bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing the digitalized guest experience: A comprehensive framework and research agenda
Authors: Youssofi Alexandra , Jeannot Florence , Jongmans Eline , Dampérat Maud
Published: October 2023

Digital transformation has emerged as a critical necessity for hospitality, a sector that traditionally prioritizes human interaction and personalized experiences. While prior research has explored the impact of digital technologies on the realized guest experience, there is a lack of work that studies their influence on the intended guest experience, as designed by hoteliers. Drawing on existing literature on customer experience management and digitalization in hospitality, this research aims to understand the psychological mechanisms by which digital technologies enhance the intended digitalized guest experience. We conducted two qualitative studies, involving 22 hotel professionals and 18 consumers. By consolidating these different theoretical and practical perspectives, we propose a conceptualization of the intended digitalized guest experience and present an integrative framework that includes the mediating and reciprocal role of consumer‐ and professional‐based psychological mechanisms, along with antecedents, outcomes, and contingency factors. These findings have practical implications for hotel professionals, enabling them to leverage appropriate digital strategies for successful guest experiences. The article concludes with specific recommendations to managers on how to design a unique guest experience. These recommendations include designing a game‐like experience, developing “care” as a new source of digital value creation, and providing training to the staff to enhance their creativity.
HIF‐1α regulates the cell viability in radioiodine‐resistant papillary thyroid carcinoma cells induced by hypoxia through PKM2/NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Dong , Liu Xiaoqian , Li Meijing , Ning Jinyao
Published: October 2023

The curative treatment options for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) encompass surgical intervention, radioactive iodine administration, and chemotherapy. However, the challenges of radioiodine (RAI) resistance, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance remain inadequately addressed. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective role of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) in 131I‐resistant cells and a xenograft model under hypoxic conditions, as well as to explore potential mechanisms. The effects of HIF‐1α on 131I‐resistant BCPAP and TPC‐1 cells, as well as the xenograft model, were assessed in this study. Cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis rates were measured using Cell Counting Kit‐8, wound‐healing, Transwell, and flow cytometry assays. Additionally, the expressions of Ki67, matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) were examined using immunofluorescence or immunohistochemistry assays. Sodium iodide symporter and PKM2/NF‐κBp65 relative protein levels were detected by western blot analysis. The findings of our study indicate that siHIF‐1α effectively inhibits cell proliferation, cell migration, and invasion in 131I‐resistant cells under hypoxic conditions. Additionally, the treatment of siHIF‐1α leads to alterations in the relative protein levels of Ki67, MMP‐9, PKM2, and PKM2/NF‐κBp65, both in vivo and in vitro. Notably, the effects of siHIF‐1α are modified when DASA‐58, an activator of PKM2, is administered. These results collectively demonstrate that siHIF‐1α reduces cell viability in PTC cells and rat models, while also mediating the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB)/PKM2 signaling pathway. Our findings provide a new rationale for further academic and clinical research on RAI‐resistant PTC.
Band‐Specific Altered Cortical Connectivity in Early Parkinson's Disease and its Clinical Correlates
Authors: Conti Matteo , Guerra Andrea , Pierantozzi Mariangela , Bovenzi Roberta , D'Onofrio Valentina , Simonetta Clara , Cerroni Rocco , Liguori Claudio , Placidi Fabio , Mercuri Nicola Biagio , Di Giuliano Francesca , Schirinzi Tommaso , Stefani Alessandro
Published: October 2023

Background

Functional connectivity (FC) has shown promising results in assessing the pathophysiology and identifying early biomarkers of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD).

Objectives

In this study, we aimed to assess possible resting‐state FC abnormalities in early‐stage PD patients using high‐density electroencephalography (EEG) and to detect their clinical relationship with motor and non‐motor PD symptoms.

Methods

We enrolled 26 early‐stage levodopa naïve PD patients and a group of 20 healthy controls (HC). Data were recorded with 64‐channels EEG system and a source‐reconstruction method was used to identify brain‐region activity. FC was calculated using the weighted phase‐lag index in θ, α, and β bands. Additionally, we quantified the unbalancing between β and lower frequencies through a novel index (β‐functional ratio [FR]). Statistical analysis was conducted using a network‐based statistical approach.

Results

PD patients showed hypoconnected networks in θ and α band, involving prefrontal‐limbic‐temporal and frontoparietal areas, respectively, and a hyperconnected network in the β frequency band, involving sensorimotor‐frontal areas. The θ FC network was negatively related to Non‐Motor Symptoms Scale scores and α FC to the Movement Disorder Society‐Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III gait subscore, whereas β FC and β‐FR network were positively linked to the bradykinesia subscore. Changes in θ FC and β‐FR showed substantial reliability and high accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and specificity in discriminating PD and HC.

