bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of parasitic losses on the design optimization of inward flow radial supercritical CO2 turbines
Authors: Hoque Syed J , Lanjewar Saurabh , Kumar Pramod
Published: December 2023

Inward flow radial (IFR) supercritical CO2 (sCO2) turbines are smaller in size and operate at considerably higher speeds in comparison to similar capacity conventional gas or steam turbines. The compact size and high speed of IFR turbines result in significant parasitic (leakage and disk friction) losses at the rotor backface. This paper presents CFD investigations to understand the mechanism of parasitic losses of IFR turbines in the kW to MW power scales. The first part of the paper presents a parametric study to quantify the effect of backface flowpath dimensions, rotor inlet radius, and rotational speed on the magnitude of parasitic losses. Subsequently, the paper proposes the implementation of a radial labyrinth seal on the rotor backface to curtail the parasitic losses. The second part of the paper examines how the power scale of the turbine and its design parameters, specific speed and velocity ratio, influence the magnitude of parasitic losses. The investigation reveals that parasitic losses cause an efficiency drop of 8%–15% for 100 kW and 4%–9% for 1 MW IFR sCO2 turbines. In addition, IFR turbines designed for low specific speeds and high velocity ratios result in notably higher parasitic losses, leading to a decline in turbine efficiency. Finally, the paper presents optimal turbine design parameters accounting for the parasitic losses to maximize turbine efficiency.
Privacy-preserving analysis of time-to-event data under nested case-control sampling
Authors: Juwara Lamin , Yang Yi Archer , Velly Ana M , Saha-Chaudhuri Paramita
Published: December 2023

Analyses of distributed data networks of rare diseases are constrained by legitimate privacy and ethical concerns. Analytical centers (e.g. research institutions) are thus confronted with the challenging task of obtaining data from recruiting sites that are often unable or unwilling to share personal records of participants. For time-to-event data, recently popularized disclosure techniques with privacy guarantees (e.g., Differentially Private Generative Adversarial Networks) are generally computationally expensive or inaccessible to applied researchers. To perform the widely used Cox proportional hazards regression, we propose an easy-to-implement privacy-preserving data analysis technique by pooling (i.e. aggregating) individual records of covariates at recruiting sites under the nested case-control sampling framework before sharing the pooled nested case-control subcohort. We show that the pooled hazard ratio estimators, under the pooled nested case-control subsamples from the contributing sites, are maximum likelihood estimators and provide consistent estimates of the individual level full cohort HRs. Furthermore, a sampling technique for generating pseudo-event times for individual subjects that constitute the pooled nested case-control subsamples is proposed. Our method is demonstrated using extensive simulations and analysis of the National Lung Screening Trial data. The utility of our proposed approach is compared to the gold standard (full cohort) and synthetic data generated using classification and regression trees. The proposed pooling technique performs to near-optimal levels comparable to full cohort analysis or synthetic data; the efficiency improves in rare event settings when more controls are matched on during nested case-control subcohort sampling.
Sample size calculation for multi-arm parallel design with restricted mean survival time
Authors: Chen Yaxian , Lam Kwok Fai , Xu Jiajun
Published: December 2023

With the recent advances in oncology treatment, restricted mean survival time (RMST) is increasingly being used to replace the routine approach based on hazard ratios in randomized controlled trials for time-to-event outcomes. While RMST has been widely applied in single-arm and two-arm designs, challenges still exist in comparing RMST in multi-arm trials with three or more groups. In particular, it is unclear in the literature how to compare more than one intervention simultaneously or perform multiple testing based on RMST, and sample size determination is a major obstacle to its penetration to practice. In this paper, we propose a novel method of designing multi-arm clinical trials with right-censored survival endpoint based on RMST that can be applied in both phase II/III settings using a global [Formula: see text] test as well as a modeling-based multiple comparison procedure. The framework provides a closed-form sample size formula built upon a multi-arm global test and a sample size determination procedure based on multiple-comparison in the phase II dose-finding study. The proposed method enjoys strong robustness and flexibility as it requires less a priori set-up than conventional work, and obtains a smaller sample size while achieving the target power. In the assessment of sample size, we also incorporate practical considerations, including the presence of non-proportional hazards and staggered patient entry. We evaluate the validity of our method through simulation studies under various scenarios. Finally, we demonstrate the accuracy and stability of our method by implementing it in the design of two real clinical trial examples.
Is Institutional Ownership Socially Responsible? Perspectives from Heterogeneity and Stability of Institutional Ownership
Authors: Potharla Srikanth , Mahapatra Sushanta Kumar , Turubilli Surya Kumari
Published: December 2023

