bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multi-Branch Residual Network Based on Depth Correlation Features for the Classification of Chinese Ink Paintings
Authors: Dong Qingshuang , Zhai Yanbo , Zhu Jianfeng , Wang Lei , Wu Bing
Published: October 2024

Despite significant strides in digital classification of Chinese ink paintings, existing methods predominantly rely on low-level features, insufficient for capturing the nuanced artistic styles of such works. This study introduces a novel multi-branch residual network that leverages depth correlation features to enhance the classification of Chinese ink paintings. We innovatively combine global style features, extracted using the Gram matrix, with local brushstroke features obtained via the Holistically-Nested Edge Detection(HED) method. This dual-feature approach addresses the limitations of previous studies by incorporating high-level stylistic nuances alongside low-level details, resulting in a more robust classification system. Quantitative results demonstrate a marked improvement in classification accuracy, with our network outperforming existing state-of-the-art models by significant margins in both artist and genre classification tasks. This advancement not only underscores the efficacy of integrating diverse feature sets but also paves the way for more sensitive and accurate management of digital art repositories.
Curriculum Punishment in Teaching
Authors: Milner H. Richard
Published: October 2024

Milner advances curriculum punishment as a tool to describe how students may be harmed with policy and practice moves in education. Curriculum punishment pushes students and curriculum apart—where practices do not connect with and align with rich and robust diversity among young people, families, and communities. Although curriculum practices should honor, reflect, speak from the point of view of, deepen knowledge about, nuance myopic and mundane notions of, and enhance student identity, motivation, interests, and needs, curriculum punishment does the opposite by presenting one-dimensional, under-substantiated, and untruthful narratives and themes of individuals, communities, and nation-states. Tenets that explicate practices that Milner describes through curriculum punishment are (a) Avoiding, (b) Scripting, (c) Narrowing, (d) Distorting, and (e) Banning. Although some of these practices are beyond the control of teachers, teachers are encouraged to Study, Collaborate with others about, Reflect on, Advocate against, and Transform (SCRAT) Curriculum Punishment.
Bifurcated Bolivia: Indigenous Governance and Land Struggles in the Eastern Lowlands
Authors: Shenkin Evan N.
Published: October 2024

This paper analyzes Indigenous politics in Bolivia, the 2019 coup against President Evo Morales, and the return of the Movimiento al Socialismo (Movement for Socialism, MAS) with the inauguration of Luis Arce in 2020. Drawing on interviews with Indigenous community members in the lowlands of the Bolivian Amazon, this piece theoretically situates Indigenous autonomy struggles within world systems theory and insights from Max Weber’s ‘iron cage’ of institutional isomorphism to argue that political tensions in Bolivian Indigenous communities can be understood within a context of (1) increasingly strained relations between the MAS and civil society organizations; (2) Indigenous-NGO coalition efforts to protect Tierras Comunitarias de Orígen (Native Community Lands) and; (3) the development of competing parallel leadership organizations within Native communities that threaten democratic processes and cohesive responses to extractivism.
Indigenous Politics of Emancipatory Education in Bolivia: The Role of the Escuela-Ayllu of Warisata
Authors: Kim Young Hyun
Published: October 2024

This article analyzes how the Escuela-Ayllu of Warisata in Bolivia challenged the feudal system known as gamonalismo in the 1930s-1940s within the broader context of Indigenous struggle. It demonstrates that distinct currents of Indigenous education, including indigenismo, Caciques-Apoderados’ Centro Educativo de Aborígenes “Bartolomé de las Casas,” and Alcaldes Mayores Particulares’ escuelas particulares, informed the Escuela-Ayllu’s community-led education. It argues that Warisata’s community members turned the Escuela-Ayllu into a political space of communal democracy that undermined the rural order structured by internal colonialism.
Cross-Pacific Vessel Estimated Time of Arrival and Next Destination Prediction with Automatic Identification System Data
Authors: Lloret-Batlle Roger , Lin Sen , Guo Jiequn
Published: October 2024

With the increase in global trade uncertainty and supply chain disruptions, accurately predicting the estimated time of arrival (ETA) of container vessels can effectively help carriers, terminals, and freight forwarders improve operational efficiency. The Asia-North America route has been recently under stress because of strikes and trade wars between the U.S. and China. Voyages are subject to multiple external factors leading to uncertainty in arrival times. This is especially true for cross-Pacific voyages, where long distances without intermediate port visits allow for a large feasible set of trajectories and vessel speed profiles. Large errors in ETA prediction not only hinder the effective planning and execution of other stakeholders but also lead to significant fluctuations in the types and quantities of goods arriving at the port, thereby hindering port competitiveness and efficient multimodal transportation. Existing literature focuses on estimating ETA and next positions for dense, compact areas at the vicinity of ports. We propose and evaluate model framework based on artificial neural networks (ANN) fed by automatic identification system (AIS) historical data to predict the next destination and ETA for cross-Pacific routes for cases where ETA from the captain is missing in the AIS data. Results show our model can effectively predict next destination and ETA of vessels, achieving a mean absolute error value of 4 h when the vessel is 1,500 nmi away from the port. For comparison, the ANN submodules are replaced with gradient boosted trees, providing similar results. We terminate by highlighting the challenges found to improve the model.
Predicting the Future Signalization of Traffic-Actuated Signals Using Extreme Gradient Boosting
Authors: Heckmann Kevin , Budde Jannik , Schneegans Lena Elisa , Hoyer Robert
Published: October 2024

