bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deaf and technology: A bibliometric analysis of scientific literature
Authors: Vuković Bojana , Ćalasan Sladjana , Vegar Andrea , Živanović Sanja
Published: January 2023

Introduction. Technology has the potential to reduce isolation, increase independence, provide educational, financial and social opportunities for users, but there may still be barriers, especially for people with disabilities or sensory deficits. Therefore, it is very important to determine what science has been dealing with in this area, more precisely in the area of the deaf. The main aim of this paper was to map the progress and trends of scientific literature in the field of technology for the deaf (children and adults). 

Methods. A bibliometric analysis in VosViewer was performed to determine the set goals. The Dimensions database was chosen for literature analysis. The unit of analysis consisted of 1242 publications and VosViewer was applied. 

Results. The results show that this topic in science has experienced exponential growth in the last decade. Also, the most productive authors, journals, institutions and countries, as well as their collaboration network, were identified through a visual analysis of co-citations. Based on the analysis of co-words, we can draw a conclusion that the words: student, sign language, cochlear implant, classroom, parent, outcome are the most frequently repeated words, which would mean that the topics covered in this domain are mainly focused on children and their functioning in the environment and school system. 

Conclusion. Providing the main lines of research generated in this field allows scientists to follow the trends themselves. Also, therapists can use our analysis to identify sources that can indicate how and in what context deaf children can use technology.
Mild early course of osteogenesis imperfecta type XIV - a case report
Authors: Georgijev Nikola , Gazikalović Slobodan , Paunović Zoran , Ilić Nikola , Sarajlija Adrijan
Published: January 2023

Introduction. Mutations in TMEM38B gene, which encodes the endoplasmatic reticulum membrane trimeric intracellular cation channel (TRIC) type B, cause osteogenesis imperfecta type XIV. So far there have been only four different pathogenic variants reported in TMEM38B. Clinical features of osteogenesis imperfecta type XIV described in scarce reports include osteopenia, femoral bowing, low trauma fractures, scoliosis, muscular hypotonia and cardiac pathology. 

Case report. A 2-month-old male infant was referred to a clinical geneticist office due to bone deformities. The shortening of the limbs was observed during the prenatal ultrasound examination in seventh month of pregnancy. Prenatal cytogenetic analysis was performed from a fetal blood sample and showed normal findings. Neither fetal fractures were observed prenatally, nor any occurred during vaginal labor. During the first clinical exam by the clinical geneticist, discrete rhizomelia and bluish sclerae were observed. Due to the suspicion of skeletal dysplasia, indication for genetic analysis was established. Next generation sequencing panel for skeletal dysplasia showed homozygous deletion of exons 1 and 2 in the TMEM38B gene, confirming osteogenesis imperfecta type XIV. At the follow-up visit performed at 12 months of age, no fractures were reported. Several skeletal deformities were observable: discrete frontal bossing, rhizomelic upper extremities, slightly bowed thighs and shins. The infant achieved normal psychomotor development. A radiographic examination showed bowing of long bones of the lower extremities, without significant osteopenia. 

Conclusion. Absence of early fractures is rare in osteogenesis imperfecta type XIV. Relatively mild clinical features of our patient therefore contribute to the understanding of the phenotype of osteogenesis imperfecta type XIV and its relation to the genotype.
The correlation of metabolic and renal biomarkers with vitamin D status in postmenopausal women
Authors: Klisić Aleksandra , Radoman-Vujačić Irena , Kostadinović Jelena , Ninić Ana
Published: January 2023

Background: To our knowledge, the mutual involvement of a variety of metabolic and renal biomarkers and vitamin D (determined as 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]) in postmenopausal women has not been examined yet. Therefore, we aimed to explore such a relationship by a thorough statistical multimarker approach. Methods: A total of 150 (diabetes and cardiovascular disease-free) postmenopausal women were included. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured. The fatty liver index (FLI) and Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used to test the predictions of cardiometabolic markers for [25(OH)D] status. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to explore the effect of examined biomarkers on [25(OH)D] status. Results: Univariate binary regression analysis revealed positive associations between FLI and [25(OH)D] [OR=1.036 (1.020-1.052), P<0.001] and HOMA-IR with [25(OH)D] [OR=2.385 (1.601-3.551), P<0.001]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with backward selection enabled us to find the best model consisted of two markers, i.e. FLI [OR=1.032 (1.016-1.048), P<0.001] and glucose [OR=2.167 (1.001-4.693), P=0.050] associated with the first tertile of [25(OH)D]. PCA extracted 2 significant factors: Renal function-related factor and Metabolic syndrome-related factor. Renal function-related factor [i.e. creatinine, uric acid, retinolbinding protein 4 (RBP4) and cystatin C] explained 29% of the variance. Also, Metabolic syndrome-related factor (i.e. HOMA-IR, FLI, hsCRP and fibrinogen) explained 29% of the variance of the tested parameters. Moreover, binary logistic regression analysis revealed significant positive predictive ability of both factors, i.e. Renal function-related factor and Metabolic syndrome-related factor (P=0.044 and P<0.001, respectively) towards [25(OH)D] status. Conclusion: The joint involvement of renal function biomarkers and metabolic syndrome-related features (i.e. insulin resistance, inflammation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) can differentiate postmenopausal women with lower [25(OH)D] levels from other women.
Sociología Global: Hacia un Paradigma Alternativo desde el Sur
Authors: Munck Ronaldo
Published: January 2023