Conclusions

Frequency‐specific FC changes in PD likely reflect the dysfunction of distinct cortical networks, which occur from the early stage of the disease. These abnormalities are involved in the pathophysiology of specific motor and non‐motor PD symptoms, including gait, bradykinesia, mood, and cognition. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Ultrabroadband (DC–80 GHz) RF MEMS DC/capacitive load shunt switch
Authors: Narang Niharika , Shrivastava Pranav K. , Basu Ananjan , Singh Pushpapraj
Published: October 2023

This study presents the design and fabrication of a novel direct current (DC)/capacitive radio frequency (RF) Micro‐Electro‐Mechanical Systems (MEMS) switch in the ultrabroadband range from DC to 80 GHz. This proposed RF MEMS switch consists of two arms, with one arm providing a DC loading state (), whereas the second arm provides a capacitive loading state () to the ground when pull‐in voltage is applied. Insertion loss less than 1.85 dB and return loss better than 10 dB are achieved in the OFF state () from DC to 80 GHz (no pull‐in voltage is applied). Due to the novel design topology, this switch can act as a DC‐only switch (0–17 GHz) that provides isolation better than 25 dB during the state. A capacitive‐only switch (48–80 GHz) provides isolation better than 17 dB. This proposed structure can act as either DC(S1) or a capacitive () switch (17–48 GHz) and provides isolation better than 10 dB in either state. This proposed switch finds its best application in reconfigurable circuits like phase shifters due to switching between DC and capacitive loading during the On state from 17 to 48 GHz. The proposed switch's measured pull‐in and lift‐off voltages are 3.5 and 2.85 V, respectively.
Fused deposition modeling for 1 × 2 array of double ridge horn antenna
Authors: You Kok Yeow , Hassan Ahmednur H. , Sim Man Seng , Lee Kim Yee , Cheng Ee Meng , Khe Cheng Seong
Published: October 2023

In this letter, fused deposition modeling (FDM) was used to create a 1 × 2 array of the double ridge horn antenna (DRHA). The material used for FDM was acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The DRHA was designed using an electromagnetic simulator and printed using FDM as well as the inner surface of the DRHA was painted with silver conducting paint. Two printed DRHA were connected together as a 1 × 2 array via a power divider. The main operating frequency of the array antenna was focussed on the range from 3 to 7 GHz. The 1 × 2 array DRHA is capable of better than −10 dB return loss, greater than 10 dBi gain, and a minimum half‐power bandwidth of 27.5°.
Perception of patient safety culture among nursing students: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ramírez‐Torres Carmen Amaia , Rivera‐Sanz Félix , Cobos‐Rincon Ana , Sufrate‐Sorzano Teresa , Juárez‐Vela Raúl , Gea‐Caballero Vicente , Tejada Garrido Clara Isabel , Colado Tello Maria Estela , Durante Angela , Santolalla‐Arnedo Iván
Published: October 2023

Aim

To analyse the perception of patient safety culture among nursing students and to compare patient safety outcomes between the different year nursing groups.

Design

A cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted with nursing students (n = 266) between first and fourth years from one university in Spain.

Methods

The project was conducted during the 2020/21 academic year. The data were collected using a translated and adapted version of the “Hospital Survey on Patient Safety” developed by the Agency of Healthcare Quality (AHQR).

Results

Significant differences were found between the year of study of the nursing degree and whether or not specific training in patient safety culture had been received. The nursing students who had received specific training gave scores lower than anyone else in all questionnaire items, but only the indicators of “good practice” (p = 0.00) and “frequency of reported events” (p = 0.0012) showed significant differences. In some cases, fourth‐year students had lower significant mean scores in their “perception of patient safety within unit/sector,” “indicators of good practice” and “total score.”

Public Contribution

Adverse events related to clinical practice continue to be a global problem. Improvements in patient safety require an increase in the patient safety culture of professionals and the promotion of development facilitators. Clinical practice and specific theoretical training foster greater awareness and demand related to patient safety, which is of interest when it comes to the development of new programmes that combine both methodologies and improve their effectiveness. Patient safety will continue to be a focus for all healthcare systems. The patient safety culture of future healthcare professionals should be developed at the university level in order to avoid unnecessary adverse events.
Adrenergic and mesenchymal signatures are identifiable in cell‐free DNA and correlate with metastatic disease burden in children with neuroblastoma
Authors: Vayani Omar R. , Kaufman Maria E. , Moore Kelley , Chennakesavalu Mohansrinivas , TerHaar Rachel , Chaves Gepoliano , Chlenski Alexandre , He Chuan , Cohn Susan L. , Applebaum Mark A.
Published: October 2023

Background

Cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) profiles of 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (5‐hmC), an epigenetic marker of open chromatin and active gene expression, are correlated with metastatic disease burden in patients with neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma tumors are comprised of adrenergic (ADRN) and mesenchymal (MES) cells, and the relative abundance of each in tumor biopsies has prognostic implications. We hypothesized that ADRN and MES‐specific signatures could be quantified in cfDNA 5‐hmC profiles and would augment the detection of metastatic burden in patients with neuroblastoma.

Methods

We previously performed an integrative analysis to identify ADRN and MES‐specific genes (n = 373 and n = 159, respectively). Purified DNA from cell lines was serial diluted with healthy donor cfDNA. Using Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA), ADRN and MES signatures were optimized. We then quantified signature scores, and our prior neuroblastoma signature, in cfDNA from 84 samples from 46 high‐risk patients including 21 patients with serial samples.

