bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigations of Dynamic Mechanical Performance of Rubber Concrete under Freeze-Thaw Cycle Damage
Authors: Zhang Jingli
Published: October 2023

In order to study the effect of the freeze-thaw cycle on the integrity and dynamic mechanical performance of rubber concrete, the wave speed of rubber concrete specimens with 10% rubber volume was measured by a nonmetallic ultrasonic detector. The impact tests were also performed on rubber concrete specimens with different numbers of freeze-thaw cycles (0, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 125) at different impact air pressures (0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6 MPa) using a 74 mm diameter split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) device, peak stress, ultimate strain dynamic intensity enhancement factor (DIF), and energy absorption effect. The results show that with the increase of freeze-thaw cycles, the wave speed decreases, and the freeze-thaw action will damage the rubber concrete and reduce the longitudinal wave velocity. Under the same freeze-thaw cycles, with the rise of strain rate, the peak stress, limit strain, DIF, and absorbed energy increase, and there is an obvious strain rate effect; under the pressure of 0.6 MPa, the peak stress of 25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 freeze-thaw cycles decreases by 25.1%, 37.1%, 46%, 52.5%, and 54.8%. With the increase of the freeze-thaw cycles, the peak stress of the specimen decreases, and the decrease gradually decreases. After the number of cycles exceeds 100, the stress decrease of the specimen is no longer obvious, the limit strain increases, and the absorbed energy decreases. The freeze-thaw environment significantly reduces the strength and integrity of rubber concrete specimens.
Retinal Pigment Epithelial Tears after Ex-PRESS Filtration Surgery in a Glaucoma Patient with a History of Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Takemoto Mamiko , Kitamura Yuta , Kakisu Masato , Shimizu Daisuke , Baba Takayuki
Published: October 2023

Background. To describe a case of retinal pigment epithelial tears (RPE tears) and serous retinal detachment (SRD) after Ex-PRESS filtration surgery for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) combined with ischemic optic neuropathy. Case Presentation. This case report involved a 69-year-old woman who underwent Ex-PRESS filtration surgery for right POAG. She had a history of systemic arteriosclerotic disease and subacute progressive visual field loss due to suspected ischemic optic neuropathy in her right eye. The right preoperative visual acuity was 0.7, and intraocular pressure (IOP) was 19 mmHg with maximum glaucoma eye drops. RPE detachment was not observed in the fundus. On day 9 after surgery, the IOP was 6 mmHg, and mild choroidal detachment was observed. On day 13, although IOP remained almost unchanged at 7 mmHg, bullous SRD was observed in the inferior retina, including the macula, and RPE tears were observed along the superior arcade vessel. While subretinal fluid gradually decreased with increasing IOP, tractional retinal folds persisted along the superior arcade, accompanied by macular degeneration. Conclusion. We experienced a case of RPE tears after Ex-PRESS filtration surgery. In addition to choroidal detachment in the setting of hypotony, a pathologic condition causing structural fragility of the RPE layer may contribute to the development of RPE tears.
Synthesis of MgAl2O4: Sm3+ Nanophosphor and Its Photoluminescence, Electrochemical Sensing, and Photocatalytic Studies
Authors: Manjula S. N. , Chandrasekhar M. , Anil Kumar M. R. , Waqas Alam Mir , Ravikumar C. R. , Murthy H. C. Ananda , Basavaraju N. , Nagabhushana H.
Published: October 2023

A series of MgAl2O4: Sm3+ nanophosphors were synthesized using oxalyl dihydrazide (ODH) as fuel at low temperature. The X-ray diffraction studies revealed a crystallite size of 20 nm for the nanophosphors. The energy band gap values were found to be in the range from 4.86 to 5.42 eV. Because of distinct f–f transitions from 4F7/2 ⟶ 6P3/2 of Sm3+ ions in the host stimulated at 406 nm, the PL characteristic emission peaks of Sm3+ ions were observed between 406 and 605 nm. The optimized MgAl2O4: Sm3+ phosphors exhibited 97% colour purity and lie in the orange red to yellow area of the CIE diagram. With MgAl2O4: Sm3+ nanophosphors, novel photocatalysts for the elimination of the dye Fast orange red (FOR) have been proved to function at an excited wavelength of 493 nm in UV light. The experiment showed 97.46% dye decolorization, respectively, after 120 min irradiation. Using the carbon paste electrode in the cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique, lead was detected in 0.1N HCl solution (MCPE). The MgAl2O4: Sm3+ nanophosphors are useful sensing material for an element like lead. Finally, we conclude that the synthesized MgAl2O4: Sm3+ nanophosphors are potential candidates for multifunctional applications.
Deep Graph Embedding for IoT Botnet Traffic Detection
Authors: Zhang Bonan , Li Jingjin , Ward Lindsay , Zhang Ying , Chen Chao , Zhang Jun
Published: October 2023

