bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with laryngeal injury after intubation in children: a systematic review
Authors: Veder L. L. , Joosten K. F. M. , Timmerman M. K. , Pullens B.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate all potential factors associated with laryngeal injury after endotracheal intubation in the pediatric population.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline, Embase, Cochrane, web of science and Google scholar up to 20th of March 2023. We included all unique articles focusing on factors possibly associated with intubation-injury in pediatric patients. Two independent reviewers determined which articles were relevant by coming to a consensus, quality of evidence was rated using GRADE criteria. All articles were critically appraised according to the PRISMA guidelines. The articles were categorized in four outcome measures: post-extubation stridor, post-extubation upper airway obstruction (UAO) necessitating treatment, laryngeal injury found at laryngoscopy and a diagnosed laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS).

Results

A total of 24 articles with a total of 15.520 patients were included. The incidence of post-extubation stridor varied between 1.0 and 30.3%, of post-extubation UAO necessitating treatment between 1.2 and 39.6%, of laryngeal injury found at laryngoscopy between 34.9 to 97.0% and of a diagnosed LTS between 0 and 11.1%. Although the literature is limited and quality of evidence very low, the level of sedation and gastro-esophageal reflux are the only confirmed associated factors with post-extubation laryngeal injury. The relation with age, weight, gender, duration of intubation, multiple intubations, traumatic intubation, tube size, absence of air leak and infection remain unresolved. The remaining factors are not associated with intubation injury.

Conclusion

We clarify the role of the potential factors associated with laryngeal injury after endotracheal intubation in the pediatric population.
Mountain gazelle optimizer for standalone hybrid power system design incorporating a type of incentive-based strategies
Authors: Abdelsattar Montaser , Mesalam Abdelgayed , Fawzi Abdelrahman , Hamdan I.
Published: February 2024

The main objective of this research study is to improve the performance of a standalone hybrid power system (SHPS) that consists of photovoltaic modules (PVMs), wind turbines (WTs), battery system (BS), and diesel engine (DE). The emphasis is on optimizing the system's design by incorporating demand response strategies (DRSs). Incorporating these strategies into the system can enhance system performance, stability, and profitability while also reducing the capacity of SHPS components and, consequently, lowering consumers' bills. To achieve this objective, the sizing model incorporates a novel indicator called the load variation factor (LVF). This paper assesses and contrasts various scenarios, including SHPS without DRS, with DRS, and with DRS but no DE. In this article, interruptible/curtailable (I/C) as one of the DRSs is incorporated into the model used for sizing issues. A newly developed optimization algorithm called the mountain gazelle optimizer (MGO) is utilized for the multi-objective design of the proposed SHPS. The utilization of MGO will facilitate achieving the lowest possible values for each of the following: cost of energy (COE), loss of power supply probability (LPSP), and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This work introduces a mathematical model for the entire system, which is subsequently simulated using MATLAB software. The results reveal that among all the scenarios analysed, scenario iii — which has an LVF of 30% — is the most cost-effective. It has the lowest COE, at 0.2334 $/kWh, hence the lowest net present cost (NPC), at 6,836,445.5 $.
Coupled Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Processes in Fractured Rocks: Some Past Scientific Highlights and Future Research Directions
Authors: Tsang Chin-Fu
Published: February 2024

Coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) processes in fractured rocks have been a topic of intense scientific research for more than 30 years. The present paper takes a look into the past and highlights some scientific advances which are of an unusual “out-of-the-box” nature, and then looks forward and discusses possible directions of future research in this interesting field of study. Concerning future research directions, we see a trend from a focus on coupled THM processes in single fractures or a few interacting fractures, to the study of coupled THM behavior in complex fracture network systems where the fractures act collectively giving rise to local stress concentration points and points of large pressure gradients. Three examples of future research directions are presented. First is an effort towards identifying characterizing parameters of a fracture network that play a direct controlling role in major coupled THM phenomena (such as induced seismicity and flow channeling), rather than parameters of stochastic distributions of fractures in the network. The second example of research direction is accounting for the heterogeneity and hierarchy of fractures in a fault or fracture zone which has been associated with major THM events in a number of geo-energy projects. The third example is at the opposite end of the first; here it is recognized that in some cases, the coupled THM processes in fractured rocks may be controlled dominantly by only a few key bridges. Identification, characterization, and evaluation of these key bridges should be one of the important research directions in the coming days.
Basic design optimization of power and desalinated water for hybrid cycle ocean thermal energy conversion system integrated with desalination plant
Authors: Azmi Ahmad Aiman , Yasunaga Takeshi , Fontaine Kevin , Morisaki Takafumi , Nakaoka Tsutomu , Thirugnana Sathiabama T. , Jaafar Abu Bakar , Ikegami Yasuyuki
Published: February 2024

Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is a heat engine application that utilizes the Rankine cycle to extract energy from the thermal gradient between surface seawater and deep seawater. Hybrid cycle OTEC (H-OTEC) is a combination of an open cycle desalination system and a closed-cycle power generation system that leverages the features of both cycles. Unlike other desalination technologies that require extensive energy to operate, H-OTEC relies entirely on renewable energy. In addition, a desalination plant can be coupled with the H-OTEC system (H-OTEC + D) to improve its performance. Conventionally, the total heat transfer area of heat exchangers per net power is used as an objective function to achieve optimal performance with the lowest capital expenditure cost. The proposed objective function, unlike the conventional one, considers both power and water. In this study, the optimization of H-OTEC + D and H-OTEC is carried out by minimizing the proposed objective function, considering several independent variables. The performance of both systems is evaluated in terms of the objective function, power consumption, seawater flow rates, and desalination ratio. The findings also indicate the effectiveness of the proposed objective function over the conventional one as an effective tool for maximizing power and desalinated water generation.
Does students’ ADHD diagnosis affect teachers’ school-track decisions? An experimental study
Authors: Klapproth Florian , Brink Cyrielle
Published: February 2024

With a sample of N = 46 in-service and pre-service teachers, we examined whether the labeling of primary-school students as having ADHD would affect teachers’ recommendations for a school track in secondary school. Student vignettes were used to mimic real students. Student gender, their GPA—suggested by their last school report in primary school, their school-related behavior, and whether they were labeled as having ADHD or not were orthogonally varied. Students were more likely to be recommended for the highest track when their GPA indicated higher achievements and when their behavior was appropriate. Moreover, evidence was found that teachers applied gender stereotypes when making school-placement recommendations. When the students were high-achieving boys, their behavior mattered to a lower degree than when the students were high-achieving girls. However, the labeling of students as having ADHD did not affect teachers’ decisions. Hence, the participants of this study were not prone to stereotyping students according to their label. Implications of the results were discussed.
Deep Learning for Chest X-ray Diagnosis: Competition Between Radiologists with or Without Artificial Intelligence Assistance
Authors: Guo Lili , Zhou Changsheng , Xu Jingxu , Huang Chencui , Yu Yizhou , Lu Guangming
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to assess the performance of a deep learning algorithm in helping radiologist achieve improved efficiency and accuracy in chest radiograph diagnosis. We adopted a deep learning algorithm to concurrently detect the presence of normal findings and 13 different abnormalities in chest radiographs and evaluated its performance in assisting radiologists. Each competing radiologist had to determine the presence or absence of these signs based on the label provided by the AI. The 100 radiographs were randomly divided into two sets for evaluation: one without AI assistance (control group) and one with AI assistance (test group). The accuracy, false-positive rate, false-negative rate, and analysis time of 111 radiologists (29 senior, 32 intermediate, and 50 junior) were evaluated. A radiologist was given an initial score of 14 points for each image read, with 1 point deducted for an incorrect answer and 0 points given for a correct answer. The final score for each doctor was automatically calculated by the backend calculator. We calculated the mean scores of each radiologist in the two groups (the control group and the test group) and calculated the mean scores to evaluate the performance of the radiologists with and without AI assistance. The average score of the 111 radiologists was 597 (587–605) in the control group and 619 (612–626) in the test group (P < 0.001). The time spent by the 111 radiologists on the control and test groups was 3279 (2972–3941) and 1926 (1710–2432) s, respectively (P < 0.001). The performance of the 111 radiologists in the two groups was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The radiologists showed better performance on the test group of radiographs in terms of normal findings, pulmonary fibrosis, heart shadow enlargement, mass, pleural effusion, and pulmonary consolidation recognition, with AUCs of 1.0, 0.950, 0.991, 1.0, 0.993, and 0.982, respectively. The radiologists alone showed better performance in aortic calcification (0.993), calcification (0.933), cavity (0.963), nodule (0.923), pleural thickening (0.957), and rib fracture (0.987) recognition. This competition verified the positive effects of deep learning methods in assisting radiologists in interpreting chest X-rays. AI assistance can help to improve both the efficacy and efficiency of radiologists.
Effects of Interobserver Segmentation Variability and Intensity Discretization on MRI-Based Radiomic Feature Reproducibility of Lipoma and Atypical Lipomatous Tumor
Authors: Gitto Salvatore , Cuocolo Renato , Giannetta Vincenzo , Badalyan Julietta , Di Luca Filippo , Fusco Stefano , Zantonelli Giulia , Albano Domenico , Messina Carmelo , Sconfienza Luca Maria
Published: February 2024

