bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thrombosis in severely ill patients admitted in ICU due to COVID-19 pneumonia. Data from a Greek Hospital
Authors: Pouriki Sofia , Agapitou Theoni , Lioliousis Georgios , Tsikrikas Spiridon , Manthou Panagiota
Published: April 2024

Background: SARS-CoV-2 can lead to a prothrombotic state and the activation of the body's coagulation mechanism, resulting in thrombotic episodes, especially in critically ill patients. The rates of thromboembolic disease in patients with COVID-19 vary and range from 10-40%, while in Greece the existing epidemiological data on the incidence of thromboembolic disease in the ICU are limited.
Aim This study aimed to determine the proportion of hospitalized COVID-19 patients who developed thromboembolic disease (pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, or arterial embolism). It was also crucial to investigate at the relationship between the incidence of VTE (venothrombosis-VTE) and Covid infection in ICU patients. After 28 days from ICU admission, the survival rate of patients with Covid infection admitted to ICUs within the specified time frame was also noted.
Method and Material: The study included 85 patients with Covid-19 infection who were hospitalized in two ICU departments in a large adult hospital in Athens between June and September 2021. The occurrence of VTE was diagnosed by computed tomography angiography, regarding the pulmonary embolism and with triplex veins of the lower extremities. Various epidemiological factors, laboratory findings and characteristics of the patients' hospitalization in the Intensive Care Unit were recorded.
Results: The incidence of VTE in patients with Covid-19 infection admitted to the Intensive Care Unit was 14% (12/85 patients). Patients who experienced VTE during their hospitalization in the Intensive Care Unit had more days on mechanical ventilation support, more days on vasoconstrictor drugs, and had been transfused more times with blood plasma. In the multivariate analysis that followed, it was found that total days of mechanical ventilation (p=0.02), total days of vasoconstrictor administration (p=0.03) and plasma transfusion (p=0.03) were still statistically significant.
Conclusion: In patients with Covid-19 infection and hospitalization in the Intensive Care Unit, longer stay on mechanical respiratory support, more days of vasoconstrictor drug administration and plasma administration are independent predisposing factors for the occurrence of VTE.
Motivation, inclusivity, and realism should drive data science education
Authors: Savonen Candace , Wright Carrie , Hoffman Ava , Humphries Elizabeth , Cox Katherine , Tan Frederick , Leek Jeffrey
Published: April 2024

Data science education provides tremendous opportunities but remains inaccessible to many communities. Increasing the accessibility of data science to these communities not only benefits the individuals entering data science, but also increases the field's innovation and potential impact as a whole. Education is the most scalable solution to meet these needs, but many data science educators lack formal training in education. Our group has led education efforts for a variety of audiences: from professional scientists to high school students to lay audiences. These experiences have helped form our teaching philosophy which we have summarized into three main ideals: 1) motivation, 2) inclusivity, and 3) realism. 20 we also aim to iteratively update our teaching approaches and curriculum as we find ways to better reach these ideals. In this manuscript we discuss these ideals as well practical ideas for how to implement these philosophies in the classroom.
METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES OF STAFFING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INCLUSIVE HIGHER EDUCATION IN UNIVERSITIES
Authors: Mitrofanova Elena , Guterman L
Published: April 2024

The article provides a methodological justification for the personnel support system for the implementation of inclusive higher education at a university. The purpose and directions of the personnel support system for the implementation of inclusive higher education at the university have been determined. The structure of the personnel support system for the implementation of inclusive higher education in higher education is proposed, consisting of five elements: 1) the system implementation team, regulatory and local documents; 2) the resource support of the system; 3) the necessary measures for the implementation of the system, partners and their contribution to the successful implementation of measures; 4) the results of the implementation of the system; 5) tools and tools for evaluating the effectiveness of the system. The content of each element of the personnel support system for the implementation of inclusive higher education at the university is disclosed. It is proved that the implementation of the proposed system of personnel support for the implementation of inclusive higher education will allow the formation of a staff at the university, including managerial, scientific, pedagogical and support staff necessary for the comprehensive support of the educational process of students with disabilities and disabilities.
INTEGRATED HR-DATA SYSTEMS (HRIS) IN HRM: EVOLUTION OF DEVELOPMENT OF HRIS, CORE CONCEPTS, COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES, AND CURRENT ISSUES OF MODERN DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Chvarkov V. , Gromova N.
Published: April 2024

The article discusses the evolutionary stages of functional development of IT-technologies in the field of HR and presents in detail modern directions of analytical tools application in HRM. According to the results of the study, the research outlines the key advantages of HR analytics in operational and strategic directions of HR activities. The article also provides a comparative analysis of the basic conceptual apparatus of HR information systems, viz, HRIS and E-HRM. This study considers the main vectors and problems of development of integrated HR-data systems as a strategic consulting partner for business. Finally, the article identifies possible ways to solve the problems of effective application of HRIS.
EMPLOYER BRAND ECOSYSTEM: REVIEw OF DIGITAL SOLUTIONS OF POTENTIAL ACTORS TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT EMPLOYER BRAND ECOSYSTEM: REVIEw OF DIGITAL SOLUTIONS OF POTENTIAL ACTORS TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
Authors: Nagibina N. , Bragina D.
Published: April 2024

