bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationships among factors affecting compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, and burnout in Japanese nurses: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kishimoto Kumiko , Asano Kenichi
Published: August 2024

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the relationships among factors affecting compassion fatigue/secondary traumatic stress, burnout, and compassion satisfaction in Japanese nurses, focusing on self‐compassion, fears of compassion, and attachment styles.

Methods

This cross‐sectional observational study enrolled 400 clinical nurses (aged ≥20 years) in Japan, registered with an online survey company, from June 6 to June 26, 2021. The subjects completed a web‐based questionnaire that assessed compassion fatigue/secondary traumatic stress, burnout, compassion satisfaction, self‐compassion, fears of compassion for self, anxiety, and avoidance. Additionally, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis and path analysis were performed to examine the relationships among the influencing factors.

Results

Compassion fatigue/secondary traumatic stress was influenced by anxiety and fears of compassion for self (R2 = .31). Burnout was affected by compassion fatigue/secondary traumatic stress, compassion satisfaction, self‐compassion, anxiety, and avoidance (R2 = .63). Compassion satisfaction was impacted by self‐compassion, anxiety, and fears of compassion for self (R2 = .31). Additionally, self‐compassion (R2 = .28) and fears of compassion for self (R2 = .55) were influenced by anxiety and avoidance.

Conclusions

Compassion fatigue/secondary traumatic stress leads to burnout, whereas compassion satisfaction moderates burnout. Furthermore, there were associations among the factors leading to compassion fatigue/secondary traumatic stress and burnout and compassion satisfaction. Therefore, an approach that enhances self‐compassion and promotes the development of a stable attachment style could mitigate compassion fatigue/secondary traumatic stress and fears of compassion for self while moderately maintaining and improving compassion satisfaction.
FTO gene polymorphism and susceptibility to polycystic ovary syndrome: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Chuanhua , Yu Jiali
Published: August 2024

Aim

To explore the correlation between Fat mass and objectivity associated gene (FTO) rs9939609 polymorphism and susceptibility to polycystic ovary syndrome.

Methods

Case–control studies on the relationship between FTO rs9939609 A/T polymorphism and PCOS were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. STATA 12.0 software was conducted for Meta‐analysis.

Results

Nine case–control studies were included, including 1410 cases in PCOS group and 1223 cases in healthy control group. The results of meta‐analysis showed that FTO rs9939609 gene polymorphism was associated with PCOS susceptibility, and the risk of developing PCOS was 1.19 times higher for T alleles carriers than for A alleles carriers, and some similar associations were observed in Asian populations.

Conclusions

In summary, FTO rs9939609 gene polymorphism is significantly associated with PCOS susceptibility, especially in Asian populations.
Understanding nurses' perceptions of sexual health and function in people requiring haemodialysis
Authors: Mckie Amanda L. , Saito Amornrat , Green Theresa , Bonner Ann
Published: August 2024

Background

Sexual dysfunction is common for adults receiving chronic haemodialysis; however, renal nurses seldom discuss this topic with patients.

Objectives

This study aimed to identify renal nurses' attitudes towards providing sexual healthcare and to determine their confidence in discussing sexual dysfunction with adults who are receiving haemodialysis.

Design

An online cross‐sectional study.

Participants

Renal nurses across Australia and New Zealand (n = 65) who were members of the Renal Society of Australasia provided direct care to adults receiving haemodialysis.

Measurements

Two questionnaires measuring (1) the frequency of sexual health discussions, levels of knowledge and competence, barriers to discussing sexual dysfunction and views on accountability (Van Ek survey) and (2) communication, practical knowledge, and attitude (sexual health educator for professionals scale) were used. Demographic characteristics were also collected.

Results

Most participants were females (60%) with postgraduate qualifications (61.4%). The average nephrology nursing experience was 13.10 ± 9.14 years. Most renal nurses identified as having positive attitudes (77.2%) about providing sexual healthcare and were confident in communicating with patients about sexual concerns (42.9%), although many nurses (64.35%) rarely did so. Less than one‐half (48.6%) indicated feeling competent to discuss sexual dysfunction, and less than one‐third (30%) had sufficient knowledge about sexual dysfunction. Barriers were lack of practical training (74.2%) and insufficient time (57.1%). Younger nurses (≤45 years old) and male nurses were significantly more confident in discussing sexual health matters.

