bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing Growth of Product Lifecycle at Maturity Level: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Nege Teshome , Werke Shimels
Published: July 2024

Through the synthesis and analysis of 64 papers, from JSTOR, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar data bases, include 2010-2024 of 15 years duration paper works. this systematic literature review identified major themes and provided insights into growth management strategies, marketing tactics, challenges, and opportunities, benefits, that managers confront in their quest to sustain competitiveness and profitability in mature markets. Product diversification, market segmentation, innovation management, cost-effective lifecycle planning, price strategies, market expansion, client retention, alliances, and collaboration are a few examples of important tactics. The difficulties include growing rivalry, market saturation, shrinking profit margins, and shifting consumer tastes. To maintain competition, there are nevertheless still chances to take advantage of economies of scale, brand equity, and customer loyalty. The review's insights deepen our understanding of how businesses may best manage opportunities and overcome obstacles to maximize product lifecycle management at various stages of maturity. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the existing body of knowledge, this review offers valuable insights for practitioners, managers, and researchers aiming to enhance product lifecycle management (PLM) strategies at the maturity level, ultimately contributing to the development of more resilient and adaptive business models and research gaps have identified that enabled to provide future research directions.
Practice Courses Reform of Agriculture-Related Majors Under the Background of Farming and Reading Education—Taking< Skills Practice in Vine Yard > as an Example
Authors: Lei Zhang , Ximei Zhang , Cuixia Zhou
Published: July 2024

Cultivation culture is a precious wealth developed and inherited in the long-term agricultural activities of our country. The combination of cultivation culture and labor education into practice courses can effectively realize the cultivation of contemporary college students' labor spirit, make labor education more practical. In view of the problems existing in the teaching of practice courses of agriculture-related majors, taking the course of “Skills Practice in Vine Yard” as an example, this paper probes into the establishment of teaching objectives, the reform of course contents, teaching methods and examination methods, etc. Promote the cultivation of new agricultural talents through these measures.
Genetic Variability and Heritability of Morpho-Agronomic Traits, Oil Yield and Fatty Acid Components in Linseed (Linumusitatissimum L.) Germplasm in Ethiopia
Authors: Ghiday Tadesse , Mohamed Wassu , Tsehaye Yemane , Wakjira Adugna , Daba Chemeda , Disasa Teasfaye
Published: July 2024

Comprehensive information on genetic variability and selection parameters is very crucial to design breeding strategies. However, very limited information is available in Ethiopian linseed germplasm. Therefore, the present study was conducted to estimate genetic variability, broad sense heritability and genetic advance; and determine selection for 19 quantitative traits using 126 genotypes (120 Ethiopian linseed accessions and six released varieties). The analysis of variance showed highly significant (P < 0.01) differences for all of the traits demonstrating the presence of high genetic diversity among the studied linseed genotypes. Higher differences between PCV and GCV estimates were observed for seed yield per plant and biological yield per plant, signifying the importance of environmental factors influence. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for seed yield per plant and biological yield per plant, indicating that this high heritability is due to additive gene effects and therefore, selection can be effective for the improvement of linseed for these traits. In addition, moderate heritability coupled with moderate genetic advance was recorded for oil yield per hectare, number of capsules, number of secondary branches, days to maturity, seed yield per hectare and plant height. These results indicated the existence of intermediate expression in these traits for both additive and dominance gene effect. In the present study, high heritability coupled with high GAM was observed for seed yield per plant and biological yield per plant, indicating greater contribution of additive gene action for the expression of these traits; and therefore, improvement can be achieved through selection in these traits.
Cellular and Molecular Aspect of Bladder Pain Syndrome: An Entry Point to Exploration of Its Pathogenesis
Authors: Sumargo Kuni , Hasanuddin Abdi
Published: July 2024

Background: Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) can cause pelvic pain, frequent urination, and a strong urge to urinate. These symptoms can significantly reduce quality of life, causing psychological distress, sexual dysfunction, poor sleep quality, decreased work productivity, and increased morbidity. Despite the prevalence of this condition, determining the most effective treatment guidelines for BPS/IC remains a challenge due to the complexity of its pathogenesis. Objective: Understanding cellular and molecular aspects is essential to explore different cell types in changes in function and sensitivity of the urothelial layer and chronic inflammation. Main Ideas: Cellular aspects in the pathogenesis of BPS/IC include Umbrella Cells, Basal and Intermediate Cells, Paraneuron Cells, Myofibroblasts and Telocytes, Detrusor Smooth Muscle Cells, Nerve Cells, Astrocytes, Microglia, CD68+ Macrophages, CD74+ Lymphocytes, Eosinophils, and Mast Cells. Disruption of these cells leads to altered urothelial barrier function, sensitivity, and chronic inflammation. Molecular aspects include chronic inflammation with increases in p38-mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), Brain-Derived Neurothropic Peptide (BDNF), and other molecules. Conclusion: Changes in the urothelial barrier and bladder wall sensitivity are also significant. Complex interactions between the immune and nervous systems contribute to chronic inflammation through positive feedback. Therefore, this article aims to understand the cellular and molecular aspects that play a role in the pathogenesis of BPS/IC and help provide appropriate treatment.
The LSTM-EMPG Model for Next Basket Recommendation in E-commerce
Authors: El-Shaer Engy , McKee Gerard , Hamdy Abeer
Published: July 2024

