bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Encapsulation of Cu(II) Terpyridine Complexes into Polymeric Nanoparticles for Enhanced Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Montesdeoca Nicolás , Ni Kaixin , Karges Johannes
Published: June 2024

Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases worldwide. One of the most commonly applied therapeutic techniques to combat this disease is chemotherapy. Despite its success, the majority of clinically applied chemotherapeutic agents are associated with strong side effects and drug resistance. To overcome this limitation, much research efforts are devoted toward the development of new anticancer agents. Among the most promising class of compounds, Cu(II) complexes have emerged. Despite their strong cytotoxic effect, these agents are typically associated with low water solubility, low stability, and poor tumor selectivity. To overcome these limitations, herein, we report on the encapsulation of a promising Cu(II) terpyridine complex with the Pluronic F‐127/Poloxamer‐407 polymeric carrier into nanoparticles. Besides overcoming the pharmacological drawbacks, the nanoparticles were able to eradicate human breast adenocarcinoma monolayer cells as well as challenging multicellular tumor spheroids at nanomolar concentrations.
Randomized Pilot Trial of Pre‐ and Postoperative Heart Failure Nurse‐Supported Care in Heart Failure Patients Requiring Noncardiac Surgery—Feasibility and Results
Authors: Herrmann Ester J. , Raghavan Badrinarayanan , Tekeste Meaza , Mantzsch Kathleen , Meybohm Patrick , Assmus Birgit
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The perioperative cardiovascular management of patients undergoing noncardiac surgery is particularly challenging in those with pre‐existing heart failure (HF). This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of nurse‐based pre‐ and postoperative specialized HF management in reducing postoperative HF‐associated complications in patients with known HF undergoing noncardiac surgery.

Methods

This prospective, randomized pilot study included patients with established HF requiring intermediate‐ to high‐risk noncardiac surgery. Patients received postoperatively either standard care (control group, CG) or nurse‐supported HF management (intervention group, IG). The primary endpoint was a composite of HF‐related postoperative complications at 30 days. Secondary endpoints included length on intensive care unit, length of hospital stay, death, hospitalization for HF, and quality of life assessment using the SF‐12 questionnaire.

Results

The trial was halted prematurely for futility. A total of 34 patients (median age 70.5 [IQR 67–75] years; with 15 HfpEF, 9 HfmrEF,10 HfrEF), with an average NT‐proBNP of 1.413 [463–2.832] pg/mL were included. The IG had a lower rate of postoperative primary events (25%; n = 4) compared with the CG (33%; n = 6). There were no differences in secondary endpoints between the groups. Quality‐of‐life scores improved slightly in both groups (δ 5.6 ± 0.9 [CG] and 3.1 ± 1.2 [IG]).

Conclusion

Nurse‐based pre‐ and postoperative HF care appears to be feasible and may reduce HF‐associated complications in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. Larger clinical trials are needed to further evaluate the effectiveness of this approach in reducing postoperative complications in this high‐risk patient population.
Application requirements and design strategies of Bi2Te3‐based thermoelectric devices for low‐quality thermal energy
Authors: Liu Kai , Li Yu‐Zheng , Wu Yun‐Xiao , Ying Ping‐Jun , He Ran , Fu Chen‐Guang , Zhang Yu , Zhu Tie‐Jun
Published: June 2024

Bismuth telluride‐based devices are capable of converting low‐quality thermal energy into electrical power via the Seebeck effect. This transformative process not only extends the spectrum of energy utilization but also significantly amplifies energy efficiency. This review serves as a comprehensive guide, elucidating the intricate design considerations essential for optimizing bismuth telluride‐based devices in both electrical and structural design. By exploring various application scenarios, it identifies critical parameters crucial for device effectiveness. Furthermore, the current landscape of thermoelectric (TE) devices is meticulously analyzed, synthesizing their developmental trajectory and contrasting it with stringent design requirements. Through this comprehensive analysis, it pinpoints key challenges that impede the maximal performance of existing TE devices. Envisioning the trajectory of bismuth telluride‐based TE materials, this review makes projections regarding their future application trends. Traversing through contemporary mechanisms and technologies, it offers practical solutions and potential avenues aimed at enhancing the efficiency of TE devices. Ultimately, this discourse endeavors to provide invaluable insights, furnishing a roadmap for the advancement and refinement of TE devices in the years ahead. By proposing feasible solutions and charting plausible directions, it aspires to stimulate innovation and drive transformative progress in the domain of TE materials and science.
Copper oxide foam with high specific surface area for electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to C2+ products
Authors: Feng Yan‐Xia , Hao Jian , Zhu Song , Zhang Bai‐Wen , Chen Yan
Published: June 2024

The carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) for the synthesis of high‐energy‐density and high‐value multi‐carbon (C2+) products has demonstrated considerable potential for practical applications. In this work, we design a novel copper oxide foam (OD‐Cu foam) catalyst through a high‐temperature calcination process, characterized by a substantial specific surface area. The distinctive three‐dimensional structure of the OD‐Cu foam catalyst and the metal oxide particles covered on its surface provide abundant active sites. The total Faradaic efficiency of 57.3% for C2+ products over the OD‐Cu foam is achieved at −0.85 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Furthermore, the partial current density for C2+ products over the OD‐Cu foam reaches 44.1 mA cm−2 at −0.95 V versus RHE, surpassing significantly that both of Cu foam (3.4 mA cm−2) and copper oxide foil (OD‐Cu foil) (1.6 mA cm−2). In addition, the integrated structure of the OD‐Cu foam, which does not require complex preparation processes, facilitates its application in CO2RR. These results underscore the significance of three‐dimensional structure and high specific surface area, emphasizing the considerable potential of this catalyst for effective and sustainable CO2 conversion.
A many‐objective evolutionary algorithm based on bi‐direction fusion niche dominance
Authors: Wei Li‐sen , Li Er‐chao
Published: June 2024

Although some many‐objective optimization algorithms (MaOEAs) have been proposed recently, Pareto dominance‐based MaOEAs still cannot effectively balance convergence and diversity in solving many objective optimization problems (MaOPs) due to insufficient selection pressure. To address this problem, a bi‐directional fusion niche domination is proposed. This method merges the strengths of cone and parallel decomposition directions in comparing dominations for nondominance stratification within the candidate population, augmenting the selection pressure of population. Subsequently, the crowding distance is introduced as an additional selection criterion to further refine the selection of nondominated individuals within the critical layer. Lastly, a MaOEA based on bi‐directional fusion niche dominance (MaOEA/BnD) is proposed, utilizing bi‐directional fusion niche dominance and crowding distance as important components of environmental selection. The performance of MaOEA/BnD was compared with five representative MaOEAs in 20 benchmark problems. Experimental results demonstrate that MaOEA/BnD effectively balances convergence and diversity when handling MaOPs with complex Pareto fronts.
Optimizing pool mining performance: A VIKOR‐based model for identifying reputed miners in blockchain networks
Authors: Puppala Naga Sravanthi , Manoharan R.
Published: June 2024

Blockchain networks continue to gain attraction in cutting‐edge applications and mining within these networks has become increasingly popular. To get rewards, miners solve cryptographic puzzles and add new blocks to blockchain networks using the proof‐of‐work (PoW) consensus mechanism. Numerous miners opt to participate in mining pools due to the challenges of solo mining. However, selecting reputed miners for pool mining poses a significant challenge, given the decentralized nature of the blockchain system. This paper addresses this challenge by introducing a new ranking model that evaluates miners' performance and reputation through trust scores. It provides a method for optimizing pool mining performance by identifying highly reputed miners within mining pools, enhancing overall pool profitability. This endeavor necessitates the development of ranking algorithms tailored to the unique dynamics of mining pools. The research offers a meticulously designed ranking model that identifies reputed miners. We extensively evaluate the proposed model using the hyperledger blockchain framework, guaranteeing strong performance across vital metrics like block authorization time, Processing time, block creation time, validation time, and confirmation time.
Synthesis and analytical characterization of 1‐(2‐thienoyl)‐6‐allyl‐nor‐d‐lysergic acid diethylamide (1T‐AL‐LAD)
Authors: Okada Yuki , Segawa Hiroki , Yamamuro Tadashi , Kuwayama Kenji , Tsujikawa Kenji , Kanamori Tatsuyuki , Iwata Yuko T.
Published: June 2024

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) analogs have emerged as new psychoactive substances (NPS) since the mid‐2010s, and new compounds continue to emerge for recreational use. Since the end of 2023, “1D‐AL‐LAD” appeared on X (formerly Twitter) and other websites. As for the compound “1D‐LSD” (which also has “1D” in the name), several studies show that the ingredient of seized blotter paper printed “1D‐LSD” was actually 1‐(2‐thienoyl)‐LSD (1T‐LSD). However, there are no reports of seizures of 1‐(1,2‐dimethylcyclobutanecarbonyl)‐LSD (1D‐LSD). Accordingly, it was considered that all or at least a certain percentage of “1D‐AL‐LAD (1‐(1,2‐dimethylcyclobutanecarbonyl)‐6‐allyl‐nor‐LSD)” is actually 1‐(2‐thienoyl)‐6‐allyl‐nor‐LSD (1T‐AL‐LAD). This compound is handled by a number of distributors as of April 2024; therefore, it should be characterized in advance if seized. In this study, 1T‐AL‐LAD was synthesized and characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, liquid chromatography/high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC/HRMS) and gas chromatography/MS (GC/MS). This compound was easily distinguished from previously reported lysergamides. There were some differences in the detectability of 1T‐AL‐LAD compared with other lysergamides using GC/MS and the fragmentation patterns in LC/HRMS. These differences can be reasonably explained. This information will be of help to determine this substance in seized materials should it emerge on the market.
Geographical variation in patient characteristics and outcomes in heart failure with mildly reduced and preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Yang Mingming , Kondo Toru , Jhund Pardeep S. , Alcocer‐Gamba Marco Antonio , Borleffs C. Jan Willem , Chiang Chern‐En , Comin‐Colet Josep , Desai Akshay S. , Dobreanu Dan , Drożdż Jarosław , Han Yaling , Janssens Stefan P. , Katova Tzvetana , Kosiborod Mikhail N. , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Merkely Béla , Pham Vinh Nguyen , Thierer Jorge , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Verma Subodh , Solomon Scott D. , McMurray John J.V.
Published: June 2024

Aims

Compared to heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) are increasing in prevalence, yet little is known about the geographic variation in patient characteristics, treatments and outcomes among these two HF phenotypes. The aim of this study was to investigate geographic differences in HFpEF and HFmrEF.

