier survival curves in the training and validation datasets.

Conclusion

In predicting the prognosis of CRC patients, SFA and SMD are superior to other body composition measurements. A scoring system based on body composition and STM can have prognostic value and clinical applicability.

Clinical relevance statement

This scoring system, combining body composition and serum tumor markers, may help predict postoperative survival of CRC patients and help clinicians make well-informed decisions regarding the treatment of patients.

Key Points

Colorectal cancer prognosis can be related to body composition.

High intermuscular fat area and CEA were independent prognostic factors for poor disease-free survival.

This scoring system, based on body composition and tumor markers, can prognosticate for colorectal cancer patients.
Machine learning and deep learning for classifying the justification of brain CT referrals
Authors: Potočnik Jaka , Thomas Edel , Lawlor Aonghus , Kearney Dearbhla , Heffernan Eric J. , Killeen Ronan P. , Foley Shane J.
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To train the machine and deep learning models to automate the justification analysis of radiology referrals in accordance with iGuide categorisation, and to determine if prediction models can generalise across multiple clinical sites and outperform human experts.

Methods

Adult brain computed tomography (CT) referrals from scans performed in three CT centres in Ireland in 2020 and 2021 were retrospectively collected. Two radiographers analysed the justification of 3000 randomly selected referrals using iGuide, with two consultant radiologists analysing the referrals with disagreement. Insufficient or duplicate referrals were discarded. The inter-rater agreement among radiographers and consultants was computed. A random split (4:1) was performed to apply machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques to unstructured clinical indications to automate retrospective justification auditing with multi-class classification. The accuracy and macro-averaged F1 score of the best-performing classifier of each type on the training set were computed on the test set.

Results

42 referrals were ignored. 1909 (64.5%) referrals were justified, 811 (27.4%) were potentially justified, and 238 (8.1%) were unjustified. The agreement between radiographers (κ = 0.268) was lower than radiologists (κ = 0.460). The best-performing ML model was the bag-of-words-based gradient-boosting classifier achieving a 94.4% accuracy and a macro F1 of 0.94. DL models were inferior, with bi-directional long short-term memory achieving 92.3% accuracy, a macro F1 of 0.92, and outperforming multilayer perceptrons.

Conclusion

Interpreting unstructured clinical indications is challenging necessitating clinical decision support. ML and DL can generalise across multiple clinical sites, outperform human experts, and be used as an artificial intelligence-based iGuide interpreter when retrospectively vetting radiology referrals.

Clinical relevance statement

Healthcare vendors and clinical sites should consider developing and utilising artificial intelligence-enabled systems for justifying medical exposures. This would enable better implementation of imaging referral guidelines in clinical practices and reduce population dose burden, CT waiting lists, and wasteful use of resources.

Key Points

Significant variations exist among human experts in interpreting unstructured clinical indications/patient presentations.

Machine and deep learning can automate the justification analysis of radiology referrals according to iGuide categorisation.

Machine and deep learning can improve retrospective and prospective justification auditing for better implementation of imaging referral guidelines.
An obstacle problem for the p-elastic energy
Authors: Dall’Acqua Anna , Müller Marius , Okabe Shinya , Yoshizawa Kensuke
Published: June 2024

In this paper we consider an obstacle problem for a generalization of the p-elastic energy among graphical curves with fixed ends. Taking into account that the Euler–Lagrange equation has a degeneracy, we address the question whether solutions have a flat part, i.e. an open interval where the curvature vanishes. We also investigate which is the main cause of the loss of regularity, the obstacle or the degeneracy. Moreover, we give several conditions on the obstacle that assure existence and nonexistence of solutions. The analysis can be refined in the special case of the p-elastica functional, where we obtain sharp existence results and uniqueness for symmetric minimizers.
Method for the consideration of statistically distributed geometrical deviations in the design of cylindrical roller bearing arrangements
Authors: Kramer Vincent , Atalay Onur , Rüth Lukas , Wingertszahn Patrick , Bartz Marcel , Götz Stefan , Schleich Benjamin , Koch Oliver , Wartzack Sandro
Published: June 2024