Personalized recommendations play a crucial role in the modern e-commerce landscape, enabling businesses to meet customers' evolving preferences and boost sales. As customer preferences change, businesses are realizing the importance of suggesting what customers might want to buy next. However, existing approaches face challenges in capturing sequential patterns in user behavior and accurately utilizing previous purchase information. These challenges can be addressed using Long Short-Term Memory Networks (LSTMs). Nevertheless, LSTMs alone may not fully capture users' repetitive purchase behavior or consider the exact timing of purchases. To account for these limitations, Probabilistic Models such as the Modified Poisson Gamma model (MPG) can be employed. The research reported in this paper proposes and investigates a new approach for the next basket recommendation based on the integration of LSTM with an enhanced Modified Poisson Gamma model to enhance next basket recommendation accuracy in e-commerce. The enhanced model (EMPG) includes a refinement of the MPG model to increase its predictive accuracy, and its recommendations are then integrated with an LSTM network to optimize the LSTM’s predictions. The proposed hybrid LSTM-EMPG model has been evaluated on the Instacart dataset and has produced superior results compared to the Multi-period LSTM, the GRU-based model. DREAM (RNN), and DREAM (LSTM) in terms of predictive accuracy, achieving a higher precision and recall.
Diversity of the Ralstonia Solanacearum Species of Potato Seeds in Mali
Authors: Diallo Binta , Kassogué Adounigna , Fané Rokiatou , Coulibaly Moctar , Dao Sognan , Mallé Ibrahima , Babana Amadou
Published: July 2024

Potato brown rot was classified as a quarantine disease because of the complexity of the pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum L., formerly called Pseudonomas or Burkholderia solanacearum. This same bacterium causes the disease bacterial wilt. It is a multifaceted bacterium hence the complex name Ralstonia solanacearum (CeRs or RASLSSO) or BW (in English). It attacks several plant families, notably nightshades such as potatoes; the tomato; eggplant; chili pepper; tobacco…etc. The potato is the most cultivated plant worldwide. Mali is the second largest producer in West Africa after Nigeria. It imports more than 9,000 to 11,000 tons of seeds each year. Potato cultivation is faced with several biotic and abiotic attacks. Among all these attacks, those caused by bacteria cause the most significant damage. In addition, diseases caused mainly by the Ralstonia solanacearum complex lack adequate control solutions. Despite everything, today, very few studies are carried out to identify these bacteria in order to prevent their spread in the soil in Mali. This is why the objective of this study is to identify the bacteria responsible for brown rot in potato seeds in Mali. To achieve our objective, a total of 63 samples were taken from nine varieties of imported and locally multiplied potato seeds. The agent responsible for brown rot was isolated on the Triphenyl-Tetrazolium-chloride culture medium, and several microbiological, biochemical and molecular tests were carried out to identify the different isolates selected. As the main results of this study: twenty-seven bacterial isolates, capable of causing brown rot of potato seeds were isolated, the biochemical tests carried out on these isolates showed that they all of race3 and twenty -four isolates were biovar 3; one from biovar 2 and two from biovar 6. The molecular studies carried out using universal primers confirmed the presence of the species Ralstonia solanacearum with two phylotypes (I and II).
Performance Evaluation of Local Honey Bee Races (Apis mellifera bandansi) at Wondo Genet, Sidama Regional State of Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Shanku Edao , Ijara Firomsa
Published: July 2024

The research was undertaken in Wondo genet agricultural a study conducted at a research facility between 2015 and 2017 focused on assessing the performance of Apis mellifera bandansi honey bee races. The objective was to identify and choose the most effective honey bee races based on various parameters such as defensive behavior, hygienic practices, absconding tendencies, foraging abilities, swarming patterns, and productivity in terms of hive product area. A total of thirty bee races were evaluated during the study period (30) colonies of Apis mellifera bandansii honeybee were established on station. Basic management practices were made reasonably uniform for tested colonies. The investigation indicated the races exhibited aggressive behavior, resulting in stings on the examiner, with a maximum count of up to 158±15.3 and a minimum of 60 stings on the manipulator. The distance covered by the races extended long, reaching up to 255±74.1 meters away from the entrance. The absconding percentage from a total of thirty colonies ranged from a maximum of 50% in 2015 to a minimum of 26% in 2017. The early and late foraging behavior of the colony was also documented early morning 5:30 am time foraging, whereas late foraging time was at 7:15pm pm e back to their nest in the evening. The remaining hive products were quantified in a 5x5 cm2 comb area cell over the course of the production season, with measurements taken at 21-day intervals to assess the brood area. The values obtained, expressed as the mean ± standard deviation, indicated the range from maximum to minimum for the adult, brood, pollen, nectar, and honey area in cm2. 79.5±13.4 107.1±24.6, 74.41±31.3, 48.2±9.0 for year (2015), 74.5±6.5, 107.1±24.6, 48.5±16.9, 81.8±31.6 for (year, 2016) and 114.8±20.5, 96.2±17.4, 50.0±19.4 and 90.7±40.2 for (year, 2017 respectively. The Apis mellifera, typically referred to in a general sense bandansi the race demonstrates positive attributes in terms of hygienic behavior and is also efficient in maximizing honey production when subjected to appropriate management strategies. It is recommended to conduct additional research on the specification of geographical location in relation to the distribution of different races and their identification for the purpose of breed determination and enhancement. This will aid in the selection of colonies that are more suitable in terms of production efficiency, temperament, resistance to pests, parasites, and diseases, as well as foraging and absconding tendencies.
Complexities and Innovations in Orchid Germination: A Review of Symbiotic and Asymbiotic Techniques
Authors: Zoubi Leen
Published: July 2024