Methods and results

We conducted an individual patient analysis of five clinical trials enrolling patients with HFpEF or HFmrEF from North America (NA), Latin America (LA), Western Europe (WE), Central/Eastern Europe and Russia (CEER), and Asia‐Pacific (AP). We compared regions using descriptive statistics and multivariable regression models. Among the 19 959 patients included, 4066 (23.1%) had HFmrEF and 15 353 (76.9%) HFpEF. Regardless of HF phenotype, patients from WE were oldest, and those in CEER youngest. LA had the largest portion of females and NA most black patients. Obesity and diabetes were most prevalent in NA and hypertension and coronary heart disease most common in CEER. Self‐reported health status varied strikingly and was the worst in NA and best in AP. Among patients with HFmrEF, rates of the primary composite endpoint (cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization) were: NA 12.56 per 100 patient‐years (/100py), AP 11.67/100py, CEER 10.12/100py, LA 8.90/100py, and WE 8.43/100py, driven by differences in the rate of HF hospitalization. The corresponding values in HFpEF were 11.47/100py, 7.80/100py, 5.47/100py, 5.92/100py, and 7.80/100py, respectively.

Conclusions

There is substantial geographic variation in patient characteristics, treatment and outcomes among patients with HFpEF and HFmrEF. These findings have implications for interpretation and generalizability of trial results, design and conduct of future trials, and optimization of care for these patients.
MDSCs are important osteoclast precursors primed by B cells in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wang Ping , Xu Liling , Bai Mingxin , Zheng Xi , Song Jing , Xie Yang , Jia Yuan , Ye Hua , Li Zhanguo , Su Yin , Hu Fanlei
Published: June 2024

Osteoclast‐mediated bone erosion and deformation represent significant pathological features in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and B cells have emerged as key contributors to the progression of RA. Nevertheless, their involvement, especially the interaction in RA osteoclastogenesis remains elusive. In this study, our results revealed a marked expansion of MDSCs in RA patients, and importantly, their abundance was positively correlated with radiographic damage evaluated by the Sharp/van der Heijde score. Notably, MDSCs derived from both RA patients and arthritic mice exhibited a heightened propensity to differentiate into osteoclasts compared with those from healthy individuals. Intriguingly, we observed that B cells from RA patients could augment the osteoclastogenic potential of MDSCs, which was also observed in arthritic mice. The impact of B cells on MDSC‐mediated osteoclastogenesis was found to be most pronounced in switched memory B cells, followed by CD21low B cells and naïve B cells. MDSCs from B‐cell‐deficient mice exhibited diminished capacity to differentiate into osteoclasts, accompanied by distinct gene expression profiles associated with osteoclastogenesis. Taken together, our findings suggested that MDSCs were important osteoclast precursors primed by B cells in RA, serving as novel therapeutic targets for the persistent disease.
An overview of probiotic camel milk as a nutritional beverage: Challenges and perspectives
Authors: Ansari Fereshteh , Pourjafar Hadi , Samakkhah Shohreh Alian , Mirzakhani Esmaeel
Published: June 2024

There are challenges such as standardization for commercialization and guaranteeing sensory characteristics in camel milk processing. This review gathers a general view of the probiotic camel milk, its contents, its health aspects, and its industrial production. One of the potential candidates of a healthy food product is “probiotic camel milk” which contains several nutritional elements including Lactic acid bacteria and Bifidobacteria and postbiotics such as endopolysaccharides, exopolysaccharides, numerous beneficial enzymes, short‐chain fatty acids, teichoic acids, peptides, peptidoglycan‐derived neuropeptides, cell surface proteins, different vitamins, plasmalogens, and different kinds of organic acids. It should also be considered that camel milk generally has some advantages over cow milk like its health‐beneficial antidiabetic, hypoallergenic, and anticancer properties. As a result, it is gaining much attention from both consumers and manufacturers, and the global probiotic market trend is growing. Although there are obstacles in standardizing processing techniques and maintaining sensory excellence, the health benefits, economic prospects, and adaptability of camel milk and its probiotic variations create a promising avenue for continued research and advancement. Therefore, developing standardized processing techniques and sensory evaluation methods for probiotic camel milk can unlock its full potential as a nutritious beverage, offering a promising solution for consumers seeking healthy and functional food products.
Discovery and Accurate Detection of Rare Nucleic Acid Modifications
Authors: Luo Ru‐Jia , Chen Hong‐Xuan , Kong Jin‐Wen , Zhang Zhang , Ayoub Nabieh , Luo Guan‐Zheng
Published: June 2024