Results

Samples from patients with higher metastatic burden had increased GSVA scores for both ADRN and MES gene signatures (p < .001). While ADRN and MES signature scores tracked together in serially collected samples, we identified instances of patients with increases in either MES or ADRN score at relapse.

Conclusions

While it is feasible to identify ADRN and MES signatures using 5‐hmC profiles of cfDNA from neuroblastoma patients and correlate these signatures to metastatic burden, additional data are needed to determine the optimal strategies for clinical implementation. Prospective evaluation in larger cohorts is ongoing.
Assessment and management of anxiety and depression in a pediatric high‐risk asthma clinic
Authors: Averill Samantha H. , McQuillan Maureen E. , Slaven James E. , Weist Andrea D. , Kloepfer Kirsten M. , Krupp Nadia L.
Published: October 2023

Objective

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of positive mental health (MH) screens in a pediatric high‐risk asthma (HRA) clinic population, and to determine the success rate of engagement in MH services before and after adding a clinical psychologist to our multidisciplinary clinic.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that the HRA population would have a higher prevalence of anxiety/depression symptoms than that previously reported for the general pediatric asthma population. We anticipated that the presence of an embedded psychologist in HRA clinic would facilitate successful connection to MH services.

Methods

Pediatric patients in the HRA clinic were prospectively screened for anxiety and depression using validated screening instruments. Positive scores were referred for MH services. Time to MH service engagement was recorded before and after the addition of a clinical psychologist.

Results

A total of 186 patients were screened; 60% had a positive MH screen. Female sex was associated with higher median scores on both screening tools and higher likelihood of engagement in MH services. After addition of a clinical psychologist, new engagement in MH services increased (20% vs. 80%, p < 0.0001), and median time to engagement decreased (14.5 vs. 0.0 months, p = 0.003).

Conclusion

There is a high prevalence of anxiety and depression in this pediatric HRA population. Success of engagement in MH services improved after a clinical psychologist joined our multidisciplinary team, suggesting access to care as a primary barrier to engagement.
Working process and opening characteristics of soft insulator of pulse motor
Authors: Bian Yunlong , Shen Zhibin , Li Haiyang , Wu Weijing , Zhang Tao , Wu Guofu , Zhu Hongbing
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a simulation test system for the working process of soft insulation is designed, using equivalent simulated ablation test methods combined with a CCD measuring system and micro electron microscope scanning technology, which can better describe the thermal properties and state of insulation after ablation. At the same time, a test plan for the opening characteristics of the insulator based on different ablation times and different opening structure sizes as the main influencing factors are designed. The experimental results show that the ablation test can well simulate the state of an actual pulse engine compartment after the ablation and the maximum relative error of the ablation rate can be controlled within 5 %. From the influence of ablation time on the opening characteristics of the insulator, it can be seen that the maximum axial deformation of the insulator is different from the relative value of the opening pressure. The radial deformation of the insulator is larger than that of the non‐ablated insulator and larger than the inner diameter of the insulator shell after ablation. From the influence of the size of the opening structure of the insulator (depth of weakening grooves) on the opening characteristics of the insulator, it can be seen that as the weakening groove depth of the compartment deepens, the original pressure change pattern disappears, and the opening pressure and opening time of the insulator decrease significantly.
The origins of nonideality exhibited by monoclonal antibodies and Fab fragments in human serum
Authors: Larsen Hayli A. , Atkins William M. , Nath Abhinav
Published: October 2023

The development of therapeutic antibodies remains challenging, time‐consuming, and expensive. A key contributing factor is a lack of understanding of how proteins are affected by complex biological environments such as serum and plasma. Nonideality due to attractive or repulsive interactions with cosolutes can alter the stability, aggregation propensity, and binding interactions of proteins in solution. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) can be used to measure apparent second virial coefficient (B2,app) values for therapeutic and model monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that capture the nature and strength of interactions with cosolutes directly in undiluted serum and similar complex biological media. Here, we use FCS‐derived B2,app measurements to identify the components of human serum responsible for nonideal interactions with mAbs and Fab fragments. Most mAbs exhibit neutral or slightly attractive interactions with intact serum. Generally, mAbs display repulsive interactions with albumin and mildly attractive interactions with IgGs in the context of whole serum. Crucially, however, these attractive interactions are much stronger with pooled IgGs isolated from other serum components, indicating that the effects of serum nonideality can only be understood by studying the intact medium (rather than isolated components). Moreover, Fab fragments universally exhibited more attractive interactions than their parental mAbs, potentially rendering them more susceptible to nonideality‐driven perturbations. FCS‐based B2,app measurements have the potential to advance our understanding of how physiological environments impact protein‐based therapeutics in general. Furthermore, incorporating such assays into preclinical biologics development may help de‐risk molecules and make for a faster and more efficient development process.
Unpacking the unequal privileges within transnational lifestyle relocation: Swedish lifestyle migrants' advantages and challenges in the Spanish housing market
Authors: Yrigoy Ismael , Lidmark Hugo , Bergman Adam
Published: October 2023

Lifestyle relocation is a highly privileged form of mobility. However, the extent of such privilege needs to be addressed theoretically and empirically in countries such as Spain where lifestyle migration is rising. This article dissects the extent of such privilege by analyzing the economic advantages and challenges that different social groups have when acquiring properties for lifestyle reasons. By lifestyle reasons we understand here a mix of economic, leisure and life change motivations underlying lifestyle migrants' property acquisition.

