bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aplikasi Augmented Reality Berkaitan Tanda-Tanda Keselamatan dalam Makmal Sains Sekolah
Authors: Hamzah Norhasyimah , Abdul Ghoni Muhammad Yusuf Aziz , Ariffin Arihasnida , Zakaria Normah , Rubani Siti Nur Kamariah
Published: July 2023

Nowadays, 21st century education emphasizes a holistic development in all aspects, including student safety during practical work in laboratories. Therefore, awareness of safety signs is crucial to prevent accidents during the Teaching and Learning (T&L) process in Science labs. This study aims to design, develop, and evaluate the functionality of an Augmented Reality application related to safety signs in school science laboratories. The design model used in this study is the Dick and Carey model, which consists of four main phases: analysis, design, development, and evaluation. The research findings were obtained through assessment forms completed by experts, including two secondary school science teachers and two experienced lecturers in creative multimedia. Overall, the expert analysis revealed positive response acceptance among the experts, along with their perspectives and suggestions for improvement to enhance the application in the future. In conclusion, the developed product will have a positive impact on students studying science subjects by enhancing their understanding and awareness of safety signs in school science laboratories.
Abstrak:
Pada masa kini, pendidikan abad ke 21 bersifat holistik dalam semua aspek termasuk aspek keselamatan kepada pelajar ketika merealisasikan kerja-kerja amali di makmal. Justeru itu, kesedaran terhadap tanda-tanda keselamatan adalah amat penting bagi mengelakkan berlakunya kemalangan semasa melakukan kerja amali sepanjang proses Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran (P&P) di makmal sains. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mereka bentuk, membangunkan dan menilai kebolehfungisan aplikasi pembangunan Augmented Reality berkaitan tanda-tanda keselamatan di dalam makmal sains sekolah. Model reka bentuk yang digunakan ialah model Dick dan Carey yang mengandungi empat fasa utama iaitu analisis, reka bentuk, pembangunan dan penilaian. Dapatan kajian yang diperolehi melalui borang penilaian terhadap pakar yang terdiri daripada empat pakar iaitu dua orang guru sains sekolah menengah dan dua orang pensyarah berpengalaman dalam bidang multimedia kreatif. Secara keseluruhannya, dapatan analisis pakar menunjukkan tanda penerimaan respon yang positif dalam kalangan pakar disamping pandangan dan cadangan untuk penambahbaikan agar aplikasi dapat dihasilkan dengan lebih baik pada masa akan datang. Kesimpulannya, produk yang dihasilkan ini akan memberikan satu kesan yang positif kepada pelajar yang mengambil subjek sains dalam mengenal dan memahami tanda-tanda keselamatan di dalam makmal sains sekolah.
Type of Student’s Interaction in Learning Research Methodology Course
Authors: Yaacob Fatimah Sarah , Mohd Zaid Norasykin , Harun Jamalludin
Published: July 2023

This paper aim to investigate on type of student’s interaction in learning Research Methodology course through a mobile learning environment. A qualitative research design was used in this study and data was collected from ten postgraduate students (purposive sampling) who have enrolled in a social science research course for one semester. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect the qualitative data to gather comprehensive information for this study. The findings and discussions in this study relate to five types of student interactions which are learner-learner, learner-instructor, learner-content, learner-self and learner-interface in the development of a mobile learning environment for a social science research course. The study concludes that student roles, instructor roles, learning tools, learning activities, and learning materials are important criteria to consider when developing student interactions, especially for social science researchers, in a mobile learning environment. In conclusion, this paper discusses four limitations and makes recommendations for future studies.
PEMBENTUKAN KONTINUM PEMIKIRAN VISUAL PELAJAR MENERUSI VISUALISASI HIBRID PEMBELAJARAN SERVIS (V-HIPS)
Authors: ABD MAJID UMI MASTURA , Atan Noor Azean , Mohd Yusof Sanitah
Published: July 2023

Pembelajaran Sains Komputer memerlukan pemikiran logik pelajar serta gambaran jelas implimentasinya dalam keadaan sebenar. Kekurangan aktiviti pembelajaran untuk mempraktiskan teori kepada praktikal sebenar menyebabkan pelajar kurang mampu untuk menggambarkan konsep yang dipelajari kepada situasi sebenar. Maka dalam pembelajaran Sains Komputer perlu memvisualkan konsep pembelajaran kepada keadaan realiti seperti perlaksanaan aktiviti Pembelajaran Servis (PS). Namun dalam situasi endemik pasca covid-19 kini, pelaksanaan aktiviti Pembelajaran Servis ini tidak dapat dilaksanakan sepenuhnya secara bersemuka. Justeru pengintegrasian PS menerusi medium teknologi secara bersama adalah diperlukan dan bersesuaian dengan pelajar merupakan digital natif masa kini. Oleh demikian, pembelajaran servis berbentuk hibrid yang menggunakan bersama medium teknologi merupakan rekabentuk instruksi memberi peluang kepada pelajar untuk mengaplikasi pengetahuan teoritikal kepada praktikal dalam keadaan sebenar. Justeru kajian ini telah mereka bentuk aktiviti pembelajaran Sains Komputer dengan bahan bervisual menerusi laman web hibrid pembelajaran servis dalam menyokong kontinum pemikiran visualisasi pelajar. Seterusnya kesan aktiviti pembelajaran Sains Komputer terhadap aras kontinum pemikiran visualisasi serta tahap kemahiran pelajar dikenalpasti bersama persepsi terhadap hibrid pembelajaran servis.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Social Science Studies, Vol. 11, No. 4
Authors: Young James
Published: July 2023