Nucleic acid modifications play essential roles in diverse biological processes, ranging from gene expression regulation to stress response. While traditional research focused on common modifications like methylation, recent discoveries are unveiling a wide range of rare modifications with potentially crucial functions. However, accurately detecting and mapping these modifications pose significant challenges due to their low abundance and diverse chemical properties. This article summarizes the recent discoveries of rare DNA and RNA modifications across various organisms, highlighting their potential biological significance. Furthermore, it critically evaluates the limitations of current mapping techniques, including potential sources of false positives and negatives. Finally, the article discusses emerging strategies for overcoming these challenges and future opportunities in the field of rare nucleic acid modification detection.
Galactokinase 1 is the source of elevated galactose‐1‐phosphate and cerebrosides are modestly reduced in a mouse model of classic galactosemia
Authors: Mangini Linley , Lawrence Roger , Lopez Manuel E. , Graham Timothy C. , Bauer Christopher R. , Nguyen Hang , Su Cheng , Ramphal John , Crawford Brett E. , Hartl Tom A.
Published: June 2024

Classic galactosemia (CG) arises from loss‐of‐function mutations in the Galt gene, which codes for the enzyme galactose‐1‐phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT), a central component in galactose metabolism. The neonatal fatality associated with CG can be prevented by galactose dietary restriction, but for decades it has been known that limiting galactose intake is not a cure and patients often have lasting complications. Even on a low‐galactose diet, GALT's substrate galactose‐1‐phosphate (Gal1P) is elevated and one hypothesis is that elevated Gal1P is a driver of pathology. Here we show that Gal1P levels were elevated above wildtype (WT) in Galt mutant mice, while mice doubly mutant for Galt and the gene encoding galactokinase 1 (Galk1) had normal Gal1P levels. This indicates that GALK1 is necessary for the elevated Gal1P in CG. Another hypothesis to explain the pathology is that an inability to metabolize galactose leads to diminished or disrupted galactosylation of proteins or lipids. Our studies reveal that levels of a subset of cerebrosides—galactosylceramide 24:1, sulfatide 24:1, and glucosylceramide 24:1—were modestly decreased compared to WT. In contrast, gangliosides were unaltered. The observed reduction in these 24:1 cerebrosides may be relevant to the clinical pathology of CG, since the cerebroside galactosylceramide is an important structural component of myelin, the 24:1 species is the most abundant in myelin, and irregularities in white matter, of which myelin is a constituent, have been observed in patients with CG. Therefore, impaired cerebroside production may be a contributing factor to the brain damage that is a common clinical feature of the human disease.
Free‐breathing, fat‐corrected T1 mapping of the liver with stack‐of‐stars MRI, and joint estimation of T1, PDFF, R2*, and B1+
Authors: Muslu Yavuz , Tamada Daiki , Roberts Nathan T. , Cashen Ty A. , Mandava Sagar , Kecskemeti Steven R. , Hernando Diego , Reeder Scott B.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Quantitative T1 mapping has the potential to replace biopsy for noninvasive diagnosis and quantitative staging of chronic liver disease. Conventional T1 mapping methods are confounded by fat and inhomogeneities, resulting in unreliable T1 estimations. Furthermore, these methods trade off spatial resolution and volumetric coverage for shorter acquisitions with only a few images obtained within a breath‐hold. This work proposes a novel, volumetric (3D), free‐breathing T1 mapping method to account for multiple confounding factors in a single acquisition.

Theory and Methods

Free‐breathing, confounder‐corrected T1 mapping was achieved through the combination of non‐Cartesian imaging, magnetization preparation, chemical shift encoding, and a variable flip angle acquisition. A subspace‐constrained, locally low‐rank image reconstruction algorithm was employed for image reconstruction. The accuracy of the proposed method was evaluated through numerical simulations and phantom experiments with a T1/proton density fat fraction phantom at 3.0 T. Further, the feasibility of the proposed method was investigated through contrast‐enhanced imaging in healthy volunteers, also at 3.0 T.

Results

The method showed excellent agreement with reference measurements in phantoms across a wide range of T1 values (200 to 1000 ms, slope = 0.998 (95% confidence interval (CI) [0.963 to 1.035]), intercept = 27.1 ms (95% CI [0.4 54.6]), r2 = 0.996), and a high level of repeatability. In vivo imaging studies demonstrated moderate agreement (slope = 1.099 (95% CI [1.067 to 1.132]), intercept = −96.3 ms (95% CI [−82.1 to −110.5]), r2 = 0.981) compared to saturation recovery‐based T1 maps.