Rolling bearings are of great importance in all areas of mechanical engineering due to their precise and low-friction guidance of rotating components at low cost. The design of rolling bearing arrangements is usually based on approximately ideal geometries of bearings and adjacent parts on which the bearing seats are located. However, real components inevitably show statistically distributed deviations from their nominal shapes, which are limited by tolerances. Tight tolerances result in high manufacturing costs while on the other hand their expansion leads to an increase of occurring geometrical deviations which cause changes in the bearing-internal contact and load conditions and can thus impair the operating behavior of the bearing, e.g. with regard to fatigue life, frictional torque or vibration behavior. By taking these effects into account in the design stage, potential problems in operation can be identified early during development and countermeasures can be taken, e.g. by adjusting bearing and seat tolerances. This enables an improvement of overall product quality and a reduction of costs. This paper presents a method for the integration of component deviations in the computation of the fatigue life (Lnmr) and dynamic behavior of cylindrical roller bearing arrangements—both of which are crucial design criteria—based on a combination of statistical tolerance analysis and multi-body simulations. The method is applied to an exemplary use case for illustration.
Die Internationale Walfangkommission und die Herausforderung des Quorums
Authors: Sellheim Nikolas
Published: June 2024

Das Scheitern der Verabschiedung eines Walschutzgebiets im Südatlantik (engl. South Atlantic
Whale Sanctuary, SAWS) im Rahmen der Internationalen Walfangkommission (engl. International Whaling Commission,
IWC) wurde zweimal durch eine absichtliche Verletzung der Beschlussfähigkeit – das Quorum –
durch jene Mitglieder verursacht, die sich gegen die Einrichtung eines SAWS aussprechen. Diese Situation
hat die IWC dazu veranlasst, eine Änderung der Geschäftsordnung in die Wege zu leiten, um zu klären,
ob das Quorum durch die einfache Anwesenheit bei der Sitzung oder durch die Anwesenheit im Sitzungssaal
erreicht wird. Dieser Artikel liefert einige Hintergrundinformationen zu diesem Thema und analysiert die
Geschäftsordnungen anderer Gremien/Sitzungen in Bezug auf die Beschlussfähigkeit. Anschließend
wird die Geschäftsordnung der IWC erörtert und eine Analyse der in dem Dokument verwendeten Begriffe
vorgenommen, woraufhin die Anfechtung der Beschlussfähigkeit im Hinblick auf Abstimmungen in Abwesenheit
angesprochen wird. Auf der Grundlage dieser Erörterung enthält der Artikel einige Vorschläge
zur Änderung der Geschäftsordnung, die nach Ansicht des Autors dazu beitragen könnten, abweichende
Auslegungen zu beseitigen.
PLATO’s signal and noise budget
Authors: Börner Anko , Paproth Carsten , Cabrera Juan , Pertenais Martin , Rauer Heike , Mas-Hesse J. Miguel , Pagano Isabella , Alvarez Jose Lorenzo , Erikson Anders , Grießbach Denis , Levillain Yves , Magrin Demetrio , Mogulsky Valery , Niemi Sami-Matias , Prod’homme Thibaut , Regibo Sara , De Ridder Joris , Rockstein Steve , Samadi Reza , Serrano-Velarde Dimitri , Smith Alan , Verhoeve Peter , Walton Dave
Published: June 2024