This study examines the relationship between institutional ownership and the corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance of companies in India. Referring to social market theory, the free cash flow theory of agency costs and the institutional theory of CSR, this study hypothesized a positive association between institutional ownership and CSR performance (CSP). It empirically tested the hypothesis on a sample of 814 firm-years from 2010 to 2019. The findings reveal a significantly positive association between institutional ownership persistence and CSP. The robustness of the findings is tested against the heterogeneity of institutional ownership, namely, domestic and foreign institutional ownership, with reference to the ‘hometown advantage hypothesis’ and ‘global investor hypothesis’. Domestic institutional ownership significantly impacts CSP in line with the ‘hometown advantage hypothesis’; meanwhile, the significant influence of foreign institutional ownership on CSR aligns with the ‘global investor hypothesis’.
Assessment of Multiple Dimensions of Psychological Well-Being in Swiss Youth Born with a Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Lecommandeur Solène , de Buys Roessingh Anthony , Dumont Lisa , Camenzind Lucia , Habersaat Stéphanie , Schechter Daniel S. , Jung Christelle , Despars Josée , Urben Sébastien , Morisod Harari Mathilde
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study examines the psychological well-being of Swiss youths born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), in a multi-dimensional and clinical perspective.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting

Self-report questionnaires completed by youths born with UCLP, followed at a specialized cleft clinic in Switzerland, and by peers without UCLP, recruited in schools of the Vaud county, Switzerland.

Participants

Youths aged 7.5 to 16, born with UCLP (clinical group, n = 41, 29.2% female) or without UCLP (control group, n = 56, 49.0% female).

Outcome measures

Adverse life events (ALE; Adverse Life Events), behavioral and emotional symptoms ( Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and Post-Traumatic Checklist Scale), bodily self-esteem ( Body Esteem Scale), quality of life ( Kidscreen-27), emotion regulation ( Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire), social support ( Sarason's Social Support Questionnaire).

Results

Most outcomes showed no significant group-difference. Compared to matched peers, youths with UCLP reported lower psychological quality of life and social support satisfaction, along with positive factors of fewer ALE and lower non-adaptive emotion regulation. In youths with UCLP, higher scores for ALE were associated with higher total scores for behavioral and emotional symptoms. Higher scores for bodily self-esteem were associated with higher scores for satisfaction of social support and adaptive emotion regulation.

Conclusions

Youths with UCLP show globally similar psychological well-being as matched peers. We observed some vulnerabilities but also protective factors, which support the need for psychological perspective within multidisciplinary care. The relationships between dimensions suggest specific targets that may have an impact in context of intervention.
Correlation Between Presurgical Alveolar Cleft Volume Measured by Simulation Software Using CBCT and Actual Bone Volume Used for Grafting
Authors: Jotikasthira Poomsthira , Chaiworawitkul Marasri , Khwanngern Krit , Powcharoen Warit
Published: December 2023

Objective

To assess correlation between presurgical alveolar cleft volume measured by simulation software using CBCT and actual bone volume used for grafting.

Design

Prospective.

Setting

University hospital.

Patients

Patients with UCCLP who underwent alveolar bone grafting.

Interventions

23 CBCT images of patients with UCCLP, aged 8.6–22.9 years, were taken. Alveolar cleft volume was measured using Mimics® software. Paired t-test was used to compare volume calculated from two measuring methods. Independent t-test was used to compare the volume between two age groups. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess correlation between two measuring methods.

Main Outcome Measures

Paired t-test showed statistically significant difference between two measuring methods. Independent t-test showed statistically significant difference between both measuring methods in both age groups. Differences between two variables in both age groups were not significantly different. Pearson's correlation coefficient indicated significantly positive correlation between presurgical alveolar cleft volume measured by simulation software using CBCT and actual bone volume used for grafting.

Results

Mean alveolar cleft volume measured by computer simulation was 1.30  ±  0.40 ml, whereas actual bone volume used for grafting was 1.10  ±  0.39 ml. Mean difference between both measuring methods was 0.20  ±  0.14 ml. Mean alveolar cleft volume measured by simulation software, as well as actual bone volume used for grafting, differ significantly between 2 age groups.

Conclusions

There was significantly positive correlation between two measuring methods. CBCT method overestimated actual bone graft volume. Surgeons may harvest alveolar bone grafts ranging from 82% to 100% of CBCT volume.
Detecting interference between applications and improving the scheduling using malleable application clones
Authors: Cascajo Alberto , Singh David E. , Carretero Jesús
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a novel feature for improving the scheduling process based on the performance prediction and the detection of CPU and I/O interference between applications. This feature consists of using malleable synthetic benchmarks – called clones – that reproduce the behaviour of applications executed in a cluster. These proxies can be used with two objectives: to build large and representative datasets that can be used to train the machine learning algorithms for modelling the platform workload, and to evaluate in advance if two executing applications can potentially produce contention hazards related to the shared use of the system resources like CPU, cache memory or I/O bandwidth. The proposed framework generates application clones based on generic-purpose performance information collected from monitoring. Unlike other works based on the use of micro-architectures or metrics obtained from simulators, in the approach presented in this work, the application clones generate similar behaviour without extracting data from the binaries, avoiding the necessity of managing code or data from the applications. One advantage of this approach is that they can be shared securely because they have not been generated using any piece of the original code. In addition, the proposed clones are malleable, so they also able to model the application behaviour under a different number of processes. In this work, we show how the use of clones contributes to improving the application scheduling by reducing the number of evaluations that is necessary to perform, and to detect performance degradation (interference) without the necessity of involving the execution of the actual applications. We evaluate the proposed clone generation approach on two sets of benchmarks (CPU and I/O oriented) and several applications. We also compare the performance obtained during the execution of the proxies and the applications to show their similarity. Finally, we include an evaluation of the interference detection using this novel approach.
Rich Pictures: A Visual Method for Sensemaking Amid Complexity
Authors: Gates Emily F.
Published: December 2023