To explore the unequal advantages and challenges faced by lifestyle migrants, we explore the variegated economic strategies conducted by Swedish lifestyle migrants in the property markets in the coastal areas of Majorca, Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca in Spain. Such trajectories that illustrate the extent of the privilege of lifestyle migrants are analyzed by (i) dissecting the privileged position of lifestyle migrants in what Wright labelled as the ‘relations of production’; by (ii) exploring how the position in the relations of production intersect with other social structures and particularly age, gender and civil status; and by (iii) categorizing the trajectories of Swedish lifestyle migrants in the Spanish housing market according to three main positions of privilege: less advantaged, advantaged and super advantaged.
Group sequential design with maximin efficiency robust test for immunotherapy with generalized delayed treatment effect
Authors: Li Bosheng , Zhang Jingyi , Yang Wenyun , Su Liwen , Yan Fangrong
Published: October 2023

The delayed treatment effect is a common feature of immunotherapy, characterized by a gradual onset of action ranging from no effect to full effect. In this study, we propose a generalized delayed treatment effect function to depict the delayed effective process precisely and flexibly. To reduce potential power loss caused by the delayed treatment effect in a group sequential trial, we employ the maximin efficiency robust test, which enhances power robustness across a range of possible delays. We present novel approaches based on the Markov chain method for determining group sequential boundaries, calculating the power function, and estimating the maximum sample size through iterative regressions between the square root of the maximum sample size and the normal quantile of power. Extensive simulation studies validate the effectiveness of our approaches, particularly in balanced trials, demonstrating the validity of group sequential boundaries and the accuracy of maximum sample size estimations. Additionally, we utilize a real trial as an example to compare our considered trial with group sequential trials using the log‐rank and generalized piecewise weighted log‐rank tests. The results show significantly reduced maximum sample sizes, highlighting the economic advantage of our approach.
Atrial septal defect closure is associated with improved clinical status in patients ≤ 10 kg with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Webb Melissa K. , Cuevas Guaman Milenka , Sexson Tejtel S. Kristen , Cambronero Neil , Coleman Ryan D. , Chartan Corey A. , Yilmaz Furtun Betul , Morris Shaine A. , Varghese Nidhy P. , Villafranco Natalie M.
Published: October 2023

Patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) have shown clinical improvement after secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) closure. We sought to determine if this post‐ASD closure improvement is secondary to the expected course in BPD patients or related to the closure itself. A novel BPD‐ASD score was created to assess patients' clinical status (higher score = worse disease) and applied to 10 BPD‐ASD inpatients weighing ≤ 10 kg who underwent ASD closure. The score and its subcomponents were retrospectively calculated serially ranging from 8 weeks pre‐ to 8 weeks post‐intervention, and pre‐ and post‐intervention score slopes were created. These slopes were compared using mixed regression modeling with an interaction term. There was a significant difference in pre‐ versus post‐intervention slope with the most score drop the first week post‐intervention (−2.1 + /− 0.8, p = 0.014). The mean score also dropped through weeks 2 (slope −0.8 + /− 0.8, p = 0.013) and 4 (slope −1.0 + /− 0.5, p = 0.001) post‐intervention. There was a significant difference in pre‐ and post‐intervention slopes for diuretics (p = 0.018) and the combined score of respiratory support, FiO2 need, and respiratory symptoms (p = 0.018). This study demonstrated significant improvement in BPD‐ASD score, diuretic need, and respiratory status after ASD closure in BPD‐ASD patients ≤ 10 kg that was outside of the natural course of BPD. Our study was limited by its small, single‐center, retrospective nature. Future studies should be performed in a larger multicenter population to both validate the scoring system and compare to non‐intervention infants.
Whole‐process respiratory management strategies based on electrical impedance tomography in a pregnant woman with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage induced by systemic lupus erythematosus under veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Zhao Yu , Su Longxiang , He Huaiwu , Liu Dawei , Long Yun
Published: October 2023

