bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Usefulness and Accuracy of Artificial Intelligence Chatbot Responses to Patient Questions for Neurosurgical Procedures
Authors: Gajjar Avi A. , Kumar Rohit Prem , Paliwoda Ethan D. , Kuo Cathleen C. , Adida Samuel , Legarreta Andrew D. , Deng Hansen , Anand Sharath Kumar , Hamilton D. Kojo , Buell Thomas J. , Agarwal Nitin , Gerszten Peter C. , Hudson Joseph S.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The Internet has become a primary source of health information, leading patients to seek answers online before consulting health care providers. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) in neurosurgery by assessing the accuracy and helpfulness of artificial intelligence (AI)–generated responses to common postsurgical questions.

METHODS:

A list of 60 commonly asked questions regarding neurosurgical procedures was developed. ChatGPT-3.0, ChatGPT-3.5, and ChatGPT-4.0 responses to these questions were recorded and graded by numerous practitioners for accuracy and helpfulness. The understandability and actionability of the answers were assessed using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool. Readability analysis was conducted using established scales.

RESULTS:

A total of 1080 responses were evaluated, equally divided among ChatGPT-3.0, 3.5, and 4.0, each contributing 360 responses. The mean helpfulness score across the 3 subsections was 3.511 ± 0.647 while the accuracy score was 4.165 ± 0.567. The Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool analysis revealed that the AI-generated responses had higher actionability scores than understandability. This indicates that the answers provided practical guidance and recommendations that patients could apply effectively. On the other hand, the mean Flesch Reading Ease score was 33.5, suggesting that the readability level of the responses was relatively complex. The Raygor Readability Estimate scores ranged within the graduate level, with an average score of the 15th grade.

CONCLUSION:

The artificial intelligence chatbot's responses, although factually accurate, were not rated highly beneficial, with only marginal differences in perceived helpfulness and accuracy between ChatGPT-3.0 and ChatGPT-3.5 versions. Despite this, the responses from ChatGPT-4.0 showed a notable improvement in understandability, indicating enhanced readability over earlier versions.
Shared features in ear and kidney development – implications for oto-renal syndromes
Authors: Wang Scarlet Xiaoyan , Streit Andrea
Published: February 2024

The association between ear and kidney anomalies has long been recognized. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. In the last two decades, embryonic development of the inner ear and kidney has been studied extensively. Here, we describe the developmental pathways shared between both organs with particular emphasis on the genes that regulate signalling cross talk and the specification of progenitor cells and specialised cell types. We relate this to the clinical features of oto-renal syndromes and explore links to developmental mechanisms.
Effects of insect pursuit on the Doppler shift compensation in a hipposiderid bat
Authors: Ma Nina , Xia Hangjing , Yu Chao , Wei Tingting , Yin Kuiying , Luo Jinhong
Published: February 2024

Doppler shift compensation (DSC) is a unique feature observed in certain species of echolocating bats and is hypothesized to be an adaptation to detecting fluttering insects. However, current research on DSC has primarily focused on bats that are not engaged in foraging activities. In this study, we investigated the DSC performance of Pratt's roundleaf bat, Hipposideros pratti, which was trained to pursue insects in various motion states within a laboratory setting. Our study yielded three main results. First, H. pratti demonstrated highly precise DSC during insect pursuit, aligning with previous findings of other flutter-detecting foragers during orientation or landing tasks. Second, we found that the motion state of the insect prey had little effect on the DSC performance of H. pratti. Third, we observed variations in the DSC performance of H. pratti throughout the course of insect pursuit. The bats exhibited the highest DSC performance during the phase of maximum flight speed but decreased performance during the phase of insect capture. These findings of high precision overall and the time-dependent performance of DSC during insect pursuit support the hypothesis that DSC is an adaptation to detecting fluttering insects.
Περιβαλλοντικές συγκρούσεις και διακυβέρνηση στον περιαστικό χώρο της Αττικής
Authors: Κολοκούρης Ορέστης
Published: February 2024