Stops, braking, and acceleration maneuvers at traffic signals cause high fuel consumption and emission levels. Green light optimized speed advisory (GLOSA) can help to reduce a proportion of such unnecessary vehicle maneuvers. For this, GLOSA systems require reliable switching time estimations as input. However, estimating the switching times of traffic-actuated signals can be challenging. The signalization of traffic-actuated lights is adjusted to match the current traffic. Based on green-time requests, the status of signals can change with almost no lead time. This paper presents an approach for predicting the signalization of traffic-actuated signals. We exploit the limited nature of the space for switched signal state combinations at intersections, and express combinations of motorized traffic-related signal states as one feature to depict the motorized traffic signalization state (MTSSt) at an intersection. Predicting MTSSt-switches allows later determination of the switching times of individual signals. To conduct the predictions, the machine learning method “extreme gradient boosting” was used. A three-step methodology—data preparation, tuning the prediction procedure, and testing the approach—was applied and evaluated on the historical data of four traffic-actuated signalized intersections. The results showed that within a period of the next 30 s, signal changes were predicted with an overall precision and sensitivity of about 95% and an average mean absolute error of less than 1.1 s. In this period, the sequence of switched signals was predicted accurately to the second, without any deviation, in, on average, over 82% of cases.
Safety Insights from E-Scooter Rider and Bicyclist Behavior Observations in Two U.S. Cities
Authors: Neshagaran Ashkan , Cherry Christopher R. , Sanders Rebecca L.
Published: October 2024

E-scooters, a novel micromobility mode, have transformed U.S. transportation in urban cores, offering potential advantages like cost-effective mobility, congestion reduction, community accessibility, and lower emissions. However, owing to their novelty, their associated safety impacts and rider behaviors remain uncertain, complicating policy formulation. Specifically, e-scooter policy often mirrors bicycle policy, yet there have been few studies that have explicitly investigated how e-scooter and bicycle rider behaviors compare. This research investigated rider behavior relative to infrastructure by examining riding patterns through a video-based platform on 26 Nashville and Portland streets, offering insights on e-scooter and bicyclist behaviors, including riding location and helmet use. This study differs from other observational studies since it covers longer observation periods than prior in-person studies, including nighttime riding behavior. The video analysis also allows for observations of basic demographic characteristics. The findings revealed that bike lanes were well-used and dramatically reduced sidewalk riding and general travel lane usage. Without bike lanes, riders typically resorted to using sidewalks on high-capacity roads and sharing lanes with vehicles on low-capacity streets. The data also suggested demographic trends, such as riskier behavior among younger, male riders, and low helmet usage among e-scooter riders. The results emphasize the need for micromobility-supportive infrastructure in road design to encourage safer riding practices.
Rethinking Change: Complexity Theory and Its Application to Human Service Nonprofits
Authors: Alexander Jennifer , Fernandez Kandyce
Published: October 2024

The following article introduces complexity theory as an alternative for conceptualizing the dynamics of change in nonprofit health and human service organizations. We begin by reviewing theories most frequently used to frame change in nonprofits, identifying knowledge gaps that limit their explanatory capacity. The authors then introduce complexity theory as a lens for studying change as ongoing adaptation in dynamic systems; it emerges from the resolution of dualities and can appear unpredictable and nonlinear. Given the criticality of these organizations to public services, we consider new ways of analyzing nonprofit adaptation, and how understanding could lead to enhancing the sector’s capacity to respond to crises.
Incidence and Correlates of Husband-Perpetrated Rape Among Currently Married Women in Nigeria
Authors: Wusu Onipede , Aliu Ibrahim Rotimi , Olupooye Olabusoye O. , Raji Sakiru O. , Olateju Adijat O. , Alausa Waheed Moa-Liberty , Sulaiman Afolashade Airat , Omobitan Olufunsho
Published: October 2024

