bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from Pyrotinib Treatment in Patients With HER2-positive Metastatic Breast Cancer and Brain Metastasis: Exploratory Final Analysis of Real-World, Multicenter Data
Authors: Anwar Munawar , Chen Qitong , Ouyang Dengjie , Wang Shouman , Xie Ning , Ouyang Quchang , Fan Peizhi , Qian Liyuan , Chen Gannong , Zhou Enxiang , Guo Lei , Gu Xiaowen , Ding Boning , Yang Xiaohong , Liu Liping , Deng Chao , Xiao Zhi , Li Jing , Wang Yunqi , Zeng Shan , Hu Jinhui , Zhou Wei , Qiu Bo , Wang Zhongming , Weng Jie , Liu Mingwen , Li Yi , Tang Tiegang , Wang Jianguo , Zhang Hui , Dai Bin , Tang Wuping , Wu Tao , Xiao Maoliang , Li Xiantao , Liu Hailong , Li Lai , Yi Wenjun
Published: October 2024

AbstractPurpose:
Patients with HER2-positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer (MBC) have poor prognoses. Pyrotinib has shown promising antitumor activity in MBC to improve progression-free survival (PFS). However, findings based on real-world data to analyze whether pyrotinib affects overall survival (OS) remain scarce.
Experimental Design:
This real-world study is an exploratory analysis of brain metastasis (BM) and the final update of our preceding study of 168 patients with HER2+ MBC. PFS, OS, tumor mutation burden (TMB), clinical benefit rate (CBR), and overall response rate (ORR) were analyzed.
Results:
Pyrotinib treatment led to a median PFS time of 8.00 months and a median OS of 19.07 months in the 168 participants. High TMB was associated with poor OS (P = 0.0072) and PFS (P = 0.0028). In the 39 patients with BM, the median PFS and OS were 8.67 and 13.93 months, respectively. The surgery/radiation (S/R) group of patients with BM had prolonged survival (PFS: 9.97 vs. 7.73 months P = 0.19; OS: 20.67 vs. 12.43 months P = 0.021) compared with the no surgery/no radiation group (NS/NR). The CBR was 58.6% (S/R) vs. 41.4% (NS/NR), while the ORR was 24.1% (S/R) vs. 31.0% (NS/NR).
Conclusions:
Pyrotinib shows promise as a novel pan-HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) for the treatment of BM and should be evaluated further. Surgical or radiotherapy in combination with pyrotinib was found to statistically improve OS in our cohort. TMB could be an exploratory biomarker for predicting PFS and OS, but its clinical application still needs further verification.
Figure 3 from PELP1 Is a Novel Therapeutic Target in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Nassar Khaled Mohamed , Yang Xue , Baker Adriana , Gopalam Rahul , Arnold William C. , Adeniran Timilehin T. , Hernandez Fernandez Marian H. , Mahajan Megharani , Lai Zhao , Chen Yidong , Sareddy Gangadhara R. , Viswanadhapalli Suryavathi , Sun Lu-Zhe , Vadlamudi Ratna K. , Pratap Uday P.
Published: October 2024

Analysis of global transcriptional changes in PELP1-KD HCC cells. Volcano plot of differentially expressed genes with PELP1-KD in Hep3B cells is displayed (n = 3; A). PELP1-downregulated pathways were identified using differentially expressed gene signature (B). Gene set enrichment analysis plots show negatively enriched pathways by PELP1-KD (C). Heatmap images of the specific genes affected by PELP1-KD (D). RT-qPCR was used to validate the specific genes that were differentially regulated by PELP1-KD in RNA-seq analysis (E). Data are represented as the mean ± SEM. P values are calculated using two-way ANOVA, ****, p < 0.0001. ES, enrichment score.
Figure 1 from PELP1 Is a Novel Therapeutic Target in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Nassar Khaled Mohamed , Yang Xue , Baker Adriana , Gopalam Rahul , Arnold William C. , Adeniran Timilehin T. , Hernandez Fernandez Marian H. , Mahajan Megharani , Lai Zhao , Chen Yidong , Sareddy Gangadhara R. , Viswanadhapalli Suryavathi , Sun Lu-Zhe , Vadlamudi Ratna K. , Pratap Uday P.
Published: October 2024

PELP1 expression is upregulated in HCC, and high PELP1 expression is associated with poor survival of patients with HCC. Data obtained from TNMplot shows increased expression of PELP1 in patients with HCC (A). The results from TCGA-UALCAN database show that PELP1 expression is increased with HCC progression (B). The Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium database shows high PELP1 expression in HCC tumor tissues compared with normal tissues (C). Association of protein expression of PELP1 with overall survival of patients with HCC was obtained from The Human Protein Atlas (D). TMA was used to investigate the PELP1 expression in 86 HCC and six normal liver specimens by IHC and quantified (E and F). Scale bar, 100 μm. P values are calculated using the Student t test. ****, p < 0.0001.
Table S5 from The Tumor Microbiome as a Predictor of Outcomes in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Dravillas Caroline E. , Coleman Samuel S. , Hoyd Rebecca , Caryotakis Griffin , Denko Louis , Chan Carlos H.F. , Churchman Michelle L. , Denko Nicholas , Dodd Rebecca D. , Eljilany Islam , Hardikar Sheetal , Husain Marium , Ikeguchi Alexandra P. , Jin Ning , Ma Qin , McCarter Martin D. , Osman Afaf E.G. , Robinson Lary A. , Singer Eric A. , Tinoco Gabriel , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Zakharia Yousef , Spakowicz Daniel , Tarhini Ahmad A. , Tan Aik Choon
Published: October 2024