Αντικείμενο της παρούσας διδακτορικής έρευνας είναι η μακροσκοπική μελέτη του συνόλου των – μεγαλύτερων ή μικρότερων- περιβαλλοντικών συγκρούσεων και των κινημάτων υπεράσπισης του περιβάλλοντος μέσα σε ένα γεωγραφικό χώρο και σε ένα συγκεκριμένο τύπο εδαφών, τον περιαστικό. Επίσης, ασχολούμαστε με το ρόλο τους στη διαμόρφωση και στην παραγωγή πολιτικής για το περιβάλλον, καθώς και στην ανάπτυξη της περιβαλλοντικής συνείδησης και πολιτικής σε τοπικό, περιφερειακό και εθνικό επίπεδο, μέσω της μελέτης των δρώντων υπεράσπισης του περιβάλλοντος. Μέσα από την καταγραφή, την κατηγοριοποίηση και την ανάλυση των συγκρούσεων και των δρώντων υπεράσπισης του περιβάλλοντος (πρωτοβουλίες πολιτών, οργανώσεις κ.ο.κ.), κα-θώς και της επιχειρηματολογίας τους και της στρατηγικής τους, επιχειρείται να αναλυθεί η περιβαλλοντική διακυβέρνηση ως προϊόν μιας διαδικασίας που δεν διαμορφώνεται μόνο από γενικούς, ιστορικούς ή δομικούς κανόνες, αλλά και από ειδικές τοπικές συνθήκες, καθώς επίσης και από συγκεκριμένους πιο σύνθετους μηχανισμούς εμφάνισης και εξέλιξης των περιβαλλοντικών συγκρούσεων. Η έρευνα εντάσσεται στο γενικότερο διεθνή προβληματισμό καταγραφής, ταξινόμησης, κατηγοριοποίησης και ανάλυσης των συγκρούσεων σε περιφερειακό επίπεδο, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τη μέθοδο που έχει αναπτυχθεί από την ομάδα ερευνητών της γαλλόφωνης γεωγραφικής κοινότητας, υπό τον συντονισμό του ερευνητικού εργαστηρίου AgroParis-Tech του INRA, και δίνοντας έμφαση στη σχέση των συγκρούσεων χρήσης γης, με το οικολογικό και περιβαλλοντικό κίνημα και τις δημόσιες πολιτικές για το περιβάλλον. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, διερευνάται η χωρική καταγραφή των συγκρούσεων που σχετίζονται με το περιβάλλον και τις χρήσεις γης, σε συνδυασμό με την κατηγοριοποίηση και ανά-λυση των δρώντων της υπεράσπισης του περιβάλλοντος, δηλαδή των οικολογικών οργανώσεων, συλλόγων, κινήσεων και κινημάτων. Η χρονική περίοδος καταγραφής αφορά στην περίοδο από το 2005 έως το 2014, μια περίοδο κατά την οποία αφενός παρατηρείται ταυτόχρονη ανάπτυξη των κοινωνικών αιτημάτων που δίνουν ιδιαίτερη βαρύτητα στην υπεράσπιση του περιβάλλοντος και στην ποιότητα ζωής και αφετέρου αναδεικνύονται νέοι δρώντες υπεράσπισης περιβάλλοντος και νέες περιβαλλοντικές προκλήσεις. Η έρευνα επεκτείνεται στο ρόλο της υπεράσπισης του περιβάλλοντος στη διαμόρφωση της περιβαλλοντικής πολιτικής, μέσα από τη μελέτη των συγκρούσεων από πολλές οπτικές γωνίες, όπως : (α) τη μακροσκοπική μελέτη πολλών διάχυτων και διαφορετικών περι-πτώσεων σε περιφερειακό επίπεδο, (β) τη μελέτη ειδικών εμβληματικών περιπτώσεων, (γ) τη μελέτη του συστήματος δρώντων διαμόρφωσης της πολιτικής και (δ) τη διερεύνηση των αποτελεσμάτων της περιβαλλοντικής πολιτικής. Τέλος, αναδεικνύονται μια σειρά παρεκκλίσεις και ιδιαιτερότητες της περιβαλλοντικής διακυβέρνησης και της υπεράσπισης του περιβάλλοντος, σε ένα σύστημα δρώντων που φαίνεται να μην έχει καταφέρει να εξελιχθεί σημαντικά σε δομικό επίπεδο κατά τις πρώτες δύο δεκαετίες του 2000.
All for One and One for All: Dissecting PREMIERE’s Inclusive AKIS Stakeholder Engagement Strategy
Authors: Conway Shane Francis , Farrell Maura , Weir Louise
Published: February 2024