Husband-perpetrated rape (HPR), which implies every form of unwilling sex with a husband as a result of force, threat or drug, is rarely discussed or reported, and it has been quite understudied in Nigeria. Hence, this study answers two questions: What is the incidence of HPR, and what are the correlates among currently married women in Nigeria? Descriptive and multi-level logistic regression tools are used to analyze data from a sub-sample of 1,583 currently married women (16 years and above) surveyed in a larger survey conducted in mid-2022. The results suggest that the national incidence rate of HPR among currently married women in Nigeria is 20%. Although any married woman could experience HPR anywhere, the main correlates that are likely to elevate the risk in Nigeria are childhood sexual abuse experience ( OR = 3.9, p < .001, 95% CI [2.9, 5.2]), membership in Yoruba ethnic group ( OR = 2.7, p < .001, [1.7, 4.3]), and having husbands who smoke ( OR = 2.4, p < .001, [1.7, 3.4]). Other minor risk factors are minority ethnic groups membership ( OR = 2.1, p < .01, [1.4, 3.3]), husband’s substance use ( OR = 1.7, p < .001, [1.3, 2.2]), childhood family situation wherein parents separated/divorced ( OR = 1.8, p < .01, [1.3, 2.6]) and membership of the Igbo ethnic group ( OR = 1.7, p < .05, [1.1, 2.8]). Therefore, to reduce HPR experience in Nigeria, appropriate organs should design and implement an invigorated child protection law targeting childhood sexual abuse reduction. An aggressive campaign against smoking and substance consumption among married men is also imperative. Also, a sustained campaign against HPR using multiple media all over Nigeria is crucial.
Facing Early Bronze Age climate change in South East Arabia: New data from the hydraulic structures of Salūt-ST1, Central Oman: A geoarchaeological perspective
Authors: Esposti Michele Degli , Cremaschi Mauro , Costanzo Stefano
Published: October 2024

Studies concerning the human response to changing climate in the arid region of South East Arabia are currently scarce and rarely based on geoarchaeological data. The detailed geoarchaeological study of the sedimentary filling of ditches, channels and wells at the Bronze Age tower site of Salūt-ST1, in central Oman, provides the opportunity to start filling this lacuna. The data, collected with a combination of field observation and thin section study, illustrate the lowering of the water table from the Early Bronze Age to the Iron Age II period (c. 2500–600 BC) as a result of local aridification. Besides, they shed light on the ways in which the community living in the area first exploited a still favourable situation with a relatively abundant water supply and later was forced to cope with the deteriorating climate around the end of the third millennium BC. While the study highlights climate change at a relatively small scale, the results and their interpretation are contextualized with other, larger-scale paleoclimate data available for the region. The Early Bronze Age hydraulic structures of Salūt-ST1 are also discussed in relation to similar structures excavated in South East Arabia.
Morphogeometric analysis of tooth plates of Lepidosiren paradoxa (Sarcopterygii, Dipnoi) to infer Late-Holocene paleoenvironmental variations in the South American Gran Chaco
Authors: Macarena Zarza María , Magalí Panzeri Karen , Thomas Larsen , Luis Manuel del Papa , Nicolás Lamenza Guillermo
Published: October 2024

The Gran Chaco region, a highly biodiverse forested ecoregion in South America, has undergone significant environmental changes in the past. Understanding these past environmental conditions can help in assessing how humans and ecosystems have responded to past climate changes. To develop a new proxy for reconstructing past environmental conditions in this region, we morphometrically analysed the pterygopalatine tooth plates of Lepidosiren paradoxa, the sole representative species of lungfish in South America. We tested whether its permanent dentition correlates with environmental conditions for this species and the species it feeds on. By examining 110 pterygopalatine tooth plates from archaeological sites and comparing them with seven contemporary tooth plates, we identified morphological similarities that confirm the archaeological specimens as L. paradoxa. Our findings suggest a trend towards more favourable environmental conditions from approximately 1700 years BP to the present, characterized by warming temperatures and increased humidity. This trend peaked around 1000 years BP, as evidenced by a notable change in tooth plate form expression, specifically an increase in size and more pronounced shape features. This findings aligns with regional paleoenvironmental data, indicating a shift from semi-arid to more humid climates during this period. The study’s results contribute to our understanding of the late Holocene paleoenvironmental variations in the South American Gran Chaco and demonstrate the potential of tooth plate morphology as a paleoenvironmental indicator.
“It Isn’t What I Had to Do, It’s What I Get to Do”: The Experiences of Black Family Caregivers Managing Dementia
Authors: Robinson-Lane Sheria G. , Johnson Florence U. , Tuyisenge Marie Jeanne , Jackson Jada , Qurashi Tasneem , Tripathi Priya , Giordani Bruno
Published: October 2024

Black family caregivers of persons with dementia experience high levels of stress that can negatively affect caregiver health outcomes and reduce caregiving capacity. However, Black caregivers tend to report low levels depressive symptoms or other negative health effects. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to identify factors that contribute to resilience among Black family caregivers. Using the rigorous and accelerated data reduction (RADaR) technique to complete thematic analysis, a team of five coders examined transcript data from three focus groups of Black current and former family caregivers ( n = 17) of persons with dementia. We identified three primary factors that contributed to caregiver resilience including access to supportive environments, adaptability, and planning skills. Caregiver resistance to reporting depressive symptoms may be attributed to the strong Black woman schema. Findings from this study may be used to develop future culturally responsive interventions that support caregivers and promote family health.
Collaborative Online International Learning With Prelicensure Nursing Students: Teaching Family-Centered Care Through a Global Perspective
Authors: Cosgrove Beth , Woodley Lisa , Rodrigues dos Santos Maiara , Thiago Pereira da Silva Lucas , Grant Gabrielle , Reis di Gregório Ana Carolina , Szylit Regina
Published: October 2024

A Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) experience was designed for prelicensure nursing students taking a pediatric course in the United States and in Brazil, to teach family-centered care to develop inclusive, global nursing practices. The purpose of this study is to describe prelicensure nursing student learning of family-centered care concepts facilitated by COIL. For data collection, six focus groups with 37 students were conducted across both universities. Data were analyzed using inductive qualitative analysis by each country separately and as a global team. Major themes included understanding the needs of families of children with chronic conditions as impacted by health systems, assigning meanings to family care of children with chronic conditions, applying concepts of family-centered care and self-reflection. Results suggest COIL is a feasible way for prelicensure nursing students to learn family-centered nursing care by operationalizing concepts, from real experiences and increasing cultural awareness.
An Internet Mantram Repetition Program to Promote Well-being in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hulett Jennifer M. , Cheng An-Lin , Bormann Jill E. , Anbari Allison B. , Armer Jane M. , Hartman Brooke M. , Ann Bettencourt B. , Sherwin LeeAnne B. , Sperling Edie L. , Narkthong Natsayakarn , Reinero Carol , Rindt Hans , Schreiber Kathy , Peterson Lindsay L. , Albright Emily
Published: October 2024

Introduction: The primary objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of a 6-week internet-delivered Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) for women recently treated for breast cancer. A secondary objective explored changes in perceived stress, psycho-spiritual measures, and cytokines in the treatment group compared to a waitlist. Methods: A feasibility study (ORBIT model Phase IIa) with a randomized controlled trial pilot was conducted. Eligible women recently treated for breast cancer were randomized to the treatment group ( n = 14) or a waitlist group ( n = 12) and participated for 12 weeks. During weeks 1-6, the treatment group received the MRP intervention while the waitlisted group was inactive. During weeks 7-12, the treatment group was inactive while the waitlisted group received the MRP intervention. The primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability of the internet-delivered MRP intervention protocol. Participants completed pre and post-intervention psycho-spiritual health assessments. A subset of participants provided serum for cytokine analyses at enrollment and week 6, coinciding with the period in which the treatment group receiving the MRP intervention. Results: Overall study attrition was 19.2%. MRP adherence for both groups was 86% at post-intervention and 90% in the treatment group at 6-week follow-up. Pre-to-post-intervention analyses pooling both groups’ data demonstrated decreased perceived stress ( p = .045) and increased spiritual well-being ( p =.004). IFN-γ and IL-17A were increased in the waitlisted group and decreased in the treatment group ( p = 0.048). Conclusion: Feasibility of a 6-week, internet-delivered MRP intervention for breast cancer survivors was established. Psycho-spiritual variables and serum cytokines are suitable clinical outcome measures for future MRP studies with breast cancer survivors. Data suggest MRP may reduce perceived stress and support spiritual well-being in women with breast cancer; however, additional studies are needed.
Clinical Efficacy of Hexue Tongbi Formula on Oxaliplatin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Sun Lingling , Lv Yiying , Li Duo , Feng Jingyu , Chen Zhuangzhong , Lin Lizhu
Published: October 2024

Aim:

The aim of this study was to analyse the effiacy of HeXue Tongbi Formula in the treatment of oxaliplatin-induced perpheral neuropathy.

Method:

An open randomized, non-blind, controlled study was conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from September 2019 to December 2020. A total of 78 maligant tumor patients receiving oxaliplatin-containing chemotherapy were recruited, with half of them receiving HeXue Tongbi Formula for 4 cycles of 21 days. The study assessed the incidence and severity of perpheral neuropathy and the safety of HeXue Tongbi Formula.

Result:

After 4 cycles of treatment, the incidence of perpheral neuropathy in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (30.77% versus 84.62%, P < .05). The severity of perpheral neuropathy in the treatment group increased sligthly and stabilized from the third cycle, whlie it gradually increased in the control group. yhere were no severe adverse reactions to HeXue Tongbi Formula.

Conclusion:

HeXue Tongbi Formula demonstrated good preventive and therapeutic effects on oxaliplatin-induced perpheral neuropathy.

Trial registration:

This trial has been registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000032996).
Association Between Adequate Sleep and Participation in Occupational Areas in School-Age Children
Authors: Ha Yaena , Park Sangmi , Roh Geummi , Kim Jiho , Kim Eunji , Hong Ickpyo
Published: October 2024

Adequate sleep tailored to children’s age is important for their well-being. This study aimed to examine the association between adequate sleep and children’s participation in occupational areas. This study was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of secondary data obtained from the 2020 National Survey of Children’s Health in the United States. This study included 6,818 children aged 6 to 11 years. The mean age was 8.48 years (standard deviation = 1.72). Multivariate regression models revealed that adequate sleep was significantly associated with increased participation in occupational areas (17% more in leisure, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–1.23; 15% more in play, 95% CI: 1.07–1.22; 11% more in education, 95% CI: 1.01–1.22) in school-age children, but not with participation in work and social participation. Adequate sleep is associated with increased participation of school-age children in occupational areas.
A Study of the Causes and the Effect of Writing Anxiety Components on Iraqi EFL Students’ Attitudes
Authors: Sabti Ahmed Abdulateef , Hassan Aalaa Yaseen , Turki Hutheifa Yousif , Hummadi Ali Salman
Published: October 2024

