bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil Temperature Prediction Based on 1D-CNN-MLP Neural Network Model
Authors: Wang Yujie , Zhuang Dongling , Xu Jinghui , Wang Yemin
Published: April 2023

Highlights

To predict soil temperature, a new deep learning model called 1D-CNN-MLP is proposed, which has higher accuracy or faster convergence compared with MLP or LSTM.

Convolutional neural network part in the model could extract and calculate transmission of soil temperature.

Using the non-sequential data of several soil temperature layers combined with the model, we can predict other temperature layers.

The model can greatly reduce the difficulty and cost of soil temperature measurement.

Abstract. Soil temperature plays an important role in agriculture. In order to achieve cost reduction in the sensor arrangement when monitoring soil temperature, a novel model called 1D-CNN-MLP (One dimensional convolutional neural network-Multilayer perceptron) was proposed for soil temperature prediction. Meteorological data and soil temperature data on different soil layers collected for the 2018~2021 period from a weather station in Yangling, China, were used for calculation in our work. Our model was evaluated using statistical measures of MSE (Mean Square error). The model parameters with high operation efficiency and high accuracy are obtained, and the training result records much lower error than MLP (multilayer perceptron) and faster convergence than LSTM (long short-term memory) with an MSE of 0.288 x 10&-3. The 1D-CNN (One-dimensional convolutional neural network) part of the model is used to reveal and extrapolate the law of how soil temperature propagates in different soil layers. In the case where only three layers of soil temperature data are known, the characteristic temperature layer depths of 10 cm, 15 cm, and 40 cm, are selected to place sensors and obtain the best prediction effect of soil temperature at different depths of 5 to 160 cm with a RMSE (Root mean squared error) of 1.988?. The model may help users with improved and economical soil temperature prediction and control, thus boosting crop yield. Ultimately, we found the model has a relatively poor performance in the accuracy of deep soil temperature prediction when only three layers of soil temperature data are known, and it is suggested that the model can be further optimized in terms of kernel parameter setting, data composition, and the variation law of deep soil temperature. Keywords: 1D-CNN, MLP, Soil temperature prediction.
Management Options and Treatment Algorithm in Intertrochanteric fractures
Authors: Dhamangaonkar Anoop C
Published: April 2023

Background: Intertrochanteric (IT) fractures are one of the most common lower limb fractures. There are many varied treatment options to treat the same. Also, our basic understanding of IT fractures is improving leading to evolution of newer concepts which in turn is leading to designing of newer implants. In this sea of newer treatment options, are all newer implants merely market driven? The new- age orthopaedic surgeon needs to be made aware of the newer concepts of IT fractures, implant designs and also a comprehensive literature support of the various treatment options available like concept of unstable IT farcture, the dynamic hip screw (DHS) system, Medoff’s plate, DHS with a trochanteric stabilization plate, 95 degree Dynamic Condylar Screw, first to third generations of gamma nails, proximal femoral nails (PFN), expandable PFN, InterTAN with integrated interlocking screws, proximal femoral locking plates and use of bipolar hemiarthroplasty. This article also aims to present a practical treatment algorithm for the treatment of IT fractures, but this may not be generalizable to all orthopaedic surgeons. Keywords: Intertrochanteric; unstable; DHS; PFN; Gamma; hemiarthroplasty.
The sound of misogyny: sexual harassment and sexual violence in the music industry
Authors: McCarry Melanie , Käkelä Emmaleena , Jones Cassandra , Manoussaki Kallia
Published: April 2023

The cultural and creative industries are the fastest growing industries in the UK (Webster et al, 2018). Stakeholder engagement, media reporting, anecdotal evidence and emerging research suggests that there are endemic levels of sexual harassment and sexualised violence within the music industry that can be described as widespread, systemic and normalised. This article reviews the literature on sexual harassment and sexualised violence in the music industry, examining gender stratifications and inequalities within the music industry with a focus on UK, Australian and US studies. The music industry is not a singular entity but instead, is an agglomeration of many different sub-sectors predominantly consisting of three interconnected spheres of music recording and distribution, music publishing and licensing, and live performance. This paper references Kelly’s (1988; 2007; 2016) theorisations on conducive contexts and the continuum of violence to argue that historical and entrenched misogyny and sexism along with the lack of regulation, process and governing frameworks create conditions for both the maintenance of gender inequality and the perpetuation of sexual harassment and sexualised violence within the music industry. Consequently, both the cultural context and the practice of misogyny (in this case sexual harassment and sexualised violence) within the music industry are mutually supporting and reinforcing.
High security optical OFDM transmission scheme with four-dimensional region joint encryption based on power division multiplexing
Authors: Guo Zhiruo , Liu Bo , Ren Jianxin , Zhong Qing , Mao Yaya , Wu Xiangyu , Bai Yu , Chen Shuaidong , Wang Feng , Ullah Rahat , Zhao Lilong , Chen Yunyun
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a high security chaotic encryption scheme for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) transmission system is proposed by using power division multiplexing (PDM) technology and four-dimensional region joint encryption. The scheme uses PDM to realize simultaneous transmission of multiple user information, which can achieve a good compromise among system capacity, spectral efficiency and user fairness. In addition, bit cycle encryption, constellation rotation disturbance (CRD) and region joint constellation disturbance (RJCD) are used to realize four-dimensional region joint encryption, effectively improving the physical layer security. The masking factor is generated by the mapping of two-level chaotic systems, which can enhance the nonlinear dynamics and improve the sensitivity of encrypted system. A 11.76 Gb/s OFDM signal transmission over 25 km standard single-mode fiber (SSMF) is experimentally demonstrated. At the forward-error correction (FEC) bit error rate (BER) limit -3.8×10−3, the proposed receiver optical power based on quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) without encryption, QPSK with encryption, variant-8quadrature amplitude modulation (V-8QAM) without encryption and V-8QAM with encryption are about -13.5dBm, -13.6dBm, -12.2dBm, and -12.1dBm. The key space is up to 10128. The results show that this scheme not only improves the security of the system and the ability to resist attackers, but also improves the system capacity and has the potential to serve more users. It has a good application prospect in the future optical network.
Evaluations of nanoparticle capture and transport methods in dielectric bowtie core capillaries
Authors: Feng Weinan , Wang Zihao , Tsubokawa Makoto
Published: April 2023

