bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A PRELIMINARY COMPARATIVE QUALITY EVALUATION TESTING OF ACETAMINOPHEN TABLET MARKETED IN SAKAKA CITY, SAUDI ARABIA
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Masood , Khan Tanveer Ahmed , Bashir Muhammad Anwar
Published: November 2023

Acetaminophen is a medication used as an antipyretic and analgesic. It is commonly available as an Over the Counter (OTC). Different dosage forms of acetaminophen are available in the market; we have selected solid dosage form as acetaminophen tablet. The main stressing point of the current study is to evaluate and compare quality control of three brands of acetaminophen tablets available in Sakaka, Saudi Arabia. Each of the sample of having 500mg as an active constituent that was purchased from the local retail pharmacy outlets and their quality evaluation, were assessed by using in-vitro tests according to official monograph of US and BP. The parameter for quality evaluation of the tablet which was studied including content uniformity, weight variations, thickness, hardness, friability, disintegration, and assay and dissolution study according to the given specification of the official monograph. The weight variation, friability, and hardness values of each of the branded tablet were complied with specifications. In-vitro disintegration and dissolution analysis showed that the disintegration time of all three brands was within 15min and dissolution test results represented that more than 80% drug released within 30min. The results represented that the overall finding of the quality control evaluation of all tested brands of acetaminophen tablets that are available in Sakaka city, Saudi Arabia was being observed with the official requirement of USP and BP specification for quality control purposes.
THE FLAX SEED- A PROMISING TRADITIONAL HERBAL MEDICINE WITH MUTI DIMENSIONALPHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES
Authors: Nesar Shagufta , Rafiq Kiran
Published: November 2023

Flaxseed commonly known as flax or linseeds. It is a member of genus Linum and belong to family Linaceae. Flax seed is annual, non woody herbaceous plant. Linum usitatissimum is the botanical name of flax seed. The vast and significant medicinal uses of Flaxseed has proved its importance and versatility in socioeconomic development of humans. In Pakistan it is cultivated in different cities of Sindh and Punjab. Usually, it has been used to ameliorate the digestive system, maintain blood pressure towards normal and decrease bad cholesterol, many benefits in type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of cancer. Flax seeds or flaxseed oil are also utilized in inflammatory bowel disease. Due to high content of omega-3, fiber, and other distinct constituents, it is famous for its effectiveness.
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY′S IMPACT ON USAGE OF MOBILE APPLICATION AT CATERING FACILITIES
Authors: Mićić Ljubiša
Published: November 2023

For almost two years now, the world has been facing major economic challenges, precisely struggling how to adjust the business in a period of a pandemic. It can be said with great certainty that there are very few economic entities to which the pandemic has left no trace or caused visible consequences on business. However, we can perceive the crisis as a chance for further development or an opportunity to show that we can achieve better results compared to the competition. One of the ways to improve the usage of mobile application in catering facilities is the implementation of digital technologies. Accordingly, the main goal of this paper is to determine whether there is an impact of digital technologies on the usage of mobile application in catering facilities. The methods used for the research will be a survey as a method of quantitative research, and an interview as a method of qualitative research. The expected results of the research are to determine whether there is an impact of the of digital technologies on the usage of mobile application at catering facilities.
INDUSTRY AFFILIATION AS A FACTOR OF ENTERPRISES' VULNERABILITY IN CRISIS CONDITIONS
Authors: Janković-Milić Vesna
Published: November 2023

Crisis situations make enterprises vulnerable. To be resilient in times of crisis, enterprises have to try to adapt to changing circumstances. In that sense, the subject of the paper is the analysis of the impact of the latest, still on-going crisis on business performance of enterprises that belong to different industries. The subject of the analysis are enterprises operating at the territory of the Republic of Serbia, of different size and industry, in order to establish potential significant differences in the manifestation of the effects of the crisis on their performance. Data analysis, as well as testing the significance of the difference in the examined values of selected indicators with regard to size and industry, will be conducted by using adequate statistical methods. The aim of the analysis is to identify short-term consequences of the crisis, as well as preconditions for their easier overcoming.
AKTUELNA KRIZA U UKRAJINI I NJENE POSLEDICE
Authors: Zelenović Jelena
Published: November 2023

Poslednje decenije, ali i vekovi, obiluju finansijskim krizama različitih karakteristika, intenziteta i područja javljanja. Iskustva finansijskih kriza su pokazala da države dospevaju u finansijsku krizu kada ekonomija kao celina kontinuirano ima deficit tekućeg bilansa, dakle kada troši više nego što stvara, što dovodi do rasta spoljne zaduženosti Predmet istraživanja je aktuelna kriza, nastala intervencijom Rusije u Ukrajini, usled čega su usledile sveobuhvatne i veoma drastične sankcije, koje su rezultirale ozbiljnim tržišnim ishodima. Cilj rada je da se vidi, u kojim segmentima će se prvo videti posledice krize, te da li će se i koliko kriza odraziti na globalnu ekonomiju. prkos maloj ekonomskoj veličini usije, intervencija i povezane sankcije već izazivaju poremećaje globalne prirode kroz finansijske i poslovne veze.
IMPLIKACIJE PRIMJENE BLOKČEJN TEHNOLOGIJE U RAČUNOVODSTVU I JAVNIM FINANSIJAMA
Authors: Tanasić Ljiljana , Radovanović Lazar
Published: November 2023

