bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preferencias alimentarias en tiempos de pandemia: El caso de personas mayores chilenas
Authors: Troncoso-Pantoja Claudia , Garrido-Ramírez Carolina , Gatica-Quiroga Camila Inés , Salas-Moyano Cristina Javiera
Published: October 2024

Objective: The social isolation caused by COVID-19 has promoted changes in lifestyles, affecting the well-being of the elderly. Therefore, the objective of the study is to interpret the influence of emotional and socioeconomic factors in food preferences of older people of the Gran Concepcion, Chile, in times of pandemic.
Materials and methods: For the achievement of its purposes, an investigation was carried out that responds to the qualitative paradigm with the interpretive phenomenological approach of Heidegger. Participants were selected by intentional sampling based on the selection criteria and considering the sample size resulting from the saturation point. The study included a total of 12 elderly, who were interviewed virtually; the resulting data was coded, regrouped and analyzed using a content analysis technique.
Results: The favorite dishes respond to those of the local culture; on the other hand, emotional and economic aspects are not recognized in the selection of food and food preferences. The communication achieved using social networks with their families is identified as positive and does not influence their eating behaviors.
Conclusions: For this group of older people, the experience of social isolation due to COVID-19 was not enough to modify food preferences.
Keywords: Aged; food preferences; social isolation; qualitative research.
The Introduction of a Collaborative Classroom in Mental Health Nursing Education
Authors: McCormick Sandra , Snowden Sasha , Katula Sarah
Published: October 2024

Abstract:Challenging to teach and difficult to master, the art of nursing is complex and multidimensional. Critical empathy is discussed as integral to the art of nursing, particularly in the increasingly demanding healthcare environment. Supported by design thinking and critical pedagogy, a theoretical framework for the collaborative classroom is proposed as a foundation for teaching critical empathy. As an initial prototype, a mental health nursing course for prelicensure undergraduate nursing students has successfully been converted to the collaborative classroom pedagogy. Preliminary outcomes and initial challenges are discussed. Critical empathy is demonstrated, taught, and refined through the collaborative classroom with nursing students.
Prevalence, Correlates, and Impacts of Displacement Because of Natural Disasters in the United States From 2022 to 2023
Authors: Aung Ther W. , Sehgal Ashwini R.
Published: October 2024

Objectives. To quantify the prevalence, correlates, and impacts of displacement because of natural disasters in the United States.

Methods. We pooled data across 10 independent survey samples from the Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey from December 2022 to September 2023. Survey questions asked about displacement from home because of natural disasters, duration of displacement, and impacts of disasters.

Results. In our weighted sample of 213 234 003 adults, 3 166 500 (1.5%) reported displacement in the past year because of a natural disaster. People of color, sexual and gender minority populations, and those with lower incomes, disabilities, or unfavorable social determinants of health (SDOH) such as food insecurity were more likely to report displacement. Long-term displacement was more common with fires compared with other disasters. Disaster impacts, including food and water shortage, electricity loss, unsanitary conditions, feeling isolated, and experiencing scams, were more common among people of color and individuals with lower education or income.

Conclusions. Many people in the United States, particularly from health disparity populations, are displaced because of natural disasters. Addressing SDOH and other vulnerability factors may help improve disaster preparedness and mitigate postdisaster impacts. ( Am J Public Health. 2025;115(1):55–65. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307854 )
Posterior Column Release and Lengthening with a Magnetic Growing Rod Construct in Severe Congenital Thoracic Fusion
Authors: Trask Michael , Yamaguchi Jonathan T. , Redding Gregory , Yaszay Burt , Browd Samuel , White Klane K.
Published: October 2024

Case:

We describe treatment of severe multilevel congenital thoracic fusion in a 3-year-old girl with Apert Syndrome by posterior element excision, posterior column osteotomies, and gradual distraction with magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) with 3-year follow-up. We also describe short-term follow-up with similar management in an 8-year-old patient with a congenitally fused thoracic spine from Jarcho-Levin syndrome.

Conclusion:

Posterior element resection and targeted posterior column osteotomies combined with gradual distraction with MCGR offers a promising treatment course for children with severe thoracic insufficiency syndrome derived from congenital fusions.
Enhancing Low Field Magnetoresistance in La0.7Ca0.25Sr0.05MnO3 /Mn3O4 Composite Nanoparticles: Unveiling its Transport Mechanism
Authors: Jatmika Jumaeda , Winarsih Suci , Imaduddin Agung , Risdiana Risdiana
Published: October 2024