The project to (re)construct a global sociology is one where there is no agreed paradigm or even a shared understanding of the main issues that would be needed to secure a new robust and credible paradigm. What I seek to do here is to simply clarify the terms of the debate so as to establish whether we might pursue the quest for an alternative paradigm with some conviction. I first consider the ‘strong case’ for a global sociology based on the assumptions of globalisation theory which, overall, seems to suffer from economism in my view. Next I present a postcolonial perspective which posits a fundamental division between the global South and the North, an enterprise I find to be marked by a certain culturalism. I then present elements for an alternative approach towards a new paradigm based on an understanding of complexity, uneven development and the politics of scale. A brief Latin American excursus at the end seeks to provide some texture to the overall argument that a new global sociology could develop through a critical Southern lens and a focus on cultural political economy.

En el proyecto para (re)construir una sociología global no hay un paradigma acordado, ni siquiera una comprensión compartida de las principales cuestiones que serían necesarias para lograr un nuevo modelo robusto y creíble. Lo que intentaré aquí es únicamente clarificar los términos del debate para determinar cómo deberíamos perseguir con convicción la búsqueda de este paradigma alternativo. En primer lugar, abordo la “gran cuestión” de una sociología global basada en los supuestos de la teoría de la globalización que, en general, adolece de economismo desde mi punto de vista. Posteriormente, presento una perspectiva postcolonial que plantea una división fundamental entre el Sur y el Norte global, una iniciativa que encuentro marcada por un cierto culturalismo. Adicionalmente, ofrezco elementos para un enfoque alternativo hacia un nuevo modelo basado en una comprensión de la complejidad, el desarrollo desigual y las políticas de escala. Una breve digresión latinoamericana al final del artículo tiene el propósito de realizar una aportación al debate general sobre una nueva sociología global que podría desarrollarse a través de una perspectiva crítica desde el Sur y un enfoque en la economía política cultural.
Digital Signature Standard (DSS)
Authors:   National Institute of Standards and Technology (US)
Published: January 2023

This standard specifies a suite of algorithms that can be used to generate a digital signature. Digital signatures are used to detect unauthorized modifications to data and to authenticate the identity of the signatory. In addition, the recipient of signed data can use a digital signature as evidence in demonstrating to a third party that the signature was, in fact, generated by the claimed signatory. This is known as non-repudiation since the signatory cannot easily repudiate the signature at a later time.
The emergence and management of embodied dilemmas in psychotherapeutic interaction: a qualitative study
Authors: Trasmundi Sarah Bro , Jensen Thomas Wiben , Bruun Henriette , Wrist Katharina Kjølbye , Steffensen Sune Vork
Published: January 2023

In this article we take an embodied and interactional perspective on how ethical dilemmas are being managed in situated interaction. Accordingly, we aim at linking ethical principles to real-life clinical practices in order to show how ethical dilemmas are less about abstract decision-making, and more about reasoning constrained by inter-bodily dynamics, affect and adaptive behaviour in situated interaction. We present two real-life cases of ethical dilemma management in a psychotherapeutic setting. We use the innovative method, Cognitive Event Analysis, to investigate the interaction in which the dilemmas emerge. The analytical findings, we claim, pave the way for a more embodied code of ethics, which, in turn, has consequences for the theoretical assumptions that inform the models and guide­lines for action in practice.
A discourse analysis of suicide ideation assessment among first year health professional students enrolled in a communications course
Authors: Paulus Trena , Hebah Al-Khateeb  , Jessica Lester  , Rick  Hess  , Alicia Williams
Published: January 2023

Background: Suicide risk assessments require a complex set of skills around a sensitive matter which can be difficult for providers. Aim: Research investigating communication techniques and the language choices used to assess for suicide ideation is limited. Methods: We analyzed 121 video-recorded and transcribed final exams from a communication skills course for first year health professional students to identify patterns and variation in the language choices made to assess for suicidal ideation in standardized patients exhibiting symptoms of depression.  Results: We found that 66 of the 121 (55%) interviews included a suicide assessment. We noted key patterns and variation around when the assessments took place (while exploring depressive symptoms or as a topic shift), how they were prefaced (with ubiquity statements, normalization statements, or expressions of care and concern), and how the question itself was structured (with a negative preference structure, in a non-polar format, or ambiguously). Conclusions: Assessing for suicide is a delicate task for both patients and providers, both of whom may be reluctant to engage around the topic. Utilizing normalization statements as well as statements of care and concern is a good approach to assess suicide idation while exploring depressive symptoms.
The concept of resilience: Dimensions, properties of resilient systems and spatial scales of resilience
Authors: Masik Grzegorz
Published: January 2023