Ovaj rad ima za cilj da analizira implikacije blokčejn tehnologije u računovodstvenoj profesiji i vladinom sektoru. Tehnologija blokčejna, nepoznata do prije samo jedne decenije, pojavila se iz sjenke bitkoina i sada je u središtu rasprave o budućnosti digitalne ekonomije. Blokčejn je decentralizovana baza podataka osigurana kriptografskom zaštitom za koju se procjenjuje da će do 2027. godine čuvati na svojoj platformi oko 10% globalnog bruto domaćeg proizvoda (BDP). Dvojno knjigovodstvo, koje se koristi više od 500 godina, u današnjoj eri tehnoloških promjena i primijenjene blokčejn tehnologije moglo bi razviti novi sistem, sistem trojnog knjigovodstva. Dominantni tržišni lideri u računovodstvenoj profesiji PwC, Deloitte, EY i KPMG već su započeli istraživanja za uvođenje ove tehnologiju u svoje poslovne prakse. Primjena blokčejn tehnologije, pored privatnog sektora, mogla bi se koristiti i u vladinom sektoru, posebno u oblasti poreza. Blokčejn bi eliminisao retroaktivno evidentiranje poreza i obezbijedio automatizovanu i neprobojnu platformu za mnoge vrste poreskih prevara. Međutim, usvajanje blokčejn tehnologije, kao i svake nove tehnologije, zavisi od njene sposobnosti da prevaziđe regulatorne, tehničke i društvene izazove.
Luci e ombre del Tardoantico nelle Costituzioni Sirmondiane
Authors: Giomaro Anna Maria
Published: November 2023

Abstract The text aims to propose a summary speech on Constitutiones Sirmondianae, highlighting the various grounds for discussion that have arisen from reading them since the first edition of 1631: discovery, attribution, authenticity, and above all the themes they deal with considered one by one, and thus the 4th-5th century society to which they refer. The topic that all of them involve, which is the episcopalis audientia, must attract a minimum of specific attention, and can perhaps be interpreted in a more ‘political’ sense: in the concessions that Constantine and the emperors after him had to make to the new religion, the episcopalis audientia attracted a practice of ‘judgment’ of the bishop that had been consolidating in the Christian community, which also became ‘opinion’ or, if you like, ‘testimony’, to be examined by the civil judge.
Roman Declamation, Roman Law, and Ancient Legal Medicine: the Case of veneficium
Authors: Papakonstantinou Nephele
Published: November 2023

Abstract This paper discusses the Roman legal treatment of poisoning, grounded on the lex Cornelia de sicariis et veneficis (81 BCE), through the lens of school forensic declamations (controversiae). Sections 1-4 set the context and address key methodological issues. Section 5, the core of the research, examines Pseudo-Quintilian’s Declamatio minor 350 Aqua frigida privigno data (Cold water given to stepson) – a fictitious legal case concerning a suspicious death caused by drinking cold water. It is argued that the medico-legal assumptions underlying this distinctly unique case are likely to have brought new content to the legal conceptualisation of the reckless administration of venena, and hence, to the juristic interpretation of the degree of criminal intent required in similar cases of suspected homicide. The overall objective is to provide new insights of multidisciplinary relevance into the intersections of Roman Imperial forensic rhetoric, Roman law, and Graeco-Roman medicine, by looking closer at the method of argument through which trials involving a charge of poisoning may have been conducted in actual court practice.
Changes in Employment in the US Health Care Workforce, 2016-2022
Authors: Nguyen Thuy , Whaley Christopher , Simon Kosali I. , Cantor Jonathan
Published: November 2023

This study examines the rate of employment in US health care in the postpandemic period, through the end of 2022.
Slippery Porous‐Liquid‐Infused Porous Surface (SPIPS) with On‐Demand Responsive Switching between “Defensive” and “Offensive” Antifouling Modes
Authors: Tong Zheming , Gao Feng , Chen Sifan , Song Lina , Hu Jiankun , Hou Yang , Lu Jianguo , Leung Michael K.H. , Zhan Xiaoli , Zhang Qinghua
Published: November 2023

Slippery liquid‐infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) have received widespread attention in the antifouling field. However, the reduction in antifouling performance caused by lubricant loss limits their application in marine antifouling. Herein, inspired by the skin of a poison dart frog which contains venom glands and mucus, a porous liquid (PL) based on ZIF‐8 is prepared as a lubricant and injected into a silicone polyurethane (SPU) matrix to construct a new type of SLIPS for marine antifouling applications: the slippery porous‐liquid‐infused porous surface (SPIPS). The SPIPS consists of a responsive antifoulant‐releasing switch between “defensive” and “offensive” antifouling modes to intelligently enhance the antifouling effect after lubricant loss. The SPIPS can adjust antifouling performance to meet the antifouling requirements under different light conditions. The wastage of antifoulants is reduced, thereby effectively maintaining the durability and service life of SLIPS materials. The SPIPS exhibits efficient lubricant self‐replenishment, self‐cleaning, anti‐protein, anti‐bacterial, anti‐algal, and self‐healing (97.48%) properties. Furthermore, it shows satisfactory 360‐day antifouling performance in actual marine fields during boom seasons, demonstrating the longest antifouling lifespan in the field tests of reported SLIPS coatings. Hence, the SPIPS can effectively promote the development of SLIPS for neritic antifouling.
Brushed Nano‐Stirbars for Measuring Viscosity in Microscopic Systems
Authors: Liu Xinguo , Liu Xiaobin , He Guangyu , Yao Qingwu , Li Jinhao , Yi Xiangjiao , Liu Xueyang , Chen Hongyu
Published: November 2023