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) as a bedside, noninvasive, radiation‐free technology, could quantify alveolar collapse and over‐distension and provide real‐time ventilation images of lungs. Clinical studies have shown potential benefit in reducing lung injury by EIT to guide mechanical ventilation setting in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The respiratory management of ARDS with venous−venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) remains a challenge for ICU doctors. Moreover, EIT has gained great interests in the respiratory management in VV ECMO therapy. Here, EIT was used for respiratory management in the presented case of a 36‐year‐old gravida with systemic lupus erythematosus, who developed severe hypoxia caused by diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. Although the patient received mechanical ventilation, VV ECMO was further used for the refractory respiratory failure. EIT was applied to titrate positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP), guide prone position and early mobilization, dynamic evaluating lung development during ECMO therapy. She was successfully rescued after comprehensive therapy. In summary, an EIT‐guided whole‐process respiratory management strategy that included PEEP titration, prone position, early mobilization, and dynamic lung ventilation monitoring was proposed. This case demonstrated that EIT‐guided whole‐process respiratory management strategy was feasible in the respiratory failure patient with VV ECMO therapy.
Simultaneous removal of chloride and hardness from groundwater by cassava peel biosorption: Optimization and sorption studies
Authors: Nyangi Magori Jackson
Published: October 2023

In this study, activated carbon produced from cassava peel (CP) via carbonization at 400°C was utilized as a biosorbent for the removal of chloride (Cl−) and total hardness (TH) from groundwater. A response surface methodology (RSM) employing a Box–Behnken design (BBD) was implemented to optimize process parameters, including pH (3–10), biosorbent dosage (1–10 g), contact time (10–60 min), initial Cl− concentration (50–2000 mg/L), and initial TH concentration (40–900 mg/L). The biosorbent was applied in a batch reactor setup to evaluate its performance in removing Cl− and TH from groundwater under the optimized conditions. The experimental data showed good agreement with the model predictions, exhibiting R2 of 0.991 and 0.905 for Cl− and TH removal, respectively. The CP biosorbent removed Cl− (245 mg/L) and TH (321 mg/L) by 84% and 90%, respectively, under optimal conditions of 6.9 g CP dose, 19.6 min, and initial pH of 8.1. The sorption kinetics followed a pseudo‐second‐order, and the equilibrium data fit the Freundlich and Langmuir models to Cl− and TH, respectively. The removal of Cl− and TH exhibited maximum adsorption capacities (qm) of 31.25 and 6.57 mg/g for Cl− and TH, respectively. Overall, CP shows potential as an adsorbent for remediating groundwater containing Cl− and TH.
Sampled‐data robust practical tracking of Euler‐Lagrange systems with an uncertain exosystem
Authors: Zeng Kaiji , Liu Wei
Published: October 2023

This article focuses on the problem of sampled‐data practical tracking for Euler‐Lagrange systems subject to uncertain parameters. We assume that the system matrix of the exosystem and the Euler‐Lagrange system both contain unknown parameters, which is clearly more practical. The existence of unknown system parameters invalidates existing control strategies and poses a major challenge to the solvability of the problem. With the help of the internal model principle and the adaptive control technology, we propose a novel sampled‐data dynamic compensator to overcome the challenge of unknown parameters in exosystems. In particular, a virtual sampling adaptive control input is proposed to deal with uncertainties in the exosystem matrix. Then, a sampled‐data control law is constructed to guarantee that, by any fast predefined rate, the tracking error exponentially approaches any small predefined ranges of the origin, thus ensure the tracking performance. Finally, we apply our result to a three‐link robot manipulator system.
Urban inundation forecasting based on hydraulic models coupling MIKE Flood and MIKE Urban: A case study of Tam Ky City, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Chi Cong , Nguyen Binh Quang , Cuong Le Xuan , Pham Ly Trieu , Vo Duc Phuoc , Nguyen Thanh Hai , Vo Ngoc Duong
Published: October 2023

Urban inundation has become a growing concern for many coastal cities around the world. Tam Ky City, located downstream of Ban Thach and Tam Ky rivers in central Vietnam, is no exception. According to annual statistics, the city frequently experiences heavy rainfall from tropical storms and monsoons, making inundation a recurring issue. In response to this challenge, this study developed a flood forecasting model specifically tailored for Tam Ky City, based on forecast rainfall and tidal levels. A key strength of the flood forecasting model lies in its integration of rainfall‐runoff processes, effectively connecting the river basin and the city. To ensure the model's accuracy and reliability, the parameters of the flood forecasting model were meticulously calibrated and verified for floods occurred on rivers as well as in urban areas. An experimental flood forecast was performed during Typhoon Nuru on September 28, 2022, and the forecast results of inundation locations and depths in the city well reflected the actual observations.
Exploring the Novel Anticonvulsant Phytochemicals from Glycyrrhiza glabra: An In Silico Approach
Authors: Salaria Punam , NN Subrahmanyeswara Rao , M Amarendar Reddy
Published: October 2023