The aim of this paper is to identify the dimensions of resilience undertaken in literature, characteristics describing resilient systems and spatial scales in the context of which resilience research and strategic planning are carried out. The research method was desk research within which the papers that were reviewed were selected based on scientific journal reputation including the high Impact Factor. References to resilience in strategic planning were selected on the basis of information about international organizations dealing with resilience mentioned in scientific articles. Based on broad review, environmental, social, economic and institutional resilience have been identified. Important properties of social-ecological systems identified in the context of resilience include connectivity, modularity, redundancy, interdependence, and diversification, while resilience strategies specifically consider flexibility, resourcefulness, reflectiveness, dispersion, mutuality, inclusion, and integration. Research as well as strategic actions to strengthen resilience consider global spatial scale but also national, regional, local, neighbourhood, household and individual.
Implementation of the AdH hydrodynamic model on the Włocławek Reservoir
Authors: Tutro Magdalena , Hachaj Paweł S. , Szlapa Monika , Gierszewski Piotr , Habel Michał , Juśkiewicz Włodzimierz , Mączka Natalia
Published: January 2023

The variation of water velocity in an artificial dam reservoir is influenced not only by the inflow discharge, but also by the bathymetry of the reservoir and the water level at the dam. The depiction of spatially complex variations in flow velocity through a reservoir would not be possible without the use of hydrodynamic models. A reliable hydrodynamic model of the reservoir is an effective tool for predicting and analyzing changes in the reservoir geoecosystem in an age of changing climate and risk of water stress. A depth-averaged two-dimensional AdH model was used to visualize the hydrodynamics of the Włocławek Reservoir. Running the model for eight different hydrological conditions delivered consistent results and allowed to calibrate the model parameters. Additionally, it provided a way to verify the data regarding the rating curve of the Vistula River upstream the reservoir.
Pulmonary Complications in a Patient with Common Variable Hypogammaglobulinemia
Authors: Ghiringhelli Paolo , Foieni Fabrizio , Sala Girolamo , Diana Alessandro , Valvo Beatrice , Ciola Mariella , Zaza Michele , Bertolini Roberto , Simoni Cinzia , Bellintani Lorenzo , Agostinelli Andrea , Macchi Federica , Limbiati Sara , Provisione Michela
Published: January 2023

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a rare disorder characterized by primary antibody deficiency leading to hypogammaglobulinemia and increased risk of infections. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is an unusual complication of CVID and may be associated with chronic hypoxemic respiratory failure.We described the case of a 47-year-old female patient hospitalized with worsening dyspnea, which had emerged about 10 days before and was associated with productive cough. 26 years before, she was diagnosed with common variable hypogammaglobulinemia, that was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin infusions for at least 20 years. She had suffered from recurrent secondary infections of the respiratory tract with inveterate bronchiectasis, pulmonary hypertension, and chronic respiratory failure.This case suggests that Internal Medicine wards, due to their global vision of the patient, are well suited to manage subjects with serious, complex, and genetically determined pathologies.
« QUELQU’UN EST MORT, PERSONNE EST SUSPECT »
Authors:   Collectif Obèle1
Published: January 2023

Comment s’y prend-on pour écrire le scénario d’une performance basée sur un dispositif littéraire et qui doit être interprétée au sein d’un jeu vidéo ? Quels concepts méthodologiques, quelles contraintes liées à des mécaniques de jeu, quels paramètres d’écriture doivent être mis à contribution dans le cadre d’une telle démarche ? Le Collectif Obèle, initiative de recherche-création qui a comme ambition de proposer des projets visant l’hybridation de la littérature et du jeu vidéo grâce à des interpolations où du contenu littéraire est inséré dans des environnements vidéoludiques, entreprend de répondre à ces questions dans cet article. En abordant le projet intitulé « Quelqu’un est mort, personne est suspect », campé dans le jeu d’enquête interactif et multijoueur Among Us, des membres du Collectif Obèle expliquent les paramètres à considérer et les défis à relever afin de mener à bien l’écriture d’un scénario dans un contexte médiatique particulier.
Editorial
Authors: Domínguez Martí
Published: January 2023

The physicist and science communicator Jorge Wagensberg used to say that the creativity of the human mind requires three things: to have a good idea, to know that the idea is good, and to convince others of it. But to have a good idea, we first need to look curiously at the world around us and ask the right questions. These questions may need to change as knowledge grows and events unfold. Years ago, when we talked about the climate emergency, the main question was what we needed to do to prevent climate change from crossing critical thresholds. The problem is that we did not take this question very seriously, or perhaps we did not like the answer enough, and so the main question we are facing now is how to ensure that the impact of climate change on our societies is minimised, and how to adapt to this new scenario which, if nothing changes, will only get worse in the coming years. What is both comical and worrying is that just as the consequences of climate change are becoming impossible to deny or ignore, the number and aggressiveness of climate deniers and delayers on the Internet is growing in parallel.
In this scenario, it is more important than ever to reflect on the models of science communication that we are currently implementing, as Professor Hans Peter Peters does in the article that opens this new volume of Metode Science Studies Journal. This volume contains four monographs that address necessary questions and issues, such as the opportunities, challenges and threats facing drylands today, the origins of human societies, the One Health framework and how it can help us, and whether there is anything natural about the concept of beauty. Four monographs born of curiosity about the world around us, our own species, and the questions we ask ourselves in the face of new challenges that make us think and reflect. In short, they are the genesis of new ideas, always based on science.
A comparative study of the content of some antioxidants in the fruits of autochthonous pomegranate varieties
Authors: Selamovska Ana , Gjamovski Viktor , Taseska-Gjorgjijevski Milena , Nedelkovski Dushko , Beleski Klime , Bandjo Oreshkovikj Katerina , Milanov Goran , Korunoska Biljana
Published: January 2023