The low-field magnetoresistance of La0.7Ca0.25Sr0.05MnO3/Mn3O4
composite nanoparticles with an average particle size range of 28
to 32 nm is currently being investigated. These nanoparticles were
synthesized using the sol-gel method, with sintering temperatures
varying from 700°C to 900°C in 100°C intervals. The crystal
structure, surface morphology, and electrical transport properties
were analyzed. Rietveld refinement confirms the presence of a
distorted monoclinic structure [ S.G. P21/c, COD:1525829]
and a spinel structure in Mn3O4 [S.G. I41/amd, COD: 1514115].
As the sintering temperature increases, the crystallite and
particle sizes of La0.7Ca0.25Sr0.05MnO3/Mn3O4 composite increase,
with a corresponding increase in the Mn3O4 fraction. The
temperature-dependent resistivity shows a magnetic transition from
ferromagnetic-metallic to paramagnetic-insulator behavior with a
transition temperature 170 K. The lowest resistivity, observed in
30 nm particles with 19% of Mn3O4, is attributed to the lowest
grain boundary contributions and the smallest activation energy
required for electron to hop between localized states. The
low-field magnetoresistance of La0.7Ca0.25Sr0.05MnO3/Mn3O4
composite nanoparticles reaches up to 30% when the particle size is
reduced to 28 nm with 17% of Mn3O4 by applying a magnetic field of
5 kOe at 5 K. This LFMR value is higher than that of previous
La0.7Ca0.3MnO3/Mn3O4 composite nanocrystallites and is comparable
to pure La0.7Ca0.3MnO3. The role of the insulating Mn3O4 phase and
nanoparticle size in enhancing LFMR is discussed herein.
Knowledge of obstetric fistula and associated Factors among reproductive age women in Chelia District, West Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia A community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Shanko Girma Lechisa , Buli Temesgen Daksisa , Muse Tsegaye Benti
Published: October 2024

Background: Obstetric fistula is a hole between vagina and rectum or bladder that leads to continuous leakage of urine and/or feces.Globally, approximately 50,000-100,000 women develop fistulas annually, and approximately 2 million currently live with fistulas, which is a burden in almost 60 countries and continues to be a neglected public health problem. Ethiopia is a developing country with poor maternal healthcare and high prevalence of obstetric fistulas.
Objective: This study aimed to assess knowledge of obstetric fistula and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Chelia district, WesternEthiopia, in 2021.
Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 403 participants who were randomly selected and enrolled between September 25 and October 30, 2021. Pretested and structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associated factors. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval was used to determine the degree of association, and statistical significance was declared at a p-value of < 0.05.
Results: This study showed that 20.2% (95% confidence interval: 12.6-27.7) of reproductive age women had a good knowledge of obstetric fistula.Independent variables such as living in urban (AOR=2.93:95% confidence interval:1.59-5.39), educational attainment of more than secondary (AOR =4.82:95% confidence interval:1.56-14.87), institutional delivery (AOR=2.21:95% confidence interval: 1.27-3.84), contraceptive use(AOR=2.95:95% confidence interval:1.23-7.06) and having prior information on obstetric complications (AOR =3.14:95% confidence interval:1.52-6.51) were found to be significantly associated with knowledge of obstetric fistula.
Conclusions and Recommendations: This study showed that awareness of obstetric fistulas is low. Residence, educational status, institutional delivery, contraceptive use, and prior information on obstetric complications were significantly associated with awareness of obstetric fistulas. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the identified factors of maternal healthcare issues, particularly obstetric fistulas.
Non-invasive imaging with ICOS-targeting monoclonal antibody for preclinical diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in a humanized mouse model
Authors: Duan Shao , Li Chao , Yan Feng , Xia Yifei , Shao Shuaiming , Chen Weiyu , Xiao Zunyu , Xu Gongping
Published: October 2024