ESA’s PLATO mission aims the detection and characterization of terrestrial planets around solar-type stars as well as the study of host star properties. The noise-to-signal ratio (NSR) is the main performance parameter of the PLATO instrument, which consists of 24 Normal Cameras and 2 Fast Cameras. In order to justify, verify and breakdown NSR-relevant requirements the software simulator PINE was developed. PINE models the signal pathway from a target star to the digital output of a camera based on physical models and considers the major noise contributors. In this paper, the simulator’s coarse mode is introduced which allows fast performance analyses on instrument level. The added value of PINE is illustrated by exemplary applications.
Best quality vs. sex selection – an analysis of embryo selection preferences for patients undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy over a 10-year period
Authors: Gill Pavan , Whitehead Christine , Werner Marie , Seli Emre
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Investigate patient preferences in embryo selection for transfer regarding quality versus sex in IVF/ICSI cycles with PGT-A and assess associated clinical implications.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study at a university fertility practice from January 2012 to December 2021. Included were patients undergoing single frozen euploid transfers with at least one embryo of each sex available. Primary outcomes were preference for embryo selection (quality vs. sex) and sex preference (male vs. female). Trends over 10 years were evaluated and clinical outcomes, including clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), sustained implantation rate (SIR), and live birth rate (LBR), were compared.

Results

A total of 5,145 embryo transfer cycles were included; 54.5% chose the best-quality embryo, while 45.5% selected based on sex. Among those choosing based on sex, 56.5% chose male embryos and 43.5% chose female. Preference for quality remained consistent over the decade (p = 0.30), while male embryos were consistently favored (p = 0.64). Best-quality embryos had higher grades (p < 0.001). Clinical outcomes were similar between groups (CPR: 74.4% vs. 71.9%, p = 0.05; SIR: 64.9% vs. 63.4%, p = 0.26; LBR: 58.8% vs. 56.7%, p = 0.13), and between male and female embryo selections.

Conclusions

Sex selection remains common, with 45.5% selecting embryos based on sex, predominantly favoring males. This trend persisted over 10 years, with comparable clinical outcomes regardless of selection criteria.
The Dependence of Online Gambling Businesses on High-Spending Customers: Quantification and Implications
Authors: Forrest David , McHale Ian G.
Published: June 2024

Online gambling has grown to be a significant industry but it faces regulatory threats because of perception that it is heavily dependent on a small segment of its customers who gamble heavily and at a level carrying elevated risk of harm. Employing a large multi-operator data set from Britain, which records individual transactions by some 140,000 individuals observed over one year, we are enabled to provide more precise estimates of the degree of concentration of revenue, compared with previous studies. High dependence on a relatively small number of customers is shown though there is variation from product to product in how small the group of account-holders of potential concern is. We conclude with a discussion of prospects for the industry in light of heightened awareness of gambling harm and resulting restrictions on online gambling spending introduced or proposed by governments or regulators in several jurisdictions.
An empirical comparison of sleep-specific versus generic quality of life instruments among Australians with sleep disorders
Authors: Woods Taylor-Jade , Kaambwa Billingsley
Published: June 2024

Purpose

In Australian adults diagnosed with a sleep disorder(s), this cross-sectional study compares the empirical relationships between two generic QoL instruments, the EuroQoL 5-dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L) and ICEpop CAPability measure for Adults (ICECAP-A), and three sleep-specific metrics, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), 10-item Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ-10), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Methods

Convergent and divergent validity between item/dimension scores was examined using Kendall’s Tau-B correlation, with correlations below 0.30 considered weak, between 0.30 and 0.50 moderate and those above 0.50 strong (indicating that instruments were measuring similar constructs). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to identify shared underlying constructs.

Results

A total of 1509 participants (aged 18–86 years) were included in the analysis. Convergent validity between dimensions/items of different instruments was weak to moderate. A 5-factor EFA solution, representing ‘daytime dysfunction’, ‘fatigue’, ‘wellbeing’, ‘physical health’, and ‘perceived sleep quality’, was simplest with close fit and fewest cross-loadings. Each instrument’s dimensions/items primarily loaded onto their own factor, except for the EQ-5D-5L and PSQI. Nearly two-thirds of salient loadings were of excellent magnitude (0.72 to 0.91).