Conventional methods for measuring viscosity rely on macroscopic device components, which are difficult to miniaturize. The magnetic nano‐stirbars are small enough to enter tiny spaces and can spin without precise installation, making them an ideal candidate for exploring new methods. It is shown that a dense layer of Au nanowires can be grown on the silica surface of the nano‐stirbars, as a means to modulate the viscous resistance during their spinning and to make them visible under an optical microscope. The uniform growth of Au nanowires and the slight fluctuation of the spinning rates are investigated. It is shown that the nano‐stirbars with the hairy layer of Au nanowires can be used to measure the viscosity in microscopic liquid systems, such as microfluidic chambers and capillary tubes, involving cell media and blood samples. It is believed that the success with the proof‐of‐concept tests will open a window for further miniaturization of the nano‐stirbars for measuring in ultrasmall systems.
One‐Step Synthesis of Air‐Stable Sulfur‐Doped Molybdenum Phosphide Catalyst
Authors: Tian Song , Mao Wei , Tu Donghuai , Bai Yanbo , Jia Zhaohua , Qin Yue , Li Xiang , Wang Anjie , Faria Albanese Jimmy A. , Lu Jian
Published: November 2023

Transition‐metal phosphides prepared from temperature‐programmed reduction (TPR) are generally known to be unstable and prone to surface structure decomposition upon exposure to air. In this work, air‐stable molybdenum phosphide (MoP) was prepared using TPR modified by sulfur. This catalyst was exposed to ambient atmosphere for up to 150 days and still maintained its surface and bulk structures as the fresh sample derived from in situ reduction. The metal phosphosulfide phase generated during TPR not only contributes to the solid structural properties but also exhibits superior catalytic activity in various hydrofining reactions compared to traditional MoP catalysts. Additionally, this preparation strategy was used to synthesize other sulfur‐doped metal phosphides, such as CoP and Cu3P. Both of these catalysts exhibited excellent air‐stability.
Identifying the Role of Brønsted and Lewis Acid Sites in the Diels‐Alder Cycloaddition of 2,5‐DMF and Ethylene
Authors: Coumans Ferdy J. A. G. , Mezari Brahim , Hensen Emiel J. M.
Published: November 2023

The role of Lewis and Brønsted acid sites in the Diels‐Alder cycloaddition (DAC) of ethylene to 2,5‐dimethylfuran (2,5‐DMF) to p‐xylene was investigated. Amorphous silica catalysts containing Al3+ (ASA), Ga3+ (ASG), and In3+ (ASI) were prepared via homogeneous deposition‐precipitation. Silica modified with Zr4+ (ASZ) was prepared by impregnation. Their acidic properties were characterized by various IR and NMR spectroscopic techniques. Measurements using pyridine as a probe molecule highlighted the presence of mostly Lewis acid sites (LAS) in all materials. Using CO as a probe, in contrast, demonstrated the existence of Brønsted acid sites (BAS) in ASA and ASG, which were nearly absent in ASI and ASZ. Differences in basic strength can explain the contrast in results observed between the two probe molecules. The highest p‐xylene yield (~20 %) in the DAC reaction, could be achieved with ASA and ASG. The lack of BAS in ASI and ASZ resulted in inferior performance in the DAC, with p‐xylene yields below 5 %. These results indicate the importance of BAS for the DAC reaction. Several other heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts were explored for the DAC reaction to show the generality of our conclusion that BAS play a critical role in obtaining p‐xylene from 2,5‐DMF and ethylene.
Rh(I)‐Catalyzed [4+3]/[4+1] Cycloaddition of Diene‐Vinylcyclopropanes and Carbon Monoxide to Access Angular 5/7/5 Tricycles
Authors: Yang Jun , Zhang Pan , Shen Zeyuan , Yu Zhi‐Xiang
Published: November 2023

Report here is a Rh‐catalyzed [4+3]/[4+1] cycloaddition of diene‐vinylcyclopropanes (diene‐VCPs) and carbon monoxide to access compounds with angular 5/7/5 tricyclic skeleton found in natural products. The reaction has broad scope and further transformation of the [4+3]/[4+1] cycloadduct was also investigated. How this [4+3]/[4+1] reaction occurs and why its competing [4+3] reaction is disfavored have been investigated computationally.
The South African Pollen Monitoring Network: Insights from 2 years of national aerospora sampling (2019–2021)
Authors: Esterhuizen Nanike , Berman Dilys M. , Neumann Frank H. , Ajikah Linus , Quick Lynne J. , Hilmer Erin , Van Aardt Andri , John Juanette , Garland Rebecca , Hill Trevor , Finch Jemma , Hoek Werner , Bamford Marion , Seedat Riaz Y. , Manjra Ahmed I. , Peter Jonny
Published: November 2023

Background

Pollen monitoring has been discontinuously undertaken in South Africa, a country with high biodiversity, a seasonal rainfall gradient, and nine biomes from arid to subtropical. The South African Pollen Monitoring Network was set up in 2019 to conduct the first long‐term national aerospora monitoring across multiple biomes, providing weekly reports to allergy sufferers and healthcare providers.