Botnet attacks have mainly targeted computers in the past, which is a fundamental cybersecurity problem. Due to the booming of Internet of things (IoT) devices, an increasing number of botnet attacks are now targeting IoT devices. Researchers have proposed several mechanisms to avoid botnet attacks, such as identification by communication patterns or network topology and defence by DNS blacklisting. A popular direction for botnet detection currently relies on the specific topological characteristics of botnets and uses machine learning models. However, it relies on network experts’ domain knowledge for feature engineering. Recently, neural networks have shown the capability of representation learning. This paper proposes a new approach to extracting graph features via graph neural networks. To capture the particular topology of the botnet, we transform the network traffic into graphs and train a graph neural network to extract features. In our evaluations, we use graph embedding features to train six machine learning models and compare them with the performance of traditional graph features in identifying botnet nodes. The experimental results show that botnet traffic detection is still challenging even with neural networks. We should consider the impact of data, features, and algorithms for an accurate and robust solution.
Effect of Body Weight on the Nutritional Content of Rice Field Eel, Monopterus albus
Authors: Xie Quansen , Liu Yiran
Published: October 2023

The meat yield, nutrient composition, and quality of the skin and muscle of eels with different body weights, 124.10 ± 0.12, 253.42 ± 0.31, and 385.10 ± 0.44 g, was systematically studied, were determined to provide the basic data for the processing and efficient use of rice field eel, Monopterus albus. The results showed that muscle and skin accounted for a more significant proportion of eels with body weight of 253.42 ± 0.31 g, compared with other eels (

p
<
0.05

and

p
=
0.03

). As increasing offish mass, the collagen protein, essential amino acids, umami amino acids, and total amino acids in muscle and skin increased and then decreased. The eels with body weight of 253.42 ± 0.31 g had the highest contents of these compounds. In the skin and muscle of all test eels, the natrium, magnesium, and kalium were the main essential mineral elements. Similarly, with the increasing of body weight of eel, an increasing and then decreasing trend was observed for all essential mineral elements measured. Our results demonstrated that the nutrient composition of the skin and muscle of Monopterus albus could be significantly affected by body weight, and the eels with body weight of 253.42 ± 0.31 g had the most favorable nutrient composition.
Automatic Assessment of Connected Speech and Its Relation to Memory in Alzheimer’s Disease in Low Education
Authors: Smidarle Anderson Dick , Wilson Maximiliano A. , Leal Sidney Evaldo , Aluísio Sandra Maria , Malcorra Bárbara Luzia Covatti , Schilling Lucas Porcello , Hübner Lilian Cristine
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Discourse is one of the main linguistic aspects affected by Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and its relationship with memory needs to be further studied, mainly in low education and low socioeconomic status groups. The present study aimed to investigate differences in the recall of short narratives between participants with mild AD and a control group (CG) of typical older adults (CG) with the use of automatic assessment. Methods: Seventeen older adults diagnosed with AD (mean age 76.41, mean education 5.82) and 34 typical older adults (mean age 74.26, mean education 7.09) were asked to listen to and then retell a short story. Syntactic, lexical, and semantic features were assessed via the NILC-Metrix software, and the features were correlated with episodic, working, and semantic memory assessment. Results: Differences were found in 7 of the 34 features assessed. Syntactically, the group diagnosed with AD produced narratives with fewer sentences, fewer words per sentence, and lower Yngve depth scores. Lexically, the AD group produced narratives with fewer words and prepositions per sentence. Semantically, the narratives produced by the AD group featured words with a lower mean age of acquisition and lower Brunét’s index scores. For the CG, episodic memory performance correlated with the ratio of conjunctions. No other significant correlation was found for semantic and working memory in the CG. No correlation was found between memory performance and linguistic features for the AD group. Discussion: The automatic assessment of linguistic features showed impaired narrative recall in participants diagnosed with AD relative to healthy controls at the syntactic, lexical, and semantic levels of discourse. These findings corroborate previous literature showing a decline in discourse production performance resulting from cognitive impairment in AD. Conclusion: The assessment of linguistic performance through a narrative recall task provides valuable insights into cognitive decline related to AD.
KARAKTERISTIK KONSUMEN HEWAN KURBAN DI KAWASAN METROPOLITAN MAMMINASATA
Authors: Puspitasari Ayu , Syamsari Syamsari , Patiroy Ihwan , Zain Majdah M
Published: October 2023