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 11, Number 4Aurora Pestaño, University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR), PhilippinesDaniel Tia, University of Félix Houphouët-Boigny Abidjan, GRATHEL , Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)Encarnación ABAD ARENAS, National University of Distance Education (UNED), SpainFahri ÖZSUNGUR, Adana Science and Technology University, TurkeyJean Patrick Mve, Hohai University-China, CameroonJehu Onyekwere Nnaji, University of Naples II,Italy and Globe Visions Network Italy, ItalyJulia M. Mack, Gannon University, USAMd. Nasir Uddin, Prime Minister’s Office, BangladeshMei-Ling Lin, National Open University, TaiwanMOHD NORAZMI BIN NORDIN, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, MalaysiaNAZIAH ABD. KADIR, Universiti Selangor, MalaysiaSana Ali, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, PakistanYao Jingwu, Business School of Yulin Normal University, China  James YoungEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of International Journal of Social Science StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://ijsss.redfame.com
Paisajes de la memoria al final de la tarde
Authors: López Becerra Mario Hernán , Molano Monsalve Carlos Alberto
Published: July 2023

Este artículo hace parte de los trabajos realizados en un programa de investigación y agenciamiento social y artístico iniciado en 2018, con finalización en 2023. El programa busca aportar a la construcción de paces mediante la generación y el fortalecimiento decapacidades políticas y de creación en territorios heridos por la confrontación armada reciente en Colombia. Está escrito al alimón por dos personas cuyas formaciones y experiencias las han llevado a trabajar conjuntamente en campos complementarios:el estudio y agenciamiento de paces territoriales y la investigación-creación. En el centro de la concepción metodológica del proceso, se encuentra la investigación-acción, traducida en acciones cocreativas a partir de las cuales investigadores sociales y artistas de procedencia académica, en diálogo con integrantes de comunidades de seis territorios en tres departamentos de Colombia, han diseñado y emprendido rutas de acción para la construcción de paces en contextos situados. La inmersión de los equipos de trabajo en los territorios, las conversaciones informales en tardes y noches, así como los recorridos por lugares cargados de historias de conflictos y violencias llevadas a límites impensados, atraviesan las subjetividades, provocan otros balances en lasemociones y construyen experiencias estéticas que desbordan las formalidades de las producciones académicas más convencionales. Quizá a semejanza de los uróboros, el artículo recoge momentos presentes que son devorados por potencias más poderosas. Al inicio, se ofrecen dos reflexiones, necesarias para enmarcar el posterior registro literario de situaciones en las cuales los sujetos devienen personajes, lo cual permite realizar una aproximación estética y política a los modos colectivos e individuales de habitar los territorios en medio de las rupturas y continuidades propias de las transiciones. Fue escrito a partir de notas de campo tomadas por los autores e incluye una consideración final sobre la investigación desde el arte.
Design of Next-Generation Automotive Systems: Challenges and Research Opportunities
Authors: Panchal Jitesh H. , Wang Ziran
Published: July 2023

The automotive industry is undergoing a massive transformation, driven by the mega-trends of “CASE”: connected, autonomous, shared, and electric. These trends are affecting the nature of automobiles, both internally and externally. Internally, the transition from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric drive-trains has resulted in a shift from hardware-centric vehicles to software-defined vehicles (SDVs), where software is increasingly becoming the dominant asset in the automotive value chain. These trends are leading to new design challenges such as how to manage different configurations of design, how to decouple the design of software and services from hardware, and how to design hardware to allow for upgrades. Externally, automobiles are no longer isolated products. Instead, they are part of the larger digital ecosystem with cloud connectivity. Vehicle usage data are increasingly connected with smart factories, which create new opportunities for agile product development and mass customization of features. The role of the human driver is also changing with increasing levels of autonomy features. In this paper, the authors discuss the ongoing transformation in the automotive industry and its implications for engineering design. The paper presents a road map for engineering design research for next-generation automotive applications.
Integration of Metabolomics and Transcriptomics Reveals Major Metabolic Pathways and Potential Biomarkers Involved in Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Pulmonary Tuberculosis-Complicated Diabetes
Authors: Wang Yunguang , He Xinxin , Zheng Danna , He Qiang , Sun Lifang , Jin Juan
Published: July 2023

