bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does metformin prolong pregnancy in preterm pre-eclampsia? A study protocol for a South African, hospital-based double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Cluver Catherine Anne , Bergman Lina , Imberg Henrik , Mol Ben W , Hall David , Bekker Adrie , Gordon Adrienne , Brownfoot Fiona , Kaitu’u-Lino Tu’uhevaha J , Walker Susan P , Tong Stephen
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Preterm pre-eclampsia is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. The Pre-eclampsia Intervention 2 (PI 2) trial suggested that metformin sustained release (XR) may prolong gestation by a week in pregnant women undergoing expectant management (7.6 days, geometric mean ratio 1.39, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.95; p=0.057). These findings should be confirmed with a larger sample size, and we need to know if such a prolongation improves neonatal outcome. Here, we describe the protocol for such a follow-up trial.

Methods

The PI 3 trial is a phase III, intention-to-treat, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial to assess if metformin XR can prolong gestation and improve neonatal outcomes in women undergoing expectant management for preterm pre-eclampsia. We will recruit women who are between 26+0 and 31+6 weeks pregnant. Women will be randomised to receive either 3 g metformin XR or an identical placebo in divided daily doses. The primary outcome is prolongation of pregnancy. Secondary outcomes are neonatal birth weight and length of neonatal care admission (an indicator of neonatal health at birth). All other outcomes will be exploratory. We will record tolerability and adverse events. We plan a sample size of 500 participants to be powered for the primary and secondary outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

PI 3 has ethical approval (Health Research Ethics Committee 2, Stellenbosch University, Protocol number M21/03/007, Project ID 21639, Federal Wide Assurance Number 00001372, Institutional Review Board Number IRB0005239), and is registered with the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR202104532026017) and the South African Medicine Control Council (20211211). Data will be presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

PACTR202104532026017)
Product Market Competition and Stock Price Crash Risk: Evidence from China
Authors: Ma Yunbiao , Yang Xiaotong , Zhang Yuan , Zhu Bing
Published: June 2024

Synopsis

The research problem

This study analyzes the relationship between product market competition (PMC) and stock price crash risk in China, especially for firms with weak corporate governance and a lower-quality information environment.

Motivation

Emerging capital markets like China have less-developed financial systems and institutions compared to developed capital markets like Europe and the United States, making them more susceptible to stock price crash risk. The impact of product market competition (PMC) on corporate decision-making has attracted considerable attention from scholars, especially given the increasingly intense and complex strategic competition in global markets and uncertainty in the world today. However, the effect of PMC on a firm’s stock price crash risk has not been thoroughly explored. Therefore, this study investigated how PMC affects managers’ tendency to hoard bad news and how this behavior contributes to the risk of stock price crashes.

The test hypotheses

We tested two competing hypotheses: PMC is negatively correlated with crash risk, and PMC is positively correlated with crash risk.

Target population

This study should be of interest to stakeholders, including firm managers, practitioners, regulatory authorities, policymakers, and investors.

Adopted methodology

This study employed ordinary least squares (OLS), difference-in-differences analysis (DID), and path analysis.

Analysis

Using a sample of Chinese A-share listed manufacturing firms from 2000 to 2021, this study found that competitive pressure from the product market encouraged managers to hide bad news, thereby increasing future stock price crash risk. Moreover, we performed additional tests to examine how PMC affected stock price crash risk.

Findings

We found robust evidence that PMC significantly increases stock price crash risk. Further tests showed that the effect of PMC on crash risk is more pronounced for firms with weak corporate governance and a lower-quality information environment. We also provide evidence that firms in highly competitive industries tend to disclose fewer negative words in the management discussion and analysis section of the annual report and fewer risk factors in the internal control report. Moreover, we show that operational risk is the underlying driver through which PMC affects crash risk.
Random anti-commuting Hermitian matrices
Authors: McCarthy John E. , McCarthy Hazel T.
Published: June 2024

We consider pairs of anti-commuting [Formula: see text]-by-[Formula: see text] Hermitian matrices that are chosen randomly with respect to a Gaussian measure. Generically such a pair decomposes into the direct sum of [Formula: see text]-by-[Formula: see text] blocks on which the first matrix has eigenvalues [Formula: see text] and the second has eigenvalues [Formula: see text]. We call [Formula: see text] the skew spectrum of the pair. We derive a formula for the probability density of the skew spectrum, and show that the elements are repelling.
Data‐Driven Approach to Evaluate the Level of Service (LOS) of Demand‐Responsive Transport for the Disabled (DRTD) with an ANFIS Algorithm
Authors: Park Seohyeon , Park Sooyeon , Choi Hosik , Kim Do-Gyeong
Published: June 2024