The challenges of recent years — technological progress, the COVID-19 pandemic, SVO and others — have adjusted the values and behavior of people, social relations, business models of companies. The limited number of specialists in the labor market gives them priority in choosing an employer. More than ever, HR managers are expected to provide innovative solutions to improve the efficiency of HR management. The formation and development of the employer brand is the foundation for improving the indicators of attracting, retaining and engaging employees. The transfer of digital values from everyday life to production has determined the need to provide candidates and employees with a quick and convenient service for interacting with the employer company. The inability to conduct their own development of digital solutions across the entire spectrum of HR business processes directs managers to search for relevant intersubject interactions. Cooperation allows us to unite in an ecosystem and solve our own tasks to ensure the sustainable development of the company: for the employer to increase the efficiency of personnel management by working with the employer brand, for developers to test and update digital solutions in the field of personnel management.

The purpose of the study is to review the digital solutions of potential actors of the employer brand ecosystem to improve the efficiency of personnel management.

The results of the study are presented by the author’s definition of the employer brand ecosystem; the characteristics of the key elements visualized by the employer brand ecosystem model; an overview of the digital solutions of potential actors, developers and suppliers, throughout the process of employer brand management.

Throughout all stages of the AIDA model in employer brand management: “I know the company, I observe its activities, I want to work in it, I apply for a vacancy and accept an offer”, it is possible to find an appropriate and effective digital solution by collaborating with actors.
Metabolic accompaniments of variants of uric acid exchange
Authors: Bombushkar Igor
Published: April 2024

Background. During the implementation of the project "Physiological activity of uric acid", our group discovered four variants of the combination of levels of uricemia and uricosuria in patients with chronic pyelonephritis in the remission phase, which are accompanied by characteristic constellations of parameters of the autonomic nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, the levels of which correlate with uricemia and/or uricosuria. The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship between parameters of exchange of uric acid and other metabolites. Materials and methods. Under an observations were 34 males (23-70 years) and 10 females (33-76 years) with chronic pyelonephritis in the phase of remission. The object of the study was serum and urine levels of uric acid as well as calcium, magnesium, phosphates, chloride, sodium, potassium, creatinine, urea and glucose. Results. Among all registered parameters, 12 were identified as characteristic of the four variants of uric acid metabolism. The discriminant model includes, in addition to uricosuria and uricemia by definition, blood levels of creatinine, urea, glucose, phosphates, magnesium, and potassium, creatinineuria as well as body mass index, electrokinetic index and sex index. According to the results of the canonical correlation analysis, it was established that balneotherapy-induced concomitant changes in uricosuria and uricemia positively determine changes in diuresis and excretion of urea, magnesium, sodium, phosphates, calcium, potassium and chloride, as well as calciumemia and magnesiumemia. Conclusion. The uric acid molecule, as a structural analog of methylxanthines and adenosine, exerts the metabolic effects, probably, as the consequences of its neuro-endocrine effects.
»Wir kommen nicht auf dem hohen Ross daher, wir gehen zu Fuß in den Wissenstransfer« – Vorstellungen und Praktiken wechselseitigen Wissenstransfers
Authors: Backhaus-Maul Holger , Nuske Jessica
Published: April 2024

Der Begriff des Transfers, beziehungsweise des forschungsbasierten Wissenstransfers, weckt viele Assoziationen – damit einher geht auch eine Anzahl an Praktiken, Erfahrungen und Herausforderungen. Everhard Holtmann und Isabel Müller sprechen mit den Herausgeber:innen Holger Backhaus-Maul und Jessica Nuske über ihre Vorstellungen und Herangehensweisen des Wissenstransfers am Zentrum für Sozialforschung Halle (ZSH) und geben Einblicke in die dort praktizierte Forschungsarbeit. Dabei wird der Fokus insbesondere auf die Wechselseitigkeit des Transfers von Wissen gelegt und diskutiert, wie mit inhärenten Hierarchien, externen Kontextfaktoren und projektspezifischen Besonderheiten umgegangen werden kann. Darauf aufbauend zeigen Everhard Holtmann und Isabel Müller Implikationen für forschungsbasierte Transferpraktiken auf und reflektieren über Einbettung und Relevanz des forschungsbasierten Wissenstransfers in der deutschen Sozialforschung.
Antinomiebewusstsein durch Wissenstransfer? – Argumentationstheoretische Analysen zum Verhältnis von Politikdidaktik und Schulpraxis
Authors: Jahr David , Petrik Andreas
Published: April 2024