Conclusion

Moderate overlap between the constructs assessed by generic and sleep-specific instruments indicates that neither can fully capture the complexity of QoL alone in general disordered sleep populations. Therefore, both are required within economic evaluations. A combination of the EQ-5D-5L and, depending on context, ESS or PSQI offers the broadest measurement of QoL in evaluating sleep health interventions.
Simultaneous mating disruption of two moth pests of the vineyard (Lobesia botrana and Cryptoblabes gnidiella) through a biodegradable sex pheromone dispenser
Authors: Ricciardi Renato , De Fazi Livia , D’Anna Giordana , Savino Francesco , Ladurner Edith , Iodice Andrea , Benelli Giovanni , Lucchi Andrea
Published: June 2024

Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and Cryptoblabes gnidiella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) represent a threat to wine production in Mediterranean countries. In recent years, the development of new formulations promoted the spread of pheromone-based mating disruption (MD) as an effective tool for the management of several insect pests in different agricultural contexts. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of an experimental dispenser designed for simultaneous MD of these two pests. The biodegradable double-tube dispenser (Isonet® L CG-BIOX235) was tested for two years in two Italian wine-growing sites, the first in Apulia (Southern Italy), and the second in Tuscany (Central Italy). Isonet® L CG-BIOX235 efficacy was evaluated by testing different doses (i.e., 300, 400, and 500 dispensers/ha), on different varieties (i.e., Aglianico, Syrah, and Viognier), and comparing it with an untreated control. The MD performed using this dispenser significantly reduced the infestation of both L. botrana (i.e., percentage of infested bunches and number of nests per bunch) and C. gnidiella compared to the untreated control, although the occurrence of the latter fluctuated throughout the two-year trials. Overall, although our results underline the possibility of combining the pheromones of the two pests in a single dispenser for their simultaneous MD, they also highlight the need for further studies on some aspects of C. gnidiella biology and consequently improve the MD efficacy against this species.
Post-COVID inflation and the monetary policy dilemma: an agent-based scenario analysis
Authors: Knicker Max Sina , Naumann-Woleske Karl , Bouchaud Jean-Philippe , Zamponi Francesco
Published: June 2024

The economic shocks that followed the COVID-19 pandemic have brought to light the difficulty, both for academics and policy makers, of describing and predicting the dynamics of inflation. This paper offers an alternative modelling approach. We study the 2020–2023 period within the well-studied Mark-0 Agent-Based Model, in which economic agents act and react according to plausible behavioural rules. We include a mechanism through which trust of economic agents in the Central Bank can de-anchor. We investigate the influence of regulatory policies on inflationary dynamics resulting from three exogenous shocks, calibrated on those that followed the COVID-19 pandemic: a production/consumption shock due to COVID-related lockdowns, a supply chain shock, and an energy price shock exacerbated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. By exploring the impact of these shocks under different assumptions about monetary policy efficacy and transmission channels, we review various explanations for the resurgence of inflation in the USA, including demand-pull, cost-push, and profit-driven factors. Our main results are fourfold: (i) without appropriate fiscal policy, the shocked economy can take years to recover, or even tip over into a deep recession; (ii) the success of monetary policy in curbing inflation is primarily due to expectation anchoring, rather than to the direct economic impact of interest rate hikes; (iii) however, perhaps paradoxically, strong inflation anchoring is detrimental to consumption and unemployment, leading to a narrow window of “optimal” policy responses due to the trade-off between inflation and unemployment; (iv) the two most sensitive model parameters are those describing wage and price indexation. The results of our study have implications for Central Bank decision-making, and offer an easy-to-use tool that may help anticipate the consequences of different monetary and fiscal policies.
Improving Access to Child and Youth Addiction and Mental Health Services in New Brunswick: Implementing One-at-a-Time Therapy Within an Integrated Service Delivery Model
Authors: Harris-Lane Laura M. , King Alesha C. , Bérubé Stéphane , Burke Katie , Churchill AnnMarie , Cornish Peter , Jaouich Alexia , Michaud Mylène , Losier Anne , Shah Jai , Rash Joshua A.
Published: June 2024

