bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSO-based contingency management strategy assessment of distribution system using multiple severity indices
Authors: Wahby Ghada , Morad Mohammed , El-Gaafary Ahmed A.M. , Elbaset Adel A.
Published: January 2024

Due to the competitive nature of the electrical market, ensuring the electrical system's secure, efficient, and cost-effective functioning is one of the most crucial challenges. This paper presents a new contingency management strategy for distribution systems to successfully deal with routine maintenance by applying the appropriate control action while taking operational requirements for voltage deviation and transmission line overloading into account. The proposed management strategy can help electricity company operators: 1) reduce generation costs by reducing the number of generators, 2) meet the required load demand with the least amount of generation consumption, and 3) ensure the system is secure so that all load lines are not loaded to their maximum power. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is assessed using a multiple severity indices, which includes five indices. The five severity indices are real power performance index (PI), voltage deviation index (VDI), active power loss index (PLI), reactive power loss index (QLI), and line utilization factor (LUF). The proposed contingency management strategy has been implemented in MATLAB software utilizing the particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique for typical IEEE 14-bus distribution system operation considering three probable contingency cases. Case A considers the failure of a bus-containing generator. Case B considers the failure of a transmission line. Case C considers the failure of two transformers. The simulation results indicate a satisfactory range of proposed indices within safe limits.
Numerical Simulation and Tool Parameter Optimization of Aluminum Alloy Transmission Intermediate Shell
Authors: Zhao Haiyue , Cao Yan , Bai Yu , Yao Hui , Tian Chunlei
Published: January 2024

Due to its challenging manufacturing and intricate morphology, the aluminum alloy transmission intermediate shell used in vehicle transmission has been the focus of many academic studies. In this study, the three-dimensional cutting model is condensed to a two-dimensional cutting model and utilized to simulate the finishing process of an aluminum alloy workpiece using the finite element modeling program DEFORM-3D. Through orthogonal testing and range analysis, the impact of integral end mill side edge parameters on cutting performance was investigated. It is determined that tool chamfering has a greater impact on cutting performance than tool rake and relief angles, that chamfering width has the most impact on cutting force, and that chamfering angle has the greatest impact on cutting temperature. The workpiece's surface roughness is tested during a cutting experiment, and an analysis of the data reveals that the finite element simulation model is accurate and the orthogonal test method is reasonable. The tool chamfer has a greater impact on roughness than the tool rake angle and relief angle. The tool settings are further optimized using the firefly method. By examining the data, it is determined that the prediction model is correct and the optimization model is reasonable. The cutting efficiency is higher and the surface quality is better when the chamfer width is 0.17mm and the chamfer angle is 7.3° or 18.3°. Therefore, optimizing the side edge parameters of the integral end mill during the finishing process of a thin-walled aluminum alloy shell has practical technical value.
Choice impulsivity after repeated social stress is associated with increased perineuronal nets in the medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Martinez Christopher A , Pantazopoulos Harry , Gisabella Barbara , Stephens Emily T , Garteiser Jacob , Arco Alberto Del
Published: January 2024

Repeated stress can predispose to substance abuse. However, behavioral and neurobiological adaptations that link stress to substance abuse remain unclear. This study investigates whether Intermittent Social Defeat (ISD), a stress protocol that promotes drug-seeking behavior, alters intertemporal decision-making and cortical inhibitory function in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Male Long Evans rats were trained in a delay discounting task (DDT) where rats make a choice between a fast (1s) small reward (1 sugar pellet) and a large (3 sugar pellets) reward that comes with a time delay (10 or 20s). A decreased preference for delayed rewards was used as an index of choice impulsivity. Rats were exposed to ISD and tested in DDT 24 hours after each stress episode, and one-and two-weeks after the last stress episode. Immunohistochemistry was performed in rats brains to evaluate perineuronal nets (PNNs) and parvalbumin GABA interneurons (PV) labeling as markers of inhibitory function in the mPFC. In the DDT, ISD significantly decreased the preference for delayed large rewards, in the short and long term. ISD also increased the density of PNNs in the mPFC. These results suggest that increased choice impulsivity and cortical inhibition predispose animals to seek out rewards after stress.
Applying the multiphase optimization strategy to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an online road safety education intervention for children: A pilot study
Authors: Pham Julia , Buttazzoni Adrian , Gilliland Jason
Published: January 2024