Wissenstransfer ist ein genuines, sogar doppeltes Aufgabenfeld jeder Fachdidaktik: Zum einen geht es ihr um den Transfer zwischen Schüler:innenvorstellungen und fachlichem Lerngegenstand, zum anderen um den Transfer zwischen Lehrer:innenvorstellungen und fachdidaktischem Wissen. Dabei können sich Vorstellungen von Schüler:innen und Lehrer:innen, aber auch diejenigen der Fachdidaktik erweitern. Der fachdidaktische Transferprozess wird bisher selten empirisch untersucht. Der Beitrag stellt einen Workshop vor, in dem sich Fachdidaktiker:innen und Lehrer:innen über die Dorfgründungssimulation austauschen. Mittels Argumentationsanalysen von Videotranskripten wird herausgearbeitet, welche unterrichtsmethodischen Varianten die Lehrer:innen für zielführend halten und welche Rolle ihre Vorstellung eines Arbeitsbündnisses sowie ihr Schüler:innenbild dabei spielt. Die Befunde werden mit dem Antinomie-Konzept theoretisiert und mit Bezug zum gesellschaftlichen Zusammenhalt diskutiert. Dabei spielt die Autonomieantinomie (Lenkung versus Freiheit) eine zentrale Rolle: Gesellschaftlicher Zusammenhalt als didaktisches Programm der Dorfgründung benötigt lerngruppenspezifisch angepasste Rahmungen, um Schüler:innen eine konstruktive Austragung politischer Konflikte zu ermöglichen.
Reflexivität – Schlüsselbegriff in der transdisziplinären Forschung
Authors: Nuske Jessica
Published: April 2024

Dieser Beitrag geht der Frage nach, wie Reflexivität im transdisziplinären Forschungsprozess verankert werden sollte, welche Praktiken sie beinhaltet und welche Auswirkungen Reflexionsprozesse auf den transdisziplinären Forschungsprozess haben können. Denn wenngleich Reflexivität ein viel diskutierter Aspekt wissenschaftlicher Forschung ist, braucht es für die transdisziplinäre Wissensproduktion eine methodologische Neuausrichtung, um den Spezifika des Forschungsmodus zu entsprechen. Dieser zeichnet sich insbesondere durch den engen Einbezug von Praxispartner:innen in den Forschungsprozess sowie durch die Bearbeitung gesellschaftlicher Problemlagen – wie die des gesellschaftlichen Zusammenhalts – aus. Um der Frage nach einer transdisziplinären Reflexivität nachzugehen, wurde eine Metasynthese qualitativer transdisziplinärer Fallstudien durchgeführt. Auf dieser Grundlage wurden die Praktiken der Reflexivität in diesen Forschungsprojekten zusammengetragen, ausgewertet und systematisiert. Die so gewonnenen Erkenntnisse versprechen einen ersten Beitrag zur Neupositionierung der methodischen Reflexionspraxis in der transdisziplinären Forschung.
Rhythm & tone
Authors: Goswami Usha
Published: April 2024

A study recently concluded babies first learn language via rhythm and tone instead of phonetic information. Professor Usha Goswami shares more about the BabyRhythm project.
Risk factors influencing periprosthetic fracture and mortality in elderly patients following hemiarthroplasty with a cemented collarless polished taper stem for an intracapsular hip fracture
Authors: Chen Bin , Clement Nick D. , Scott Chloe E. H.
Published: April 2024

Aims

The aims of this study were to evaluate the incidence of reoperation (all cause and specifically for periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF)) and mortality, and associated risk factors, following a hemiarthroplasty incorporating a cemented collarless polished taper slip stem (PTS) for management of an intracapsular hip fracture.

Methods

This retrospective study included hip fracture patients aged 50 years and older treated with Exeter (PTS) bipolar hemiarthroplasty between 2019 and 2022. Patient demographics, place of domicile, fracture type, delirium status, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, length of stay, and mortality were collected. Reoperation and mortality were recorded up to a median follow-up of 29.5 months (interquartile range 12 to 51.4). Cox regression was performed to evaluate independent risk factors associated with reoperation and mortality.

Results

The cohort consisted of 1,619 patients with a mean age of 82.2 years (50 to 104), of whom 1,100 (67.9%) were female. In total, 29 patients (1.8%) underwent a reoperation; 12 patients (0.7%) sustained a PFF during the observation period (United Classification System (UCS)-A n = 2; UCS-B n = 5; UCS-C n = 5), of whom ten underwent surgical management. Perioperative delirium was independently associated with the occurrence of PFF (hazard ratio (HR) 5.92; p = 0.013) and surgery for UCS-B PFF (HR 21.7; p = 0.022). Neither all-cause reoperation nor PFF-related surgery was independently associated with mortality (HR 0.66; p = 0.217 and HR 0.38; p = 0.170, respectively). Perioperative delirium, male sex, older age, higher ASA grade, and pre-fracture residential status were independently associated with increased mortality risk following hemiarthroplasty (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The cumulative incidence of PFF at four years was 1.1% in elderly patients following cemented PTS hemiarthroplasty for a hip fracture. Perioperative delirium was independently associated with a PFF. However, reoperation for PPF was not independently associated with patient mortality after adjusting for patient-specific factors.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(4):269–276.
SEMINÁRIO BRASILEIRO: Convergência ou Divergência de Renda e Desenvolvimento?
Authors: Benevides Ferreira Raiane , Ferrera de Lima Jandir
Published: April 2024