Methods

Daily airborne pollen concentrations were measured from August 2019 to August 2021 in seven cities across South Africa. Updated pollen calendars were created for the major pollen types (>3%), the average Annual Pollen Index over 12 months was calculated, and the results were compared to available historical data.

Results

The main pollen types were from exotic vegetation. The most abundant taxa were Poaceae, Cupressaceae, Moraceae and Buddleja. The pollen season start, peak and end varied widely according to the biome and suite of pollen taxa. The main tree season started in the last week of August, peaked in September and ended in early December. Grass seasons followed rainfall patterns: September–January and January–April for summer and winter rainfall areas, respectively. Major urban centres, for example, Johannesburg and Pretoria in the same biome with similar rainfall, showed substantive differences in pollen taxa and abundance. Some major differences in pollen spectra were detected compared with historical data. However, we are cognisant that we are describing only 2 years of data that may be skewed by short‐term weather patterns.

Conclusions

Differences in pollen spectra and concentrations were noted across biomes and between geographically close urban centres. Comparison with historical data suggests pollen spectra and seasons may be changing due to anthropogenic climate change and landscaping. These data stress the importance of regional and continuous pollen monitoring for informed care of pollinosis.
Efficacy‐effectiveness gaps in oncology: Looking beyond survival
Authors: Wilson Brooke E. , Hanna Timothy P. , Booth Christopher M.
Published: November 2023

The efficacy‐effectiveness (EE) gap describes the differences in survival seen in clinical trials and routine clinical practice, where patients in real‐world practice often have inferior outcomes compared to trial populations. However, EE gaps may exist beyond survival outcomes, including gaps in quality of life, toxicity, cost‐effectiveness, and patient time, and these EE gaps should also influence patient and clinician treatment decisions. Failure to clearly acknowledge these EE gaps may cause patients, clinicians, and health care systems to have unrealistic expectations of the benefits of therapy across a range of important clinical and economic domains. In this commentary, the authors review the evidence supporting the existence of EE gaps in quality of life, time toxicity, cost and toxicities, and urge for further research into this important topic.
Au‐Catalyzed Energy Release in a Molecular Solar Thermal (MOST) System: A Combined Liquid‐Phase and Surface Science Study
Authors: Eschenbacher Roman , Hemauer Felix , Franz Evanie , Leng Andreas , Schwaab Valentin , Waleska‐Wellnhofer Natalie J. , Freiberger Eva Marie , Fromm Lukas , Xu Tao , Görling Andreas , Hirsch Andreas , Steinrück Hans‐Peter , Papp Christian , Brummel Olaf , Libuda Jörg
Published: November 2023

Molecular solar thermal systems (MOSTs) are molecular systems based on couples of photoisomers (photoswitches), which combine solar energy conversion, storage, and release. In this work, we address the catalytically triggered energy release in the promising MOST couple phenylethylesternorbornadiene/quadricyclane (PENBD/PEQC) on a Au(111) surface in a combined liquid‐phase and surface science study. We investigated the system by photoelectrochemical infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (PEC‐IRRAS) in the liquid phase, conventional IRRAS and synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy (SRPES) in ultra‐high vacuum (UHV). Au(111) is highly active towards catalytically triggered energy release. In the liquid phase, we did not observe any decomposition of the photoswitch, no deactivation of the catalyst within 100 conversion cycles and we could tune the energy release rate of the heterogeneously catalyzed process by applying an external potential. In UHV, submonolayers of PEQC on Au(111) are back‐converted to PENBD instantaneously, even at 110 K. Multilayers of PEQC are stable up to ~220 K. Above this temperature, the intrinsic mobility of the film is high enough that PEQC molecules come into direct contact with the Au(111) surface, which catalyzes the back‐conversion. We suggest that this process occurs via a singlet–triplet mechanism induced by electronic coupling between the PEQC molecules and the Au(111) surface.
Street level bureaucrats, policy entrepreneurship, and discretion in enforcing bans on motorcycle taxis in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Ackrill Rob , Igudia Eghosa , Olusanya Olasunmbo , Oyalowo Basirat
Published: November 2023

Recently, the authorities in Lagos have implemented policies progressively restricting the operation of okadas (motorcycle taxis). We analyze the enforcement of these measures through the lens of street‐level bureaucrats (SLBs) and street‐level policy entrepreneurs (SLPEs). Doing so, we introduce two novel features into the literature. First, the extant literature focuses primarily on policies that deliver public services, whereas policies can also control proscribed behavior. We refer to these as service delivery and regulation, respectively. Second, the exercise of discretion by SLBs and SLPEs can result in both “underenforcement” and “overenforcement” of regulatory policies, the latter potentially involving breaking the law. Drawing on extensive fieldwork in Lagos between 2021 and 2023, we find strong evidence of both underenforcement and overenforcement of okada bans over time, but with more overenforcement. This offers important insights conceptually for the SLPE literature and empirically to the challenges of policing urban Lagos.
Predictors of the onset of neonatal sepsis at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary hospital in Ghana: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Opare‐Asamoah Kwame , Acquah Samuel E. , Vicar Ezekial Kofi , Quaye Lawrence , Alhassan Abdul‐Mumin , Majeed Saeed F. , Yakong Vida Nyagre , Yankson Samuel
Published: November 2023

Background and Aim

Neonatal sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to infection during the first 4 weeks of an infant's life. It is a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in low‐ and middle‐income countries. This study aimed to determine the predictors of the onset of sepsis at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 275 mothers and their singleton neonates diagnosed clinically with sepsis. A univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for maternal occupational status was performed to determine the maternal and neonatal predictors of early‐onset (EOS) and late‐onset sepsis (LOS), respectively.