Correlations between microbe abundances and MSigDB Hallmark gene sets average Z scores
Table S2 from The Tumor Microbiome as a Predictor of Outcomes in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Dravillas Caroline E. , Coleman Samuel S. , Hoyd Rebecca , Caryotakis Griffin , Denko Louis , Chan Carlos H.F. , Churchman Michelle L. , Denko Nicholas , Dodd Rebecca D. , Eljilany Islam , Hardikar Sheetal , Husain Marium , Ikeguchi Alexandra P. , Jin Ning , Ma Qin , McCarter Martin D. , Osman Afaf E.G. , Robinson Lary A. , Singer Eric A. , Tinoco Gabriel , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Zakharia Yousef , Spakowicz Daniel , Tarhini Ahmad A. , Tan Aik Choon
Published: October 2024

Modeling results for gene expression differences between responders and non-responders
Causality between Telomere Length and the Risk of Hematologic Malignancies: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Jiang Guoyun , Cao LingXiao , Wang Yunshan , Li Li , Wang Zie , Zhao Hui , Qiu Yang , Feng Bin
Published: October 2024

Growing evidence indicates a relationship between telomere length (TL) and the stage, prognosis, and treatment responsiveness of hematopoietic malignancies. However, the relationship between TL and the risk of hematologic malignancies remains unclear, considering the vulnerability of observational studies to potential confounding and reverse causation. A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted utilizing publicly available genome-wide association study data to assess whether TL was causally associated with the risk of hematologic malignancies. The inverse variance weighted approach was used as the primary assessment approach to evaluate the effects of the causes, augmented by the weighted median and MR-Egger methods. Cochran’s Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-Pleiotropy Residual Sum and Outlier test, and leave-one-out analysis were performed to evaluate sensitivity, heterogeneity, and pleiotropy. According to forward MR estimations, longer TL was related to an increased risk of acute lymphocytic leukemia (OR = 2.690; P = 0.041), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (OR = 2.155; P = 0.005), multiple myeloma (OR = 1.845; P = 0.024), Hodgkin lymphoma (OR = 1.697; P = 0.014), and non–Hodgkin lymphoma (OR = 1.737; P = 0.009). Specific types of non–Hodgkin lymphoma were also associated with TL. The reverse MR results revealed that hematologic malignancies had no effect on TL. This MR analysis revealed an association between longer TL and an increased risk of specific hematologic malignancies, indicating a potential role of TL in risk evaluation and management in hematologic malignancies.

Significance:

In contrast to observational studies, this study uncovered the reliable causal relationships between TL and hematologic malignancies, emphasizing the potential role of telomeres in tumor development. TL maintenance may offer a promising strategy to reduce the risk of hematologic malignancies.
Ablation Strategies for Repeat Procedures in Atrial Fibrillation Recurrences Despite Durable Pulmonary Vein Isolation: The Prospective Randomized ASTRO AF Multicenter Trial
Authors: Schmidt Boris , Bordignon Stefano , Metzner Andreas , Sommer Philipp , Steven Daniel , Dahme Tilmann , Busch Matthias , Tilz Roland Richard , Schaack David , Rillig Andreas , Sohns Christian , Sultan Arian , Weinmann-Emhardt Karolina , Hummel Astrid , Vogler Julia , Fink Thomas , Lueker Jakob , Pott Alexander , Heeger Christian , Chun K.R. Julian
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND:

Ablation strategies for patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation and isolated pulmonary veins vary and their effects on arrhythmia recurrence remain unclear. A prospective randomized German multicenter trial sought to compare 2 ablation strategies in this patient cohort.

METHODS:

Patients with atrial fibrillation despite durable pulmonary vein isolation were randomly assigned at 7 centers to undergo low-voltage area ablation using 3-dimensional mapping and irrigated radiofrequency current ablation (group A) or empirical left atrial appendage isolation (LAAI) using the cryoballoon followed by staged interventional left atrial appendage closure (group B). The primary end point was freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias between 91 and 365 days after index ablation. The study was powered for superiority of LAAI compared with low-voltage area.

RESULTS:

Patients (40% women; mean age, 68.8±8 years) with paroxysmal (32%) or persistent atrial fibrillation (68%) were randomized to undergo low-voltage area ablation (n=79) or cryoballoon-guided LAAI (n=82). After a planned interim analysis, enrollment was halted for futility on January 10, 2023. In the LAAI group, 77 of 82 left atrial appendages were successfully isolated with subsequent left atrial appendage closure in 57 patients. Procedure-related complications occurred in 4 (5%) and 11 (13.5%) patients in group A and B, respectively (
P
=0.10). The median follow-up was 367 days (interquartile range, 359–378). The Kaplan-Meier point estimate for freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias was 51.7% (CI, 40.9%–65.4%) for group A and 55.5% (CI, 44.4%–69.2%;
P
=0.8069) for group B.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current study did not detect superiority of cryoballoon-guided LAAI over low-voltage area ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation despite durable PVI.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT04056390.
The Change in Fertilizer Prices Due to the Russo-Ukraine War
Authors:   Óbuda University, Kun Tamás , Takács István
Published: October 2024