Even though the Demand‐Responsive Transport (DRT) service plays an important role to provide more convenience to the disabled people, they still have a challenge to be solved in terms of waiting time. Especially, the biggest problem is that waiting times for using the DRT service are variant across space and time because users cannot predict when they can get the service and/or how long they have to wait for service. This study developed a model for predicting the waiting time of Demand‐Responsive Transport for Disabled (DRTD) with irregular spatiotemporal characteristics in real time. The primary purpose of the model developed was to monitor the level of service (LOS) to improve the satisfaction of users who use mobility services for the disabled and efficiently manage service providers. The model was estimated using an Adaptive Neuro‐Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), which is known to have an excellent predictive performance by combining the advantages of both artificial neural networks and fuzzy inference systems. Four variables, including the number of calls (or requests), the number of vacant vehicles, Medical Infrastructure Concentration Index (MICI), and Disabled Population Concentration Index (DPCI), were used as input variables for the ANFIS‐based model. Despite using cross‐sectional data, the accuracy of the predicted model was found to be excellent (90%) and showed good and even prediction performance without bias by LOS categories The proposed method is expected to become a monitoring tool to manage mobility services and improve user convenience by notifying users how long they have to wait to use mobility services in real time.
The Frequency Regulation Strategy for Grid‐Forming Wind Turbine Generator and Energy Storage System Hybrid System in Grid‐Connected and Stand‐Alone Modes
Authors: Jiang Han , Du Zhengchun , Yuan Xiaotian , Han Jinlong , Dai Yaohui , Yang Rui
Published: June 2024

This paper proposes a coordinated frequency regulation strategy for grid‐forming (GFM) type‐4 wind turbine (WT) and energy storage system (ESS) controlled by DC voltage synchronous control (DVSC), where the ESS consists of a battery array, enabling the power balance of WT and ESS hybrid system in both grid‐connected (GC) and stand‐alone (SA) modes. The newly developed GFM framework, i.e., DVSC, is adopted in both WT and ESS, which utilizes DC voltage dynamics for synchronization purposes. In this paper, the GC mode and SA mode are transferred by changing the status of the series‐connected switch, and it is necessary to meet the grid connection conditions when the system is transferred to the GC mode, namely, voltage, frequency, and phase sequence. For the GC mode, the inertia response from WT can be realized using the reserved energy of the DC capacitor, while the ESS serves to eliminate the steady‐state frequency deviation and reduce the DC voltage fluctuation of WT using the designed secondary frequency regulation scheme. For the SA mode, the proposed strategy can keep the power balance without external power sources. The small‐signal model of the WT and ESS hybrid system is derived. The stability analysis in both GC and SA modes is fully conducted utilizing the modal analysis method, where the impacts of control parameters on stability are assessed. The performance of the proposed strategy in a weak system is evaluated. Simulation studies are carried out under various power system contingencies to verify the effectiveness of the proposed strategy and validate the correctness of the theoretical analysis.
Abstract PO-035: Genome-wide CRISPR knockout screen identifies sialylation as a tumor suppressive mechanism in B-cell malignancies
Authors: Sheshadri Namratha , Li Rongrong , Tariq Muhammad Usama , Shen Jianliang , Jung Jaeyong , Yan Junrong , Lu Kevin , Shen Zhiyuan , Xie Ping , Zong Wei-Xing
Published: June 2024

Ba/F3 is a murine pro-B cell line that is dependent on interleukin-3 (IL-3) for its survival and proliferation. It has been widely used for identifying oncogenes and mechanisms of drug-resistance. Using this cell line, we conducted a genome-wide CRISPR knockout screen to identify genes whose loss can confer IL-3 independence, hence may be implied as tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). We identified several genes that map to human chromosome 6q, a frequent deletion hotspot in B-cell malignancies, that may act as TSGs. One of these putative novel TSGs is Slc35a1, which encodes the membrane solute carrier that facilitates the transport of nucleotide sugar (CMP-sialic acid) into the Golgi apparatus for subsequent sialylation. Interestingly, in addition to Slc35a1, pathway analysis of hits from the CRISPR screen identified several genes in the sialic acid metabolism pathway, Nans, Cmas, and St3gal5. We confirmed that their silencing led to decreased protein sialyation and could confer IL-3-independent cell survival and growth in Ba/F3 cells. We continued to characterize Slc35a1 since its homozygous and heterozygous deletions are seen in 7-40% of different types of B-cell malignancies, including approximately 40% of patients with Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma. Slc35a1 deletion in murine and human cell-lines conferred cytokine-independent growth. Tail-vein injection of Slc35a1-silenced Ba/F3 cells resulted in allograft tumor growth presenting with splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. Using Maackia amurensis lectin II (MAL II) to pull down sialylated proteins for mass spectrometry, we identified proteins that were differentially sialylated in Slc35a1 wild-type and knockout cells, among which are the α and β subunits of the integrin receptor, lymphocyte functional antigen 1 (LFA-1). As integrin desialylation can promote its constitutive activation, we are currently studying the impact of LFA-1 sialylation on B-cell function and transformation. We have also developed mouse models with B-cell specific ablation of Nans and Slc35a1 to further evaluate the role of sialylation on B-cell development and tumorigenesis in vivo. Overall, our study demonstrates that sialylation may function as a tumor suppressive mechanism and serve as a therapeutic target in B-cell cancers.