Conclusion

The proposed method produces whole‐liver, confounder‐corrected T1 maps through simultaneous estimation of T1, proton density fat fraction, and in a single, free‐breathing acquisition and has excellent agreement with reference measurements in phantoms.
Longitudinal associations between capacity to be alone, life satisfaction, self‐compassion, anxiety, and depression among Chinese college students
Authors: Tang Qihui , Zou Xinyuan , Wang Shujian , Zhang Liang , Liu Xiangping , Shi Congying , Tao Yanqiang , Li Yuting
Published: June 2024

Although the world has entered the post‐pandemic period, the mental health and life satisfaction of college students still need to be addressed. However, previous literature has primarily focused on negative variables and has paid little attention to positive variables, such as self‐compassion and the capacity to be alone. Therefore, this longitudinal study aims to investigate the relationships between the capacity to be alone, self‐compassion, life satisfaction, depression, and anxiety among college students. This study analyzed data from 1460 Chinese college students who completed an online survey at two time‐points one year apart. We employed cross‐lagged analysis and constructed longitudinal mediation models to explore the relationships between five variables (i.e., capacity to be alone, self‐compassion, life satisfaction, depression, and anxiety). Our findings indicate that depression and life satisfaction could negatively predict each other over time. Self‐compassion in wave 1 could negatively predict depression and anxiety in wave 2. Higher life satisfaction in wave 1 was associated with a lower capacity to be alone in wave 2. We also found reciprocal positive predictive relationships between depression and anxiety, and life satisfaction and self‐compassion. Life satisfaction mediated the relationship between self‐compassion and psychopathological variables (i.e., depression and anxiety). Additionally, self‐compassion mediated the association between life satisfaction and psychopathological variables and the association between capacity to be alone and psychopathological variables. Our study highlights the significance of early identification and intervention in depression and anxiety. We also discovered the possible self‐soothing function of self‐compassion as well as the importance of fostering positive personal characteristics.
DFT insight on stability, optoelectronic, and thermoelectric features of Na3XO (X = Cu, Ag) anti‐perovskites: Promising materials for sustainable energy applications
Authors: Al‐Anazy Murefah Mana , Ayyaz Ahmad , Murtaza G. , Alshihri Abdulaziz A. , Usman Ahmad
Published: June 2024

The structural stability, elastic, optoelectronic, and thermoelectric characteristics of anti‐perovskites Na3XO (X = Cu, Ag) have been studied using density functional theory (DFT). The computed formation energy suggests these materials' potential synthesis and thermal stability. The structural and elastic properties of Na3CuO and Na3AgO anti‐perovskite compounds were analyzed using the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (GGA‐PBE) generalized gradient potential approximation. The electronic and thermoelectric properties are calculated using the TB‐mBJ approximation. The materials are identified as direct narrow band gap semiconductors with band gaps of 0.65 and 0.43 eV. The analysis of two‐dimensional charge density contours indicates that Na3CuO and Na3AgO have a mixed bonding character, as validated by the investigation of electron charge density. We analyzed the optical properties of Na3CuO and Na3AgO, including dielectric function, refractive index, absorbance, optical reflectivity, and energy loss, using photon energy up to 6 eV. The investigated thermoelectric characteristics demonstrate figure of merit (ZT) values of 0.58 and 0.56 at room temperature. Consequently, the analyzed anti‐perovskites might address waste heat management requirements and sustainable energy solutions.
Propensity score weighted multi‐source exchangeability models for incorporating external control data in randomized clinical trials
Authors: Wei Wei , Zhang Yunxuan , Roychoudhury Satrajit ,   the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: June 2024

Among clinical trialists, there has been a growing interest in using external data to improve decision‐making and accelerate drug development in randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Here we propose a novel approach that combines the propensity score weighting (PW) and the multi‐source exchangeability modelling (MEM) approaches to augment the control arm of a RCT in the rare disease setting. First, propensity score weighting is used to construct weighted external controls that have similar observed pre‐treatment characteristics as the current trial population. Next, the MEM approach evaluates the similarity in outcome distributions between the weighted external controls and the concurrent control arm. The amount of external data we borrow is determined by the similarities in pretreatment characteristics and outcome distributions. The proposed approach can be applied to binary, continuous and count data. We evaluate the performance of the proposed PW‐MEM method and several competing approaches based on simulation and re‐sampling studies. Our results show that the PW‐MEM approach improves the precision of treatment effect estimates while reducing the biases associated with borrowing data from external sources.
Can farmer organization membership improve household food security and nutrition? Evidence from Northern Ghana
Authors: Addai Kwabena Nyarko , Ng'ombe John N. , Temoso Omphile
Published: June 2024

We examine the impact of farmer organization (FO) membership on food and nutrition security among rural rice farmers, using cross‐sectional data from a household survey from Ghana. We employ an endogenous switching regression (ESR) model to account for selection bias from observed and unobserved factors. Our findings show that participation in FOs significantly increases household dietary diversity by 10.56% and reduces food insecurity by 9.7%. The residualized quantile regression model results are consistent with the ESR model across both outcome variables. Policymakers should consider promoting FO membership as a strategy to enhance food and nutrition security among smallholders in developing countries.
Outcomes of penetrating carotid artery injuries: A South African multicentre study
Authors: Madsen Andre Steiner , Kruger Deirdre , Clarke Damian Luiz , Navsaria Pradeep , Scriba Matthias , Bekker Wanda , Moeng Maeyane Steve
Published: June 2024

Background

This multicenter study examines the contemporary management of penetrating carotid artery injury (PCAI) to identify trends in management, outcomes, and to determine prognostic factors for stroke and death.

Methods

Data from three large urban trauma centers in South Africa were retrospectively reviewed for patients who presented with PCAI from 2012 to 2020.