We propose a flexibly tunable and low-loss optical burette with an all-dielectric bowtie core capillary structure, where nanoparticle arrays can be transported bidirectionally with incident light from one end. Multiple hot spots, acting as optical traps, are periodically distributed at the center of the bowtie cores along the propagation direction because of the mode interference effect of guided lights. By adjusting the beam waist position, the hot spots continuously move across the entire capillary length; thus, trapped nanoparticles also transfer with the hot spots. The bidirectional transfer can be realized simply by changing the beam waist in the forward or backward direction. We confirmed that nanosized polystyrene spheres can be bidirectionally moved along a capillary length of ≈ 20 µm. Furthermore, the magnitude of the optical force can be adjusted using the incident angle and beam waist width, whereas the trapping period can be adjusted using the incident wavelength. These results were evaluated using the finite-difference time-domain method. We believe that this new approach can be extensively used in the field of biochemical and life sciences because of the properties of an all-dielectric structure, bidirectional transportation, and single incident light.
Whispering gallery mode micro-lasing in CsPbI3 quantum dots coated on TiO2 microspherical resonating cavities
Authors: Laskar Subitan , Dakshinamurthy Athrey C , Chithamallu Sivakumar , Sudarshan C. , Sudakar C.
Published: April 2023

Whispering gallery mode (WGM) lasing in CsPbI3 quantum dots (QDs) coated on TiO2 spherical microcavities is demonstrated. The photoluminescence emission from a CsPbI3-QDs gain medium strongly couples with a TiO2 microspherical resonating optical cavity. Spontaneous emission in these microcavities switches to a stimulated emission above a distinct threshold point of 708.7 W/cm2. Lasing intensity increases three to four times as the power density increases by one order of magnitude beyond the threshold point when the microcavities are excited with a 632-nm laser. WGM microlasing with quality factors as high as Q∼1195 is demonstrated at room temperature. Quality factors are found to be higher for smaller TiO2 microcavities (∼2 µm). CsPbI3-QDs/TiO2 microcavities are also found to be photostable even after continuous laser excitation for 75 minutes. The CsPbI3-QDs/TiO2 microspheres are promising as WGM-based tunable microlasers.
All-polarization-maintaining mode-locked thulium-doped femtosecond laser at 1.7 µm
Authors: Zhang Nan , Jiang Weiqi , Meng Yafei , Wang Fengqiu
Published: April 2023

We demonstrate a 1.7 µm femtosecond Tm-doped fiber laser system featuring an all-polarization-maintaining architecture. The seed oscillator is mode-locked by carbon nanotubes and delivers stable pulse centered at 1787.6 nm. With two backward pumped amplifiers, the average power of the laser is amplified to ∼458 mW. Employing proper dispersion management in an all-fiber chirped pulse amplification scheme and the soliton compression effect, we obtained a femtosecond pulse of 206 fs with a pulse energy of 8.8 nJ at a repetition rate of ∼52 MHz. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of 1.7 µm femtosecond laser based on a thulium-doped oscillator with all-polarization-maintaining architecture.
Wave propagation dynamics inside a complex scattering medium by the temporal control of backscattered waves
Authors: Lee Ye-Ryoung , Choi Wonjun , Jeong Seungwon , Kang Sungsam , Kim Dong-Young , Choi Wonshik
Published: April 2023

Shaping the wavefront of an incident wave to a complex scattering medium has demonstrated interesting possibilities, such as sub-diffraction wave focusing and light energy delivery enhancement. However, wavefront shaping has mainly been based on the control of transmitted waves that are inaccessible in most realistic applications. Here, we investigate the effect of maximizing the backscattered waves at a specific flight time on wave propagation dynamics and energy transport. We find both experimentally and numerically that the maximization at a short flight time focuses waves on the particles constituting the scattering medium, leading to the attenuation of the wave transport. On the contrary, maximization at a long flight time induces constructive wave interference inside the medium and thus enhances wave transport. We provide a theoretical model that explains this interesting transition behavior based on wave correlation. Our study provides a fundamental understanding of the effect of wave control on wave dynamics inside scattering medium.
Pleiotropy promotes the evolution of inducible immune responses in a model of host-pathogen coevolution
Authors: Martin Reese A. , Tate Ann T.
Published: April 2023