Citation Format: Namratha Sheshadri, Rongrong Li, Muhammad Usama Tariq, Jianliang Shen, Jaeyong Jung, Junrong Yan, Kevin Lu, Zhiyuan Shen, Ping Xie, Wei-Xing Zong. Genome-wide CRISPR knockout screen identifies sialylation as a tumor suppressive mechanism in B-cell malignancies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fourth AACR International Meeting on Advances in Malignant Lymphoma: Maximizing the Basic-Translational Interface for Clinical Application; 2024 Jun 19-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Blood Cancer Discov 2024;5(3_Suppl):Abstract nr PO-035.
Predicting Acupuncture Efficacy in Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: A Study on Model Development and Result Visualization
Authors: Zhu Lili , Liu Sixing , Fang Jiufei , Gao Shuai , Sun Yuanjie , Liu Zhishun
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Acupuncture is one of primary treatment options for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), but its efficacy varies among patients. This study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram for predicting the efficacy of acupuncture in CP/CPPS. Methods: This study enrolled 220 patients with CP/CPPS who received acupuncture. Patients were divided into a responder group and nonresponder group based on the reduction in the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI). Potential variables were selected using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, and a nomogram was established using the multivariable logistic regression model. The performance of the nomogram was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic curves and calibration curves. Results: Two Hundred Twenty men were randomly assigned to the training cohort (n = 154) and the internal test cohort (n = 66). The developed nomogram included age, current drinking status, sedentary lifestyle, habit of staying up late, expectations for acupuncture, comorbidities, NIH-CPSI pain subscale and total scores. The area under the curve of the prediction model was 0.777 (95% CI: 0.702–0.851) in the training cohort, 0.752 (95% CI: 0.616–0.888) in the internal test cohort, demonstrating satisfactory discriminative ability as indicated by the calibration curve. Conclusions: The nomogram accurately identified CP/CPPS patients who would benefit from acupuncture. Factors such as youth, abstention from alcohol, avoiding sedentary habits and staying up late, having high expectations for acupuncture, being free from comorbidities, and baseline high scores on both the NIH-CPSI pain subscale and total scores may positively affect the efficacy of acupuncture. Further validation of our findings requires multicenter and large-sample prospective studies.
PENGETAHUAN, SIKAP, DAN PERILAKU PASIEN GLAUKOMA DI PMN RS MATA CICENDO TERHADAP PENYAKIT GLAUKOMA
Authors: Akbari Anamika Lingga Anjani , Rifada R. Maula , Gustianty Elsa
Published: June 2024

Pendahuluan: Glaukoma merupakan penyebab kedua kebutaan terbanyak secara global. Sebagian besar kasus glaukoma bersifat asimptomatik, sehingga pasien tidak sadar dengan penyakitnya sampai munculnya gangguan penglihatan hingga kebutaan. Melalui pengetahuan, sikap, dan perilaku (PSP) pasien yang baik dapat mendukung pengendalian keparahan penyakit glaukoma. Akan tetapi, di Indonesia penelitian yang menunjukkan tingkat PSP pasien glaukoma terhadap penyakit glaukoma masih tergolong sedikit. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menilai tingkat PSP pasien glaukoma di PMN RS Mata Cicendo terhadap penyakit glaukoma.
Metode: Studi ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif dengan desain penelitian deskriptif cross-sectional melalui pengisian kuesioner pada 59 pasien glaukoma di PMN RS Mata Cicendo pada bulan Februari 2023. Pada penelitian ini terdapat tiga variabel yang dinilai, yaitu pengetahuan, sikap, dan perilaku.
Hasil: Pasien glaukoma menunjukkan pengetahuan baik (35,6%), cukup (59,5%), dan kurang (5,1%) dengan hanya 42,4% pasien yang bersikap positif dan 49,2% pasien berperilaku baik. Secara keseluruhan tingkat PSP pasien adalah 47%. PSP yang baik banyak ditemukan pada pasien dengan durasi pengobatan ≥6 bulan. 
Simpulan: Tingkat PSP pasien glaukoma terhadap penyakit glaukoma yang sudah cukup baik tetap harus ditingkatkan dengan strategi edukasi agar tingkat sikap dan perilaku pasien jauh lebih baik.
MULTIPLE EYELID LUMPS IN INFANT WITH DYSLIPIDEMIA IN RESOURCE-LIMITED SETTING ANAMBAS ARCHIPELAGO DISTRICT
Authors: Febrianti Santi
Published: June 2024

