bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between Intake of Different Types of Vegetables and Metabolic Dysfunction- associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Population-based Study
Authors: Liu Chong , Liu Yubo , Liu Jie , Liu Jia , Lu Ting , Zhang Guogang , Xu Kai
Published: January 2024

Background
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) presently poses a threat to approximately 24% of the global population. The consumption of healthy diets rich in an abundant assortment of vegetables has been scientifically validated to mitigate the progression of MAFLD. However, it remains uncertain whether all categories of vegetables confer benefits for MAFLD. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of different types of vegetables on MAFLD, aiming to provide a scientific basis for developing more appropriate dietary recommendations for individuals at high risk of MAFLD.
Methods
We investigated the associations between various types of vegetable consumption and the risk of MAFLD, utilizing data sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Employing multiple logistic regression and subgroup analyses, we estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results
Our analysis encompassed a total of 3162 participants. Remarkably, heightened intake of dark green vegetables demonstrated an innovative association with reduced odds of MAFLD (OR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.36–0.69; p-value < 0.01), while the consumption of starchy vegetables exhibited increased odds of MAFLD (OR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.07–1.79; p-value = 0.02). In the subgroup analysis, a prominent inverse correlation between the consumption of dark green vegetables and MAFLD was discerned among female and non-Hispanic white people with higher educational attainment.
Conclusions
Our study conclusively demonstrates that a heightened intake of dark green vegetables is linked to diminished odds of MAFLD, whereas increased consumption of starchy vegetables is associated with elevated odds of MAFLD.
Whole-transcriptome and proteome analysis of active generalized vitiligo
Authors: Ge Kang , Zhao Yilu , Jin Hui-ling , Zhang Ru‐Zhi
Published: January 2024

To gain more insights into the transcriptomic landscape and molecular mechanism of vitiligo.
Methods: Data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) and whole-transcriptome sequencing (WTS) were performed on whole blood samples (WBS) from 3 patients with active generalized vitiligo (P-AGV) and from 3 healthy individuals (HIs). The gene-regulatory circuits, differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and genes (DEGs), including mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs, and enrichment analyses were comprehensively evaluated in P-AGV and HIs. The sequencing results were verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) on 10 pairs of WBS from P-AGV and HIs.
Results: A total of 15 proteins and 669 genes were differentially expressed in P-AGV compared to HIs. Analysis of functional pathways showed that the DEPs and DEGs were only enriched in anegative regulation of muscle contraction. Bioinformatics analysis showed that hsa-miR-3613-3p, hsa-miR-511-5p and hsa-miR-6818-3p were involved in regulating the hub genes. The vital co-expression (lncRNA-mRNA, circRNA-mRNA) and rival endogenous RNA interaction axis demonstrated the potential roles of lncRNAs and circRNAs. Expression levels of 10 hub genes (apart from FCGR3B) were also confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis of 10 pairs of WBS.
Conclusions:This study provides valuable evidence for understanding the regulatory mechanisms of vitiligo and may contribute to the development of diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
Effect of Cobalt Ion Concentration and Thermal Annealing Temperature on Structural and Magnetic Properties of CoFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles
Authors: Shamkhi Ameer F. , Jabbar Hashim
Published: January 2024

Exploring physical properties of magnetic nanoferrites for applications in data storage media and biomedicine is a crucial step, providing new insights into the physics of nanostructured materials. Here, the focus is on studying the effect of cobalt ion concentration and thermal annealing temperature on structural and magnetic properties of cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized using a co-precipitation method. To this end, Co1 − x(Fe2O4)x (x = 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75) NPs are initially prepared and then thermally annealed at different temperatures (T = 400 ºC–800 ºC). X-ray diffraction patterns along with field-emission scanning electron microscopic images indicate the formation of inverse cubic spinel structure with different crystallite sizes and NP size distributions when changing the cobalt ion concentration. Based on hysteresis loop measurements, magnetic parameters such as saturation magnetization (Ms) and coercivity (Hc) show increasing trends from 5.641 emu/g and 146.246 Oe to 8.936 emu/g and 1789.555 Oe when decreasing the cobalt ion concentration. By performing the annealing process, magnetic properties are significantly enhanced in the case of x = 0.25 and 0.5 at T = 400 ºC and 600 ºC, achieving Ms= 129.954 emu/g and Hc= 1137.697 Oe. Meanwhile, first-order reversal curve (FORC) diagrams are employed to map magnetostatic interactions and coercivity distributions as a function of cobalt ion concentration for NPs annealed at T = 400 ºC, manifesting magnetically soft and hard phases. It is found the maximum FORC distribution shifts to higher Hc values with decreasing the cobalt ion concentration.
Usability and preliminary effectiveness of an app-based physical activity and education program for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis – a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Weber Franziska , Kloek Corelien , Stuhrmann Sandra , Blum Yannick , Grüneberg Christian , Veenhof Cindy
Published: January 2024