The contents of total phenolics, anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, and the fruit antioxidant activity of 9 pomegranate varieties (‘Zumnarija’, ‘Bejnarija’, ‘Valandovska kisela’, ‘Valandovska kiselo-slatka’, ‘Hidjas’, ‘Kisela’, ‘Karamustafa’, ‘Lifanka’, and ‘Ropkavec’) were examined. Autochthonous pomegranate varieties contained 4354.4 – 6480.9 mg/kg FW total phenols, 160 – 698.2 mg/kg FW anthocyanins, 96.9 – 157.2 mg/kg FW flavan-3-ols, and high antioxidant activity of fruits (71.2 - 92.5% inhibition). The ‘Valandovska kisela’ variety had the highest content of total phenolics (6480.87 mg/kg FW), flavan-3-ols (157.190 mg/kg FW) and higher fruit antioxidant activity (92.5% inhibition) compared to the standard ‘Karamustafa’ variety and the other autochthonous varieties. The ‘Hidjas’ variety had the highest content of anthocyanins (698.20 mg/kg FW). A positive correlation (0.9815) was found between the content of total phenolics and the fruit antioxidant activity. A moderate positive, insignificant correlation was also found between the content of flavan-3-ols and anthocyanins.
Deep Forensics for a More-than-Human Justice
Authors: Torres María , Smith Lindsay A.
Published: January 2023

Buscadora collectives in Mexico have developed unique and transformative forensic practices to search for their disappeared loved ones. We examine the work of three collectives, each working in distinct political, ecological, and historical contexts to better understand emergent forms of local citizen-led forensic practice. Attending to spaces, that exist alongside but exceed contemporary forensic practice, we critically reexamine the practice of forensics in the context of the humanitarian and forensic ‘crisis’ in Mexico. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork and interviews with forensic scientists and buscadora collectives between 2015-2022, we develop three case studies that analyze the collectives’ work in three registers: the (inter)relational, the geo-logic, and the more-than-human. We argue for the emergence of a deep forensics based on collective practices that privilege fragile, multi-valent forms of knowledge production, attend to slow violence, and move beyond an exclusively human-centered episteme. These alternative practices have the potential to displace the crisis time of contemporary state-led forensics and better document the entangled contexts of ‘stratigraphic violence’ in contemporary Mexico allowing for an emergent more-than-human justice.
Assessing the Shallow Water Habitat Mapping Extracted from High-Resolution Satellite Image with Multi Classification Algorithms
Authors: Nandika Muhammad Rizki , Ulfa Azura , Ibrahim Andi , Purwanto Anang Dwi
Published: January 2023

Remote sensing technology is reliable in identifying the distribution of seabed cover yet there are still challenges in retrieving the data collection of shallow water habitats than with other objects on land. Classification algorithms based on remote sensing technology have been developed for application to map benthic habitats, such as Maximum Likelihood, Minimum Distance, and Support Vector Machine. This study focuses on examining those three classification algorithms to retrieve information on the benthic habitat in Pari Island, Jakarta using visual interpretation data for classification, and data field measurements for accuracy testing. This study used five classes of benthic objects, namely sand, sand-seagrass, rubble, seagrass, and coral. The results show how the proposed approach in this study provides an overall good classification of marine habitat with an accuracy produced 63.89–81.95%. The Support Vector Machine algorithm produced the highest accuracy rate of about 81.95%. The Support Vector Machine algorithm at a very high spatial resolution is considered to be capable of identifying, monitoring, and performing the rapid assessment of benthic habitat objects.
The Benefit Principle in Determining Compensation for Real Estate Expropriation
Authors: Trembecka Anna
Published: January 2023

Polish expropriation law introduces a compensation system based on the socalled “benefit principle”. This principle assumes estimating the value of the property based on its intended use if it results in a greater value. The problem of considering the intended purpose of expropriation and, consequently, the application of the benefit principle is widespread in compensation proceedings relating to road investments.The research objective of this paper is an attempt to answer the question of whether the benefit principle should be maintained in the real estate appraisal procedure in order to determine compensation, i.e. whether the intended use resulting from the purpose of expropriation should be taken into account if it increases its value. The research also focuses on identifying those factors that should be considered instead of the benefit principle in order to estimate fair compensation for expropriated real estate. Part of the study is also devoted to the assessment of planned changes in legal regulations regarding compensation proceedings.The subject of the research are procedures and regulations for determining compensation for real estate expropriated for road investments in Poland. The analysis covers the stages of the compensation procedure and the factors affecting the amount of compensation. These procedures were compared with those in force in other countries in the context of applying the benefit principle.The results of the analysis lead to the conclusion that the amount of compensation should be independent of the intended purpose of expropriation. This is because planning classification for public purposes cannot be treated as a criterion which increases the market value of the expropriated property.
Interacting rhythms enhance sensitivity of target detection in a fronto-parietal computational model of visual attention
Authors: Aussel Amélie , Fiebelkorn Ian C , Kastner Sabine , Kopell Nancy J , Pittman-Polletta Benjamin Rafael
Published: January 2023