Orchidaceae is the second-largest family among flowering plants; one of the most fascinating characteristics is the morphology of the seed. One of the most important complications is that orchid seeds are tiny and lack endosperm, meaning they almost entirely depend on outside sources for nutrients while germinating or developing. The main objective of this review is to give a summary of the present methods being used in orchid germination, highlighting symbiotic and asymbiotic methods. Symbiotic germination requires interaction with mycorrhizal fungi, which provide the necessary nutrients and support for seedling growth. However, in asymbiotic approaches, controlled conditions are provided to promote germination by using nutrient-rich media. The article also highlights some of these advances that have taken place recently and ways that could be adopted to improve their effectiveness in the future. For example, the effectiveness and ability to grow orchids have improved due to recent developments in tissue culture and biotechnology. This study relies on applying the analytical approach to previous relevant studies on the subject. Nevertheless, further research is needed to refine these techniques and improve their usability in orchid conservation. To summarize, while significant progress has been achieved in understanding and enhancing orchid germination processes, further study and innovation are required. By resolving remaining issues and investigating new approaches, it may be possible to better assist orchid conservation and encourage the long-term cultivation of these wonderful plants.
Exploring Urban Greenery: A Case Study of Roadside Trees in Pokhara Metropolitan City
Authors: Gautam Aashish
Published: July 2024

Roadside trees play a crucial role as important components of urban greenery, significantly enhancing the overall quality of cities and ultimately contributing to the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. This study examines the condition, maintenance, and proximity of roadside trees to electric wire corridors in Pokhara Metropolitan City, Nepal. This study employs field surveys, categorization based on tree attributes, and mapping techniques to analyze the distribution and characteristics of roadside trees. Out of approximately 1500 trees initially collected, 1435 were processed for further analysis. Trees were classified by species, height, condition, and the presence of fencing or resting structures (Chautaro), with proximity to electric wire corridors also assessed. Findings reveal a significant presence of trees in good condition, predominantly Dhupi, Kapur and Ashoka species, with a notable percentage requiring maintenance. A substantial number of trees were found in close proximity to electric wires, posing potential hazards. Mapping techniques facilitated visualizing the spatial distribution of trees, aiding in urban planning and management strategies. The study underscores the importance of sustainable urban greening practices and the need for proactive measures to address challenges related to tree maintenance and safety in urban environments like Pokhara Metropolitan City. This study emphasizes the pivotal role of roadside trees in enhancing the aesthetic appeal and quality of city life, positioning them as decisive factors in shaping urban environments and fostering a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors.
Optimizing CNN Kernel Sizes for Enhanced Melanoma Lesion Classification in Dermoscopy Images
Authors: John-Otumu Adetokunbo , Ekemonye Rebecca , Ewunonu Toochi , Aniugo Victor , Okonkwo Ogadimma
Published: July 2024

Skin cancer, particularly melanoma, presents a significant global health challenge due to its increasing incidence and mortality rates. Current diagnostic methods relying on visual inspection and histopathological examination are subjective and time-consuming, often leading to delayed diagnoses. Recent advancements in machine and deep learning, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), offer a promising avenue for transforming melanoma detection by automating precise classification of dermoscopy images. This study leverages a comprehensive dataset sourced from Kaggle, comprising 10,605 images categorized into benign and malignant classes. Methodologically, a custom CNN architecture is trained and evaluated using varying kernel sizes (3x3, 5x5, 7x7) to optimize melanoma lesion classification. Results demonstrate that smaller kernel sizes, notably 3x3, consistently yield superior accuracy of 93.00% and F1-scores of 96.00%, indicating their efficacy in distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions. The CNN model exhibits robust generalization capabilities with minimal overfitting, supported by high validation accuracy throughout training epochs. Comparative analysis with related studies highlights competitive performance, suggesting potential enhancements through advanced feature selection and optimization techniques. Despite these advancements, challenges such as dataset diversity and model optimization persist, particularly concerning underrepresented darker skin tones. The study underscores the transformative potential of CNNs in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in dermatological practice, paving the way for improved patient outcomes through early detection and intervention strategies. Future research directions include refining segmentation techniques and expanding dataset evaluations to ensure the model's applicability across diverse clinical settings. Ultimately, this research contributes to advancing melanoma diagnosis by integrating cutting-edge deep learning methodologies with clinical practice, thereby addressing current limitations and driving forward innovations in dermatological image analysis.
Detection of Underground Utility Pole Base for Distribution Transmission Network Based on Transient Electromagnetic Method
Authors: Zhou Jun , Tao Tianyi , Xu Lingda , Zhi Yonglin
Published: July 2024