Segmentation and image intensity discretization impact on radiomics workflow. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of interobserver segmentation variability and intensity discretization methods on the reproducibility of MRI-based radiomic features in lipoma and atypical lipomatous tumor (ALT). Thirty patients with lipoma or ALT were retrospectively included. Three readers independently performed manual contour-focused segmentation on T1-weighted and T2-weighted sequences, including the whole tumor volume. Additionally, a marginal erosion was applied to segmentations to evaluate its influence on feature reproducibility. After image pre-processing, with included intensity discretization employing both fixed bin number and width approaches, 1106 radiomic features were extracted from each sequence. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 95% confidence interval lower bound ≥ 0.75 defined feature stability. In contour-focused vs. margin shrinkage segmentation, the rates of stable features extracted from T1-weighted and T2-weighted images ranged from 92.68 to 95.21% vs. 90.69 to 95.66% after fixed bin number discretization and from 95.75 to 97.65% vs. 95.39 to 96.47% after fixed bin width discretization, respectively, with no difference between the two segmentation approaches (p ≥ 0.175). Higher stable feature rates and higher feature ICC values were found when implementing discretization with fixed bin width compared to fixed bin number, regardless of the segmentation approach (p < 0.001). In conclusion, MRI radiomic features of lipoma and ALT are reproducible regardless of the segmentation approach and intensity discretization method, although a certain degree of interobserver variability highlights the need for a preliminary reliability analysis in future studies.
Routine Outcome Monitoring and Clinical Feedback in Psychotherapy: Recent Advances and Future Directions
Authors: McAleavey Andrew A. , de Jong Kim , Nissen-Lie Helene A. , Boswell James F. , Moltu Christian , Lutz Wolfgang
Published: February 2024

In the past decade, there has been an increase in research related to the routine collection and active use of standardized patient data in psychotherapy. Research has increasingly focused on personalization of care to patients, clinical skills and interventions that modulate treatment outcomes, and implementation strategies, all of which appear to enhance the beneficial effects of ROM and feedback. In this article, we summarize trends and recent advances in the research on this topic and identify several essential directions for the field in the short to medium term. We anticipate a broadening of research from the focus on average effects to greater specificity around what kinds of feedback, provided at what time, to which individuals, in what settings, are most beneficial. We also propose that the field needs to focus on issues of health equity, ensuring that ROM can be a vehicle for increased wellbeing for those who need it most. The complexity of mental healthcare systems means that there may be multiple viable measurement solutions with varying costs and benefits to diverse stakeholders in different treatment contexts, and research is needed to identify the most influential components in each of these contexts.
Evaluation of the biological efficiency of Terminalia chebula fruit extract against neurochemical changes induced in brain of diabetic rats: an epigenetic study
Authors: El-Shamarka Marwa E. A. , Aboulthana Wael Mahmoud , Omar Nagwa Ibrahim , Mahfouz Marwa M.
Published: February 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic and progressive metabolic disorder that can stimulate neuroinflammation and increase oxidative stress in the brain. Therefore, the present study was aimed to assess the efficacy of ethanolic Terminalia chebula extract against the neurochemical and histopathological changes induced in the brains of diabetic rats. The study clarified the reduction in oxidative stress induced in the brains of diabetic rats by the significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in levels of the antioxidants with decreasing the peroxidation products via ethanolic T. chebula extract at both doses (400 and 600 mg/kg). Moreover, T. chebula extract improved the brain integrity by lowering levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), β-amyloid (Aβ) content, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and acetylcholine esterase (ACHE) significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in a dose dependent manner compared to brain of diabetic rats. Severe nuclear pyknosis and degeneration were noticed in neurons of the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum in brains of diabetic rats. The severity of these alterations decreased with T. chebula extract at a dose of 600 mg/kg compared to the other treated groups. The different electrophoretic protein and isoenzyme assays revealed that the lowest similarity index (SI%) values exist in the brains of diabetic rats compared to the control group. The quantity of the most native proteins and isoenzyme types increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in the brains of diabetic rats, and these electrophoretic variations were completely diminished by T. chebula extract. The study concluded that T. chebula extract ameliorated the biochemical, histopathological and electrophoretic abnormalities induced in the brains of diabetic rats when administered at a dose of 600 mg/kg.
Trauma Memory Characteristics and Neurocognitive Performance in Youth Exposed to Single-Event Trauma
Authors: Reed Joanna , Meiser-Stedman Richard , Dalgleish Tim , Goodall Ben , Wright Isobel , Boyle Adrian , Burgess Aaron , Murphy Fionnuala , Hitchcock Caitlin , Schweizer Susanne , Travers-Hill Emma , Dixon Clare , Mul Cari-lène , Smith Patrick , Newby Jill , McKinnon Anna
Published: February 2024