Background: Reports of children’s engagement in active transportation (e.g., cycling, walking, wheeling) outline low participation rates in many countries despite many associated mental, physical, and social health benefits. One of the main contributors to this phenomenon is a cited lack of education and knowledge among children regarding active travel (AT) and its specific related modalities. Moreover, reviewed AT interventions have been critiqued for lacking comprehensiveness in their designs, especially as it relates to various education strategies. To address these issues, the aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an online road safety education intervention to promote AT among children (ages 9-13).
Methods: Applying the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) for intervention development, implementation, and evaluation, we designed and assessed a four-module online road safety education intervention with a sample of 56 children using a 23 factorial design featuring both qualitative and quantitative analyses.
Results: Main intervention feasibility findings include positive and critical feedback on the program’s content and design, and moderate participant engagement as reflected by program retention and completion rates. With respect to intervention effectiveness, a significant improvement in road safety knowledge scores was observed for groups that feature the “wheeling safety and skills” module (p<0.05). Although there was a slight improvement in AT knowledge scores across all the intervention groups, differences in scores were not of significance (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The MOST framework allowed us to design and evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an efficient multicomponent online road safety education intervention. As a result, the developed intervention has demonstrated that it has the potential to improve children’s road safety knowledge, to which improvements may be attributed to the inclusion of the “wheeling safety and skills” module, further suggesting that the targeted focus on cycling skills is a prioritized area amongst children. Implications for AT program developers and evaluators are discussed. Future research is encouraged to develop strategies that target AT knowledge and awareness topics (e.g., recognition of associated benefits).
Spatialization of the Markov model to measure the spatial dependencies of an epidemiological spread : case covid19 Madagascar
Authors: Tsilefa Stefana Tabera , Raherinirina Angelo
Published: January 2024

This article presents a Markov chain variant that explicitly incorporates spatial effects. It is an extension of the Markovian class allowing a more complete analysis of the spatial dimensions of transitional dynamics. The aim is to have an explicit model that allows analysis of spatial dimensions. Here, the question is to study and quantify whether neighborhood context affects transitional dynamics. Rather than estimating a homogeneous law, the model requires the estimation of k transition laws, each dependent on spatial neighbor state. Consequently, this article used published data on confirmed cases of COVID19 in the 22 regions of Madagascar. These data were discretized to obtain a discrete state of propagation intensity. The analysis gave us the transition probabilities between Covid19 intensity states knowing the context of neighboring regions, and the propagation time laws knowing the spatial contexts. The results showed that neighboring regions had an effect on the propagation of Covid19 in Madagascar.
Relationship between vaginal and oral microbiome in patients of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer
Authors: Zhang Wei , Yin YanFei , Jiang YiSha , Yang YangYang , Wang WenTao , Wang XiaoYa , Ge Yan , Liu Bin , Yao Lihe
Published: January 2024

Background
This study aimed to assess the microbial variations and biomarker in the vaginal and oral environment of HPV (human papillomavirus) and cervical cancer (CC) patients and developing novel prediction models.
Materials and Methods
This study includes 164 samples collected from both the vaginal tract and oral subgingival plaque of 82 women. The participants were divided into four distinct groups based on their vaginal and oral samples including control group (Z/KZ, n = 22), abortion group (AB/KAB, n = 17), HPV-infected group (HP/KHP, n = 21), and cervical cancer group (CC/KCC, n = 22). Microbiota analysis was conducted using full-length 16S rDNA gene sequencing with PacBio platform.
Results
The vaginal bacterial community in the Z and AB groups exhibited a relatively simple structure predominantly dominated by Lactobacillus. However, CC group shows high diversity and abundances of anaerobic bacteria and alpha diversity. Biomarkers such as Bacteroides, Mycoplasma, Bacillus, Dialister, Porphyromonas, Anaerococcus, and Prevotella were identified as indicator of CC. Correlations were established between elevated blood C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and local/systemic inflammation, pregnancies, childbirths, and abortions, contributing to the unevenness in the vaginal microenvironment. The altered microbial diversity in CC group was confirmed by amino acid metabolism.The oral microbial diversity exhibited inverse pattern to the vaginal microbiome, indicating a unique relationship. The KCC group showed a significantly lower microbial diversity compared to the KZ group, pointing a link between oral health and cancer development. Several microbes including Fusobacterium, Campylobacte, Capnocytophaga, Veillonella, Streptococcus, Lachnoanaerobaculum, Propionibacterium, Prevotella, Lactobacillus, Neisseria were screened as CC biomarkers. Moreover, Periodontal pathogens were associated with blood CRP levels and oral hygiene conditions. Elevated oral microbial amino acid metabolism in CC group was closely linked to the presence of pathogens. positive correlations indicated synergy between vaginal and oral bacteria.
Conclusion
HPV infection and CC impact both the vaginal and oral microenvironment, affecting systemic metabolism and the synergy between bacteria. This suggests the use oral flora markers as a prospective screening tool for the diagnosis the cervical cancer.
Medical School Performance as Measured by GPA: What Can it Predict?
Authors: ElAbd Rawan , AlShatti Rashed , Sultan Shamael , AlOtaibi Nawal , AlSabah Salman
Published: January 2024