The comorbidity of diabetes mellitus (DM) significantly increases the risk of tuberculosis infection and adverse tuberculosis treatment outcomes. Most previous studies have focused on the relationship between the effect of blood glucose control and the outcome of antituberculosis treatment in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) with DM (PTB_DM); however, early prediction and the underlying molecular mechanism of susceptibility to PTB infection in patients with DM remain unclear.
Pneumocystis jiroveciipneumonia presenting as a large pulmonary mass in a patient with AIDS
Authors: Bolling Taryn , Beal Stacy Gurevitz , Caulkins Heather K , Wang Gary P
Published: July 2023

Pneumocystis jiroveciipneumonia typically presents with diffuse bilateral infiltrates or ground-glass opacities. However, the radiographic pattern may be atypical. We report a case of a woman in her 40s who presented with multiple pulmonary masses and prolonged symptoms of non-productive cough, generalised weakness and fatigue. Serial chest CT performed prior to her presentation showed a large right lower lobe lung mass with multiple additional bilateral pulmonary nodules. Her workup revealed a new diagnosis of AIDS. Pathology of several CT-guided needle biopsies was consistent withPneumocystiswhich was confirmed by microbial DNA sequencing. No additional pathogens were identified. Her clinical symptoms and radiographs improved significantly with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and treatment of her HIV infection. Clinicians should evaluate for underlying immunodeficiency and seek infectious disease and pulmonary consultation early for consideration of alternative diagnoses when patients present with cough, dyspnoea and atypical chest radiographs, and initial pathological examination is unrevealing.
Levels and determinants of overprescribing of antibiotics in the public and private primary care sectors in South Africa
Authors: Lagarde Mylene , Blaauw Duane
Published: July 2023

Although overprovision of antibiotics in primary care is a key driver of antibiotic resistance, little is known about its determinants in low-income and middle-income countries. Patient demand and financial incentives for providers are often held responsible for overprovision. Yet, inadequate provision exists in their absence and could be fuelled by quality of care issues and incorrect beliefs of providers regarding patients’ expectations. We explored these issues in the private and public sector in South Africa, by conducting a cross-sectional study using standardised patients (SPs)—healthy individuals trained to portray a scripted clinical case to providers—presenting with symptoms of a viral respiratory infection in a sample of public and private sector clinics. We linked data from SP visits to rich survey data to compare the practices and their predictors in the two sectors. Unnecessary rates of antibiotics were similarly high in the public (78%) and private sector (67%), but private providers prescribed more antibiotics at higher risk of resistance development. In the private sector, overprescription of antibiotics diminished when consultations were more thorough, but increased for consultations scheduled later in the day, suggesting contrasting effects for provider effort and decision fatigue. We observed differences in beliefs that could be responsible for overprescription: in the public sector, a majority of providers (nurses) wrongly believed that antibiotics would help the patient recover more quickly. In the private sector, a majority of doctors thought patients would not come back if they did not receive antibiotics. Overall, this evidence suggests that different factors may be responsible for the high overprescribing rates of antibiotics in the public and private sectors. Tailored stewardship interventions are urgently needed that tackle providers’ engrained habits and incorrect beliefs.
Application of classic grounded theory in nursing studies: a qualitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Connor Justine , Flenady Tracy , Dwyer Trudy , Massey Debbie
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Classic grounded theory (CGT) is a valuable method for nursing research, but the application of CGT methodology in nursing studies has not been specifically investigated. With the increasing use of CGT in nursing research, attention is now focusing on the quality of studies using this methodology. In this systematic review, we aim to develop an understanding of the application of CGT methodology, specifically appraising the quality of the methodology’s application in the field of nursing research.

Methods and analysis

The reporting of this review will be guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-Analysis guidelines statement and data synthesis guided by the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis guideline. Publications will be uploaded to Rayyan. The quality of each article will be assessed using the Critical Appraisals Skills Programme qualitative research appraisal tool. Analysis of the selected studies will be performed using the Guideline for Reporting and Evaluating Grounded Theory Research Studies, explicitly the CGT guiding principles.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required because only secondary data will be used in this review. The results of the final study will be published in a peer-reviewed open-access journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021281103.
Development and psychometric properties of a self-assessed knowledge questionnaire for caregivers of people with multiple sclerosis (CareKoMS): a cross-sectional study
Authors: Podda Jessica , Tacchino Andrea , Verri Anna , Battaglia Mario Alberto , Brichetto Giampaolo , Ponzio Michela
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Knowledge about multiple sclerosis (MS) is crucial for those who provide care and support as caregivers. However, despite the key benefits of acquiring relevant information to properly assume the caregiving role, caregivers’ knowledge of MS is poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the Caregivers’ Knowledge of Multiple Sclerosis (CareKoMS), a self-assessed questionnaire, to test MS knowledge in caregivers of people with MS.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Italy.

Participants

Two-hundred caregivers (female: 49%) were asked to self-administer the 32-item CareKoMS questionnaire; they had a median age of 60 years (IQR: 51–68 years) and a medium–high educational level (36.5% primary school and 63.5% high school/university). Item analysis using item difficulty index, item discrimination index, Kuder-Richardson-20 coefficient and item-total correlation were assessed. Once excluding less useful items, reliability, floor and ceiling effects and construct validity were calculated on the 21-item CareKoMS final version.