Anxiety is identified as a main issue that may highly lead to the feelings of nervousness, worry, tension, and apprehension. The purpose of the study is to measure the impact of the three components of writing anxiety (somatic, avoidance behavior, and cognitive) on Iraqi EFL learners’ attitudes and also attempts to determine the component causing the highest anxiety rates. Besides, the study also aims to detect the key elements that provoke anxiety. Two questionnaire tools, listed under the quantitative approach, were adopted in this study: The Second Language Writing Anxiety Inventory developed by Cheng and Causes of Writing Anxiety Inventory developed by Rezaei and Jafari. Hundred Iraqi undergraduate students, 50 males and 50 females, were assigned to take part in this study at “Al-Nisour University College.” The finding demonstrated that the participants are affected by all the three aforesaid components. However, the component “avoidance behavior anxiety” had a higher effect rate on the participants’ attitudes compared to the two components, dubbed “cognitive and somatic” that showed otherwise. Added to this, the findings also revealed a significant difference between genders wherein female learners showed a higher rate of anxiety than their male counterparts. This points out that female students may highly have an inclination to evade the situations demanding writing. Linguistic difficulties, fear of teacher’s negative comments, insufficient writing practice and self-confidence were respectively detected as the highest influential elements behind arousing anxiety. The current study highlighted the causes of writing anxiety and the effect of its components on Iraqi EFL learners and might contribute to paving the way to new teaching methods or techniques to mitigate the effect of these writing anxiety components and boost self-confidence in Iraqi EFL.
Implicit Racial Bias in Europe: Cross-National Variation and Time Trends
Authors: Dederichs Kasimir , Verhaeghe Pieter-Paul
Published: October 2024

The authors visualize how implicit racial bias at the collective level varies across European countries and how it changed between 2009 and 2019. To obtain population-level estimates, the authors re-weight implicit association test data from the Project Implicit international dataset ( n = 184,745). Implicit bias against Black people is stronger in southern and eastern vis-à-vis northern and western European countries. It decreased until the mid-2010s but started to increase thereafter.
Influence of Social Deprivation on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Foot and Ankle Patients
Authors: Wagers Kade , Ofori-Atta Blessing , Presson Angela , Nixon Devon
Published: October 2024

Background:

The impact of social health on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is gaining increasing attention within the orthopaedic community. Few studies have explored any relationship between social deprivation levels and PROs in orthopaedic foot and ankle patients.

Methods:

We retrospectively identified patients who presented to an orthopaedic foot and ankle clinic for new evaluation. Patients completed PROs including PROMIS physical function (PF), PROMIS pain interference (PI), and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). Social deprivation was measured using the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a metric that incorporates various domains of poverty, education, housing, and employment. The ADI score quantifies the degree of social deprivation based on the 9-digit home zip code but is not a specific measure to an individual patient. Briefly, a lower ADI indicates less deprivation whereas a higher score denotes greater deprivation. Patient characteristics and outcomes were summarized and stratified by the nationally defined median ADI. Multivariable linear regression models assessed the relationships between PROs and continuous ADI controlling for demographics (age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, and employment status).

Results:

Our cohort consisted of 1565 patients with PRO and appropriate zip code data. Patients in the most-deprived median ADI split had more pain (median PROMIS-PI 62.7 vs 61.2, P = .001) and less function (median PROMIS-PF 37.1 vs 38.6, P = .021) compared with the least-deprived median ADI split. The clinical significance of these findings is unclear, though, given the minimal differences between groups for PROMIS measures. There was no relationship between ADI and FAAM scores.

Conclusion:

More socially deprived patients presented to the clinic with marginally less function and greater pain. Although statistically significant, the clinical significance of these relationships is unclear and merits further exploration. We plan to continue to study the connection between social deprivation and patient outcomes in specific clinical conditions as well as before/after surgical interventions.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective cases series.
The high-grade B-cell lymphomas: double hit and more
Authors: Davies Andrew J.
Published: October 2024