Components of immune systems face significant selective pressure to efficiently use organismal resources, mitigate infection, and resist parasitic manipulation. A theoretically optimal immune defense balances investment in constitutive and inducible immune components depending on the kinds of parasites encountered, but genetic and dynamic constraints can force deviation away from theoretical optima. One such potential constraint is pleiotropy, the phenomenon where a single gene affects multiple phenotypes. Although pleiotropy can prevent or dramatically slow adaptive evolution, it is prevalent in the signaling networks that compose metazoan immune systems. We hypothesized that pleiotropy is maintained in immune signaling networks despite slowed adaptive evolution because it provides some other advantage, such as forcing network evolution to compensate in ways that increase host fitness during infection. To study the effects of pleiotropy on the evolution of immune signaling networks, we used an agent-based modeling approach to evolve a population of host immune systems infected by simultaneously co-evolving parasites. Four kinds of pleiotropic restrictions on evolvability were incorporated into the networks, and their evolutionary outcomes were compared to, and competed against, non-pleiotropic networks. As the networks evolved, we tracked several metrics of immune network complexity, relative investment in inducible and constitutive defenses, and features associated with the winners and losers of competitive simulations. Our results suggest non-pleiotropic networks evolve to deploy highly constitutive immune responses regardless of parasite prevalence, but some implementations of pleiotropy favor the evolution of highly inducible immunity. These inducible pleiotropic networks are no less fit than non-pleiotropic networks and can out-compete non-pleiotropic networks in competitive simulations. These provide a theoretical explanation for the prevalence of pleiotropic genes in immune systems and highlight a mechanism that could facilitate the evolution of inducible immune responses.
A cost description of the setup costs of community-owned maternity waiting homes in rural Zambia
Authors: Juntunen Allison , Scott Nancy A. , Kaiser Jeanette L. , Vian Taryn , Ngoma Thandiwe , Mataka Kaluba K. , Bwalya Misheck , Sakanga Viviane , Kalaba David , Biemba Godfrey , Rockers Peter C. , Hamer Davidson H. , Long Lawrence C.
Published: April 2023

Maternity waiting homes (MWHs) are one strategy to improve access to skilled obstetric care in low resource settings such as Zambia. The Maternity Homes Access in Zambia project built 10 MWHs at rural health centers in Zambia for women awaiting delivery and postnatal care (PNC) visits. The objective of this paper is to summarize the costs associated with setup of 10 MWHs, including infrastructure, furnishing, stakeholder engagement, and activities to build the capacity of local communities to govern MWHs. We do not present operational costs after setup was complete. We used a retrospective, top-down program costing approach. We reviewed study documentation to compile planned and actual costs by site. All costs were annuitized using a 3% discount rate and organized by cost categories: (1) Capital: infrastructure and furnishing, and (2) Installation: capacity building activities and stakeholder engagement. We assumed lifespans of 30 years for infrastructure; 5 years for furnishings; and 3 years for installation activities. Annuitized costs were used to estimate cost per night stayed and per visit for delivery and PNC-related stays. We also modeled theoretical utilization and cost scenarios. The average setup cost of one MWH was $85,284 (capital: 76%; installation: 24%). Annuitized setup cost per MWH was USD$12,516 per year. At an observed occupancy rate of 39%, setup cost per visit to the MWH was USD$70, while setup cost per night stayed was USD$6. The cost of stakeholder engagement activities was underbudgeted by half at the beginning of this project.This analysis serves as a planning resource for governments and implementers that are considering MWHs as a component of their overall maternal and child health strategy. Planning considerations should include the annuitized cost, value of capacity building and stakeholder engagement, and that cost per bed night and visit are dependent upon utilization.
Translation of immunomodulatory therapy to treat chronic heart failure: Preclinical studies to first in human
Authors: Humes H. David , Aaronson Keith D. , Buffington Deborah A. , Sabbah Hani N. , Westover Angela J. , Yessayan Lenar T. , Szamosfalvi Balazs , Pagani Francis D.
Published: April 2023

Background

Inflammation has been associated with progression and complications of chronic heart failure (HF) but no effective therapy has yet been identified to treat this dysregulated immunologic state. The selective cytopheretic device (SCD) provides extracorporeal autologous cell processing to lessen the burden of inflammatory activity of circulating leukocytes of the innate immunologic system.

Aim

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the SCD as an extracorporeal immunomodulatory device on the immune dysregulated state of HF. HF.

Methods and results

SCD treatment in a canine model of systolic HF or HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) diminished leukocyte inflammatory activity and enhanced cardiac performance as measured by left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and stroke volume (SV) up to 4 weeks after treatment initiation. Translation of these observations in first in human, proof of concept clinical study was evaluated in a patient with severe HFrEFHFrEF ineligible for cardiac transplantation or LV LV assist device (LVAD) due to renal insufficiency and right ventricular dysfunction. Six hour SCD treatments over 6 consecutive days resulted in selective removal of inflammatory neutrophils and monocytes and reduction in key plasma cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α),), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1. These immunologic changes were associated with significant improvements in cardiac power output, right ventricular stroke work index, cardiac index and LVSV index…. Stabilization of renal function with progressive volume removal permitted successful LVAD implantation.