Introduction
Medical graduates' performance has been an area of interest for medical educators internationally. The objectivity of such measures has made it an essential part in evaluation of applicants.
Objectives
The aim of our study is to examine the prognostic value of medical school graduation GPA in relation to post-graduation achievements and success.
Methods
We used an online questionnaire sent to Kuwait university's graduates, whether directly face to face, by messages, or phone calls. The electronic questionnaire consisted of three major area, sociodemographic, medical school GPA, and academic or clinical achievements. The results have been statistically analyzed using satisfaction with life, satisfaction with career, and career progress as dependent variables.
Results
A total of 552 physicians who graduated from 1983 to 2017 took part in this study. The mean age was 33.31 ± 8.39 years. The highest percentage of participant (33%) were specialized in internal medicine. A higher GPA was found to be associated with pursuing postgraduate clinical fellowship, earning higher monthly income, higher career progress score, and scoring higher personal satisfaction with progress and life scores. Higher GPA was not associated with being a faculty member, pursuing post graduate academic studies like master's degree and doctor of philosophy, practicing internationally, or having publications. Gender was not associated with doing a fellowship or practicing internationally.
Conclusion
Medical school performance, measured by GPA, might predict higher career progress, having higher monthly income, and satisfaction. However, it is not necessarily prognostic for pursuing postgraduate academic degrees, practicing internationally, or having research publications.
Creation and infill of an incision on a leeward margin of an Eocene isolated carbonate platform, northeast Sirte Basin, Libya
Authors: Abdalla Muneer , Bogzil Alzobeere , Ibrahem Abdulsaid
Published: January 2024

The recognition of incised valleys and reconstruction of their filling history are significant for defining unconformity surfaces and their stratigraphic framework, especially when detailed petrographic data is unavailable. Little research have been published on the characterization and factors influencing the development of incised valleys using three-dimensional seismic and well data. Thus, this work aims to analyze the geometry and interpret controlling factors that controlled the formation and sediment filling of an Eocene incised valley in a sequence stratigraphic frame using an integration of three-dimensional seismic and well data. The Eocene incised valley is defined by an unconformable sequence boundary underneath and contains sediments of the lowstand systems tract of Sequence 6. The incision deposits are thick limestones intercalated by thin shales and show a low-order stacking of serrated log motif. The thickness of the incised valley is 118 m and has an aerial extension of ~ 3.2 km in a southwest-northeast direction. It has a highest width of around 950–1100 and displays a moderately sinuous geometry with asymmetrical meanders occurring each 1 to 1.8 km. The amplitude of these meanders ranges from 500 to 700 m. No distinguishable tributaries are observed in the studied incised valley, indicating that it formed as a singular stream, or it is possible that the seismic data resolution doesn’t allow the recognition of the tributaries due to their small size. The geometry and stratigraphic architecture of the incised valley suggest a fluvial incised valley rather than tidal incisions. The incision primarily formed as a result of a falling sea-level that led to a subaerial exposure, while a successive rising sea-level resulted in the development of the lowstand deposits and infilling of the incised valley.
Uncertainty in Qualitative Analysis of Mountain Rivers via the Generalized Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation Technique
Authors: Noorali Atefe , Marofi Safar , Babamiri Omid
Published: January 2024

This study aims to examine modeling approaches for mountainous rivers, as previous studies have primarily focused on modeling small and large rivers while neglecting mountainous rivers. QUAL2Kw was used to simulate water quality parameters of the mountainous Abbas-Abad River. uncertainty of the model was also investigated using the generalized likelihood uncertainty estimate (GLUE) approach. Calibration procedures were meticulously conducted to fine-tune the model performance. The findings delineate that: i) at the 95% confidence level, the uncertainty band of BOD, DO, NH4, and NO3 along the Abbas-Abad River path was accurately obtained, ii) the results show NO3 has the greatest impact on the stochastic variables such as upstream and agriculture release flows, oxidation, nitrification, and denitrification amounts, iii) the agriculture release flow demonstrated a pronounced uncertainty relation to other stochastic parameters, including upstream flow, as well as the oxidation, nitrification, and denitrification values, iv) the uncertainty boundaries for DO are narrower compared to BOD, NH4, and NO3. This emphasizes the importance of implementing precise model algorithms and collecting high-quality qualitative data. Thus, this investigation substantiates the efficacy of the GLUE method in water quality uncertainty analysis of mountainous rivers.
Enhancing the Thermal Conductivity of PS/PA6/GNPs Composites through Elongational Flow
Authors: Wen Shuai , Chen Jianming , Zhang Jingjing , Peng Zhangyuan , Huang Tinghui , Yin Zhansong , Xu Ruijie , Chen Anfu , Lei Caihong
Published: January 2024