Even during sustained attention, enhanced processing of attended stimuli waxes and wanes rhythmically, with periods of enhanced and relatively diminished visual processing (and subsequent target detection) alternating at 4 or 8 Hz in a sustained visual attention task. These alternating attentional states occur alongside alternating dynamical states, in which lateral intraparietal cortex (LIP), the frontal eye field (FEF), and the mediodorsal pulvinar (mdPul) exhibit different activity and functional connectivity at α, β, and γ frequencies—rhythms associated with visual processing, working memory, and motor suppression. To assess whether and how these multiple interacting rhythms contribute to periodicity in attention, we propose a detailed computational model of FEF and LIP. When driven by θ-rhythmic inputs simulating experimentally-observed mdPul activity, this model reproduced the rhythmic dynamics and behavioral consequences of observed attentional states, revealing that the frequencies and mechanisms of the observed rhythms allow for peak sensitivity in visual target detection while maintaining functional flexibility.
Impaired iron recycling from erythrocytes is an early hallmark of aging
Authors: Slusarczyk Patryk , Mandal Pratik Kumar , Zurawska Gabriela , Niklewicz Marta , Chouhan Komal , Mahadeva Raghunandan , Jończy Aneta , Macias Matylda , Szybinska Aleksandra , Cybulska-Lubak Magdalena , Krawczyk Olga , Herman Sylwia , Mikula Michal , Serwa Remigiusz , Lenartowicz Małgorzata , Pokrzywa Wojciech , Mleczko-Sanecka Katarzyna
Published: January 2023

Aging affects iron homeostasis, as evidenced by tissue iron loading and anemia in the elderly. Iron needs in mammals are met primarily by iron recycling from senescent red blood cells (RBCs), a task chiefly accomplished by splenic red pulp macrophages (RPMs) via erythrophagocytosis. Given that RPMs continuously process iron, their cellular functions might be susceptible to age-dependent decline, a possibility that has been unexplored to date. Here, we found that 10- to 11-month-old female mice exhibit iron loading in RPMs, largely attributable to a drop in iron exporter ferroportin, which diminishes their erythrophagocytosis capacity and lysosomal activity. Furthermore, we identified a loss of RPMs during aging, underlain by the combination of proteotoxic stress and iron-dependent cell death resembling ferroptosis. These impairments lead to the retention of senescent hemolytic RBCs in the spleen, and the formation of undegradable iron- and heme-rich extracellular protein aggregates, likely derived from ferroptotic RPMs. We further found that feeding mice an iron-reduced diet alleviates iron accumulation in RPMs, enhances their ability to clear erythrocytes, and reduces damage. Consequently, this diet ameliorates hemolysis of splenic RBCs and reduces the burden of protein aggregates, mildly increasing serum iron availability in aging mice. Taken together, we identified RPM collapse as an early hallmark of aging and demonstrated that dietary iron reduction improves iron turnover efficacy.
Microstructural and crystallographic evolution of palaeognath (Aves) eggshells
Authors: Choi Seung , Hauber Mark E , Legendre Lucas J , Kim Noe-Heon , Lee Yuong-Nam , Varricchio David J
Published: January 2023

The avian palaeognath phylogeny has been recently revised significantly due to the advancement of genome-wide comparative analyses and provides the opportunity to trace the evolution of the microstructure and crystallography of modern dinosaur eggshells. Here, eggshells of all major clades of Palaeognathae (including extinct taxa) and selected eggshells of Neognathae and non-avian dinosaurs are analysed with electron backscatter diffraction. Our results show the detailed microstructures and crystallographies of (previously) loosely categorized ostrich-, rhea-, and tinamou-style morphotypes of palaeognath eggshells. All rhea-style eggshell appears homologous, while respective ostrich-style and tinamou-style morphotypes are best interpreted as homoplastic morphologies (independently acquired). Ancestral state reconstruction and parsimony analysis additionally show that rhea-style eggshell represents the ancestral state of palaeognath eggshells both in microstructure and crystallography. The ornithological and palaeontological implications of the current study are not only helpful for the understanding of evolution of modern and extinct dinosaur eggshells, but also aid other disciplines where palaeognath eggshells provide useful archive for comparative contrasts (e.g. palaeoenvironmental reconstructions, geochronology, and zooarchaeology).
The impact of lag time to cancer diagnosis and treatment on clinical outcomes prior to the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Authors: Tope Parker , Farah Eliya , Ali Rami , El-Zein Mariam , Miller Wilson H , Franco Eduardo L
Published: January 2023

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted cancer care, raising concerns regarding the impact of wait time, or ‘lag time’, on clinical outcomes. We aimed to contextualize pandemic-related lag times by mapping pre-pandemic evidence from systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses on the association between lag time to cancer diagnosis and treatment with mortality- and morbidity-related outcomes.