Background
Activated T cells play a pivotal role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis, and imaging of activated T cells may provide a non-invasive tool for RA detection. Here, we first developed an optical probe targeting human ICOS and tested its capacity in RA diagnosis by capturing ICOS+ activated T cells in vivo in a humanized mouse model.
Methods
The humanized arthritis model, HuPBMC-AIA (Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells- adjuvant induced arthritis) was established, and flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were employed to determine ICOS expression in huPBMC-AIA model. Anti-human ICOS monoclonal antibody (mAb) was conjugated to Cy7 via NHS ester amine reaction. A cell uptake study was used to confirm the specificity of Cy7-ICOS mAb to activated T cells. 4-view NIRF imaging study was performed to test Cy7-ICOS mAb in detecting RA in vivo.
Findings
ICOS was confirmed as an indicator of RA pathogenesis via RNA-seq, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence data. An in-vitro cellular uptake study validated the specificity of Cy7-ICOS mAb to activated T cells. Cy7-ICOS mAb could detect ICOS+ activated T cells in vivo through 4-view NIRF imaging. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve created based on NIRF imaging quantification could distinguish the huPBMC-AIA group from the control group at all time points imaged.
Conclusion
In this study, we first developed an optical imaging probe targeting human ICOS, Cy7-ICOS mAb. The 4-view NIRF imaging with Cy7-ICOS mAb could detect pathogenic ICOS+ activated T cells with high sensitivity and specificity in vivo, which indicated the great potential of this imaging probe in RA early diagnosis.
Transcription factor JUNB is required for transformation of EpCAM-positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells into CD90-positive HCC cells in vitro
Authors: Okada Hikari , Kawakami Yutaro , Okada Hikari , Nio Kouki , Hayashi Tomoyuki , Seki Akihiro , Nakagawa Hidetoshi , Yamada Shinya , Iida Noriho , Shimakami Tetsuro , Takatori Hajime , Honda Masao , Kaneko Shuichi , Yamashita Taro
Published: October 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) harbors two types of stem cells—epithelial and mesenchymal stem cells. The mechanism by which epithelial EpCAM-positive HCC cells transform into mesenchymal CD90-positive HCC cells remains unclear. On peritumoral fibrotic nodules, epithelial HCC cells form communities with stromal cells, driving tumor growth and malignancy. We aimed to clarify the mechanism by which epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-positive HCC cells contribute to the phenotype of mesenchymal CD90-positive HCC cells that metastasize to distant sites by elucidating the interaction between EpCAM-positive HCC cells and fibroblasts. We investigated the changes in cell surface markers and gene expression in cocultures of EpCAM-positive CD90-negative epithelial HCC cells (Huh1, Huh7, patient HCC cells) and fibroblasts (Lx-2 and Tig3-20) using fluorescence-activated cell sorting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, we performed whole transcriptome RNA-seq analysis of cocultured epithelial HCC cells to identify the transcription factors responsible for the phenotypic changes, and verified the acquisition of metastatic ability by subcutaneous injection of these cells in mice. By coculturing epithelial HCC cells and fibroblasts, we evaluated the rate of transformation to mesenchymal CD90-positive HCC cells in vitro and in vivo, and examined the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition-related genes. We found that epithelial EpCAM-positive hepatoma cells were transformed into mesenchymal CD90-positive hepatoma cells, exhibiting metastatic potential, by the transcription factor JUNB. The JUNB expression in ​​EpCAM-positive hepatoma cells was increased by paracrine stimulation with fibroblast-derived TGFb1. This study unravels the mechanism by which fibroblasts aggravate the malignancy of liver cancer, and the results suggest that JUNB may be a target for treating liver cancer metastasis.
The impact of financial literacy on financial well-being: a systematic literature review
Authors: Antwi Prince Kwabena Agyemang , Addai Bismark , Duah Evans , Kubi Maxwell Tetteh
Published: October 2024

Background: The harsh reality of financial difficulty can be concerning, requiring an opportunity to break free from these limitations at the earliest chance. Existing studies on the influence of financial literacy on financial well-being have, however, often been fragmented. This systematic literature review was, therefore, necessary to enhance understanding of financial literacy as a means of achieving financial well-being and to carefully examine the extant literature to unravel the key themes and future research agenda of the impact of financial literacy on financial well-being.
Method: Following the PRISMA guidelines, we searched the Scopus database from inception to August 16, 2024, and included articles with the keywords financial literacy, financial education, financial outcome, financial well-being, economic outcome, economic well-being in their titles, abstracts, or keywords. After applying various inclusion and exclusion criteria, 35 articles were included in the final review. The synthesis was performed narratively. Descriptive and thematic analyses were conducted to answer the research questions.
Findings: Numerous studies have consistently found financial literacy to influence financial well-being significantly. Other variables, such as financial behavior, pronounced behavioral elements such as non-impulsive future-oriented behavior and impulsiveness, and financial socialization, were discovered to have a significant influence on financial well-being. The following themes were developed in answer to the research questions: financial literacy and its determinants; the influence of financial literacy on financial well-being; the impact of financial socialization on financial well-being; the interplay of financial literacy, psychology, and behavioral economics; digital financial literacy in contemporary contexts, and emerging trends. The study made some future research recommendations.
Implications: Future research can build on this work to improve our understanding and contribute to significant advancements in the financial well-being of diverse groups of people.
Prognostic Value of Platelet-Lymphocyte and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratios in Predicting Acute Kidney Injury After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: GEMALMAZ Hüseyin
Published: October 2024

Background
Acute kidney injury (AKI) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is a major complication and seriously affects both mortality and disease process. In this study, we investigated the predictive value of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), biomarkers of inflammation, on the development of AKI.
Methods
We retrospectively evaluated 96 patients who underwent CABG surgery between January 2020 and December 2023. Patients were divided into two groups according to the development of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI): AKI (n = 32) and non-AKI (n = 64). Preoperative and postoperative platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) values were analyzed and compared between the groups. The diagnosis of AKI was based on changes in serum creatinine level according to KDIGO 2012 criteria.
Results
In the group that developed AKI, preoperative PLR and NLR values were significantly higher (145.8 ± 62.3 and 3.8 ± 1.9, respectively; p < 0.05). In the early postoperative period, this difference became even more significant (PLR: 278.5 ± 95.6, NLR: 12.6 ± 5.3; p < 0.001). According to ROC analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) value of PLR's capacity to predict AKI was calculated as 0.728 and the cut-off value was determined as 132.5. For NLR, the AUC value was 0.692 and the cut-off value was 3.2.
Conclusions
PLR and NLR have emerged as important biomarkers in predicting the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) after CABG surgery. In particular, high preoperative PLR values may be an independent risk factor for the risk of AKI. These findings may be a valuable guide in clinical practice for early detection and timely intervention of patients at risk of AKI.
Impaired Brain Development in ALG13 Knockout Mice: Behavioral and Molecular Evidence
Authors: Guo Baorui , Li Xiuhua , Sun Yangyang , Gao Peng , Li Zhuoqi , Wang Chunlin , Cheng Gang , Lv Wenying , Liang Lei , Xie Shengqiang , Zhang Hanbo , Zhang Jing , Sun Tao , Zhang Jianning
Published: October 2024