This article examines the significant changes in fertilizer prices due to the Russo-Ukrainian war and its broader economic implications. Historically, crisis cycles have periodically reshaped economic conditions, disrupting standard processes such as currency exchange rates and trade balances. The Russo-Ukrainian conflict escalated pre-existing tensions from the 2014 Crimea annexation and further complicated supply chain issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This article explores the correlation between natural gas prices and key agricultural inputs, highlighting how energy prices influence fertilizer costs and food prices. The analysis covers the impact of the conflict on global fertilizer markets, specifically focusing on nitrogen-based fertilizers, the strategic shifts in European supply chains, and food security in Africa. Additionally, the article discusses geopolitical maneuvers such as the Black Sea Grain Initiative and their effects on food security and agricultural productivity. The findings underline the intertwined nature of energy, agriculture, and geopolitical stability, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies in response to such crises.
Erratum: NIKOLAY A. VISLOBOKOV, NATALIA A. MOSHKINA, SVETLANA P. KUZNETSOVA, ANDREY N. KUZNETSOV, SON XUAN LE, MIKHAIL S. ROMANOV, VICTORIA G. DROKINA, DMITRY F. LYSKOV, YURY O. KOPYLOV-GUSKOV & MAXIM S. NURALIEV (2024) Aspidistra tripartita (Asparagaceae, Convallarioideae), a new species from Vietnam Phytotaxa 666 (1): 42–50.
Authors: VISLOBOKOV NIKOLAY A. , MOSHKINA NATALIA A. , KUZNETSOVA SVETLANA P. , KUZNETSOV ANDREY N. , LE SON XUAN , ROMANOV MIKHAIL S. , DROKINA VICTORIA G. , LYSKOV DMITRY F. , KOPYLOVGUSKOV YURY O. , NURALIEV MAXIM S.
Published: October 2024

N/A
Revision of the endemic South African genus Moegistorhynchus Macquart (Diptera: Nemestrinidae), with a species key, description of three new species and comments on pollination biology and biogeography
Authors: BARRACLOUGH DAVID A. , COLVILLE JONATHAN F.
Published: October 2024

The genus Moegistorhynchus Macquart is revised and its relationships are discussed. The genus is distributed across lowland and montane areas of the Western and Northern Cape provinces, extending from Cape Town (Western Cape province) in the south to Port Nolloth (Northern Cape province) in the north. Three new species are described from Western Cape specimens: Moegistorhynchus manningi sp. nov. (Stettynsberg and Hottentots Holland mountains); M. strillii sp. nov. (Groot Winterhoek mountains); and M. turneri sp. nov. (Groot Winterhoek mountains and Waboomsberg). The four known species of the genus are redescribed: M. braunsi Bequaert, 1935; M. brevirostris (Wiedemann, 1821); M. longirostris (Wiedemann, 1819); and M. perplexus Bequaert, 1935. Moegistorhynchus longirostris and M. brevirostris are the only two species which extend their distribution northwards into the Northern Cape. There is marked intraspecific variation in M. perplexus and it may represent a species complex. Moegistorhynchus braunsi and M. strillii sp. nov. are possibly extinct. All species are fully illustrated, inclusive of the male postabdomen, where possible. A comprehensive identification key to the species is presented as is a distribution map, with some commentary on pollination biology and biogeography.
Modeling the Dynamics of Social Preparedness with Regional Interactions to Explore Efficient Flood Early Warning Systems
Authors: Kotani Hitomu , Ogawa Wataru , Matsushima Kakuya , Susaki Junichi , Sawada Yohei
Published: October 2024

Flood early warning systems (FEWS) are essential in mitigating flood damage. To optimize their effectiveness, it is important to understand how people respond to warnings and prepare for flooding events. The key factors influencing social preparedness include 1) direct and 2) indirect experiences of floods and 3) trust in warnings. However, existing sociohydrological models do not incorporate all these elements. To include these elements for social preparedness, we propose an idealized model that allows multiple regions to influence one another (i.e., regional interactions). We investigate the dynamics of social preparedness in a society composed of regions with varying infrastructure levels (e.g., levee heights) and explore strategies for developing a socially efficient FEWS. Numerical analyses reveal that in a society that has a region characterized by a low infrastructure level (i.e., a region with frequent floods), regional interactions lead to a pronounced cry wolf effect due to false alarms from other regions, diminishing social preparedness in the low-infrastructure region. These interactions also prevent a warning strategy that optimizes the natural-science-based index (i.e., threat score) from maximizing social efficiency. Conversely, in a society that has a region characterized by a high infrastructure level (i.e., a region with infrequent floods), regional interactions enhance the efficiency of FEWS by improving social preparedness through indirect experiences with floods. These findings suggest that as regional heterogeneity increases, it becomes increasingly vital for forecasters to consider social aspects (e.g., people’s experiences, trust, and interactions) when establishing a socially efficient FEWS. The refined model will be valuable to forecasters in designing effective FEWS in real-world situations.
Beyond the Buzz: Unpacking the Forms and Practices of Dedicated Open Innovation Functions
Authors: Dąbrowska Justyna , Keränen Joona , Mention Anne-Laure
Published: October 2024