Results

Single motherhood (AOR = 1.882, 95% CI = 0.926−3.822, p = .08) and home delivery (AOR = 3.667, 95% CI = 0.584−23.026, p = .17) were predictors of EOS, with single motherhood being the predictor for LOS (AOR = 2.906, 95% CI = 0.715−11.805, p = .14) in a univariate analysis. When maternal occupation was adjusted for in a multivariate analysis, single mother (AOR = 2.167, 95% CI = 1.010−4.648, p = .04) was the main predictor of EOS, with low neonatal birth weight being the main predictor of LOS (AOR = 0.193, 95% CI = 0.038−0.971, p = .04).

Conclusion

Maternal marital status is a significant predictor of both EOS and LOS, with predictors of EOS being lower gestational age and low birth weight, while for LOS, low birth weight is the main predictor. Findings from this study can serve as a commencement point for developing predictive models for the onset of sepsis in neonates in the study facility.
Head lice infestation and the role of some cognitive‐behavioral factors in its spread and prevention among adolescent girls: A cross‐sectional study in Northwest Iran
Authors: Babazadeh Towhid , Chollou Khalil Maleki , Abedi‐Nerbin Sanaz , Abedi‐Nerbin Salar , Shahnavaz‐Yoshanluie Farzaneh , Ranjbaran Soheila
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims

Head lice is a public health problem of worldwide distribution, particularly among school children and girls. Head lice infestation (HLI) can lead to negative social and psychological outcomes such as distress and anxiety in children and their families. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the role of cognitive‐behavioral factors in its spread and prevention among adolescent girls.

Methods

The cross‐sectional study was conducted among 276 school‐aged adolescent girls from September 2022 to January 2023 in Herris, a city located in Northwest Iran. A multistage cluster random sample was used to recruit adolescent girls in secondary schools. Two schools were randomly selected from five secondary schools. Then, students in each school were randomly selected from a school list. Data were collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire.

Results

The high protective behaviors were significantly associated with the number of family members (ß = 0.158;pvalue = 0.012). An additional 21.8% of the variation in preventive behaviors was explained by cognitive factors as predictor variables (pvalue > 0.05). Perceived collective family efficacy, perceived barriers, perceived self‐efficacy, and response efficacy were predictors of head lice preventive behaviors, respectively. Among all variables, perceived collective family efficacy was the strongest predictor.

Conclusions

The findings of current research support the determinants of the cognitive‐behavioral factors in the spread and prevention of HLI. It is better to involve these factors in school‐based educational programs by policymakers and healthcare providers.
The predictive value of the thyroid nodule benign and malignant based on the ultrasound nodule‐to‐muscle gray‐scale ratio
Authors: Hu Tao , Zhou Tianhan , Zhang Yu , Zhou Li , Huang Xuanwei , Cai Yuan , Qian Shuoying , Huang Kaiyuan , Luo Dingcun
Published: November 2023

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of the ultrasonic nodule to muscle gray scale ratio as a predictive tool for distinguishing between benign and malignant thyroid nodules.

Methods

A retrospective study was undertaken at the First People's Hospital of Hangzhou, affiliated with the Zhejiang University School of Medicine, analyzing ultrasound and pathological data of patients with thyroid nodules between May 2020 and December 2022. The study extracted ultrasound features of nodules and employed univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify independent risk factors for malignant tumors in the nodules. Subsequently, a predictive model for distinguishing benign and malignant thyroid nodules was developed.

Results

A total of 466 patients were included in this retrospective study, of which 275 cases were malignant tumors. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the nodular‐muscle gray‐scale ratio, nodule diameter, margin status, aspect ratio, and calcification were closely related to thyroid malignant tumors. The area under the curve (AUC) of training group was 0.832, with a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 85.5%, 67.4%, and 76.6%, respectively. The AUC of the external validation group was 0.819, with a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 76.4%, 74.5%, and 75.7%, respectively. The calibration and decision curves showed that the model had good diagnostic value.

Conclusion

The research findings indicate that ratio is significantly associated with the malignant nature of thyroid nodules. The application of a line chart model based on these parameters exhibits a high level of predictive performance.
Detecting Muscle Invasion of Bladder Cancer: An Application of Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging Ratio and Vesical Imaging‐Reporting and Data System
Authors: Qin Cai , Tian Qi , Zhou Hui , Qin Yihan , Zhou Siyu , Wu Yutao , Tianjiao E  , Duan Shufeng , Li Yueyue , Wang Xiaolin , Chen Zhigang , Zheng Guihua , Feng Feng
Published: November 2023

Background

Independent factors are needed to supplement vesical imaging‐reporting and data system (VI‐RADS) to improve its ability to identify muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).

Purpose

To assess the correlation between MIBC and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) ratio, VI‐RADS, and other factors (such as tumor location).

