bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Örgütsel Öğrenme Kapasitesi, Çift Yeteneklilik, Çevre Dinamizmi ve Yenilik Performansı İlişkisi
Authors: ÇELİK Vural , KİTAPÇI Hakan , ÇETİN KARABAT Burçin
Published: December 2022

Bu çalışma bilgi teknolojileri (BT) sektöründe faaliyet gösteren işletmelerin örgütsel öğrenme kapasitelerinin, gelecek dönemlerde işletmede yapılacak yenilikleri ve çevresel dinamizmi nasıl etkileyeceğini tespit etmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Araştırmada çift yetenekliliğin örgütsel öğrenme kapasitesi üzerindeki etkisinin yanı sıra çevresel dinamizmin işletmelerin yenilik yapma performansını nasıl etkilediği incelenmektedir. Bu doğrultuda geliştirilen araştırma modelindeki ilişkileri ölçmek amacı ile BT sektöründe çalışan 311 orta ve üst düzey yöneticiden elde edilen veriler Smart PLS 2.0 ve SPSS programları aracılığı ile analiz edilmiştir. Verilerin analizinde faktör analizi ve korelasyon analizi kullanılmıştır. Yapısal eşitlik modeli kullanılarak test edilen araştırma hipotezlerinin tamamı kabul edilmiştir. Farklı sektörlerdeki işletmelerin katılımı ile elde edilecek genişletilmiş veri setine rekabet ortamı, pazar dalgalanmaları gibi faktörlerin dahil edilmesi ile araştırma sonuçlarının genellenebilirliği artıracaktır.
COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF AN INTERVENTION TO IMPROVE DIAGNOSIS AND PREVENTION OF PAEDIATRIC TUBERCULOSIS IN UGANDA
Authors: Sakib S M Nazmuz
Published: December 2022

'Decentralize Tuberculosis Services and Engage Communities to Transform lives of Children with Tuberculosis' was a project set up to strengthen district and community level health care delivery in two districts in Uganda to improve childhood TB case finding, treatment and prevention and to develop a sustainable health systems delivery model for national and regional scale-up. An initial search identified 513 studies. After the removal of duplicates, only 385 studies were left. The abstracts and titles of the 101 studies were scanned to determine their significance for this systematic review. After elimination, 18 articles remained; they were scrutinized based on predefined eligibility criteria. Finally, 14 articles were identified that effectively passed the eligibility criteria. The DEcentralize Tuberculosis Services and Engage Communities to Transform Lives of Children with Tuberculosis (DETECT) intervention was found to be more cost-effective than the standard of care for diagnosing, managing, and preventing pediatric tuberculosis.
IMPLEMENTAÇÕES DA HISTÓRIA DA MATEMÁTICA NA EDUCAÇÃO BÁSICA: O QUE NOS APRESENTAM OS ANAIS DO SEMINÁRIO NACIONAL DE HISTÓRIA DA MATEMÁTICA SOBRE ESSA TEMÁTICA?
Authors: Gambarotto Jardim Bergamim Érica , Maria Trivizoli Lucieli , Meneghello Passos Marinez
Published: December 2022

O evento Seminário Nacional de História da Matemática (SNHM) tem contribuído para a ampliação e divulgação de investigações na área de História da Matemática no Brasil. Considerando a importância desse evento, neste artigo trazemos os resultados de uma investigação que procurou identificar e interpretar o que os trabalhos publicados nas edições de 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 e 2021 do SNHM relatam a respeito de implementações envolvendo História da Matemática na Educação Básica. Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica, por meio da qual se buscou trabalhos das referidas edições do evento que tratassem da temática, o que nos levou à identificação de 16 deles. Por meio dos procedimentos da Análise de Conteúdo, realizamos o estudo das contribuições das implementações indicadas pelos autores das divulgações, assumindo por categorias a priori aquelas estabelecidas por Miguel (1997). Desse processo analítico evidenciamos que são poucos os trabalhos que tratam da implementação da História da Matemática na Educação Básica. Naqueles que se dedicaram à temática, seus autores reforçam os argumentos pautados na motivação e na aprendizagem com compreensão, codificadas por nós por C1 e C11, as quais foram assumidas por categorias a priori e que estão assim descritas em Miguel (1997): A história é uma fonte de motivação para o ensino e aprendizagem da matemática; A história é um instrumento que pode promover a aprendizagem significativa e compreensiva da matemática.
REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA DE LITERATURA SOBRE O CONCEITO DE FUNÇÃO À LUZ DA TEORIA ANTROPOLÓGICA DO DIDÁTICO
Authors: Dagmar Pessoa Brandão Jefferson , Campos Cusati Iracema
Published: December 2022