This study examines the process of implementing One-at-a-Time (OAAT; i.e., single-session) therapy into child and youth addiction and mental health services in New Brunswick. The implementation process was retrospectively mapped onto implementation science frameworks. Providers were recruited to participate in research associated with the system change, and completed surveys to assess readiness for implementation. Client satisfaction and system-outcomes were measured through surveys and system indicators, respectively. Key implementation considerations included age of consent for services, implementation within an integrated service delivery model, and mapping the client journey to conceptualize changes in service delivery. Providers (N = 214) felt that OAAT therapy was acceptable and appropriate to implement into practice, and would lead to observable short-term outcomes. During the implementation (April–December 2022), 2266 sessions were delivered, resulting in a 62% waitlist reduction. Most clients who completed the satisfaction survey (N = 518) reported benefit. This study elucidates the successful implementation of OAAT therapy for children and youth, and can serve as a heuristic for comparable practice change initiatives.
Interplay of Physical, Psychological, and Social Frailty among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Five European Countries: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Ye Lizhen , van Grieken Amy , Alhambra-Borrás Tamara , Zhou Shuang , Clough Gary , Markaki Athina , Bilajac Lovorka , Raat Hein
Published: June 2024

Frailty is a dynamic condition encompassing physical, psychological, and social domains. While certain factors are associated with overall or specific frailty domains, research on the correlations between physical, psychological, and social frailty is lacking. This study aims to investigate the associations between physical, psychological, and social frailty in European older adults. The study involved 1781 older adults from the Urban Health Centres Europe project. Baseline and 1-year follow-up data were collected on physical, psychological, and social frailty, along with covariates. Linear regression analyzed unidirectional associations, while cross-lagged panel modeling assessed bi-directional associations. Participants’ mean age was 79.57 years (SD = 5.54) and over half were female (61.0%). Physical and psychological frailty showed bi-directional association (effect of physical frailty at baseline on psychological frailty at follow-up: β = 0.14, 95%CI 0.09, 0.19; reversed direction: β = 0.05, 95%CI 0.01, 0.09). Higher physical frailty correlated with increased social frailty (β = 0.05, 95%CI 0.01, 0.68), but no association was found between social and psychological frailty. This longitudinal study found a reciprocal relationship between physical and psychological frailty in older adults. A relatively higher level of physical frailty was associated with a higher level of social frailty. There was no association between social and psychological frailty. These findings underscore the multifaceted interplay between various domains of frailty. Public health professionals should recognize the implications of these interconnections while crafting personalized prevention and care strategies. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and investigate underlying mechanisms.
SEOM-GEMCAD-TTD clinical guidelines for the adjuvant treatment of colon cancer (2023)
Authors: Pericay Carles , Montagut Clara , Reina Juan José , Melian Marcos , Alcaide Julia , Tarazona Noelia , Ruiz-Casado Ana , González-Flores Encarnación , Graña Begoña , Grávalos Cristina
Published: June 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a 5-year overall survival rate of over 60%. The decrease in the rate of metastatic disease is due to screening programs and the population’s awareness of healthy lifestyle. Similarly, advancements in surgical methods and the use of adjuvant chemotherapy have contributed to a decrease in the recurrence of resected disease. Before evaluating a patient’s treatment, it is recommended to be discussed in a multidisciplinary tumor board. In stage II tumors, the pathologic characteristics of poor prognosis must be known (T4, number of lymph nodes analyzed less than 12, lymphovascular or perineural invasion, obstruction or perforation, poor histologic grade, presence of tumor budding) and it is mandatory to determine the MSI/MMR status for avoiding administering fluoropyridimidines in monotherapy to patients with MSI-H/dMMR tumors. In stage III tumors, the standard treatment consists of a combination of fluoropyrimidine (oral or intravenous) with oxaliplatin for 6 months although the administration of CAPOX can be considered for 3 months in low-risk tumors. Neoadjuvant treatment is not consolidated yet although immunotherapy is achieving very good preliminary results in MSI-H patients. The use of ctDNA to define the treatment and monitoring of resected tumors is only recommended within studies. These guidelines are intended to help decision-making to offer the best management of patients with non-metastatic colon cancer.
SEOM-GEMCAD-TTD clinical guidelines for the management of hepatocarcinoma patients (2023)
Authors: López Carlos López , Calvo Mariona , Cámara Juan Carlos , García-Paredes Beatriz , Gómez-Martin Carlos , López Ana María , Pazo-Cid Roberto , Sastre Javier , Yaya Ricardo , Feliu Jaime
Published: June 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy in the liver and is the third cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Surveillance with abdominal ultrasound should be offered to individuals at high risk for developing HCC. Accurate diagnosis, staging, and liver function are crucial when determining the optimal therapeutic approach. The BCLC staging system is widely endorsed in Western countries. Managing this pathology requires a multidisciplinary, personalized approach, generally with a multimodal strategy. Surgery remains the only curative option, albeit local and systemic therapy may also increase survival when surgery is not suitable. In advanced disease, systemic treatment should be offered to patients with ECOG/PS 0-1 and Child–Pugh class A.
Applications of mathematical morphology operators in civil infrastructures
Authors: Abrudan Dumitru , Drăgulinescu Ana-Maria , Vizireanu Nicolae
Published: June 2024