Results

Psychometric evaluation indicates that the 21-item CareKoMS was a good questionnaire with no ceiling or floor effects registered. Internal consistency was satisfactory and acceptable as indicated by the mean value of 0.74 of Kuder-Richardson-20. No ceiling or floor effects have been observed. Interestingly, educational level and disease duration correlated with MS knowledge.

Conclusion

CareKoMS is a valid self-assessed questionnaire on MS knowledge for caregivers that may be used in clinical practice and research. Assessing knowledge of MS among caregivers is essential to facilitate their caregiving role and thus decrease the burden of disease management.
Applying an equity lens to hospital safety monitoring: a critical interpretive synthesis protocol
Authors: Goldman Joanne , Lo Lisha , Rotteau Leahora , Wong Brian M , Kuper Ayelet , Coffey Maitreya , Rawal Shail , Alfred Myrtede , Razack Saleem , Pinard Marie , Palomo Michael , Trbovich Patricia
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Hospital safety monitoring systems are foundational to how adverse events are identified and addressed. They are well positioned to bring equity-related safety issues to the forefront for action. However, there is uncertainty about how they have been, and can be, used to achieve this goal. We will undertake a critical interpretive synthesis (CIS) to examine how equity is integrated into hospital safety monitoring systems.

Methods and analysis

This review will follow CIS principles. Our initial compass question is: How is equity integrated into safety monitoring systems? We will begin with a structured search strategy of hospital safety monitoring systems in CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsycINFO for up to May 2023 to identify papers on safety monitoring systems generally and those linked to equity (eg, racism, social determinants of health). We will also review reference lists of selected papers, contact experts and draw on team expertise. For subsequent literature searching stages, we will use team expertise and expert contacts to purposively search the social science, humanities and health services research literature to support the development of a theoretical understanding of our topic. Following data extraction, we will use interpretive processes to develop themes and a critique of the literature. The above processes of question formulation, article search and selection, data extraction, and critique and synthesis will be iterative and interactive with the goal to develop a theoretical understanding of equity in hospital monitoring systems that will have practice-based implications.

Ethics and dissemination

This review does not require ethical approval because we are reviewing published literature. We aim to publish findings in a peer-reviewed journal and present at conferences.
Adjuvant Lipoic acid Injection in Sepsis treatment in China (ALIS study): protocol for a randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Hu Linhui , Zhou Xinjuan , Huang Jinbo , He Yuemei , Wu Quanzhong , Huang Xiangwei , Wu Kunyong , Wang Guangwen , Li Sinian , Chen Xiangyin , Chen Chunbo
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Sepsis is a life-threatening immune disorder resulting from an dysregulated host response to infection. Adjuvant therapy is a valuable complement to sepsis treatment. Lipoic acid has shown potential in attenuating sepsis-induced immune dysfunction and organ injury in vivo and in vitro studies. However, clinical evidence of lipoic acid injection in sepsis treatment is lacking. Hence, we devised a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lipoic acid injection in improving the prognosis of sepsis or septic shock patients.

Methods and analysis

A total of 352 sepsis patients are planned to be recruited from intensive care units (ICUs) at eight tertiary hospitals in China for this trial. Eligible participants will undergo randomisation in a 1:1 ratio, allocating them to either the control group or the experimental group. Both groups received routine care, with the experimental group also receiving lipoic acid injection and the control group receiving placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint is 28-day all-cause mortality. The secondary efficacy endpoints are as follows: ICU and hospital mortality, ICU and hospital stay, new acute kidney injury in ICU, demand and duration of life support, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA)/Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and changes from baseline (ΔSOFA/ΔApache II), arterial blood lactate (LAC) and changes from baseline (ΔLAC), blood procalcitonin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and changes from baseline on day 1 (D1), D3, D5 and D7. Clinical safety will be assessed through analysis of adverse events.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Maoming People’s Hospital (approval no. PJ2020MI-019-01). Informed consent will be obtained from the participants or representatives. The findings will be disseminated through academic conferences or journal publications.

Trial registration

ChiCTR2000039023.
Is a sedentary lifestyle a leading causal factor of obesity and distress in type 2 diabetes? A cross-sectional study in low-socioeconomic areas of Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Sharif Sana , Sharif Hina , Rehman Junaid , Fatima Zoya
Published: July 2023

Background

Worldwide, the burden of diabetes with obesity as comorbidity has intensely increased. Even though sedentary behaviour is not favourable for a healthy lifestyle, some people still live a sedentary lifestyle. There is a dire need to report cases of sedentary behaviour in people with diabetes and obesity in the slums of Karachi, Pakistan.

Objectives

To assess the association of obesity and distress with sedentary behaviour among individuals with diabetes in slums and the associated factors.