Background
Hip and knee osteoarthritis is highly prevalent worldwide. Guidelines recommend physical activity and education as the core treatment for osteoarthritis. Digital health has the potential to engage people in physical activity and disease management. Therefore, we conducted a pilot trial to assess the usability and the preliminary effectiveness of an app-based physical activity and education program (Join2Move) compared to usual care for people with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis in Germany.
Methods
A randomized controlled pilot study was conducted. Individuals with diagnosed or self-reported knee and hip osteoarthritis were included. Randomization was used for allocation in the intervention or control group. The intervention group received the Join2Move program. The Join2Move program was previously developed as a website and evaluated in the Netherlands. For the current study, the program was translated and adapted to the German context and adjusted from a website to an app. The control group received usual care. The primary outcomes were usability and preliminary effectiveness (pain and physical functioning). Measurements were taken at baseline and at twelve weeks. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics 29.0).
Results
Sixty participants, with a mean age of 61.9 (SD ± 7.2) years, were allocated to the intervention (n = 32) or the control group (n = 28) and included in the analysis. The majority of participants had knee osteoarthritis (68%) and 12% had hip and knee osteoarthritis. The dropout rate was n = 11 (18%). No adverse events were reported. Usability was rated as acceptable (mean System Usability Scale = 71.3/100) with a wide range (32.5 to 100). Statistically significant between-group differences were found only for pain (mean difference 8.52 (95% CI 1.01 to 16.04), p = 0.027).
Conclusions
Join2Move demonstrated acceptable usability. The preliminary results of the pilot trial indicate the potential of a stand-alone app for the treatment of patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis. However, the acceptable usability of Join2Move limits its recommendation for everyone. There appears to be room for improvement in the app usability and in identifying patients for whom the app is suitable and the right time to use a stand-alone app for those patients.
Trial registration
German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00027164; https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00027164
Sign language recognition based on dual-path background erasure convolutional neural network
Authors: zhang junming , bu xiaolong , wang yushuai , Dong Hao , Wu Haitao
Published: January 2024

Sign language is an important way to provide expression information to people with hearing and speaking disabilities.Therefore, sign language recognition has always been a very important research topic. However, many sign language recognition systems currently require complex deep models and rely on expensive sensors, which limits the application scenarios of sign language recognition. To address this issue, based on computer vision, this study proposed a lightweight, dual-path background erasing deep convolutional neural network (DPCNN) model for sign language recognition. The DPCNN consists of two paths. One path is used to learn the overall features, while the other path learns the background features. Then, the background features are gradually subtracted from the overall features to obtain an effective representation of hand features. The proposed model achieved an accuracy of 99.52% on the ASL Finger Spelling dataset. More importantly, the proposed method can be applied to small terminals, thereby improving the application scenarios of sign language recognition. Through experimental comparison, the dual path background erasure network model proposed in this paper has better generalization ability.
Natural compound Byakangelicin suppresses breast tumor growth and motility by regulating SHP-1/JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway
Authors: Shi Xiuzhen , Lai Yuexing , Liu Wenjing , Zhang Xi , Cang Yanqin
Published: January 2024