Civil infrastructures require a permanent attention and maintenance from the moment of commissioning to moment of demolition. One important aspect which is mandatory to be taken into consideration is crack detection. Cracks can appear during the lifetime of the civil infrastructure and require specialized personal for assessment. Depending of the civil infrastructure, this operation can require specialized skills (such as climbing). To overcome this issue with regards to specialized manpower, image processing is used. Nowadays, images can be easily acquired using an unmanned aircraft vehicle system known also as a drone. The main advantages of a drone for civil infrastructure image acquisition are: i) it can be operated at different heights, ii) rapid data collection, iii) cost and time savings, iv) user-friendly interface.The main purpose of our paper resides in improving the accuracy of the pre-trained neural networks when noisy images are used in civil works. Throughout our research, we used a dataset which contains three classes of images: with cracks, without cracks and with noise. To remove the noise presented in images mathematical morphology operators (MMO) are used. Our results reveal that using opening operator filter on a dataset of images which present civil infrastructure cracks outperform the results obtained using only pre-trained neural networks. In addition, the computation time is reduced.
Molecular characterization of a rare case of high-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC, BCL2, BCL6, and CCND1 rearrangements
Authors: Monika FNU , Sabri Ahmed , Cantu David , Vail Eric , Siref Andrew
Published: June 2024

Quadruple-hit lymphomas are extremely rare non-Hodgkin lymphomas with a reported dismal prognosis in the few reported cases. A “quadruple hit” has been defined by the presence of concurrent MYC, BCL2, BCL6, and CCND1 chromosomal rearrangements. We report a new case of a quadruple hit lymphoma in a 73-year-old Hispanic man who presented with an enlarging left-sided neck mass. Computed tomography showed a 1.9-cm mass in left the tonsil with bulky cervical lymphadenopathy. The presence of all four chromosomal rearrangements can reportedly occur with disease progression in both diffuse large B-cell lymphomas and mantle cell lymphomas. Further characterization of the tumor by next-generation sequencing may be of benefit to delineate between these two possibilities. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and next-generation sequencing were used to confirm and classify the diagnosis. Histologic sections of the cervical lymph node demonstrated an atypical lymphoid infiltrate with large and pleomorphic cells, which were positive for CD20, CD10, BCL1 (Cyclin D1), BCL2, BCL6, and cMYC and negative for CD5 and SOX11 on immunohistochemistry with a Ki-67 proliferative index of 70%. FISH demonstrated MYC, BCL2, BCL6, and CCND1 rearrangements and the diagnosis of high-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC, BCL2, BCL6, and CCND1 was rendered. Our patient was treated with dose adjusted etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, prednisone, and rituximab chemotherapy and has been in remission for 20 months.
Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic analyses of Rotaviruses Circulating in Municipal Sewage and Sewage-Polluted River Waters in Durban Area, South Africa
Authors: Omatola Cornelius Arome , Olaniran Ademola Olufolahan
Published: June 2024