Open Innovation (OI) has become a key part of corporate strategy, and many firms have adopted dedicated organizational functions to leverage OI. However, current literature lacks insights into how firms deploy such functions and what they do. To address this issue, this article provides insights from interviews with senior managers in dedicated OI functions in 20 different firms. The findings reveal three ways that firms can employ these functions and the key practices for which they are responsible. Finally, dedicated OI functions can change over time as the firms’ OI capabilities mature.
Minimum Support Price, Agrarian Issues and Farmers’ Movement in India
Authors: Kumar Manish
Published: October 2024

Minimum Support Price (MSP) is one of the many important aspects related to agricultural development. Farmers have been demanding MSP for decades, but the demand for legalisation of MSP has been raised prominently by the contemporary farmers movement. On the one hand, farmers had been engaging in protests in Tikri, Singhu (Delhi–Haryana border) and Ghazipur (Delhi–UP border) throughout the year (2020–2021) for legalisation of the MSP. On the other hand, the government is in favour of neoliberal policy and saw the MSP as an agro-ecological and financial risk. This article uses quantitative and qualitative methods to establish a relationship between MSP, agrarian issues and the farmers movement in India. The result shows that the MSP policy has had a very negative impact on agro-ecology and groundwater conditions in Punjab, Haryana and Western UP.
Social determinants for understanding Muslims’ intentions toward seeking mental health help based on the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Badran Leena , Rizkalla Niveen , Segal Steven P
Published: October 2024

Background:

Many have found that minorities seek help for mental health problems less than the general population. Such findings are surprising considering that minorities experience higher rates of mental health issues compared to the general population.

Objectives:

Employing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study aimed to explore the intentions of Muslims living in California and Israel pertaining seeking mental health help (SMHH).

Method and design:

A qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews guided by TPB principles was conducted with 78 participants. Thematic analysis was implemented to identify key themes.

Results:

Five major themes were identified: 1 – Attitudes: Normalization of SMHH entangled with fear; causes and attributions of mental health disorders; perspectives on treatment. 2 – Subjective norms: Support groups; stigma and social norms. 3 – Perceived behavioral control: Personal and environmental facilitators and barriers. 4 – Intentions: High; conditioned preapproval; and low. 5 – Actual help seeking behavior: Religious figures as first resort; incorporating religious practices, and preference of Muslim therapist. Cultural beliefs, stigma, social support, and religion elements were dominant in the TPB model.

Conclusions:

The findings underscored the holistic approach among Muslims toward seeking mental help incorporating medical, psychological, social, and spiritual understanding of the mental health condition. This suggests considering social and communal elements in developing interventions, education, and policy for SMHH among Muslims.
Identification and counting of the reeling cocoon number per thread for the automatic silk reeling machine
Authors: Yuan Yanhong , Bao Shengyu , Jiang Wenbin
Published: October 2024

To accurately and in real-time detect the reeling cocoon number per thread, a recognition counting algorithm based on object detection is proposed. Taking advantage of the continuity of cocoon targets in multi-frame images, the Yolact algorithm is first used to pre-recognize the cocoon reeling video frame by frame and mark the cocoon target in the image. Then the kernel density estimation and frequency filtering methods are combined to screen and optimize the preprocessed images. The kernel density estimation method calculates the probability density of cocoon location points to remove misidentified points. The frequency filtering method analyzes the fluctuation of the number of pre-identified cocoons in all the images and removes the images with low frequency and non-continuous cocoon numbers. These two techniques enhance the quality of the image that will be subjected to analysis. Finally, the number of cocoon targets in each processed image is counted, and the values with a clear concentration of trend points in the statistical distribution are selected as the final results. The finished algorithm was tested with images captured in the laboratory and at the production site, and it was found that it is possible to precisely determine the reeling cocoon number per thread in real-time.
Influence of pyrolysis temperature on biochar properties: Applications as a reinforcing filler in sbr and epdm elastomeric compounds
Authors: Ribeiro Willian B , Brandalise Rosmary N
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the effect of pyrolysis temperature on the properties of biochar derived from Pinus spp. wood waste and its application as a reinforcing filler in styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) elastomeric compounds. Biochar was produced at 400°C and 900°C and its effects on the mechanical properties of the elastomers were analyzed. The results indicate that biochar produced at 900°C has higher fixed carbon content and lower volatile matter, resulting in improved mechanical properties such as tensile strength and elongation at break compared to biochar produced at 400°C. Despite a lower specific surface area, the irregular surface structure of biochar enhances its interaction with elastomers, providing a semi-reinforcement. This study highlights the potential of high-temperature biochar as a sustainable alternative to conventional fillers such as carbon black, contributing to the development of environmentally friendly materials from biomass waste. The results support further exploration of the role of biochar in elastomer applications, highlighting its environmental and mechanical benefits.
Is James’s Greek Really That Good? Evaluating the Quality of James’s Greek and the Probability of Secretarial Assistance for the Authorship Debate
Authors: Flynn Grant
Published: October 2024