Recognition of the complexity of the world raises questions about new theories, methods, and capabilities for evaluation practice. Approaches originating in the systems sciences show promise; however, many require specialized expertise and resources. This article explores rich pictures as an accessible, low-resource method for facilitating sensemaking amid complexity. The method involves the free-hand drawing of a situation to richly illustrate what is happening and why using images, lines, and few words. The process and product are akin to elaborate childhood doodles, yet are remarkably powerful conveyors of tacit knowledge and issues, differing perspectives, and action possibilities. Drawing together methodological guidance, sensemaking theory, and an application with STEM higher education faculty, this article shows how rich pictures support sensemaking amid complexity and identifies potential applications and directions for research on the method.
Abdominal ultrasonographic findings of cats with feline infectious peritonitis: an update
Authors: Müller Thiago R , Penninck Dominique G , Webster Cynthia RL , Conrado Francisco O
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe the abdominal ultrasonographic findings in cats with confirmed or presumed feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).

Methods

This was a retrospective study performed in an academic veterinary hospital. The diagnosis of FIP was reached on review of history, signalment, clinical presentation, complete blood count, biochemistry panel, peritoneal fluid analysis, cytology and/or histopathology results from abnormal organs, and/or molecular testing (immunohistochemical or FIP coronavirus [FCoV] RT-PCR). Cats with confirmed FIP by molecular testing or with a highly suspicious diagnosis of FIP were included. Abdominal ultrasound examination findings were reviewed.

Results

In total, 25 cats were included. Common clinical signs/pathology findings included hyperglobulinemia (96%), anorexia/hyporexia (80%) and lethargy (56%). Abdominal ultrasound findings included effusion in 88% and lymphadenopathy in 80%. Hepatic changes were noted in 80%, the most common being hepatomegaly (58%) and a hypoechoic liver (48%). Intestinal changes were noted in 68% of cats, characterized by asymmetric wall thickening and/or loss of wall layering, with 52% being ileocecocolic junction and/or colonic in location. Splenic changes were present in 36% of cats, including splenomegaly, mottled parenchyma and hypoechoic nodules. Renal changes were present in 32%, encompassing a hypoechoic subcapsular rim and/or cortical nodules. Mesenteric and peritoneal abnormalities were seen in 28% and 16% of cats, respectively. Most cats (92%) had two or more locations of abdominal abnormalities on ultrasound.

Conclusions and relevance

The present study documents a wider range and distribution of ultrasonographic lesions in cats with FIP than previously reported. The presence of effusion and lymph node, hepatic and/or gastrointestinal tract changes were the most common findings, and most of the cats had a combination of two or more abdominal abnormalities.
Clinical and radiological correlates of apathy in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tazza Francesco , Schiavi Simona , Leveraro Elisa , Cellerino Maria , Boffa Giacomo , Ballerini Stefania , Dighero Mara , Uccelli Antonio , Sbragia Elvira , Aluan Kenda , Inglese Matilde , Lapucci Caterina
Published: December 2023

Background:

Although apathy has been associated with fronto-striatal dysfunction in several neurological disorders, its clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlates have been poorly investigated in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).

Objectives:

To evaluate clinical variables and investigate microstructural integrity of fronto-striatal grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) structures using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

Methods:

A total of 123 PwMS (age: 40.25 ± 11.5; female: 60.9%; relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: 75.6%) were prospectively enrolled and underwent neurological and neuropsychological evaluation, including Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES-S), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and brain 3T-MRI volumes of whole brain, frontal/prefrontal cortex (PFC) and subcortical regions were calculated. DTI-derived metrics were evaluated in the same GM regions and in connecting WM tracts.

Results:

Apathetic PwMS (32.5%) showed lower education levels, higher HADS, MFIS scores and WM lesions volume than nonapathetic PwMS. Significant differences in DTI metrics were found in middle frontal, anterior cingulate and superior frontal PFC subregions and in caudate nuclei. Significant alterations were found in the right cingulum and left striatal-frontorbital tracts.