Innovation is increasingly being considered a social process, more bottom-up and interactive, than top-down science to implementation. Projects funded at a European level under Cluster 6 of the Horizon Europe Work Programme, and EIP-AGRI Operational Groups at a national and regional level in each of the 27 EU Member States, reflect this by placing a greater focus on making the best use of different types of knowledge and complimentary expertise (practical, scientific, technical, organisational, etc.) through the Multi-actor Approach (MAA). A wealth of strategic management literature exists on good practice stakeholder engagement strategies which mobilise the necessary bidirectional and cross-sectoral knowledge exchange and idea generation required for successful co-innovation ecosystems. Its counterpart however, from an Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) perspective, is largely absent. This method article addresses this disparity and gap in literature by describing a 5-step AKIS Stakeholder Engagement Strategy developed by the PREMIERE Horizon Europe Project to help co-create an ‘enabling environment’ to foster and ‘speed up’ innovation, knowledge sharing and digitisation in agriculture, forestry and related sectors through mutually beneficial interactions between an extensive and diverse network of AKIS actors (e.g. researchers, advisors, agri-businesses, farmers) at EU, National and regional level. The inclusive nature of the multi-staged stakeholder engagement strategy outlined in this paper, inspired by strategic management literature, helps close the innovation gap between policy, research and practice through genuine multi-actor dialogue, holistic insights and feedback from project inception to completion, thereby helping to build trusting, meaningful and lasting relationships of mutual respect amongst relevant AKIS stakeholders, ranging from policy makers to harder to reach groups ‘on-the ground’, in place of mere, one-off consultations. The resultant knowledge exchange will significantly contribute to meeting objectives and targets set out in the European Green Deal, EU Climate Policy, Common Agricultural Policy and Farm to Fork Strategy.
Recent Advances in the Treatment of Ocular Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A review of current literature
Authors: Duchnevič Olgerd , Galasińska Iwona , Michalik Beniamin , Hajduk-Maślak Katarzyna , Szypuła Aleksandra , Sęk Michał , Skóra Adrianna
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that often causes ocular complications, of which keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), scleritis and episcleritis are the most common entities. When left untreated, they can adversely affect eye health and cause vision loss in severe cases. Therefore, early and effective treatment of ophthalmic complications may significantly improve visual outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to compile and analyze the current literature on the treatment of the most prevalent ocular manifestation associated with RA. Special emphasis was placed on recently approved drugs and those in late-stage clinical trials.
Methods and materials: Publication research was conducted using the PubMed database and Google Scholar with a primary focus on literature from the past 10 years. Firstly, common ocular complications of rheumatoid arthritis were identified and relevant treatment modalities were extracted for further analysis. Finally, the names of relevant drugs or drug classes were used along with the names of the aforementioned disease entities to discover clinical trials regarding their efficacy and safety. Additionally, references from selected manuscripts were included.
Summary: The landscape of treatment for ocular complications associated with RA offers a promising future for patients and clinicians. Three new therapeutic modalities for dry eye disease have been approved in 2023, and three additional drugs are in late-stage clinical trials. Furthermore, recent advances in biologic therapy have shown considerable promise in treating scleritis, especially in patients refractory to conventional treatment or with severe symptoms of the disease.
The Role of Caffeine in Enhancing Physical Performance: From Metabolism to Muscle Function
Authors: Szerej Krzysztof , Dorobek Wioleta , Stankiewicz Katarzyna , Świeczkowski-Feiz Janusz
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Caffeine, a widely consumed stimulant, is recognized for its ability to block adenosine receptors, thereby enhancing alertness and possibly physical performance. Recent research examines caffeine's effectiveness in enhancing athletic performance, with numerous athletes supplementing with caffeine to gain a competitive edge.
The aim of this study: This article examines the complex relationship between caffeine and the physical performance of athletes, including its effects on the central nervous system, metabolism, muscle function, and its application in a variety of sports, as well as potential gender differences and individual response variations.
Materials and methods: This review was based on available data collected in the PubMed database and Google Scholar web search engine using the key words caffeine, athletic performance, physical performance
Conclusions: Caffeine boosts muscle, cognitive, and metabolic function in volleyball and cycling. Caffeine boosts muscle contractility, endurance, and focus, but details matter. Caffeine effects and sports outcomes vary by gender, emphasizing the need for individualized supplementation. Dosage, timing, and physiological conditions affect results, research shows. Caffeine boosts performance, but athletes, coaches, and practitioners should be careful. To maximize caffeine's benefits and minimize side effects, athletes must be treated individually and by sport.
Frontotemporal Dementia: A Clinical Review
Authors: Dacka Michał , Porzak Mikołaj , Bochyński Karol , Białogłowski Konrad , Dąbrowska Paulina , Żuber Michał , Ciuba Katarzyna , Molenda Katarzyna , Borodziuk Filip , Borodziuk Barbara
Published: February 2024

Frontotemporal dementia is a disease in which atrophic changes occur in the frontal lobes and frontal temporal lobes of the brain. Frontotemporal dementias are a clinically, neuroanatomically and pathologically diverse group of diseases that collectively constitute an important cause of young-onset dementia. The most common form of frontotemporal dementia is the so-called behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia. Underlying these pathological changes is the degeneration of nerve cells (i.e. neurons), which occurs through the accumulation of abnormal proteins inside them. Therefore, the review of current studies in the subject of Frontotemporal dementia was conducted in order to access possible risk factors and new ways of management and treatment of this complex disease.
Proximate (Co-)Working: Knowledge Spillovers and Social Interactions
Authors: Roche Maria P. , Oettl Alexander , Catalini Christian
Published: February 2024

We examine the influence of physical proximity on between-start-up knowledge spillovers at one of the largest technology coworking hubs in the United States. Relying on the exogenous assignment of office space to the hub’s 251 start-ups, we find that proximity positively influences knowledge spillovers as proxied by the likelihood of adopting an upstream web technology already used by a peer start-up. This effect is largest for start-ups within close proximity of each other and quickly decays; start-ups more than 20 meters apart on the same floor are indistinguishable from start-ups on different floors. The main driver of the effect appears to be social interactions. Although start-ups in close proximity are most likely to participate in social coworking space events together, knowledge spillovers are greatest between start-ups that socialize but are dissimilar. Ultimately, start-ups that are embedded in environments that have neither too much nor too little diversity perform better but only if they socialize.

This paper was accepted by Toby Stuart, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Funding: The authors acknowledge funding from the Kauffman Junior Faculty Fellowship and from the Harvard Business School Division of Research and Faculty Development.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.03555 .
Rise and fall
Authors: Gaunt Catherine
Published: February 2024

Following another challenging year for the sector, Catherine Gaunt looks at winners and losers in the world of group operators, which make up our top 25 table
Digital Skills and the Use of Digital Platforms in the Informal Sector: A Case Study Among Jua Kali Artisans in Nairobi in Kenya
Authors: Momanyi Christopher , Rasugu Riechi Andrew , Khatete Ibrahim
Published: February 2024