Penelitian tentang karakteristik konsumen hewan kurban perlu diteliti dengan tujuan untuk menjamin keberlanjutan bisnis hewan kurban dan dapat memuaskan konsumen.  Pembelian hewan pada momen idul adha tinggi sehingga menciptakan peluang bisnis yang besar bagi producen dan pedagang.  Waktu pelaksanaan penelitian yaitu pada saat hari raya idul adha dan hari tasyri yaitu 3 hari pasca hari raya idhul adha yang syariatkan untuk berkurban.  Hari raya idul adha disesuaikan dengan penetapatan Pemerintah Republik Indonesia yaitu  bertepatan dengan 29 Juni 2023 sehingga waktu penelitian yaitu 29 Juni sampai dengan 2 Juli 2023. Metode penelitian menggunakan survey, wawancara dan kuesioner yang diisi oleh 100 orang konsumen hewan kurban yang berdomisili di wilayah metropolitan mamminasata yang merupakan pusat pertumbuhan ekonomi Sulawesi Selatan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa semua konsumen dengan tingkat penghasilan rendah sampai tinggi dan memiliki beban tanggungan rendah, sedang dan berat bersedia untuk membeli hewan kurban.  Mayoritas konsumen memilih untuk berkelompok dalam menjalankan ibadah kurban, pengelompokan tersebut berdasarkan komunitas masing-masing, mayoritas kelompok tersebut dibentuk oleh kerabat dan panitia masjid.  Hewan kurban yang paling diminati konsumen adalah sapi yang dibeli langsung dari peternak dan pedagang sapi.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Ventricular Preexcitation in the Young: Cause and Accessory Pathway Characteristics
Authors: Przybylski Robert , Saravu Vijayashankar Sakethram , O’Leary Edward T. , Hylind Robyn J. , Noon Jennifer , Dionne Audrey , DeWitt Elizabeth S. , Bezzerides Vassilios J. , Abrams Dominic J.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

The cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in the young is highly varied. Ventricular preexcitation (preexcitation) is well recognized, yet little is known about the specificity for any cause and the characteristics of the responsible accessory pathways (AP).

METHODS:

Retrospective cohort study of patients <21 years of age with HCM/preexcitation from 2000 to 2022. The cause of HCM was defined as isolated HCM, storage disorder, metabolic disease, or genetic syndrome. Atrioventricular AP (true AP) were distinguished from fasciculoventricular fibers (FVF) using standard invasive electrophysiology study criteria. AP were defined as high risk if any of the following were <250 ms: shortest preexcited RR interval in atrial fibrillation, shortest paced preexcited cycle length, or anterograde AP effective refractory period.

RESULTS:

We identified 345 patients with HCM and 28 (8%) had preexcitation (isolated HCM, 10/220; storage disorder, 8/17; metabolic disease, 5/19; and genetic syndrome, 5/89). Six (21%) patients had clinical atrial fibrillation (1 with shortest preexcited RR interval <250 ms). Twenty-two patients underwent electrophysiology study which identified 23 true AP and 16 FVF. Preexcitation was exclusively FVF mediated in 8 (36%) patients. Five (23%) patients had AP with high-risk conduction properties (including ≥1 patient in each etiologic group). Multiple AP were seen in 8 (36%) and AP plus FVF in 10 (45%) patients. Ablation was acutely successful in 13 of 14 patients with recurrence in 3. One procedure was complicated by complete heart block after ablation of a high-risk midseptal AP. There were significant differences in QRS amplitude and delta wave amplitude between groups. There were no surface ECG features that differentiated AP from FVF.

CONCLUSIONS:

Young patients with HCM and preexcitation have a high likelihood of underlying storage disease or metabolic disease. Nonisolated HCM should be suspected in young patients with large QRS and delta wave amplitudes. Surface ECG is not adequate to discriminate preexcitation from a benign FVF from that secondary to potentially life-threatening AP.
Reform versus Transformation: Reflections on the Legacy of Corbynism’s Economic Programme
Authors: Robertson Mary
Published: October 2023

In the context of divisive disagreements about how the British left should orient itself towards the current Labour Party, this intervention uses the Gorzian category of non-reformist reforms to critically evaluate the 2017–19 policy programme developed by the Corbyn-led Labour Party and draw out the implications for current strategic debates. It argues that the radical core of the Corbynite economic programme lay in its proposals for widening ownership and extending economic democracy, but that there was a tension between commodified and decommodifying visions of these proposals. Exploring the different conceptions of political transformation implicit within each vision, the paper argues that only the latter had the potential to be non-reformist in the Gorzian sense. However, Gorz was concerned not merely with a reform’s content but also with how it was formulated and pursued. The paper ends by arguing that the transformative potential of the economic programme was not reflected in its political strategy and that this has important lessons for strategy today.
International Crimes of Western Colonialism
Authors: Emtseva Julia
Published: October 2023

Does colonialism still exist in the 21st century? Philippe Sands provides a resounding affirmation to this question in his recent book The Last Colony. Sands expounds upon the circumstances surrounding the Chagos archipelago, the most recently colonized territory by the United Kingdom, which triggers further discussions about the ability of international law to address colonial crimes. Sands’ tale proves that it is possible to challenge colonisers by using the existing tools of international law. Yet, the efficacy of justice efforts remains inadequate for the victims of colonial crimes. In addition to evaluating the critical contributions of The Last Colony, this review essay examines the international crime of forced displacement and how it has been tackled by international courts within other contexts. Drawing on the recent Human Rights Watch report documenting the offences committed by the UK and US authorities against the Chagossians, the essay assesses which elements of the colonial crime of forced evictions attain the gravity threshold for crimes against humanity. And finally, the essay argues for the need for greater awareness and accountability for such crimes and their lasting effects on individuals and societies.
Frankliniella species from India (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), with a new generic synonym and an unusual new species
Authors: PAL SHASH , PATIDAR ABHISHEK , KUMAR VIKAS , PANJALIYA RAKESH KUMAR , TYAGI KAOMUD
Published: October 2023