Este artigo apresenta uma Revisão Sistemática de Literatura (RSL) de pesquisas no contexto da Teoria Antropológica do Didático (TAD) de Chevallard e do conceito matemático de Função. O questionamento que conduziu o estudo foi: quais as contribuições da TAD nas investigações que adotaram o conceito de função como objeto de pesquisa? Apoiados na RSL, modalidade de investigação conduzida por critérios específicos que propõe sintetizar um grande corpus documental, são expostas as bases escolhidas, a delimitação da questão, a elaboração das estratégias de busca, a seleção dos documentos e a sistematização dos resultados. A composição dessa sistematização foi organizada com as seguintes categorias: objeto, aporte teórico, metodologia de pesquisa e principais resultados encontrados de cada trabalho estudado. São analisadas, entre teses, dissertações e artigos revisados por pares, vinte pesquisas oriundas de busca no catálogo de Teses e Dissertações da CAPES e no portal de periódicos SciELO. Observou-se que a TAD é uma teoria que tem sido cada vez mais abordada por contribuir para os estudos na Educação Matemática, sobretudo na análise praxeológica de conceitos matemáticos. As pesquisas examinadas apresentam a relevância da TAD na análise de livros didáticos, na observação de aulas, na utilização de recursos tecnológicos e na proposta de um Percurso de Estudo e Pesquisa (PEP).
A CONSTRUÇÃO DE VÍDEOS COMO UMA PROPOSTA PARA ENSINAR E APRENDER MATEMÁTICA NOS ANOS FINAIS DO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL
Authors: Susi Peixoto Cleibiane , Gonçalves Vilas Bôas Sandra
Published: December 2022

"Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo apresentar a contribuição da construção de vídeos para a formação de conceitos matemáticos por um grupo de alunos dos anos finais do ensino fundamental. A pesquisa foi realizada no Colégio Estadual da Polícia Militar de Goiás, no município de Ipameri. A abordagem utilizada para o seu desenvolvimento foi a qualitativa, na modalidade de estudo de caso. O processo de construção dos vídeos foi conduzido por meio do trabalho com projetos, na dinâmica de trabalho colaborativo e nas seis etapas para a produção de vídeos indicadas por Borba, Fontes, Oechsler (2017). A produção dos dados aconteceu a partir dos projetos de construção dos vídeos mediante diferentes instrumentos de coleta, quais sejam, a plataforma Google Sala de Aula, registros fotográficos e em vídeo, notas de campo, questionário, diário de bordo dos alunos, observação participante, além das rodas de conversa. A análise dos dados se concretizou com base na Triangulação dos Métodos de investigação. O produto desta pesquisa apresenta-se na forma virtual, constituindo-se de quatro vídeos produzidos pelos alunos, sob a orientação da pesquisadora. Os resultados demonstraram que a construção de vídeo nas aulas de Matemática contribui para a compreensão de conceitos matemáticos, além de instruir os alunos a construir e editar vídeos envolvendo os conhecimentos matemáticos, motivar o seu interesse pela aprendizagem através da construção de vídeos, instigar-lhes o gosto e o interesse pela Matemática, amenizar suas dificuldades em relação à disciplina e incentivar o processo de ensino e aprendizagem colaborativo tanto nos professores como nos alunos."
Experimental investigation of shear-extension coupling effect in anisotropic reinforced concrete membrane elements
Authors: Kosuru Ratnasai , Sengupta Amlan Kumar
Published: December 2022

Performance based analysis under seismic loads using the finite element method for wall-type reinforced concrete (RC) members in buildings and in important structures like liquid retaining structures, nuclear containment structures, offshore concrete gravity structures etc., necessitates the understanding of the non-linear behaviour of the constituent membrane elements. The current orthotropic formulation of the softened membrane model (SMM) can be strictly used only when the reinforcement is symmetric to the principal axes of applied stresses. When the reinforcement is asymmetric, shear strain is generated due to the normal stresses in the principal axes of applied stresses, which is referred to as shear-extension coupling. An anisotropic formulation is required to capture the generated shear strain. The current study quantifies the shear strain due to asymmetry in reinforcement, by testing panels under biaxial tension-compression using a large-scale panel testing facility. A model for the shear strain is proposed based on the tests data. The paper presents the experimental programme, important test results and the modelling of shear strain. Expression developed for the shear strain can be incorporated in the solution algorithm of the SMM for improved prediction of the shear behaviour of a membrane element. This further aids in accurate prediction of the seismic performance of the important structures mentioned earlier.
Amyloidosis: What does pathology offer? The evolving field of tissue biopsy
Authors: Riefolo Mattia , Conti Matteo , Longhi Simone , Fabbrizio Benedetta , Leone Ornella
Published: December 2022

Since the mid-nineteenth century pathology has followed the convoluted story of amyloidosis, recognized its morphology in tissues and made identification possible using specific staining. Since then, pathology studies have made a significant contribution and advanced knowledge of the disease, so providing valuable information on the pathophysiology of amyloid aggregation and opening the way to clinical studies and non-invasive diagnostic techniques. As amyloidosis is a heterogeneous disease with various organ and tissue deposition patterns, histology evaluation, far from offering a simple yes/no indication of amyloid presence, can provide a wide spectrum of qualitative and quantitative information related to and changing with the etiology of the disease, the comorbidities and the clinical characteristics of patients. With the exception of cardiac transthyretin related amyloidosis cases, which today can be diagnosed using non-biopsy algorithms when stringent clinical criteria are met, tissue biopsy is still an essential tool for a definitive diagnosis in doubtful cases and also to define etiology by typing amyloid fibrils. This review describes the histologic approach to amyloidosis today and the current role of tissue screening biopsy or targeted organ biopsy protocols in the light of present diagnostic algorithms and various clinical situations, with particular focus on endomyocardial and renal biopsies. Special attention is given to techniques for typing amyloid fibril proteins, necessary for the new therapies available today for cardiac transthyretin related amyloidosis and to avoid patients receiving inappropriate chemotherapy in presence of plasma cell dyscrasia unrelated to amyloidosis. As the disease is still burdened with high mortality, the role of tissue biopsy in early diagnosis to assure prompt treatment is also mentioned.
Non-prompt surgery for patients with acute type A aortic dissection without pre-operative shock and malperfusion
Authors: Wu Shye-Jao , Fan Ya-Fen , Tsai Yu-Chu , Sun Shen , Chien Chen-Yen , Li Jiun-Yi
Published: December 2022