Globally, rotavirus continues to be the leading etiology of severe pediatric gastroenteritis, and transmission of the disease via environmental reservoirs has become an emerging concern in developing countries. From August to October 2021, a total of 69 samples comprising 48 of raw and treated sewage, and 21 surface waters, were collected from four Durban wastewater treatment plants (DWWTP), and effluent receiving rivers, respectively. Rotaviruses recovered and identified from the samples were subjected to sequencing, genotyping, and phylogenetic analysis. Of the 65 (94.2%) rotavirus-positive samples, 33.3% were from raw sewage, 16% from activated sludge, 15.9% from final effluents, and 29.0% were from the receiving river samples. A total of 49 G and 41 P genotypes were detected in sewage while 15 G and 22 P genotypes were detected in river samples. G1 genotype predominated in sewage (24.5%) followed by G3 (22.4%), G2 (14.3%), G4 (12.2%), G12 (10.2%), G9 (8.2%), and G8 (6.1%). Similarly, G1 predominated in river water samples (33.3%) and was followed by G2, G4 (20.0% each), G3, and G12 (13.3% each). Rotavirus VP4 genotypes P[4], P[6], and P[8] accounted for 36.6%, 29.3%, and 9.8%, respectively, in sewage. Correspondingly, 45.5%, 31.8%, and 13.6% were detected in river samples. The G and P genotypes not identified by the methods used were 2.1% versus 24.3% and 0.1% versus 9.1% for sewage and river water samples, respectively. Sequence comparison studies indicated a high level of nucleotide identity in the G1, G2, G3, G4, G8 VP7, and P[4], P[6], and P[8] VP4 gene sequences between strains from the environment and those from patients in the region. This is the first environmental-based study on the G and P genotypes diversity of rotavirus in municipal wastewater and their receiving rivers in this geographical region. The high similarity between environmental and clinical rotavirus strains suggests both local circulation of the virus and potential exposure risks. In addition, it highlights the usefulness of sewage surveillance as an additional tool for an epidemiological investigation, especially in populations that include individuals with subclinical or asymptomatic infections that are precluded in case-based studies.
Hormone imbalances detected in study participants with pre-diabetes in a Durban-based clinical setting, South Africa
Authors: Sosibo Aubrey M. , Mzimela Nomusa C. , Ngubane Phikelelani S. , Khathi Andile
Published: June 2024

Background

Type II diabetes mellitus onset is linked with hormonal imbalances. However, the knowledge about hormonal alterations in pre-diabetes is limited.

Objective

The study aimed to examine type II diabetes mellitus-associated hormone levels during the pre-diabetes phase in participants aged 25–45 in a Durban-based clinical setting in South Africa.

Methods

Stored plasma samples from a retrospective study collected 364 samples that were divided into pre-diabetes and non-pre-diabetes groups. From the 364, 38 samples from the group of persons without pre-diabetes and 38 from persons with glycated haemoglobin determined pre-diabetes were blindly selected. The hormone concentrations (C-peptide, cortisol, adipokines, thyroids, incretins, and sex steroids) of the study participants were measured using the BIO-RAD Bio-Plex MAGPIX instrument.

Results

Hormone imbalances in several hormones were detected in study participants with pre-diabetes. Most of the hormone dysregulation associated with T2DM begins in pre-diabetes but at a moderate level.