Migration and distribution of thermal conduct fillers in polymer blend are key factors in the preparation of enhanced thermal conductivity composite. In this study, polystyrene(PS)/polyamides 6(PA6)/graphene nanoplatelets(GNPs) composites with enhanced thermal conductivity were prepared under elongational flow, and the migration and distribution of GNPs were investigated by molecular dynamics simulation and experiments. The results showed that when GNPs immigrate from PA6 phase to PS phase, the elongational flow caused the orientation of the PS phase and GNPs, reducing the migration rate of GNPs from the PA6 phase to the PS phase. At the same time, the stretching viscosity of the PS phase increases, which prevents GNPs entering the PS phase. As a result, GNPs remain within the PA6 phase near the interface of the two phases. The effective distribution density of GNPs increased, making it easier for them to interconnect and form thermal conduction paths, thereby improving the thermal conductivity of the composites. Particularly, the composite prepared under the elongational flow with the 50/50 vol ratio of PS/PA6, the in-plane thermal conductivity of PS/PA6/GNPs composites reached a maximum of 1.64 W/(m·K).
Cytochrome c-Mediated Dual Functions for Real-Time ROS Monitoring and Sustainable Energy Supply in Implantable Device
Authors: Park Taegyu , Lee Dong Yeop , Jo Jung Ki , Kim Seon Jeong , Jang Yongwoo
Published: January 2024

Smart stents integrate embedded sensors and advanced technology, providing a real-time diagnostic feedback, particularly for detection of thrombotic events. A continuous monitoring reactive oxygen species (ROS) in blood vessels is crucial for cardiovascular disease. The provision of a continuous power supply to sensors integrated within blood vessels is challenging. This study introduces a novel device that combines a sensor and supercapacitor, functioning as a ROS sensor and enabling continuous charging and discharging within blood vessels. This device employs thread-shaped electrodes integrated with cytochrome c and carbon nanotubes (Cyt.c/CNT). The Cyt.c/CNT electrode exhibits a high specificity to ROS with an excellent sensitivity (49.02 µAµM− 1cm− 2), as a real-time biosensor for monitoring of cellular ROS levels in living cells. In addition, it exhibited an energy storage performance of 257.95 mF/cm2 as a supercapacitor and maintained a stable performance during 10,000 repeated cycles in various biofluids. Notably, the integration of the Cyt.c/CNT electrode with an enzymatic biofuel cell enables continuous charging and discharging in a biofluid, making it a promising system for in-vivo applications such as smart stents. This study presents the potential of the biomaterial Cyt.c for ROS sensing as well as its potential as an energy storage system, showing new possibilities for implantable devices for cardiovascular diseases.
Catalytic specificity and crystal structure of cystathionine γ-lyase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Pedretti Marco , Fernández-Rodríguez Carmen , Conter Carolina , Oyenarte Iker , Favretto Filippo , Matteo Adele di , Dominici Paola , Petrosino Maria , Martinez-Chantar Maria Luz , Majtan Tomas , Astegno Alessandra , Martinez-Cruz Luis Alfonso
Published: January 2024

The escalating drug resistance among microorganisms underscores the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies and a comprehensive understanding of bacteria's defense mechanisms against oxidative stress and antibiotics. Among the recently discovered barriers, the endogenous production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), via the reverse transsulfuration pathway, emerges as a noteworthy factor. In this study, we have explored the catalytic capabilities and crystal structure of cystathionine γ-lyase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PaCGL). In addition to a canonical L-cystathionine hydrolysis, purified PaCGL can catalyze the production of H2S using L-cysteine and/or L-homocysteine as alternative substrates. Comparative analysis with counterparts in other pathogens and humans revealed distinct structural features within the primary enzyme cavities, including a differently folded entrance loop to the catalytic site, potentially influencing substrate and/or inhibitor access. These findings offer opportunities for developing specific inhibitors to limit or eliminate bacterial H2S synthesis, weakening a defense barrier against the host immune system.
Aspirin but not statins is inversely related to gastric cancer with a duration-risk effect: results from the Stomach Cancer Pooling (StoP) Project Consortium
Authors: Pastorino Roberta , Marafon Denise Pires , Sassano Michele , Hoxhaj Ilda , Pelucchi Claudio , Liao Linda M. , Rabkin Charles S. , Sinha Rashmi , Lunet Nuno , Morais Samantha , Zaridze David , Maximovitch Dmitry , Aragonés Nuria , Castaño-Vinyals Gemma , Gómez-Acebo Inés , López-Carrillo Lizbeth , López-Cervantes Malaquias , Bonzi Rossella , Turati Federica , Boffetta Paolo , Camargo Maria Constanza , Curado Maria Paula , Vioque Jesus , Zhang Zuo-Feng , Negri Eva , Vecchia Carlo La , Boccia Stefania
Published: January 2024

Background Aspirin and statins have been suggested to have potential chemopreventive effects against gastric cancer (GC), although results of previous studies have been inconsistent. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between the use of aspirin and statins, alone or in combination, and GC.Methods We conducted a pooled analysis of seven case-control studies within the Stomach cancer Pooling (StoP) Project, including 3220 cases and 9752 controls. Two-stage modelling analyses were used to estimate the associations between aspirin use, statin use, and combined use of the two drugs, and GC after adjusting for potential confounders.Results The pooled odds ratio (OR) of GC for aspirin users versus non-users was 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.54–0.95). The protective effect of aspirin appeared stronger in individuals without a GC family history (OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.37–0.95). The OR of GC decreased with increasing duration of aspirin use, with an OR of 0.41 (95% CI: 0.18–0.95) for durations ≥ 15 years. An inverse, non-statistically significant association with risk of GC was observed for use of statins alone (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.52–1.18).Conclusions Our findings suggest that aspirin use, particularly long-term use, is associated with a reduced risk of GC, while a similar association was not observed with statins, possibly due to low frequency of use.
Influence of working parameters on the tank washing effect of non-volatile organic compounds for stainless steel lined chemical tanker
Authors: Guo Yafei , Cao Zhixing , Wang Heyuan , Zhang Bin , Hu Libin , Cao Haidong , Du Min , Zheng Qinggong , Wu Wanqing
Published: January 2024