Conclusion

This translational research study demonstrates a promising immunomodulatory approach to improve cardiac performance in HFrEFHFrEF and supports the important role of inflammation in the progression of HFHF.
The effects of ischemia during rest intervals on strength endurance performance
Authors: Trybulski Robert , Bichowska Marta , Piwowar Rafal , Pisz Anna , Krzysztofik Michal , Filip-Stachnik Aleksandra , Fostiak Krzysztof , Makar Piotr , Wilk Michal
Published: April 2023

Background

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of ischemia used during the rest periods between successive sets on maximal number of performed repetitions, time under tension and bar velocity during the bench press exercise.

Methods and materials

Thirteen healthy resistance trained men volunteered for the study (age = 28.5 ± 7.1 years; body mass = 87.2 ± 8.6 kg; bench press 1RM = 143.1 ± 20.7 kg; training experience = 11.0 ± 6.9 years). In experimental protocol the subjects performed 5 sets of bench press exercise at 70%1RM with maximal number of repetitions in each and with 5 minutes rest periods between each set. During the ischemia condition occlusion with 80% arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) was applied using a 10 cm wide cuff, before the first set of the bench press exercise and during all rest periods between sets (for 4.5 minute). During the control condition no ischemia was applied.

Results

The two-way repeated measures ANOVA showed a statistically significant interaction effect for time under tension (p = 0.022; η2 = 0.20). However, the results did not show a statistically significant interaction effect for peak bar velocity (p = 0.28; η2 = 0.10) mean bar velocity (p = 0.38; η2 = 0.08), and for number of performed repetitions (p = 0.28; η2 = 0.09). The post hoc analysis for interaction showed significantly shorter time under tension for ischemia condition compared to control in set 1 (p < 0.01). The post hoc analysis for main effect of condition revealed that time under tension was significantly shorter for ischemia compared to control condition (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that ischemia intra-conditioning does not increase strength-endurance performance as well as bar velocity during bench press exercise performed to muscle failure.
Pre- and postoperative angle kappa in MIOL patients after touch-up LASIK
Authors: Saad Amr , Frings Andreas , Druchkiv Vasyl , Katz Toam
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To study the influence of angle kappa (κ) on visual acuity after implantation of a multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL) and consecutive “touch-up” corneal refractive surgery with Laser-in-situ-Keratomileusis (LASIK).

Methods

This retrospective multicenter study included patients who underwent MIOL surgery and consecutive LASIK (= Bioptics) in the period from 2016 to 2020 at Care Vision Refractive Centers in Germany. Our study was approved by the local ethics committee at the University in Duesseldorf (approval date: 23.04.2021) and conducted according to the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practices Guidelines. The pre- and post-operative κ of 548 eyes were measured using a Scheimpflug-based imaging system. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and the safety index (SI) were analyzed in relation with κ. For a more detailed analysis, the cohort was divided into pre-operative hyperopic and myopic patients to show group-specific differences.

Results

There was a significant decrease (p<0.001) in the magnitude of κ after MIOL implantation and Bioptics. However, there was almost no significant correlation of κ on CDVA and SI, pre- and postoperatively.

Conclusion

A large κ is not a significant risk factor for poor visual acuity. Therefore, it is not a suitable clinical predictor of postoperative outcomes after a Bioptic procedure.
The impact of digital logistics under the big environment of economy
Authors: Zhang Liuhua , Gong Tianbao , Tong Yanan
Published: April 2023

Digital logistics techniques are important for business applications that contribute to economic growth. The modern supply chain or logistics seeks to implement a large-scale smart infrastructure incorporating data, physical objects, information, products, and business progressions. The business applications are utilized various intelligent techniques to maximize the logistic process. However, the logistic process suffers due to transportation costs, quality, and multinational transportation. These factors frequently affect the region’s economic growth. In addition, most cities are located in remote areas that receive improper logistic support, which minimizes business growth. So, this work analyzes the impact of digital logistics on the region’s economy. The Yangtze River economic belt region, which includes almost 11 cities, is chosen for analysis. The gathered information is processed by Dynamic Stochastic Equilibrium with Statistical Analysis Modelling (DSE-SAM), which predicts the correlation and influence of digital logistics on economic development. Here, the judgment matrix is constructed to reduce the difficulties of data standardization and normalization processes. Then entropy model and statistical correlation analysis are utilized to improve the overall impact analysis process. Finally, the developed DSE-SAM based created system efficiency is compared with the other economic models, such as Spatial Durbin Model (SDM), Coupling Coordination Degree Model (CCDM), and Collaborative Degree Model (CDM). The results of the suggested DSE-SAM model achieve a high correlation of urbanization, logistics, and ecology in the Yangtze River economic belt region compared to other regions.
Parents’ and healthcare professionals’ perspectives on manual therapy in infants: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Driehuis Femke , Bakker-Jacobs Annick , Staal J. Bart , de Bie Rob A. , Nijhuis-van der Sanden Maria W. G. , Hoogeboom Thomas J.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Manual therapy in infants is embedded in Dutch healthcare despite inconsistent evidence and ongoing debate about its safety and merits. This study examines decision-making in manual therapy in infants and explores parents’ and healthcare professionals’ perspectives on this treatment approach.