Cognitive models of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) highlight characteristics of trauma memories, such as disorganisation, as key mechanisms in the aetiology of the disorder. However, studies investigating trauma memory in youth have provided inconsistent findings. Research has highlighted that PTSD in youth may be accompanied by difficulties in neurocognitive functioning, potentially impacting ability to recall the trauma memory. The present study sought to investigate both trauma memory characteristics and neurocognitive functioning in youth aged 8–17 years. Youths exposed to single-event trauma, with (N = 29, Mage = 13.6, 21 female) and without (N = 40, Mage = 13.3, 21 female) a diagnosis of PTSD, completed self-report measures of trauma memory, a narrative memory task and a set of neurocognitive tests two to six months post-trauma. A group of non trauma-exposed youths (N = 36, Mage = 13.9, 27 female) were compared on narrative and neurocognitive tasks. Results indicated that trauma memories in youth with, versus without, PTSD were more sensory-laden, temporally disrupted, difficult to verbally access, and formed a more ‘central’ part of their identity. Greater differences were observed for self-reported memory characteristics compared to narrative characteristics. No between group differences in neurocognitive function were observed. Self-reported trauma memory characteristics highlight an important factor in the aetiology of PTSD. The observed lack of significant differences in neurocognitive ability potentially suggests that cognitive factors represent a more relevant treatment target than neurocognitive factors in single-event PTSD. Further research to understand the cognitive factors represented by self-reported trauma memory characteristics is recommended.
Influence of habitat fragmentation and habitat amount on soil fungi communities in ancient forests
Authors: Raimbault Alexandre , Brin Antoine , Manzi Sophie , Savoie Jean Marie , Gandois Laure , Oliva Priscia , Fogliani Océane , Roy-Camille Coralie , Gratacap Léonie , Roy Mélanie
Published: February 2024

Context

Fungi represent a large part of soil biodiversity as well as an essential role for tree hydromineral nutrition, survival, and carbon cycling. While their local diversity has proven to be shaped by abiotic and biotic factors related to soil, climate and vegetation, their response to landscape fragmentation is still debated.

Objectives

In this paper, we focus on ancient forests characterized by the presence of beech at low elevation, a habitat particularly fragmented in South-West France. We aim to assess the effect of past and present forest fragmentation and quantity on soil fungal and functional group diversity. We expect a negative impact of fragmentation and a positive effect of forest quantity on soil fungal diversity, in addition to an influence of local soil factors.

Methods

Soils from 41 1ha ancient forest plots across South-West France were sampled along gradients of past and present forest fragmentation and quantity, before their fungal diversity was characterized by metabarcoding of environmental DNA. Hill numbers have been computed and applied to all fungi, trophic guilds and growth forms.

Results

We find that past forest fragmentation negatively impacts on soil fungal diversity and in particular for symbiotrophs, while the present forest quantity has a positive impact. In contrast, the species richness of pathotrophic fungi shows a negative correlation with past forest fragmentation. The diversity of fungal groups with lower dispersal abilities (e.g., corticioid, microfungi) is negatively impacted by past forest fragmentation, while the diversity of wind-dispersed fungi (e.g., agaricoid) is not influenced by any landscape descriptors.

Conclusions

Our results show the complexity of fungal responses to past and present forest fragmentation and demonstrate the long-lasting effect of past fragmentation as well as the positive impact of recent forest quantity in the landscape on fungal diversity associated with ancient forest soils. Our study also highlights the huge diversity of fungi unraveled by eDNA metabarcoding in this habitat and the potential of such techniques to study the landscape ecology of soil communities.
Media actors as policy entrepreneurs: a case study of “No Jab, No Play” and “No Jab, No Pay” mandatory vaccination policies in Australia
Authors: Attwell Katie , Hannah Adam , Drislane Shevaun , Harper Tauel , Savage Glenn C. , Tchilingirian Jordan
Published: February 2024

The media’s central role in the policy process has long been recognised, with policy scholars noting the potential for news media to influence policy change. However, scholars have paid most attention to the news media as a conduit for the agendas, frames, and preferences of other policy actors. Recently, scholars have more closely examined media actors directly contributing to policy change. This paper presents a case study to argue that specific members of the media may display the additional skills and behaviours that characterise policy entrepreneurship. Our case study focuses on mandatory childhood vaccination in Australia, following the entrepreneurial actions of a deputy newspaper editor and her affiliated outlets. Mandatory childhood vaccination policies have grown in strength and number in recent years across the industrialised world in response to parents refusing to vaccinate their children. Australia’s federal and state governments have been at the forefront of meeting vaccine refusal with harsh consequences; our case study demonstrates how media actors conceived and advanced these policies. The experiences, skills, attributes, and strategies of Sunday Telegraph Deputy Editor Claire Harvey facilitated her policy entrepreneurship, utilising many classic hallmarks from the literature and additional opportunities offered by her media role. Harvey also subverted the classic pathway of entrepreneurship, mobilising the public ahead of policymakers to force the latter’s hand.
Access to housing credit and marriage: evidence from redlining maps
Authors: Madaleno Margarida
Published: February 2024

This study evaluates the impact of a policy popularly known as “redlining” on marriage. This policy led to the creation of a series of maps that guided banks in their lending, where some areas were favored and others were discriminated against. Given the quasi-randomness of mortgage discrimination, this policy allows us to make inferences regarding whether housing credit constraints affect marriage. Furthermore, it also provides insight into whether unequal access to housing credit played a role in the contemporary racial marriage gap. This policy allows us to make these inferences due to the fact that neighborhood blocks that were more heavily discriminated against had higher proportions of Black residents. The study uses a spatial differences in discontinuities design to show that the maps led to a reduction in marriage in discriminated areas. These effects are shown to not be due to sorting. They can also be ascribed to the housing credit mechanism per se, rather than competing second-order mechanisms that result from individuals being denied mortgages. These second-order effects can include, for instance, neighborhood decline effects found in other redlining work.
A Quantum view of entrepreneurial opportunity: moving beyond the Discovery and Creation views
Authors: Chen Jiyao , Zhang Stephen X. , Lundmark Erik
Published: February 2024