Background

Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) requires urgent surgical treatment. However, during daily practice, there were some patients with ATAAD sought for medical attention several days after symptoms occurred and some other patients hesitated to receive aortic surgery after the diagnosis of ATAAD was made. This study aims to investigate the surgical outcomes of non-prompt aortic surgery (delayed diagnosis caused by the patient or delayed surgery despite immediate diagnosis) for ATAAD patients.

Methods

From November 2004 to June 2020, of more than 200 patients with ATAAD patients who underwent aortic surgery at our hospital, there were 30 patients without pre-operative shock and malperfusion who sought for medical attention with symptoms for several days or delayed aortic surgery several days later despite ATAAD was diagnosed. Of the 30 patients (median age 60.9, range 33.4~82.5 years) in the study group, there were 18 patients undergoing surgery when they arrived at our hospital (delayed diagnosis by the patient) and 12 patients receiving surgery days later (delayed surgery despite immediate diagnosis). Patients with prompt surgery after symptom onset (control group) were matched from our database by propensity score matching. The surgical mortality rate and post-operative morbidities were compared between the study group and control group.

Results

The in-hospital mortality was 3.3% for the study group and 6.7% for the control group (p = non-significant). The incidence of post-operative cerebral permanent neurological defect was 0% for the study group and 13.3% for the control group (p = 0.112). There were three patients receiving aortic re-intervention or re-do aortic surgery during follow-up for the study group and two patients for the control group.

Conclusion

Prompt surgery for ATAAD is usually a good choice if everything is well prepared. Besides, urgent but non-prompt aortic surgery could also provide acceptable surgical results for ATAAD patients without pre-operative shock and malperfusion who did not seek medical attention or who could not make their minds to undergo surgery immediately after symptom onset. Hospitalization with intensive care is very important for pre-operative preparation and monitoring for the patients who decline prompt aortic surgery.
Historical and projected spatial and temporal rainfall status of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from 1982 to 2050
Authors: Nyembo Latifa O. , Mwabumba Mohamed , Jahangeer Jahangeer , Kumar Vikram
Published: December 2022

Dar es Salaam, like other cities in Africa, experiences flash floods during the rainfall season that destroy infrastructure due to the overflow of rivers and blocked sewage. This study investigates the historical and future variability and changes in spatial and temporal rainfall over Dar es Salaam. Station data and Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS) gridded data crossing 38 years (1982–2019) were used as a baseline and the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) dataset from 2021 to 2050 was used for projection under Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP 4.5) forcing scenarios. A trend analysis of historical data was conducted at monthly, seasonal, and annual timescales. Mann–Kendall statistical tests and Sen’s slope estimator were applied to identify the current trend direction and magnitude of changes in rainfall patterns over time. A standardized anomaly index (SAI) was also employed to detect the region’s trends in wetness and dryness. The spatial distribution of rainfall in the city was investigated using an inverse distance weighted (IDW) interpolation technique. The statistical results reveal that a non-significant trend in rainfall was observed on monthly, seasonal, and annual timescales. Generally, in the future (2021–2050), the annual cycle of rainfall shows a slight decrease in monthly rainfall, especially from January to August, and an increase from September to December compared to historical (1982–2019) rainfall, for most of studied locations. Spatially, the distribution of projected rainfall shows that the southern part of the city will experience higher rainfall than other parts. The most significant findings were a decrease in annual projected rainfall by 20%, the MAM projected rainfall season increased by 42%, and an increase of 38% of the OND-projected rainfall season. The findings of this study will be useful for the improved management and planning of the city.
Diagnostic signature, subtype classification, and immune infiltration of key m6A regulators in osteomyelitis patients
Authors: Shi Xiangwen , Ni Haonan , Wu Yipeng , Guo Minzheng , Wang Bin , Zhang Yue , Zhang Bihuan , Xu Yongqing
Published: December 2022

Background: As a recurrent inflammatory bone disease, the treatment of osteomyelitis is always a tricky problem in orthopaedics. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulators play significant roles in immune and inflammatory responses. Nevertheless, the function of m6A modification in osteomyelitis remains unclear.

Methods: Based on the key m6A regulators selected by the GSE16129 dataset, a nomogram model was established to predict the incidence of osteomyelitis by using the random forest (RF) method. Through unsupervised clustering, osteomyelitis patients were divided into two m6A subtypes, and the immune infiltration of these subtypes was further evaluated. Validating the accuracy of the diagnostic model for osteomyelitis and the consistency of clustering based on the GSE30119 dataset.