Objective: Present a case of recurrent multiple eyelid lumps in the infant with dyslipidemia in the limited resources area. 
Case Report: A case report on a three-year-old child who had several painless red tumors in his eyelids and was well-nourished. The patient had a similar complaint three times in the last seven months in different sites. No history of atopy, chronic blepharitis, trauma, or eyelid surgery. Laboratory findings showed elevated levels of cholesterol. Warm compresses, antibiotic topical, and erythromycin 50 mg/kgbw/day divided into three doses were the patient's initial therapeutic interventions. For managing dyslipidemia we planned to modification of lifestyle, diet, and activities for two weeks, then evaluate the level of cholesterol. We evaluated and educated the patient’s parent to refer him to an ophthalmologist for further management. However, we had difficulty referring patients to the provincial hospital with an ophthalmologist due to the islands’ geographical location, infrequent and weather-affected transportation, as well as family economics. 
Discussions: A hordeolum is a common inflammation of the eyelid margin. Recurrence of hordeolum is usually associated with underlying causes such as systemic disease. Dyslipidemia leads to hypersecretion of meibum which will cause highly concentrated meibum in Meibomian glands, that leads to blockage of ducts of Meibomian glands and Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Initial treatment of hordeolum is indeed conservative, typically limited to the application of warm compresses several times a day and topical antibiotics. 
Conclusions: Dyslipidemia is usually associated with recurrent hordeolum. The management of hordeolum is conservative.
A new species of direct-developing frog of the genus Eleutherodactylus (Anura: Eleutherodactylidae) from Tamaulipas, Mexico
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ-AUSTRIA RAQUEL , GARCÍA-CASTILLO MIRNA G. , PARRA-OLEA GABRIELA
Published: June 2024

The number of species of the subgenus Syrrhophus, genus Eleutherodactylus has increased rapidly in the last eight years, due to recent taxonomic studies. This subgenus of direct-developing frogs is well represented in Mexico, which harbors more than 90% of the species richness reported for the subgenus. In this study, we describe one new species, Eleutherodactylus (Syrrhophus) coelum sp. nov. from the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve in Tamaulipas, Mexico, based on morphological and molecular data. The new species, which was previously assigned to E. cystignathoides, differs from its congeners mainly by its small size and by having the tips of Finger III and IV expanded to twice the width of the narrowest part of these fingers. Phylogenetic analyses recovered a well-supported relationship of the new species as the sister group to an undescribed taxon from San Luis Potosí. This analysis also indicates there are more lineages wating for description.
Commentary on: Military Institutions and Citizenship in Western Societies
Authors: Moore Brenda L.
Published: June 2024

This is a commentary on Morris Janowitz’s article, “Military Institutions and Citizenship in Western Societies,” published in February 1976, in Armed Forces & Society, Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 185–204. In the article, Janowitz links sociopolitical changes to the rise and subsequent fall of mass popular Armies. Military service during the 19th century was an integral part of citizenship. However, in the 1960s, mass militaries based on compulsory service began to transform into smaller volunteer forces “with profound implications for social structure, political power, and nationalism.” In this article, I highlight Janowitz’s analysis of the rise and fall of the mass armed forces. I also discuss the three sets of factors Janowitz used in his analysis: (a) technological and organizational change, (b) a rise in small professional militaries that are unrepresentative of the larger society, and (c) ideological and normative change. I end with a brief discussion on how Morris Janowitz’s legacy helps to shape our understanding of civil–military events that have taken place over the last 50 years.
A novel wind power prediction method of the lower upper bound evaluation based on GRU
Authors: Zha Wenting , Zhang Jiahou , Dan Yangqing , Li Yalong
Published: June 2024

Compared with the point prediction of the wind power, the interval prediction provides more information to assist power dispatching and optimize quotation strategies in power trading. To improve the accuracy of the prediction intervals, this paper proposes a novel model based on the lower upper bound evaluation (LUBE) by the gate recurrent unit (GRU) network. First, the Pearson correlation coefficient is selected to screen out the variables related to wind power, which can simplify the input variables of the prediction model while preserving the feature information as much as possible. Afterwards, with the consideration of the prediction interval relative deviation ( PIRD), the improved objective function is introduced. Based on the GRU network, the prediction intervals of the wind power can be obtained to minimize the new objective function. Finally, by choosing several mainstream neural networks, experiments are conducted towards a certain wind farm in China. The results show that the proposed model has a significant improvement in both prediction interval width and PIRD under the given prediction interval coverage probability ( PICP).
A practical parameter tuning algorithm for super-twisting algorithm-based differentiator and its application in altitude ground test facility
Authors: Wang Juan , Zhang Hehong , Dan Zhihong , Zhang Song , Xiao Gaoxi , Zhai Chao
Published: June 2024