Asparagine-linked glycosylation (ALG) 13 is an important participant in protein N-terminal glycosylation. Children with ALG13-congenital glycosylation disorders caused by ALG13 mutations usually have neurological developmental disorders. However, the current body of research on the correlation between ALG13 and brain development is limited. This study conducted a series of behavioral tests on ALG13 knock out (KO) and wild type mice from birth to adulthood, and found that the neurological development of ALG13KO mice was slow than wild type. Immunofluorescence staining of the cerebral cortex showed abnormal distribution of cortical specific localization protein forkhead box protein 2 and coup -TF- Interacting protein 2 in the cerebral cortex of ALG13KO mice. The proteomic, protein-protein interaction, and parallel reaction monitoring results revealed a significant number of differentially expressed proteins in the cerebral cortex of ALG13KO mice one week after birth. Notably, these proteins exhibited a strong correlation with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Further Western blot validation showed that the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR was inhibited. This suggest that the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is inhibited after ALG13KO, which affects brain development.
Determination of size and particle number concentration of metallic nanoparticles using isotope dilution analysis combined with single particle ICP-MS to overcome matrix effect
Authors: Hernández-Postigo Marta , Sánchez-Cachero Armando , Moreno María Jiménez , Martín-Doimeadios Rosa Carmen Rodríguez
Published: October 2024

Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) is a powerful tool for metallic nanoparticles (NPs) characterization in terms of both size and concentration. However, this technique faces challenges, such as the intrinsic matrix effect, which significantly impact the results when analysing real complex samples. This issue is critical for the calculations of key SP-ICP-MS parameters ultimately altering the final outcomes. Novel analytical approaches with high metrological quality such as isotope dilution analysis (IDA) can overcome these limitations by improving signal discrimination in challenging SP-ICP-MS scenarios. This alternative has mainly been applied for NP size characterization but remains underexplored in modern ICP-MS and SP set-ups. Thus, the implementation of a revised version of IDA-SP-ICP-MS, including recent advances in quadrupole ICP-MS and SP data processing, which enables reliable NP sizing and counting, would be of utmost interest. In this work, this combination using the species-unspecific IDA mode has been investigated as an alternative to tackle matrix effect caused by complex matrices with platinum NPs as a case study. The optimum ionic tracer concentration has been evaluated for different PtNP sizes, resulting in a range of 500 to 1,000 ng L− 1 due to differences in the mean NP signal. A valuable in-house spreadsheet for the data treatment has also been developed. The successful applicability of the methodology for determining the size and concentration of 30 and 50 nm PtNPs has been demonstrated not only in environmental samples (synthetic and natural seawater), but also, for the first time, in biological matrices such as cell culture media and human urine.
Comparison of efficacy between the gasless and the gas-insufflation single-port transaxillary access subcutaneous mammectomy in the treatment of gynecomastia
Authors: Zhang Yuqing , Wang Huiling , He Jie , Wu Yaqin , Liu Rui , Xiao Xiangyuqin , Zeng Zheng , Zhang Chaojie
Published: October 2024

Objective
To evaluate the clinical efficacy of gasless transaxillary versus single-port gas-insufflation transaxillary approaches in subcutaneous mammectomies for treating gynecomastia.
Methods
This study enrolled 46 patients diagnosed with gynecomastia from May 2022 to October 2023. Of these, 20 underwent subcutaneous mammectomy using the single-port gas-insufflation transaxillary approach (gas-insufflation group), while 26 received the same procedure through the gasless transaxillary approach (gasless group). We compared the two groups in terms of operation time, intraoperative bleeding, volume of postoperative drainage, timing of drainage tube removal, short-term postoperative complications, length of postoperative hospital stay, and medical costs.
Results
All 46 patients successfully completed the operation without conversion to open surgery, and pathology confirmed gynecomastia in each case. The surgical time for the gasless group was significantly shorter, averaging 38.20 ± 10.773 minutes, compared to 62.96 ± 15.311 minutes for the gas-insufflation group (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of incision length, intraoperative bleeding (P > 0.05), postoperative drainage volume from one side, drain retention time, length of postoperative hospital stay, or postoperative cosmetic outcomes (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
This study supports the clinical feasibility of using the gasless transaxillary approach for subcutaneous mammectomy in treating gynecomastia.
Resolving thyroid lineage cell trajectories merging into a dual endocrine gland in mammals
Authors: Nilsson Mikael , Lobo Macrina , Johansson Ellen , Schoultz Elin , Liang Shawn , Carlsson Therese , Johansson Bengt R , Marotta Pina , De Felice Mario , Dahlberg Jakob , Guibentif Carolina , Fagman Henrik , Maehr Rene
Published: October 2024