Both the 2022 World Health Organization Classification of Hematolymphoid Tumors, 5th Edition and the International Consensus Classification of lymphoma have refined the way we now approach high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL) with MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 rearrangements moving the previous generation of classification a step forward. The unifying biology of MYC/BCL2 tumors has become clearer and their inferior prognosis confirmed compared with those with morphologic similar phenotypes but lacking the classifcation defining cytogenetic abnormalities. Fluorescent in situ hybridization testing has now become largely population based, and we have learned much from this. We can readily define molecular categories and apply these widely to clinical practice. Uncertainty has, however, been shed on the place of MYC/BCL6 translocations in defining a common disease group of double hit lymphoma due to biological heterogeneity. We have enhanced our knowledge of outcomes and the role of therapy intensification to overcome chemotherapy resistance in HGBL. For those patients failed by initial induction chemotherapy, immunotherapy approaches, including chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies, are improving outcomes. Novel inhibitors, targeting dysregulated oncogenic proteins, are being explored at pace. The rare, but difficult, diagnostic classification HGBL (not otherwise specified) remains a diagnosis of exclusion with limited data on an optimal clinical approach. The days of talking loosely of double- and triple-hit lymphoma are numbered as biology and outcomes may not be shared. This review synergizes the current data on biology, prognosis, and therapies in HGBL.
Enhancing cotton whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) detection and counting with a cost-effective deep learning approach on the Raspberry Pi
Authors: Feng Zhen , Wang Nan , Jin Ying , Cao Haijuan , Huang Xia , Wen Shuhan , Ding Mingquan
Published: October 2024

Background

The cotton whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) is a major global pest, causing significant crop damage through viral infestation and feeding. Traditional B. tabaci recognition relies on human eyes, which requires a large amount of work and high labor costs. The pests overlapping generations, high reproductive capacity, small size, and migratory behavior present challenges for the real-time monitoring and early warning systems. This study aims to develop an efficient, high-throughput automated system for detection of the cotton whiteflies. In this work, a novel tool for cotton whitefly fast identification and quantification was developed based on deep learning-based model. This approach enhances the effectiveness of B. tabaci control by facilitating earlier detection of its establishment in cotton, thereby allowing for a quicker implementation of management strategies.

Results

We compiled a dataset of 1200 annotated images of whiteflies on cotton leaves, augmented using techniques like flipping and rotation. We modified the YOLO v8s model by replacing the C2f module with the Swin-Transformer and introducing a P2 structure in the Head, achieving a precision of 0.87, mAP50 of 0.92, and F1 score of 0.88 through ablation studies. Additionally, we employed SAHI for image preprocessing and integrated the whitefly detection algorithm on a Raspberry Pi, and developed a GUI-based visual interface. Our preliminary analysis revealed a higher density of whiteflies on cotton leaves in the afternoon and the middle-top, middle, and middle-down plant sections.

Conclusion

Utilizing the enhanced YOLO v8s deep learning model, we have achieved precise detection and counting of whiteflies, enabling its application on hardware devices like the Raspberry Pi. This approach is highly suitable for research requiring accurate quantification of cotton whiteflies, including phenotypic analyses. Future work will focus on deploying such equipment in large fields to manage whitefly infestations.
A review on the promising antibacterial agents in bone cement–From past to current insights
Authors: Lin Hao , Gao Zhe , Shan Tao , Asilebieke Ayakuzi , Guo Rui , Kan Yu-chen , Li Chun , Xu Yang , Chu Jian-jun
Published: October 2024

Antibacterial bone cements (ABCs), such as antibiotic-loaded bone cements (ALBCs), have been widely utilized in clinical treatments. Currently, bone cements loaded with vancomycin, gentamicin, tobramycin, or clindamycin are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. However, traditional ALBCs exhibit drawbacks like burst release and bacterial resistance. Therefore, there is a demand for the development of antibacterial bone cements containing novel agents to address these defects. In this review, we provide an overview and prospect of the new antibacterial agents that can be used or have the potential to be applied in bone cement, including metallic antibacterial agents, pH-switchable antibacterial agents, cationic polymers, N-halamines, non-leaching acrylic monomers, antimicrobial peptides and enzymes. Additionally, we have conducted a preliminary assessment of the feasibility of bone cement containing N-halamine, which has demonstrated good antibacterial activities. The conclusion of this review is that the research and utilization of bone cement containing novel antibacterial agents contribute to addressing the limitations of ALBCs. Therefore, it is necessary to continue expanding the research and use of bone cement incorporating novel antibacterial agents. This review offers a novel perspectives for designing ABCs and treating bone infections.

Graphical abstract
Establishment of a value assessment framework for orphan medicinal products in China
Authors: Chen Handong , Xiang Yuliang , Tang Xian , Hu Ming
Published: October 2024

Background

This study aimed to establish a suitable value assessment framework for orphan medicinal products in China based on the multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) method.

Methods

First, a draft framework of the MCDA criteria was built based on a systematic literature evaluation and the EVIDEM framework tools. Second, stakeholder groups were formed and expert opinions were collected through the brainstorming and expert consultation methods. Third, from the perspective of stakeholders, the five-point weighting method and a two-step percentile distribution method were employed to weigh the quantitative criteria in the framework for orphan drug value evaluation. Meanwhile, from the public perspective, a survey was conducted on a sample of 71 people to obtain the scoring scale of the framework for orphan drugs through a two-step percentile distribution method. Finally, based on the synthetization and comparison of all evidence and methods, we developed the framework criteria and scoring scale for the orphan medicinal products.