Methods:

We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews for reviews published prior to the pandemic (1 January 2010–31 December 2019). We extracted data on methodological characteristics, lag time interval start and endpoints, qualitative findings from systematic reviews, and pooled risk estimates of mortality- (i.e., overall survival) and morbidity- (i.e., local regional control) related outcomes from meta-analyses. We categorized lag times according to milestones across the cancer care continuum and summarized outcomes by cancer site and lag time interval.

Results:

We identified 9032 records through database searches, of which 29 were eligible. We classified 33 unique types of lag time intervals across 10 cancer sites, of which breast, colorectal, head and neck, and ovarian cancers were investigated most. Two systematic reviews investigating lag time to diagnosis reported different findings regarding survival outcomes among paediatric patients with Ewing’s sarcomas or central nervous system tumours. Comparable risk estimates of mortality were found for lag time intervals from surgery to adjuvant chemotherapy for breast, colorectal, and ovarian cancers. Risk estimates of pathologic complete response indicated an optimal time window of 7–8 weeks for neoadjuvant chemotherapy completion prior to surgery for rectal cancers. In comparing methods across meta-analyses on the same cancer sites, lag times, and outcomes, we identified critical variations in lag time research design.

Conclusions:

Our review highlighted measured associations between lag time and cancer-related outcomes and identified the need for a standardized methodological approach in areas such as lag time definitions and accounting for the waiting-time paradox. Prioritization of lag time research is integral for revised cancer care guidelines under pandemic contingency and assessing the pandemic’s long-term effect on patients with cancer.

Funding:

The present work was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR-COVID-19 Rapid Research Funding opportunity, VR5-172666 grant to Eduardo L. Franco). Parker Tope, Eliya Farah, and Rami Ali each received an MSc. stipend from the Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University.
Ecdysone acts through cortex glia to regulate sleep in Drosophila
Authors: Li Yongjun , Haynes Paula , Zhang Shirley L , Yue Zhifeng , Sehgal Amita
Published: January 2023

Steroid hormones are attractive candidates for transmitting long-range signals to affect behavior. These lipid-soluble molecules derived from dietary cholesterol easily penetrate the brain and act through nuclear hormone receptors (NHRs) that function as transcription factors. To determine the extent to which NHRs affect sleep:wake cycles, we knocked down each of the 18 highly conserved NHRs found in Drosophila adults and report that the ecdysone receptor (EcR) and its direct downstream NHR Eip75B (E75) act in glia to regulate the rhythm and amount of sleep. Given that ecdysone synthesis genes have little to no expression in the fly brain, ecdysone appears to act as a long-distance signal and our data suggest that it enters the brain more at night. Anti-EcR staining localizes to the cortex glia in the brain and functional screening of glial subtypes revealed that EcR functions in adult cortex glia to affect sleep. Cortex glia are implicated in lipid metabolism, which appears to be relevant for actions of ecdysone as ecdysone treatment mobilizes lipid droplets (LDs), and knockdown of glial EcR results in more LDs. In addition, sleep-promoting effects of exogenous ecdysone are diminished in lsd-2 mutant flies, which are lean and deficient in lipid accumulation. We propose that ecdysone is a systemic secreted factor that modulates sleep by stimulating lipid metabolism in cortex glia.
Usefulness of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Neuromuscular Dystrophies (Duchenne/Becker Muscular Dystrophy)
Authors: Burgos Mario A. , Carrizo Álvaro D. , Carrizo Víctor D. , Soria Franco L. , Gaya Martín V. , Fernández Julio R.
Published: January 2023

Background: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is commonly used in patients with Duchenne (DMD) and Becker (DMB) Neuromuscular Dystrophies. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) identifies areas of middle, subepicardial, or subendocardial wall fibrosis, and volumetric left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is considered the gold standard in the diagnosis and prognosis of these dystrophies. Myocardial fibrosis occurs in patients with neuromuscular dystrophies. Objectives: The purposes of our study were to determine the presence of cardiac fibrosis using CMR, to determine neuromuscular and cardiac involvement, and to evaluate the cardiovascular outcomes of these patients. Material y métodos: A descriptive cross-sectional study of 16 consecutive patients was conducted from March 2021 to July 2022 in the Cardiac Imaging Service of Diagnóstico Médico and CEMET- Tucumán. Results: A total of 16 patients were evaluated, 100% of them with confirmed diagnosis of DMD/DMB by laboratory, enzymes and genetic tests. Mean age was 19 years. All patients had severe stage of the Vignos Scale and were under neurological treatment. All patients were also treated with beta-blockers or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. CMR revealed severe LVEF impairment <35% in 4 patients, segmental or global left ventricular (LV) wall motion disorders in 8 patients, and variable distribution pattern (diffuse, mesocardial, subendocardial and subepicardial patterns) of LGE in 12 patients. Non-compacted myocardium was observed in 6, and mild pericardial effusions in 2 patients. Conclusion: CMR should be included as a screening method in patients with neuromuscular dystrophies. Its contribution to clinical, echocardiographic and therapeutic staging is of utmost importance
Effect of Education on Microfinance Institutions’ Credit Accessibility by Persons with Disabilities in Mombasa County, Kenya
Authors: John Ewoi Lokuta , A. Ali Banafa , Stephen Mwanzia
Published: January 2023