Conclusions

Overall, renal nurses had positive attitudes towards discussing sexual health concerns with patients however they rarely did so.
Rheological, textural, and swallowing characteristics of xanthan gum‐modified Riceberry porridge for patients with dysphagia
Authors: Charoensri Pakanun , Aspinall Sam , Liu Fang , Kijroongrojana Kongkarn
Published: August 2024

The incidence and prevalence of dysphagia worldwide are increasing yearly requiring a change in food texture to avoid malnutrition, dehydration, or sever complications. Riceberry porridges fortified with protein hydrolysate (1.5%), bio‐calcium (589 mg), and thickened with xanthan gum (XG) of varying concentrations (0%, 0.255, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, and 2.0%) showed suitability for use in enriching diets of these patients. Porridges were examined using specified tests from the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) and National Dysphagia Diet (NDD), and coupled with rheological, textural analyses, in vitro swallowing simulator and sensory analysis performed by a trained panel. Porridges with 0%–0.25% and 0.50%–2.0% XG were classified as IDDSI level 3 and 4, respectively, and apparent viscosities of porridges showed samples with XG displayed shear thinning behavior beneficial for patients with dysphagia. Increasing XG concentrations increased the consistency coefficient and decreased the flow behavior index (p < .05) with positive correlation of XG concentration with textural properties including firmness, consistency, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, and stickiness values. The relationship between instrumental measurements, in vitro and in vivo swallowing behavior showed high correlations with regards to XG concentration (r = .995). The findings indicate Riceberry porridges containing XG have significantly improved textural properties over those without XG for patients with dysphagia.
Epidemiology, Treatment Patterns and Survival in Canadian Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B‐Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Sachar Y. , Congly S. E. , Burak K. W. , Manko A. , Ko H. H. , Ramji A. , Rahman H. S. , Talia J. , Jeyaparan J. , Wong D. W. , Fung S. , Cooper C. , Kelly E. M. , Ma M. M. , Bailey R. , Minuk G. , Wong A. , Doucette K. , Elkashab M. , Sebastiani G. , Wong P. , Coffin C. S. , Brahmania M.
Published: August 2024

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) globally. We described and evaluated the outcomes of patients with CHB‐HCC in Canada. In this retrospective cross‐sectional cohort study, data were analysed from CHB mono‐infected subjects seen between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2022, and entered the Canadian Hepatitis B Network Registry. Descriptive analysis and chi‐squared modelling were used to compare cohorts, followed by multivariable survival analysis regarding survival post‐diagnosis. Statistical analyses were completed in R version 2.2. Of the 6711 patients with CHB who met inclusion criteria, 232 (3.5%) developed HCC. Compared with the CHB cohort, the majority of CHB‐HCC cohort were male, SEA and HBeAg negative and born in endemic area (80% vs. 56%, 73% vs. 55%, 84% vs. 54%, 64% vs. 40% and all p < 0001). Overall, median HBV DNA level was log 2.54 (IQR: 0–4.04). Advanced liver disease, defined as minimum Fibrosis stage F3, was seen in 9.4% of overall cohort, but 92% of HCC cohort. At diagnosis, median tumour size was 2.5 cm (IQR: 1.7–4.0) and mean tumour number was 1.33 (SD: 1.33), with 81% of patients BCLC 0‐A. Fifty‐three per cent of patients were diagnosed with HCC as part of surveillance protocols. The survival rate after HCC diagnosis was 78.7%, during the median follow‐up of 52.9 months (IQR: 17–90). In multivariable analysis, survival was significantly correlated with diagnosis through the screening programme. In this large cohort of patients with CHB‐HCC, the majority of patients were detected with early‐stage HCC and received treatment with curative intent, resulting in strong survival rates.
Divergent responses of alpine bryophytes and lichens to climate change in the Swiss Alps
Authors: Mayo de la Iglesia Rut , Miserere Luca , Vust Mathias , Theurillat Jean‐Paul , Randin Christophe , Vittoz Pascal
Published: August 2024

Questions

The alpine vegetation of the Alps is particularly vulnerable to climate change, as the temperature increase in this region is twice the global average and the available area for new colonisations decreases with increasing elevation. While numerous studies have investigated the response of vascular plants to a warming climate in the alpine belt, only a handful have investigated that of cryptogams in the European Alps. Based on a 21‐year monitoring project, we assessed the effects of climate change on cryptogams along elevation, from the treeline to the subnival belt.

Location

Four GLORIA summits in Valais (Switzerland).

Methods

Between 2001 and 2022, terricolous lichens and bryophytes (from 2008) were inventoried in 52 1‐m2 plots distributed across four summits: 2360 m a.s.l. (treeline), 2550 m (lower alpine), 2990 m (upper alpine) and 3210 m (subnival). Changes in species cover and richness were analysed using generalised linear mixed‐effects model (GLMMs).

Results

For bryophytes, total cover remained stable overall. However, six species declined significantly between 2008 and 2022, and the species richness decreased after 2015. For terricolous lichens, total cover significantly increased on the lower alpine summit, while species richness increased on the upper alpine and subnival summits.

Conclusions

Bryophytes have probably suffered from the increasingly dry conditions, with a succession of very warm and dry summers over the last decades. Terricolous lichens have taken advantage of the warmer conditions to increase their cover on the lower alpine summit, and new species have colonised the upper summits. However, as they compete with vascular plants for soil and light, they may suffer from shrub and tree encroachment in the future and will be limited upwards by the rarity of developed soils. The large topo‐climatic gradient (850 m) and the length of the time series suggest that similar trends are likely to be more widespread across the Alps.
Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) as an Independent Predictor of 3‐Year Postoperative Mortality in Elderly Patients with Hip Fracture: A Post hoc Analysis of a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Yimin , Liu Gang , Zhang Jing , Ge Yufeng , Tan Zhelun , Peng Weidong , Gao Feng , Tu Chao , Tian Maoyi , Yang Minghui , Wu Xinbao
Published: August 2024

Objective

The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) has been reported as a significant predictor in various diseases. However, the prognostic value of the PNI in geriatric hip fracture patients has not been thoroughly evaluated. This study aimed to investigate the association between admission PNI and 3‐year mortality in those patients.