In the construction of overhead distribution network lines, ensuring the stability and construction quality of utility pole foundations is crucial. Traditionally, this process may involve excavation and direct inspection, which is not only time-consuming but may also cause environmental damage. The non-destructive detection scheme proposed in this paper, based on the transient electromagnetic method (TEM), offers an efficient and non-intrusive method for detecting the burial conditions of utility pole bases, pulls, and chucks. The transient electromagnetic method is a geophysical exploration technique that uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to detect the distribution of underground materials. When detecting utility pole bases, this method analyzes the electromagnetic response generated by underground metallic structures to obtain information. However, traditional TEM has a blind zone problem in shallow metal detection, which limits its application in utility pole base inspection. To address this issue, the scheme proposed in this paper introduces a decoupling coil to eliminate interference caused by the primary magnetic field. This decoupling technology significantly improves the detection discrimination, allowing for a more accurate determination of the burial depth and condition of bases, pulls, and chucks. Finite element numerical analysis using COMSOL 5.4 is adopted to examine the underground magnetic field distribution and optimize coil parameters. This analysis helps to understand the interaction between the electromagnetic field and underground structures, guiding the design of coils and the development of detection strategies. The prototype experimental platform built further validates the effectiveness of the scheme. Experimental results include measured data of magnetic field variations, assessments of detection depth and resolution. These experimental results are crucial for verifying the practical application potential of the non-destructive detection scheme.
Secure Routing Protocol Based on Junction Selection in VANETs (SERPROV)
Authors: Abassi Hamza , Omer Yenke
Published: July 2024

Road safety has become a major issue over the last twenty years. The existing transportation system has become inefficient as the number of vehicles has increased remarkably, causing more accidents and other problems. To meet these challenges, the field of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) has been proposed. ITS, also known as intelligent transport, is based on vehicle ad hoc networks (VANETs), a subset of mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) that use moving cars as nodes to create mobile networks. ITS includes various applications such as cooperative traffic monitoring, blind crossings, collision avoidance and traffic flow control. However, dynamic topology and secure communication remain major challenges due to the high mobility of nodes and the random speed of vehicles. This paper proposes a secure protocol called SERPROV (Secure Routing Protocol based on Junction Selection in VANETs) that combines routing and security using a junction selection mechanism and applies an asymmetric cryptography protocol. Simulation results show that SERPROV improves response time and packet delivery ratio compared to existing protocols for a number of vehicles less than or equal to 300. We plan to implement blockchain technology in the future to replace the public key register, thus making the protocol fully decentralized and further exploring the confidentiality of messages exchanged in the VANET environment.
Research on Total Ionizing Dose Radiation Hardening by Design Method for Bandgap Reference Based on Real-Time Monitoring and Adaptive Compensation
Authors: Zhongjie Guo , Yuan Ren , Yapeng Wang , Ziyi Qiu , Mengli Li
Published: July 2024

Bandgap reference circuits can be affected by bipolar transistor base leakage currents and current gain degradation in Total-dose radiation environments. These factors can cause the output voltage of Bandgap reference to shift, which can make Bandgap reference less reliable. Aiming
at the problems of high cost, large layout area, and low universality that traditional total dose hardening methods for Bandgap reference based on process, layout, and device can bring, an on-chip total dose real-time monitoring and adaptive compensation method is proposed to realize circuit-level
total dose hardening and improve the radiation resistance of Bandgap references. Based on the 0.18 µm Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS process, specific circuit design, layout design, back-end physical implementation and full engineering based validation of the proposed approach, and the results
indicate that with different process angles, the Bandgap reference output dirt increased from 3.4–18.5 mV voltage dirft (100–300 krad) to a maximum of 1 mV dirt (100–300 krad) prior to hardening. This provides a new method for the design of irradiation resistant hardening
of Bandgap references at the circuit and system level.
Properties of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Based on A-Site Cation-Deficient Double Perovskite Y1–XBa0.5Sr0.5Fe2O6–δ Fiber Materials
Authors: Wang Guofeng , Wang Lizhong , Liu Jianbo
Published: July 2024