Effective tank washing is a key working procedure to ensure the efficiency and quality of chemical water transport. A physical experimental system and numerical simulation model were established to explore the influence of key factors on the effect of tank washing. The chemical tanker with stainless steel lined bulkheads was taken as the research object, and palm oil was selected as a typical non-volatile chemical cargo. Experiments and numerical simulations were conducted. The results show that the numerical model agrees well with the experiments. The main factors affecting washing effect are the length and diameter of the nozzle outlet, the washing time duration, the temperature of the washing water and the dynamic pressure. The quantitative evaluation model of tank washing effect for palm oil is 𝛾 = 1.0674 + 1.4525𝑝 − 0.4778𝑝2 + 0.1776𝑡 − 0.0165𝑡2 + 5.9638 ∗ 10−4𝑡3 + 0.0032𝑇 −1.8306 ∗ 10− 5𝑇2. The effect at the initial stage of tank washing is mainly due to the impact of washing liquid jet, and in the middle and late stage, mainly due to dissolution of tank washing water. This paper has theoretical reference value for related research and good guidance significance for the practice of chemical tanker washing operation.
Artificial Intelligence in Consumer Behaviour: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , Yen Yuen Yee
Published: January 2024

This systematic literature analysis examines the many effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on consumer behavior. It consolidates data from a carefully chosen to set of English-language papers acquired using a Web of Science search. The selected studies provide useful insights into the complex interaction between AI, consumer attitudes, preferences, decision-making, and the larger consequences for companies. These research cover many areas of AI applications in marketing and consumer domains. The research covers various topics, such as the positive impact of AI on consumer attitudes, potential drawbacks of AI recommendations, the influence of AI-driven recommendation agents on privacy risk, personalized engagement marketing, consumer evaluations of GAN-generated fashion products, AI in ethnic clothing consumption, the adoption of AI in the leisure economy, AI in digital marketing, automation of services using AI in Industry 4.0, AI-powered applications in the service profit chain, the role of AI-powered learning apps in education, AI in B2B settings, the security of AIoT using the HoneyNet approach, the impact of digital AI technologies in India, and the role of AI in the Internet of Things (IoT). This study presents a thorough analysis of the current state of AI and consumer behavior research, providing insights that are relevant for both academic and industrial sectors.
Artificial Intelligence in Supply Chain Management: A Comprehensive Review and Framework for Resilience and Sustainability
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , Yen Yuen Yee
Published: January 2024

This research study provides a comprehensive analysis of academic publications that examine the significant impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on strengthening the resilience and sustainability of supply chains. Using a data-driven methodology on the Web of Science platform, we carefully identify and evaluate important themes, issues, and developments related to AI applications in various supply chain settings. The synthesis we present is based on a compilation of 28 articles published from 2020 to 2023. These articles cover various subjects such as transparency, optimizing last-mile delivery, multiagent systems, generative AI, and the significant influence of AI on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in supply chains. The findings not only illuminate the present level of study in the subject but also provide insight into developing patterns and uncharted areas. Our study offers a comprehensive overview of how AI is influencing the current and future state of supply chain management. It gives vital insights for researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers who are involved in this dynamic and ever-changing field.
Beyond for Better and for Worse: Expanding Environmental Sensitivity into a Post-Traumatic Growth perspective
Authors: Sperati Alessandra , Spinelli Maria , Fasolo Mirco , Moscardino Ughetta , Passaquindici Ilenia , Straziuso Domenico , Gigliotti Gilberto , D'Urso Giulio , Pluess Michael , Lionetti Francesca
Published: January 2024