Conclusions:

Apathy in PwMS is associated with higher levels of physical disability, depression, anxiety and fatigue together with lower educational backgrounds. Microstructural damage within frontal cortex, caudate and fronto-striatal WM bundles is a significant pathological substrate of apathy in multiple sclerosis (MS).
Experiences of online group support for engaging and supporting participants in the National Health Service Digital Diabetes Prevention Programme: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Cheung Wang Chun , Miles Lisa M , Hawkes Rhiannon E , French David P
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The National Health Service Digital Diabetes Prevention Programme is a nine-month behavioural intervention for adults in England at risk of type 2 diabetes. This qualitative study aimed to explore how service users engaged with the group support available within the programme.

Methods

The majority of participants ( n = 33), all service users, were interviewed twice via telephone, at 2–4 months into the programme, and at the end of the programme at 8–10 months. Semi-structured interviews covered participants’ experiences of online group support functions and how such groups served as a route of support to aid participants’ behavioural changes. Data were analysed using manifest thematic analysis.

Results

The majority of participants valued the format of closed group chats, which provided an interactive platform to offer and receive support during their behaviour change journey. However, engagement with group chats reduced over time, and some participants did not find them useful when there was a lack of common interests within the group. Health coaches helped to promote engagement and build rapport among participants within the group chats. Participants reported mixed experiences of discussion forums.

Conclusions

Programme developers should consider how to optimise online group support to help service users make behavioural changes, in terms of format, participant composition and use of health coach moderators. Further research is required to better understand who might benefit most from ‘group chat’ or ‘discussion forum’ support. Health coach moderation of online support groups is likely to facilitate engagement.
Dynamic tensile behavior of fiber reinforced materials based on fiber layering modeling
Authors: Gong Fuyuan , Peng Yizhan , Wang Zhao , Zhu Jihua , Zhang Dawei
Published: December 2023

Among the failure forms of fiber reinforced materials, interface failure caused by fiber debonding is the most common but complex failure mode. This research proposed a fiber layering modeling method based on the different mechanical properties of the outer and inner parts of fiber yarn, then investigated the mechanical behavior of fiber reinforced materials under dynamic loads with different loading speeds. Two pullout models were established, considering the layering feature of fiber caused by the matrix penetration. The simulated results were compared with the existing experimental data to determine reliable parameters values of the fiber-matrix interface. Based on the values, another pullout model and tensile model were built. Distribution and development of stress in the loading process were discussed. Results show that fiber modeling with inner and outer parts, as well as the cohesive property with reliable parameters, could effectively represent the interface characteristics of fiber reinforced materials under dynamic load.
How important is the in-store environment for new brands?
Authors: Fuller Rachel , Hogan Samantha , Pervan Simon
Published: December 2023

New brand launches are notoriously risky, with high failure rates. Yet, most research focuses on the out-of-store factors inherent to their success/failure, overlooking strategies that can be employed in-store. The present research addresses this oversight by examining the influence of two in-store factors, distraction and shelf position, and their impact on a new brand’s visibility on the shelf. We draw on a unique data set featuring a real-life new brand entrant into the Australian market. Using an experimental design in a shopper laboratory, and mobile eye-tracking, we find that the new brand stands a greater chance of being noticed and visually attended to on the shelf when shoppers are distracted. This is attributed to shoppers dwelling longer in front of the fixture, being more open to new-to-the-consumer brands, and by negatively affecting the top-down processing of existing brands on the shelf. We also find that optimising shelf position, which is a common in-store marketing tactic for existing brands, may not produce the same return on investment for a new brand. The findings offer valuable theoretical and practical implications for improving the success rates of new brand launches, including selection of distribution channels, allocation of marketing resources, and the interplay between in-store and out-of-sore factors driving shopper behaviour.
The relationship between hyperpolypharmacy and one-year outcomes in patients with critical limb ischemia undergoing below-knee endovascular therapy
Authors: Altunova Mehmet , Gulmez Recep , Karakayali Muammer , Gurbak Ismail , Tasbulak Omer , Demirci Gökhan , Guler Arda , Evsen Ali , Bulut Umit , Erturk Mehmet
Published: December 2023

Background

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients take too many medications because they are elderly and frail patients with multiple comorbidities. Polypharmacy is associated with frailty, although its prognostic significance in CLI patients is unknown. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of hyperpolypharmacy among adults with CLI and its effect on 1-year amputation and mortality.

Methods

A total of 200 patients with CLI who underwent endovascular therapy (EVT) for below-knee (CTC) lesions were included in this study. Hyperpolypharmacy was defined as using ≥10 drugs. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of hyperpolypharmacy

Results

We detected hyperpolypharmacy in 66 patients. The incidence of 1-year amputation [24 (36.4) versus 12 (9), p<.001] and mortality [28 (42.4) versus 12 (9), p<.001] were higher in patients with hyperpolypharmacy. Univariate and multivariate cox regression analyses were used to determine the independent predictors of amputation and mortality. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the cut-off value was defined as 10 or more drug use was able to detect the presence of 1-year mortality with 67.5% sensitivity and 79.4% specificity. The Kaplan–Meier method showed a significant difference (rank p <.001 between log groups), and hyperpolypharmacy was associated with 1-year amputation and mortality.