Methods

This mixed-methods study consisted of an online survey among manual physiotherapists and paediatric physiotherapists exploring decision-making on manual therapy in infants and interprofessional collaboration. These data prompted further exploration and were combined with data collected with semi-structured interviews exploring parents’ and healthcare professionals’ perspectives. Interviews were analysed using an inductive content analysis approach.

Results

607 manual physiotherapists and 388 paediatric physiotherapists completed the online survey; 45% and 95% indicated they treat infants, respectively. Collaboration was reported by 46% of manual physiotherapists and 64% of paediatric physiotherapists for postural asymmetry, positional preference, upper cervical dysfunction, excessive crying, anxiety or restlessness. Reasons to not treat or collaborate were: limited professional competence, practice policy, not perceiving added value, lack of evidence and fear of complications. Analysis of interviews with 7 parents, 9 manual physiotherapists, 7 paediatric physiotherapists, 5 paediatricians and 2 maternity nurses revealed that knowledge and beliefs, professional norms, interpersonal relation, treatment experiences and emotions of parents influenced attitudes and decision-making towards choosing for manual therapy in infants.

Conclusion

Parents’ and healthcare professionals’ attitudes towards manual therapy in infants can be divided as ‘in favour’ or ‘against’. Those who experienced a good interpersonal relation with a manual physiotherapist and positive treatment outcomes reported positive attitudes. Lack of evidence, treatment experience and related knowledge, safety issues due to publications on adverse events and professional norms led to negative attitudes. Despite lacking evidence, positive treatment experiences, good interpersonal relation and parents feeling frustrated and despaired can overrule negative attitudes and directly influence the decision-making process and choosing for manual therapy treatment.
Awareness of obstetric fistula and its associated factors among reproductive-aged women: Demographic and health survey data from Gambia
Authors: Tweneboah Rabbi , Budu Eugene , Asiam Patience Dzigbordi , Aguadze Stephen , Acheampong Franklin
Published: April 2023

Childbirth complications continue to remain a major problem in various settings but most rampant in underdeveloped nations, including Gambia, where poor living condition is widespread. Obstetric Fistula (OF) has been cited as one of the most common issues experienced by mothers during labor over the years. The study thus focuses on evaluating the level of awareness of this condition among Gambian women of childbearing age. Women’s Data from the recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in Gambia was used for the study. A total of 11,864 women of reproductive age, who had completed cases of the variables of interest were used for the analysis. Stata version-16 was used in carrying out the analysis of this study; and Pearson Chi-square test for independence was used to examine the distribution of the awareness of fistula among Gambian women across the explanatory variables. A two model binary logistic regression was fitted to examine the association between the outcome variable and the explanatory variables. The study presented that, majority of the Gambian women (87.2%) had no knowledge about Obstetric Fistula, as they indicated to have never heard of the condition. Considering the individual factors, age was seen to be a significant factor in determining the awareness level of Obstetric Fistula among women of childbearing age. As they age, the higher their odds of knowing about the condition. Other factors such as level of education, marital status, pregnancy termination, media exposure, community poverty level, and employment were also discovered to be significant factors in determining a woman’s awareness of Obstetric Fistula. Considering the low level of awareness of Obstetric Fistula among Gambian women, there is therefore the need for the appropriate institutions to increase health educational programmes targeted at creating its awareness, and to provide further in-depth understanding of the condition to the few who already have a fair knowledge about it.
Survey research of patient’s preference on choosing microscopic or endoscopic spine surgery for lumbar discectomy
Authors: Keorochana Gun , Kraiwattanapong Chaiwat , Lertudomphonwanit Thamrong , Udomsubpayakul Umaporn , Leelapattana Pittavat , Chanplakorn Pongsthorn , Wannaratsiri Nutthee , Tawonsawatruk Tulyapruek
Published: April 2023

Background

There are several surgical methods of lumbar discectomy which provide the similar clinical outcomes. There is no clear evidence for how to select the procedures. To better understand the patient’s opinion and decision process in the selection of surgical methods between microscopic lumbar discectomy (MLD) and endoscopic lumbar discectomy (ELD).

Methods

A cross-sectional survey study. Summary information sheet was created by reviewing the comparative literatures, and tested for quality and bias. Participants read the summary information sheet then were asked to complete the anonymous questionnaire.

Results

Seventy-six patients (71%) of patients who had no experience in lumbar discectomy selected ELD while 31 patients (29%) selected MLD. There were significant differences of score between patients who selected MLD and ELD in this group for wound size, anesthetic method, operative time, blood loss and length of stay (P< 0.05). In patients who had experience in discectomy group, 22 patients (76%) who underwent MLD still selected MLD if they could select surgical methods again for themselves, while 24 patients (96%) who underwent ELD still selected ELD if they could select again. The most important factor in patients who selected MLD was outcomes of treatment. The most important factor in patients who selected ELD was wound size. There were significant differences of scores between patients who selected MLD and ELD in this group for wound size, anesthetic method, operative time, complication, cost and length of stay (P< 0.05).