The thyroid has a remarkable evolution, appearing first as an integral presumably exocrine constituent of the chordate endostyle that is transformed into an endocrine gland during metamorphosis in basal vertebrates. In mammals, the thyroid acquires a second endocrine cell type, calcitonin-producing C-cells, which for long were inferred a neural crest origin, shuttled to the embryonic thyroid by the ultimobranchial bodies, although recent lineage tracing experiments firmly establish these neuroendocrine cells also derive from foregut endoderm. A key question remains unanswered, how thyroid primordia independently develop and, unlike in all non-mammalian vertebrates in which thyroid hormone and calcitonin are secreted from anatomically and functionally unconnected glands, merge into a dual endocrine organ. Here we characterize, leveraging of a single-cell transcriptome atlas derived from mouse pharyngeal endoderm and its subsequent cell fates, the global gene expression profile of thyroid- and ultimobranchial-derived progenitor cells, and identify comprehensive gene regulatory networks of lineage-specific transcription factors and novel target genes predicted to differentially regulate cell proliferation, plasticity and differentiation during development. Spatiotemporal analyses reveal C-cell precursors are triggered to undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell-autonomously down-regulate collagen IV and degrade laminin that encloses the ultimobranchial body. However, the EMT program is not fully deployed until both cell lineages are mixed and propagate conjointly thus forming the typical thyroid histoarchitecture of stationary follicular epithelial cells and parafollicular C-cells, every follicle/C-cell unit being enveloped by a renewed basement membrane. Mixed-type thyroid carcinoma recapitulates a synchronous lineage growth pattern but only the neuroendocrine tumor cells are able escaping the compound follicle boundaries and become invasive adopting a C-cell precursor migratory phenotype.
Understanding the Factors Contributing to Landslide Hazards in Sheko, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebru¹ Searom Gebremicheal , Gebru Searom Gebremicheal
Published: October 2024

This study was conducted in Sheko District, Bench Sheko Zone, and Southwestern Ethiopia Regional State. The region has been experiencing recurrent landslide problems for several years. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate landslide hazard in the study area. To achieve this: the Slope Susceptibility Evaluation Parameter rating scheme was used.
The parameters considered in this study included slope geometry, slope material, structural discontinuities, land-use and land-cover, groundwater depth, seismicity, rainfall, and human activities. In addition, an inventory of past landslides in the study area was prepared.
Facet-wise observations were made thematic layers for past landslides, slope facets, and causative factors were created in a GIS environment using secondary data, field observations, topographical maps, and satellite images. Hazard index value was first calculated for each parameter class and ratings for each parameter class were assigned based on the prevailing conditions on individual facets.
The results showed that the landslide hazard map produced by the Slope Susceptibility Evaluation Parameter approach categorized the study area into Very High hazard, High hazard, Moderate hazard, and Low hazard zones with areal coverage’s of 2.372 km², 48.198 km², 54.75 km², and 0.015 km², respectively.
The LHZ map produced by the SSEP approach demonstrated approximately 100% validation with past landslide activities.
WITHDRAWN: Mitigating Strength Loss in Mortar Due to Casting Delays: Quantified Impact of Additional Water and Cement
Authors: Mahzuz H. M.A. , Former Imran Hossain , Lizon Nasir Uddin Ahammed , Nury Ahmad Hasan
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the impact of casting delays on the compressive and shear strengths of mortar used in masonry constructions and explores the effects of adding supplementary materials such as water and cement. Mortar mixes were prepared using sand with a fineness modulus (FM) of 1.7 for plaster and 1.9 for brick binder, subjected to casting delays ranging from 0 to 4 hours. Three physical conditions were utilized, 1st case- WAAW (without adding additional water), 2nd case- AAW (adding additional water), maintaining initial mortar flow, and 3rd case- AAWC (adding additional water and cement), maintaining initial mortar flow and initial mortar strength. In the 1st case, the fall of strength was greater than in the 2nd case. In the 3rd case, the amounts of additional cement and water were quantified to restore the initial strength of the mortar. This quantification can help avoid material loss in construction sites.
Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of a community-based mental health and wellbeing service for black, Asian and minoritized young people: a qualitative study
Authors: Ijaz Sharea , Salam Shumona Sharmin , Williams Jo , Smyth Geraldine , Caldwell Deborah , Turner Katrina
Published: October 2024