These authors contributed equally to this work and should be considered co-first authors. Key Points ;Byakangelicin exerts anti-breast cancer effect in vitro. ;Byakangelicin inhibits growth and motility in breast cancer cells. ;Byakangelicin functions via blocking JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway in breast cancer cells. ;Byakangelicin impairs JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway via inducing SHP1. Abstract Byakangelicin is one of the furanocoumarins extracted from the root of Byakangelicin and has protective effect on liver injuryandfibrosis. In addition, Byakangelicin, as a traditional medicine, is also used to treat colds, headache and toothache. Recent studies have shown that Byakangelicin exhibits anti-tumor function; however, the role of Byakangelicin in breast tumor progression and related mechanism has not yet been elucidated. Our study aims to investigate the role of Byakangelicin in breast tumor progression and the underlying mechanism. Methods To measure the effect of Byakangelicin on JAK2/STAT3 signaling, a dual luciferase reporter assay and a western blot assay were performed. CCK8, colony formation, apoptosis and cell invasion assays were used to examine the inhibitory potential of Byakangelicin on breast cancer cells. Additionally, SHP-1 was silenced by specific siRNA duplex and the function of SHP-1 on Byakangelicin-mediated inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signaling was evaluated. Results Byakangelicin treatment significantly inhibited STAT3 transcriptional activity. In addition, Byakangelicin treatment blocked JAK2/STAT3 signaling in a dose-dependent manner. Byakangelicin-treated tumor cells showed a dramatically reduced proliferation, colony formation and invasion ability. Moreover, Byakangelicin remarkedly induced breast cancer cell apoptosis. Furthermore, Byakangelicin regulated the expression of SHP1. Conclusion In conclusion, our current study indicated that Byakangelicin, a natural compound, inhibits SHP-1/JAK2/STAT3 signaling and thus blocks tumor growth and motility.
Effect of Different Edible Oil Coating and Storage Life on Post-harvest Quality of Banana Fruit
Authors: Asghar Muhammad , Khattak Abdul Mateen , Farooq Ahmad , Habib Waqas , Ahmad Shahbaz , Ahmed Manzoor
Published: January 2024

An experiment was carried out to study the “Effect of different edible oil coating and storage life on post-harvest quality of banana fruit” at Post harvest Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture Peshawar Pakistan during the year 2021. Banana fruit CV. Cavendish was obtained from local market Peshawar brought from Hyderabad during the month of April 2021 at physiological mature stage. The experiment was laid out using Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two factors repeated two times. The fruits were then kept in packaging materials with one apple per bunch. When the fruits were ripened were divided into two groups, one group was coated with edible oil (olive, coconut and butter) and the other is storage life (0, 3, 6, 9, 12) and kept at room temperature 26 0 C at RH 90–95% for 12 days. The data regarding banana fruits coated with butter oil showed maximum fruit firmness, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid content, fruit color score, fruit taste score and fruit decay percentage. The maximum TSS was observed in banana fruit coated with olive oil. Regarding the other mean for storage duration maximum fruit firmness, minimum fruit decay and minimum TSS was recorded in freshly ripened banana fruits. While maximum test score, and color score observed in fruits stored for 12 days. Most of the studied attributes were significantly affected by T × SD interaction. It is concluded from the present results that banana fruits harvested at physiological maturity ripened under natural ripening agent i.e. apple, coated with butter oil retained most of the quality attributes for 12 days, is recommended for better shelf life and consumer preferences.
The relationship between self-perceived burden and facilitation of patient involvement in postoperative lung cancer patients: the mediating role of social support
Authors: Ren Na , Ma Fengyan , Tian Mengbai , Zhang Guochao , Xing Qi , Zheng Xu , Wu Wei , Qi Yimin , Wang Mingyu , Zhao Liang
Published: January 2024