People differ in their responses to experiences with some showing a heightened Environmental Sensitivity (ES) for better and for worse. Highly sensitive people tend to get easily overwhelmed in adverse conditions but also to flourish in enriched environments. Yet, no studies have investigated whether people with a heightened ES may experience a positive outcome as well, in terms of Post-traumatic Growth (PTG), when a traumatic event occurs. This study provided a first empirical evidence regarding the relationship between ES and PTG on a general population of 2387 adults (age range: 18-88yy) surveyed online during the first Covid-19 lockdown. Correlations showed that ES was positively associated with PTG, though with a small effect size. Interaction effects from regression analyses provided evidence that the ES-PTG association was stronger when the individuals experienced anxiety to some extent, and not too much depression. To conclude, findings suggested highly sensitive people as not only more susceptible to adversities, but also more open to experience a growth when faced with challenging events. Identifying potential paths of growth in individuals who are more prone to negative feelings can have important implications for clinical practice as well as for theory by broadening our understanding of the concept of environmental sensitivity.
A miniature alternative to Cas9 and Cas12: Transposon-associated TnpB mediates targeted genome editing in plants
Authors: Molla Kutubuddin , Karmakar Subhasis , Panda Debasmita , Panda Sonali , Dash Manaswini , Saha Romio , Das Priya , Avinash SP , Shih Justin , Yang Yinong , Nayak Amaresh , Baig Mirza
Published: January 2024

Identifying and engineering RNA-guided genome editing nucleases for size reduction is a highly coveted pursuit aimed at overcoming various bottlenecks. The size reduction not only facilitates effective delivery but also contributes to the generation of fusion proteins, enabling versatile applications in genome engineering. In this study, we demonstrate high-efficiency genome editing in both monocots and dicots, with average editing rates ranging from 0.63% to 33.58% and reaching up to 69%, using a 408-amino acid-long transposon-associated TnpB. Furthermore, we repurpose a catalytically dead TnpB system for transcriptional activation and base editing. This miniature TnpB, approximately one-third the size of canonical Cas9/Cas12a, emerges as a highly valuable tool for diverse applications in plant genome engineering and gene regulation.
Mental Health Literacy and Information Needs of Young Persons with Psychosis and their Support Persons
Authors: Murphy Colleen , Hardman Madison P. , Reynolds Kristin A. , Mota Natalie
Published: January 2024

Background
First episode psychosis can significantly impact both young people and their loved ones who provide support. Recognizing that a young person is experiencing psychosis can be a crucial first step in accessing appropriate services. Higher mental health literacy may facilitate improved symptom recognition and reduce the stigma associated with psychosis. The aim of this research was to evaluate the mental health literacy and information needs of young people experiencing early-onset psychosis and of their loved ones who provide support.
Methods
Participants were recruited from an early psychosis clinic in Central Canada. A total of 57 service users and 43 support persons participated (N = 100) from December 2021 to February 2023. Data were collected through an online mixed-methods survey. Linear and logistic regressions were conducted to determine whether higher mental health literacy predicted improved outcomes among both groups (e.g., treatment satisfaction, psychiatric hospital admissions, use of crisis services). Linear regressions examined whether longer treatment predicted higher mental health literacy and lower information needs. Participants identified specific information needs and preferences through two open-ended questions, which were analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis.
Results
Higher mental health literacy significantly predicted higher treatment satisfaction among service users and support persons, and lower stress levels among service users. Longer involvement in the treatment service significantly predicted greater willingness to seek information about psychosis from a pre-determined list of sources, including family, friends, and mental health clinicians. Both service users and support persons predominately had a moderate to good understanding of psychosis and did not endorse stigmatizing beliefs about psychosis. Both groups had a broad range of information preferences. Participants identified additional information needs related to the themes: Psychosis: Diagnosis and Recovery, Treatment, and Healthy Functioning; and preferred to learn content through Reliable Sources, Group Programming, and Peer Support.
Conclusions
Findings highlight the important role that mental health literacy can play in treatment satisfaction for both young persons experiencing psychosis and their support persons, and provide a better understanding of information needs and preferences of these groups. These findings have implications for both psychoeducation and treatment planning.
Extended Duration and Intense Manifestations of COVID-19-Linked Cytotoxic Lesions of the Corpus Callosum: Case Reports and Literature Review
Authors: Li Jing , Jia xiangdong , ge junling , yao guoen
Published: January 2024

While clinical instances of cytotoxic lesions of the corpus callosum (CLOCCs) are well-documented, international reports specific to COVID-19-related cases remain limited. This paper presents the case of a 40-year-old female patient admitted due to "sudden dizziness and poor limb coordination for 7 weeks following fever." She tested positive for COVID-19 and experienced symptoms like dizziness, temporary confusion, nausea, vomiting, cerebellar speech issues, and ataxia after fever onset. Later, she developed pyramidal tract symptoms and behavioral abnormalities. Head MRI revealed abnormal high signal in the splenium of the corpus callosum and abnormal signals in the left cerebellar peduncle on DWI. With no significant medical history and exclusion of other causes during treatment (including steroid therapy and two doses of intravenous immunoglobulin), a follow-up MRI after one month showed the lesions had disappeared. However, clinical recovery was slow, with residual symptoms persisting for almost a year, including involuntary tremors in the upper limbs and head. Phenytoin, gabapentin, and pregabalin showed limited effectiveness in treatment, but Arotinolol and donepezil led to slight improvement in involuntary tremors. This case suggests that COVID-19-associated CLOCCs might have a protracted course and severe symptoms, demanding differentiation from ischemic cerebrovascular diseases, particularly in early stages.
Unveiling Hybrid Teaching Efficacy: An Association Rule-Based Approach to Evaluating Quality
Authors: Chourasiya Leeladhar , Dwivedi Sunita
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a teaching quality evaluation method based on association rules, using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Apriori algorithm to improve the effectiveness of the evaluation results of teaching quality in blended learning mode. The experimental results show that this method has a good teaching quality evaluation effect in the mixed teaching mode, with a high average coverage rate of quality evaluation indicators and correlation degree of quality evaluation model. These experimental results imply that the method employed in the study is not only thorough in evaluating various quality indicators but also efficient in terms of processing time. However, it's important to consider the specific indicators and methodologies used in the study, as well as the context in which the evaluation was conducted, to fully understand the implications and generalizability of the findings.
Mortality-related risk factors of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infection with focus on Antimicrobial regimens optimization: a real-world study in China
Authors: Deng Sheng , Chen Jinglan , Zhou Pengxiang , Hu Qin
Published: January 2024