Methods

In this post hoc analysis, we included patients aged ≥65 years who underwent surgery for hip fracture between 2018 and 2019. The admission PNI was calculated as serum albumin (g/L) +5 × total lymphocyte count (×109/L). Patients were categorized into four groups based on PNI quartiles (≤ 43.55, 43.55–46.55, 46.55–49.20, and >49.20, respectively). The median follow‐up duration was 3.1 years. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was conducted for using PNI to predict mortality.

Results

Of the 942 eligible patients, 190 (20.2%) patients died during the follow‐up. Compared to patients in the first quartile (Q1), those in the second (Q2), third (Q3), and fourth (Q4) quartiles had significantly lower mortality risks (HRs 0.50, 95% CI 0.35–0.74; 0.41, 95% CI 0.26–0.64; and 0.26, 95% CI 0.15–0.45, respectively). The optimal cutoff of PNI for predicting mortality was set as 45.275 (sensitivity, 0.674; specificity, 0.692; area under the curve (AUC), 0.727). Patients with higher PNI (>45.275) had a significant lower mortality risk (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.28–0.55) compared to those with lower PNI (≤ 45.275).

Conclusion

PNI is a reliable and independent predictor of 3‐year mortality after hip fracture surgery in the elderly.
What an anesthesiologist should know about pediatric arrhythmias
Authors: Kuntz Michael T. , Eagle Susan S. , Dalal Aarti , Samouil Marc M. , Staudt Genevieve E. , Londergan Bevan P.
Published: August 2024

Identifying and treating pediatric arrhythmias is essential for pediatric anesthesiologists. Pediatric patients can present with narrow or wide complex tachycardias, though the former is more common. Patients with inherited channelopathies or cardiomyopathies are at increased risk. Since most pediatric patients present for anesthesia without a baseline electrocardiogram, the first identification of an arrhythmia may occur under general anesthesia. Supraventricular tachycardia, the most common pediatric tachyarrhythmia, represents a broad category of predominately narrow complex tachycardias. Stimulating events including intubation, vascular guidewire manipulation, and surgical stimulation can trigger episodes. Valsalva maneuvers are unreliable as treatment, making adenosine or other intravenous antiarrhythmics the preferred acute therapy. Reentrant tachycardias are the most common supraventricular tachycardia in pediatric patients, including atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (due to a distinct accessory pathway) and atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (due to an accessory pathway within the atrioventricular node). Patients with ventricular preexcitation, often referred to as Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome, have a wide QRS with short PR interval, indicating antegrade conduction through the accessory pathway. These patients are at risk for sudden death if atrial fibrillation degenerates into ventricular fibrillation over a high‐risk accessory pathway. Automatic tachycardias, such as atrial tachycardia and junctional ectopic tachycardia, are causes of supraventricular tachycardia in pediatric patients, the latter most typically noted after cardiac surgery. Patients with inherited arrhythmia syndromes, such as congenital long QT syndrome, are at risk of developing ventricular arrhythmias such as polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (Torsades de Pointes) which can be exacerbated by QT prolonging medications. Patients with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia are at particular risk for developing bidirectional ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation during exogenous or endogenous catecholamine surges. Non‐selective beta blockers are first line for most forms of long QT syndrome as well as catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Anesthesiologists should review the impact of medications on the QT interval and transmural dispersion of repolarization, to limit increasing the risk of Torsades de Pointes in patients with long QT syndrome. This review explores the key anesthetic considerations for these arrhythmias.
The mediating role of nutritional indicators in the association between estimated glomerular filtration rate and cognitive impairment in older adults
Authors: An Xiuping , Cui Yao , Qin Mingzhao , Zhou Jian , Liu Qian , Ye Hui
Published: August 2024

Background

Cognitive impairment (CI) is common in older adults, especially those with renal dysfunction. We aimed to investigate the complex relationships among renal function, nutritional status, and CI in older people free from late chronic kidney disease (CKD) and severe CI.

Methods

A study of older people (≥60 years old) with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of >30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores of >10 (n = 237) was conducted at Beijing Tongren Hospital. Their eGFR was determined using the CKD‐EPI‐cr‐Cysc equation. Cognitive function was evaluated with the MoCA. We tested the relationship between eGFR and MoCA scores using Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. We then conducted a mediation analysis to figure out the mediating roles of nutritional indicators (Mini Nutritional Assessment‐Short Form (MNA‐SF) scores, albumin (ALB), and haemoglobin (HGB)) between the eGFR and MoCA scores.