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Sixty‐eight patients (50 males and 18 females; age: 70.1 ± 9.5 years) with bladder urothelial carcinoma.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T, conventional diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), and DKI (single shot echo‐planar sequence).

Assessment

Three radiologists independently measured the diffusion parameters of each bladder cancer (BCa) and obturator internus, including the mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmean), mean kurtosis (MK), and mean diffusion (MD). And the ratio of diffusion parameters between BCa and obturator internus was calculated (diffusion parameter ratio = bladder cancer:obturator internus). Based on the VI‐RADS, the target lesions were independently scored. Furthermore, the actual tumor‐wall contact length (ACTCL) and absolute tumor‐wall contact length (ABTCL) were measured.

Statistical Tests

Multicollinearity among independent variables was evaluated using the variance inflation factor (VIF). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors of MIBC. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the efficacy of each variable in detecting MIBC. The DeLong test was used to compare the area under the curve (AUC). A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

MKratio (median: 0.62) and VI‐RADS were independent risk factors for MIBC. AUCs for MKratio, VI‐RADS, and MKratio combined with VI‐RADS in assessing MIBC were 0.895, 0.871, and 0.973, respectively. MKratio combined with VI‐RADS was more effective in diagnosing MIBC than VI‐RADS alone.

Data Conclusions

MKratio has potential to assist the assessment of MIBC. MKratio can be used as a supplement to VI‐RADS for detecting MIBC.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Two‐Year Outcomes After Radiofrequency Neurolysis of Posterior Nasal Nerve in Chronic Rhinitis
Authors: Lee Jivianne T. , Abbas Gregory M. , Charous Daniel D. , Cuevas Mandy , Göktas Önder , Loftus Patricia A. , Nachlas Nathan E. , Toskala Elina M. , Watkins Jeremy P. , Brehmer Detlef
Published: November 2023

Objective

To assess the long‐term safety and effectiveness of temperature‐controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) neurolysis of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN), a minimally invasive treatment for chronic rhinitis.

Methods

A prospective, single‐arm study of 129 patients at 16 centers (United States, Germany) was conducted. Patient‐reported outcome measures were the 24‐h reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS) and mini rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (MiniRQLQ). Postnasal drip and cough symptoms were assessed using a 4‐point scale.

Results

The mean pretreatment rTNSS was 7.8 (95% CI, 7.5–8.1). The significant rTNSS treatment effect at 3 months (−4.2 [95% CI, −4.6 to −3.8]; p < 0.001) was sustained through 2 years (−4.5 [95% CI, −5.0 to −3.9]; p < 0.001), a 57.7% improvement. At 2 years, the proportion of patients with a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of ≥30% improvement in rTNSS from baseline was 80.0% (95% CI, 71.4%–86.5%). Individual postnasal drip and cough symptom scores were significantly improved from baseline through 2 years. The proportion of patients who reached the MCID for the MiniRQLQ (≥0.4‐point improvement) at 2 years was 77.4% (95% CI, 68.5%–84.3%). Of 81 patients using chronic rhinitis medications at baseline, 61.7% either stopped all medication use (28.4%) or stopped or decreased (33.3%) use of ≥1 medication class at 2 years. No device/procedure‐related serious adverse events were reported throughout 2 years.

Conclusion

TCRF neurolysis of the PNN resulted in sustained improvements in chronic rhinitis symptom burden and quality of life through 2 years, accompanied by a substantial decrease in medication burden.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:2077–2084, 2024
Flaws in the methodologies for organic carbon analysis in seagrass blue carbon soils
Authors: Serrano Oscar , Mazarrasa Ines , Fourqurean James W. , Serrano Eduard , Baldock Jeffrey , Sanderman Jonathan
Published: November 2023

The ability to accurately measure organic carbon (OC) in marine sediments or soils is overall taken for granted in scientific communities, yet this seemingly mundane task remains a methodological challenge when the soil matrix contains calcium carbonate (CaCO3), creating inaccuracies in Blue Carbon estimates. Here, we compared five common methods combining acidification, combustion, and wet oxidation pre‐treatments for determination of OC in sediments and soils containing CaCO3 based on the analyses of artificial soil mixtures made of different OC and CaCO3 contents, and multiple soils from Australian seagrass cores. The results obtained showed that methods involving acidification pre‐treatment entailed −17 ± 0.2% (mean ± SE) underestimation of OC content (ranging from −8% to −26%), whereas the combustion‐based method was accurate for samples with high CaCO3 content but entailed 32–47% overestimation in samples with low CaCO3 content. The Heanes method (wet oxidation method) showed <5% deviation from the known OC content, but this method is not suitable for soil samples containing reduced iron, sulfur and potentially manganese compounds. The differences observed among methods have significant impacts on local, regional, and global Blue Carbon storage calculations. We provide key methodological guidelines for the analysis of OC in soils with high and low CaCO3 contents, aiming at improving accuracy in current Blue Carbon science.
Novel PNKP mutations associated with reduced DNA single‐strand break repair and severe microcephaly, seizures, and developmental delay
Authors: Thuresson Ann‐Charlotte , Brazina Jan , Akram Talia , Albrecht Julia , Dahl Niklas , Soussi Zander Cecilia , Caldecott Keith W.
Published: November 2023

Background

Microcephaly with early‐onset seizures (MCSZ) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the DNA strand break repair protein, polynucleotide kinase 3′‐phosphatase (PNKP).