Context: For many businesses, one of the key indicators in their management is the adaptation of Information Technology in their operations. In Kenya, there has been a phenomenal growth in access to mobile phones, by June 2023, over 66 million mobile phones were connected to various telecommunication operators of which 58.3% were smart phones constituting 67.1% of internet connections. There are many digital technologies which can be adapted to facilitate the processing, dissemination, and access of information. The modern world has become competitive due to the uptake of Information Technology as one of the main business management skill, with the availability of smart phones and many applications that are easily available and easy to use. One of the main beneficiaries of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) is the Jua Kali artisans who are a key player in the Kenyan economy. Entrepreneurial competencies help the growth of businesses along the dimension of innovation. Kenya intends to entrench the use of Information Technology for public service delivery, business, skills, and innovation. The Jua Kali sector cannot be ignored, it contributes more than 80% of the total employment in Kenya. 
Approach: This research was carried out in the Eastlands of Nairobi, Kenya. Data were collected using a questionnaire, an interview and observation schedule. The study used an interview schedule to collect data from Jua Kali artisans carrying out their artisan businesses in the Eastlands of Nairobi and a questionnaire survey to collect data from a sample of identified Nairobi residents who had engaged an artisan to work for them six months prior to the research. 
Findings: The research established that most Jua Kali artisans acquired their skills in the Jua Kali sector by apprenticeship (86.3%) while a small percentage (12.7%) trained in Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions while a further one percent were trained by their former employers. Most of the artisans had attained the basic formal education qualifications i.e. primary education (27.9%) and secondary education (47.6%). The Chi-square (χ²) test was used to test the relationship between use of the basic social media digital platforms in business management and the formal education attained by artisans owning artisan businesses. 
Conclusion: At 0.05 level of significance (α) the research established that there is a significant relationship between the adaptation of digital platforms in business management and the formal education attained by the artisans.
Adaptación del Modelo de Aceptación de Tecnologías para Explorar las Intenciones de Uso en la Educación Virtual
Authors: Navarro Ricardo Navarro , Baldeon Gianfranco , García Arlis , Bernal Víctor
Published: February 2024

El uso de tecnologías en contextos educativos ha ido aumentando debido a la pandemia por el COVID 19. Sin embargo, el uso de modelos que puedan estudiar cómo los estudiantes aceptan utilizar ciertas tecnologías no ha sido estudiado adecuadamente, y mucho menos se ha podido identificar la validez de los modelos en distintos contextos. Por ello, el presente estudio busca adaptar el modelo de aceptación de tecnologías al español, para ser utilizado con estudiantes universitarios. Para ello, se aplicó el cuestionario a 297 estudiantes pertenecientes a una universidad privada. Los resultados indican que la estructura factorial original del modelo se mantiene al adaptarse al español. Asimismo, se pudo identificar que no existían diferencias en el modelo según el género del participante, lo que corrobora una invarianza factorial del modelo. Por otro lado, se corroboran relaciones causales dentro del modelo con la intención de uso de tecnologías. Se concluye que el modelo de aceptación de tecnología se mantiene en un contexto distinto y puede ser utilizado con estudiantes universitarios para evaluar posibles intervenciones educativas en virtualidad.
Assessing the Second-Level Digital Divide in Austria: A Representative Study on Demographic Differences in Digital Competences
Authors: Schmölz Alexander , Geppert Corinna , Schwarz Stephanie , Svecnik Erich , Koch Jana , Bieg Till , Freund Lisa
Published: February 2024

The second-level digital divide concerns individual levels of digital competences and demographic indicators of digital gaps. In this paper, we have analysed empirical data that allow a thorough and differentiated look into the second-level digital divide with a rigorous methodological quantitative approach. We investigated the relationship between results from a self-assessment of one’s own digital competences, and a knowledge test about digital tools among Austrian citizens (N=1109). The study explores second-level digital divides in gender, education level, age, first language, and length of time living in the country regarding respective competence levels and areas, referring to the Digital Competence Model for Austria - DigComp 2.2 AT. Results show that the digital gender divide is paramount across all competence areas, while the age divide remains strong when comparing under 18-year-olds with over 60-year-olds. Moreover, positive effects are related to education level and first language.
Poblamiento y despoblación en la Extremadura bajomedieval: las subaldeas
Authors: Clemente Quijada Luis Vicente
Published: February 2024

Este artículo aborda la dialéctica entre los fenómenos de creación de nuevos hábitats y el despoblamiento en la Extremadura bajomedieval a partir del análisis de caso de jurisdicciones señoriales y realengas. Los datos proceden principalmente de fuentes procesales y fiscales, así como de la bibliografía de los últimos veinte años. Los resultados obtenidos evidencian que desde mediados del siglo xiv un elemento fundamental para el éxito o fracaso de estos asentamientos es la capacidad vecinal para gestionar el uso de los recursos comunales, de modo que las limitaciones de los mismos desencadenan el declive demográfico e incluso el abandono de los núcleos.
Real-time, depth-resolved, in vivo multiphoton fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy of agricultural herbicide treatments in plants
Authors: Yuan Xiaotong , Bowling Andrew , Gemperline Erin , Mannam Varun , Howard Scott
Published: February 2024