Conclusion

Hyperpolypharmacy was significantly associated with 1-year mortality and major amputation in CLI patients. Hyperpolypharmacy can be a valuable aid in patient risk assessment in the CLI.
Myocardial Calcification: An Unusual Complication of Remote Trauma With Coidentified Amyloidosis
Authors: Wilkinson Zachary Alan , Krywanczyk Alison
Published: December 2023

We present the heart of a 38-year-old man with paraplegia due to a remote traumatic spinal cord injury. In the 20 years following his injury, he experienced chronic decubitus ulcers, osteomyelitis, neurogenic bladder, malnutrition, and urinary tract infections. He was admitted to the hospital with septic shock secondary to multiple decubitus ulcers and osteomyelitis and expired after a two-month hospitalization. At autopsy, there was marked replacement of left ventricle and interventricular septal myocardium by gritty, firm, yellow-white tissue. Microscopic examination demonstrated a remote infarct with marked dystrophic calcification and unexpected amyloid deposition. This example demonstrates the extraordinary extent to which dystrophic calcifications can replace myocardium and highlights multiple potential etiologies of myocardial calcifications. Of note, this is the first report documenting myocardial calcification as a complication of remote, non-iatrogenic trauma. The role of the amyloidosis in the development of calcification is unclear, but a contributory effect cannot be excluded.
AI Empire: Unraveling the interlocking systems of oppression in generative AI's global order
Authors: Tacheva Jasmina , Ramasubramanian Srividya
Published: December 2023

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to captivate the collective imagination through the latest generation of generative AI models such as DALL-E and ChatGPT, the dehumanizing and harmful features of the technology industry that have plagued it since its inception only seem to deepen and intensify. Far from a “glitch” or unintentional error, these endemic issues are a function of the interlocking systems of oppression upon which AI is built. Using the analytical framework of “Empire,” this paper demonstrates that we live not simply in the “age of AI” but in the age of AI Empire. Specifically, we show that this networked and distributed global order is rooted in heteropatriarchy, racial capitalism, white supremacy, and coloniality and perpetuates its influence through the mechanisms of extractivism, automation, essentialism, surveillance, and containment. Therefore, we argue that any attempt at reforming AI from within the same interlocking oppressive systems that created it is doomed to failure and, moreover, risks exacerbating existing harm. Instead, to advance justice, we must radically transform not just the technology itself, but our ideas about it, and develop it from the bottom up, from the perspectives of those who stand the most risk of being harmed.
Multiple intelligences theory and expressive therapies: New counselling options for secondary school students who experience anxiety
Authors: Keates Anna Magdalena , Pearson Mark
Published: December 2023

A Multiple Intelligence and Expressive Therapies approach for counselling adolescents experiencing anxiety is proposed. Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health challenges experienced by adolescents. Research reveals the association between anxiety in teenage years and psychiatric disorders in later life. Data is presented on the increasing incidence of anxiety in adolescence and the limits of commonly applied therapies. Adolescence is characterised as a time of turbulence and change, and the issues that adolescent clients bring to counselling are diverse and often complex. Evidence from several studies in counselling have shown positive outcomes through linking multiple intelligences and expressive therapies as an integrative therapy. The potential benefits of applying this combined approach to secondary school students are discussed.
Apoptosis-Controlling, Clinical, Laboratory, Anamnestic Factors in Prediction of the Early Stage of Diabetic Nephropathy in Children
Authors: Burlaka Ievgeniia
Published: December 2023

Background. The most prevalent microvascular consequence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is diabetic nephropathy (DN). Aim of the Study. To find the clinical, anamnestic, and genetic markers that characterize and forecast early diabetic nephropathy in T1D children. Methods. One hundred four children with T1D and DN between the ages of 2 and 17 were surveyed. Stepwise logistic regression models and linear regression models were used. Results. BMI, systolic blood pressure, concurrent kidney pathology, anamnesis viral infections, ESR level, serum cholesterol, blood urea, number of DKA episodes/year, and GFR were determined to be predictors of early DN in children with T1D. Bcl-xL, caspase-3, and HIF-1alfa were discovered to predict DN among all previously identified variables influencing apoptosis. Conclusion. BMI, systolic blood pressure, concurrent kidney disease, anamnesis viral infections, ESR level, serum cholesterol, blood urea, number of DKA episodes/year, GFR, apoptotic and hypoxia markers were discovered as variables predicting early DN.
Opting out of the ‘near abroad’ and moving towards eurointegration: A postfunctionalist analysis of Ukraine’s regional integration dynamics in the early 2010s
Authors: Kovalevska Oleksandra
Published: December 2023