Conclusion

The findings reveal new possible hormone therapy targets for pre-diabetes and contribute to the growing support for targeting pre-diabetes as a preventative measure for T2DM prevention.
Friction as energy dissipation process associated with superlubricity of solids
Authors: Zhang Bo
Published: June 2024

The paper shows that work in a quantum system is quantized with energy; the quantum work is equivalent to the highest eigenenergy (the Debye energy) of the system and the superlubricity of solids is derived from the quantum work. The prerequisite for the superlubricity is that the lateral force at contact surfaces in sliding is less than the Debye force so that the phonon of the solids is not excited.
Speaking Well and Feeling Good: Age-Related Differences in the Affective Language of Resting State Thought
Authors: Stoica Teodora , Andrews Eric S. , Deffner Austin M. , Griffith Christopher , Grilli Matthew D. , Andrews-Hanna Jessica R.
Published: June 2024

Despite the prevalence and importance of resting state thought for daily functioning and psychological well-being, it remains unclear how such thoughts differ between young and older adults. Age-related differences in the affective tone of resting state thoughts, including the affective language used to describe them, could be a novel manifestation of the positivity effect, with implications for well-being. To examine this possibility, a total of 77 young adults (M = 24.9 years, 18–35 years) and 74 cognitively normal older adults (M = 68.6 years, 58–83 years) spoke their thoughts freely during a think-aloud paradigm across two studies. The emotional properties of spoken words and participants’ retrospective self-reported affective experiences were computed and examined for age differences and relationships with psychological well-being. Study 1, conducted before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, revealed that older adults exhibited more diversity of positive, but not negative, affectively tinged words compared to young adults and more positive self-reported thoughts. Despite being conducted virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic, study 2 replicated many of study 1’s findings, generalizing results across samples and study contexts. In an aggregated analysis of both samples, positive diversity predicted higher well-being beyond other metrics of affective tone, and the relationship between positive diversity and well-being was not moderated by age. Considering that older adults also exhibited higher well-being, these results hint at the possibility that cognitively healthy older adults’ propensity to experience more diverse positive concepts during natural periods of restful thought may partly underlie age-related differences in well-being and reveal a novel expression of the positivity effect.
Exploring AI approaches for predicting groundwater levels in coastal agro-climatic zones: a case study in Cuttack District, Odisha
Authors: Panda Shubhshree , Dalai Chittaranjan , Sahoo Abinash , Panda Debiprasad , Samantaray Sandeep , Satpathy Debaprakash
Published: June 2024

Groundwater level (GWL) prediction across various time scales is essential for efficient management and governance of water resources especially in regions characterized by arid and semi-arid climates, and it holds great significance. Within certain coastal regions, agro-climatic zones give rise to challenges like water scarcity in summer and waterlogging during the rainy season, resulting in reduced GWL during scarcity periods and saltwater intrusion that contaminates groundwater. This study emphasizes on application of diverse AI methodologies, encompassing Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and Wavelet Transform-based ANN (W-ANN), ANFIS (W-ANFIS), SVR (W-SVR), and LSTM (W-LSTM) models for quantitative assessment of groundwater in Odisha's Cuttack District, aiming to comprehend GWL fluctuations across the region. The investigation leverages historical groundwater data from monitoring wells, incorporating monthly datasets of rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, and GWLs. Through comparative assessment using statistical methods namely Pearson’s R (R), co-efficient of determination (R2), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), and Sum of Squared Error (SSE), the most precise and robust AI approach for groundwater estimation in the area is identified. The W-LSTM (R2-0.78196, RMSE- 0.09254, R-0.88428 and SSE-2.66357) and W-ANFIS (R2-0.74068, RMSE-0.08229, R-0.86063 and SSE-2.10596) hybrid algorithms consistently achieved the most accurate predictions for GWLs followed by W-SVR, W-ANN hybrid models and LSTM and ANN for all stations. Overall, this study demonstrated promising outcomes, offering a dependable foundation for water resources planners to guide future investigations into groundwater resources.