The development of effective and safe agricultural treatments requires sub-cellular insight of the biochemical effects of treatments in living tissue in real-time. Industry-standard mass spectroscopic imaging lacks real-time in vivo capability. As an alternative, multiphoton fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (MPM-FLIM) allows for 3D sub-cellular quantitative metabolic imaging but is often limited to low frame rates. To resolve relatively fast effects (e.g., photosynthesis inhibiting treatments), high-frame-rate MPM-FLIM is needed. In this paper, we demonstrate and evaluate a high-speed MPM-FLIM system, “Instant FLIM”, as a time-resolved 3D sub-cellular molecular imaging system in highly scattering, living plant tissues. We demonstrate simultaneous imaging of cellular autofluorescence and crystalline agrochemical crystals within plant tissues. We further quantitatively investigate the herbicidal effects of two classes of agricultural herbicide treatments, photosystem II inhibiting herbicide (Basagran) and auxin-based herbicide (Arylex), and successfully demonstrate the capability of the MPM-FLIM system to measure biological changes over a short time with enhanced imaging speed. Results indicate that high-frame-rate 3D MPM-FLIM achieves the required fluorescence lifetime resolution, temporal resolution, and spatial resolution to be a useful tool in basic plant cellular biology research and agricultural treatment development.
Guidance of ultraviolet light down to 190 nm in a hollow-core optical fibre
Authors: Mears Robbie , Harrington Kerrianne , Wadsworth William J. , Knight Jonathan C. , Stone James M. , Birks Tim A.
Published: February 2024

We report an anti-resonant hollow core fibre with ultraviolet transmission down to 190 nm, covering the entire UV-A, UV-B and much of the UV-C band. Guidance from 190 – 400 nm is achieved apart for a narrow high loss resonance band at 245 – 265 nm. The minimum attenuation is 0.13 dB/m at 235 nm and 0.16 dB/m at 325 nm. With an inscribed core diameter of ∼12 µm, the fibre’s bend loss at 325 nm was 0.22 dB per turn for a bend radius of 3 cm at 325 nm.
Maximum chirality of THz metasurfaces with quasi-bound states in the continuum
Authors: Wang Baoku , Yan Fei , Liu Xingguang , Sun Weimin , Li Li
Published: February 2024

Metasurfaces hold great promise for terahertz (THz) chiral-optical devices. Here, we proposed a chiral THz metasurface with quasi-bound state in the continuum (BIC) for maximum chirality. By exploiting structural perturbations of the dipole displacement and the diverging angle for the THz metasurface, the symmetry-protected BIC transforms into quasi-BIC. The critical coupling condition is satisfied by the introduction of graphene, enabling the theoretical maximum absorption of the quasi-BIC. Subsequently, the perturbations are balanced to obtain maximum chirality. The numerical simulations show that the THz metasurface exhibits strong linear chirality with the circular dichroism (CD) of 0.99 at the quasi-BIC. Additionally, the chiral third harmonic generation (THG) is achieved, characterized by high efficiency up to 19% and strong THG-CD as high as 0.99. It is expected that the THz metasurfaces has great potential for applications in chiral sensing and imaging.
Guided wave resonance-based digital holographic microscopy for high-sensitivity monitoring of the refractive index
Authors: Wang Chunyu , Mi Jingyu , Lu Hua , Shi Shouhao , Zhao Jianxu , Li Dikun , Zhang Jiwei , Zheng Jiadeng , Zhao Jianlin
Published: February 2024

Surface plasmon resonance holographic microscopy (SPRHM) has been employed to measure the refractive index but whose performance is generally limited by the metallic intrinsic loss. Herein we first, to our knowledge, utilize guided wave resonance (GWR) with low loss to realize the monitoring of the refractive index by integrating with digital holographic microscopy (DHM). By depositing a dielectric layer on a silver film, we observe a typical GWR in the dielectric layer with stronger field enhancement and higher sensitivity to the surrounding refractive index compared to the silver film-supported SPR, which agrees well with calculations. The innovative combination of the GWR and DHM contributes to the highly sensitive dynamic monitoring of the surrounding refractive index variation. Through the measurement with DHM, we found that the GWR presents an excellent sensitivity, which is 2.6 times higher than that of the SPR on the silver film. The results will pave a new pathway for digital holographic interferometry and its applications in environmental and biological detections.
Distinct patterns of incidental exposure to and active selection of radicalizing information indicate varying levels of support for violent extremism
Authors: Schumann Sandy , Clemmow Caitlin , Rottweiler Bettina , Gill Paul
Published: February 2024

Exposure to radicalizing information has been associated with support for violent extremism. It is, however, unclear whether specific information use behavior, namely, a distinct pattern of incidental exposure (IE) to and active selection (AS) of radicalizing content, indicates stronger violent extremist attitudes and radical action intentions. Drawing on a representative general population sample (N = 1509) and applying latent class analysis, we addressed this gap in the literature. Results highlighted six types of information use behavior. The largest group of participants reported a near to zero probability of both IE to and AS of radicalizing material. Two groups of participants were characterized by high or moderate probabilities of incidental exposure as well as a low probability of active selection of radicalizing content. The remaining groups displayed either low, moderate, or high probabilities of both IE and AS. Importantly, we showed between-group differences regarding violent extremist attitudes and radical behavioral intentions. Individuals reporting near zero or high probabilities for both IE to and AS of radicalizing information expressed the lowest and strongest violent extremist attitudes and willingness to use violence respectively. Groups defined by even moderate probabilities of AS endorsed violent extremism more strongly than those for which the probability for incidental exposure was moderate or high but AS of radicalizing content was unlikely.
Most suitable plant communities for the slope reclamation of the Zhengzhou-Xinxiang section of the Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao expressway
Authors: Cao Wei , Wu Xiaoqi , Zhu Niuniu , Meng Zhenyu , Lv Chenxi , Li Xi , Wang Guojie
Published: February 2024