Conclusions

About two thirds of the participants preferred ELD after reading the summary evidence information. The most important factor in MLD group was outcomes of treatment while the most important factor in ELD group was wound size.
Treatment pattern and clinical outcomes in multiple myeloma patients in Japan using the Medical Data Vision claims database
Authors: Handa Hiroshi , Ishida Tadao , Ozaki Shuji , Mori Asuka , Kato Kenichi , Iida Shinsuke
Published: April 2023

Multiple myeloma therapy has made remarkable progress with the advent of new drugs. We explored the treatment pattern and outcomes in Japanese patients with multiple myeloma using the Medical Data Vision database. Patients were categorized as per the initial diagnosis period (2003–2015 and 2016–2020), considering the adoption of these new agents and then based on stem cell transplantation. Overall, 6438 patient data were extracted as eligible for data analysis, and the median age at the index diagnosis date was 72.0 years. Bortezomib/dexamethasone was the most common regimen for induction therapy in patients requiring stem cell transplantation from 2003–2015, and the use of bortezomib/lenalidomide/dexamethasone increased from 2016–2020. Lenalidomide/dexamethasone was the most commonly used post-transplant therapy. In the non-stem cell transplantation group, bortezomib/dexamethasone was mainly used for both periods, while lenalidomide/dexamethasone was primarily used from 2016–2020. There was a trend toward shorter first-line treatment duration and a shift to additional treatment patterns with new drugs at the following lines. The time to inpatient death period suggested an improvement between the two periods. Thus, this study revealed that recent diversification of treatment options is preferred and contributes to improved outcomes in the clinical practice of multiple myeloma in Japan.
Identification of male COPD patients with exertional hypoxemia who may benefit from long-term oxygen therapy
Authors: Garnet Brian J. , Jean Elie , Lankenau Rodrigo Diaz , Campos Michael A.
Published: April 2023

Several studies have documented increased exercise capacity with supplemental oxygen therapy in patients with COPD and exertional hypoxemia, but a large trial failed to demonstrate a survival benefit in this population. Due to the heterogeneity observed in therapeutic responses, we sought to retrospectively evaluate survival in male COPD patients with exertional hypoxemia who had a clinically meaningful improvement in exercise capacity while using supplemental oxygen compared to their 6-minute walk test distance (6MWD) while walking on room air. We defined them as responders or non-responders based on a change in 6MWD of greater or less than 54m. We compared their clinical and physiologic characteristics, and their survival over time. From 817 COPD subjects who underwent an assessment for home oxygen during the study period, 140 met inclusion criteria, with 70 (50%) qualifying as responders. There were no significant differences in demographics, lung function, or baseline oxygenation between the groups. The only difference noted was in the baseline 6MWD on room air, with responders to oxygen therapy having significantly lower values (137 ± 74m, 27 ± 15% predicted) compared to non-responders (244 ± 108, 49 ± 23% predicted). Despite their poorer functional capacity, mortality was significantly lower in responders after adjusting for age, comorbidities, and FEV1 (HR 0.51; CI 0.31–0.83; p = 0.007) compared to non-responders after a median follow-up time of 3 years. We conclude that assessing the immediate effects of oxygen on exercise capacity may be an important way to identify individuals with exertional hypoxemia who may benefit in the long-term from ambulatory oxygen. Prospective long-term studies in this subset of patients with exercise induced hypoxemia are warranted.
Variation in salivary cortisol responses in yearling Thoroughbred racehorses during their first year of training
Authors: Holtby Amy R. , McGivney Beatrice A. , Browne John A. , Katz Lisa M. , Murphy Keith J. , Hill Emmeline W.
Published: April 2023

Thoroughbred horses are bred for competitive racing and undergo intense training regimes. The maintenance of physical soundness and desirable behavioural characteristics are critical to the longevity of a racing career. Horses intended for Flat racing generally enter training as yearlings and undergo introductory training prior to exercise conditioning for racing. This period requires rapid adjustment to a novel environment. As a prey animal, a horse’s ‘fight-or-flight’ response is highly adapted, in which a well-understood component of this response, the hypothalamic-pituitary-axis, is activated in response to a stress stimulus, releasing cortisol. In the Thoroughbred, a significant difference in salivary cortisol concentrations between pre- and post-first time ridden (i.e., first backing) by a jockey have previously been identified. Here, to test the hypothesis that salivary cortisol concentrations may be used to objectively detect individual variations in the acute physiological stress response we investigate individual variation in cortisol response to training milestones. Saliva samples were collected from a cohort of n = 96 yearling Flat racehorses, at the same training yard, across three timepoints at rest: before entering the training yard (n = 66), within three days of entry to the training yard (n = 67) and following 2–3 weeks in the training yard (n = 50). Salivary cortisol concentration was measured using an ELISA. There was no significant difference in cortisol concentration (ANOVA, P > 0.05) across the samples collected at timepoints at rest. Samples were also collected before and 30 minutes after exposure to three novel training events: first time long-reined (n = 6), first time backed by a jockey (n = 34), and first time ridden on the gallops (n = 10). Mean salivary cortisol concentration after all three novel training events was significantly higher than prior to the training event (Paired t-test, P <0.005). The ranges of post-event salivary cortisol concentration across all timepoints suggest individual variation in the measured stress response, reflecting individual differences in stress response to the early training environment. This measure may be used as an objective assessment of the stress response of Thoroughbred racehorses during training.
Selenoprotein K enhances STING oligomerization to facilitate antiviral response
Authors: Lv Lin , Chai Li , Wang Jie , Wang Mengge , Qin Danhui , Song Hui , Fu Yue , Zhao Chunyuan , Jia Jihui , Zhao Wei , Jia Mutian
Published: April 2023