Methods

This institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 38 slums in Karachi, Pakistan, to determine the association of sedentary behaviour with poor glycaemic control and demographic factors. Data from August to September 2022 were analysed, and inferences were drawn.

Results

Among the studied population, out of 493 participants, 273 (55%) were female of age range 46–55 years 109 (22%) belonged to body mass index class-1 obesity 110 (22%), with hypertension 205 (42%), showed sedentary behaviour with low-socioeconomic settlements 299 (61%), and belong to Pathan ethnicity 153 (31%). More participants were married 337 (68%), had low-socioeconomic status 299 (61%) and had a positive family history of diabetes 242 (49%).

Conclusions

This study found that sedentary behaviour is significantly associated with the sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients with type 2 diabetes. It causes a long turn effect that can only result in uncontrolled and poor glycaemic control in diabetes and metabolic imbalance. The study can promote a physical-induced work setup and spread awareness among illiterate people for awareness of disease complications.
Incidence and outcome of perforations during medium vessel occlusion compared with large vessel occlusion thrombectomy
Authors: Schulze-Zachau Victor , Brehm Alex , Ntoulias Nikolaos , Krug Nadja , Tsogkas Ioannis , Blackham Kristine Ann , Möhlenbruch Markus A , Jesser Jessica , Cervo Amedeo , Kreiser Kornelia , Althaus Katharina , Maslias Errikos , Michel Patrik , Saliou Guillaume , Riegler Christoph , Nolte Christian H , Maier Ilko , Jamous Ala , Rautio Riitta , Ylikotila Pauli , Fargen Kyle M , Wolfe Stacey Q , Castellano Davide , Boghi Andrea , Kaiser Daniel P O , Cuberi Ani , Kirschke Jan S , Schwarting Julian , Limbucci Nicola , Renieri Leonardo , Al Kasab Sami , Spiotta Alejandro M , Fragata Isabel , Rodriquez-Ares Tania , Maurer Christoph Johannes , Berlis Ansgar , Moreu Manuel , López-Frías Alfonso , Pérez-García Carlos , Commodaro Christian , Pileggi Marco , Mascitelli Justin , Giordano Flavio , Casagrande Walter , Purves Cynthia P , Bester Maxim , Flottmann Fabian , Kan Peter T , Edhayan Gautam , Hofmeister Jeremy , Machi Paolo , Kaschner Marius , Weiss Daniel , Katan Mira , Fischer Urs , Psychogios Marios-Nikos
Published: July 2023

Background

Vessel perforation during thrombectomy is a severe complication and is hypothesized to be more frequent during medium vessel occlusion (MeVO) thrombectomy. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence and outcome of patients with perforation during MeVO and large vessel occlusion (LVO) thrombectomy and to report on the procedural steps that led to perforation.

Methods

In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, data of consecutive patients with vessel perforation during thrombectomy between January 1, 2015 and September 30, 2022 were collected. The primary outcomes were independent functional outcome (ie, modified Rankin Scale 0–2) and all-cause mortality at 90 days. Binomial test, chi-squared test andt-test for unpaired samples were used for statistical analysis.

Results

During 25 769 thrombectomies (5124 MeVO, 20 645 LVO) in 25 stroke centers, perforation occurred in 335 patients (1.3%; mean age 72 years, 62% female). Perforation occurred more often in MeVO thrombectomy (2.4%) than in LVO thrombectomy (1.0%,p<0.001). More MeVO than LVO patients with perforation achieved functional independence at 3 months (25.7% vs 10.9%,p=0.001). All-cause mortality did not differ between groups (overall 51.6%). Navigation beyond the occlusion and retraction of stent retriever/aspiration catheter were the two most common procedural steps that led to perforation.

Conclusions

In our cohort, perforation was approximately twice as frequent in MeVO than in LVO thrombectomy. Efforts to optimize the procedure may focus on navigation beyond the occlusion site and retraction of stent retriever/aspiration catheter. Further research is necessary in order to identify thrombectomy candidates at high risk of intraprocedural perforation and to provide data on the effectiveness of endovascular countermeasures.
Fibromyalgia and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Treister-Goltzman Yulia , Peleg Roni
Published: July 2023

Objective

To conduct a systematic review of the literature on the association between fibromyalgia and mortality and to pool the results in a meta-analysis.

Methods

The authors searched the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using the key words ‘fibromyalgia’ and ‘mortality’ to identify studies that addressed an association between fibromyalgia and mortality. Original papers that assessed associations between fibromyalgia and mortality (all or specific causes) and provided an effect measure (hazard ratio (HR), standardised mortality ratio (SMR), odds ratio (OR)) quantifying the relationship between fibromyalgia and mortality were included in the systematic review. Of 557 papers that were initially identified using the search words, 8 papers were considered eligible for the systematic review and meta-analysis. We used a Newcastle-Ottawa scale to assess the risk of bias in the studies.