The super-twisting algorithm (STA)-based robust exact differentiator (RED) proposed by Levant has been widely applied in control, observation, and fault detection. With properly set parameters, STA-RED is able to estimate exactly and robustly the derivatives of an input. With a given input signal, however, a practical parameter tuning rule still lacks. To this end, a general parameter tuning algorithm with the full stability proof for STA-RED is proposed. In particular, the time linear transformation and the coordinate transformation are performed on a given base signal, allowing the deterministic relationship between the parameters of STA-RED and the amplitude and the frequency of the input to be obtained. The full stability of the STA-RED based on the proposed parameter tunning algorithm (denoted as PSTA-RED) with perturbations is given using the Lyapunov function method. The simulations are carried out using given input signals and the pressure signals from the altitude ground test facility to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed PSTA-RED.
Doing, being, becoming and belonging in forging professional identity: Lived experiences of occupational therapists’ professional identity currently working in physical health community roles in the UK
Authors: French Emily Rosalyn , Clarke Channine
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

Professional identity is a multifaceted conceptual term combining behaviours, knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, contextual and socio-cultural factors with personal and group identity. The historical underpinning of occupational therapy is partly attributed to the difficulties occupational therapists face articulating their unique identity and the profession being misunderstood by others. Little is known about how occupational therapists working in community physical health settings experience their professional identity.

Method:

Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to understand how five occupational therapists interpreted and made sense of their experiences of professional identity working in community UK physical health settings. Interviews were carried out following social media recruitment and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis guidance.

Findings:

Participants identified that their professional identity was forged through experiences over time developing skills, confidence and their inner understanding of who they were as an occupational therapists. Maintaining a secure professional identity was attributed to building their community of practice and creating a sense of belonging.

Conclusion:

Professional identity was forged through time and experience of ‘doing’, ‘being’ and ‘becoming’ occupational therapists. Building a community of practice and creating a sense of ‘belonging’ were key components of how these occupational therapists working in community physical health roles sustained their professional identity.
What is the Right Size for Truckload Carrier Alliances?
Authors: Haughton Michael , Amini Alireza
Published: June 2024

In spot markets for truckload transportation services, centralized collaboration among carriers is often regarded as an ideal way to determine which load (a.k.a. shipment) is delivered by each carrier. The challenge of getting all competing carriers to collaborate under a centralized system (instead of being rivals for loads) has prompted interest in collaboration modes that are on a smaller scale than complete centralization. In this research vein, this paper answers the following question: for the small-scale collaboration of decentralized load exchange among small alliances of willing carriers, how close do the performance results (profits, etc.) come to the purported ideal results under centralization? Our core finding from extensive computational experiments is that, by collaborating with the right load exchange partners, a carrier in a small and easier-to-manage alliance can achieve financial savings that closely match and sometimes even surpass the per carrier savings from a fully centralized system. This, and some closely related insights, comprise this paper’s main contributions to the literature. The practical relevance of the contributions is in facilitating decisions about how much effort is worth expending on having every carrier within geographic network participate in a centralized system.
Method for Predicting Linear Eddy Current Braking Performance of the High-Speed Maglev Train Based on Magnetic Circuit Structure
Authors: Hu Jia , Chen Chunjun , Lin Meng
Published: June 2024

On high-speed magnetic levitation (maglev) trains, the linear eddy current brake (LECB) is a key piece of equipment to ensure the safety of train operation. In the event of a sudden failure of the traction motor or the external power grid, braking by the LECB, which comes with the maglev train, is currently the only emergency braking method that can ensure the train can be safely stopped while operating at high speed. The braking performance of eddy current brakes is usually predicted based on symmetrical magnetic equivalent circuits, which usually ignore the interactions between the magnetic circuits. For LECB, such interactions should not be neglected. In this paper, to investigate an accurate and efficient method for predicting the braking performance of LECB for high-speed maglev trains, based on the structural characteristics of LECB and Kirchhoff’s law, a full structural magnetic equivalent circuit model considering the interactions between magnetic circuits is developed, and then combined with the subdomain method, a braking force model, to predict the braking performance of LECB. The performance prediction of LECB with different numbers of magnetic poles is compared with the traditional method using the results of the finite element method and the experimental method as references. The results show that the proposed method is more accurate in predicting the braking performance of LECB and better reflects the physical characteristics of the actual magnetic field.
The Impact of Teacher Supports for Implementing the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction on Student Outcomes in Inclusive General Education Classes
Authors: Shogren Karrie A. , Hicks Tyler A. , Raley Sheida K. , Lane Kathleen Lynne , Quirk Carol , Matusevich Hunter A. , Matusevich Dale W. , Alsaeed Abdulaziz
Published: June 2024