Most contemporary scholars maintain that James’s Greek is highly sophisticated. Those who understand James to be pseudepigraphical view the letter’s Greek as evidence against its authenticity, while many of those who defend the traditional view of the authorship of James account for the letter’s Greek by positing the amanuensis hypothesis. Underlying both of these approaches is a mostly unquestioned acceptance of a high view of the letter’s Greek. This article seeks to advance the debate over the authorship of James by challenging the standard view of the letter’s Greek and by evaluating recent work on secretarial assistance in Greco-Roman letter writing.
A PCA-based algorithm for online false data injection and jamming attacks detection in cyber-physical systems
Authors: Honarvar Elham , Daeichian Abolghasem , Priscoli Francesco Delli , Tortorelli Andrea
Published: October 2024

Cyber-physical systems face cyberattacks that hinder performance, increase cost, or even collapse the system. Thus, rapid and accurate attack detection is crucial for quick activation of defense mechanisms. Model-based attack detection approaches are known for their precision; however, the unavailability of the exact system model poses a challenge. In response, model-free approaches have gained increased attention as a practical alternative. In this paper, an online model-free algorithm for detecting false data injection and jamming attacks on CPSs is proposed. The method leverages principal component analysis to reconstruct the expected observations in a reduced dimension space, emphasizing the most effective principal components. Then, deciding on attacked or normal operation relies on analyzing either the Euclidean distance or the cosine similarity of the discrepancy between the expected and actual observations. The proposed metrics effectively expose subtle deviations from expected behavior, as any alteration in these components augments the distance between the observed and reconstructed values. The proposed method was compared with the conventional cumulative sum discriminator and Kalman-based algorithm, using an IEEE-14, IEEE-30, and IEEE-118 bus systems. The results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed algorithm in terms of various evaluation metrics, including F-score, precision, recall, and miss detection ratio.
Talking to children in Tsotsil Mayan: Interactional formats in child-directed communication across multigenerational caregivers
Authors: de León Lourdes , Avelino Sierra Rosnátaly
Published: October 2024

Research on the acquisition of Mayan languages has shown child-directed communication (CDC) to be low in frequency. Nevertheless, long-term linguistic-anthropological research with the Tsotsil Mayan in Southern Mexico has documented episodes in family life when children engage in interactional routines or interactional formats (IFs) with their multigenerational caregivers. These interactions are sequentially organized communicative acts (verbal and nonverbal) that call forth specific responses from the child in turn-taking episodes (e.g. muts’o la sate ‘close your eyes’, chibat, uto ‘say, good-bye’). This study analyzes IFs in four communicative events involving four children (11–17 months; M = 15) each from multigenerational families with a household average of 7.75 members. Three research questions are addressed: What types and functions of IFs characterize CDC experienced by Tsotsil children? How do IF types distribute across specific communicative events? How do IF types distribute across multigenerational caregivers? The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods. IFs were classified on the basis of their pragmatic function: directive, prompting, teasing, referential, regulatory, and evaluation. The six IF types and their relative frequencies reveal core language socialization practices among the Tsotsil Mayan of the study. Quantitative analysis makes clear a significant association between IFs and event, and IFs and caregivers’ CDC. A central finding is that non-parental input from multigenerational caregivers (i.e. grandmothers and sisters) is a more significant source of CDC than parental input.
A Brief Pro-Diversity Social Marketing Intervention Improves Grades and Well-Being of Students From Marginalized Groups
Authors: Campbell Mitchell R. , Kennedy Kevin R. , Miller Andrea L. , Brauer Markus
Published: October 2024

Despite much research on improving intergroup relations, the evidence for long-term effects in real-world settings is mixed. We used the social marketing approach to create an “Inclusivity Page” that could be added to course syllabi. The page contained three targeted pro-diversity messages based on social norms, personal benefits, and concrete behavioral recommendations. We tested our intervention in a large randomized controlled trial in university classrooms ( Nstudents = 1,799). We obtained students’ course grades and overall college GPAs several years later. A subset of students also completed an outcome survey three months after the intervention. Students from underrepresented racial groups exposed to the intervention early in college had better course grades and GPAs. We also observed an enhanced sense of belonging and better emotional and physical health among students from all marginalized groups. Our research demonstrates the utility of employing a targeted approach to improve experiences of members of marginalized groups.
Magellanic ecological identity: comparison between groups from different cultural and regional backgrounds / Identidad ecológica magallánica: comparación entre grupos de orígenes culturales y territoriales diferentes
Authors: Estrada Claudia , Olivares-Villalobos Carolina , Ortiz-Zamora Anita , Soto-Vargas Angela , González-Ortega Jorge
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the relationship between ecological identity and various social and pro-environmental variables among the inhabitants of Southern Patagonia, comparing groups with internal (Chilote) and external (Croatian) migratory ancestry. A total of 212 individuals participated, selected based on their self-categorization as Magellanic, identifying as descendants of Croatian ( n = 71), Chilote ( n = 66) or other origin ( n = 75). We used a non-experimental cross-sectional correlational design to measure regional identity, pro-environmental attitudes, ecological behaviour, essentialism and regionalism. Findings point to differences in ecological variables between the groups compared. Magellanic participants with Chilote ancestry show a stronger relationship between ecology and identity than those with Croatian ancestry. The findings are discussed in terms of the impact of indigenous cultures on the current relationship of Magellanic inhabitants with their natural environment and the importance attributed to territoriality.
Prospects and barriers to computer and internet access by older blind and visually impaired people in Ghana
Authors: Quainoo Michael Asante , Dikmen Ergin Şafak
Published: October 2024