Results

The total fibromyalgia group included 188 751 patients. An increased HR was found for all-cause mortality (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.51), but not for the subgroup diagnosed by the 1990 criteria. There was a borderline increased SMR for accidents (SMR 1.95, 95% CI 0.97 to 3.92), an increased risk for mortality from infections (SMR 1.66, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.38), and suicide (SMR 3.37, 95% CI 1.52 to 7.50), and a decreased mortality rate for cancer (SMR 0.82, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.97). The studies showed significant heterogeneity.

Conclusions

These potential associations indicate that fibromyalgia should be taken seriously, with a special focus on screening for suicidal ideation, accident prevention, and the prevention and treatment of infections.
Role and significance of SIRT1 in regulating the LPS-activated pyroptosis pathway in children with congenital hydronephrosis
Authors: Wang Zhan , Weizhong Gu , Zhou Juan , Tang Daxing
Published: July 2023

Objective

To explore the characteristics and mechanism of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated pyroptosis in the renal tissue of children with congenital hydronephrosis (CHn).

Methods

We detected the expression characteristics and clinical significance of SIRT1 and pyroptosis pathway proteins in CHn renal tissues by immunohistochemistry. The degree of renal fibrosis was detected by Masson staining. The human renal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2) was cultured in vitro and treated with LPS (1 µg/mL), the SIRT1-specific agonist SRT1720 (2.5 µmol/L) and small interfering RNA (siRNA)-SIRT1 for 48 hours. After 48 hours, Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to detect the changes in cell proliferation ability, and ELISA was used to detect the changes in the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 in the cell supernatant. Real-time PCR (quantitative RT-PCR) and western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of SIRT1, caspase-1, caspase-4, NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3), and cleaved gasdermin D (GSDMD) in each group.

Results

Serum inflammatory cytokines were significantly elevated in 13 children with CHn with urinary tract infection, mainly caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Severe renal fibrosis occurred in children with CHn. Compared with the control group, the expression of SIRT1 in CHn kidney tissues was decreased, and the expression of caspase-4 and GSDMD was increased. LPS inhibited the expression of SIRT1 in HK-2 cells, promoted the expression of caspase-1, caspase-4, NLRP3, cleaved GSDMD, promoted the expression of IL-1β and IL-18 in the supernatant, and promoted pyroptosis in HK-2 cells. SRT1720 can inhibit LPS-activated pyroptosis by promoting SIRT1 expression, while siRNA-SIRT1 can further aggravate LPS-activated pyroptosis after inhibiting SIRT1 expression.

Conclusions

LPS can promote the inflammatory response in children with CHn by activating non-canonical pyroptosis and inhibiting SIRT1 expression. Promoting SIRT1 expression can inhibit pyroptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells, reduce the release of IL-18 and IL-1β, and alleviate the progression of renal fibrosis in children with CHn.
How might climate change impact water safety and boil water advisories in Canada?
Authors: Moghaddam-Ghadimi Sara , Tam Audrey , Khan Usman T. , Gora Stephanie L.
Published: July 2023

A boil water advisory (BWA) informs the public that there is an increased level of risk associated with their water and that they should boil it before consuming. Studies show that small communities in Canada are particularly likely to experience repeat and long-term BWAs. Climate change has led to changes in precipitation and temperature patterns, leading to region-specific impacts such as increased frequency, severity, or variance in floods, forest fires, droughts, freezing rain, and sea water intrusion. Academic and non-academic “grey” literature was reviewed to establish the most likely impacts of climate change on water treatment and infrastructure. Anonymized data from public drinking water systems in Canada was analyzed to determine the most common causes of BWAs between 2005 and 2020. Most BWAs reported were related to breakdowns/malfunctions along the distribution, though inadequate disinfection residual and turbidity or coliforms in the treated water were also common. Furthermore, statistical analysis of the data showed seasonal trends in some of these parameters. The results of this study suggest that increased precipitation, flooding, permafrost degradation, and forest fires are likely to have significant impacts on water safety in Canada.

Highlights:

Climate change effects are expected to worsen many current water challenges. Climate change will disproportionately impact small, rural, and remote water utilities. Water distribution systems are the main source of water safety risk in Canada. Groundwater-supplied systems experience a disproportionate number of BWAs. Seasonal trends in BWA reasons provide opportunities for targeted mitigation.
PSPACE-Completeness of Reversible Deterministic Systems
Authors: Demaine Erik D. , Hearn Robert A. , Hendrickson Dylan , Lynch Jayson
Published: July 2023