This article examines the utility of a revised postfunctionalist theory in explaining regional (dis)integration dynamics. The case study employed to test the theoretical framework is based on Ukraine’s regional integration processes with respect to Eurasian and European regional organizations in the early 2010s. The principal research question posed is: what factors contributed to Ukraine’s decision to opt out of deeper integration with Eurasia in the early 2010s and pursue integration with the European Union insead, and how can this case study move the postfunctionalist theory forward? Three assumptions proposed by postfunctionalism, enriched with insights from social constructivism, were applied to the (dis)integration processes: salience, politicization, and collective identity. The analysis suggests that the revised postfunctionalist framework is indeed instrumental in explaining both integration and disintegration, providing insights into the role of collective identity mobilization once public discussion reaches a critical juncture in the politicization process.
Memory Can Define Individual Beliefs and Identity—and Shape Society
Authors: Madan Christopher R.
Published: December 2023

Memory profoundly define individual beliefs and identity, shaping how societies make decisions. Five key memory phenomena include—first impressions and the primacy effect, risky decision-making and memory availability, information reliability and source memory, music preferences and the reminiscence bump, and long-term planning and episodic future thinking. Each phenomenon is explored for its impact on policy, revealing the profound ways that memory biases and processes shape critical societal choices, such as judicial decisions, hiring practices, financial planning, and pro-environmental behavior. Although memory's importance in daily life is widely recognized, its central role in shaping self-identity and influencing societal structures is often underestimated. Memory biases, evident in various aspects, from cultural exposures to decision-making heuristics, play a pivotal role in individual and collective behavior. These biases, often manifesting subtly, guide the formation of beliefs and preferences, with strong implications for policy making. Taken together, this work advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to bridge memory theory and policy practice.
Ritualizing Politics and Politicizing Ritual: A Study of Kullu Dussehra
Authors: Sarkar Dolon
Published: December 2023

The study explores the modus operandi of the communities, kingship and modern nation-state in the spatial distribution of power in the ritual space. Kullu Dussehra is celebrated as a performative idiom of kingship, symbolically legitimizing royal or political power. It has consistently been appearing as a political phenomenon of burning Ravana’s effigy by the political leader. This symbolic role associates them with the pan-Indian imagination of ruler or lawmaker as the protector of dharma. In Kullu Dussehra, the share of power is spatially distributed, and the manifestation of royal power is celebrated and transmitted in public. The ritual space manifests the intersectionality of traditional notions of kingship and the modern nation-state. The paper tries to understand the power politics related to caste and social hierarchy in the Kullvi community. An overt caste-based ritual duty is highly practiced and expected to be celebrated by the community. However, there are multiple possibilities for the community to destabilize the ideological orientation of the hegemonic agencies.
Re-tensioning Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using an Adjustable Femoral Button
Authors: Rocha de Faria José Leonardo , Pavão Douglas Mello , de Paula Rafael Erthal , Paravidino João Mateus , Laett Conrado Torres , Alexandre Dângelo José de Andrade , Ramallo Daniel , e Albuquerque Rodrigo Sattamini Pires , Maia Phelippe Valente , Mozella Alan de Paula
Published: December 2023

Background:

Despite advancements in surgical techniques for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) treatment, persistent functional impairment, reduced quality of life, and limited physical activity participation continue to be common after postoperative rehabilitation. We modify the traditional ACL reconstruction method by using hamstring tendons grafts and re-tensioning them.

Indications:

This procedure is indicated for patients undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery with soft tissue grafts, utilizing femoral fixation with an adjustable button and tibial fixation with an interference screw.

Technique Description:

We employ hamstring grafts for ACL reconstruction and perform femoral fixation using an adjustable button. Initially, we pull the graft approximately 10 mm less than the length of the thickest tunnel drill. This allows for subsequent graft traction after tibial fixation. Following tibial fixation, we pull the graft proximally, inserting it a few millimeters further into the femoral tunnel. This re-tensioning increases tension and enhances physical examination results. In addition, we incorporate the braid graft technique to augment the graft's final thickness.

Results:

This technique yields reduced postoperative residual laxity during physical examinations. Our institution's ethics committee is currently reviewing a clinical study comparing functional outcomes with traditional techniques.