As a classical high performance cathode material, ion and electron mixed conductor (MIEC) is essential for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) to maintain good power conversion efficiency at low temperature. In this paper, a new electrospinning technique and the introduction of A-site defect
mechanism were used to improve it. The results show that the absence of Y3+ in the Y1–XBa0.5Sr0.5Fe2O6–δ (YBSF) lattice can obtain higher oxygen vacancy concentration, accelerate the oxygen ion transmission
rate, electrochemical performance becomes more ideal. As a single battery cathode, the PPD of Y0.95BSF nanofiber material at 700 °C is 445 mW cm−2, which is much higher than the power density of YBSF nanofiber material at 700 °C of 214 mW cm−2,
and the Rp at 700 °C is 0.208 Ω cm2, which is much smaller than 0.448 Ω cm2.
The fluidity of political legitimacy: On Michelman’s Constitutional Essentials
Authors: Koppelman Andrew
Published: July 2024

What can constitutional law contribute to the justification of political power? Quite a lot, Frank Michelman argues in Constitutional Essentials. It can establish a publicly known framework for addressing the deep disagreements that are inevitable in any free society. Michelman’s analysis has powerful attractions, but he overclaims the clarity with which rights can be defended within the Rawlsian framework he contemplates. The interests that courts must defend will vary from one society to another, depending on what the locals happen to value. They cannot therefore be derived abstractly from the moral powers. In John Rawls’s four-stage sequence, writers of constitutions, legislatures, and courts necessarily consider contestable ideas of the good. Deep disagreement even about political fundamentals is a permanent condition of political life in a free society. Social unity is possible, but it is a more unstable unity than Rawls and Michelman imagine.
The role of parental illicit substance use and interparental conflict frequency on children’s externalizing behaviors over time
Authors: Ratliff H. Cailyn , Kanter Jeremy B.
Published: July 2024

Parental illicit substance use is associated with increases in both interparental conflict frequency and children’s externalizing behaviors. There is a paucity of research examining the pathways linking these constructs. Assessing parental illicit substance use and interparental conflict frequency simultaneously can illustrate a process that potentially undermines children’s behavioral adjustment. Using a sample of stable, long-term couples and their children from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study ( n = 1,011), the current study used path modeling and a multi-informant approach to examine the link between parental substance use and children’s later externalizing behaviors and if interparental conflict frequency mediated this association. Results indicated that parental substance use, assessed at the couple-level, was not associated with children’s later externalizing behavior, nor did interparental conflict frequency mediate this association. Post-hoc exploratory analyses found that mothers’ substance use was associated with children’s later externalizing behaviors, and this effect was stronger than fathers’ substance use, which was not associated with children’s later functioning. These results highlight the importance of examining how various aspects of substance use and different dimensions of interparental conflict might differentially impact children’s outcomes.
Types of Home and Community-Based Physical Activity and Their Effects on the Older Adults’ Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Zishuo , Xu Tingke , Huang Yunyun , Zhao Qianru , Dong Weizhen , Xu Jixiang , Liu Xinyu , Fu Yating , Wang Ying , Chen Chun
Published: July 2024

Home and community-based physical activity (HCBPA) has been extensively utilized among older adults. Nevertheless, the varying types of HCBPA, including different duration, intensity, and frequency, have sparked controversy regarding their impact on the quality of life in older adults. This study aims to explore the effects of HCBPA on QoL in older adults. We conducted a systematic review and retrieved studies published from January 2000 to April 2023 from multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and the Web of Science Library). Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria for this study. Long-term HCBPA interventions may have a more pronounced positive impact on older adults’ quality of life than short-term ones, with the intervention’s intensity and frequency playing a key role in its effectiveness. The results of the meta-analyses showed significant differences in PCS but not in MCS, both with low certainty of evidence. Policymakers should prioritize the importance of promoting HCBPA interventions with appropriate duration, intensity, and frequency to create a more age-inclusive society.
Pain Medication Frequency and Fall Risk Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Arthritis
Authors: Yoshikawa Aya , Fortinsky Richard H.
Published: July 2024

Pain medication is commonly used among older adults with arthritis, elevating the risk of falling. We examined fall risks related to the frequency of taking pain medication among community-dwelling older adults with arthritis by analyzing a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries aged >65 with self-reported arthritis ( n = 4,225) in the 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study. The survey-weighted logistic regression revealed that after controlling for confounding factors, recent falls were associated with taking pain medication daily compared to never (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.96). The other categories of medication frequency, compared to never, were not associated with fall risk. Findings suggest that more prudent use of pain medication should be stressed by health care providers for older adults with arthritis to help reduce the risk of falls and fall injuries. Nonpharmacological pain management is encouraged to support active living among older adults with arthritis.
Estimating Accessibility Problems in the Swedish Housing Stock Using Citizen Science: The Housing Experiment 2021
Authors: Slaug Björn , Granbom Marianne , Iwarsson Susanne
Published: July 2024