Results: 3 writers of Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), RNA-binding motif protein 15B (RBM15B) and Casitas B-lineage proto-oncogene like 1 (CBLL1) and three readers of YT521-B homology domain-containing protein 1 (YTHDC1), YT521-B homology domain-containing family 3 (YTHDF2) and Leucine-rich PPR motif-containing protein (LRPPRC) were identified by difference analysis, and their Mean Decrease Gini (MDG) scores were all greater than 10. Based on these 6 significant m6A regulators, a nomogram model was developed to predict the incidence of osteomyelitis, and the fitting curve indicated a high degree of fit in both the test and validation groups. Two m6A subtypes (cluster A and cluster B) were identified by the unsupervised clustering method, and there were significant differences in m6A scores and the abundance of immune infiltration between the two m6A subtypes. Among them, two m6A regulators (METTL3 and LRPPRC) were closely related to immune infiltration in patients with osteomyelitis.

Conclusion: m6A regulators play key roles in the molecular subtypes and immune response of osteomyelitis, which may provide assistance for personalized immunotherapy in patients with osteomyelitis.
Development of dynamical network biomarkers for regulation in Epstein-Barr virus positive peripheral T cell lymphoma unspecified type
Authors: Shen Dan , Hong Yin , Feng Zhengyang , Chen Xiangying , Cai Yuxing , Peng Qiliang , Tu Jian
Published: December 2022

Background: This study was performed to identify key regulatory network biomarkers including transcription factors (TFs), miRNAs and lncRNAs that may affect the oncogenesis of EBV positive PTCL-U.

Methods: GSE34143 dataset was downloaded and analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between EBV positive PTCL-U and normal samples. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses were performed to illustrate the potential function of the DEGs. Then, key regulators including TFs, miRNAs and lncRNAs involved in EBV positive PTCL-U were identified by constructing TF–mRNA, lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA, and EBV encoded miRNA–mRNA regulatory networks.

Results: A total of 96 DEGs were identified between EBV positive PTCL-U and normal tissues, which were related to immune responses, B cell receptor signaling pathway, chemokine activity. Pathway analysis indicated that the DEGs were mainly enriched in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and chemokine signaling pathway. Based on the TF network, hub TFs were identified regulate the target DEGs. Afterwards, a ceRNA network was constructed, in which miR-181(a/b/c/d) and lncRNA LINC01744 were found. According to the EBV-related miRNA regulatory network, CXCL10 and CXCL11 were found to be regulated by EBV-miR-BART1-3p and EBV-miR-BHRF1-3, respectively. By integrating the three networks, some key regulators were found and may serve as potential network biomarkers in the regulation of EBV positive PTCL-U.

Conclusion: The network-based approach of the present study identified potential biomarkers including transcription factors, miRNAs, lncRNAs and EBV-related miRNAs involved in EBV positive PTCL-U, assisting us in understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie the carcinogenesis and progression of EBV positive PTCL-U.
COVID-19 vaccinology landscape in Africa
Authors: Baptista Sara , Naidoo Sanushka , Suliman Sara , Nepolo Emmanuel , Kanoi Bernard N. , Gitaka Jesse , Blessing Oyedemi Mbaebie , Enany Shymaa
Published: December 2022

More than two years after the start of COVID-19 pandemic, Africa still lags behind in terms vaccine distribution. This highlights the predicament of Africa in terms of vaccine development, deployment, and sustainability, not only for COVID-19, but for other major infectious diseases that plague the continent. This opinion discusses the challenges Africa faces in its race to vaccinate its people, and offers recommendations on the way forward. Specifically, to get out of the ongoing vaccine shortage trap, Africa needs to diversify investment not only to COVID-19 but also other diseases that burden the population. The continent needs to increase its capacity to acquire vaccines more equitably, improve access to technologies to enable local manufacture of vaccines, increase awareness on vaccines both in rural and urban areas to significantly reduce disease incidence of COVID-19 and as well as other prevalent diseases on the African continent such as HIV and TB. Such efforts will go a long way to reduce the disease burden in Africa.
Fascia iliaca compartment block can reduce the incidence of early post-operative cognitive impairment in elderly patients with high-risk hip replacement
Authors: Tang Li , Li Bo , Guo Shun , Zhao Xiaoyong , He Binbin , Liu Weiwei , Xia Rui
Published: December 2022

Objective

In this study, we aimed to observe the effects of ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) combined with hypobaric spinal anesthesia on post-operative pain and cognitive function in elderly patients with high-risk hip replacement.

Methods

A total of 84 elderly patients—aged 65–85 years, with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status III–IV, and scheduled for hip arthroplasty between September 2021 and May 2022—were selected. One or more organs with moderate to severe impairment were included in all patients. The patients were randomly divided into a hypobaric spinal anesthesia group (group C, control group) and an ultrasound-guided FICB combined with hypobaric spinal anesthesia group (group E, experimental group). Group C was given 3.5 mL of 0.32% ropivacaine hypobaric spinal anesthesia, and group E received ultrasound-guided FICB combined with 3.5 mL of 0.32% ropivacaine hypobaric spinal anesthesia. The patients were compared using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Harris hip function score, and simple Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale. Blood β-amyloid (Aβ) and neuronal microtubule-associated protein (tau) levels were measured. We compared intraoperative conditions and post-operative complications between the two groups to assess the effects of FICB combined with hypobaric spinal anesthesia on post-operative pain and cognitive function in elderly patients with high-risk hip replacement.