Results

Combined with the stakeholder selection and suggestions in the stakeholder workshop, the framework criteria for the evaluation were constructed based on China’s national conditions, which included 11 quantitative and 8 qualitative criteria. The two-step percentile distribution method was selected as the weighting method.

Conclusions

MCDA is feasible for the value assessment of orphan drugs in China and can be used as a supplementary tool for drug access decisions in medical insurance. It is suggested to further improve the value assessment framework of orphan medicinal products, scientifically evaluate the MCDA framework weighting method, explore a framework system suitable for China’s national conditions.
Predicting outcomes in patients with exacerbation of COPD requiring mechanical ventilation
Authors: Alzaabi Obaid , Guerot Emmanuel , Planquette Benjamin , Diehl Jean-Luc , Soumagne Thibaud
Published: October 2024

Background

Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are common and significantly contribute to mortality in patients with COPD. Prognostic scores can assist clinicians in making tailored decisions to manage AECOPD. In the current study, we therefore aimed to evaluate the performance of the Noninvasive Ventilation Outcomes (NIVO) score, originally designed to assess in-ICU mortality, in predicting 1 year mortality and NIV failure in AECOPD.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed data from patients hospitalized for AECOPD requiring mechanical ventilation between January 1st, 2018, and December 31st, 2022. Mortality was assessed at the end of ICU stay and 1 year after admission, while NIV failure was defined as intubation or death without intubation.

Results

Among 302 ICU admissions of COPD patients, 190 patients with AECOPD requiring mechanical ventilation were included. Of these, 44 (23%) died in the ICU, 62 out of 184 (34%) failed NIV, and 78 (41%) died within 1 year of admission. Patients who died in ICU or experienced NIV failure had more severe COPD and more impaired blood gas parameters at admission. The NIVO score demonstrated an AUC of 0.68 in predicting 1-year mortality and an AUC of 0.85 in predicting NIV failure. A NIVO score over 7 was associated with higher 1-year mortality and NIV failure (HR of 4.4 [1.8–10.9] and 41.6 [5.6–307.9], respectively).

Conclusion

Beyond predicting in-ICU mortality, the NIVO-score is a reliable tool in predicting 1-year mortality and NIV failure in AECOPD.
Concentrated bank market and SMEs’ collateral issues: a study of the firms of developing Asian countries
Authors: Thein Ei Ei , Niigata Atsushi , Inaba Kazuo
Published: October 2024

Collateral is a significant challenge for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in acquiring formal credit. Bank market concentration can cause to increase collateral demand through enhancing bank market power. This study explores the relationship between bank market concentration and the collateral challenges faced by SMEs in accessing bank credit by employing a probit regression model. The analysis utilizes a sample of over 25,000 firms from 19 developing Asian nations. The datasets combine firm-level data sourced from the Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Survey (BEEPS) with country-level financial data obtained from the Global Financial Development Data (GFDD) which are provided by the World Bank. The results reveal a significant positive correlation between bank market concentration and the collateral challenges encountered by SMEs in developing Asian countries. In markets characterized by high levels of banking concentration, financial institutions tend to exhibit risk-averse behavior, manifesting in an increased propensity to demand collateral for both SME and large enterprise loans. Consequently, this heightened bank concentration exerts additional pressure on SMEs in acquiring bank credit. To foster an environment conducive to SME financing, countries with high levels of banking concentration should enact regulatory measures aimed at managing and constraining market concentration levels.
Dietary supplementation with rosemary essential oil improves genital characteristics, semen parameters and testosterone concentration in Barki rams
Authors: Ali Montaser Elsayed , Zainhom Mohammad Yossof , Monir Ahmed , Awad Ahmed Abd-Elghany , Al-Saeed Fatimah A.
Published: October 2024

Background

Male reproductive performance is an essential part of sheep production; therefore, the use of natural antioxidants to improve sperm quality and maintain reproductive performance in males is very important. Hence, oral administration of rosemary essential oil (REO) was investigated to improve the fertility rate, including the ultrasonographic testes, epididymal tail and genital glands, as well as semen parameters and testosterone concentration. Sixty animals were splitted into two groups, each with 30 rams; the rosemary group (C + REO) received 2 mg/kg/bw and the control group (C-REO). Ultrasound images and blood samples were collected at 15, 30 and 45 days of the REO treatment.