This article sheds new light on the debate between the Discovery and Creation views of entrepreneurial opportunity by drawing on quantum theory. We develop the Quantum view of opportunity, which explains how opportunity is both discovered and created. The Quantum view holds that the ontology and epistemology of opportunity are fundamentally inseparable, which explains why opportunity can never be fully specified. We argue, similar to the Discovery view, that opportunity exists as latent states irrespective of entrepreneurs and that, similar to the Creation view, opportunity is instantiated through entrepreneurial action, which changes opportunity. We use the Quantum view as a thought-provoking metaphor that facilitates the breaking out of the mold of ingrained thinking and moves beyond the Discovery-Creation dichotomy to further our understanding of entrepreneurship. We discuss how the Quantum view relates to established theoretical and empirical research in the entrepreneurship field.
A Multidimensional Model to Facilitate Within Person Comparison of Attributes
Authors: Davison Mark L. , Chung Seungwon , Kohli Nidhi , Davenport Ernest C.
Published: February 2024

In psychological research and practice, a person’s scores on two different traits or abilities are often compared. Such within-person comparisons require that measurements have equal units (EU) and/or equal origins: an assumption rarely validated. We describe a multidimensional SEM/IRT model from the literature and, using principles of conjoint measurement, show that its expected response variables satisfy the axioms of additive conjoint measurement for measurement on a common scale. In an application to Quality of Life data, the EU analysis is used as a pre-processing step to derive a simple structure Quality of Life model with three dimensions expressed in equal units. The results are used to address questions that can only be addressed by scores expressed in equal units. When the EU model fits the data, scores in the corresponding simple structure model will have added validity in that they can address questions that cannot otherwise be addressed. Limitations and the need for further research are discussed.
Developing a GC-EI-MS/MS method for quantifying warfarin and five hydroxylated metabolites generated by the Fenton reaction
Authors: von Törne Wipert Jannik , Klyk-Seitz Urszula-Anna , Piechotta Christian
Published: February 2024

Since the 1950s, Warfarin has been used globally as both a prescription drug and a rodenticide. Research has shown that warfarin and other rodenticides are present in the environment and food chain. However, emerging contaminants are subject to degradation by biotic and abiotic processes and advanced oxidation processes. In some cases, detecting the parent compound may not be possible due to the formation of structurally changed species. This approach aims to identify hydroxylated transformation products of warfarin in a laboratory setting, even after the parent compound has undergone degradation. Therefore, the Fenton reaction is utilized to insert hydroxylation into the parent compound, warfarin, by hydroxyl and hydroperoxyl radicals generated by Fe2+/Fe3+ redox reaction with hydrogen peroxide. Using multiple reaction monitoring, a GC–MS/MS method, incorporating isotopically labeled reference compounds, is used to quantify the expected derivatized species. The analytes are derivatized using trimethyl-3-trifluoromethyl phenyl ammonium hydroxide, and the derivatization yield of warfarin is determined by using isotopically labeled reference compounds. The method has a linear working range of 30 to 1800 ng/mL, with detection limits ranging from 18.7 to 67.0 ng/mL. The analytes are enriched using a C18-SPE step, and the recovery for each compound is calculated. The Fenton reaction generates all preselected hydroxylated transformation products of warfarin. The method successfully identifies that 4′-Me-O-WAR forms preferentially under the specified experimental conditions. By further optimizing the SPE clean-up procedures, this GC–MS-based method will be suitable for detecting transformation products in more complex matrices, such as environmental water samples. Overall, this study provides a better understanding of warfarin’s degradation and offers a robust analytical tool for investigating its transformation products.
Enhanced washing of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from contaminated soils by the empowered surfactant properties of de novo O-alkylated humic matter
Authors: Piccolo Alessandro , Drosos Marios , Nuzzo Assunta , Cozzolino Vincenza , Scopa Antonio
Published: February 2024