Results

At 1 and 3 days after the operation, patients in group C had significantly higher VAS and lower MMES scores than those in group E. The differences were statistically significant at 1 (P < 0.01) and 3 (P < 0.05) days after the operation. At 1 day after operation, the Harris score of patients in group C was significantly lower than that of patients in group E (P < 0.05). The Aβ and tau levels of patients in group C were significantly higher than those of patients in group E at 1 day after the operation (P < 0.01). The Aβ levels of patients in group C were significantly higher than those of patients in group E at 3 days after the operation (P < 0.05). The intraoperative conditions and post-operative complication rates did not differ significantly between the two groups. At 1 day before and 5 days after the operation, there was no difference in any of the indicators.

Conclusion

By lowering pain and managing Aβ and tau protein concentrations, FICB can successfully lower the incidence of early post-operative cognitive impairment in elderly patients with high-risk hip replacement.

Clinical trial registration

www.chictr.org.cn, identifier: ChiCTR2100051162.
Concurrence of multiple aneurysms, extreme coiling of the extracranial internal carotid artery and ipsilateral persistent primitive hypoglossal artery: A case report and literature review
Authors: Wan Zheng , Liu Tianyi , Xu Ning , Liu Qin , Yu Xiaodong , Wang Honglei
Published: December 2022

Background

The primitive hypoglossal artery (PHA) is an anastomotic vessel of the carotid-basilar artery system that is prevalent only transiently during the embryonic period. Persistent primitive hypoglossal artery (PPHA) is a rare vessel variation in which PHA exists persistently in adulthood and occurs in approximately 0.02–0.1% of the population. Tortuosity of the extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) is relatively common, impacting 10–43% of the population, and is caused by either congenital or acquired factors. It is still unknown whether PPHA and tortuosity of extracranial ICA are associated. Here, we present a case report of the concurrence of three types of pathologies of the carotid artery: extreme coiling of the extracranial internal carotid artery, multiple aneurysms and persistent primitive hypoglossal artery.

Case description

A 66-year-old woman suffered intermittent headaches, dizziness and numbness of the right eyelid for 5 years. Magnetic resonance angiography performed in a local hospital reported an aneurysm of the posterior communicating artery segment of the left ICA and a left PPHA. Digital subtraction angiography conducted after admission showed a PPHA originating from the left cervical ICA and an extremely coiling segment of the ICA distal to the beginning of PPHA. Except for the aneurysm of the posterior communicating artery segment of the left ICA, multiple aneurysms were found at the coiling segment of the ICA.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of PPHA accompanied by an adjacent, extremely coiling ICA. There are no reports of similar tortuous ICAs to this extent or at this position. Including aneurysms, three types of pathologies suggest their congenital origin, and a review of the literature infers the probable association of these lesions.
Field-programmable encoding for address-event representation
Authors: Purohit Prafull , Manohar Rajit
Published: December 2022

In conventional frame-based image sensors, every pixel records brightness information and sends this information to a receiver serially in a scanning fashion. This full-frame readout approach suffers from high bandwidth requirements and increased power consumption with the increasing size of the pixel array. Event-based image sensors are gaining popularity for reducing the bandwidth and power requirements by sending only meaningful data in an event-driven approach with the help of address-event representation (AER) communication protocol. However, the event-based readout suffers from increased latency and timing error when the number of pixels with an event increase. In this paper, we introduce a new field-programmable AER (FP-AER) encoding scheme which offers benefits of both frame-based and event-based approaches. The readout design can be configured “in the field” using configuration bits. We also compare the performance of the proposed design against existing AER-based approaches for imaging applications and show that FP-AER performs best in both scanning and event-based readout.
Implementation and optimization of hybrid parallel strategy in HNET
Authors: Li Peijun , Hao Chen , Liu Zhaoyuan , Liu Tao
Published: December 2022

For the self-developed three-dimensional whole-core High-fidelity NEutron Transport calculation program HNET, although the numerical acceleration algorithms can improve the computation performance of high-fidelity neutron transport in terms of algorithms and models, it still faces some critical issues such as long computing time and enormous memory requirement. The rapid development of high-performance clusters provides a foundation for the application of massively parallel computing. Most current MOC programs are based on a single-type variable to achieve efficient parallelism, and spatial domain decomposition methods are the most common parallel schemes. However, its parallelism is limited and cannot fully utilize the current state-of-the-art computer resources. To solve this problem, hybrid parallel strategies are implemented in HNET to further expand the parallel degree, improve the speed of computation, and reduce the memory requirement. A hybrid MPI/OpenMP method based on domain decomposition and characteristic rays is proposed for the method of characteristics (MOC). For domain decomposition, the simulation domain is divided into spatial subdomains, with each subdomain handled by different processes. On this basis, the characteristic ray parallelism is implemented taking advantage of the inherent parallelism of the characteristic rays. Meanwhile, the optimization of the hybrid parallel strategy further improves the computation speed by eliminating atomic operations and using private pointer arrays and other techniques. In addition, in the framework of generalized equivalence theory (GET) based two-level coarse mesh finite difference method (CMFD), there is also a certain time consumption in solving CMFD linear system. Hence, for CMFD, a hybrid MPI/OpenMP method based on domain decomposition and secondary domain decomposition can be used. Using the secondary domain decomposition method, each subdomain is divided into sub-subdomains, with each sub-subdomain handled by threads, which allows CMFD to utilize the resources of characteristic ray parallelism in MOC, and also increases the speed of CMFD computation. Numerical results show that for both steady-state and transient calculations, the hybrid MPI/OpenMP in HNET can further expand the parallelism and accelerate the computation. It can take full use of parallel resources and achieve large-scale parallelism.
Nanocarrier system: An emerging strategy for bioactive peptide delivery
Authors: Zhang Xu , Li Xinshe , Zhao Yunhao , Zheng Qing , Wu Qiang , Yu Yougui
Published: December 2022