People with disabilities consistently advocate for their right to be self-determined. Decades of research highlight the positive impacts of self-determination intervention on in-school and post-school outcomes of secondary students with disabilities. Increasingly, self-determination interventions are being implemented in inclusive contexts for all students, including students with and without disabilities. To enable implementation with high fidelity, further examination of the supports needed by teachers is required. In this study, the authors examine the impacts of differing intensities of teacher implementation supports (online modules only vs. online modules + coaching) on the initiation of the self-determined learning model of instruction (SDLMI) by schools and teachers and outcomes for students that arise from more intensive implementation when schools and teachers do initiate. Results suggest that intensifying teacher implementation supports has a positive impact on a cascading series of outcomes for schools, teachers, and students. In this study, the authors discuss the implications of the results for future research and practice.
Can Appeals to Religious Values Mitigate Anti-Refugee Sentiment? Experimental Evidence From Lebanon
Authors: Selsky Sam
Published: June 2024

This paper examines whether—and if so, to what extent—religious scripture and values can promote inclusionary attitudes towards refugees. Sacred texts across faiths call on believers to embrace foreigners, suggesting that religious discourses can be harnessed to promote refugees’ inclusion in host societies. To test this possibility, I implement a survey experiment in which citizens of Lebanon—a religiously diverse country that has received the most Syrian refugees per capita globally—are exposed to various forms of pro-refugee religious messaging. I find that inclusionary religious messaging can shift refugee-related attitudes towards tolerance, particularly for members of sectarian communities with the highest baseline anti-refugee animosity. The study's findings have important implications for understanding religion’s consequences for both the dynamics of refugee integration and intercommunal relations more generally, especially in the Middle East and North Africa and the broader developing world.
Campaigning for Greater Accountability in Global Supply Chains
Authors: Partzsch Lena
Published: June 2024

Several supply chain-related laws have recently been passed in Europe and the United States as a result of successful NGO campaigns, which have addressed the challenges of accountability in a globalized world. Based on the analysis of campaign documents and semi-structured interviews, the article examines the accountability narratives used by NGOs in recent campaigns for an EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The results show that the campaigns portray European corporations as perpetrators, people in producing countries as mere victims, and NGOs as heroic liberators. NGOs reproduce postcolonial trajectories by advocating a supply chain law in the Global North as the central solution to problems in the Global South. While rescue politics is thus the defining feature of NGO campaigns, there is no evidence of the strategic use of pseudo-causal narratives that are empirically inaccurate.
Analysis on characteristics of ground vibration induced by underground high-speed trains based on in-situ test
Authors: Dai Feng , Yang Jizhong , Bi Lanxiao , Liu Yutao
Published: June 2024

With the increasingly emerging traffic intersection form of high-speed railways passing underneath integrated transport terminals, the ground vibration induced by trains running on underground high-speed railways has attracted extensive attention. In combination with the engineering example of a high-speed railway in construction passing underneath an airport, the wheel-drop impact test in the high-speed railway tunnel was designed to obtain the vibration characteristics of surrounding soil. The vehicle-track-tunnel-ground semi-analytical three-dimensional model was established to determine the initial dynamic load condition of the vehicle loads. The amplitude-frequency characteristic and transmission law of the ground vibration induced by trains running on underground high-speed railways were predicted and analyzed. The influences of different operation conditions, track parameters, and tunnel burial depths were compared. The research results show that the ground vibration obtained through the wheel-drop test is greatly attenuated within 10 m from the track centerline, with an attenuation rate up to 70%. The vertical vibration amplitude is obviously larger than that of the other two directions. The lateral ground vibration amplitude is the smallest with the slowest vibration attenuation speed. When the high-speed train passes through at the speed of 350 km/h, the vertical and lateral vibration levels of the ground surface within 80 m range are 20∼80 dB and 43∼72 dB, respectively. The maximum attenuation coefficient of Z-vibration level reaches 0.276 dB/m. For each increase of 50 km/h of the train speed, the Z-vibration level of the ground increases by about 2 dB. The smaller fastener stiffness leads to the greater ground vibration within 20∼50 Hz. The ground vibration level is positively correlated with the fastener stiffness above 79 Hz. When the burial depth of the tunnel is greater than 14 m, the burial depth of the tunnel has little effect on the change of the Z-vibration level of the ground.
Attempted one anastomosis gastric bypass converted to a sleeve gastrectomy in an adult patient with asymptomatic intestinal malrotation: A case report
Authors: Jayarajah Umesh , Sathasivam Kalaiyukan , Kumarage Sumudu , Wijeratne Thejana
Published: June 2024