Este estudo analisa se houve convergência ou divergência de renda entre os municípios do semiárido brasileiro, entre os anos de 2005 e 2017.  E, para tanto, realizou-se uma análise descritiva das médias de variação, a fim de identificar se houve, ao longo do tempo, uma redução da dispersão entre os municípios, tanto em termos de crescimento como de desenvolvimento socioeconômico, utilizando como parâmetro o Produto Interno Bruto (PIB) per capita e o Índice Firjan de Desenvolvimento Municipal. Os resultados confirmaram a existência de um processo de convergência entre os municípios do semiárido brasileiro ao longo do tempo, tanto para o crescimento como para o desenvolvimento socioeconômico. Tal convergência foi claramente induzida pelo setor terciário da economia, que apresentou a maior média de convergência entre os anos analisados.
Media Viewing Habits of School Teachers and Administrators and Their Attitudes: A Case of Selected Schools in Nifas–Silk Lafto Sub-City of Addis Ababa
Authors: Erena Daniel , Gutema Hailu
Published: April 2024

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine satellite television viewing habits of high school teachers and administrators and their attitude towards various elements of culture imbibed from satellite television movies and its impact on Ethiopian culture. The study also determined the link between television-viewing habits, attitudes and gender. It was conducted on select private and government secondary schools found in Nifas Silk Lafto sub-city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A mixed-methods and case study approach was employed. The study used a mix of purposive, stratified random sampling technique. Instruments of data collection composed of questionnaire and interview. The findings indicated that Television, Mobile device, and Internet are most sought after by the teachers and administrators to satisfy their information/entertainment needs. Most of them were found to be heavy viewers of satellite television. Movies serve as the overall major shows for the school teachers and administrators. Differences in expressions of attitude of the high school teachers and administrators from the private and government schools were not statistically significant. Altogether, however, between the continuum of extremely negative and positive attitudes the subjects’ attitude is more inclined towards negativity. The study indicated that there is association between television-viewing habit and attitude. The analysis also indicated that there is some connection between gender and attitude. Findings of the present study thus have implication on media literacy training or promoting media awareness among the school communities.
Nature-Endorsing Discourse in Elena Poniatowska's Hasta no verte Jesús mío
Authors: Gates Stephanie
Published: April 2024

Abstract: When addressing nature and the natural world, various discourses arise, which are often fraught with political and ideological motivations. While some paint nature as a thing to overcome and correct, others emphasize the need for humanity to connect more closely with it. The latter underlies the testimony of the semifictional narrator of Elena Poniatowska's Hasta no verte Jesús mío (1969), Jesusa Palancares. Her epic journey through the tumultuous events of 20th-century Mexico contains significant comments on nature and her (dis)connectedness from it, depending on the political scene of the time and her geographic location. This discourse demonstrates what Kate Soper calls a "nature-endorsing" perspective. Jesusa's story represents a lifelong struggle to negate signifying notions of gender, as well as the hegemonic nationalist impulse to embrace Mexicanness, thereby critiquing the shortcomings of Mexican society's norms for women and, more specifically, those of the revolutionary government in a disillusioned post-Tlatelolco nation.
Referenceless, grating-based, single shot X-ray phase contrast imaging with optimized laser-driven K-α sources
Authors: Bouffetier V. , Pérez-Callejo G. , Stutman D. , Stoeckl C. , Begishev I. A. , Theobald W. , Filkins T. , Mileham C. , Ceurvorst L. , Klein S. R. , Goudal T. , Casner A. , Valdivia M. P.
Published: April 2024

With its ability to efficiently probe low-Z materials, X-ray phase imaging methods have recently raised high interest in multiple fields from biology and medical applications to high energy density (HED) physics. Initially developed with synchrotron light and X-ray tubes, we present a novel grating based Talbot X-ray deflectometer (TXD) diagnostic that was coupled with laser-generated K-α X-ray sources. The multi-terawatt laser (I > 1 × 1014 W cm-2) was used as a testbed for diagnostic development. It was found that X-ray source chromaticity plays an important role in TXD. Indeed, the broadband spectrum of laser-generated X-ray sources may strongly impact image quality and thus diagnostic performance. We qualified X-ray emission from different laser-produced sources and determined laser, target, and deflectometer parameters that optimize TXD performance. We present the first results of referenceless grating-based X-ray imaging at high-power laser facilities and discuss the implications of this new development in HED research.
Fiber Bragg gratings fabricated in fibers with different geometries by femtosecond laser written through the coating and their applications in strain sensing and fiber laser
Authors: Li Yingjie , Chen Tao , Si Jinhai , Sun Zenghui , Lv Ruidong , Zhang Daqi , Gao Bo , Hou Xun
Published: April 2024