Background To determine the mortality-related risk factors for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infection in hospitalized patients and to compare the clinical efficacy of different antimicrobial regimens, mainly from the perspective of mortality.Methods Data were retrospectively collected from a 3,000-bed regional medical center with CRE infections between January 2021 and June 2022. The clinical characteristics, microbiological characteristics, and antimicrobial therapies of the patients with different outcomes were analyzed. Mortality-related risk factors were analyzed by the Cox proportional regression model for multivariate analysis.Results 120 patients were included. All patients received definitive therapy, and 65.0% (78/120) received active drug treatment. Among those receiving active drug treatment, 65.4% (51/78) received combination therapy, and 34.6% (27/78) received monotherapy. The all-cause mortality of CRE infection was 20.8% (25/120). Multivariate analysis showed that the length of hospital stay after CRE infection (hazard ratio [HR], 0.868; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.806–0.936; P = 0.000), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (HR = 1.169; 95%CI, 1.066–1.281; P = 0.001), central venous catheter (HR = 3.858; 95%CI, 1.411–10.547; P = 0.009), age (HR = 1.035; 95%CI, 1.002–1.070; P = 0.036), and combination therapy (HR = 3.152; 95%CI, 1.205–8.245; P = 0.019) were independent mortality risk factors after CRE infection. Subgroup analysis of the non-sepsis group among 78 patients who received active drug treatment showed significantly lower mortality in monotherapy than in combination therapy (0% versus 22.2%, P = 0.034). Patients who received carbapenem-containing therapy had significantly higher mortality than those who received carbapenem-sparing therapy (31.3% versus 13.9%, P = 0.022).Conclusions Patients with a higher SOFA score, central venous catheter, shorter hospital stay after CRE infection, older age, and combination therapy had poor outcomes. Since patients with non-sepsis have a lower mortality rate from monotherapy, combination antibiotic treatment should not be routinely recommended to treat CRE infections.
Adherence to diabetes diet and glycemic control among type 2 diabetes mellitus adult patients attending diabetes clinics in selected hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a health facility based unmatched case-control study.
Authors: Eyob Mahlet , Desalegn Yakob , Mohammed Abdulrazak , Egata Gudina
Published: January 2024

Background
Suboptimal adherence to diabetes diet can drive the occurrence of diabetes complications. However, the association between adherence to diabetes diet and glycemic control was limited to non-analytical surveys and fasting blood sugar determinationin in low-income countries.
Objective
This study was aimed to assess the association between adherence to diabetes diet and glycemic control among adult type 2 DM patients on follow-up in selected hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods
Hospital-based unmactched case-control study was conducted among 156 diabetes patients ( 104 controls and 52 cases ) from May to September 2022. Pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Blood sugar level was tested using HgA1c test. Cases were patients with HgA1c < 7% while controls had HgA1c ≥ 7%. Descriptive statistics was used to describe all relevant data. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to assess the association between glycemic control and adherence to diabetes diet and other predictors. Adjusted odds ratios alongside 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to measure the strength of association between response and explanatory variables at p-value less than 0.05.
Results
A total of 156 type 2 diabetes patients were enrolled in this study. The mean (± SD) age of respondents was 52.65(± 9.94) and 51.04 (± 10.84) years among cases and controls respectively. In multivariable analysis, poor adherence to diabetes diet [(AOR = 3.89,95%CI:(1.58,9.54)] and diabetes medication [(AOR = 3.74,95% CI:(1.42,9.85)], lack of dietary education [(AOR = 4.97,95% CI:(1.56,15.87)], patient’s income level of ≤ 2500 Ethiopian birr (ETB) [(AOR = 3.17,95%CI:(1.24,8.07)], presence of diabetes comorbidities [(AOR = 4.78,95%CI:(1.37,16.71)] and diabetes complications [(AOR = 5.11,95%CI:( (1.60,15.87)] were significant determinants of poor glycemic control.
Conclusions
Poor dietary and medication -adherence ,lack of dietary education, low economic status, presence of comorbidities ,and diabetes complications were important determinants of poor glycemic control. Thus, health care providers should design appropriate interventions in line with modifiable determinants of poor glycemic control.
Mediolateral Upper-body Gyroscopic Moment Perturbations During Walking: Exploring Muscle Activation Patterns and Control Strategies
Authors: Mohseni Omid , Berry Andrew , Schumacher Christian , Seyfarth Andre , Vallery Heike , Sharbafi Maziar A.
Published: January 2024