Frankliniella genus-group is one of the most important group in the sub-family Thripinae comprising, more than 270 species in nine genera. A morphological-based cladistic analysis of genus-level relationships within this group was performed, based on 54 morphological character states for 26 species, including Thrips physapus as an outgroup. This analysis recovered Pseudanaphothrips as monophyletic and sister-group to a group of five Old World genera: Firmothrips, Kakothrips, Parabaliothrips, Sitothrips and Yaobinthrips. It also showed a sister relationship between eight species of Poaceae-associated Old World species in Frankliniella plus Iridothrips, and a group of five New World species in Frankliniella and Guerothrips. As a result, Iridothrips is here considered a new synonym of Frankliniella, and Frankliniella insolitum sp. n. is described from northern India. A key to the six species of Frankliniella recorded from India is also provided. Images and notes of F. unicolor Morgan based on a paratype of the synonym F. andropogoni Moulton & Andre are also provided.
A new species of Nemophora from Korea (Lepidoptera, Adelidae, Adelinae)
Authors: KO JAE-HO , YAGI SADAHISA , DASARI TOSHIYA HIROWATARI
Published: October 2023

A new species of the genus Nemophora Hoffmannsegg, Nemophora lutea Ko & Hirowatari sp. nov. is described from Korea, which is very similar to N. smaragdaspis (Meyrick) found in India and Nepal but distinguished by its the straight deep orange median band and metallic white lines on the forewing in both sexes. Illustrations of adults and genitalia are provided, with habitat information.
The morphology and mitochondrial DNA barcode of Knipowitschia caucasica (Berg, 1916) (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) from Karpuzçay, Levantine Sea, the easternmost record of Knipowitschia species in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: KOVAČIČ MARCELO , ÖZTÜRK DILRUBA SEYHAN , INNAL DENIZ
Published: October 2023

Knipowitschia is a sand-goby genus historically comprising 17 species. The congeneric Knipowitschia species show discordance between morphology and genetics in two ways: the morphologically similar species that are clearly distinct by genetics and the morphologically and ecologically distinct populations that are similar by genetics. A sample of Knipowitschia individuals has been collected from Karpuzçay Creek on the Levantine Sea coast. It is the easternmost Mediterranean record of any Knipowitschia, and a number of arguments suggest it is native. Among the presently valid Knipowitschia species, the population was identified by both genetics and morphology as K. caucasica. The detailed morphological description and genetics are provided for this population. The morphology of the present sample fits within the highly variable morphology of east Aegean populations presently recognized as K. caucasica, although with the extreme values of the already known morphological and coloration variability.
A new species of Vehilius Godman, 1900 (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae, Hesperiinae) endemic to the Caatinga, northeastern Brazil: taxonomy, biology and behavior
Authors: SOUZA JANIELY ALVES DE , MEDEIROS ADALBERTO DANTAS DE , DOLIBAINA DIEGO RODRIGO , KERPEL SOLANGE MARIA
Published: October 2023

A new species belonging to the genus Vehilius Godman, 1900, Vehilius jabre Medeiros, Souza & Kerpel sp. nov., endemic to the Caatinga biome, northeastern Brazil, is here described based on data from adult and immature stages. Information about the biology, hostplant, distribution, and adult and larval behavior of the new species is provided. The new species is morphologically similar to Vehilius warreni (Weeks, 1901), but can be distinguished by a set of characters on wings and male and female genitalia. Adults and genitalia for both sexes of V. jabre sp. nov. and V. warreni are illustrated and compared.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of non-suicidal self-injury; a comparison between Iran and Belgium
Authors: Vatandoost Shokoufeh , Baetens Imke , Van Den Meersschaut Joyce , Van Heel Martijn , Van Hove Lisa
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The outbreak of COVID-19 has heightened mental health challenges among adolescents worldwide, while also hindering the development of effective emotion regulation strategies. Nevertheless, there exists a pertinent requirement to further investigate the psychological ramifications of COVID-19 on adolescents, as well as to discern disparities in these impacts across various nations. In order to address this gap in research, this study compares the prevalence of NSSI (characterized by purposefully injuring one's own body tissues without suicidal intention or engaging in behaviors that are not socially approved or sanctioned.), emotion regulation strategies, and psychopathology (internalization and externalization) among Belgian and Iranian adolescents pre- and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

Adolescents between the ages of 13-21 from Iran and Belgium participated in a two-wave longitudinal design. In Iran, the sample consisted of 117 adolescents in wave 1 (April 2019) and 142 adolescents in wave 2 (Nov 2020). The Belgian sample consisted of 376 participants in wave 1 and 356 adolescents in wave 2. NSSI was assessed using the Self-Harm Inventory (SHI). Emotion Regulation was examined via the Emotion Regulation Inventory (ERI). The S trengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for Youth (SDQ) was used to assess psychological symptoms.