Applications of the type-I fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) written through the coating (TTC) in strain sensing and tunable distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) fiber lasers were demonstrated. We reported the principle of selecting the distance between the fiber and the phase mask when writing type-I TTC FBGs. Type-I TTC FBGs written in commercially available acrylate-coated fibers with various geometries and their strain responses were demonstrated. Results showed that the strain sensitivity of FBGs increases as the core-diameter decreases, probably due to the waveguide effect. In addition, a continuously tunable DBR fiber laser based on TTC FBGs was achieved with a wavelength tuning range of 19.934 nm around 1080 nm, by applying a strain of 0-21265.8 µɛ to the laser resonant cavity. The wavelength tuning range was limited by the splice point between the gain fiber and the passive fiber for transmitting pump and signal lasers. When the pump power was 100 mW, the relative intensity noises were −97.334 dB/Hz at the relaxation oscillation peak of 880 kHz and −128 dB/Hz at frequencies greater than 3 MHz. The results open a potential scheme to design and implement continuously tunable fiber lasers and fiber laser sensors for strain sensing with a higher resolution.
Statistical mechanics and pressure of composite multimoded weakly nonlinear optical systems
Authors: Efremidis Nikolaos K. , Christodoulides Demetrios N.
Published: April 2024

Statistical mechanics can provide a versatile theoretical framework for
investigating the collective dynamics of weakly nonlinear-wave
settings that can be utterly complex to describe otherwise. In optics,
composite systems arise due to interactions between different
frequencies and polarizations. The purpose of this work is to develop
a thermodynamic theory that takes into account the synergistic action
of multiple components. We find that the type of the nonlinearity
involved can have important implications in the thermalization process
and, hence, can lead to different thermal equilibrium conditions.
Importantly, we derive closed-form expressions for the actual
optomechanical pressure that is exerted on the system. In particular,
the total optomechanical pressure is the sum of the partial pressures
due to each component. Our results can be applied to a variety of
weakly nonlinear optical settings such as multimode fibers, bulk
waveguides, photonic lattices, and coupled microresonators. We present
two specific examples, where two colors interact in a one-waveguide
array with either a cubic or quadratic nonlinearity.
Extending the coverage of user-diversified IM-DD PON by FDM: a mathematical model with experimental verification
Authors: Song Peiji , Liu Yuan , Hu Zhouyi , Chan Chun-kit , Che Di
Published: April 2024

Future passive optical networks (PONs) call for more flexibility to support diversified users with various rate demands and link qualities. Using traditional time-division multiplexing (TDM), the concept of a flexible rate PON was proposed to accommodate more users with link diversity by rate adaptation. In this Letter, we reveal the PON coverage can be further extended through frequency-division multiplexing (FDM) in the presence of multiuser diversity, namely, (i) there exist users with frequency-dependent link conditions and (ii) the link conditions exhibit disparity among users. We build a mathematical model and propose an optimization algorithm based on the binary tree search to optimize diversity gain. We experimentally verify its feasibility by studying the diversity gain concerning chromatic dispersion, optical path loss, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) variation in a 200G-class intensity-modulation direct-detection (IM-DD) system.
Chaperone Hsp70 helps Salmonella survive infection-relevant stress by reducing protein synthesis
Authors: Chan Carissa , Groisman Eduardo A.
Published: April 2024

In all domains of life, Hsp70 chaperones preserve protein homeostasis by promoting protein folding and degradation and preventing protein aggregation. We now report that the Hsp70 from the bacterial pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium—termed DnaK—independently reduces protein synthesis in vitro and in S. Typhimurium facing cytoplasmic Mg2+ starvation, a condition encountered during infection. This reduction reflects a 3-fold increase in ribosome association with DnaK and a 30-fold decrease in ribosome association with trigger factor, the chaperone normally associated with translating ribosomes. Surprisingly, this reduction does not involve J-domain cochaperones, unlike previously known functions of DnaK. Removing the 74 C-terminal amino acids of the 638-residue long DnaK impeded DnaK association with ribosomes and reduction of protein synthesis, rendering S. Typhimurium defective in protein homeostasis during cytoplasmic Mg2+ starvation. DnaK-dependent reduction in protein synthesis is critical for survival against Mg2+ starvation because inhibiting protein synthesis in a dnaK-independent manner overcame the 10,000-fold loss in viability resulting from DnaK truncation. Our results indicate that DnaK protects bacteria from infection-relevant stresses by coordinating protein synthesis with protein folding capacity.
Paradox of life after work: A systematic review and meta-analysis on retirement anxiety and life satisfaction
Authors: Ugwu Lawrence Ejike , Ajele Wojujutari Kenni , Idemudia Erhabor Sunday
Published: April 2024