Background
Young people from minoritized ethnic backgrounds often encounter challenges in accessing mental health support. We evaluated implementation of a pilot mental health and wellbeing service in a community youth centre for young people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds.
Methods
We evaluated the service during its first 12 months of implementation. We held twelve service provider interviews and six paired interviews with young people. Fieldnotes were taken and used to contextualise data. Service providers recorded young people’s attendance and wellbeing data. Interview data were analysed thematically to identify barriers and facilitators to successful service implementation. The quantitative attendance and wellbeing data were analysed descriptively using Excel.
Results
The service was developed iteratively at the youth centre over several months. Once established the service included a weekly two-hour session with mental health practitioners involving opportunistic wellbeing conversations and activities, an offer of one-to-one and group drop-in and mentoring sessions, and an identification and referral pathway to secondary community services. Attendance of young people was inconsistent, and only a few young people provided wellbeing data. Both providers’ and young people’s accounts indicated that implementation was supported by the positive influence of the setting, lived experience of the service providers, iterative development of the service, and trust building. Barriers included inconsistent attendance of young people, the informal and unstructured nature of activities delivered, slow pace of service delivery, and the young people’s reluctance to engage in wellbeing services and evaluation.
Conclusion
Successful implementation of wellbeing services in community settings for minoritized young people requires investing in relationship building between providers and recipients, and flexibility in how the intervention is delivered and at what pace. Development and evaluation of similar services in future should account for these requirements.
Effects of Forearm Rotation on Wrist Flexor and Extensor Muscle Activities
Authors: Ikeda Kazuhiro , Kaneoka Koji , Matsunaga Naoto , Ikumi Akira , Yamazaki Masashi , Yoshii Yuichi
Published: October 2024

Background
The forearm muscles coordinately control wrist motion, and their activity is affected by forearm rotation. Although forearm rotation has been implicated in the development of lateral and medial epicondylitis, its biomechanical background remains unknown. Therefore, the present study investigated the activity of wrist muscles in various forearm positions.
Methods
Surface electromyography of the extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor carpi ulnaris, flexor carpi radialis, and flexor carpi ulnaris was performed on 40 healthy upper limbs. We initially measured muscle strength and electromyographic activity (integrated electromyographic value per second) at maximum voluntary output towards wrist extension and flexion in a neutral position. We then assessed electromyographic activity under constant wrist torque (75% of maximum strength in the neutral position) in pronation, the neutral position, and supination. The percentage of maximum electromyographic activity was evaluated for each position.
Results
In wrist extension, the extensor carpi radialis brevis was activated during forearm pronation, while extensor carpi ulnaris activity did not change in any forearm position. In wrist flexion, the flexor carpi radialis was activated during forearm supination, while flexor carpi ulnaris activity was significantly lower with forearm pronation than in the neutral position.
Conclusions
Since muscle activation increases traction force at the tendon origin, forearm positions that increase muscle activity may be a biomechanical risk factor for the development of tendinopathy. The present results are consistent with epidemiological and pathological findings on lateral and medial epicondylitis. These results provide insights into wrist biomechanics and the pathophysiology of lateral and medial epicondylitis.
Conservative Treatment for Hook of Hamate Fracture: A Case Series of 18 Patients
Authors: Tanaka Toshikazu , Fukai Ryosuke , Yoshii Yuichi
Published: October 2024

Background
The cause of hook of hamate fractures is either a fatigue fracture type because of repetitive stress on the hook of hamate from athletes involved in gripping sports (e.g., golf, tennis, and baseball) or a traumatic occurrence because of falls or other injuries. The recommended treatment involves the excision of bone fragments to facilitate athletes’ early return to sports; excision surgery is also performed in cases of trauma. However, some patients prefer nonsurgical treatment options, and conservative treatment should be considered. This study aimed to present a case series of 18 patients who were conservatively treated for hook of hamate fractures.
Methods
This study included 18 (13 males and 5 females, with 6 cases on the right side and 12 on the left) patients who desired conservative treatment and could be followed up until bone union was achieved. The average age of the patients was 49.7 (range, 24–72) years. The average time from injury to consultation was 4.7 (range, 0.2–21.4 weeks). The treatment involved 4 weeks of casting from the forearm to the metacarpophalangeal joint, followed by 8 weeks of splint fixation of the wrist. Follow-up computed tomography scans were performed every 4 weeks.
Results
Bone union was achieved in all patients. The average duration of casting was 3.3 (range, 0–5) weeks, and the average duration of splint fixation thereafter was 9.3 (range, 0–28) weeks. No complications were associated with cast immobilization.
Conclusion
Conservative treatment with external fixation may be an option for hook of hamate fractures.
Improved empirical zenith tropospheric wet delay models based on a novel machine learning fusion algorithm
Authors: Zhang Jiahao , Liang Qin , Huang Yunqing
Published: October 2024

Zenith tropospheric wet delay (ZWD) plays a vital role in the analysis of space geodetic observations. In recent years, machine learning methods have been increasingly applied to improve the accuracy of ZWD calculations. The most widely used approaches are random forest (RF) and back propagation neural network (BPNN) models, both of which have shown promising results in terms of internal accuracy (where test stations are included in the training set). However, the external accuracy (where test stations are excluded from the training set) of these models still requires improvement. To address this issue, this study introduces two new methods: Extra Trees (ET) and a novel machine learning fusion (MLF) algorithm, aimed at enhancing ZWD accuracy. The MLF algorithm utilizes a two-layer structure that integrates ET, BPNN, and linear regression models. By comparing the root mean squared error (RMSE) of these models, we found that both ET-based and MLF-based models outperform RF-based and BPNN-based models in terms of internal and external accuracy, across both surface meteorological data-based and blind models. The improvement in external accuracy is particularly significant in the blind models. Our results show that the MLF (with an RMSE of 3.93 cm) and ET (3.99 cm) models outperform the traditional GPT3 model (4.07 cm), while the RF (4.21cm) and BPNN (4.14cm) have worse external accuracies than the GPT3 model. In summary, regardless of the availability of surface meteorological data, the MLF-based empirical models demonstrate superior internal and external accuracy compared to the other tested models in this study.
Predicting Attitudes toward Professional Help-Seeking: The Role of Self-Stigma and Mental Health Literacy
Authors: Hartini Nurul , Wardana Nido Dipo , Ambarini Tri Kurniati , Suminar Dewi Retno , Sosialita Tiara Diah , Nisa Valina Khiarin , Schultze-Lutter Frauke , Sumari Melati
Published: October 2024