The construction of expressways in China has produced diverse habitats along slopes characterized by steep gradients, uneven water distribution, poor soil conditions, and no routine maintenance. Manually planting beneficial species is an essential method of effectively improving slope soils to prevent soil erosion. However, few studies have evaluated the reclamation effects and plant community composition and structure used to restore slopes along expressways. This study focused on the Zhengzhou-Xinxiang section of the Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway. A total of 10 representative plant communities were evaluated using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP)–fuzzy integrated evaluation method. The sites were divided into four layers, namely, plant communities, soil nutrients, soil physical properties, and other ecological factors, and 14 indicators were assessed. The evaluation results showed that four of these plant communities (PCs) were excellent, three PCs were good, one PC was normal, two PCs were poor. The four excellent PCs had high Shannon-Wiener index, pielou index, richness index or community productivity. It is worth noting that most excellent plant community structures were tree + shrub + herb. Based on these results, we recommend that fill slopes should be restored using a combination of trees, herbs, and shrubs; also, the vegetation should include native plants, such as B. papyrifera, U. pumila, A. fruticosa, and Cynodon dactylon (L.). This study could provide ideas for plant community composition and structure of new highway slopes in similar climate environment, and provide theoretical support for plant community composition and structure and soil improvement for the existing slope.
Differences in prescribed medicinal cannabis use by cannabinoid product composition: Findings from the cannabis as medicine survey 2020 (CAMS-20) Australia-wide study
Authors: Trevitt Benjamin T. , Bailey Sasha , Mills Llewellyn , Arkell Thomas R. , Suraev Anastasia , McGregor Iain S. , Lintzeris Nicholas
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Prescribed medicinal cannabis (MC) is an increasingly common prescription in Australia for treating pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Prescribed MC products generally contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD) in a variety of dose levels and forms. It is unclear whether THC and CBD products are used by patients with different characteristics and for different conditions.

Objectives

To examine consumer experiences of using THC- and CBD-containing prescribed MC products to better understand how they are being used within the Australian context.

Methods

We utilised data collected from an online anonymous cross-sectional survey of individuals (CAMS-20 survey), consisting of Australian residents using cannabis for therapeutic reasons. We focused on a subgroup of participants (N = 546) receiving prescribed MC products. We utilised linear, logistic, and multinomial regression modelling to analyse responses to survey questions based on the cannabinoid profile of the prescribed product.

Results

Participants prescribed THC-dominant MC products were statistically more likely to be younger, male, and to prefer inhaled routes of administration than participants using CBD-dominant products who were older, female, and preferred oral routes of administration. Pain and mental health were the most common reasons for all types of prescribed MC, but were more likely to be treated with THC than CBD despite the significantly higher risk of mild to severe drowsiness, dry mouth and eye irritation. Consumer reported effectiveness of prescribed MC was very positive, particularly for THC-containing products. Consumers on opioids and antipsychotics were statistically more likely to be prescribed THC-containing products than products containing CBD only, despite the greater risk of impairment.

Conclusions

This Australia-wide study found clear differences in consumer-reported experiences of prescribed THC- and CBD-containing products. Current prescriptions of these products do not always align with relevant clinical guidance. Educating prescribers around cannabinoid products is essential to ensure optimal prescribing practices and to prevent avoidable drug side effects and interactions.
Individual differences in emoji comprehension: Gender, age, and culture
Authors: Chen Yihua , Yang Xingchen , Howman Hannah , Filik Ruth
Published: February 2024

Emoji are an important substitute for non-verbal cues (such as facial expressions) in online written communication. So far, however, little is known about individual differences regarding how they are perceived. In the current study, we examined the influence of gender, age, and culture on emoji comprehension. Specifically, a sample of 523 participants across the UK and China completed an emoji classification task. In this task, they were presented with a series of emoji, each representing one of six facial emotional expressions, across four commonly used platforms (Apple, Android, WeChat, and Windows). Their task was to choose from one of six labels (happy, sad, angry, surprised, fearful, disgusted) which emotion was represented by each emoji. Results showed that all factors (age, gender, and culture) had a significant impact on how emojis were classified by participants. This has important implications when considering emoji use, for example, conversation with partners from different cultures.
Magnitude of meconium stained amniotic fluid and associated factors among women who gave birth in North Shoa Zone hospitals, Amhara Region, Ethiopia 2022
Authors: Tefera Mitiku , Birhanu Dagmawit , Mihretie Abebe , Belete Ewunetu , Demis Abrham , Alemaw Leweyehu
Published: February 2024

Background

The presence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid is one of the causes for birth asphyxia. Each year, over five million neonatal deaths occur worldwide because of meconium-stained amniotic fluid and other causes, of which 90% are due to birth asphyxia. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of meconium-stained amniotic fluid and associated factors among women who gave birth in North Shoa Zone Hospitals, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2022.