Aqueous solutions of humic acid (HA) derivatized by a catalyzed O-alkylation reaction with methyl, pentyl, and benzyl groups at 40, 60, and 80% of total HA acidity were used to wash off polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from two contaminated soils. The enhanced surfactant properties enabled the alkylated HA to remove phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, and pyrene from both soils more extensively than the original unmodified HA, the 60% benzylation generally showing the greatest soil washing efficiency. For both soils, all alkylated HA revealed greater PAH removals than Triton X-100 nonionic surfactant, while the benzylated and methylated HA nearly and fully matched pollutants release by the anionic SDS in the coarse- and fine-textured soils, respectively. A consecutive second washing with 60% benzylated HA removed additional PAHs, in respect to the first washing, from the coarser-textured soil, except for fluoranthene, while removal from the finer-textured soil incremented even more for all PAHs. These findings indicate that the enhanced hydrophobicity obtained by a simple and unexpensive chemical derivatization of a natural humic surfactant can be usefully exploited in the washing of polluted soils, without being toxic to the soil biota and by potentially promoting the subsequent bio-attenuation of organic pollutants.
Factors contributing to teachers’ acceptance intention to gamified EFL tools: a scale development study
Authors: Luo Zhanni
Published: February 2024

This study is to develop and validate a scale that measures the acceptance intention of secondary school teachers toward gamified English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) tools. Drawing upon the technology acceptance models (TAM) and related frameworks, we synthesized a framework that includes six main factors contributing to teachers’ acceptance intention of gamified learning tools. These factors are perceived enjoyment, perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEoU), perceived risks, facilitating conditions, and control variables. The study involved 361 and 512 secondary school teachers who participated in qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys, respectively. Surprisingly, in the context of implementing gamified tools for the teaching of English-as-a-second-language, the results indicate that only two factors can be retained in the proposed framework (PU and PEoU). However, PU and PEoU in the current research contexts brought new connotations, which is of significance for future studies. Eventually, a five-item scale measuring PU (PU-gamification-EFL) and a six-item scale measuring PEoU (PEoU-gamification-EFL) have been validated. Implications and limitations were discussed, as well as suggestions for future studies.
Electroacupuncture Alleviates Hyperalgesia and Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Pain Memory Model Rats Through Activation of GABAergic Neurons and GABA Receptor in the Rostral Anterior Cingulate Cortex
Authors: Sun Jing , Zhang Chi , Wang Yifang , Xiao Siqi , Sun Haiju , Bian Zhiyuan , Shen Zui , He Xiaofen , Fang Jianqiao , Shao Xiaomei
Published: February 2024

Recent studies have confirmed that pain memory is often accompanied by negative emotions. Electroacupuncture (EA) can block the retrieval of painful memories, thereby alleviating the associated negative behaviors. However, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. This study revealed that the effect of EA on pain memory-induced negative behaviors is related to the mediation of GABAergic neuron activity and GABA receptor expression in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC). Previous studies have shown that the rACC is a crucial area for regulating nociceptive behaviors and negative emotions in pain memory models. The GABAergic neurons and receptors in the rACC are largely involved in pain sensation and related effects. However, the relationships among pain memory, GABAergic neurons and receptors in the rACC have not been investigated. In this study, we established a pain memory model via secondary plantar cross-injection of carrageenan and EA treatment. Using chemogenetic methods and behavioral assessments of pain and negative emotion, we found that early excitation of GABAergic neurons in the rACC blocked the recall of pain memories and reduced anxiety-like behaviors in pain memory model rats. Furthermore, pharmacological methods revealed that excitation of GABAA and GABAB receptors in the rACC blocks hyperpathia associated with pain memory and pain-induced anxiety-like behaviors, while inhibition of GABAA and GABAB receptors reverses these effects. These results suggest that EA may alleviate pain and associated anxiety-like behaviors related to pain memories through the activation of GABAergic neurons and excitation of GABAA and GABAB receptors in the rACC.
Update on the management of older patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a perspective from medical oncology
Authors: Guillot Morales Mónica , Visa Laura , Brozos Vázquez Elena , Feliu Batlle Jaime , Khosravi Shahi Parham , Laquente Sáez Berta , de San Vicente Hernández Borja López , Macarulla Teresa , Gironés Sarrió Regina
Published: February 2024

In the context of pancreatic cancer, surgical intervention is typically recommended for localized tumours, whereas chemotherapy is the preferred approach in the advanced and/or metastatic setting. However, pancreatic cancer is closely linked to ageing, with an average diagnosis at 72 years. Paradoxically, despite its increased occurrence among older individuals, this population is often underrepresented in clinical studies, complicating the decision-making process. Age alone should not determine the therapeutic strategy but, given the high comorbidity and mortality of this disease, a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is necessary to define the best treatment, prevent toxicity, and optimize older patient care. In this review, a group of experts from the Oncogeriatrics Section of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica, SEOM), the Spanish Cooperative Group for the Treatment of Digestive Tumours (Grupo Español de Tratamiento de los Tumores Digestivos, TTD), and the Multidisciplinary Spanish Group of Digestive Cancer (Grupo Español Multidisciplinar en Cáncer Digestivo, GEMCAD) have assessed the available scientific evidence and propose a series of recommendations on the management and treatment of the older population with pancreatic cancer.
Conceptualising and Measuring Adolescents’ Hedonic and Eudemonic Wellbeing: Discriminant Validity and Dimensionality Concerns
Authors: Khanna Devi , Black Louise , Panayiotou Margarita , Humphrey Neil , Demkowicz Ola
Published: February 2024