Background
Lung cancer patients often experience high levels of self-perceived burden, which significantly impacts their quality of life and mental health. Social support is closely associated with self-perceived burden, but the relationship among social support, facilitation of patient involvement，and self-perceived burden remains unclear. This study aims to understand the current situationof self-perceived burden in postoperative lung cancer patients and to explore the mediating role of social support between facilitation of patient involvement and self-perceived burden.
Methods
A cross-sectional design was used in this study. Through a convenience sampling method, we invited 331 lung cancer patients hospitalized for surgical treatment at a specialized cancer hospital in Beijing, China, between August 2022 and May 2023 to participate in this survey. The questionnaire included a self-designed social demographic questionnaire, facilitation of patient involvement scale (FPIS), perceptive social support scale（PSSS）and patient self-perceived burden scale （SPBS）. SPSS 24.0 software was used for statistical description and Pearson correlation analysis, and AMOS 24.0 was used to build a structural equation model to test the mediation effect.
Results
The score of self-perceived burden in lung cancer patients was 26.42 ±8.23 points. Bot facilitation of patient involvement and social support was negatively correlated with self-perceived burden (r = -0.313, r = -0.332, P < 0.001). Social support plays partially mediated role in the relationship between facilitation of patient involvement and self-perceived burden, accounting for 44.3% of the total effect.
Conclusions
The self-perceived burden of patients after lung cancer surgery was at a moderate level, and social support partially mediates the relationship between facilitation of patient involvement and self-perceived burden. Medical staff should encourage patient participation in their own treatment decisions and alleviate the burden associated with lung cancer and surgical treatment by enhancing their social support.
3D Jade Carving Simulation Design and Image Virtual Technology Based on Light Sensing Texture Image Processing
Authors: Wang Sihan , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2024

In the process of economic development, special attention should be paid to controlling the ecological environment and promoting green and sustainable development. All objects or organisms in nature have surface structure, and structure is universal. It is also an important element in various visual clue images. Therefore, texture image classification plays an important role. In order to effectively extract the texture features of jade carving images, the researchers proposed several texture descriptors and applied them to the texture classification of jade carving images. Through the inheritance, arrangement, technological development and multi-disciplinary theoretical research of jade carving craftsmanship, this article believes that jade carving craftsmanship has exquisite craftsmanship, carries a large amount of culture, is a typical intangible cultural heritage, has a very high research price, and is used in different disciplines. Achievements have been made in the field. On this basis, the application of virtual technology in 3D jade carving simulation design is introduced in detail, and the design principle, technology platform, process flow and technology integration of this technology are explained, providing users with an immersive 3D jade carving simulation design. Platform, through real-time calculus to create a virtual world simulation system. Video images in image virtualization technology can represent complete spherical information and can be stored in storage media in the form of two-dimensional data, but it is easy to cause pixel distortion. Therefore, how to obtain the best image quality through sensor design is a research hotspot in this field. This paper conducts research from the aspects of non-virtual cultural heritage technology, interactive virtual jade carving technology, etc., as a platform to achieve the effects of "protection, display, dissemination, and education". Provide reference for non-cultural heritage.
Application of intelligent diagnosis based on optical medical equipment in adjustment of type 2 diabetes exercise prescription
Authors: Huiying Liu
Published: January 2024

The current exercise prescribing adjustment system has several limitations that limit patient engagement and treatment effectiveness. Therefore, this paper designs a remote operating system based on optical medical equipment to realize the remote operation of exercise prescription adjustment. The system uses advanced optical sensing technology to monitor the patient's physiological parameters in real time, and these data will be transmitted to the medical team's terminal equipment through remote transmission technology to provide timely monitoring and diagnostic support. The medical team can remotely control the optical medical device on the patient through the terminal device to adjust the exercise prescription of diabetic patients. Through real-time communication with the patient, the medical team can flexibly adjust the exercise prescription according to the patient's physiological parameters and needs, so as to achieve better treatment results. The system also supports data storage and analysis, and the medical team can extract valuable information through in-depth analysis of the patient's physiological parameter data to provide scientific basis for individualized treatment plans.
Numerical Dependency Analysis (NDA): A new method for estimating the statistical dependence (not correlation) of two variables
Authors: Zanghaei Abolfazl , Doosti Hassan , Ameri Ali , Naseri Shahrokh
Published: January 2024