Materials and methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was employed. We used 610 women who gave birth at North Shoa Zone Hospitals, Amhara region, Ethiopia. The study was conducted from June 8 to August 8, 2022. Recruitment for the study was made using a multistage sampling procedure. Fifty percent of the study hospitals were randomly selected, and proportional allocation was done. Participants were selected from the sampling frame, labour and delivery register book, using a systematic random sampling approach. The first person was selected at random, while the remaining individuals were selected at every two "K" intervals across all hospitals. An interview-administered structured questionnaire and chart review checklist were used to gather the data that were entered into Epi-Data Version 4.6 and exported to SPSS. Logistics regression was employed, and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result

The magnitude of meconium-stained amniotic fluid was 30.3%. Women with a normal hematocrit level were 83% less likely to develop meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Women whose mid-upper arm circumference value was less than 22.9cm (AOR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.18–3.20), obstructed labour (AOR = 3.6; 95% CI: 1.48–8.83), prolonged labour ≥ 15 hr (AOR = 7.5; 95% CI: 7.68–13.3), premature rapture of membrane (AOR = 1.7; 95% CI: 3.22–7.40), foetal tachycardia (AOR = 6.2; 95% CI: 2.41–16.3), and Bradycardia (AOR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.93–5.28) showed a significant association with meconium-stained amniotic fluid.

Conclusion

The present study revealed that the magnitude of meconium-stained amniotic fluid in North Shoa Zone is nearly one-third. A normal hematocrit level is a preventive factor for meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and a MUAC value <22.9 cm, obstructed and prolonged labour, PROM, bradycardia, and tachycardia are factors associated with meconium-stained amniotic fluid.
Can ChatGPT assist authors with abstract writing in medical journals? Evaluating the quality of scientific abstracts generated by ChatGPT and original abstracts
Authors: Hwang Taesoon , Aggarwal Nishant , Khan Pir Zarak , Roberts Thomas , Mahmood Amir , Griffiths Madlen M. , Parsons Nick , Khan Saboor
Published: February 2024

Introduction

ChatGPT, a sophisticated large language model (LLM), has garnered widespread attention for its ability to mimic human-like communication. As recent studies indicate a potential supportive role of ChatGPT in academic writing, we assessed the LLM’s capacity to generate accurate and comprehensive scientific abstracts from published Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) data, focusing on the adherence to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials for Abstracts (CONSORT-A) statement, in comparison to the original authors’ abstracts.

Methodology

RCTs, identified in a PubMed/MEDLINE search post-September 2021 across various medical disciplines, were subjected to abstract generation via ChatGPT versions 3.5 and 4, following the guidelines of the respective journals. The overall quality score (OQS) of each abstract was determined by the total number of adequately reported components from the 18-item CONSORT-A checklist. Additional outcome measures included percent adherence to each CONOSORT-A item, readability, hallucination rate, and regression analysis of reporting quality determinants.

Results

Original abstracts achieved a mean OQS of 11.89 (95% CI: 11.23–12.54), outperforming GPT 3.5 (7.89; 95% CI: 7.32–8.46) and GPT 4 (5.18; 95% CI: 4.64–5.71). Compared to GPT 3.5 and 4 outputs, original abstracts were more adherent with 10 and 14 CONSORT-A items, respectively. In blind assessments, GPT 3.5-generated abstracts were deemed most readable in 62.22% of cases which was significantly greater than the original (31.11%; P = 0.003) and GPT 4-generated (6.67%; P<0.001) abstracts. Moreover, ChatGPT 3.5 exhibited a hallucination rate of 0.03 items per abstract compared to 1.13 by GPT 4. No determinants for improved reporting quality were identified for GPT-generated abstracts.

Conclusions

While ChatGPT could generate more readable abstracts, their overall quality was inferior to the original abstracts. Yet, its proficiency to concisely relay key information with minimal error holds promise for medical research and warrants further investigations to fully ascertain the LLM’s applicability in this domain.
A scoping review of the unmet needs of patients diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
Authors: Bramhill Carita , Langan Donna , Mulryan Helen , Eustace-Cook Jessica , Russell Anne-Marie , Brady Anne-Marie
Published: February 2024

Aims

Patients diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have a high symptom burden and numerous needs that remain largely unaddressed despite advances in available treatment options. There is a need to comprehensively identify patients’ needs and create opportunities to address them. This scoping review aimed to synthesise the available evidence and identify gaps in the literature regarding the unmet needs of patients diagnosed with IPF.

Methods

The protocol for the review was registered with Open Science Framework (DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/SY4KM). A systematic search was performed in March 2022, in CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsychInfo, Web of Science Core Collection and ASSIA Applied Social Science Index. A comprehensive review of grey literature was also completed. Inclusion criteria included patients diagnosed with IPF and date range 2011–2022. A range of review types were included. Data was extracted using a data extraction form. Data was analysed using descriptive and thematic analysis. A total of 884 citations were reviewed. Ethical approval was not required.

Results

52 citations were selected for final inclusion. Five themes were identified: 1.) psychological impact of an IPF diagnosis. 2.) adequate information and education: at the right time and in the right way. 3.) high symptom burden support needs. 4.) referral to palliative care and advance care planning (ACP). 5.) health service provision-a systems approach.