We prove PSPACE-completeness of several reversible, fully deterministic systems. At the core, we develop a framework for such proofs (building on a result of Tsukiji and Hagiwara and a framework for motion planning through gadgets), showing that any system that can implement three basic gadgets is PSPACE-complete. We then apply this framework to four different systems, showing its versatility. First, we prove that Deterministic Constraint Logic is PSPACE-complete, fixing an error in a previous argument from 2008. Second, we give a new PSPACE-hardness proof for the reversible ‘billiard ball’ model of Fredkin and Toffoli from 40 years ago, newly establishing hardness when only two balls move at once. Third, we prove PSPACE-completeness of zero-player motion planning with any reversible deterministic interacting [Formula: see text]-tunnel gadget and a ‘rotate clockwise’ gadget (a zero-player analog of branching hallways). Fourth, we give simpler proofs that zero-player motion planning is PSPACE-complete with just a single gadget, the 3-spinner. These results should in turn make it even easier to prove PSPACE-hardness of other reversible deterministic systems.
A study based on boundary layer and entropy generation in MHD flow of micropolar fluid with variable viscosity and thermal conductivity: A non-Darcy model approach
Authors: Kumar Dhirendra , Mishra Pankaj , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy
Published: July 2023

This paper aims to analyze the problem with the study of thermal and momentum transport with entropy generation in view of the second law of thermodynamics in Magneto hydrodynamics (MHD) micropolar fluid through porous medium under the consideration of the non-Darcy model, temperature-dependent viscosity and thermal conductivity. In practical situations at higher temperatures and high speed fluid flow, it becomes reasonable to consider variable fluid flow parameters. The governing boundary layer flow equations are first converted into a coupled system of the ordinary differential equations (ODE) under the assumption of differing plate temperatures by applying appropriate similarity transformations. A shooting method has been applied to solve ordinary differential equations numerically. The last effect of microrotation, magnetic field, variable viscosity coefficient, variable thermal conductivity, etc. on momentum and thermal transport has been depicted through various graphs. The table for skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number for ideal cases has been shown to validate the model by previous findings. It is seen that K and m enhance the velocity profile on their increment opposite to this M, [Formula: see text], F and Da have been found to reduce the velocity profile. Table  3 is constructed for numerical values of skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number for different values of parameters where it can be concluded that magnetic parameter M has a tendency to enhance the skin friction and heat transfer, while variable viscosity parameters have a tendency to decline the skin friction and heat transfer.
VitaDNet: A Deep Learning-Based Approach for Vitamin-D Deficiency Prediction
Authors: Kasyap Varanasi L. V. S. K. B. , Sumathi D. , Reddy Mure Sai Jaideep , Bhagavan V. S. , Cherukuri Aswani Kumar
Published: July 2023

Vitamin D (VD) deficiency is a very common disease among elderly people. The lack of VD causes various diseases related to skin, eyes and throat. The previous epidemiological studies tried to predict the vitamin B6 and VD levels from the blood samples. Since this is laborious and time-taking, it is very difficult for the homely people to work on it. There is a strong requirement for the noninvasive method as there is a necessity to detect the deficiency at the early stage. Certain crucial parameters that could be used for analysis are based on the intake of anthropogenic parameters along with the commonly known body vitals. These parameters include the body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHR) and body roundness index (BRI). The dataset used for the prediction of VD has been collected from 501 patients in the age of 40–75 years old. The prediction of VD levels in the body has various complications, like the sex, previous health records, inherent health conditions and body pathology. To consolidate all those parameters and to analyse, a robust model is required to associate the parameters which are used to predict the deficit of VD. A binary set of gated recurrent units (GRUs) are used along with the auto-encoders. The feature extraction and selection module in the network are composed of two different patch-based networks which makes the three-stage network robust. Despite these difficulties, the model is robust enough to predict the levels of VD in the body based on the anthropogenic parameters. To support this network, a sub-VitaDNet module is proposed based on the food taken. Through this network, the food taken is continuously observed and the levels of VD are predicted. Hence, the authors believe that the model is robust enough to predict the VD levels in the body.
A MEASUREMENT FRAMEWORK FOR PUBLIC SECTOR INNOVATION: ADVANCING THE OSLO MANUAL FOR PUBLIC SECTOR
Authors: SINGLER SEBASTIAN
Published: July 2023

Public sector innovation has become a ubiquitous theme in legislature plans and political debates. Subsequently, academia has become increasingly interested in the topic, and research on public sector innovation has grown in recent decades. Yet, research lacks a clearly conceptualised definition of public sector innovation, and a measurement framework that allows for more representative research and a comparison of results both within the public sector and with other sectors. Based on semi-structured interviews and workshops with public sector practitioners complemented by existing literature on public sector innovation, we have refined the Oslo Manual’s measurement framework that originally addresses innovation in the business sector to capture public-sector-specific requirements. The refined measurement framework gives a comprehensive and comparable set of data that researchers might collect and analyse to understand public sector innovation, and to develop and test theories. Thus, it provides a common base for future representative research.
Students Sustainable Solutions to Combat Global Warming
Authors: Hoff James , Nichols Louise
Published: July 2023

Global warming is a rising problem caused by humans. As we release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, we are rapidly heating our planet. Thankfully, there are solutions, such as reforesting, using clouds to protect the Earth from the sun’s rays, and switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources that don’t release greenhouse gases. Working together, we can limit the effects of global warming.
Toxic Flames
Authors: Broomberg Leni
Published: July 2023