This research aimed to establish the factors determining credit accessibility from Microfinance institutions among Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Mombasa County, Kenya. The research was conducted to establish the effect of education on credit access from Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) by PWDs in Mombasa County. The study tested the hypothesis on the above objective to enhance the realization of the key factors that constrain credit accessibility by PWDs. The research was anchored on Credit rationing theory, Credit channel theory, and imperfect information theory. The study employed a descriptive survey research design with a target population of 2037. A study sample of 204 PWDs was utilized. The primary data collection method was employed to gather the required information. The information collected from this research was analysed using SPSS V.26. Overall, all respondents agreed that education influenced credit accessibility. Pearson’s correlation results showed a positive relationship between education and credit accessibility. At a 95% confidence level, the null hypothesis was rejected. The study findings concluded that greater adoption of education significantly affects credit accessibility. The study recommends that National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) can use study results to advise PWDs on credit accessibility, promote integration between PWDs and the society around them in Kenya by facilitating the implementation of the existing policies and enhancing development to align with the arising needs of disabled persons. To Microfinance institutions, the study recommends they see the untapped market for lending purposes and come up with strategies to expand the market share.
Development and Validation of a Deep Learning–Based Synthetic Bone-Suppressed Model for Pulmonary Nodule Detection in Chest Radiographs
Authors: Kim Hwiyoung , Lee Kye Ho , Han Kyunghwa , Lee Ji Won , Kim Jin Young , Im Dong Jin , Hong Yoo Jin , Choi Byoung Wook , Hur Jin
Published: January 2023

Importance

Dual-energy chest radiography exhibits better sensitivity than single-energy chest radiography, partly due to its ability to remove overlying anatomical structures.

Objectives

To develop and validate a deep learning–based synthetic bone-suppressed (DLBS) nodule-detection algorithm for pulmonary nodule detection on chest radiographs.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This decision analytical modeling study used data from 3 centers between November 2015 and July 2019 from 1449 patients. The DLBS nodule-detection algorithm was trained using single-center data (institute 1) of 998 chest radiographs. The DLBS algorithm was validated using 2 external data sets (institute 2, 246 patients; and institute 3, 205 patients). Statistical analysis was performed from March to December 2021.

Exposures

DLBS nodule-detection algorithm.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The nodule-detection performance of DLBS model was compared with the convolution neural network nodule-detection algorithm (original model). Reader performance testing was conducted by 3 thoracic radiologists assisted by the DLBS algorithm or not. Sensitivity and false-positive markings per image (FPPI) were compared.

Results

Training data consisted of 998 patients (539 men [54.0%]; mean [SD] age, 54.2 [9.82] years), and 2 external validation data sets consisted of 246 patients (133 men [54.1%]; mean [SD] age, 55.3 [8.7] years) and 205 patients (105 men [51.2%]; mean [SD] age, 51.8 [9.1] years). Using the external validation data set of institute 2, the bone-suppressed model showed higher sensitivity compared with that of the original model for nodule detection (91.5% [109 of 119] vs 79.8% [95 of 119]; P < .001). The overall mean of FPPI with the bone-suppressed model was reduced compared with the original model (0.07 [17 of 246] vs 0.09 [23 of 246]; P < .001). For the observer performance testing with the data of institute 3, the mean sensitivity of 3 radiologists was 77.5% (95% [CI], 69.9%-85.2%), whereas that of radiologists assisted by DLBS modeling was 92.1% (95% CI, 86.3%-97.3%; P < .001). The 3 radiologists had a reduced number of FPPI when assisted by the DLBS model (0.071 [95% CI, 0.041-0.111] vs 0.151 [95% CI, 0.111-0.210]; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

This decision analytical modeling study found that the DLBS model was more sensitive to detecting pulmonary nodules on chest radiographs compared with the original model. These findings suggest that the DLBS model could be beneficial to radiologists in the detection of lung nodules in chest radiographs without need of the specialized equipment or increase of radiation dose.
Factors associated with abuse in the workplace in Bangladesh: An empirical investigation
Authors: Ahmed Md. Tuhin , Islam Samiha
Published: January 2023

Workplace abuse is a much‐discussed global phenomenon in the world of work. Bangladesh, being a developing country that relies heavily on its labor resource, should have definite methods to protect the workers’ rights and safety. Unfortunately, weak frameworks are in place to prevent it, and the lack of awareness among the workers is helping the problem to establish its roots more firmly. Despite the gravity of workplace abuse and its consequences, comprehensive studies for addressing or understanding the problem at a national level is difficult to find in the context of Bangladesh. Using the latest nationally representative survey namely the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) 2016–17, this study attempts to bridge the existing gaps through an empirical investigation of the factors associated with workplace abuse in Bangladesh. A total of 16,646 participants with males of 75.9% and females of 24.1% are used for the analysis. A probit model analysis has been applied in this paper to explore how the workers’ demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, as well as workplace features, may be associated with experiencing abuse in the workplace. The study finds that younger, less educated, females, elementary job‐holders, non‐governmental organization workers or those who work in the manufacturing, or services sector are more likely to be abused in the workplace. The study also concludes that the number of workers employed, and the hazardous workplace environment may be related to the probability of being abused. Furthermore, this study shows that full‐time workers, workers who are employed temporarily or have an oral contract may face abuse in the workplace more.
A Tunable Single‐Molecule Light‐Emitting Diode with Single‐Photon Precision
Authors: Yang Chen , Guo Yilin , Zhou Shuyao , Liu Zhirong , Liu Zitong , Zhang Deqing , Guo Xuefeng
Published: January 2023