Computational methods like molecular docking, pharmacokinetic study, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation and Molecular Mechanics‐Poisson‐Boltzmann Surface Area (MM‐PBSA) were used to investigate the ability of Glycyrrhiza glabra phytoconstituents to modulate the activity of GABA‐A receptor. The docking studies suggested that both Kanzonol U and Glabrol, have shown superior binding abilities, as evident by their binding energies of −11.8 and −11.4 kcal/mol, respectively, as compared to diazepam (−10.0 kcal/mol), which is an allosteric modulator of GABA‐A. Only nine constituents were identified as the blood‐brain barrier permeants in the SwissADME investigation, with binding energy≤−10.0 kcal/mol. The docking results were further strengthened by MD simulation which showed that the Kanzonol U and Glabrol complex displayed good conformational stability with an average RMSD of 0.20 nm. Additionally, MM‐PBSA outcomes revealed that these phytochemicals as the most potent GABA‐A modulators. All these investigations suggest that the phytochemicals Kanzonol U and Glabrol may produce a promising antiepileptic effect.
Layered Architectural Fabrication of a Novel Sulfite Nanobiosensor by Encapsulation of Sulfite Oxidase on a Polypyrrole‐Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Composite Decorated with Platinum Nanoparticles
Authors: Hussain Shahid , Adeloju Samuel B.
Published: October 2023

The fabrication of a highly selective and ultrasensitive sulfite nanobiosensor based on a layered architectural fabrication aided by the encapsulation of sulfite oxidase (SOx) in Nafion (Naf) matrix on a multiwalled carbon nanotubes‐polypyrrole (MWCNTs‐PPy) composite decorated with platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) is described. The MWCNTs are deposited in the inner layer on a Pt electrode during electropolymerization of pyrrole (Py), followed by decoration with a PtNPs layer and subsequent encapsulation of SOx with Naf in the third layer capped with a fourth thin PtNPs layer. Images obtained by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) reveal that high‐density PtNPs are deposited onto the 3D nanostructured inner MWCNTs‐PPy layer and the electrochemical behavior is investigated. A large surface area provided by the incorporation of MWCNTs in the composite and decoration with PtNPs enables increased SOx loading, SOx retention, and substantial improvement in sensing performance. The resulting layered PtNPs/SOx‐Naf/PtNPs/MWCNTs‐PPy nanobiosensor exhibits a fast response time (within 3 s), a linear calibration range of 20 nmm – 6 m with an excellent sensitivity of 71 µA mm−1 cm−2 and a detection limit of 5.4 nm. The nanobiosensor  was effective in discriminating against common interferants and  was successfully applied to sulfite determination in real samples.
Perspectives from the Africa region
Authors: Chalufu Sibusiso , Madiba Matete , Pillay Saloschini , Mashiapata Matome
Published: October 2023

This article describes the student affairs associations of South Africa and how they pooled their strategy into a Southern African federation, strengthening their impact on student support and development, policy development, and professional development in Southern Africa. The pan‐African developments to strengthen higher education, driven by the Association for African Universities, reveal the ambitious plans to strengthen student support in African higher education.
Perspectives from the South America Region
Authors: Kristic Ana María Pelegrí , Hansen William Young , Canton Guzman Alicia , Cantor María Consuelo Burgos
Published: October 2023

Writers
of this article share their seminal work of creating the Latin American Region (LAC) as part of the United States NASPA‐Student Affairs Administration in the Higher Education Association's Global Division. Webinars, exchanges, conferences, some research initiatives, and a new student affairs administration minor as part of a higher education master's degree are beginning to shape the work of student affairs in South America.
Grouped rank centrality: Ranking and grouping from pairwise comparisons simultaneously
Authors: Tian Xin‐Yu , Shi Jian
Published: October 2023

Interpretation of ranking can be simplified by grouping when the number of ranking items is large. This paper is concerned with the problem of ranking and grouping from pairwise comparisons simultaneously so that items with similar abilities are clustered into the same group. To achieve this, a penalised spectral ranking method, named as grouped rank centrality, is designed. In the method, the fused lasso estimator is used in conjunction with a spectral‐based method, rank centrality. We reconstruct and simplify the original problem to a concise structure which has the same form with the linear adaptive lasso problem. The ability score estimation is finally obtained by applying the refitting strategy based on the group structure identified by the grouped rank centrality. Theoretical results are provided to present the grouping consistent property and asymptotic normality of the estimator under the Bradley–Terry assumption. The simulation study and real examples including National Basketball Association (NBA) data and journal meta‐rankings are provided to demonstrate the validity of our theory and the practical significance of the proposed approach.
Experimental investigation on shear strengthening with fiber/textile reinforced concrete
Authors: Rossi Edoardo , Randl Norbert , Mészöly Tamás , Harsányi Peter
Published: October 2023

The use of textile reinforced concrete (TRC) as a shear strengthening solution for reinforced concrete (RC) structures is a viable and effective strategy. The low tensile strength of the cementitious matrix used to produce TRC, however, can strongly limit the performance achievable by such material. Using fiber/textile reinforced concrete (F/TRC), that is, TRC where short‐dispersed fibers were admixed to the cementitious matrix, has proven to overcome such limitations. An experimental campaign, aimed at assessing the influence of the fiber‐reinforced cementitious matrix, the number of layers, and their anchoring, was performed at the structural laboratory of Carinthia University of Applied Sciences. F/TRC strengthening configurations were tested on real‐scale T‐beams without internal transversal reinforcement. The results highlight the contribution of the cementitious matrix and hint at the possibility of simply summing its contribution to the one of the textile fabrics, while appropriate end‐anchorage seems to improve the performance of both elements.
John David Thompson
Authors: Stones Samantha
Published: October 2023