Retirement is a pivotal life transition that often changes routines, identity, and objectives. With increasing life expectancies and evolving societal norms, examining the interplay between retirement anxiety and life satisfaction is vital. This study delves into this relationship, recognising the complexities of retirement. A systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines. Research from 2003 to 2023 was sourced from databases like CINAHL, PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO, ERIC, and Google Scholar, focusing on diverse methodologies and outcomes related to retirement registered in Prospero database (CRD42023427949). The quality assessment used an eight-criterion risk of bias scale, and analyses included qualitative and quantitative approaches, such as random-effects meta-analysis and moderator analyses. After reviewing 19 studies with varied geographical and demographic scopes, a mixed relationship between retirement and life satisfaction emerged: 32% of studies reported a positive relationship, 47% were negative, and 21% found no significant correlation. Meta-analysis indicated high heterogeneity and non-significant mean effect size, suggesting no consistent impact of retirement on life satisfaction. Moderator analyses highlighted the influence of measurement tools on outcomes. The findings reveal a complex interplay between retirement anxiety and life satisfaction, stressing the need for holistic retirement policies that encompass mental health, social integration, and adaptability, focusing on cultural sensitivity. Challenges include potential biases in data sources, methodological diversity, the scarcity of longitudinal studies, and difficulties in addressing recent societal shifts, like the COVID-19 pandemic. Variability in measurement tools and possible publication bias may have also influenced results. This study contributes to understanding retirement, emphasising the relationship between retirement anxiety and life satisfaction. It advocates for ongoing, detailed, culturally informed research to grasp retirement’s multifaceted aspects fully.
High CASC expression predicts poor prognosis of lung cancer: A systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Han Hao , Huang Huan , Chen An-ping , Tang Yang , Huang Xin , Chen Cheng
Published: April 2024

Background

The long non-coding RNA cancer susceptibility candidate (CASC) has abnormal expression in lung cancer tissues and may correlate with lung cancer prognosis. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the association between CASC expression and the cancer prognosis.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched until April 1, 2023, to obtain the relevant literature. Studies that met the predefined eligibility criteria were included, and their quality was independently assessed by 2 investigators according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) score. Detailed information was obtained, such as first author, year of publication, and number of patients. Hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was extracted and grouped to assess the relationship between CASC expression and cancer prognosis. The dichotomous data was merged and shown as the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% CI was extracted to assess the relationship between CASC expression and clinicopathological parameters.

Results

A total of 12 studies with 746 patients with lung cancer were included in the meta-analysis. The expression levels of lncRNA CASC2 and CASC7 were decreased, while those of CASC9, 11, 15, and 19 were induced in lung cancer tissues compared with paracancerous tissues. In the population with low CASC expression (CASC2 and CASC7), high CASC expression indicated a good lung cancer prognosis (HR = 0.469; 95% CI, 0.271–0.668). Conversely, in the population with high CASC expression (CASC9, 11, 15, and 19), high CASC expression predicted a poor lung cancer outcome (HR = 1.910; 95% CI, 1.628–2.192). High CASC expression also predicted worse disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 2.803; 95% CI, 1.804–6.319). Combined OR with 95% CI revealed an insignificant positive association between high CASC expression and advanced TNM stage (OR = 1.061; 95% CI, 0.775–1.454), LNM (OR = 0.962; 95% CI, 0.724–1.277), tumor size (OR = 0.942; 95% CI, 0.667–1.330), and histological grade (OR = 1.022; 95% CI, 0.689–1.517).

Conclusion

The CASC expression levels negatively correlate with lung cancer prognosis. Therefore, CASC expression may serve as a prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer.
Health state utility values ranges across varying stages and severity of type 2 diabetes-related complications: A systematic review
Authors: Tan Michelle Hwee Pheng , Ong Siew Chin , Tahir Nurul Ain Mohd , Ali Adliah Mhd , Mustafa Norlaila
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Health state utility values (HSUV) for Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complications are useful in economic evaluations to determine cost effectiveness of an intervention. However, there is a lack of reference ranges for different severity and stages of individual complications. This study aimed to provide an overview of HSUV decrement ranges for common T2DM complications focusing on different severity and stages of complications.

Method

A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE. (Jan 2000 to April 2022). Included studies for HSUV estimates were from outpatient setting, regardless of treatment types, complication stages, regions and HRQoL instruments. Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) outcomes was to be presented as HSUV decrement values, adjusted according to social demographics and comorbidities. Adjusted HSUV decrements were extracted and compiled according to individual complications. After which, subsequently grouped into mild or severe category for comparison.

Results

Searches identified 35 studies. The size of the study population ranged from 160 to 14,826. The HSUV decrement range was widest for cerebrovascular disease (stroke): -0.0060 to -0.0780 for mild stroke and -0.035 to -0.266 for severe stroke; retinopathy: mild (-0.005 to -0.0862), moderate (-0.0030 to -0.1845) and severe retinopathy (-0.023 to -0.2434); amputation: (-0.1050 to -0.2880). Different nature of complication severity defined in studies could be categorized into: those with acute nature, chronic with lasting effects, those with symptoms at early stage or those with repetitive frequency or episodes.