Results

The incidence of CI was 48.5% (115/237) in older people. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the better the kidney function, the better the cognitive function (R = 0.297, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that eGFR decrease per 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR: 1.415, 95% confidence interval: 1.055–1.896, P = 0.020) was related to CI after adjusting for age and sex. However, the eGFR was not associated with cognitive decline after adjusting for nutritional indicators, behavioural risk factors, other biomarkers, and chronic conditions, suggesting that eGFR is not independently associated with CI. Mediation analysis revealed that the MNA‐SF scores (a*b = 0.006 (0.0002–0.012)) and HGB (a*b = 0.008 (0.001–0.017)) were mediating factors between the eGFR and MoCA scores.

Conclusions

A decline in renal function can directly lead to CI and can also exacerbate cognitive deficits through intermediary factors such as MNA‐SF scores and HGB. Therefore, correcting anaemia and improving nutritional status are significantly important for enhancing cognitive function in older patients, especially those with renal dysfunction.
The causal relationships of granulocytes and melanoma skin cancer: A univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Rui‐chang Zhang , Hui‐zi Peng , Lin Zhou
Published: August 2024

Background

Increasing evidence has revealed that granulocyte has a critical role in tumorigenesis and progression. In this study, Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was utilized for estimating the causal association between neutrophil percentage and melanoma skin cancer, eosinophil percentage and melanoma skin cancer, basophil percentage and melanoma skin cancer, respectively.

Methods

The Genome‐Wide Association Study (GWAS) ids for melanoma skin cancer, neutrophil percentage, eosinophil percentage and basophil percentage were derived from Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) Open GWAS database. The univariable MR (UVMR) analysis was conducted to estimate the risk using MR‐Egger, weighted median, inverse variance weighted (IVW). In addition, sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the reliability of UVMR results. Finally, the multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis was performed to investigate causality between neutrophil percentage and eosinophil percentage in the presence of both and melanoma skin cancer.

Results

The UVMR indicated that neutrophil percentage and eosinophil percentage were significantly and causally related to melanoma skin cancer, with neutrophil percentage [p = 0.025, odds ratio (OR) = 1.002] as a risk factor and eosinophil percentage (p = 7.04E‐06, OR = 0.997) as a protective factor. Moreover, MVMR analysis indicated eosinophil percentage remained the protective factor (p = 0.003, OR = 0.998), while the causality of neutrophil percentage and melanoma skin cancer became insignificant (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The causal relationships of neutrophil percentage and melanoma skin cancer, eosinophil percentage and melanoma skin cancer were shown by this study, which provided a reference for subsequent research and treatment related to melanoma skin cancer.
Characterisation of the novel HLA‐A*24:630 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Pan Li , Zhang Anqi , Zhao Linlin , Tang Wenqiang , Fu Bo
Published: August 2024

HLA‐A*24:630 differs from HLA‐A*24:20:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 131 in exon 3.
Effect of hydrocolloid‐nitric oxide wound dressings on wound healing in dogs
Authors: Rodriguez‐Diaz Jenniffer M. , Wallace Mandy L. , Emond Sarah A. , McNabney Danielle , Hodges Katie M. , Howerth Elizabeth W.
Published: August 2024

Objective

To determine the rates of wound healing in surgically created wounds between nitric oxide releasing wound dressings and control wound dressings.

Study design

Prospective, controlled, randomized experimental study.

Animals

Purpose‐bred, adult, male Beagles (n = 6).

Methods

Four 2 × 2 cm wounds were surgically created on the trunk of each dog with each wound randomized to treatment with a nitric oxide wound pad (NP), nitric oxide wound gel (NG), plain hydrocolloid wound dressing (HC), or Telfa pad (T). Wound images were taken daily for 8 days then every other day until day 21 with images masked and randomized for evaluation. Total wound area, contraction percentage, and days until granulation were calculated.

Results

Time to first appearance of granulation tissue was significantly shorter for NP (3.2 days) than for NG (4 days; p = .023), HC (4.5 days; p = .001), and T (5.2 days; p < .0001). There were significant differences in total wound area and contraction percentage between sites and treatments (p < .001). Total wound area for NG was lower than treatment T (0.7 ± 0.1 cm3; p < .001), HC (0.9 ± 0.1 cm3, p < .001), and NP (0.6 ± 0.1 cm3, p < .001).

Conclusion

Use of a nitric oxide wound dressing resulted in faster wound healing as evidenced by lower total wound area and higher contraction in the NG group and faster time to granulation tissue development in the NP group.