As well as running his own practice, he also worked in other veterinary spheres.
Recurrent pyogranulomatous polymyositis and intramuscular abscesses secondary to Corynebacterium species in a young beagle
Authors: Mahon Elizabeth , Albertini Guillaume , Marsh Oliver , Staudacher Anne , Stabile Fabio
Published: October 2023

A 16‐month‐old, male, entire beagle presented for suspected relapse of steroid‐responsive meningitis‐arteritis 12 months after diagnosis. Following improvement with immunosuppressive treatment, the dog developed lethargy and right pelvic limb lameness. Neuroanatomical localisation was to the L4–S3 spinal cord segments/associated peripheral nerves. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed peripherally contrast‐enhancing, fluid‐isointense, cavitary lesions within the right and left great adductor, gracilis muscles and right semimembranosus, internal and external obturator, superficial glutaeal and coccygeal muscles. Culture and sensitivity of muscle fine‐needle aspiration revealed Corynebacterium species without antibiotic resistance. Clinical signs resolved on amoxicillin‐clavulanate (25 mg/kg/12 h) and clindamycin (20 mg/kg/12 h), but relapsed after 6 weeks. Addition of marbofloxacin (2 mg/kg/24 h) achieved clinical resolution. After 2 weeks, the dog relapsed and the owner elected euthanasia. Postmortem biopsies of the gracilis and semitendinosus muscles revealed pyogranulomatous polymyositis. Corynebacterium species should be considered a differential diagnosis for pyogranulomatous polymyositis in dogs. Lack of response to appropriate antibiotic treatment in immunosuppressed dogs may carry a poor prognosis.
Isolated medial meniscal tear in a domestic shorthaired cat
Authors: Koch Clara , Kornmayer Matthias
Published: October 2023

This case report describes the presentation, diagnostic imaging, management and outcome of a cat with an isolated meniscal tear. A 4‐year‐old, male, neutered, European shorthair cat was presented with a left hindlimb lameness. The left stifle joint was painful on manipulation, effusion was present and no primary cause such as cruciate ligament disease, stifle disruption or patellar luxation could be detected. The suspicion of a knee sprain was raised, and conservative therapy was performed without improvement of the lameness during the following weeks. Therefore, magnetic resonance imaging was recommended, which revealed a medial meniscal injury with no primary cause present. Therapy consisted of partial meniscectomy via arthrotomy. The lameness improved postoperatively, and in long‐term follow‐up a mildly progressive osteoarthritis developed.
Expertise differences in cognitive interpreting: A meta‐analysis of eye tracking studies across four decades
Authors: Wang Huan , Yu Zhonggen , Wang Xiaohui
Published: October 2023

This meta‐analytic research delves into the influence of expertise on cognitive interpreting, emphasizing time efficiency, accuracy, and cognitive effort, in alignment with prevailing expertise theories that link professional development and cognitive efficiency. The study assimilates empirical data from 18 eye‐tracking studies conducted over the past four decades, encompassing a sample of 1581 interpreters. The objective is to elucidate the role of expertise in interpretative performance while tracing the evolution of these dynamics over time. Findings suggest that expert interpreters outperform novices in time efficiency and accuracy and exhibit lower cognitive effort, especially in sight and consecutive interpreting. This effect is particularly pronounced in the English‐Chinese language pair and with the use of E‐prime and Tobii eye‐tracking systems. Further, fixation count and pupil size are essential metrics impacting cognitive effort. These findings have vital implications for interpreter training programs, suggesting a focus on expertise development to enhance efficiency and accuracy, reduce cognitive load, and emphasize the importance of sight interpreting as a foundational skill. The selection of technology and understanding of specific ocular metrics also emerged as essential for future research and practical applications in the interpreting industry.

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Theory and Methods

Linguistics > Cognitive
For Better or Worse: The Impact of Counterfactual Explanations’ Directionality on User Behavior in xAI
Authors: Kuhl Ulrike , Artelt André , Hammer Barbara
Published: October 2023

Counterfactual explanations (CFEs) are a popular approach in explainable artificial intelligence (xAI), highlighting changes to input data necessary for altering a model’s output. A CFE can either describe a scenario that is better than the factual state (upward CFE), or a scenario that is worse than the factual state (downward CFE). However, potential benefits and drawbacks of the directionality of CFEs for user behavior in xAI remain unclear. The current user study (N = 161) compares the impact of CFE directionality on behavior and experience of participants tasked to extract new knowledge from an automated system based on model predictions and CFEs. Results suggest that upward CFEs provide a significant performance advantage over other forms of counterfactual feedback. Moreover, the study highlights potential benefits of mixed CFEs improving user performance compared to downward CFEs or no explanations. In line with the performance results, users’ explicit knowledge of the system is statistically higher after receiving upward CFEs compared to downward comparisons. These findings imply that the alignment between explanation and task at hand, the so-called regulatory fit, may play a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of model explanations, informing future research directions in (xAI). To ensure reproducible research, the entire code, underlying models and user data of this study is openly available: https://github.com/ukuhl/DirectionalAlienZoo
Bulk Behaviour of Ground States for Relativistic Schrödinger Operators with Compactly Supported Potentials
Authors: Ascione Giacomo , Lőrinczi József
Published: October 2023