Discussion

Overview of HSUV decrement ranges across different stages of each T2DM diabetes-related complications shows that chronic complications with lasting impact such as amputation, severe stroke with sequelae and severe retinopathy with blindness were generally associated with larger HSUV decrement range. Considerable heterogeneities exist across the studies. Promoting standardized complication definitions and identifying the most influential health state stages on HSUV decrements may assist researchers for future cost-effectiveness studies.
The performance of partially substituted composite ester materials with weathered red-bed soil in ecological restoration
Authors: Liu Zhen , Wu Yongtao , Liao Jin , Li Dexian , Zhou Cuiying
Published: April 2024

Ester materials have become a significant topic in ecological restoration because of their degradability and lack of pollution. However, these artificial materials have issues such as high resource consumption and high cost. Therefore, finding a scientific substitute for ester materials is crucial to reduce costs. This study proposes the use of weathered red-bed soil to partially replace ester materials. Orthogonal coupled compounding and ecological effect tests were performed to analyze the soil improvement mechanism based on the mineral composition, soil structure, and electrical conductivity properties of the weathered red-bed soil. The experimental findings indicated that the soil modified using ester materials exhibited improved strength, water retention, and aeration owing to changes in the soil structure. Plant germination and height increased by 55% and 37 mm, respectively, when using a ratio of 15 g/m2 absorbent ester material, 2.5 g/m2 adhesive ester material, and 5% weathered red-bed soil. Through this approach, the amount of ester material to be used could be further reduced by 75%. The weathered red-bed soil offers improved ecological effects by altering the physical, mechanical, and hydraulic properties of the soil structure. This study presents a theoretical foundation for ecological conservation using weathered red-bed soil as a substitute for certain ester materials.
Beyond the classroom walls: Stakeholder experiences with remote instruction in Post RN baccalaureate nursing program during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative inquiry
Authors: Cassum Laila Akber , Lakhani Arusa , Sachwani Saima , Salim Zeenar , Feroz Ridah , Cassum Shanaz
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of educational campuses and the suspension of conventional classroom teaching globally and locally, and many switched overnight to an online modality. The change was experienced differently by varied audiences, given the availability of resources. The study aimed to examine stakeholders’ experiences of emergency remote instructions in the Post-RN Baccalaureate Nursing Program during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative descriptive exploratory design with a purposive sampling technique was used at a private nursing university in Karachi, Pakistan. Focus group discussions with students and faculty were conducted separately, while in-depth interviews with key informants were held using semi-structured interview guides. The focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were recorded electronically and transcribed and translated, coded, and analysed manually. Findings uncovered two major themes. (a) Remote teaching and learning—a paradigm shift; and (b) Remote learning ecosystem—a challenging team sport. The first theme denotes a major shift in pedagogical approach migrating from blended learning model to a complete online modality. Theme two uncovers the efforts and teamwork of the various stakeholders who assisted in mitigating the challenges collaboratively when migrating to virtual learning environment. Findings suggest that to continue to thrive in the post-COVID world, faculty, students, and key informants must collegially enhance the teaching, learning, and assessment strategies and student-teacher interaction, capitalising on evidence-based practices, trial and error, multi-level support mechanisms, and partnerships. The study recommends building resilience in instructional and administrative infrastructure to prepare for future events like pandemics and suggests development of evidence-informed blended and online nursing programmes in the region.
Enhancing nutritional status, growth, and fruit quality of dried figs using organic fertilizers in rain-fed orchards: A case study in Estahban, Iran
Authors: Jafari Moslem , Ghasemi-Soloklui Ali Akbar , Kordrostami Mojtaba
Published: April 2024

The majority of Iranian fig production is exported, making it one of the world’s most well-known healthy crops. Therefore, the main objective of the current experiment was to investigate the effects of various types of organic fertilizers, such as animal manure (cow and sheep), bird manure (partridge, turkey, quail, and chicken), and vermicompost, on the nutritional status of trees, vegetative and reproductive tree characteristics, fruit yield, and fruit quality traits in dried fig cultivar (“Sabz”). According to the findings, applying organic fertilizers, particularly turkey and quail, significantly improves vegetative and reproductive characteristics. However, other manures such as sheep, chicken, and vermicompost had a similar effect on the growth parameters of fig trees. Additionally, the findings indicated that except for potassium, use of all organic fertilizers had an impact on macro and microelements such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and sodium amount in fig tree leaves. Also, based on fruit color analysis in dried figs, the use of all organic fertilizers improved fruit color. Moreover, the analyses fruit biochemical showed that the use of some organic fertilizers improved that TSS and polyphenol compounds such as coumarin, vanillin, hesperidin gallic acid and trans frolic acid. In general, the results indicated that the addition of organic fertilizers, especially turkey manure, led to increased vegetative productivity and improvement in the fruit quality of the rain-fed fig orchard.
AI technology specialization and national competitiveness
Authors: Chun Youngsam , Hur Jisoo , Hwang Junseok
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the factors influencing specialization in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, a critical element of national competitiveness. We utilized a revealed comparative advantage matrix to evaluate technological specialization across countries and employed a three-way fixed-effect panel logit model to examine the relationship between AI specialization and its determinants. The results indicate that the development of AI technology is strongly contingent on a nation’s pre-existing technological capabilities, which significantly affect AI specialization in emerging domains. Additionally, this study reveals that scientific knowledge has a positive impact on technological specialization, highlighting the necessity of integrating scientific advancements with technological sectors. Although complex technologies positively influence AI specialization, their effect is less pronounced than that of scientific knowledge. This suggests that in rapidly advancing fields, such as AI, incorporating new scientific knowledge into related industries may be more advantageous than simply advancing existing technologies to outpace competitors. This insight points nations toward enhancing AI competitiveness in new areas, emphasizing the vital importance of both scientific and technological capabilities, and the integration of novel AI knowledge with established sectors. This research offers critical guidance for policymakers in less technologically and economically developed countries, as these nations may not have the technological infrastructure required to foster AI specialization through increased technical complexity.
Differences in birch tar composition are explained by adhesive function in the central European Iron Age
Authors: Koch Tabea J. , Saurel Marion , Bocquillon Hervé , Pisani Didier F. , Bonnabel Lola , Little Aimée , Stacey Rebecca , Rageot Maxime , Regert Martine
Published: April 2024