Clinical significance

Nitric oxide wound dressings are innovative and inexpensive products that can significantly decrease the amount of time and cost necessary for open or second intention wound resolution in dogs.
Lógicas institucionales de la relación médico-paciente desde la percepción de los médicos: estudio desde el área de consulta externa en una IPS de primer nivel
Authors: Gutierrez Rincon Viviana Andrea , Gil-Triana Diana , Largacha-González Daniela
Published: August 2024

Este artículo tiene el propósito de comprender, a partir de las lógicas institucionales, los factores que hacen parte de la relación médico-paciente desde la percepción del médico, en el área de consulta externa de una institución de salud en la ciudad de Cali. En el desarrollo de la investigación se utilizó una metodología cualitativa de tipo exploratorio-descriptivo, por medio de 23 entrevistas a médicos generales, que fueron analizadas con el enfoque sistémico de datos cualitativos de la Teoría Fundamentada. La evidencia empírica, permitió identificar los factores recurrentes e interrelaciones de las diferentes lógicas que intervienen en la relación médico-paciente, agrupándolas en cuatro dimensiones: médica, organizacional, social y educativa. La interacción entre todas las lógicas institucionales refleja la complejidad de la relación médico-paciente y la necesidad de gestionarla de manera multidireccional. Esta investigación contribuye a la literatura en gestión, más específicamente las lógicas institucionales permitiendo dilucidar la percepción de uno de los grupos de actores involucrados en las actividades diarias que intervienen en la relación médico-paciente, como voces de las múltiples lógicas en competencia involucradas
Microwave field mapping for EPR-on-a-chip experiments
Authors: Künstner Silvio , McPeak Joseph E. , Chu Anh , Kern Michal , Wick Markus , Dinse Klaus-Peter , Anders Jens , Naydenov Boris , Lips Klaus
Published: August 2024

Electron paramagnetic resonance–on-a-chip (EPRoC) devices use small voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) for both the excitation and detection of the EPR signal, allowing access to unique sample environments by lifting the restrictions imposed by resonator-based EPR techniques. EPRoC devices have been successfully used at multiple frequencies (7 to 360 gigahertz) and have demonstrated their utility in producing high-resolution spectra in a variety of spin centers. To enable quantitative measurements using EPRoC devices, the spatial distribution of the
B
1
field produced by the VCOs must be known. As an example, the field distribution of a 12-coil VCO array EPRoC operating at 14 gigahertz is described in this study. The frequency modulation–recorded EPR spectra of a “point”-like and a thin-film sample were investigated while varying the position of both samples in three directions. The results were compared to COMSOL simulations of the
B
1
-field intensity. The EPRoC array sensitive volume was determined to be ~19 nanoliters. Implications for possible EPR applications are discussed.
Consider the horse
Hoof Beats: How Horses Shaped Human History
William T. Taylor
University of California Press, 2024. 360 pp.
Authors: Larson Greger
Published: August 2024

An archaeologist reveals the equine’s outsized role in human history
Lipid apheresis in the management of severe hypertriglyceridaemia in an adolescent girl with global developmental delay
Authors: Al-Agailat Lara , Guertin Stephen , Littlejohn Elizabeth
Published: August 2024

Hypertriglyceridaemia-induced acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) remains one of the common metabolic causes of acute pancreatitis in the paediatric population and the third most common cause after alcohol and gallstones in the adult population. We report a case of an early adolescent girl with global developmental delay and moderate cognitive impairment of unknown aetiology who presented with recurrent acute pancreatitis and uncompensated hypovolaemic shock. She was found to have serum triglyceride level of 7877 mg/dL (reference range<150 mg/dL) and hyperglycaemia with ketosis (no prior history of diabetes mellitus) that was successfully treated with lipid apheresis. This sometimes is an early modality for treatment in adults; however, it remains a last resort in children, used only for severe cases. A brief literature review on severe HTG-AP and its management is also provided.
High prevalence of harmful drinking habits and gambling among professional rugby players: mental health symptoms and lifestyle risks among New Zealand Super Rugby players—a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Dorfling Theodore , Fulcher Mark L
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Determining the prevalence of mental health and lifestyle risk factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, recreational drug use, gambling, family violence and anger management) in New Zealand (NZ) male professional rugby players.

Study design

Cross-sectional survey of mental health symptoms and lifestyle risk factors in male professional rugby players in NZ.

Methods

Players from all five NZ men’s Super Rugby Franchises were invited to complete an online questionnaire (SportCHAT) measuring demographic status and mental health symptoms. Descriptive and interferential statistical analyses were used to identify the most prevalent mental health and lifestyle risk factors.

Results

105 players participated in the study (response rate 52.5%). 51.4% of players were either at moderate or high risk for alcohol-related harm (defined as potential health, social, legal or financial problems linked to alcohol consumption). In comparison, 4.8% reported recreational drug use and 5% reported smoking tobacco. Twenty players (19%) reported engaging in gambling, with five of these reporting problematic gambling. 21% of players reported symptoms of depression, but none reached the ‘mild depression’ threshold of the Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression. Younger players (aged 20–29) were more likely to report symptoms of depression than older players (aged 30–39). The prevalence of anxiety symptoms was 17.1%. 66.7% of these players reported minimal symptoms (GAD-7 score 0–4) and 33.3% reported mild symptoms (GAD-7 score 5–9). Family violence was reported by 2.9% of respondents, while 12.4% reported issues with anger management. There were no significant differences between ethnic groups.