With a growing demand for digital devices and internet access, being digitally excluded also means being socially excluded. Thus, all people, including those with disabilities (PwD), must have access to digital technology. Though there have been several studies to examine the barriers to digital inclusion among PwD, such studies have mostly emanated from developed countries. The situation in Africa, particularly Ghana, has been rarely explored. A significant gap in the literature is in the case of older blind and visually impaired (BVI) people. Using in-depth interviews and a thematic analysis of the experiences of 12 older BVI people in Ghana, this study explored the factors that enable older BVI people in Ghana to access the computer and internet and how they benefit from accessing these platforms. Findings revealed that though older BVI people face challenges with the cost of purchasing devices and assistive technologies as well as accessing certain web pages, access to the computer and internet helps older BVI people perform certain daily tasks with ease and alleviates the struggles they face as a result of their disability.
Comparable bleeding and inflammation outcomes between heparin-coated and uncoated minimal invasive extracorporeal circuits in isolated coronary artery bypass surgery – A double-blinded randomized control trial
Authors: Jenni Hansjoerg , Kovacic Benjamin , Mihalj Maks , Huber Markus , Rieben Robert , Carrel Thierry , Siepe Matthias , Kadner Alexander , Erdoes Gabor
Published: October 2024

Objective

Minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation has been shown to be non-inferior or even superior to conventional cardiopulmonary bypass circuits in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, but there is little evidence whether the addition of a heparin-coated circuit can further reduce the inflammatory response and amount of bleeding in these patients.

Methods

A single-center randomized control trial enrolled 49 adult patients scheduled to undergo isolated coronary artery bypass grafting with minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) between January 2015 and December 2018. Patients were randomized 1:1 to either the heparin-coated circuit group, or the uncoated (control) circuit group. The primary outcome was chest tube output 18 h after weaning from MiECC, and secondary outcomes included inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10) and complement (C3a, C4d, C5a, sC5b-9) biomarkers, platelet count and function (D2D, TAT, SDC1, PF4), number of transfused blood products, and 30-day survival.

Results

Patients were randomized to undergo myocardial revascularization using heparin-coated circuits ( n = 25), and to the uncoated MiECC circuit ( n = 24), with comparable baseline demographics. No significant difference was observed in chest tube output and for all secondary outcomes. IL-6 and IL-8 were increased from baseline at 18 h after weaning (effect size 0.29 and 0.05, respectively) and sC5b-9 was lower (effect size 0.11) in the heparin-coated than in the uncoated MiECC, although not significantly different.

Conclusions

Compared with an uncoated MiECC circuit, heparin-coated MiECC circuit was not associated with a reduction in postoperative bleeding, transfusion, inflammation, complement activation, and platelet biomarkers, following isolated coronary artery bypass grafting.
A pragmatic approach to selecting a grading system for clinical practice recommendations in palliative care
Authors: Voznyuk Sasha , Carter Rachel Z , Ridley Julia
Published: October 2024

Background:

The limited palliative care evidence base is poorly amenable to existing grading schemes utilized in guidelines. Many recommendations are based on expert consensus or clinical practice standards, which are often considered ‘low-quality’ evidence. Reinforcing provider hesitancy in translating recommendations to practice has implications for patient care.

Aim:

To rationalize the selection of an appropriate grading system for rating evidence to support recommendations made in palliative care clinical practice guidelines.

Design:

Review of the methodology sections of international palliative care guidelines published in English identified five grading systems comparison: Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE); the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN); Infectious Diseases Society of America-European Society for Medical Oncology (IDSA-ESMO); Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (CERQual) and the National Service Framework for Long Term Conditions (NSF-LTC).

Results:

There is heterogeneity among grading systems used in published palliative care or terminal symptom management guidelines. GRADE has been increasingly adopted for its methodological rigour and inter-guideline consistency with other medical associations. CERQual has the potential to support recommendations informed by qualitative evidence, but its role in clinical guidelines is less defined. The IDSA-ESMO system has an intuitive typology with the ability to categorize tiers of lower-quality evidence.

Conclusions:

It is challenging to apply commonly used grading systems to the palliative care evidence base, which often lacks robust randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Adoption of IDSA-ESMO offers a feasible and practical alternative for lower-resourced guideline developers and palliative clinicians without a prerequisite for methodological expertise.
Developmental Pathways and Adjustment of Adult Women Who Experienced Early Pubertal Development: A Mixed-Method Approach
Authors: Shulman Shmuel , Rosenberg Moria , Yonatan-Leus Refael , Sehayek Shachar
Published: October 2024