There is a gap between the theoretical assumptions of wellbeing and its associated empirical constructs. Three measurement models (a correlated factors model, a second-order two-factor model, and a bifactor model) were analysed using a large sample of English adolescents (n = 37, 630) to test whether the theoretical separation between hedonic and eudemonic wellbeing is empirically supported, and whether there is the possibility of essential unidimensionality. Evidence of a general factor of wellbeing was found in the bifactor model, challenging the de-facto distinction often made between hedonic and eudemonic wellbeing.
A Systematic Review: Factors Related to Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Minority Parents’ Service Decisions for Their Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Zhang Hui , Chen Chun
Published: February 2024

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) play a significant role in determining their children’s service choices. Recent studies have identified both explicit and implicit factors that influence their service decisions. However, in these studies, recruitment efforts did not particularly target culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) minority parents. Hence, the purpose of this systematic review was to assess factors related to service choices among CALD minority parents of children with ASD. Guided by the PRISMA protocol, the present study reviewed 31 studies on factors associated with CALD minority parents’ service selection, and 20 factors were identified. This study provides valuable insights into the service choices and obstacles encountered by CALD minority parents who have children diagnosed with ASD. By comprehending these challenges, future researchers might strive toward mitigating discrepancies in the availability of resources and assistance for children with ASD and their families from various backgrounds.
Proximal Femur Megaprostheses in Orthopedic Oncology: Evaluation of a Standardized Post-operative Rehabilitation Protocol
Authors: Andreani Lorenzo , Ipponi Edoardo , Falcinelli Federico , Cordoni Martina , Bechini Elena , Vannucci Lorenzo , D’Arienzo Antonio , Capanna Rodolfo
Published: February 2024

Background

Reconstructions of the proximal femur after massive resections represent one of the main challenges in orthopedic oncology. Among the possible treatments, megaprostheses represent one of the most used and reliable reconstructive approaches. Although literature about their outcomes has flourished through the last decades, a consensus rehabilitative treatment is still far from being established.

Materials and methods

We evaluated the functional results of all our oncologic cases treated between 2016 and 2022 that could follow our standardized post-operative rehabilitative approach, consisting in progressive hip mobilization and early weight-bearing.

Results

Twenty-two cases were included in our study. On average, their hospitalization lasted 15.1 days. The seated position was achieved on average within 3.7 days after surgery, the standing position reached 5.4 after surgery, while assisted deambulation was started 6.4 days after surgery. After a mean post-operative follow-up of 44.0 months, our patients’ mean MSTS score was 23.2 (10–30). Our data suggested a statistically significant inverse linear correlation between post-operative functionality and patients’ age, resection length, and the start of deambulation.

Conclusions

A correct rehabilitation, focused on early mobilization and progressive weight-bearing, is crucial to maximize patients’ post-operative functional outcomes.
Application and comparison of K-means and PCA based segmentation models for Alzheimer disease detection using MRI
Authors: Olle Olle Daniel Georges , Zoobo Bisse Julien , Abessolo Alo’o Ghislain
Published: February 2024

Machine learning algorithms can be used to detect Alzheimer disease with RMI-images. One of the challenges of these algorithms is to clearly extract image features that show small variants of brain cells changes, which reveal the condition of dementia at the intermediate stages of mild cognitive impairment. In this article, we explore the abilities of two approaches to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease with MRI. In the first approach, after noise reduction and correction of alterations was conducted by a non-linear filter size 3*3, a kmeans algorithm is used for segmentation of cells showing white and grey matters of brain images. A Convolutional neural network (CNN) model is trained to indicate variations on these cells and the presence of Alzheimer Disease. The second approach performs image feature reduction using principal component analysis (PCA) to extract white and grey matters, and the cerebrospinal fluid as the three relevant features for Alzheimer diagnosis. A multilayer perceptron algorithm is trained to classify Alzheimer cases. Experiments are conducted on both approaches to compare accuracy and processing time using a real dataset of 602 images from the Alzheimer’s disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) of cognitively normal and Alzheimer’s disease patients. Results show that the accuracy can be enhanced when PCA is used to extract relevant features on RMI images; and with relatively low processing time.
Dosage- and site-dependent retention of black carbon and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in farmland soils via long-term biochar addition
Authors: Zhang Jun , Wang Yinghui , Shi Yameng , Yang Biwei , Zhang Aiping , Du Zhangliu , Zhong Guangcai , Luo Chunling , Zhang Gan , Wang Junjian
Published: February 2024