Unexpected encounters during surgery for obesity such as midgut malrotation cause specific technical challenges to the surgeon. We present a rare case of asymptomatic complete intestinal malrotation midway during a one anastomosis gastric bypass procedure. A 62-year-old male with a body mass index of 49 kg/m2 and metabolic syndrome was planned for one anastomosis gastric bypass. A gastric tube was created along the lesser curvature. During the attempt to identify the suitable small bowel loop, an unexpected completely malrotated gut was noted. Due to the intraoperative difficulty in identifying the correct loop to anastomose to the gastric tube an intraoperative decision was taken to convert the procedure to a sleeve gastrectomy. The created gastric tube was re-anastamosed to distal stomach, and the redundant stomach was resected. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and weight loss was satisfactory. Attempted one anastomosis gastric bypass converted to a sleeve gastrectomy was a successful bailout procedure.
Belief-neutral Versus Belief-linked Knowledge as Predictors of Climate-change Opinions
Authors: Brown Adrienne R. , Hamilton Lawrence C.
Published: June 2024

Previous research on climate-relevant knowledge distinguishes between two types: belief-linked (facts which can be guessed based on general climate beliefs) and belief-neutral (facts which require specific knowledge). To better understand these differences, we used data from nationwide US 2016 and 2021 surveys to develop composite indicators of the two types of knowledge. We analyzed demographic predictors of each type, as well as their effect on climate change belief. Further, we examined the issue of trust in science. The findings point to some novel insights. One, not all knowledge is equal; specific, belief-neutral knowledge in particular is less necessary for climate change belief. And two, trust in science is more relevant for fostering climate change belief than either knowledge type. Although this poses certain challenges, given the ideological divide when it comes to scientific trust, it is also useful information for policymakers and science communicators about where to direct energy and resources when engaging with the public.
Association Between Co-occurring Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms at Baseline and Risk for Sports-Related Concussion in Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Thomas Garrett A. , Bradson Megan L. , Riegler Kaitlin E. , Sakamoto McKenna S. , Arnett Peter A.
Published: June 2024

Background:

There is limited research examining whether mental health problems increase the risk for future concussions, even though these problems are highly prevalent in college-aged populations—including student-athletes.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

To examine whether affective disturbance (ie, depressive and anxiety symptoms) at baseline increases the risk for prospective concussion. It was hypothesized that athletes with co-occurring depressive/anxiety symptoms would incur the greatest risk for injury.

Methods:

A total of 878 collegiate athletes completed baseline neuropsychological testing. Athletes were separated into the following 4 groups based on self-reported anxiety and depressive symptoms at baseline: healthy controls; depressive symptoms alone; anxiety symptoms alone; and co-occurring depressive and anxiety symptoms. Of the 878 athletes, 88 sustained future concussions. Logistic regression was conducted with prospective concussion (yes/no) as the outcome and the affective group as the predictor. Sport was included as a covariate.

Results:

After controlling for sport, athletes in the co-occurring depressive/anxiety symptoms group were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with a future concussion compared with healthy controls (odds ratio, 2.72 [95% CI, 1.33-5.57]; P = .01). The co-occurring depressive/anxiety symptoms group also showed an increased risk for prospective concussion compared with the depressive symptoms alone and anxiety symptoms alone groups, respectively. However, the results were not statistically significant. Athletes in the depressive symptoms alone and anxiety symptoms alone groups did not show a significantly increased risk for prospective concussion compared with healthy controls.

Conclusion:

Athletes with co-occurring depressive/anxiety symptoms at baseline showed a notably increased risk of being diagnosed with a future concussion, even after controlling for sport. This suggests that co-occurring depressive/anxiety symptoms infer a unique risk that is associated with a greater susceptibility to concussion diagnosis.
Addressing AAC Knowledge and Skill Barriers in Rural Communities: Strategies for Success
Authors: Johnston Susan S.
Published: June 2024

Professionals and communication partners report experiencing challenges with regard to developing the knowledge and skills needed to support individuals with complex communication needs who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). These challenges can be exacerbated in rural and remote areas where access to resources and training may be limited. This practitioner-focused article provides evidence-based strategies for addressing the knowledge and skill needs experienced by professionals and communication partners in rural communities, including strategies for (a) identifying AAC knowledge and skill needs, (b) accessing AAC resources, (c) using principles of instructional design and instructional coaching to address identified areas of need, (d) considering contexts for instruction, and (e) examining contextual fit.
Clinical and laboratory parameters as predictors of mortality in patients with chronic liver disease presenting to emergency department- a cross sectional study
Authors: Ameena M S Salva , Nagasubramanyam Vempalli , Sharma Anand , Kaeley Nidhi , Bhardwaj Bharat Bhushan , Arora Poonam , Assis Althaf , Shankar Takshak , Prasad Hari , Rajta Mukund , Pundir Ashwani
Published: June 2024

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Asia and Africa have the highest Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) mortality rate. Cirrhosis, responsible for 22.2 fatalities per 100,000 people, is India’s 10th most common cause of mortality. The increasing prevalence of chronic liver disease necessitates a study to identify predictive factors for patients who visit the emergency department. Identifying elements that enhance the predictive value of mortality in unstable patients with CLD complications is important in emergency departments. This study aims to determine Clinical and Laboratory Parameters as mortality predictors in adult chronic liver disease patients.