Background:
Mental health disorders are prevalent worldwide, yet treatment-seeking behaviors, especially in low-middle income countries like Indonesia, remain limited. Barriers such as stigma, cultural beliefs, and low mental health literacy (MHL) often inhibit individuals from seeking professional help. This study examines whether MHL and self-stigma predict attitudes toward professional psychological help-seeking in Indonesian adults.
Method:
A convenience sample of 887 Indonesian adults (aged 18–40) was recruited through online surveys. Participants were assessed using translated versions of established scales, including the Mental Health Literacy Scale, Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale, and the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale. Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression to evaluate the predictive roles of MHL and self-stigma on help-seeking attitudes, controlling for sociodemographic factors.
Results:
Self-stigma stood out as the strongest predictor of help-seeking attitudes, accounting for nearly all of the explained variance (partial η² = .25). A post-hoc power analysis confirmed a substantial R² increase in the linear regression, with an effect size (f²) of .33 derived directly from the partial R². Notably, self-stigma significantly influenced negative attitudes toward seeking professional help, explaining 25.2% of the variance in these attitudes. In contrast to initial expectations, mental health literacy (MHL) did not significantly impact help-seeking attitudes, and sociodemographic factors such as age, sex, and education showed no meaningful relationship with these attitudes after controlling for stigma.
Conclusion:
The findings highlight the importance of addressing self-stigma to improve help-seeking behavior in collectivistic cultures like Indonesia. While enhancing MHL is important, interventions should reduce anticipated self-stigma to foster positive attitudes toward professional psychological help-seeking.
ZLY-SLAM: RGB-D dense semantic SLAM system based on point and line features in dynamic environments
Authors: Zhu Daixian , LV Jiahao
Published: October 2024

Visual simultaneous localisation and map construction (Visual SLAM) is a key technology that enables a robot to construct a map of its environment from visual data and simultaneously determine its position in the map. However, traditional SLAM systems typically assume a static environment and exhibit significant limitations in dynamic scenarios, limiting the breadth of their practical applications. To address this problem, this paper proposes an RGB-D dense semantic SLAM system based on point and line features. The system introduces a ZippyPoint feature network in the feature extraction stage to replace the traditional ORB features, and enhances the robustness and matching accuracy in complex scenes by combining with LSD line features. Meanwhile, fine semantic segmentation of dynamic objects is performed by integrating the YOLOv9c-seg network, and a dynamic feature filtering method combining semantic information and polar geometric constraints is proposed, which effectively filters out the dynamic point and line features, and significantly reduces the positioning error. To make up for the deficiency of sparse point cloud maps in detail restoration, low-noise and high-precision dense point cloud maps are successfully constructed through the strategies of ghosting elimination and filter optimisation. Experimental results on the TUM RGB-D dataset and homemade dataset show that the proposed system in this paper improves the localisation accuracy in TUM high dynamic sequences by an average of 97.22% compared to ORB-SLAM3, and it also exhibits good adaptability and stability in the homemade dataset, with a comprehensive performance superior to that of many other state-of-the-art dynamic SLAM systems.
Sliding Mode-based Distributed Event-triggered Secondary Control for Islanded Microgrid
Authors: Li Xin , Wang Xiaodong , Zhu Liangkuan , ban Mingfei
Published: October 2024

This paper investigates the fixed-time distributed secondary control (DSC) problem for an islanded AC microgrid (MG) consisting of multiple distributed generators (DGs) subject to bounded disturbances, aiming to compensate for deviations arising from primary control. An innovative robust control strategy is proposed, which integrates a dynamic event-triggered (DET) communication mechanism with an integral sliding mode surface, effectively conserving communication resources while providing strong immunity against disturbances. The strategy employs a variable exponent sliding mode reaching law to accelerate convergence, thereby ensuring the reachability of the sliding mode surface. Fur-themore, this strategy guarantees that the voltage and frequency of the DGs under disturbance are synchronized to their reference values within a fixed-time and achieves power distribution within a fixed-time while avoiding zeno behavior. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed strategy is validated through a simulation example involving a MG with four DGs.
Multi-modal tooth decay recognition based on Contrastive Learning and Multi-label
Authors: Dao Quynh , Manh Cuong Nguyen , Van Tien Nguyen
Published: October 2024