Compared with small-molecule synthetic drugs, bioactive peptides have desirable advantages in efficiency, selectivity, safety, tolerance, and side effects, which are accepted by attracting extensive attention from researchers in food, medicine, and other fields. However, unacceptable barriers, including mucus barrier, digestive enzyme barrier, and epithelial barrier, cause the weakening or the loss of bioavailability and biostability of bioactive peptides. The nanocarrier system for bioactive peptide delivery needs to be further probed. We provide a comprehensive update on the application of versatile delivery systems for embedding bioactive peptides, including liposomes, polymer nanoparticles, polysaccharides, hydrogels, and self-emulsifying delivery systems, and further clarify their structural characterization, advantages, and disadvantages as delivery systems. It aims to provide a reference for the maximum utilization of bioactive peptides. It is expected to be an effective strategy for improving the bioavailability and biostability of bioactive peptides.
A study of starch resources with high-amylose content from five Chinese mutant banana species
Authors: Li Bo , Xie Baoguo , Liu Jin , Chen Xiaoai , Zhang Yanjun , Tan Lehe , Wang Yitong , Zhu Libin , Zhu Kexue , Huang Chongxing
Published: December 2022

Investigation on staple crop starch of new species has been becoming the research focus of scholars at present. Based on this, the physicochemical properties and microstructural characteristics of starches isolated from Chinese mutant Musa acuminata Colla acuminata and double balbisiana (MA), Musa double acuminata cv. Pisang Mas (MAM), Musa acuminata cv. Pisang Awak (MAA), and Musa Basjoo Siebold (MBS), and Musa double acuminata and balbisiana-Prata (MAP) were investigated. Results exhibited that all starches exhibited high content of amylose (34.04–42.59%). According to the particle size, they were divided into medium (MA, MAM) (14.54–17.71 μm) and large (MAA, MBS, MAP) (23.01–23.82 μm) group. The medium group with A-type crystallization showed higher peak viscosity (PV), final viscosity, gel fracturability and gel hardness. For large group with B-type crystallization, the compact particle morphology, higher degree of crystallinity, short range order, gelatinization enthalpy, pasting temperature, lower porosity, water absorption capacity (WAC) and oil absorption capacity were found. In addition, the medium group with higher PV and gel hardness could be used as food thickening or gelling agents. The large group with higher Rc, short-range order, lower porosity and WAC could be potential to become raw material for resistant starch. All results showed the amylose content, had significant effect on the microstructure and physicochemical properties of starch samples. Outcomes in this investigation might provide a basis of theoretical application for industrial food production.
Evaluation of the role of local therapy in patients with cN1M0 prostate cancer: A population-based study from the SEER database
Authors: Qi Feng , Xu Wenbo , Li Lu , Li Xiao , Xu Zicheng
Published: December 2022

Objective

To investigate the prognostic value of local therapy (LT) in cN1M0 prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods

Patients diagnosed with cN1M0 PCa were extracted from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database. Kaplan-Meier (KM) curve was used to compare the survival outcomes between patients treated with and without LT. Further, among patients receiving LT, KM analysis was also applied to investigate the survival differences in patients with radical prostatectomy (RP) and radiation therapy (RT). Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to balance the basic characteristics of patients in each group and make it comparable when exploring the survival impact of different treatment types. Finally, uni- and multivariable Cox proportional-hazards models were utilized to identify independent prognostic factors associated with overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in this population.

Results

Patients treated with LT had significantly better OS (P<0.0001) and CSS (P<0.0001) than those without LT, as well as in most subgroups, except for non-White patients, or those with ISUP grade group 1 or T3 stage. Notably, patients receiving RP also had significantly better OS (P=0.00012) and CSS (P=0.0045) than those treated with RT alone, especially in those aged ≥75 years old, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) 10-20 ng/mL, ISUP grade 1-3 or non-white patients. Finally, clinical T stage, ISUP grade group and the administration of LT were identified to be independent prognostic factors for OS and CSS among cN1M0 PCa patients.