Methodology

The study was conducted at the emergency department of a tertiary healthcare center in Northern India. Patients with chronic liver disease above 18 years of age who satisfied the inclusion criteria were clinically evaluated. Clinical and demographic details were collected, and data was analyzed.

Results

Two hundred thirty-six patients were enrolled. The mean age was 50.77 ± 14.26 years. 78.4% of the participants were men. Abdominal distension, affecting 59.7% of patients, was the most common presenting ailment, followed by melena and hematemesis, affecting 41.9% and 32.6%, respectively. The mean stay in the emergency department was 10.29 ± 8.10 h. Refractory septic shock, the leading cause of mortality, accounts for 69.2% of all deaths, alongside grade 4 hepatic encephalopathy and massive Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding, as identified in our study. Factors such as altered mental sensorium, high respiratory rate, low SpO2, increased heart rate, low systolic blood pressure, low diastolic blood pressure, and low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on Emergency Department (ED) arrival are significantly associated with mortality.

Conclusions

Chronic liver disease, a prevalent condition in India, most commonly seen in middle aged men and lower socioeconomic groups. The parameters independently associated with mortality in our study were presence of altered mental sensorium, Glasgow coma scale, Child Pugh class and need for ICU admission. Understanding the presentation pattern, and mortality predictors can help ED physicians in managing acute events and follow-ups.
The RHCE gene encodes the chicken blood system I
Authors: Fulton Janet E. , McCarron Amy M. , Lund Ashlee R. , Drobik-Czwarno Wioleta , Mullen Abigail , Wolc Anna , Szadkowska Joanna , Schmidt Carl J. , Taylor Robert L.
Published: June 2024

Background

There are 13 known chicken blood systems, which were originally detected by agglutination of red blood cells by specific alloantisera. The genomic region or specific gene responsible has been identified for four of these systems (A, B, D and E). We determined the identity of the gene responsible for the chicken blood system I, using DNA from multiple birds with known chicken I blood system serology, 600K and 54K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data, and lowpass sequence information.

Results

The gene responsible for the chicken I blood system was identified as RHCE, which is also one of the genes responsible for the highly polymorphic human Rh blood group locus, for which maternal/fetal antigenic differences can result in fetal hemolytic anemia with fetal mortality. We identified 17 unique RHCE haplotypes in the chicken, with six haplotypes corresponding to known I system serological alleles. We also detected deletions in the RHCE gene that encompass more than 6000 bp and that are predicted to remove its last seven exons.

Conclusions

RHCE is the gene responsible for the chicken I blood system. This is the fifth chicken blood system for which the responsible gene and gene variants are known. With rapid DNA-based testing now available, the impact of I blood system variation on response against disease, general immune function, and animal production can be investigated in greater detail.
Leveraging permutation testing to assess confidence in positive-unlabeled learning applied to high-dimensional biological datasets
Authors: Xu Shiwei , Ackerman Margaret E.
Published: June 2024

Background

Compared to traditional supervised machine learning approaches employing fully labeled samples, positive-unlabeled (PU) learning techniques aim to classify “unlabeled” samples based on a smaller proportion of known positive examples. This more challenging modeling goal reflects many real-world scenarios in which negative examples are not available—posing direct challenges to defining prediction accuracy and robustness. While several studies have evaluated predictions learned from only definitive positive examples, few have investigated whether correct classification of a high proportion of known positives (KP) samples from among unlabeled samples can act as a surrogate to indicate model quality.

Results

In this study, we report a novel methodology combining multiple established PU learning-based strategies with permutation testing to evaluate the potential of KP samples to accurately classify unlabeled samples without using “ground truth” positive and negative labels for validation. Multivariate synthetic and real-world high-dimensional benchmark datasets were employed to demonstrate the suitability of the proposed pipeline to provide evidence of model robustness across varied underlying ground truth class label compositions among the unlabeled set and with different proportions of KP examples. Comparisons between model performance with actual and permuted labels could be used to distinguish reliable from unreliable models.

Conclusions

As in fully supervised machine learning, permutation testing offers a means to set a baseline “no-information rate” benchmark in the context of semi-supervised PU learning inference tasks—providing a standard against which model performance can be compared.