In the field of image processing, multi-label learning poses a significant challenge, especially in cavity recognition. Additionally, combining multi-label learning with contrastive learning represents a substantial advancement in image processing and serves as a motivation to support cavity recognition in humans, aiding dentists in making more effective diagnoses. In this paper, we propose a deep learning model to learn both multi-label features and image features. Since multi-label features and image features are inherently discrete, using contrastive learning and a multi-label model is a way to connect them. Extensive experiments were conducted on the ImageNet-mini dataset and our self-collected P-Deltal dataset, achieving 85.65% and 89.28% mAP, respectively, for each dataset.
ST-CDPRN: 3D Point Cloud Reconstruction Method With Self-Training Conditional Diffusion
Authors: Hu Xiaoyu , Wang Xingmei , Yang Dongmei , Feng Ze , Wang Xuehan
Published: October 2024

The method of using images for 3D reconstruction is currently the focus of research as a bridge to connect the 2D and 3D worlds. However, this image-based reconstruction method relies heavily on data volume, making it difficult to achieve high-quality reconstruction in small data situations. Recently, Self-training has received attention due to its high efficiency in small data sizes. This article investigates how to develop a semi supervised 3D reconstruction method. Specifically, our proposed detector addresses the issues of insufficient utilization of image information and lack of details in the reconstructed point cloud during the 3D reconstruction process. On the basis of the conditional diffusion 3D point cloud reconstruction network model, we propose a 3D point cloud reconstruction method with self training conditional diffusion (ST-CDPRN) to address the scarcity of 3D point cloud labeled samples and the high dependence of the model on a large amount of labeled data in practical applications. The proposed framework ensures robust reconstruction performance in the case of limited labeled data. The comparative and ablation experiments results between ShapeNet and CO3D datasets show that the 3D point cloud reconstruction method with self-training conditional diffusion has an overall performance improvement of 11.35% compared to ordinary methods.
Fall Flowering of Leucocoryne coquimbensis F. Phil. after Long-term Bulb Storage Treatments
Authors: Kim Hyeon-Hye , Ohkawa Kiyoshi , Nitta Emiko
Published: October 2024

Long-term storage (13-14 months) of Leucocoryne coquimbensis F. Phil. bulbs was assessed for the production of flowers for the desired fall marketing season. All bulbs that had been stored for 11 months at 25 °C after 2 months' storage at 5, 10, or 25 °C emerged in August and flowered from November to December. The first flower stem aborted if bulbs had been stored at 25 °C for more than 13 months, by which time the second flower bud was initiated. The aerial parts of bulbs that had been stored at 25 °C for 14 months before planting aborted after emergence. The flower quality of bulbs that had been stored at 25 °C for 13 months was as good as that of bulbs stored at 5 or 10 °C for 2 months prior to 11 months storage at 25 °C.
Clay Addition to Soilless Media Promotes Growth and Yield of Greenhouse Crops
Authors: Ehret David L. , Zebarth Bernie J. , Portree Jim , Garland Tim
Published: October 2024

Clay is a major physical component of soil, and by convention is omitted from soilless media. A sterilized, nonswelling chlorite mica clay, sieved to a particle size of <0.3 mm, was used to determine whether its addition to a sawdust medium would improve the production of greenhouse vegetable and flower crops. In early experiments with cucumber, the clay was applied daily as a suspension in the nutrient solution (0, 1, 5, or 10 g·L-1). The number of marketable cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) fruit increased significantly with increasing concentration of clay. The harvest period in these trials was relatively short (up to 4 weeks). In subsequent long-term trials (up to 18 weeks of harvest), the clay was mixed into the sawdust before planting at rates of 0, 4.3, 21.4, and 42.8 g·L-1 of sawdust. Again, the number of marketable cucumber fruit increased significantly with increasing clay concentration. In trials with potted geraniums (Pelargonium ×hortorum L.H. Bailey) and hybrid impatiens (Impatiens wallerana Hook.f.), the clay was applied daily to the sawdust as a suspension in the nutrient solution (0, 1, 5, or 10 g·L-1). In both species, the number of flowers increased significantly with increasing clay concentration, and the size (fresh and dry mass) of the geraniums also increased. In the absence of plants, addition of clay significantly increased water content of the sawdust at matric potentials tested from -1 to -100 kPa, and increased bulk density.
Response of `Galia' Muskmelons to Irradiation as a Quarantine Treatment
Authors: Lalaguna F.
Published: October 2024

Tolerance of commodities to irradiation, an alternative quarantine treatment to fumigation with ethylene dibromide, is an important issue for fruits like muskmelons that are intolerant to methyl bromide or heat treatments. Commercially grown and handled `Galia' melons (Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus) from four harvests in 2 years were irradiated at doses up to 1 kGy. Hot-water dipping (53 °C, 1 minute) was studied as a treatment for protection from decay in combination with irradiation. Irradiation had no effect on vitamin C content, titratable acidity, soluble solids concentration, moisture content, or decay after 14 days of storage at 23 °C. Hot-water dipping reduced decay, but did not accentuate sensitivity to irradiation. Irradiation has commercial potential as a quarantine treatment for `Galia' melons.