Early maturation among girls is a major stressful event that might affect their development and wellbeing during the adolescent years. However, the research literature is inconsistent as to whether the impact of early maturation among girls continues into their adult life. Taking a narrative approach, 45 adult women were interviewed and asked to describe their developmental life history following early maturation. Further, they reported on their wellbeing and body image. Analysis of the interviews yielded three developmental pathways: women for whom early maturation still impacts their daily life; women who were able to cope with the premature puberty and function well, but are still bothered by issues of body image; and women for whom early maturation served as an incentive for personal growth, who reported a high level of wellbeing, and comfort with their body. Findings underscore the importance of considering individual differences and different pathways of development among individuals.
Evaluating the Crash Risk and Traffic Offenses of Motorized Two-Wheelers: A Study Specific to Food Delivery Riders
Authors: Khan Tathagatha , Velaga Nagendra Rao
Published: October 2024

Food delivery riders (FDRs) rely on motorized two-wheelers that are innately unstable, resulting in safety risks. FDRs perform several traffic violations because of delivery time restrictions that result in concern for road safety. In this study, the available Motorcycle Rider Behavior Questionnaire (MRBQ) is modified by considering the opinion of focus groups, to study the riding behavior of FDRs using a sample of 431 participants. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a five-factor solution loaded with 31 items. This research emphasizes that the risky behavior of FDRs is influenced by surrounding traffic and the road environment, in addition to their individual riding behavior. The self-reported crash, near crash, and traffic offenses data of FDRs showed a higher variance when compared with the mean (i.e., over-dispersed). Therefore, the relationship between the target variables—crash in past year, near crash in past year, and penalized traffic offenses in past year—and MRBQ factor scores were established using negative binomial regression analysis. Negative binomial regression analysis shows that the surrounding traffic factor has the highest incidence rate ratio, proving it to be the most significant predictor of crash risk for FDRs in addition to their own aberrant riding behavior. Based on this research, the enforcement of road safety policies can be effective in reducing aberrant riding behavior performed by FDRs such as traffic violation. The risky driving behavior of surrounding traffic can be properly dealt with by imposing hefty penalties and strict enforcement measures, and by spreading awareness.
Quantitative Analysis Toward Guidance for Implementing E-Ticketing for Asphalt Paving Operations
Authors: Withrow Joshua , Nassereddine Hala , Dadi Gabriel , Sturgill Roy
Published: October 2024

Previous research efforts into e-ticketing for asphalt paving operations have qualitatively identified benefits and concerns. However, there is minimal academic literature detailing the quantitative impact of e-ticketing in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. This research addresses this gap by gathering information from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) about e-ticketing practices to aid in determining potential implementation steps. Quantitative project information was collected from KYTC projects to compare the traditional weigh ticket collection process with e-ticketing processes for both project engineers and inspectors. The analysis shows statistically significant time savings for field employees but not project management personnel. Further, factors affecting e-ticketing implementation for both project engineers and inspectors were also investigated. For inspectors, the dataset was analyzed to determine how the project type and quality assurance responsibilities of the inspector altered the e-ticketing impact. For engineers, the dataset was analyzed to determine how the project type altered e-ticketing impacts and how e-ticketing affected the engineer reviewing and storing project data. Cluster analysis was completed for both project engineers and inspectors to group project types where e-ticketing impact was maximized, and a decision matrix was created to aid agencies in creating implementation plans. The primary contributions to the body of knowledge include a modified action research methodology applied to electronic bulk material tickets to incorporate practitioner expertise into implementation guidelines and quantitative findings indicating that state transportation agencies should first implement e-ticketing on large asphalt-resurfacing projects, such as interstate rehabilitations, where inspectors have strenuous quality assurance responsibilities to maximize benefit.
Analyzing School Bus Electrification in Richmond, Virginia
Authors: He Yi , Bruchon Matthew , Liu Zhaocai , Bennett Jesse
Published: October 2024

School buses are an essential component of the transportation infrastructure, serving as a lifeline for students across the globe. However, the widespread use of diesel school buses has raised concerns about the health impact on millions of students exposed to harmful emissions daily. Recognizing this issue, school districts worldwide are urgently seeking cleaner energy alternatives. Electric school buses emerge as an environmentally friendly and sustainable option, fostering a healthier environment for both students and communities. However, school bus electrification faces the challenges of high upfront cost, cumbersome charging management, and constraints from power grids. To help school bus operators address those challenges, this study presents a data-driven analysis for school bus electrification. This study considered a real-world school bus system in Richmond, VA, and developed a mathematical programming model to analyze the system design, charging strategies, and charging load profiles for the electrification scenario. The study evaluated different charging strategies based on model outcomes, aiming to optimize efficiency and effectiveness. Ultimately, this research generated electric school bus charging demand profiles under various scenarios, shedding light on the feasibility and implications of transitioning to electric-powered school buses.
The beneficial effect of probiotics as an adjuvant treatment in childhood drug resistant epilepsy: A prospective pilot study
Authors: El-Sharkawy Ossama Salah , El-Rashidy Omnia Fathy , Elagouza Iman Ali Abdelhamid , Nassar Bassant A , Taha Sara I
Published: October 2024