Result

Across the whole sample, lifetime NSSI prevalence was 35% in the first wave and 43.8% in the second wave. Longitudinal analysis across waves and counties did not show an increase in the prevalence of NSSI but did find that emotion dysregulation and internalizing symptoms are important risk factors for NSSI across countries. Emotional suppression and emotional dysregulation were the most prevalent emotion regulation strategies in Iran, whereas emotional integration was most prevalent in the Belgian sample.

Conclusion

Our study highlights cultural differences on the impact of COVID-19 on adolescent mental health. But it also indicates the importance of certain universal risk factors, for example, emotional dysregulation. These findings can inform developers to tailor programs for (early) intervention culturally.
Food Systems, Food Sovereignty, and Health: Conference Shares Linkages to Support Indigenous Community Health
Authors: Jernigan Valarie Blue Bird , Taniguchi Tori , Nguyen Cassandra J. , London Sara M. , Henderson Austin , Maudrie Tara L. , Blair Stephanie , Clyma Kaylee R. , Lopez Susanna V. , Jacob Tvli
Published: October 2023

The Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity (CIIHE) at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences (OSU-CHS) is a community–academic partnership with Indigenous peoples from Alaska, Hawai’i, and Oklahoma. The CIIHE supports communities to strengthen traditional food practices and food sovereignty and evaluate the impact of those efforts on health. In February 2022, the CIIHE sponsored and hosted a virtual conference to better understand how food sovereignty initiatives can improve health. More than 600 participants gathered to hear the latest research and practice in the areas of public health and agriculture, nutrition, community-based and Indigenous knowledge, and health economics. Community-led food sovereignty initiatives being implemented as part of the CIIHE were featured along with other Indigenous initiatives in urban, rural, and reservation communities. A survey was administered to conference participants to assess food sovereignty topics and priorities for future research. In this Practice Note, we describe innovative community-led initiatives presented as part of the conference and recommendations for action emerging from qualitative and quantitative data collected from conference participants.
Towards an Integrated Framework of Antecedents and Outcomes of Organisational Ambidexterity
Authors: k Suman , Punia B. K.
Published: October 2023

Ambidexterity is critical for organisations’ technological advancements and competitive advantage. The prior literature is fragmented and uses multiple constructs that impede the development of conceptual understanding and an integrated framework of antecedents and outcomes of organisational ambidexterity. This study uses a systematic review of 47 empirical studies to categorise its antecedents in each stream that relate to the impact of human resources (employee characteristics, social relationships) and organisational (organisational structure and environment) factors on ambidexterity. Further, this study also identifies different research streams that are linked to the outcomes of ambidexterity, such as individual level, team and department level, firm level and organisational level outcomes. The author discusses key findings in relation to their antecedents and outcomes, which will support the conceptual clarity of researchers and practitioners. By using methodological analysis, this review might provide new possibilities for future studies. This study further proposes an integrated framework that elucidates each stream of antecedents and outcomes of ambidexterity. This review provides a conceptual framework and research direction for forthcoming research on ambidexterity.
The microstructural change of the brain and its clinical severity association in pediatric Tourette syndrome patients
Authors: Hsu Chia-Jui , Wong Lee Chin , Wang Hsin-Pei , Chung Yi-Chun , Kao Te-Wei , Weng Chen-Hsiang , Wu Wen-Chau , Peng Shinn-Forng , Tseng Wen-Yih Isaac , Lee Wang-Tso
Published: October 2023

Background

Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is a prevalent pediatric neurological disorder. Most studies point to abnormalities in the cortico-striato-thalamocortical (CSTC) circuits. Neuroimaging studies have shown GTS’s extensive impact on the entire brain. However, due to participant variability and potential drug and comorbidity impact, the results are inconsistent. To mitigate the potential impact of participant heterogeneity, we excluded individuals with comorbidities or those currently undergoing medication treatments. Based on the hypothesis of abnormality within the CSTC circuit, we investigated microstructural changes in white matter using diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI). This study offers the first examination of microstructural changes in treatment-naïve pediatric patients with pure GTS using diffusion spectrum imaging.

Methods

This single-center prospective study involved 30 patients and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers who underwent sagittal T1-weighted MRI and DSI. We analyzed generalized fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity.

Results

No significant differences were observed in mean diffusivity and axial diffusivity values between the two groups. However, the patient group exhibited significantly higher generalized fractional anisotropy values in the right frontostriatal tract of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the right frontostriatal tract of the precentral gyrus, and bilateral thalamic radiation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Additionally, the generalized fractional anisotropy value of the right frontostriatal tract of the precentral gyrus is inversely correlated with the total tic severity scores at the most severe condition.