Adaptive motor control and seamless coordination of muscle actions in response to external perturbations are crucial to maintaining balance during bipedal locomotion. There is an ongoing debate about the specific roles of individual muscles and underlying neural control circuitry that humans employ to maintain balance in different perturbation scenarios. To advance our understanding of human motor control in perturbation recovery, we conducted a study using a portable Angular Momentum Perturbator (AMP). Unlike other push/pull perturbation systems, the AMP can generate perturbation torques on the upper body while minimizing the perturbing forces at the center of mass. In this study, ten participants experienced trunk perturbations during either the mid-stance or touchdown phase in two frontal plane directions (ipsilateral and contralateral). We recorded and analyzed the electromyography (EMG) activity of eight lower-limb muscles from both legs to examine muscular responses in different phases and directions. Based on our findings, individuals primarily employ short-latency hip strategies to effectively counteract perturbation torques, with the occasional use of ankle strategies. Furthermore, it was found that proximal muscles such as Rectus Femoris, Hamstrings, and Tensor Fasciae Latae exhibited higher activation levels than other muscles. Additionally, we observed that the fastest reactions generally stem from muscles in close proximity to the perturbation site. However, the temporal sequence of muscles’ activation depends on the timing and direction of the perturbation. This suggests that, in response to unexpected torque perturbations, the body recruits the repertoire of muscles at its disposal, enabling effective coping with perturbations when necessary instead of relying on learned central motor programs. These findings enhance reflex response modeling, aiding the development of simulation tools for accurately predicting exogenous disturbances. Additionally, they hold the potential to shape the development of assistive devices, with implications for clinical interventions, particularly for the elderly.
Validation and assessment of psychometric properties of the Greek Eating Behaviors Assessment for Obesity (GR-EBA-O)
Authors: Mavrandrea Panagiota , Aloi Matteo , Geraci Matteo , Gonidakis Fragiskos , Segura-Garcia Cristina
Published: January 2024

Introduction
With increasing morbidity and risk of death, obesity has become a serious health problem largely attributable to difficulties in finding proper treatments for related diseases. Many studies show how detecting abnormal eating behaviors could be useful in developing effective clinical treatments. This study aims at validating the Greek version of the Eating Behaviors Assessment for Obesity (EBA-O).
Method
After a double English/Greek forward/backward translation of the EBA-O, 294 participants completed the Greek version (GR-EBA-O), the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, the Binge Eating Scale, and the Yale Food Addiction Scale. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and construct validity were calculated, and Two-way MANOVA was computed with the factors of GR-EBA-O controlling for sex and BMI categories.
Results
CFA confirmed the second-order five factors (i.e., food addiction, night eating, binge eating, sweet eating, and prandial hyperphagia) structure of the original EBA-O with excellent fit indices. GR-EBA-O factors were highly correlated. The GR-EBA-O subscales were also significantly correlated with the remaining measures, demonstrating good concurrent validity.
Conclusion
The Greek version of the EBA-O has demonstrated sound psychometric properties and appears a reliable and user-friendly tool to identify pathological eating behaviors in obesity.
Level of evidence:
Level V, descriptive research.
Which Social responsibility indicators impact Technical Efficiency of Public Sector Banks in India? Insights from supervised AI Techniques
Authors: Gupta Vipul , Layek Shirshendu , Bhushan Megha
Published: January 2024

In economics, the concept of Social Responsibility (SR) emerged in the late 1970s with the critical words of Milton Friedman. The term SR implies the responsibility obliged towards society from which various institutions derive the benefits. The present work aims to analyze the impact of social responsibility on the technical efficiency of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) with artificial intelligence podiums. It also identifies an important social responsibility indicator inclusive of four dimensions of SR. Mathematically extracting the importance of each parameter related to the efficiency metrics is tedious. Therefore, supervised machine learning algorithms like Random Forest (RF) and XGBoost (XGB) are applied in this study.
Furthermore, banks' effective implementation of SR policy for sustainable development is discussed based on supervised learning. In this study, the impact of 46 social responsibility indicators on the technical efficiency of PSBs is investigated using Machine Learning and non-parametric techniques. Furthermore, the present paper adds to the body of literature by analyzing which indicator of responsibility better influences bank efficiency using a machine learning model. The results revealed that an important indicator impacting efficiency concerning constant and variable return to scale is an area of specialization and background of employees working in PSBs. This showed that PSBs must look towards their work efficiency towards their employees and staff regarding social responsibility.
JEL Classification: B22, C12, G30, G38