Accessible housing for the aging population is important, but large-scale reliable information on accessibility problems in ordinary housing is lacking. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of environmental barriers and analyze potential accessibility problems in the Swedish housing stock and to evaluate the validity and representativeness of housing data collected in a citizen science project. Data on environmental barriers in 1181 dwellings were collected by members of the public. Prevalence of barriers and potential accessibility problems were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ranking methodology. Validity and representativeness were addressed by comparisons with public statistics and research, and analysis of data properties. It was found there are substantial numbers of environmental barriers in dwellings across Sweden that generate accessibility problems for people with functional limitations. The results suggest that with user-friendly data collection tools and instructions, data validity and representativeness can be achieved in citizen science projects involving older adults.
The mechanics of tissue-engineered temporomandibular joint discs: Current status and prospects for enhancement
Authors: She Yilin , Sun Yixin , Jiang Nan
Published: July 2024

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc is an essential protective but vulnerable fibrocartilage. Their high mechanical strength is vital in absorbing loads, reducing friction, and protecting the condylar surface. Many diseases can lead to the destruction or degeneration of the mechanical function of the TMJ disc. Unfortunately, conservative treatment is ineffective in restoring the defective mechanical properties of the discs. Tissue engineering has been investigated as a promising alternative treatment approach to approximate the properties of native tissue. However, it is difficult for tissue-engineered discs to obtain sufficient mechanical properties. Several approaches have been proposed to improve the mechanical properties of tissue-engineered constructs. In this review, we summarized the mechanical properties of native TMJ discs and discussed the current mechanical testing methods. We then summarized the current advances in improving the mechanical properties of TMJ disc tissue-engineered constructs. Moreover, existing challenges and outbreak directions are discussed. This review assists future research in better understanding the mechanical properties of both native and tissue-engineered TMJ discs. It provides new insights into future mechanical property enhancement for TMJ disc tissue engineering.
An experimental study on filling of gaps and void pockets during vacuum-bag-only consolidation of fiber placed preforms
Authors: Swamy Jagadeesh N , Grouve Wouter JB , Wijskamp Sebastiaan , Akkerman Remko
Published: July 2024

Gaps and void pockets are inevitably present in tailored thermoplastic composite preforms manufactured via automated fiber placement (AFP). Filling these gaps and voids can be challenging during the consolidation due to the high viscosity of thermoplastic composites, especially in the case of vacuum-bag-only (VBO) consolidation, where the applied pressure is limited. Therefore, the current work investigates whether one bar pressure is sufficient to fill the gaps and voids during VBO consolidation. For this purpose, two experiments are performed. First, a hot plate setup is built and used to capture the real-time gap-filling behavior during the VBO consolidation. Second, VBO consolidation of tailored preforms is performed to study the filling of ply-drop induced void pockets. Here, the tailored preform consists of plies of different orientations dropped at different locations to verify if one bar pressure available during the VBO process is sufficient to fill the void pockets. The results from both experiments answered the main question that one bar pressure is sufficient for filling the gaps and void pockets for the given material systems, and further, it was confirmed that the transverse squeeze flow was dominant in filling gaps. However, in the case of fillings of ply-drop induced void pockets, the orientation of the dropped ply and covering plies majorly dictated the filling behavior.
Being a Woman Is 100% Significant to My Experiences of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism: Exploring the Gendered Implications of an Adulthood Combined Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosis
Authors: Craddock Emma
Published: July 2024

This article provides original insight into women’s experiences of adulthood diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism. Research exploring experiences of adulthood diagnoses of these conditions is emerging. Yet, there is no research about the gendered experiences of an adulthood combined ADHD and autism (AuDHD) diagnosis. This article addresses this gap through interpretative phenomenological analysis of email interviews with six late-diagnosed AuDHD women revealing the complex interplay between late diagnosis, being a woman, and combined diagnoses of ADHD and autism. It underscores how gender norms and stereotypes contribute to the oversight and dismissal of women’s neurodivergence. Interpretative phenomenological analysis reveals the inextricability of femininity and neurotypicality, the gendered burden, discomfort, and adverse consequences of masking, along with the adverse outcomes of insufficient masking. Being an undiagnosed AuDHD woman is a confusing and traumatising experience with profound and enduring repercussions. The impact of female hormones exacerbated participants’ struggles with (peri)menopause often being a catalyst for seeking diagnosis after decades of trauma. The epistemic injustice of not knowing they were neurodivergent compounded this trauma. Diagnosis enabled participants to overcome epistemic injustice and moved them into a feminist standpoint from which they challenge gendered inequalities relating to neurodiversity. This article aims to increase understanding and representation of late-diagnosed AuDHD women’s lived experiences. The findings advocate for trauma-informed pre- and post-diagnosis support which addresses the gendered dimension of women’s experiences of being missed and dismissed as neurodivergent. There needs to be better clinical and public understanding of how AuDHD presents in women to prevent epistemic injustice.
Cut From the Same Cloth? The Problem of Male Supremacy and Deradicalization
Authors: Rothermel Ann-Kathrin , Kelly Megan
Published: July 2024