Conclusion

Treatment-naïve pediatric GTS patients demonstrated increased connectivity within the CSTC circuit as per diffusion spectrum imaging, indicating possible CSTC circuit dysregulation. This finding could also suggest a compensatory change. It thus underscores the necessity of further investigation into the fundamental pathological changes in GTS. Nevertheless, the observed altered connectivity in GTS patients might serve as a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
Evaluating the impacts of the demerit points system on traffic law violations and driver involvement in road accidents in Israel
Authors: Gitelman Victoria , Doveh Etti , Korchatov Anna , Elias Wafa , Hakkert Shalom
Published: October 2023

Demerit points systems (DPS) have been used in many countries as a means for improving road safety, by monitoring traffic law violations of drivers and applying corrective measures to repeat offenders, while knowledge on their safety impacts is yet incomplete. This study examined the DPS impacts on committing traffic offenses and accident involvement of drivers, in Israel, based on files of the national Licensing Authority and complementary accident files. Models were developed to evaluate changes in violation and accident rates of drivers, who underwent the DPS corrective measures, in after the treatment related to the before period, and accounting for changes observed in the matched comparison-groups. The findings showed that during the three-year period after the measures' implementation, the decrease in committing violations was of 70%, and simultaneously, there was a decrease in drivers' accident involvement, on average, of 1% in severe accidents and of 11% in total injury accidents. The effects were consistent across various groups of drivers by the corrective measures applied and the type of license. The study results support the continued use of the DPS, to improve drivers' behaviors and road safety. To increase its impacts at the national level, the DPS implementation should be supported by stable police enforcement and publicity efforts.
Development and validation of a screening method for difficult tracheal intubation based on geometric simulation and computer technology
Authors: Yu Yue , Cao Jingjing , Tang Xinyuan , Dong Zhiyuan , Xu Jianling , Wang Bin , Cheng Pingping , Wang Mingfang , Wu Yue , Yao Weidong , Jiang Xiaogan
Published: October 2023

Background

The anatomical characteristics of difficult airways can be analysed geometrically. This study aims to develop and validate a geometry-assisted difficult airway screening method (GADAS method) for difficult tracheal intubation.

Methods

In the GADAS method, a geometric simulated model was established based on computer graphics. According to the law of deformation of the upper airway on laryngoscopy, the expected visibility of the glottis was calculated to simulate the real visibility on laryngoscopy. Validation of the new method: Approved by the Ethics Committee of Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College. Adult patients who needed tracheal intubation under general anaesthesia for elective surgery were enrolled. The data of patients were input into the computer software to calculate the expected visibility of the glottis. The results of tracheal intubation were recorded by anaesthesiologists. The primary observation outcome was the screening performance of the expected visibility of the glottis for difficult tracheal intubation.

Results

The geometric model and software of the GADAS method were successfully developed and are available for use. We successfully observed 2068 patients, of whom 56 patients had difficult intubation. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of low expected glottis visibility for predicting difficult laryngoscopy was 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95–0.96). The sensitivity and specificity were 89.3% (95% CI: 78.1-96.0%) and 94.3% (95% CI: 93.2%-95.3), respectively.

Conclusions

It is feasible to screen difficult-airway patients by applying computer techniques to simulate geometric changes in the upper airway.
Comparing functional and quality of life outcomes in transcatheter aortic valve implantation and surgical aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Duffy Michael , Lynch Amy , Reddin Catriona , Judge Conor , O’Donnell Martin , Murphy Robert
Published: October 2023

Background

To compare functional and health related quality of life outcomes post-transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with critical aortic stenosis (AS) across low to high-risk surgical candidates. These patient-centred factors will be compared between both groups in the short to medium term time frames and will aid in shared decision making between patients and healthcare workers.

Materials and methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials which compared TAVI with SAVR and reported on quality of life (QoL) and functional scores.

The scores used were the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), Euroqol-5DL (EQ5DL), the short form-36/12 (SF-36/12) and the NYHA.

Results

We identified eight trials with a total of 8898 participants. Both groups showed improvements from baseline at one month. At one month there was a statistically significant difference in standardised mean difference (SMD) in favour of TAVI for EQ5DL (SMD 0.37, 95% CI 0.26,0.49), KCCQ (SMD 0.53,95% CI 0.48, 0.58), SF physical summary (SMD 0.55, 95% CI 0.31 – 0.78) and SF mental summary (SMD 0.34, 95% CI 0.27 – 0.40). At one year there was no statistically significant difference between any of these QoL metrics. For NYHA, no significant difference in odds ratio of class III/IV was observed at one month between TAVI and SAVR (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.83, 1.07), however, TAVI was associated with reduced odds ratio of NYHA class I/II at one year (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78, 0.98).

Conclusion

Both groups were associated with improvements in QoL and functional outcomes with TAVI reporting more significant improvements in QoL at one-month post-procedures. No significant improvements between groups were seen at one year. This is the largest meta-analysis comparing post-operative health-related quality of life outcomes post SAVR and TAVI and has major implications in shared decision making for the treatment of aortic stenosis.
A Bayesian network perspective on neonatal pneumonia in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lin Yue , Chen Jia Shen , Zhong Ni , Zhang Ao , Pan Haiyan
Published: October 2023

Objective

To predict the influencing factors of neonatal pneumonia in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus using a Bayesian network model. By examining the intricate network connections between the numerous variables given by Bayesian networks (BN), this study aims to compare the prediction effect of the Bayesian network model and to analyze the influencing factors directly associated to neonatal pneumonia.