Conclusion

There is a higher prevalence of alcohol misuse and gambling, but lower reported rates of depression and anxiety symptoms in this cohort when compared with the general population.
Phenological growth stages of highbush blueberries (Vaccinium spp.): codification and description according to the BBCH scale
Authors: Wichura Merret Anna , Koschnick Felix , Jung Jeanette , Bauer Sina , Wichura Alexandra
Published: August 2024

Highbush blueberries ( Vaccinium spp.) are cultivated crop plants worldwide and they are still gaining importance. However, a common uniform description of the phenological development was missing so far. In this work, a specific code is presented, based on the decimal BBCH scale. The BBCH scale comprises the macrostages 0–9, with macrostage 4 being omitted here, because it has no relevance for blueberry crops grown in the field. Each macrostage is subdivided in several microstages, each describing a notable developmental stage. The BBCH code takes special reference to the fruit development, fruit ripening, and several fruit pickings, which are typical for blueberries. For each macrostage the main development as well as cultivation characteristics are explained in more detail. The new BBCH code is compared with other descriptions of phenotypical development of highbush blueberries and transformations are suggested. The BBCH code is developed for cultivated highbush blueberries and is therefore applicable to northern, southern, and rabbiteye blueberries as well.
Jet substructure measurements in heavy-ion collisions
Authors: Vértesi Róbert ,   (for the ATLAS, CMS and ALICE Collaborations)
Published: August 2024

Jet substructure in heavy-ion collisions is a rapidly evolving area with lots of intriguing new measurements. This contribution presents a selection of recent jet-substructure measurements from experiments at the LHC, in particular, soft-drop groomed radii of jets and reclustered large-radius jets from ATLAS, jet axis difference and generalized jet angularities from ALICE, as well as dijet shapes and b-jet shapes from the CMS experiment.
Analysis of 2S singly heavy baryons in HQET
Authors: Vishwakarma K. K. , Upadhyay Alka
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we have employed HQET to determine the masses of radially excited ([Formula: see text]) S-wave charm and bottom baryons. The HQET Lagrangian containing the non-perturbative parameters is shown with heavy baryon fields. The non-perturbative parameters, couplings, and decay widths are also studied for the S-wave singly heavy baryons. The HQET parameters [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are calculated for the ground state ([Formula: see text]) using the masses of S-wave baryons. The [Formula: see text] mass short-distance mass scheme is employed to estimate the heavy quark masses and non-perturbative parameters. The mass term ratios of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] mesons and baryons containing parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are studied by varying the bottom quark mass. This analysis shows that heavy quarks behave the same inside mesons and baryons in both 1S and 2S states. The HQET symmetry of [Formula: see text] is used to find the parameters and masses for [Formula: see text] S-wave baryons. The variation of mass of 2S baryons with the non-perturbative parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is discussed. The Regge trajectories are also plotted in the [Formula: see text] plane using masses of [Formula: see text] and 2 charm and bottom baryons. The Regge trajectories are parallel and equidistant lines in the [Formula: see text] plane. We have also studied the strong decays of charm and bottom baryons for both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] states. We have estimated the coupling constants [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text]. We have also shown the semi-electronic decay rates of charm baryons in the spectator heavy quark approximation for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] transitions. The decay rates for [Formula: see text] transitions are of the same order as [Formula: see text] transitions. This analysis agrees well with the available theoretical and experimental data.
MORCoRA: Multi-Objective Refactoring Recommendation Considering Review Availability
Authors: Chen Lei , Hayashi Shinpei
Published: August 2024

Background: Search-based refactoring involves searching for a sequence of refactorings to achieve specific objectives. Although a typical objective is improving code quality, a different perspective is also required; the searched sequence must undergo review before being applied and may not be applied if the review fails or is postponed due to no proper reviewers. Aim: Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the searched sequence of refactorings can be reviewed promptly by reviewers who meet two criteria: (1) having enough expertise and (2) being free of heavy workload. The two criteria are regarded as the review availability of the refactoring sequence. Method: We propose MORCoRA, a multi-objective search-based technique that can search for code quality improvable, semantic preserved, and high review availability possessed refactoring sequences and corresponding proper reviewers. Results: We evaluate MORCoRA on six open-source repositories. The quantitative analysis reveals that MORCoRA can effectively recommend refactoring sequences that fit the requirements. The qualitative analysis demonstrates that the refactorings recommended by MORCoRA can enhance code quality and effectively address code smells. Furthermore, the recommended reviewers for those refactorings possess high expertise and are available to review. Conclusions: We recommend that refactoring recommenders consider both the impact on quality improvement and the developer resources required for review when recommending refactorings.
Standby System Reliability Modeling with Cost and Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Ram Mangey , Goyal Nupur , Shivani
Published: August 2024