Results

The testis and epididymal tail ultrasonographic assessments demonstrated a significant enhancement in the C + REO group compared to the C-REO group. However, the rams in the C + REO group showed significant improvements in the pampini-form plexus, seminal vesicle, Cowper's and prostate genital glands compared to the C-REO group. The data showed that the sperm cell concentration (× 109/ml) and individual motility (%) were significantly improved in the C + REO group. Furthermore, ejaculate volume (ml) in the C + REO group was significantly higher than that in the C-REO group. While the animals treated with REO did not improve live spermatozoa (%), it reduced the abnormalities of spermatozoa (%) compared to the C-REO group. Also, the C + REO group significantly increased the testosterone concentration more than the C-REO group.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that supplementation with 2 mg/kg/bw REO improves genital characteristics, semen parameters and testosterone concentration in Barki rams.
Cognitive performance, mental health, and quality of life in β-thalassemia individuals: a comprehensive analysis
Authors: Elbeh Khaled , Hameed Muhamad R. Abdel , Gabra Romany H. , Mohamed Alya O. , Ahmed Gellan k.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Beta-thalassemia is a prevalent autosomal recessive haemolytic disorder, particularly in the Middle East. Patients with beta-thalassemia major (βTM) require iron chelation therapy and regular blood transfusions, while those with beta-thalassemia intermedia (βTI) exhibit milder symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate cognitive function, behavioural problems, quality of life, and related aspects in individuals with βTM and βTI.

Methods

The cross-sectional study included 20 βTM participants, 20 βTI participants, and 19 healthy controls. Participants underwent psychiatric interviews, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III), Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (SCL-90R), and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Clinical data and laboratory investigations were also collected.

Results

βTM participants exhibited lower vocabulary and picture completion scores on the WAIS-III compared to other groups. βTI participants had significantly higher scores on SCL-90R subscales for somatization, depression, anxiety, paranoid ideation, and psychoticism. Both patient groups reported poorer quality of life across all SF-36 domains compared with controls. Longer disease duration correlated with lower levels of somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, and paranoid ideation. Less frequent blood transfusions were associated with better physical and mental health summary scores but also higher somatization. Elevated serum iron levels corresponded with increased anxiety, hostility, and psychoticism symptoms, while higher serum ferritin related to more obsessive–compulsive behaviours but less somatization and psychoticism.

Conclusions

Individuals with thalassemia exhibit cognitive deficits, psychological disturbances, and diminished quality of life, with distinct patterns depending on disease severity. Regular monitoring and appropriate interventions are crucial for optimizing their overall well-being and functioning.
Clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic characteristics of critical multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: a retrospective, observational study
Authors: Ibrahim Hanan M. , Habeeb Nevin , Elhakeem Ihab , Abo-Bakr Ahmed , Magdy Sondos
Published: October 2024

Objective

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a critical childhood disease that is associated with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We aimed to describe the clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic characteristics and outcome of critical MIS-C cases in Egyptian children during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

A retrospective, observational study.

Setting

A single-center tertiary pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).In Ain Shams university hospitals Cairo Egypt

Methods

Children admitted to the PICU diagnosed with severe MIS-C as per the Centers for Disease Control’s definition from June 23, 2020, to August 22, 2020, were included.

Results

The patient’s mean age was 7.45 (interquartile range [IQR], 4.23) years, and the cause of PICU admission was hypotension and shock. All patients had a fever for 4.8 (IQR, 2.5) days before shock developed. Overall, 68% had a gastrointestinal manifestation, and 55.6% had a rash. Thirty-five of 45 patients had ≥ 4 elevated inflammatory markers. The cardiac troponin I level was elevated in 35 of 45 patients. The most common cardiac condition was valvulitis (tricuspid regurgitation, 29/45; mitral valve regurgitation, 28/45; pulmonary valve regurgitation, 5/45; atrial valve regurgitation, 4/45). Twenty-one patients had an impaired ejection fraction < 50%, and 17 patients had coronary dilatation. Six patients had pericardial effusion, 1 patient had dilated pulmonary arteries, and 6 patients (13.3%) died of their associated comorbidities. The mean PICU length of stay among patients with no associated comorbidities was 7 days.

Conclusions

Critical cases of MIS-C had a spectrum of different cardiac conditions, with valvulitis being the most common one. The worst outcome occurred in patients with comorbidities and infants.
Clinical and functional outcome of total transanal endorectal pull-through procedure for the management of Hirschsprung’s disease
Authors: Al Shukairi Aisha Masoud , Nayar Madhavan , Al Awfi Mahmood Masud
Published: October 2024

Objective

The aim of the study is to evaluate the complications and long-term bowel function in Hirschsprung’s disease (HD) patients following total transanal endorectal pull-through (TERPT) surgery operated in a tertiary hospital in Oman.

Methods

A retrospective data retrieval was done for patients diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease and underwent total transanal endorectal pull-through procedure during the period from December 2008 to June 2019 with concomitant prospective phone call questionnaire interview to assess the long-term functional outcome of children aged 3 years and older.

Results

Total transanal endorectal pull-through was performed in 61 patients. The mean age at the time of operation was 7.71 ± 8.26 months. The most common late complication was anal excoriation (19.7%). Of the patients, 61.5% had a normal to fair score, and the remaining 38% had a poor score in their functional outcome questionnaire. The majority had no social problems (65.4%), while 15.4% had problems causing varying degrees of social restrictions.

Conclusion

The short-term outcomes of total transanal endorectal pull-through are found to be acceptable. In addition, the long-term functional outcome post total transanal endorectal pull-through was found to be satisfactory; however, longer follow-up studies with larger sample sizes are needed for more accurate functional outcome evaluation.