Methods

We have used whole genome sequencing and Sanger sequencing to identify disease‐causing variants, followed by a minigene assay, Western blotting, alkaline comet assay, γH2AX, and ADP‐ribose immunofluorescence.

Results

Here, we describe a patient with compound heterozygous variants in PNKP, including a missense variant in the DNA phosphatase domain (T323M) and a novel splice acceptor site variant within the DNA kinase domain that we show leads to exon skipping. We show that primary fibroblasts derived from the patient exhibit greatly reduced levels of PNKP protein and reduced rates of DNA single‐strand break repair, confirming that the mutated PNKP alleles are dysfunctional.

Conclusion

The data presented show that the detected compound heterozygous variants result in reduced levels of PNKP protein, which affect the repair of both oxidative and TOP1‐induced single‐strand breaks, and most likely causes MCSZ in this patient.
Recent advances in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) recycling
Authors: Ait‐Touchente Zouhair , Khellaf Maya , Raffin Guy , Lebaz Noureddine , Elaissari Abdelhamid
Published: November 2023

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) recycling is crucial for mitigating the environmental impact of PVC wastes, which take decades to decompose in landfills. This review examines the current state of PVC recycling processes, focusing on challenges and future research opportunities. It explores the types and sources of PVC wastes, including post‐consumer, industrial, and construction wastes. Conventional recycling methods such as mechanical, thermal, and chemical recycling are discussed, highlighting their advantages, limitations, and successful applications. Furthermore, recent advances in PVC recycling, including biological, plasma‐assisted, and solvent‐based recycling, are explored, considering their potential benefits and challenges. The review emphasizes the European context of PVC recycling, as the region has implemented regulatory initiatives and collaborations. It points out the Circular Economy Action Plan and directives targeting PVC waste management, which have promoted recycling and established a supportive framework. Challenges of current PVC recycling methods and technologies, such as low yield and high energy consumption, are identified. The review calls for the development of efficient and cost‐effective recycling technologies, along with improvements in recycling infrastructure and consumer awareness. Assessing the environmental and economic impacts, PVC recycling significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and conserves resources compared to virgin PVC production. The economic benefits include job creation and reduced raw material costs.
Neue Computermodelle erklären Sternexplosionen
Authors: Janka Hans‐Thomas
Published: November 2023

Die Explosionen der meisten massereichen Sterne als Supernovae werden durch den Energieübertrag von Neutrinos aus dem heißen, entstehenden Neutronenstern auf die ihn umgebende Materie verursacht. Selbstkonsistente 3D‐Simulationen der Fluiddynamik des stellaren Plasmas inklusive allgemein‐relativistischer Effekte und detaillierter Neutrino‐ und Kernphysik stützen nun diese Theorie. Die Modelle können zahlreiche beobachtete Eigenschaften von Supernovae und von deren kompakten und gasförmigen Überresten erklären. Der Ablauf des neutrinogetriebenen Mechanismus hängt vom radialen Aufbau und von Asymmetrien in den innersten, konvektiven Brennschalen der Vorläufersterne ab.
Military Leadership: Concepts and Theoretical Approaches
Authors: Kernic Franz , Elbe Martin , Richter Gregor
Published: November 2023

Leadership is a key concept in military organizations which refers to processes of direct influence and command. In this chapter, the subject, basic concepts, and central issues of military leadership are described. General leadership concepts such as military leadership myths and archetypes as well as leadership theories in philosophy and the social sciences show the broadness of the ideas about leadership. Theoretical approaches, explanatory models, and empirical findings concerning military leadership are discussed in this paper, too. Leadership concepts in modern armed forces finally help us to improve our understanding of nowadays military leadership.
The Religious Space of Knowledge: The Basel Mission, Worldwide Webs and Pietist Purity
Authors: Ratschiller Nasim Linda Maria
Published: November 2023

This chapter examines the ideological and social context in which the Basel Mission emerged and scrutinises the changing meaning of Pietist purity over the nineteenth century. The Basel Mission drew upon the support of wealthy and powerful patrician families from Basel and far-flung Pietist networks across Europe and beyond. However, it swiftly transformed into a grassroots movement, funded by small donations from a large number of people in urban and rural areas of Switzerland and Germany. The Basel Mission’s evangelising efforts abroad were linked to charitable activities at home, which tackled the ostensible problem of de-Christianisation within Europe and fundamentally depended on voluntary work, especially by women and children. Although healing had been part of Pietism ever since the movement gained momentum, most adherents had reservations about the morality and efficacy of scientific medicine, discernible in their preference for healing and deliverance theology. The Basel missionaries’ prolonged experience of death and illness in West Africa, however, allowed for the reformulation of Pietist concepts of purity and healing through the integration of scientific theories of disease and hygiene.
Inference in Probabilistic Answer Set Programming Under the Credal Semantics
Authors: Azzolini Damiano , Riguzzi Fabrizio
Published: November 2023