Maintaining a reliable water treatment plant is paramount for a consistent and dependable supply of safe drinking water to communities. This study employs an integrated approach, leveraging advanced methodologies including Markov processes, supplementary variable technique, and Laplace transformation. The research seeks to comprehensively model the plant’s dynamic behavior, transitions between operational states, and the influence of maintenance practices. By employing these methodologies, the research aims to enhance the precision of critical reliability metrics such as reliability and availability. The study further incorporates thorough cost analysis, shedding light on the economic implications of reliability-enhancing measures. Additionally, sensitivity analysis is employed to identify critical variables influencing plant performance and economic efficiency. The insights garnered from this study are expected to provide a sophisticated understanding of the water treatment plant’s performance, fostering effective decision-making strategies to optimize maintenance protocols and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of clean and secure water to communities.
Natural Frequencies Analysis of Functionally Graded Porous Plates Supported by Kerr-Type Foundations Via an Innovative Trigonometric Shear Deformation Theory
Authors: Cao Huu-Loi , Vu Tan-Van
Published: August 2024

This research aims to explore the free vibration behavior of functionally graded porous (FGP) plates resting on a Kerr-type elastic foundation. This investigation employs an innovative trigonometric shear deformation (ITSD) theory with five variables. The study encompasses various plate configurations, including homogeneous FGP plates, hard-core FGP sandwich plates, and soft-core FGP sandwich plates with both regular and irregular pore structures. The ITSD theory naturally addresses shear stress concerns at the outer surfaces, while also considering the thickness stretching effect, all without the need for correction factors. To formulate the governing equations for the free vibration of such plates on an elastic foundation, Hamilton’s principle is employed. The Navier double trigonometric series approach is then utilized to solve this problem. To validate the plate theory and methodologies used in this work, a comparative analysis is conducted with existing studies. Additionally, comprehensive parametric simulations are employed to examine the impact of different factors, such as geometric properties, material characteristics, sandwich schemes, and parameters of the Kerr-type foundation, on the dimensionless natural frequencies of simply supported rectangular FGP plates.
Dynamic analysis of a stochastic SVEIR epidemic model with saturated incidence and partial vaccination
Authors: Lu Yanling , Wang Haixia , Meng Ziyi
Published: August 2024

In this paper, a stochastic SVEIR epidemic model with saturated incidence and partial immunity is proposed. First, we define the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] and study the global asymptotic stability of disease-free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium of the deterministic epidemic model. Then we establish the existence and uniqueness of global positive solution, along with delineating sufficient conditions for disease extinction. By constructing appropriate Lyapunov functions, we analyze the asymptotic behavior of solutions to the stochastic epidemic model around the disease-free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium points of the deterministic epidemic model. Under certain conditions, the solution of the stochastic model fluctuates around the disease-free equilibrium point and the endemic equilibrium point, with the intensity of fluctuation proportional to the intensity of white noise. The existence of ergodic stationary distribution is proved by the Khasminskii method. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to illustrate our analysis results.
Exploring the influence of refuges and additional foods on predator–prey interactions amidst environmental stochasticity and water level fluctuations
Authors: Sarkar Abhijit , Kang Yun , Tiwari Pankaj Kumar
Published: August 2024

By considering that the predators have some additional foods apart from the focal prey and the prey take refuge, a predator–prey model with the effect of seasonality in a fluctuating environment is investigated in this study. Gaussian white noises, created by random fluctuation of water level, are introduced on the prey’s growth rate and predator’s mortality rate. Both the deterministic and stochastic systems are analyzed mathematically as well as numerically. Our analytical findings show that the intensity of environmental noise, additional foods and prey refuge play significant roles in survival as well as extinction of both prey and predator populations in the aquatic system. Our numerical results show that the effectual level of additional foods, depending on water level, has positive as well as negative effects on the predator and prey populations. We find that both species strongly persist at certain water level and for the low intensity of noise. However, for an increased value of noise intensity, they persist weakly and then go to extinction. Overall, our findings show that the variations of water level together with additional food and white noise plays crucial roles in persistence and extinction of species in the ecosystem.
How to Bake a Quantum Π
Authors: Carette Jacques , Heunen Chris , Kaarsgaard Robin , Sabry Amr
Published: August 2024

We construct a computationally universal quantum programming language
Quantum
Π from two copies of Π, the internal language of rig groupoids. The first step constructs a pure (measurement-free) term language by interpreting each copy of Π in a generalisation of the category
Unitary
in which every morphism is “rotated” by a particular angle, and the two copies are amalgamated using a free categorical construction expressed as a computational effect. The amalgamated language only exhibits quantum behaviour for specific values of the rotation angles, a property which is enforced by imposing a small number of equations on the resulting category. The second step in the construction introduces measurements by layering an additional computational effect.
A Safe Low-Level Language for Computer Algebra and Its Formally Verified Compiler
Authors: Melquiond Guillaume , Moreau Josué
Published: August 2024

This article describes a programming language for writing low-level libraries for computer algebra systems. Such libraries (GMP, BLAS/LAPACK, etc) are usually written in C, Fortran, and Assembly, and

make heavy use of arrays and pointers. The proposed language, halfway between C and Rust, is designed to be safe and to ease the deductive verification of programs, while being low-level enough to be suitable for this kind of computationally intensive applications. This article also describes a compiler for this language, based on CompCert. The safety of the language has been formally proved using the Coq proof assistant, and so has the property of semantics preservation for the compiler. While the language is not yet feature-complete, this article shows what it entails to design a new domain-specific programming language along its formally verified compiler.
Beyond Trees: Calculating Graph-Based Compilers (Functional Pearl)
Authors: Bahr Patrick , Hutton Graham
Published: August 2024