Background: One of the most common long-term neurological disorders affecting children is epilepsy. Even with effective antiseizure medications, one-third of epileptic patients develop drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Numerous treatments have been offered to these DRE patients, though with varying degrees of effectiveness. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics in improving the quality of life (QoL) and lowering the severity and frequency of epileptic episodes in DRE patients. As well as to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of probiotics. Methods: DRE patients were daily supplemented with one probiotic for 4 months. During these 4 months, patients continued their routine anti-epileptics with no change in the doses. Before and following the 4-month trial, patients had their QoL evaluated using the validated Arabic version of QoL in epilepsy-31 inventory (QoLIE-31) questionnaire, an electroencephalogram (EEG) examination, and serum soluble CD14 (sCD14) evaluation by ELISA. Results: Of the 21 DRE patients who completed the study, 42.9% achieved the therapeutic goal, which was a ≥50% reduction in seizures. After probiotic, there was a significant increase in time elapsed since the last seizure ( p = 0.001) and a decrease in seizure duration ( p = 0.038), frequency ( p = 0.002), and severity by Chalfont Seizure Severity Score ( p < 0.001), as compared to pre-probiotic data. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in serum levels of sCD14 ( p < 0.001) and a significant improvement in QoL ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: Probiotics may be used as a DRE adjuvant treatment. They can lessen the number and severity of seizures, alleviate the associated inflammation, and enhance the QoL for DRE patients.
The evaluation of the aging process in 15-5 PH materials in terms of formability and microstructure
Authors: Özcan Ali Haydar , Karaağaç İbrahim , Demirel Mehmet Yasin , Işik Ali Evren
Published: October 2024

In this study, the effects of aging heat treatment of 15-5 PH stainless steel material on the mechanical properties, microstructure, and formability were investigated. Instead of cooling in air, cooling in the oven spontaneously was applied in the oven for the first time. Experimental studies show that aging heat treatment was applied for H900, H1025, and H1150 conditions at temperatures of 482 °C, 552 °C, and 621 °C, respectively, and 60 min for H900 and 240 min for H1025 and H1150. It has been observed that controlled cooling in the oven increases the mechanical values of the material obtained by cooling in the air by 8%–10%. The microstructures of the conditions after heat treatment were also examined, and it was observed that the cooling aging heat treatment in the oven caused precipitation hardening in the microstructure of the material. In addition, when evaluating the formability of the results using V-bending, it was observed that materials which could not withstand bending beyond 75° in Condition A (Con A), the initial state of the material, were smoothly shaped in all conditions and at all angles as a result of the cooling process in the oven. A decrease in spring-back angles has been detected due to the decrease in mechanical properties caused by increasing aging temperature. The highest spring-back value was also observed on a 75° bending die with 10.948° in the H900 condition which has the highest mechanical properties.
Tribological behavior and surface characteristics of severe surface plastic deformed as-cast and 3D-printed SS316L using LSP
Authors: Yesudhasan Brucely , Jhon Francis Abeens Maria , John Xavier Raj Jenix Rino
Published: October 2024

The effect of laser shock peening (LSP) on as-cast and three-dimensional (3D)-printed SS316L alloys was studied. The LSP process was found more dominant than the 3D-printing technique over as-cast alloy steel for enhancing the properties. The process of laser shock peening results in microlevel changes in the structure of the material. This, in turn, leads to grain refinement and the increase of compressive residual stresses. After LSP treatment, the surface microhardness value increased by 33% in both as-cast and 3D-printed SS316L alloys with the hardness gradient from surface to subsurfaces. The wear rate of as-cast specimens and 3D-printed specimens were reduced to 1.28 10−6 and 1.14 10−6 g/m, respectively, and tensile value increased up to 22% after LSP treatment. The scanning electron microscopy images on the wear track confirm the vulnerability of the untreated SS316L alloys with adhesion wear and surface delamination. This difference was because the wear rate of the 3D-printed specimens was lesser than the as-cast SS316L alloys due to their layer-by-layer high-temperature finishing. The samples were characterized by optical microstructure to identify the surface refinement, and confirmed by the transmission electron microscope images along with specified area electron diffraction pattern for the accumulation of dislocation and grain refinement after LSP treatment. The accumulated residual stress was measured by X-ray diffraction technique and it found the highest compressive residual stress after LSP treatment was accrued by 3D-printed SS316L alloy with 310 MPa.
Multi-response optimisation of wear parameters of B4C reinforced Al-Fe-Si composites: Using Taguchi-grey relational analysis
Authors: Talluri Bharat Kumar , Rao R Narasimha
Published: October 2024

The current research investigates the effect of boron carbide (B4C) reinforcement on the mechanical and sliding wear behaviour of Al-Fe-Si (AA8011) composites, fabricated using an ultrasonic-assisted stir-casting technique with varying B4C weight fractions from 0% to 10%. Microstructural analysis, including SEM and EDS, confirmed the presence of reinforcement, improved particle dispersion, and grain refinement. The study found that the density of AA8011–B4C composites decreases while porosity increases with higher B4C content. Notably, the AA8011-6 wt.%B4C composite exhibited a significant improvement in mechanical properties, with yield strength, tensile strength, and hardness rising by 91%, 55%, and 38%, respectively, compared to the unreinforced alloy. The optimisation of wear test parameters of AA8011-6 wt.% B4C composites using Taguchi-grey relational analysis and analysis of variance, revealed that the lower wear and coefficient of friction were achieved at a load of 30 N, a disc velocity of 5 m/s, and a sliding distance of 1000 m. The wear test optimisation achieved a 95.67% grey relational grade improvement within the 95% predicted confidence interval.