Birch bark tar is the most widely documented adhesive in prehistoric Europe. More recent periods attest to a diversification in terms of the materials used as adhesives and their application. Some studies have shown that conifer resins and beeswax were added to produce compound adhesives. For the Iron Age, no comparative large-scale studies have been conducted to provide a wider perspective on adhesive technologies. To address this issue, we identify adhesive substances from the Iron Age in north-eastern France. We applied organic residue analysis to 65 samples from 16 archaeological sites. This included residues adhering to ceramics, from vessel surface coatings, repaired ceramics, vessel contents, and adhesive lumps. Our findings show that, even during the Iron Age in north-eastern France, birch bark tar is one of the best-preserved adhesive substances, used for at least 400 years. To a lesser extent, Pinaceae resin and beeswax were also identified. Through statistical analyses, we show that molecular composition differs in samples, correlating with adhesive function. This has implications for our understanding of birch bark tar production, processing and mode of use during the Iron Age in France and beyond.
Intestinal microbiome profiles in broiler chickens raised without antibiotics exhibit altered microbiome dynamics relative to conventionally raised chickens
Authors: Kairmi Seyed Hossien , Abdelaziz Khaled , Spahany Heidi , Astill Jake , Trott David , Wang Blake , Wang Alice , Parkinson John , Sharif Shayan
Published: April 2024

The present study was undertaken to profile and compare the cecal microbial communities in conventionally (CONV) grown and raised without antibiotics (RWA) broiler chickens. Three hundred chickens were collected from five CONV and five RWA chicken farms on days 10, 24, and 35 of age. Microbial genomic DNA was extracted from cecal contents, and the V4-V5 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene were amplified and sequenced. Analysis of 16S rRNA sequence data indicated significant differences in the cecal microbial diversity and composition between CONV and RWA chickens on days 10, 24, and 35 days of age. On days 10 and 24, CONV chickens had higher richness and diversity of the cecal microbiome relative to RWA chickens. However, on day 35, this pattern reversed such that RWA chickens had higher richness and diversity of the cecal microbiome than the CONV groups. On days 10 and 24, the microbiomes of both CONV and RWA chickens were dominated by members of the phylum Firmicutes. On day 35, while Firmicutes remained dominant in the RWA chickens, the microbiome of CONV chickens exhibited am abundance of Bacteroidetes. The cecal microbiome of CONV chickens was enriched with the genus Faecalibacterium, Pseudoflavonifractor, unclassified Clostridium_IV, Bacteroides, Alistipes, and Butyricimonas, whereas the cecal microbiome of RWA chickens was enriched with genus Anaerofilum, Butyricicoccu, Clostridium_XlVb and unclassified Lachnospiraceae. Overall, the cecal microbiome richness, diversity, and composition were greatly influenced by the management program applied in these farms. These findings provide a foundation for further research on tailoring feed formulation or developing a consortium to modify the gut microbiome composition of RWA chickens.
Optimal sizing and power losses reduction of photovoltaic systems using PSO and LCL filters
Authors: F. Elnaggar Mohammed , Duvalier Péné Armel , Boussaibo André , Tsegaing Fabrice , Foutche Tchouli Alain , Kitmo  , Idrissa Barro Fabé
Published: April 2024

The integration of renewable energy systems into electricity grids is a solution for strengthening electricity distribution networks (SEDNs). Renewable energies such as solar photovoltaics are suitable for reinforcing a low-voltage line by offering an electrical energy storage system. However, the integration of photovoltaic systems can lead to problems of harmonic distortion due to the presence of direct current or non-linear feedback in networks from other sources. Therefore, connection standards exist to ensure the quality of the energy before injection at a point of common coupling (PCC). In this work, particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to control a boost converter and to evaluate the power losses and the harmonic distortion rate. The test on the IEEE 14 bus standard makes it possible to determine the allocation or integration nodes for other sources such as biomass, wind or hydrogen generators, in order to limit the impact of harmonic disturbances (LIHs). The evaluation of the harmonic distortion rate, the power losses as well as the determination of the system size is done using an objective function defined based on the integration and optimization constraints of the system. The proposed model performs better since the grid current and voltage are stabilized in phase after the photovoltaic source is injected.