Bahr and Hutton recently developed an approach to compiler calculation that

allows a wide range of compilers to be derived from specifications of their

correctness. However, a limitation of the approach is that it results in

compilers that produce tree-structured code. By contrast, realistic

compilers produce code that is essentially graph-structured, where the edges

in the graph represent jumps that transfer the flow of control to other

locations in the code. In this article, we show how their approach can

naturally be adapted to calculate compilers that produce graph-structured

code, without changing the underlying calculational methodology, by using a

higher-order abstract syntax representation of graphs.
Abstracting Effect Systems for Algebraic Effect Handlers
Authors: Yoshioka Takuma , Sekiyama Taro , Igarashi Atsushi
Published: August 2024

Many effect systems for algebraic effect handlers are designed to guarantee that all invoked effects are handled adequately. However, respective researchers have developed their own effect systems that differ in how to represent the collections of effects that may happen. This situation results in blurring what is required for the representation and manipulation of effect collections in a safe effect system. In this work, we present a language λ

EA

equipped with an effect system that abstracts the existing effect systems for algebraic effect handlers. The effect system of λ

EA

is parameterized over
effect algebras
, which abstract the representation and manipulation of effect collections in safe effect systems. We prove the type-and-effect safety of λ

EA

by assuming that a given effect algebra meets certain properties called
safety conditions
. As a result, we can obtain the safety properties of a concrete effect system by proving that an effect algebra corresponding to the concrete system meets the safety conditions. We also show that effect algebras meeting the safety conditions are expressive enough to accommodate some existing effect systems, each of which represents effect collections in a different style. Our framework can also differentiate the safety aspects of the effect collections of the existing effect systems. To this end, we extend λ

EA

and the safety conditions to
lift coercions
and
type-erasure semantics
, propose other effect algebras including ones for which no effect system has been studied in the literature, and compare which effect algebra is safe and which is not for the extensions.
Abstract Interpreters: A Monadic Approach to Modular Verification
Authors: Michelland Sébastien , Zakowski Yannick , Gonnord Laure
Published: August 2024

We argue that monadic interpreters built as layers of interpretations stacked atop the free monad constitute a promising way to implement and verify abstract interpreters in dependently-typed theories such as the one underlying the Coq proof assistant.

The approach enables modular proofs of soundness of the resulting interpreters. We provide generic abstract control flow combinators proven correct once and for all against their concrete counterpart. We demonstrate how to relate concrete handlers implementing effects to abstract variants of these handlers, essentially capturing the traditional soundness of transfer functions in the context of monadic interpreters. Finally, we provide generic results to lift soundness statements via the interpretation of stateful and failure effects.

We formalize all the aforementioned combinators and theories in Coq, and demonstrate their benefits by implementing and proving correct two illustrative abstract interpreters for a structured imperative language and a toy assembly.
Dependent Ghosts Have a Reflection for Free
Authors: Winterhalter Théo
Published: August 2024

We introduce ghost type theory (GTT) a dependent type theory extended with a new universe for ghost data that can safely be erased when running a program but which is not proof irrelevant like with a universe of (strict) propositions. Instead, ghost data carry information that can be used in proofs or to discard impossible cases in relevant computations. Casts can be used to replace ghost values by others that are propositionally equal, but crucially these casts can be ignored for conversion without compromising soundness. We provide a type-preserving erasure procedure which gets rid of all ghost data and proofs, a step which may be used as a first step to program extraction. We give a syntactical model of GTT using a program translation akin to the parametricity translation and thus show consistency of the theory. Because it is a parametricity model, it can also be used to derive free theorems about programs using ghost code. We further extend GTT to support equality reflection and show that we can eliminate its use without the need for the usual extra axioms of function extensionality and uniqueness of identity proofs. In particular we validate the intuition that indices of inductive type—such as the length index of vectors—do not matter for computation and can safely be considered modulo theory. The results of the paper have been formalised in Coq.
Staged Compilation with Module Functors
Authors: Chiang Tsung-Ju , Yallop Jeremy , White Leo , Xie Ningning
Published: August 2024

Multi-stage programming has been used in a wide variety of domains to eliminate the tension between abstraction and performance. However, the interaction of multi-stage programming features with features for programming-in-the-large remains understudied, hindering the full integration of multi-stage programming support into existing languages, and limiting the effective use of staging in large programs. We take steps to remedy the situation by studying the extension of MacoCaml, a recent OCaml extension that supports compile-time code generation via
macros
and
quotations
, with module functors, the key mechanism in OCaml for assembling program components into larger units. We discuss design choices related to evaluation order, formalize our calculus via elaboration, and show that the design enjoys key metatheoretical properties: syntactic type soundness, elaboration soundness, and phase distinction. We believe that this study lays a foundation for the continued exploration and implementation of the OCaml macro system.