Results

Of 149 identified patients, 137 actively managed patients were included. Twenty‐four patients (17.9%) presented in coma and 12 (9.0%) with localizing signs (LS). CT angiography was performed on admission for 120 (87.6%) patients. Thirty patients (21.9%) underwent nonoperative management, 87 (63.5%) open surgery, and 20 (14.6%) endovascular stenting. Eighteen patients (13.1%) died, and 15 (12.6%) surviving patients had strokes. Ligation was significantly related to death and reperfusion to survival. A mechanism of gunshot wound, occlusive injuries, a threatened airway, a systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg, hard signs of vascular injury, a low GCS, coma, a CT brain demonstrating infarct, a high injury severity score and shock index, a low pH or HCO3, and an elevated lactate were significant independent prognostic factors for death. Ligation was unsurvivable in all patients with severe neurological deficits, whereas reperfusion procedures resulted in survival in 63% (12/19) patients with coma and 78% (7/9) with LS although with high stroke rates (coma: 25.0%, LS: 85.7%).

Conclusions

Outcomes in PCAI, including patients with severe neurological deficit and stroke, are better when reperfused. Reperfusion holds the best promise of survival and ligation should be reserved for technically inaccessible bleeding injuries.
The four misses of agricultural water husbandry in the Maghreb
Authors: Tahiri Adel Zeggaf
Published: June 2024

Recurrent droughts plaguing the Maghreb geography have impacted dramatically on the yet scarce renewable water resources. This situation intensified tensions between water users, namely urban, industrial and agricultural sectors. At this point, agricultural water management in large‐scale irrigated schemes is under scrutiny since more than two‐thirds of the Maghreb mobilized water resources are used for agricultural purposes. However, this sector's performance is undermined by mismanagement, misuse, mispricing and misgovernance of agricultural water. From low irrigation water transport efficiencies, low water use efficiency at field level and low valuation of irrigation water by farmers, to nonreasoned pricing policies and lack of good governance, agricultural water husbandry is suffering a number of setbacks. This situation endangers the sustainable development of large‐scale irrigation schemes and could deprive Maghreb countries of the contribution of irrigated agriculture to countries' GDP and food security. These constraints were thoroughly analyzed, and a set of remedies was discussed that included restoration of water transport canals and water distribution networks, improvement of cropping systems, crop water use efficiency, extension services, reasoned subsidies and irrigation water pricing. Only by redirecting water husbandry in the large‐scale irrigation schemes, Maghreb countries can achieve sustainable development.
Social Network Analysis: A Primer, a Guide and a Tutorial in R
Authors: Saqr Mohammed , López-Pernas Sonsoles , Conde-González Miguel Ángel , Hernández-García Ángel
Published: June 2024

This chapter introduces the concept and methods of social network analysis (SNA) with a detailed guide to analysis with real world data using the R programming language. The chapter first introduces the basic concepts and types of networks. Then the chapter goes through a detailed step by step analysis of networks, computation of graph level measures as well as centralities with a concise interpretation in a collaborative environment. The chapter concludes with a discussion of network analysis, next steps as well as a list of further readings.
Temporal Network Analysis: Introduction, Methods and Analysis with R
Authors: Saqr Mohammed
Published: June 2024

Learning involves relations, interactions and connections between learners, teachers and the world at large. Such interactions are essentially temporal and unfold in time. Yet, researchers have rarely combined the two aspects (the temporal and relational aspects) in an analytics framework. Temporal networks allow modeling of the temporal learning processes i.e., the emergence and flow of activities, communities, and social processes through fine-grained dynamic analysis. This can provide insights into phenomena like knowledge co-construction, information flow, and relationship building. This chapter introduces the basic concepts of temporal networks, their types and techniques. A detailed guide of temporal network analysis is introduced in this chapter, that starts with building the network, visualization, mathematical analysis on the node and graph level. The analysis is performed with a real-world dataset. The discussion chapter offers some extra resources for interested users who want to expand their knowledge of the technique.
A Broad Collection of Datasets for Educational Research Training and Application
Authors: López-Pernas Sonsoles , Saqr Mohammed , Conde Javier , Del-Río-Carazo Laura
Published: June 2024

In this chapter, we present the main types of data that are used in learning analytics research. Learning analytics has grown to encompass the digital trails left by online learning technologies—clicks, events, and interactions—, sensor data and self-reports among others. We present a collection of curated real-life open datasets that represent the most common types of educational data. The datasets have been collected from diverse sources such as learning management systems, online forums, and surveys. These datasets are used throughout the book to illustrate methods of analysis such as sequence analysis, social network analysis, Markov models, predictive analytics and structure equation modeling, to mention a few. Each data set in the chapter is presented with its context, main properties, links to the original source, as well as a brief exploratory data analysis.
Why Educational Research Needs a Complex System Revolution that Embraces Individual Differences, Heterogeneity, and Uncertainty
Authors: Saqr Mohammed , Schreuder Marieke J. , López-Pernas Sonsoles
Published: June 2024