Probabilistic Answer Set Programming under the credal semantics (PASP) describes an uncertain domain through an answer set program extended with probabilistic facts. The PASTA language leverages PASP to express statistical statements. A solver with the same name allows to perform inference in PASTA programs and, in general, in PASP. In this paper, we investigate inference in PASP, propose a new inference algorithm called aspcs based on Second Level Algebraic Model Counting (2AMC), and implement it into the aspmc solver. Then, we compare it with PASTA on a set of benchmarks: the empirical results show that, when the program does not contain aggregates, the new algorithm outperforms PASTA. However, when we consider PASTA statements and aggregates, we need to replace aggregates with a possibly exponential number of rules, and aspcs is slower than PASTA.
Reducing racism in education: embedding Indigenous perspectives in curriculum
Authors: Murray Gabrielle , Campton Stacey
Published: November 2023

This paper begins with a discussion of a program of work to map and embed Indigenous perspectives at RMIT University, outlines issues relating to the uptake of its guiding principles and actions, and then proposes a rethinking of the work. The authors argue that non-Indigenous educators are often ill equipped to undertake curriculum deconstruction or review. They lack a comprehensive understanding of colonial history, truth telling, racism, and the impact of power dynamics, with its institutional privileging of whiteness. It is often only with this foundational knowledge that staff are positioned to undertake curriculum analysis and ensure that their teaching environments are culturally safe. While this paper is case specific, the original project and the reconsideration of behaviours and actions are relevant to all educational institutions facing similar stumbling blocks when it comes to informing educators in the knowledge and capabilities required to include Indigenous perspectives in curricula and to create safe teaching environments.
A case of massive hemoptysis caused by lung cancer saved by V-V ECMO and hemostasis achieved by radiotherapy
Authors: Takizawa Daichi , Ishida Toshiki , Nakano Hidehiko , Tachi Hiroaki , Yamamoto Yusuke , Shimizu Kei , Iizumi Takashi , Sumiya Taisuke , Ohnishi Kayoko , Sakurai Hideyuki
Published: November 2023

Massive hemoptysis is one of the fatal complications of lung cancer. There is no established standard treatment method for it, and it often causes sudden suffocation, and some cases may be difficult to save. A 63-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with dyspnea, and developed massive hemoptysis from lung cancer shortly after admission. The tumor had obstructed the right main bronchus and had invaded the right pulmonary artery. Surgery and interventional radiology were judged impossible. The patient was successfully saved by the introduction of Veno-Venous Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (V-V ECMO), and hemostasis was obtained by radiotherapy. Two months after completion of radiotherapy, he was weaned off the ventilator and discharged on his own. He died of increased peritoneal dissemination and other complications 1 year and 1 month later, but no recurrence of hemoptysis was noted until his death. We experienced a case of massive hemoptysis in which V-V ECMO and radiation therapy succeeded in saving life and stopping bleeding. The use of V-V ECMO by emergency care teams and multimodality therapy, including radiotherapy, were effective for massive hemoptysis from lung cancer.
Contextualizing Contemporary Research Ethics Policies and Practices in Significant Historical Events
Authors: Mead Jasperse Sarah C. , Kelly Michelle P.
Published: November 2023

TheEthics Code for Behavior Analysts(BACB Code; Behavior Analyst Certification Board®, 2020) includes six items in “Section 6—Responsibility in Research'' that cover the protection of human participants in research activities conducted by Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts® and Board Certified Behavior Analysts®. This article provides a brief primer regarding significant historical events and foundational documents that have resulted in the contemporary research ethics policies and practices in the field of behavior analysis. This walk through the last century from the Nuremberg Code to the Declaration of Helsinki, the Belmont Report, and 45 CFR Part 46—Protection of Human Subjects provides a summary of why the codification of requirements such as “informed consent” and “Institutional Review Board” oversight was necessary. The linkages between these historical events and the current BACB Code items are discussed. In addition, situations in which the BACB Code does not provide explicit instruction but foundational documents may provide additional guidance are considered. Finally, opportunities for future data-driven decision making in research ethics are offered.
Religion and worldviews education and the paradox of inclusivity
Authors: Moulin Daniel
Published: November 2023

Paradoxes of inclusivity occur when attempts at inclusivity clash with the exclusive claims of some of the positions they seek to accommodate. In this article I identify and consider how such a paradox manifests in multi-faith religious education pedagogies—what I call the ‘paradox of interreligious inclusivity’ or ‘PIRI’, for short. After presenting some relevant and illuminating examples, I consider PIRI in regard to proposals in England for ‘religion and worldviews education’. By defining the conceptual problem at the root of challenges posed by such an innovation and pedagogical models more generally, I suggest greater recognition of the deep implications of PIRI are essential in any context when educators seek to include those of all religions and those of none in programmes of religious education.
Markets as dualistic, semi-decentralized organizations
Authors: Jackson William A.
Published: November 2023

The theoretical ideal of a competitive market is generally assumed to separate organizing from trading, in an implicit dualism. Traders sell or buy within the market but do not organize it. This paper proposes an alternative, more realistic conceptual scheme based on duality, in which organizing and trading are distinct but intertwined. While the exchange of property rights is overseen centrally, many details of market trade are decided locally by traders. Producers and retailers may arrange the trading venue, specify the items traded, set and publish prices, provide information, and transport goods. They cultivate relationships with customers, recasting the pattern of trade and the social structures that underlie the market. Such dualistic, semi-decentralized organizing generates other dualities, including stability-change and continuity–creativity. A duality perspective can encompass the complexity of markets, as well as illustrate the numerous ways they may evolve.