We propose a probabilistic representation of the ground states of massive and massless Schrödinger operators with a potential well in which the behaviour inside the well is described in terms of the moment-generating function of the first exit time from the well and the outside behaviour in terms of the Laplace transform of the first entrance time into the well. This allows an analysis of their behaviour at short to mid-range from the origin. In a first part, we derive precise estimates on these two functionals for stable and relativistic stable processes. Next, by combining scaling properties and heat kernel estimates, we derive explicit local rates of the ground states of the given family of non-local Schrödinger operators both inside and outside the well. We also show how this approach extends to fully supported decaying potentials. By an analysis close-by to the edge of the potential well, we furthermore show that the ground state changes regularity, which depends qualitatively on the fractional power of the non-local operator.
Hilfe, ich kann nicht rülpsen: Falldarstellung und Kurzübersicht zur retrograden krikopharyngealen Dysfunktion
Authors: Runggaldier Daniel , Colotto-Vith Ursula , Pohl Daniel , Bohlender Jörg E.
Published: October 2023

In dieser Kurzübersicht wird das erstmalig 2019 durch den Laryngologen Dr. Bastian beschriebene Syndrom der retrograden krikopharyngealen Dysfunktion (R-CPD) anhand eines klassischen Falls vorgestellt. Die Diagnose erfolgt in der Regel klinisch durch die klassischen Symptome wie beispielsweise die Unfähigkeit, Luft aufzustoßen, abdominales Blähgefühl und retrosternale gurgelnde Geräusche. Des Weiteren werden neue Möglichkeiten der Diagnosesicherung mittels hochauflösender Ösophagusmanometrie und die therapeutischen Möglichkeiten mittels Injektion von Botulinumtoxin in den M. cricopharyngeus beschrieben sowie die dazu publizierten Daten diskutiert.
Vision-based approach to assess performance levels while eating
Authors: Raza Muhammad Ahmed , Fisher Robert B.
Published: October 2023

The elderly population is increasing at a rapid rate, and the need for effectively supporting independent living has become crucial. Wearable sensors can be helpful, but these are intrusive as they require adherence by the elderly. Thus, a semi-anonymous (no image records) vision-based non-intrusive monitoring system might potentially be the answer. As everyone has to eat, we introduce a first investigation into how eating behavior might be used as an indicator of performance changes. This study aims to provide a comprehensive model of the eating behavior of individuals. This includes creating a visual representation of the different actions involved in the eating process, in the form of a state diagram, as well as measuring the level of performance or decay over time during eating. Also, in studies that involve humans, getting a generalized model across numerous human subjects is challenging, as indicative features that parametrize decay/performance changes vary significantly from person to person. We present a two-step approach to get a generalized model using distinctive micro-movements, i.e., (1) get the best features across all subjects (all features are extracted from 3D poses of subjects) and (2) use an uncertainty-aware regression model to tackle the problem. Moreover, we also present an extended version of EatSense, a dataset that explores eating behavior and quality of motion assessment while eating.
Greater self‐efficacy, psychological readiness and return to sport amongst paediatric patients compared with adolescents and young adults, 8 and 12 months after ACL reconstruction
Authors: Thorolfsson Baldur , Piussi Ramana , Snaebjornsson Thorkell , Karlsson Jon , Samuelsson Kristian , Beischer Susanne , Thomeé Roland , Hamrin Senorski Eric
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in rehabilitation‐specific outcomes between paediatric patients, adolescents and young adults within the first 2 years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A further aim was to determine whether patient age was associated with an increased risk of not achieving symmetrical muscle function within the first 2 years after ACL reconstruction.

Methods

The patient data in the present study were extracted from the rehabilitation outcome registry, Project ACL. Patients aged 11–25 years registered for primary ACL reconstruction with a hamstring tendon autograft between April 1, 2013 and November 23, 2020 were included. A total of 691 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study; 41 paediatric patients (females 11–13, males 11–15 years), 347 adolescents (females 14–19, males 16–19 years) and 303 young adults (females 20–25, males 20–25 years).

Results

The comparison between groups revealed that 70% of paediatric patients, 39% of adolescents and 35% of young adults had returned to knee‐strenuous sport at 8 months and that 90% of paediatric patients, 71% of adolescents and 62% of young adults had returned to sport at 12 months. Paediatric patients also reported higher scores compared with both the other patient groups on the Knee Self‐Efficacy Scale (K‐SES) and the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport after Injury scale (ACL‐RSI) at 8 and 12 months.

Conclusions

A larger proportion of paediatric patients had returned to sport compared with adolescents and young adults 8 and 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Paediatric patients also reported higher self‐efficacy and greater psychological readiness to return to sport at 8 and 12 months than the other two groups. No differences in terms of muscle function tests when comparing paediatric patients, adolescents and young adults were found.

Level of evidence

II.