Method

Through the structure learning algorithms of BN, Naive Bayesian (NB), Tree Augmented Naive Bayes (TAN), and k-Dependence Bayesian Classifier (KDB), complex networks connecting variables were presented and their predictive abilities were tested. The BN model and three machine learning models computed using the R bnlean package were also compared in the data set.

Results

In constraint-based algorithms, three algorithms had different presentation DAGs. KDB had a better prediction effect than NB and TAN, and it achieved higher AUC compared with TAN. Among three machine learning modes, Support Vector Machine showed a accuracy rate of 91.04% and 67.88% of precision, which was lower than TAN (92.70%; 72.10%).

Conclusion

KDB was applicable, and it can detect the dependencies between variables, identify more potential associations and track changes between variables and outcome.
Prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among peoples living with HIV in East Africa, a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tegegne Kirubel Dagnaw , Adela Getachew Asmare , Kassie Gizachew Ambaw , Mengstie Misganaw Asmamaw , Seid Mohammed Abdu , Zemene Melkamu Aderajaw , Feleke Sefineh Fenta , Dejenie Tadesse Asmamaw , Abebe Endeshaw Chekol , Anley Denekew Tenaw , Dessie Anteneh Mengist , Gesese Molalign Melese , Yimer Nega , Gebeyehu Natnael Atnafu
Published: October 2023

Background

In recent years, improved access to effective antiretroviral therapy has meant that people living with human immune virus are living longer than before. The burden of non-communicable diseases particularly, hypertension parallels with the increase in age. Although hypertension screening is thought to be an effective indicator of overall health status and paves the way for early interventions in peoples living with human immune virus, the exact prevalence of hypertension in this population remained unknown. We aimed to report the prevalence of hypertension and examine the factors associated with hypertension among people living with human immune virus in East Africa.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar databases for studies published until January 1, 2023. The search period was from January 10/2023, to February 10/ 2023. Random-effect models were used to calculate the pooled prevalence of hypertension. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore potential heterogeneity. The Funnel plot and Egger’s test were used to assess publication bias.

Result

A total of 15 studies with 10,916 individuals were included in the present meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of hypertension among people living with human immune virus was19.75% (95% CI, 16.07%-23.42%)),). The prevalence of hypertension was not differed between studies conducted 2014- 2019 and, studies conducted 2020–2022. The prevalence of hypertension was lowest in Ethiopia (16.13%) and highest in Tanzania (26.76%). Alcohol consumption (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 3.39, 95% CI: 2.35–4.43), diabetes (AOR: 2.64, 95% CI: 1.89–3.39), longer duration of HIV (AOR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.15–2.3), male sex (AOR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.43–1.8), obesity (AOR: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.94–3.84), and older age (AOR: 2.25, 95% CI: 2.0–2.5), were the factors associated with the presence of hypertension in people living with human immune virus.

Conclusion

Our study shows that one in five peoples living with human immune virus have hypertension causing symptoms and impairment, therefore requiring treatment. Designing effective health screening and hypertension management intervention programs helps to prevent the occurrence of hypertension and promotes peoples’ overall quality of life.
Private school canteens: an analysis of the economic and financial aspects of the traditional and the healthy models
Authors: Vilela Luisa Arantes , de Lima Costa Bruna Vieira , Jardim Mariana Zogbi , Borges Luiza Delazari , do Carmo Ariene Silva , Inácio Monique Louise Cassimiro , Mendes Larissa Loures
Published: October 2023

Background

One of the reasons for the more prominent resistance of canteen managers to implementing healthy canteens is based on the belief in the economic infeasibility of these models. The research aimed to verify the economic and financial viability of traditional and healthy models of school canteens in a Brazilian metropolis.

Methods

The case study was carried out with 36 companies in the school canteen sector in a Brazilian metropolis. The classification of items sold in canteens considered the extent and purpose of food processing according to the NOVA Classification. The characterization and definition of traditional canteens and healthy canteens were proposed considering the amount of in natura or minimally processed foods and culinary preparations without the presence of ultra-processed foods; the percentage of ultra-processed foods or processed foods or culinary preparations with the presence of ultra-processed foods; and the existence of prohibited foods. The economic and financial analysis was carried out mainly through the evaluation of profitability. Data were collected through an electronic self-administered questionnaire sent to canteen managers. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare medians and the Chi-Square/Fisher’s Exact Test to compare proportions.

Results

The study included six companies, responsible for 36 canteen units in private schools, 30 classified in the traditional model (83.3%), and six in the healthy model (16.7%). The median percentage of natural, minimally processed foods and commercialized culinary preparations was higher among the healthy model canteens (87.9% vs. 60.0%, p < 0.001). While the median percentage of ultra-processed, processed, or preparations with the presence of ultra-processed (40.0% vs. 12.1%, p < 0.001) and prohibited foods (10.0% vs. 0%, p < 0.001) sold was higher in the traditional model canteens. The results indicated that the profitability in the healthy canteens was higher (p < 0.001) than in the traditional ones.