In this short essay, we show that, despite the recent turn to including masculinity and male supremacist ideology into Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism programming (P/CVE), current deradicalization approaches often remain based on ideas about male victimhood and gender hierarchies that are eerily similar to those that are at the core of male supremacist ideology and (interpersonal and political) misogynist violence. We argue that to effectively address male supremacist radicalization, P/CVE approaches must challenge and disrupt their own underlying male supremacist views of gender relations.
Pediatric T-cell lymphoblastic lymphomas but not leukemias harbor TRB::NOTCH1 fusions with unfavorable outcome
Authors: te Vrugt Marcel , Wessolowski Janna , Randau Gerrit , Alfert Amelie , Mueller Stephanie , Scholten Kenneth , Sopalla Claudia , Lanvers-Kaminsky Claudia , Hotfilder Marc , Lamp Finn , Damm-Welk Christine , Luedersen Jette , Escherich Gabriele , zur Stadt Udo , Behrmann Lena , Woessmann Wilhelm , Oschlies Ilske , Marzi Matteo , Zimmermann Martin , Burkhardt Birgit
Published: July 2024

T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) and T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) have common and distinguishing clinical and molecular features. Molecular prognostic factors are needed for T-LBL. We assessed the prevalence and prognostic impact of the T-cell receptor β (TRB)::NOTCH1 fusion in 192 pediatric patients with T-LBL and 167 pediatric patients with T-ALL, using novel multiplex polymerase chain reaction and genomic capture high-throughput sequencing techniques. The fusion was detected in 12 patients with T-LBL (6.3%) but in none of the patients with T-ALL (P = .0006, Fisher exact test). In T-LBL, the TRB::NOTCH1 fusion was associated with a significantly higher incidence of relapse (67% vs 17% in gene fusion-negative patients, P < .001, Fisher exact test). The breakpoint in TRB was most frequently located in J2-7 (n = 6). In NOTCH1, the breakpoints varied between exon 24 and 27. Consequently, a truncated NOTCH1 with its dimerization, regulation, and signal transduction domains gets controlled by strong TRB enhancer elements. This study reveals a novel recurrent genetic variant with significant prognostic relevance in T-LBL, which was absent in T-ALL. The TRB::NOTCH1 fusion in T-LBL suggests a possible unique pathogenic mechanism divergent from T-ALL. Further studies will validate the role of the TRB::NOTCH1 fusion as prognostic marker in T-LBL and elucidate its pathogenic mechanisms.
Blood biodistribution and vector shedding of valoctocogene roxaparvovec in people with severe hemophilia A
Authors: Agarwal Suresh , Sandza Krystal , Obrochta Moss Kristin , Vora Monica , Bowen Alisa , Bunch Brenna , Holcomb Jennifer , Robinson Tara M. , Jayaram Kala , Russell Chris B. , Zoog Stephen , Vettermann Christian , Henshaw Joshua
Published: July 2024

Following systemically administered adeno-associated virus gene therapy, vector particles are widely distributed, raising concerns about horizontal or germline vector transmission. Characterization of biodistribution and kinetics of vector DNA in body fluids can address these concerns and provide insights into vector behavior in accessible samples. We investigated biodistribution and vector shedding profile of valoctocogene roxaparvovec in men with severe hemophilia A enrolled in the phase 3 GENEr8-1 trial. Participants (n = 134) received a single 6 × 1013 vector genome (vg)/kg infusion and were assessed over 3 years. Vector DNA was measured using 4 different assays. Total vector DNA was evaluated in blood, saliva, stool, semen, and urine by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Encapsidated vector DNA was measured in plasma and semen with immunocapture-based qPCR. Contiguity of vgs and assembly of inverted terminal repeat fusions were measured in whole blood and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using multicolor digital PCR. Median peak vector DNA levels observed 1 to 8 days after dosing were highest in blood, followed by saliva, semen, stool, and urine. Concentrations declined steadily. Encapsidated vector DNA cleared faster than total vector DNA, achieving clearance by ≤12 weeks in plasma and semen. Predominant vector genome forms transitioned from noncontiguous to full-length over time in whole blood and PBMCs, indicating formation of stable circularized episomes within nucleated cells. The replication-incompetent nature of valoctocogene roxaparvovec, coupled with steady clearance of total and encapsidated vector DNA from shedding matrices, indicates transmission risk is low. This trial was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT03370913.
Health care utilization and costs for frail vs nonfrail patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Vijenthira Abi , Calzavara Andrew , Nagamuthu Chenthila , Kaliwal Yosuf , Liu Ning , Blunt Danielle , Alibhai Shabbir , Prica Anca , Cheung Matthew C. , Mozessohn Lee
Published: July 2024