Discussion/Conclusion:

The ACL re-tensioning technique is easily implemented and involves a subtle modification to the traditional approach, allowing for graft re-tensioning and diminishing the risk of residual laxity post-interference screw fixation. This approach acknowledges that insertion of the interference screw can inadvertently reduce graft tension, counteracting the tension applied during fixation. Consequently, this technique is expected to yield superior clinical outcomes.
Genotype-by-environment interactions for feed efficiency traits in Nellore cattle based on bi-trait reaction norm models
Authors: Silva Neto João B. , Mota Lucio F. M. , Amorim Sabrina T. , Peripolli Elisa , Brito Luiz F. , Magnabosco Claudio U. , Baldi Fernando
Published: December 2023

Background

Selecting animals for feed efficiency directly impacts the profitability of the beef cattle industry, which contributes to minimizing the environmental footprint of beef production. Genetic and environmental factors influence animal feed efficiency, leading to phenotypic variability when exposed to different environmental conditions (i.e., temperature and nutritional level). Thus, our aim was to assess potential genotype-by-environment (G × E) interactions for dry matter intake (DMI) and residual feed intake (RFI) in Nellore cattle (Bos taurus indicus) based on bi-trait reaction norm models (RN) and evaluate the genetic association between RFI and DMI across different environmental gradient (EG) levels. For this, we used phenotypic information on 12,958 animals (young bulls and heifers) for DMI and RFI recorded during 158 feed efficiency trials.

Results

The heritability estimates for DMI and RFI across EG ranged from 0.26 to 0.54 and from 0.07 to 0.41, respectively. The average genetic correlations (± standard deviation) across EG for DMI and RFI were 0.83 ± 0.19 and 0.81 ± 0.21, respectively, with the lowest genetic correlation estimates observed between extreme EG levels (low vs. high) i.e. 0.22 for RFI and 0.26 for DMI, indicating the presence of G × E interactions. The genetic correlation between RFI and DMI across EG levels decreased as the EG became more favorable and ranged from 0.79 (lowest EG) to 0.52 (highest EG). Based on the estimated breeding values from extreme EG levels (low vs. high), we observed a moderate Spearman correlation of 0.61 (RFI) and 0.55 (DMI) and a selection coincidence of 53.3% and 40.0% for RFI and DMI, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results show evidence of G × E interactions on feed efficiency traits in Nellore cattle, especially in feeding trials with an average daily gain (ADG) that is far from the expected of 1 kg/day, thus increasing reranking of animals.
Exploration and validation of a combined Hypoxia and m6A/m5C/m1A regulated gene signature for prognosis prediction of liver cancer
Authors: ren Min , Fan Bei , Cao Guangcai , Zong Rongrong , Feng Liaoliao , Sun Huiru
Published: December 2023

Background

It is widely acknowledged that hypoxia and m6A/m5C/m1A RNA modifications promote the occurrence and development of tumors by regulating the tumor microenvironment. This study aimed to establish a novel liver cancer risk signature based on hypoxia and m6A/m5C/m1A modifications.

Methods

We collected data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-LIHC), the National Omics Data Encyclopedia (NODE-HCC), the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases for our study (GSE59729, GSE41666). Using Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method, we developed a risk signature for liver cancer based on differentially expressed genes related to hypoxia and genes regulated by m6A/m5C/m1A modifications. We stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups and assessed differences between these groups in terms of gene mutations, copy number variations, pathway enrichment, stemness scores, immune infiltration, and predictive capabilities of the model for immunotherapy and chemotherapy efficacy.

Results

Our analysis revealed a significantly correlated between hypoxia and methylation as well as m6A/m5C/m1A RNA methylation. The three-gene prognosis signature (CEP55, DPH2, SMS) combining hypoxia and m6A/m5C/m1A regulated genes exhibited strong predictive performance in TCGA-LIHC, NODE-HCC, and ICGC-LIHC-JP cohorts. The low-risk group demonstrated a significantly better overall survival compared to the high-risk group (p < 0.0001 in TCGA, p = 0.0043 in NODE, p = 0.0015 in ICGC). The area under the curve (AUC) values for survival at 1, 2, and 3 years are all greater than 0.65 in the three cohorts. Univariate and Multivariate Cox regression analyses of the three datasets indicated that the signature could serve as an independent prognostic predictor (p < 0.001 in the three cohorts). The high-risk group exhibited more genome changes and higher homologous recombination deficiency scores and stemness scores. Analysis of immune infiltration and immune activation confirmed that the signature was associated with various immune microenvironment characteristics. Finally, patients in the high-risk group experienced a more favorable response to immunotherapy, and various common chemotherapy drugs.

Conclusion

Our prognostic signature which integrates hypoxia and m6A/m5C/m1A-regulated genes, provides valuable insights for clinical prediction and treatment guidance for liver cancer patients.
Evolution of appraisal tool usage preferences in PROSPERO records: a study of non-Cochrane systematic reviews
Authors: Ruano J. , Gay-Mimbrera J. , Aguilar-Luque M. , Gómez-García F. , Parra-Peralbo E. , Isla-Tejera B.
Published: December 2023

Objectives

This research-on-research substudy uses a data-driven approach to investigate the range of appraisal tools in non-Cochrane systematic reviews and meta-analyses registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO).

Study design and setting

A comprehensive web scraping of all completed non-Cochrane registrations in PROSPERO from February 2011 to December 2017 was performed. The focus was classifying the appraisal tools based on study type, assessment aspects, and research topics.