Conclusion

The cN1M0 PCa patients treated with LT were associated with significantly better survival. Among patients receiving LT, the combination of RP and PLND could lead to a better prognosis compared to RT alone in most subgroups. An individualized treatment strategy is warranted to be developed after weighing the benefits and risks of treatment.
Meta-analysis of the effect of PGM on survival prognosis of tumor patients
Authors: Zheng Zhewen , Bai Jian , Shen Shuangting , Zhu Chunmei , Zhou Yunfeng , Zhang Xue
Published: December 2022

Objective

A systematic evaluation of the impact of phosphoglucose translocase PGM on the survival prognosis of tumor patients was conducted to understand its impact on tumors so as to improve the quality of survival and to find effective therapeutic targets for tumor patients.

Methods

The following were searched in the databases China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, Wipu, PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library: “PGM1”, “PGM2”, “PGM3”, “PGM4”, and “PGM5” as Chinese keywords and “PGM1”, “PGM2”, “PGM3”, “PGM4”, “PGM5”, “PGM1 cancer”, “PGM2 cancer”, “PGM3 cancer”, “PGM4 cancer”, “PGM5 cancer”, and “phosphoglucomutase”. Relevant studies published from the database establishment to April 2022 were collected. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were extracted and evaluated for quality with reference to the Cochrane 5.1.0 systematic evaluation method, and quality assessment was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

The final results of nine articles and 10 studies with a total of 3,806 patients were included, including 272 patients in the PGM1 group, 541 patients in the PGM2 group, 1,775 patients in the PGM3 group, and 1,585 patients in the PGM5 group. Results of the meta-analysis: after determining the results of the nine articles, it was found that the difference was statistically significant with a p-value <0.05 (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.89, 95% CI 0.69–1.09, p = 0.000). To find the sources of heterogeneity, the remaining eight papers were tested after removing the highly sensitive literature, and the results showed I2 = 26.5%, p < 0.001, a statistically significant difference. The HR for high expression of PGM1 and PGM2 and PGM5 was <1, while the HR for high expression of PGM3 was >1.

Conclusion

Although PGM1, PGM2, PGM3, and PGM5 are enzymes of the same family, their effects on tumors are different. High expression of PGM1, PGM2, and PGM5 can effectively prolong the overall survival of patients. In contrast, high expression of PGM3 reduced the overall survival of patients. This study of PGM family enzymes can assist in subsequent tumor diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic assessment.
Diffusion-weighted imaging-based radiomics in epithelial ovarian tumors: Assessment of histologic subtype
Authors: Xu Yi , Luo Hong-Jian , Ren Jialiang , Guo Li-mei , Niu Jinliang , Song Xiaoli
Published: December 2022

Background

Epithelial ovarian tumors (EOTs) are a group of heterogeneous neoplasms. It is importance to preoperatively differentiate the histologic subtypes of EOTs. Our study aims to investigate the potential of radiomics signatures based on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps for categorizing EOTs.

Methods

This retrospectively enrolled 146 EOTs patients [34 with borderline EOT(BEOT), 30 with type I and 82 with type II epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC)]. A total of 390 radiomics features were extracted from DWI and ADC maps. Subsequently, the LASSO algorithm was used to reduce the feature dimensions. A radiomics signature was established using multivariable logistic regression method with 3-fold cross-validation and repeated 50 times. Patients with bilateral lesions were included in the validation cohort and a heuristic selection method was established to select the tumor with maximum probability for final consideration. A nomogram incorporating the radiomics signature and clinical characteristics was also developed. Receiver operator characteristic, decision curve analysis (DCA), and net reclassification index (NRI) were applied to compare the diagnostic performance and clinical net benefit of predictive model.

Results

For distinguishing BEOT from EOC, the radiomics signature and nomogram showed more favorable discrimination than the clinical model (0.915 vs. 0.852 and 0.954 vs. 0.852, respectively) in the training cohort. In classifying early-stage type I and type II EOC, the radiomics signature exhibited superior diagnostic performance over the clinical model (AUC 0.905 vs. 0.735). The diagnostic efficacy of the nomogram was the same as that of the radiomics model with NRI value of -0.1591 (P = 0.7268). DCA also showed that the radiomics model and combined model had higher net benefits than the clinical model.

Conclusion

Radiomics analysis based on DWI, and ADC maps serve as an effective quantitative approach to categorize EOTs.
Measuring respiratory and heart rate using a fiber optic interferometer: A pilot study in a neonate model
Authors: Cubík Jakub , Kepak Stanislav , Wiedermannova Hana , Vrtkova Adela , Burckova Hana , Zarubova Pavla , Fernandez Carlos , Pavlicek Jan , Jargus Jan , Vasinek Vladimir
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The study aim was to test the safety and efficacy of a pad with optic fibers developed for monitoring newborn respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR).

Methods

Thirty New Zealand White rabbits were included, divided by weight into three groups. RR and HR were measured using two methods for each rabbit: ECG electrodes as the reference method and a newly developed pad with an experimental fiber optic system (EFOS) as the experimental method.

Results

Analysis was performed on data for 29 rabbits (10 female, 34%; 19 male, 66%). EFOS performed better at measuring RR compared with HR. RR values did not differ significantly between the methods for the whole group (p = 0.151) or within each sex (female: p > 0.999; male: p = 0.075). Values for HR, however, did differ between methods for the whole group of animals (p < 0.001) and also within groups by sex (female: p < 0.001; male: p = 0.006).