Stimulator-of-interferon gene (STING) is a vital element of the innate immune system against DNA viruses. Optimal activation of STING is crucial for maintaining immune homeostasis and eliminating invading viruses, and the oligomerization of STING is an essential prerequisite for STING activation. However, the mechanism of cGAMP-induced STING oligomerization in ER remains unclear. Selenoproteins are crucial for various physiological processes. Here, we identified that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-located transmembrane selenoprotein K (SELENOK) was induced during virus infection and facilitated innate immune responses against herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1). Mechanistically, SELENOK interacts with STING in the ER and promotes STING oligomerization, which in turn promotes its translocation from the ER to the Golgi. Consequently, Selenok deficiency suppresses STING-dependent innate responses and facilitates viral replication in vivo. Thus, the control of STING activation by selenium-mediated SELENOK expression will be a priming therapeutic strategy for the treatment of STING-associated diseases.
The first study on the impact of lumpy skin disease outbreaks on monthly milk production on dairy farms in Khon Kaen, Thailand
Authors: Vinitchaikul Paramintra , Punyapornwithaya Veerasak , Seesupa Suvaluk , Phuykhamsingha Sitthinon , Arjkumpa Orapun , Sansamur Chalutwan , Jarassaeng Chaiwat
Published: April 2023

Background and Aim: Outbreaks of lumpy skin disease (LSD) have resulted in substantial economic losses to the dairy industry in Thailand. This study aimed to determine the influence of LSD outbreaks on monthly milk production levels.

Materials and Methods: Milk production for dairy farms located in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand, belonging to the Khon Kaen Dairy Cooperative, was affected by LSD outbreaks from May to August of 2021. The resulting data were analyzed using general linear mixed models.

Results: It was estimated that the LSD outbreak caused economic losses totaling 2,413,000 Thai Baht (68,943 USD) over the outbreak period. The monthly farm milk production level in May differed from the levels in June and August. Dairy farmers experienced losses between 8.23 and 9.96 tons of milk each month, which equated to between 4180 and 14,440 Thai Baht (119.43 and 412.57 USD) in monthly income.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that LSD outbreaks on dairy farms resulted in significant farm milk production losses. Our findings will increase awareness among authorities and stakeholders in the dairy industry of Thailand, as well as to assist in the prevention of future LSD outbreaks and minimize the negative impacts of LSD.

Keywords: dairy, lumpy skin disease, milk production, outbreaks, Thailand.
Comparison of Modified Cap-Assisted Endoscopic Mucosal Resection and Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in Treating Intraluminal Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (≤20 mm)
Authors: Meng Rui , Ni Muhan , Ren Wei , Zhou Ting , Zhang Xiang , Yan Peng , Ding Xiwei , Xu Guifang , Lv Ying , Zou Xiaoping , Zhou Lin , Wang Lei
Published: April 2023

INTRODUCTION:

A modified cap-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection (mEMR-C), introduced in this study, was a novel variation of the standard EMR. We aimed to compare the outcomes of mEMR-C and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for the treatment of small (≤20 mm) intraluminal gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (gGISTs).

METHODS:

This retrospective study included 43 patients who underwent mEMR-C and 156 patients who received ESD at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. Baseline characteristics, adverse events, and clinical outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to adjust for confounders. After propensity score matching using sex, year, location, and tumor size, outcomes were compared with 41 patients in each group.

RESULTS:

A total of 199 patients underwent endoscopic resection and the en bloc resection rate was 100%. The complete resection rate was comparable in both groups (P = 1.000). Approximately 9.5% of all patients had a positive margin. There was no significant difference in positive margin for patients undergoing mEMR-C or ESD (9.3% vs 9.6%, P = 1.000). No difference in adverse events in both groups (P = 0.724). The mEMR-C was associated with shorter operation time and lower cost than the ESD. Recurrence was reported in 2 patients at 1 and 5 years after ESD during a median follow-up of 62 months. No metastasis and disease-related death were identified in both groups. Propensity score matching analysis revealed similar results.

DISCUSSION:

The mEMR-C was found to be the preferable technique for small (≤20 mm) intraluminal gGISTs with shorter operation time and lower cost as compared with ESD.
MEASUREMENT OF SUPPORT VECTOR REGRESSION PERFORMANCE WITH CLUSTER ANALYSIS FOR STOCK PRICE MODELING
Authors: Arsy Izza Dinikal , Rosadi Dedi
Published: April 2023