Results

After analyzing 17,708 complete records, we found a predominant use of methodological quality assessment tools compared to those for reporting quality or risk of bias (RoB). This indicates a greater emphasis on methodological rigor in the studied protocols. Various tools for assessing methodological quality were observed, reflecting the complexity of such evaluations. Instruments designed for evaluating methodological or reporting quality were mainly intended for non-randomized clinical trials or observational studies, unlike RoB tools more commonly used in randomized clinical trials. No distinct trends in tool usage were observed in specific research conditions or domains, suggesting that tool choice is influenced more by study design than research topic.

Conclusion

This study provides insights into the preferential use of various assessment tools in conducting non-Cochrane systematic reviews, as evidenced in PROSPERO records. The findings reveal various methodological assessment tools, underscoring their versatility across different study designs and research areas.
Developing non-response weights to account for attrition-related bias in a longitudinal pregnancy cohort
Authors: Pitt Tona M. , Hetherington Erin , Adhikari Kamala , Premji Shainur , Racine Nicole , Tough Suzanne C. , McDonald Sheila
Published: December 2023

Background

Prospective cohorts may be vulnerable to bias due to attrition. Inverse probability weights have been proposed as a method to help mitigate this bias. The current study used the “All Our Families” longitudinal pregnancy cohort of 3351 maternal-infant pairs and aimed to develop inverse probability weights using logistic regression models to predict study continuation versus drop-out from baseline to the three-year data collection wave.

Methods

Two methods of variable selection took place. One method was a knowledge-based a priori variable selection approach, while the second used Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO). The ability of each model to predict continuing participation through discrimination and calibration for both approaches were evaluated by examining area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) and calibration plots, respectively. Stabilized inverse probability weights were generated using predicted probabilities. Weight performance was assessed using standardized differences of baseline characteristics for those who continue in study and those that do not, with and without weights (unadjusted estimates).

Results

The a priori and LASSO variable selection method prediction models had good and fair discrimination with AUROC of 0.69 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.67–0.71) and 0.73 (95% CI: 0.71–0.75), respectively. Calibration plots and non-significant Hosmer-Lemeshow Goodness of Fit Tests indicated that both the a priori (p = 0.329) and LASSO model (p = 0.242) were well-calibrated. Unweighted results indicated large (> 10%) standardized differences in 15 demographic variables (range: 11 − 29%), when comparing those who continued in the study with those that did not. Weights derived from the a priori and LASSO models reduced standardized differences relative to unadjusted estimates, with the largest differences of 13% and 5%, respectively. Additionally, when applying the same LASSO variable selection method to develop weights in future data collection waves, standardized differences remained below 10% for each demographic variable.

Conclusion

The LASSO variable selection approach produced robust weights that addressed non-response bias more than the knowledge-driven approach. These weights can be applied to analyses across multiple longitudinal waves of data collection to reduce bias.
The usage of data in NHS primary care commissioning: a realist evaluation
Authors: Jager Alexandra , Papoutsi Chrysanthi , Wong Geoff
Published: December 2023

Background

To improve health outcomes and address mounting costs pressures, policy-makers have encouraged primary care commissioners in the British National Health Service (NHS) to increase the usage of data in decision-making. However, there exists limited research on this topic. In this study, we aimed to understand how and why primary care commissioners use data (i.e. quantitative, statistical information) to inform commissioning, and what outcomes this leads to.

Methods

A realist evaluation was completed to create context-mechanism-outcome configurations (CMOs) relating to the contexts influencing the usage of data in primary care commissioning. Using a realist logic of analysis and drawing on substantive theories, we analysed qualitative content from 30 interviews and 51 meetings (51 recordings and 19 accompanying meeting minutes) to develop CMOs. Purposive sampling was used to recruit interviewees from diverse backgrounds.

Results

Thirty-five CMOs were formed, resulting in an overarching realist programme theory. Thirteen CMOs were identical and 3 were truncated versions of those formed in an existing realist synthesis on the same topic. Seven entirely new CMOs, and 12 refined and enhanced CMOs vis-à-vis the synthesis were created. The findings included CMOs containing contexts which facilitated the usage of data, including the presence of a data champion and commissioners’ perceptions that external providers offered new skillsets and types of data. Other CMOs included contexts presenting barriers to using data, such as data not being presented in an interoperable way with consistent definitions, or financial pressures inhibiting commissioners’ abilities to make evidence-based decisions.

Conclusions

Commissioners are enthusiastic about using data as a source of information, a tool to stimulate improvements, and a warrant for decision-making. However, they also face considerable challenges when using them. There are replicable contexts available to facilitate commissioners’ usage of data, which we used to inform policy recommendations. The findings of this study and our recommendations are pertinent in light of governments’ increasing commitment to data-driven commissioning and health policy-making.