Conclusion

This review highlights the myriad of needs patients with IPF have and highlights the urgent need for a systems approach to care, underpinned by an appropriately resourced multi-disciplinary team. The range of needs experienced by patients with IPF are broad and varied and require a holistic approach to care including targeted research, coupled with the continuing development of patient-focused services and establishment of clinical care programmes.
Phylogenetic relationships and genetic differentiation of two Salamandrella species as revealed via COI gene from Northeastern China
Authors: Liu Wanli , Duan Zhuo , Wang Dingcheng , Zhao Wenge , Liu Peng
Published: February 2024

Due to traditional classification methods’ limitations, some cryptic species remain undiscovered. To better explore the existence of the Schrenck salamander (Salamandrella tridactyla, a cryptic species of Siberian salamander S. keyserlingii) in China, we conducted a molecular phylogenetic analysis to confirm the taxonomic relationship among Salamandrella species and investigate genetic variation. We used complete sequences of the mitochondrial COI gene from 65 specimens collected across a wide range in Northeastern China. Thirty-five haplotypes were obtained from six populations. They showed medium-high haplotype diversity (Hd) and low nucleotide polymorphism (π). The phylogenetic tree and haplotype network analysis revealed that populations from Greater Khingan Ridge (Huma: HM) and Lesser Khingan Ridge (Tieli: TL) belong to S. keyserlingii, while populations from Changbai Mountain (Shangzhi-zhuziying: SZ, Shangzhi-cuijia: SC, Hailin: HL, and Baishan: BS) belong to S. tridactyla. This indicates the monophyly of Salamandrella and each of the two species. There was a substantial level of genetic differentiation between different species and within populations of the same species. This differentiation was significantly related to geographical distance. At last, the mismatch distribution and neutrality analyses indicated that the TL populations have undergone expansion of history. The study supplements the distributional range of Schrenck salamander. And it provides a theoretical basis for species conservation of Salamandrella species.
Research on modification and noise reduction optimization of Electric Multiple Units traction gear under multiple working conditions
Authors: Tang Zhaoping , Lu Menghui , Wang Manyu , Sun Jianping
Published: February 2024

The vibration and radiation noise characteristics of the gear transmission system are different under different traction conditions, and the gear modification optimization scheme based on a single working condition is not suitable for the operating environment under all working conditions. To modify the traction gear of a high-speed EMU, an optimized design scheme for noise reduction under multiple working conditions is proposed. A modification plan of the tooth direction in conjunction with the tooth shape was devised using a parametric model of the EMU’s traction gear transmission system. The radiation noise of the gear transmission system after modification was solved using the acoustic boundary element method under different working conditions. A gear noise prediction model based on the random forest was proposed, and a gear modification parameter combination was constructed to minimize radiation noise. Then, the optimal design scheme of multi-condition modification combination parameters is obtained with the weight of the running time and acoustic contribution under different working conditions. The grey correlation degree evaluation model is established to verify that the multi-condition modification optimization design method can make the traction gear of EMU obtain satisfactory transmission performance and noise reduction effect under different working conditions.
Epistemic outsiders: Unpacking and utilising the epistemic dimension of disruptive agency in sustainability transformations
Authors: Spatan Sergiu , Peter Daniel , Thiele Gundula , Wolfram Marc , Ehnert Franziska , Scherbaum Stefan , Schulz Moritz , Surrey Caroline
Published: February 2024

Disruptions (systemic disturbances) are crucial to initiate and accelerate sustainability transformations of large-scale social systems (be they socio-ecological, socio-technical, or socio-institutional). Their emergence, characteristics and effects strongly relate to the role of agents who aim to disrupt and transform the status quo, and which thus possess what we call disruptive agency. In this paper, we highlight the epistemic dimension of disruptive agency in social transformations, first by conceptualizing disruptive agents as epistemic outsiders with respect to the social system that they intend to disrupt and transform, and second by connecting this conceptualization to notions of belief, social practices, social networks, discourses, or institutions. We identify five advantages of this approach. Firstly, it informs and conceptually enables various promising interdisciplinary avenues to explore and potentially influence transformative change towards sustainability. Secondly, an epistemic conception of disruptive agency offers a key for an integrated analysis of the individual and collective levels of agency involved in sustainability transformations. Thirdly, the notion of epistemic outsiders conceptually connects agent positions across system boundaries that are understood to be of crucial importance for sustainability transformations respectively (e.g., “niche innovators” or “regime intermediaries”) but which lack an integrated understanding. Fourthly, an epistemic perspective additionally highlights the changing requirements and challenges resulting in two principal stages of transformations unfolding over time, namely before/after a new epistemic layout is shared by a majority of agents. Finally, the above features allow to derive and conceive of new intervention formats and strategies.
Annie Dillard’s ‘Death of a Moth’ as world literature
Authors: Molnár Gábor Tamás
Published: February 2024

This article reads Annie Dillard’s short text ‘Death of a Moth’ (1976) in a comparative context, focusing mostly on the description of the scene of the moth’s self-immolation in a candle flame. After considering the challenges that the text poses to the category ‘short fiction’, the article discusses the different uses of the image of ‘the moth and the flame’ in different cultures. Focusing especially on the Persian literary tradition, the historical variability of interpretations of the image is outlined, and closer parallels are drawn between Dillard’s text and Aḥmad Ghazzālī’s interpretation of ‘love’ through their respective narrations of the moth’s death in the candle flame. In a closer reading of Dillard’s text, an uneasy coexistence is revealed between a mystical inclination and an ironic, self-consciously literary use of imagery and figurative language.