In my essay, I discussed the un-talked-about topic of firework pollution. I also talked about my personal experience in Berlin dealing with the intensity of fireworks, but also the love and excitement the traditions bring. I present solutions to create eco-friendly, sustainable fireworks and alternatives for people wanting to cut out firework usage completely.
Sound Runtime Assertion Checking for Memory Properties via Program Transformation
Authors: Ly Dara , Kosmatov Nikolai , Loulergue Frédéric , Signoles Julien
Published: July 2023

Runtime Assertion Checking (RAC) for expressive specification languages is a non-trivial verification task that becomes even more complex for memory-related properties of imperative languages with dynamic memory allocation. It is important to ensure the soundness of RAC verdicts, in particular when RAC reports the absence of failures for execution traces. This article presents a formalization of a program transformation technique for RAC of memory properties for a representative language with pointers and memory operations, including dynamic allocation and deallocation. The generated program instrumentation relies on an axiomatized observation memory model, which is essential to record and monitor memory-related properties. We prove the soundness of RAC verdicts with regard to the semantics of this language.
Pixel Perfect: Using Vision Transformers to Improve Road Quality Predictions from Medium Resolution and Heterogeneous Satellite Imagery
Authors: Muhebwa Aggrey , Cadamuro Gabriel , Taneja Jay
Published: July 2023

Critical infrastructure, such as roads and electricity, are core systems that enable economic development. However, these crucial systems are frequently under-monitored in developing regions, resulting in lost opportunities for growth. Recent advances in remote sensing and machine learning have enabled monitoring and measurement of infrastructure faster and more frequently than traditional methods. However, ground data are often unavailable, resulting in a disconnect between labels and remotely sensed data. Furthermore, data from industrialized regions can only sometimes be transferred to regions with sparse data due to differences in the concept of quality between regions. Additionally, inconsistency in data and the complexity of ML models can introduce bias due to learned characteristics across diverse regions, leading to inaccurate predictions and recommendations for action. In this study, we train and compare traditional neural networks and vision transformers to predict road quality from medium-resolution satellite imagery and apply them to realistic data conditions: heterogeneous temporal-spatial resolutions. The best models (vision transformers) achieve AUROC scores of 0.934 and 0.685 for binary and five-class classification tasks, respectively, exhibiting results appealing for inference in otherwise unmeasured areas. Furthermore, these experiments and results showed that proper training techniques could produce accurate models from limited, heterogeneous, and low-resolution data.
AI-based Market Intelligence Systems for Farmer Collectives: A Case Study from India
Authors: Ladhar Ronak , Sharma Sourav , Tangirala Srikant , Gupta Nishant , Azeem Abdul , Jain Arjav , Katakam Bhuvan Chand , Bommakanti Aditya , Sankaraiah C. , Piridi Hari Prasad , Yadav Kaushalendra , Vittalrao Kumra , Rahman Matiur , Chutani Rashul , Shah Rishi , Katepallewar Rohan , Chakraborty Dipanjan , Seth Aaditeshwar
Published: July 2023

Small and marginal farmers are unable to get a good price for their produce, because they face several challenges in market participation. Aggregation of produce via farmer cooperatives and the ability to delay sales (for non-perishable crops) to when market prices are high has emerged as a useful strategy to improve farmer incomes. We work with a network of farmer cooperatives in India growing soyabean and explore the potential of developing a machine learning–based price forecasting and sales recommendation system that produces suggestions on the best dates when harvested soyabean crops should be sold, e.g., whether to sell right away (if prices are likely to fall in the future) or to wait (if prices are likely to rise). We present an evaluation of different methods for price forecasting and a prospect theory–based method to produce sales recommendations. Experiments on historical data indicate that we can provide modest gains to farmers, and we build and field test an Android application for this purpose. Early results indicate positive feedback. Our methods can be generalized to other agricultural commodities that can be stored for several months and help farmer cooperatives to compete effectively in agricultural markets.
Managing Healthcare Infodemic by deep learning in providing healthcare services
Authors: Ahmad Fahad , Umer Muhammad , Sadiq Saima , Majeed Rizwan , Narducci Fabio , Bisogni Carmen
Published: July 2023

Digital Health care data acquisition and processing is performed by Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things technologies and digitization of data and information affects the patients’ behavior. News about COVID-19, a global pandemic, is circulating on social media worldwide providing a collection of big data. Awareness about the pandemic is spreading drastically in the form of messages, social media posts, tweets, and videos. It is, therefore, significant to assess the early flow of information on social media during the pandemic to prevent alarmism. This study aims to perform sentiment analysis of social media big data about COVID-19 by deep learning on a dataset provided by IEEE Data Port. The goal is to assist healthcare professionals in developing social media policies that can be used to change public opinion. The Dataset used consists of 11,858 COVID-19-related tweets collected on May 30, 2020. Data are labeled as positive or negative in the first step using TextBlob and VADER. In step II, various machine learning models are compared using three feature extraction techniques in combination with VADER and TextBlob. The results show that Extra Tree Classifier using TF-IDF features outperforms with an accuracy of 0.9474.