Half of older patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) receiving curative-intent treatment are frail. Understanding the differences in health care utilization including costs between frail and nonfrail patients can inform appropriate models of care. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using population-based data in Ontario, Canada. Patients aged ≥66 years with DLBCL who received frontline curative-intent chemoimmunotherapy between 2006 and 2017 were included. Frailty was defined using a cumulative deficit–based frailty index. Health care utilization and costs were grouped into 5 phases: (1) 90 days preceding first treatment; (2) early treatment (0 to +90 days after starting treatment); (3) late treatment (+91 to +180 days); (4) follow-up (+181 to –181 days before death); and (5) end of life (last 180 days before death). Costs were standardized to 30-day intervals (2019 Canadian dollars). A total of 5527 patients were included (median age, 75 years; 48% female). A total of 2699 patients (49%) were classified as frail. The median costs for frail vs nonfrail patients per 30 days based on phase of care were (1) $5683 vs $2586 ; (2) $13 090 vs $11 256; (3) $5734 vs $4883; (4) $1138 vs $686; and (5) $11 413 vs $9089; statistically significant in all phases. In multivariable modeling, frail patients had higher rates of emergency department visits and hospitalizations and increased costs than nonfrail patients through all phases except end-of-life phase. During end-of-life phase, a substantial portion of patients (n = 2569 [84%]) required admission to hospital; 684 (27%) required intensive care unit admission. Future work could assess whether certain hospitalizations are preventable, particularly for patients identified as frail.
Health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in the riparian zone of the Sava River (southeastern Europe): effects of high and low water events
Authors: Jonjev Milica , Miletić Zorana , Pavlović Dragana , Matić Marija , Čakmak Dragan , Mitrović Miroslava , Pavlović Pavle
Published: July 2024

This study evaluated the source apportionment and level of contamination with potential toxic elements (PTEs)—As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn—in a riparian zone of the Sava River by calculating the Enrichment Factor (EF) and the Geo-Accumulation Index (Igeo). The study analysed the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks to both adults and children in the local population. Soil and sediment samples collected during high and low water events from 12 sites along 945 km of the river were screened. Elevated soil contents of As, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn were observed along the middle and lower stretches from Županja (ZUP) to Belgrade (BEO), and an elevated Cu content was detected in the upper stretch Čatež (CAT), highlighting these elements as a potential risk for the human population. Elevated As, Cd Cr, Ni, and Zn levels in the sediment were also detected, with the Ni content three times higher than the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) values, indicating high contamination. The study established that As, Cr, and Ni primarily originate from geological sources; Cu, Pb, and Zn are predominantly from anthropogenic sources; and Cd originates from both geological and anthropogenic sources. Although the EF and Igeo varied along the entire river stretch, they were significantly higher for most elements in the lower stretch, indicating intensive anthropogenic contamination and potential health risks. The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with soils and sediments during high and low water events did not imply a potential risk for adults. However, As, Cd, Cr, and Pb potentially pose the greatest non-carcinogenic risk for children in both high and low water events, with ingestion as the main route of exposure. According to our findings, the elevated concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, and Pb in the Sava River basin (SRB) pose a significant potential health risk to the local population based on several factors: the high levels of these elements, their potential contamination risk as determined by the EF and Igeo, and their bioavailability and solubility. Although the cumulative Total Hazard Index (THI) and Total Carcinogenic Risk (TCR) values are low, particularly in the lower stretch of the Sava River, these elements still present a high potential health threat.
Investigation of gyrA and parC mutations and the prevalence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates
Authors: Rezaei Sepideh , Tajbakhsh Saeed , Naeimi Behrouz , Yousefi Forough
Published: July 2024

Background

The emergence of fluoroquinolone resistance in clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae is a growing concern. To investigate the mechanisms behind this resistance, we studied a total of 215 K. pneumoniae isolates from hospitals in Bushehr province, Iran, collected between 2017 and 2019. Antimicrobial susceptibility test for fluoroquinolones was determined. The presence of plasmid mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) and mutations in quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) of gyrA and parC genes in ciprofloxacin-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates were identified by PCR and sequencing.

Results

Out of 215 K. pneumoniae isolates, 40 were resistant to ciprofloxacin as determined by E-test method. PCR analysis revealed that among these ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates, 13 (32.5%), 7 (17.5%), 40 (100%), and 25 (62.5%) isolates harbored qnrB, qnrS, oqxA and aac(6’)-Ib-cr genes, respectively. Mutation analysis of gyrA and parC genes showed that 35 (87.5%) and 34 (85%) of the ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates had mutations in these genes, respectively. The most frequent mutations were observed in codon 83 of gyrA and codon 80 of parC gene. Single gyrA substitution, Ser83→ Ile and Asp87→Gly, and double substitutions, Ser83→Phe plus Asp87→Ala, Ser83→Tyr plus Asp87→Ala, Ser83→Ile plus Asp87→Tyr, Ser83→Phe plus Asp87→Asn and Ser83→Ile plus Asp87→Gly were detected. In addition, Ser80→Ile and Glu84→Lys single substitution were found in parC gene.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that 90% of isolates have at least one mutation in QRDR of gyrA orparC genes, thus the frequency of mutations was very significant and alarming in our region.