Risk-averse investors will seek out stock investments with the minimum risk. One step that can be taken is to develop a model of stock prices and predict their fluctuations in the coming months. Significant studies on the modeling of stock movements have used the ARCH/GARCH method, but this method requires some assumptions. This paper will discuss the performance of stock modeling using Support Vector Regression. The performance is measured using the root mean square error value in two stock clusters based on its volatility value, e.g., stocks with large volatility and stocks with small volatility. This case study makes use of daily closing price data from 10 LQ-45 index shares from October 12, 2018 to October 11, 2019. In conclusion, SVR's performance on stocks with high volatility produces RMSE, which is considerably higher than SVR's performance on stocks with low volatility.
TOM complex‐independent transport pathway of myoglobin into mitochondria in C2C12 myotubes
Authors: Koma Rikuhide , Shibaguchi Tsubasa , Araiso Yuhei , Yamada Tatsuya , Nonaka Yudai , Jue Thomas , Masuda Kazumi
Published: April 2023

Recently, we found that myoglobin (Mb) localizes in both the cytosol and mitochondrial intermembrane space in rodent skeletal muscle. Most proteins of the intermembrane space pass through the outer mitochondrial membrane via the translocase of the outer membrane (TOM) complex. However, whether the TOM complex imports Mb remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the involvement of the TOM complex in Mb import into the mitochondria. A proteinase K protection assay of mitochondria from C2C12 myotubes confirmed that Mb integrated into the mitochondria. An immunoprecipitation assay verified the interaction of Mb and TOM complex receptors (Tom20, Tom70) in isolated mitochondria. The assay showed a clear interaction of Mb with Tom20 and Tom70. A knockdown experiment using siRNA for TOM complex receptors (Tom20, Tom70) and TOM complex channel (Tom40) did not alter the amount of Mb expression in the mitochondrial fraction. These results suggested that Mb does not necessarily require the TOM complex for mitochondrial import of Mb. Although the physiological role of Mb interactions with TOM complex receptors remains unclear, further studies are needed to clarify how Mb enters the mitochondria independently of the TOM complex.
Die Wiederkehr der Wunderkammer. Bibliothek 2040 – eine Utopie
Authors: Brembs Björn , Siems Renke
Published: April 2023

Immer noch werden die Auswirkungen der digitalen Transformation auf die Wissenschaftskommunikation unterschätzt und damit auch die Veränderung der Bibliothek. Die zunehmende Auflösung gewohnter Medienformen und die fortschreitende Vernetzung digitaler Ressourcen werden die Bibliothek 2040 zu einer neuen Form der Wunderkammer machen, die Wissen anders ordnen, aber die vergangenen Formen weiterhin im Kreis ihrer Kuriositäten ausstellen wird.
Baut keine Bibliotheken mehr!
Authors: Werner Klaus Ulrich
Published: April 2023

Bis zum Jahr 2040 ist eine Zäsur längst Geschichte: Bibliotheken entstehen ausschließlich in umgewidmeten Gebäuden, Bauen im Bestand hat aus Gründen der Nachhaltigkeit die Entstehung von Bibliotheksneubauten vollständig abgelöst. Die drastische Verringerung des ökologischen Fußabdrucks dieser Art des Bauens stellt nicht nur einen Fortschritt in Bezug auf Nachhaltigkeit dar, sondern die Umnutzung bringt neben den längst bekannten Vorteilen der Transformation von nicht mehr genutzten Gebäuden zu Bibliotheken auch bedeutende städtebauliche Potenziale zur Revitalisierung unserer verödeten Innenstädte und Ortskerne. Andererseits werden heute Bibliotheksfunktionen auch in das verdichtete städtische Wohnen integriert. Mehr als nur eine ‚ökologische‘ Renaissance von Bibliotheken!
Library Utopias and Dystopias Today and in 2040
Authors: Seadle Michael
Published: April 2023

Open access is a key utopian ideal for a large proportion of librarians, but before discussing libraries in 2040, it is important to define the term “library”. For some readers, a complete shift to electronic reading would be a utopia, especially for those with dyslexia and other reading disabilities since electronic reading offers means for compensating. For those whose utopia is the library building itself as a long-term repository for bound paper volumes, the future offers little hope. The prevalence of book banning attempts and of fake news of all sorts is a symptom of a fundamental distrust in information that is the hallmark of the librarian’s dystopia.
Bibliothek als Ereignis
Authors: Mehn Henriette
Published: April 2023

In 18 Jahren wird die Generation Alpha ihr Studium beginnen, somit auch in die Universitätsbibliotheken strömen und diese mitgestalten können. Der Beitrag zeigt mögliche Erfahrungen und Erkenntnisse, die die Studierenden von ihrem ersten Besuch in der Universitätsbibliothek 2040 mitnehmen können und wie Offenheit in Wissenschaft und Gesellschaft das Bibliothekswesen beeinflusst.
Die unsichtbare Bibliothek
Authors: Riesenweber Christina
Published: April 2023

Im Jahr 2040 ist die Institution „Bibliothek“ aus den Universitäten verschwunden. Stattdessen sind die Funktionen, die zuvor von Bibliotheken erfüllt wurden, an verschiedenen organisatorischen Orten mit neuen Verbindungen erschienen.
Kann die Spur von Bibliotheken nicht in Äonen untergehen?
Authors: Seeliger Frank
Published: April 2023

Der Beitrag bezieht über zwei Narrative zu einer Vision Stellung, die hoffentlich in greifbarer Nähe ist. Die Aussichten beziehen sich auf die Selbstorganisation und den neu zu gestaltenden Kreislauf des Wissens, wofür sich Bibliotheken zuständig fühlen.