Conclusion

The results of this preclinical study demonstrate the potential of this non-invasive method using a fiber optic pad to measure HR and RR.
The effects of weight categories on the time-motion analysis of female high-level judo athletes between the 2016 and 2020 Olympic cycles
Authors: Barreto Lindsei Brabec Mota , Miarka Bianca , dos Santos Silva Roberto Jerônimo , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Slimani Maamer , Znazen Hela , Soto Dani Alexis Sorbazo , Aedo-Muñoz Esteban Ariel , Brito Ciro Jose
Published: December 2022

This study compared the time of female judo combat phases in international competitions between two Olympic cycles (2016; 2020) according to weight divisions (48 kg = 132; 52 kg = 72; 57 kg = 109; 63 kg = 96; 70 kg = 69; 78 kg = 106; >78 kg = 82; total = 666 combats/cycle). The behaviors of 1,332 high-level female judo combats were randomly observed over two Olympic cycles (2016 = 666; 2020 = 666) from the top 20 athletes in the world ranking by weight division. We performed time-motion analysis according to the combat phase and sequential judo actions (approach, gripping, attack, defense, groundwork, pause, and effort: pause ratio) considering the moment when the combat ended (Regular time = RT; Golden score = GS). The weight division groups were compared between Olympic cycles (2016; 2020), and p < 0.05 was defined as significant. The main results showed that 2020 athletes spent less time in the gripping (p = 0.005), attack (p < 0.001), defense (p < 0.001), groundwork (p<0.001) and pause (p = 0.002) phases than 2016 athletes. However, compared by the end-of-combat, 2020 female athletes spent less time in all combat phases for RT combats (p < 0.001), and more time in the approach phase for GS combats (p < 0.05) than in 2016. The 2016 weight divisions showed a higher diversity in the effort: pause ratio (2.5:1–3.4:1), whereas the 2020 weight divisions had values closer to each other (2.8,1–3:1). Analyzing each weight division separately and by the end-of-combat, the main results showed that (p < 0.05): 48, 63, 70, and 78 kg reduced the time in almost every phase of RT combat (except for: 63 kg = gripping and attack; 70 kg = approach and groundwork; 78 kg = approach); 48 and 57 kg increased the groundwork time in GS combats whereas 78 kg decreased; 52 kg and 78 kg increased the GS approach time. The temporal behavior of the combats changed between the Olympic cycles with different rules. These data must be considered to understand the characteristics of each group and to prescribe specialized training in female judo.
Analysis of pre-service teachers’ argumentation-based academic writing process
Authors: Direkci Bekir , Akbulut Serdar , Şimşek Bilal , Gülmez Mevlüt , Nalçacıgil Çopur Emel
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this research is to examine the participating students’ argumentation-based academic writing processes and the contributions of these processes to the students’ academic writing skills. The participants of the study, which was conducted through mixed method research design, were a group of 53 pre-service Turkish Teachers who are in their first year of Turkish education program at a state university in Turkey during the 2020–2021 academic year. In this research, the data were obtained through student products, rubrics, reflective participant diaries, and a semi-structured interview form. SPSS 23 was used in the analysis of the quantitative data, and NVivo 12 programs were used in the analysis of qualitative data. When the results of the analyses are considered in general, it can be deduced that academic writing practices based on argumentation contributed to the development of students in the dimensions of “subject and content,” “organization,” “language use,” “citation,” and “writing process.” In the data obtained from the reflective diaries and interviews, although some difficulties were pointed out, the statements of the students regarding their development came to the fore. In addition, it was pointed out that argumentation contributes not only to students’ academic writing skills, but also their development of thinking, objectivity, research motivation, and critical thinking.
Coach leadership in a crisis context: Investigating effective coach behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic with a process view
Authors: Zhao Chen , Jowett Sophia
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Drawing from the crisis leadership conceptualization, this study aims to investigate coaches’ opinion patterns on effective leadership behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study used a process view to explore how coaches as leaders act in pre, during, and post-crisis phases.

Method

Thirty-two fulltime professional coaches (28 males and 4 females) from individual and team sports who experienced the entire COVID-19 pandemic from January 2020 to July 2021 in the United Kingdom were invited to express their perceptions of effective leadership behaviors. The study used Q methodology to analyze coaches’ perceptions and experiences.

Result

The study revealed that the most effective coach leadership behaviors occurred during-crisis phase, which has the most positive ratings (n = 48) compared to the pre-and post-crisis phases (n = 18). The study’s main findings highlighted different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic demand various effective countermeasures from coaches. These practical and successful experiences were summarized as: division of labor, athlete-centered, team-driven, consulting, safe environment, and online coaching.

Discussion

The findings of this study further highlight (1) the importance of coach leadership in creating a safe environment as it provides a much better platform to prepare for a pre-crisis stage, (2) that coaches should employ more positive than negative behaviors while interacting with team members more frequently especially during the crisis period, reducing athletes’ negative feelings such as anxiety and worry, and (3) that the online training-related activities and interactions during the crisis time can be expanded to noncrisis times, as a crisis event can have positive implications for the future if handled properly.