Whereas the field of learning analytics has matured, several methodological and theoretical issues remain unresolved. In this chapter, we discuss the potentials of complex systems as an overarching paradigm for understanding the learning process, learners and the learning environments and how they influence learning. We show how using complex system methodologies opens doors for new possibilities that may contribute new knowledge and solve some of the unresolved problems in learning analytics. Furthermore, we unpack the importance of individual differences in advancing the field bringing a much-needed theoretical perspective that could help offer answers to some of our pressing issues.
Influence of donor age and donor-recipient age difference on intimal hyperplasia in pediatric patients with young and adult donors vs. adult patients after heart transplantation
Authors: Ulrich Sarah , Arnold Leonie , Michel Sebastian , Tengler Anja , Rosenthal Laura , Hausleiter Jörg , Mueller Christoph S. , Schnabel Brigitte , Stark Konstantin , Rizas Konstantinos , Grabmaier Ulrich , Mehilli Julinda , Jakob Andre , Fischer Marcus , Birnbaum Julia , Hagl Christian , Massberg Steffen , Haas Nikolaus , Pozza Robert Dalla , Orban Madeleine
Published: June 2024

Aim

Optimal selection and allocation of donor hearts is a relevant aspect in transplantation medicine. Donor age and cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) affect post-transplant mortality. To what extent donor age impacts intimal hyperplasia (CAVIH) in pediatric and adult patients after heart transplantation (HTx) is understudied.

Methods

In a cohort of 98 HTx patients, 58 pediatric (24.1% with adult donors) and 40 adult patients, we assessed the effect of donor age and donor-recipient age difference (D-R) on the continuous parameter of maximal intima thickness (mIT) in optical coherence tomography. We evaluated their predictive value regarding higher mIT and the prevalence of CAVIH, defined as mIT > 0.3 mm, and compared it to established CAV risk factors.

Results

In the overall population, donor age correlated with mIT (p < 0.001), while in the pediatric subpopulation, both donor age and D-R correlated with mIT (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). In the overall population, donor age was a main predictor of higher mIT and CAVIH (p = 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively) in addition to post-transplant interval, arterial hypertension, and dyslipidemia. In the pediatric patients, dyslipidemia remained a main predictor of both higher mIT and CAVIH (p = 0.004 and p = 0.040, respectively), while donor age and D-R were not.

Conclusion

While there was an effect of the non-modifiable parameter of donor age regarding maximal intimal thickness, a stronger association was seen between the modifiable risk factor dyslipidemia and higher maximal intimal thickness and CAVIH in both the overall population and the pediatric subpopulation.
Optimal policing with (and without) criminal search
Authors: Gao Carol , Vásquez Jorge
Published: June 2024

We develop a search-theoretic model, in which a police agency allocates scarce resources across neighborhoods—heterogeneous in “vigilance” and valuables—to minimize crime, while potential criminals decide whether, and if so, when and where to commit a crime. When criminals sequentially search for the best target, the optimal police allocation depends on the difference in vigilance levels across neighborhoods, prioritizing neighborhoods with low vigilance. However, in the absence of criminal search, the optimal allocation depends on the degree of rent inequality among neighborhoods, with a priority placed on neighborhoods with higher rents. We also identify conditions under which policing all neighborhoods equally is optimal. Our findings underscore that an optimal policing design must not only consider neighborhood characteristics but also other factors that may impact criminals’ decision-making, including whether they engage in active search.
Changes in physicochemical parameters of the alpine/mountain stream influenced by summer flash flood in Tatra Mountains (Western Carpathians)
Authors: Solár Jaroslav , Pitoňáková Tatiana , Pogányová Andrea
Published: June 2024

Abstractta

Changes to the physicochemical parameters of water in alpine/mountain streams can provide evidence of ongoing natural and anthropogenic processes in their catchment. In this study, we analysed a mountain stream (Javorinka) on the north-eastern side of the Tatra Mountains (Western Carpathians), which is minimally influenced by human activity. The stream was monitored weekly for 5 years (2017–2021) and evaluated for its seasonal variations in physicochemical parameters. These seasonal variations were influenced by the large summer flash flood in July 2018. We hypothesise that floods are essential for the oligotrophic profile of alpine/mountain streams. To support this idea, our main objective was to compare the seasonal trends of the main physicochemical parameters in the stream before and after floods or periods of high flow. We found evidence to support our hypothesis. For example, there was a significant decrease in the chemical consumption of oxygen and ammonia, and, conversely, an increase in the ratio of saturated oxygen and nitrate concentrations. Stream bed erosion also resulted in increased phosphates (over the next 2 years) and high enrichment of the water by dissolved solids in the spring. Interestingly outside of the main objectives, we observed a significant decrease in sulphates, especially in the summer and autumn of 2020 and 2021, which may be related to suppressed emissions due to the restriction of the COVID-19 lockdown. The observed trends and their changes therefore support the idea that alpine/mountain streams are excellent indicators of ongoing environmental processes, and that occasional summer flash floods support the oligotrophic profile of the stream system.
Positive Childhood Experiences and Spiritual Well-Being: Psychological Flexibility and Meaning-Based Coping as Mediators in Turkish Sample
Authors: Maral Sibel , Bilmez Huzeyfe , Satici Seydi Ahmet
Published: June 2024