Conclusions

Healthy school canteens showed better financial and economic results compared to traditional canteens with emphasis on greater profitability and a shorter recovery time of the initial investment.
Research and application of a teaching platform for combined spinal-epidural anesthesia based on virtual reality and haptic feedback technology
Authors: Zheng Ting , Xie Huihong , Gao Fei , Gong Cansheng , Lin Wei , Ye Peng , Liu Yuqing , He Bingwei , Zheng Xiaochun
Published: October 2023

Background

Intraspinal anesthesia poses significant teaching challenges and inadequate teaching resources, which ultimately limit students’ opportunities for practice. To address this issue, we aimed to develop a virtual platform for combined spinal-epidural anesthesia that merges virtual reality technology with haptic feedback technology, while assessing its educational impact and learning outcomes.

Methods

We utilized MIMICS, 3Ds MAX, and UNITY 3D software to perform 3D reconstruction based on lumbar CT/MRI data from a standard male volunteer. The haptic coefficients were configured on each layer by 20 experienced anesthesiologists in accordance with the Geomagic Touch X force feedback device. A total of 20 anesthesiology interns completed 30 virtual puncture training sessions. Two experienced anesthetists evaluated the efficacy of the platform and the level of mastery achieved using the Global Rating Scale (GRS) and a Checklist score, respectively. Finally, a questionnaire survey was conducted to gather feedback on the virtual platform.

Results

After the 10th session, the puncture time stabilized at 2.4 min. As the number of sessions increased, the Global Rating Scale (GRS) score stabilized by the 8th session, and the Checklist scores tended to stabilize by the 10th session. Results from questionnaires indicated that over half of the anesthesiology interns (70%) believed that the platform, which exhibited strong repeatability, improved their anatomical recognition and provided a strong sense of breakthrough in identifying the ligamentum flavum. The majority of them (80%) expressed satisfaction with the virtual platform.

Conclusions

The platform effectively facilitated the acquisition of basic and accurate puncture skills on a virtual patient.
Staff resilience and innovation essential to New York City diabetes prevention programs going virtual during COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns
Authors: Smith Eleanor J. , Apfelbaum Leora J. , Yeh Ming-Chin , Horlyck-Romanovsky Margrethe F
Published: October 2023

Background

COVID-19 lockdowns in March 2020 forced National Diabetes Prevention Programs (DPPs) to pause, cancel or reformulate. This qualitative study sought to (a) document if/how New York City(NYC) DPPs adapted and served participants during lockdowns, and (b) identify successes and challenges to operating programs during the lockdowns and restrictions on social gathering.

Methods

Researchers contacted 47 CDC-registered DPPs in NYC. Eleven DPP directors, lifestyle coaches, and coordinators involved in program implementation completed 1-hour semi-structured virtual interviews and received a $50 gift card. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Grounded Theory (Dedoose, Version 9).

Results

Interviewees represented 7 organization types: public hospitals, weight loss programs, healthcare centers, community-based organizations, health insurance companies, faith-based DPPs, and federally qualified health centers. DPPs served participants in 4 of 5 NYC boroughs. Six organizations provided DPP services during lockdowns by going virtual. Successes and challenges related to staffing, resource allocation, virtual data tracking, and participant engagement. Most programs were successful due to resilient, dedicated, and extraordinarily innovative staff.

Conclusion

The pandemic highlighted opportunities for successful virtual DPPs in urban settings, and the need for more robust funding, staff support, and technical assistance for sustainability and scalability of the DPP.
Association between polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and the prevalence of erectile dysfunction: A cross-sectional analysis of the NHANES 2001–2004
Authors: Huang Yong , Wang Yingying , Su Huiyi , Wang Hexi , Xu Haoyu , Xu Chengwei , Zhou Fulin , Zhang Yao
Published: October 2023

Background

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have demonstrated significant therapeutic potential across a wide range of disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential impact of PUFA intake on the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods

The study included a total of 3730 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001–2004. Univariate analysis, multivariate regression analysis, subgroup analysis and machine learning were utilized to explore the relationship of variables to ED. Dose response curves were constructed to observe the linear or nonlinear relationship between PUFA intake and the prevalence of ED. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used for sensitivity analysis. Finally, the potential mechanistic link between PUFA intake and ED was explored.

Results

Through univariate and multivariate regression analysis results before and after PSM and XGBoost algorithm model results, arachidonic acid (AA) was chosen as the main research object. The consumption of AA was found to be associated with a decreased prevalence of ED under the fully adjusted model [OR = 0.33 (0.20, 0.56), P < 0.001]. The interaction between AA and education was found in the subgroup analysis. Dose-response curves indicated a linear negative correlation between AA intake and the prevalence of ED. The above results were confirmed in the data analysis after 1:1 PSM. In addition, AA intake was associated with a decrease in inflammatory biomarkers and homocysteine.

Conclusions

The results suggest that AA intake is negatively correlated with the prevalence of ED. Further, anti-inflammatory and anti-endothelial damage may play a role in this.