Biochar, a soil conditioner containing significant amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), has gained widespread popularity in agricultural practices due to its advantages in improving soil fertility and carbon sequestration. While biochar may increase soil black carbon (BC) and PAH contents, the quantitative accumulation of BC and PAHs in different soil environments under varying biochar addition dosages remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the content and composition of black carbon (evaluated using benzene polycarboxylic acids, BPCAs) and PAHs in soils treated with different biochar addition dosages from two long-term experimental farmlands in Ningxia (5-year) and Shandong (7- and 11-year), China. Results showed that increasing cumulative biochar dosage caused elevated contents of black carbon and PAHs, accompanied by decreases in their retention efficiencies. Contrasting retention was observed between sites, with the Shandong site characterized by higher retention efficiencies of BPCAs and lower retention efficiencies of PAHs, possibly owing to its higher temperature, more sandy soil texture, less irrigation, and lower sunlight intensity. Despite both black carbon and PAHs originating from biochar and sharing similar condensed aromatic structures, there was no significant correlation between the contents of black carbon and PAHs, indicating distinct behaviors and fates of these compounds. These findings emphasize the importance of optimizing biochar addition dosages and considering site-specific environmental factors for effective soil black carbon sequestration through biochar application.

Graphical Abstract
Healthcare provider perspectives on the facilitators, barriers and unexplored opportunities to support the recovery of clients on medications for opioid use disorder in Kenya
Authors: Maina Geoffrey Muriithi , Mousavian Ghazal , Twum-Antwi Barbara , Mwangi Jackline , Kiburi Sarah Kanana
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Opioid use is associated with significant burden of disease. Medications for opioid use disorder such as methadone are effective treatments. This study aimed to identify the healthcare provider perspectives on facilitators, barriers and unexplored opportunities toward achieving optimal clinical outcomes for clients on methadone treatment.

Method

The study conducted at a methadone treatment clinic in Kenya, used an exploratory study design to explore healthcare provider experiences of providing care to patients on methadone treatment. Interviews lasting an average of 30–40 min were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using NVivo 12 software.

Results

Eleven participants were enrolled and three themes were identified namely: (a)The impact of methadone treatment on clients whereby methadone was perceived to possess transformative attributes enabling clients to regain some semblance of control of their lives including finding gainful employment and relationship restoration; (b) Threats to client recovery which include factors at the individual level such lack of training and factors at the system levels such as inadequate staff, and; (c) Thinking outside the box whereby participants proposed diverse strategies to support clients’ full engagement in care including private–public partnerships to support travel logistics.

Conclusions

Healthcare providers caring for clients on methadone treatment exhibited an understanding of the facilitators, barriers and opportunities for improving treatment outcomes for clients on methadone. Finding innovative solutions to mitigate the barriers identified can increase client retention and treatment outcomes.
Three new records of Keratosa sponges (Demospongiae: Porifera) from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Authors: Pereira Preeti Antonetta , Raghunathan Chelladurai
Published: February 2024

Keratose sponges (Keratosa Grant, 1861) of India have not been studied much in detail. The present investigation is part of exploratory sponge taxonomy studies conducted at several localities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands during 2015–2018. Three keratose sponges distributed among three different families are reported herein for the first time from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Dysidea granulosa Bergquist, 1965 (Dysideidae Gray, 1867); Dictyodendrilla cavernosa (Lendenfeld, 1888) (Dictyodendrillidae Bergquist, 1980), Phyllospongia papyracea (Esper, 1806) (Thorectidae Bergquist, 1978). Among these, D. cavernosa is a new record to India. Taxonomic descriptions of all the three species are provided and their distribution within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands vis-à-vis Indo-Pacific is discussed.
Importance of pre-mRNA splicing and its study tools in plants
Authors: Liu Yue , Do Sally , Huynh Henry , Li Jing-Xin , Liu Ying-Gao , Du Zhi-Yan , Chen Mo-Xian
Published: February 2024

Alternative splicing (AS) significantly enriches the diversity of transcriptomes and proteomes, playing a pivotal role in the physiology and development of eukaryotic organisms. With the continuous advancement of high-throughput sequencing technologies, an increasing number of novel transcript isoforms, along with factors related to splicing and their associated functions, are being unveiled. In this review, we succinctly summarize and compare the different splicing mechanisms across prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Furthermore, we provide an extensive overview of the recent progress in various studies on AS covering different developmental stages in diverse plant species and in response to various abiotic stresses. Additionally, we discuss modern techniques for studying the functions and quantification of AS transcripts, as well as their protein products. By integrating genetic studies, quantitative methods, and high-throughput omics techniques, we can discover novel transcript isoforms and functional splicing factors, thereby enhancing our understanding of the roles of various splicing modes in different plant species.
Hierarchy of Needs and the Measurement of Poverty and Standards of Living
Authors: Deutsch Joseph , Silber Jacques
Published: February 2024

The focus of this Element is on the idea that choice is hierarchical so that there exists an order of acquisition of durable goods and assets as real incomes increase. Two main approaches to deriving such an order are presented, the so-called Paroush approach and Item Response Theory. An empirical illustration follows, based on the 2019 Eurobarometer Survey. The Element ends with two sections showing first how measures of inequality, poverty and welfare may be derived from such an order of acquisition, second that there is also an order of curtailment of expenditures when individuals face financial difficulties. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.