Spiritual well-being enhances life quality, acts as a stress reliever, and mitigates unfavorable feelings. It helps individuals find meaning and purpose, increasing inner peace and happiness while improving stress management and overall well-being. This study examined whether positive childhood experiences are linked to spiritual well-being and if psychological flexibility and meaning-based coping serve as mediators. The sample included 1061 participants (Mage = 39.38; SD = 8.82) from various Turkish cities. Structural equation modeling assessed relationships between spiritual well-being, positive childhood experiences, psychological flexibility, and meaning-based coping. Results showed that positive childhood experiences directly enhance spiritual well-being, mediated by psychological flexibility and meaning-based coping. This underscores the significance of fostering positive childhood experiences to promote spiritual well-being and coping mechanisms.
Strategy investments in zero-sum games
Authors: Garcia Raul , Hosseinian Seyedmohammadhossein , Pai Mallesh , Schaefer Andrew J.
Published: June 2024

We propose an extension of two-player zero-sum games, where one player may select available actions for themselves and the opponent, subject to a budget constraint. We present a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) formulation for the problem, provide analytical results regarding its solution, and discuss applications in the security and advertising domains. Our computational experiments demonstrate that heuristic approaches, on average, yield suboptimal solutions with at least a 20% relative gap with those obtained by the MILP formulation.
Flat rent price prediction in Berlin with web scraping
Authors: Meyberg Camilo , Rendtel Ulrich , Leerhoff Holger
Published: June 2024

Internet data pose a challenge to the traditional system of official statistics, which relies on more conventional sources such as surveys and registers, not readily adaptable to rapid changes. Expanding this system to include internet data is currently at an experimental stage, exploring these sources’ potentials and benefits. This paper describes a project conducted within the ESSnet Trusted Smart Statistics – Web Intelligence Network framework. It investigates the use of online apartment listings to analyze the rental market. We used web scraping to extract information from two online real estate portals for flats in the city of Berlin. Using this data, we developed a model to predict rental prices per square meter based on the accommodation’s features and location within the city. We detected offers which appear in both portals by means of statistical matching and removed duplicate offers. Missing values were treated by multiple imputation. The prediction model is a semi-parametric approach where the postal districts are used to describe the location effect. Comparisons with microcensus results and the local rent index reveal significant differences between the market of online flat offers and the stock of existing flat contracts. Interested readers will find the commented programming code in the internet supplement.
Data synchronization techniques and their impact on the prediction performance of automated recalibrated soft sensors in bioprocesses
Authors: Siegl Manuel , Geier Dominik , Andreeßen Björn , Max Sebastian , Mose Esther , Zavrel Michael , Becker Thomas
Published: June 2024

Innovative soft sensor concepts can recalibrate automatically when the prediction performance decreases due to variations in raw materials, biological variability, and changes in process strategies. For automatic recalibration, data sets are selected from a data pool based on distance-based similarity criteria and then used for calibration. Nevertheless, the most appropriate data sets often are not reliably selected due to variances in the location of landmarks and process length of the bioprocesses. This can be overcome by synchronization methods that align the historical data sets with the current process and increase the accuracy of automatic selection and recalibration. This study investigated two different synchronization methods (dynamic time warping and curve registration) as preprocessing for the automatic selection of data sets using a distance-based similarity criterion for soft sensor recalibration. The prediction performance of the two soft sensors without synchronization was compared to the variants with synchronization and evaluated by comparing the normalized root mean squared errors. Curve registration improved the prediction performance on average by 24% (Pichia pastoris) and 9% (Bacillus subtilis). Using dynamic time warping, no substantial improvement in prediction performance could be achieved. A major factor behind this was the loss of information due to singularities caused by the changing process characteristics. The evaluation was performed on two target variables of real bioprocesses: biomass concentration prediction in P. pastoris and product concentration prediction in B. subtilis.
Reducing Social Media Attention Inequality in Disasters: The Role of Official Media During Rainstorm Disasters in China
Authors: Zheng Longfei , Chen Lei , Long Fenjie , Liu Jianing , Li Lei
Published: June 2024

Unequal social media attention can lead to potentially uneven distribution of disaster-relief funds, resulting in long-term inequality among regions after disasters. This study aimed to measure inequalities in social media attention to regions during disasters and explore the role of official media in reducing such inequality. This is performed by employing social media, official media, and official aggregated statistics regarding China’s rainstorm disasters. Through a set of panel-data regressions and robustness tests, three main conclusions were drawn: (1) There were inequalities among regions regarding social media attention they received during rainstorm disasters. For disasters of the same magnitude, regions with low economic outcome per capita received less attention on social media. (2) Official media can reduce inequality in social media attention during disasters. Official media statements can encourage netizens to pay attention to disaster-stricken areas, and especially the overlooked underdeveloped areas. (3) Of all the measures taken by official media, timely, accurate, and open disclosure of disaster occurrences proved to be the most potent means of leveling the playing field in terms of social media attention; contrarily, promotional or booster-type messages proved futile in this regard. These findings revealed the vulnerabilities within social media landscapes that affect disaster relief response, shedding light on the role of official guidance in mitigating inequalities in social media attention during such crises. Our study advises social media stakeholders and policymakers on formulating more equitable crisis communication strategies to bridge the gap in social media attention and foster a more balanced and just relief process.