A robust single‐molecule light‐emitting diode (SM‐LED) with high color purity, linear polarization, and efficiency tunability is prepared by covalently integrating one fluorescent molecule into nanogapped graphene electrodes. Furthermore, single‐molecule Förster resonance energy transfer from the electroluminescent center to different accepters is achieved through rational molecular engineering, enabling construction of a multicolor SM‐LED. All these characterizations are accomplished in the photoelectrical integration system with high temporal/spatial/energy resolution, demonstrating the capability of the single‐photon emission of SM‐LEDs. The success in developing high‐performance SM‐LEDs inspires the development of the next generation of commercial display devices and promises a single‐photon emitter for use in quantum computation and quantum communication.
Hierarchical Composite Self‐Sorted Supramolecular Gel Noodles
Authors: Marshall Libby J. , Wallace Matthew , Mahmoudi Najet , Ciccone Giuseppe , Wilson Claire , Vassalli Massimo , Adams Dave J.
Published: January 2023

Multicomponent supramolecular systems can be used to achieve different properties and new behaviors compared to their corresponding single component systems. Here, a two‐component system is used, showing that a non‐gelling component modifies the assembly of the gelling component, allowing access to co‐assembled structures that cannot be formed from the gelling component alone. The systems are characterized across multiple length scales, from the molecular level by NMR and CD spectroscopy to the microstructure level by SANS and finally to the material level using nanoindentation and rheology. By exploiting the enhanced mechanical properties achieved through addition of the second component, multicomponent noodles are formed with superior mechanical properties to those formed by the single‐component system. Furthermore, the non‐gelling component can be triggered to crystallize within the multicomponent noodles, allowing the preparation of new types of hierarchical composite noodles.
Tuning the Solar Performance of Building Facades through Polymer 3D Printing: Toward Bespoke Thermo‐Optical Properties
Authors: Piccioni Valeria , Leschok Matthias , Grobe Lars O. , Wasilewski Stephen , Seshadri Bharath , Hischier Illias , Schlüter Arno
Published: January 2023

Façades are the primary interface controlling the flow of solar energy in buildings and affecting their energy balance and environmental impact. Recently, large‐scale 3D printing (3DP) of translucent polymers has been explored as a technique for fabricating façade components with bespoke properties and functionalities. Transmissivity is essential for building facades, as the response to solar radiation is crucial to obtaining comfort and greatly affects electricity and cooling demands. However, it is still unclear how 3DP parameters affect the optical properties of translucent polymers. This study establishes an experimental procedure to relate the optical properties of PETG components to design and 3DP parameters. It is observed that printing parameters control layer deposition, which governs internal light scattering in the layers and overall light transmission. Moreover, the layer resolution determines angle‐dependent properties. It is shown that printing parameters can be tuned to obtain tailored optical properties, from high normal transparency (≈90%) to translucency (≈60%), and with a range of haze levels (≈55–97%). These findings present an opportunity for large‐scale 3DP of bespoke façades, which can selectively admit or block solar radiation and provide uniform daylighting of a space. In the context of the building sector decarbonization, such components hold great potential for reducing emissions while ensuring occupant comfort.
Broadband 2D n × n Vortex Arrays Generated from an Efficient Petal‐Like Raman Laser with an Astigmatic Mode Convertor
Authors: Miao Yujie , Zhang Lin , Chen Dimeng , Dong Jun
Published: January 2023

Broadband vortex arrays distributed in 2D n × n vortices are extremely needed for multiple microparticle manipulation, high‐capacity optical communication, and quantum information. Vortex arrays are usually generated with spatial light modulators, metamaterials; it is a big challenge to improve beam quality and output power. Herein, crisscross 2D n × n vortex arrays are converted from petal‐like Raman lasers with an astigmatic mode convertor. Efficient petal‐like lasers in the form of the Laguerre–Gaussian mode with zero radial index and l azimuthal index (LG0,l
) are irradiated in a Raman microchip laser (RML) by adjusting optimal beam waist and locating the position of focus spot of the annular pump beam. High‐beam‐quality LG0,9 petal‐like Raman laser oscillating at broadband wavelength (bandwidth: 16.2 nm) is generated with power of 773 mW and an efficiency of 10.6%. The conversion efficiency from petal‐like laser to crisscross vortex array is as high as 90%. The vortex array with 5 × 5 vortices operating around 1078 nm is generated with a power of 693 mW and an optical efficiency of 9.5%. Taking advantages of the broad emission spectrum of ytterbium‐doped laser materials and stimulated Raman scattering effect, RMLs are potential sources for generating flexible vortex arrays with desired 2D n × n vortices oscillating in Raman wavelengths.