Dependence and correlation are different statistical concepts. Although there are methods to measure linear or nonlinear correlation between two variables, measuring the statistical dependence between two variables is of great interest. The main contribution of this paper is to present a heuristic algorithmic method to estimate the measure of dependence between two variables. This method first transforms the X-Y scatter plot into functional relation plots. This procedure may have many answers for big data. Then measures the dependence of Y on X by using the new concept of successive triangles. The desirable features of this method are: This method can be applied to both numerical and categorical (nominal) variables. The presented bivariate method is distribution-free, so it can be used for non-Gaussian numerical variables. As an application of this method, it can also be used to measure the correlation. This novel and non-parametric method is validated by both simulated and clinical data. This method has other applications, such as template matching for single-dimensional patterns.
State Evaluation and Tripping Probability Prediction of Large Power Transformer Based on Health Index
Authors: Xu Zhongyang , Zhang Lei , Zhang Ben , Qiao Tianjiao , Liu Guiqing , Su Hongzhi
Published: January 2024

Aiming at the problem of overmaintenance and undermaintenance caused by lack of equipment running state, a method of state evaluation and tripping probability prediction of large power transformer based on health index is proposed. The paper constructs a transformer health evaluation system with a four layer deep architecture, uses the extension cloud theory to evaluate the deterioration of state indicators, combines the Analytic Hierarchy Process and Entropy Weight Method to weight the indicators in indicator level, introduces the improved Dezert-Smarandache (DSmT) theory to effectively integrate the evaluation results of each layer, and reconciles the contradictions and conflicts between conclusions. Using the health index to represent the health state of transformers, constructing a tripping probability prediction model with the health index as input, and obtaining the tripping probability of transformers. The research results indicate that the method proposed in this paper can accurately and effectively evaluate the health state of transformers and their functional components, providing information for the management and maintenance strategy of equipment.
Carbon Stock Changes Following Variation in Vegetation Types and Elevation in Jorgo-Wato Natural Forest, West Ethiopia
Authors: Hika Takele Wondimu , Workeneh Sintayehu , Woldeyes Feleke , Daka Yoahhes Shifera
Published: January 2024

Forests play an important role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. Although Ethiopia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, there are limited forest resources distributed in certain areas of the territory. The moist evergreen Afromontane forests of western Ethiopia are among the forests in Ethiopia that are contributing significantly to climate change mitigation. Jorgo Wato Forest is one of the moist Afromontane forests in western Ethiopia that help mitigate climate change. However, no studies have been conducted on the carbon storage potential of forests. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess carbon storage in different vegetation types and elevational gradients. Forest was classified into three vegetation categories including Tree-grassland (TGL), High-Forest (HF), and Dense Woodland (DWL). The elevational gradient of each vegetation type was divided into three from the bottom to the top of the forest. For each vegetation type, three parallel transect lines were constructed vertically along the elevation gradient. A total of 36 nested quadrats of 20 m x 20 m and 1 m x 1 m subplots were created following the elevation gradient along the transect line to assess tree parameters, soil samples, seedlings, and leaf litter. A total of 108 composite soil samples were collected from two depths (0–15 cm and 15–30 cm) to measure soil organic carbon (SOC). A total of 39 woody species that belong to 35 genera and 30 families were identified in the forest. The mean total carbon densities in Tree Grassland (TGL), High Forest (HF) and Dense Wood Land (DWL) were 405.049 ± 97.98t/ha,544.663 ± 208.06t/ha and 393.308 ± 147.125t/ha respectively. The overall mean stem density/ha were 1087.5. The mean total carbon stock density of Jorgo Wato forest was 447.67 t/ha with equivalent to emission of 1642.95 of CO2 t/ha. The mean carbon pools of the forest were 236.213 t/ha, 63.68 t/ha, 13.979 t/ha, 1.34 t/ha and 132.45t/ha in aboveground carbon, below ground carbon, dead wood carbon, Litter carbon and soil organic carbon (SOC) respectively. Some carbon pools showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between vegetation types and elevation ranges, while others showed no difference. The study results revealed that the forest had a potential of carbon storage, contributing to climate change mitigation. The total carbon storage densities were found to be significantly different among vegetation types and altitude ranges. Therefore, the best way and design to protect forest regarding natural vegetation categories need to be applied to enhance and expand the benefits of ecosystem services, mainly the potential of carbon storage in climate change mitigation.
RETRACTED: Workflow Scheduling in Cloud System: An Optimal Rule-Based Virtual Machine Selection Technique Using MFSSA
Authors: Salehnia Taybeh , Ghaffari Ali , Abualigah Laith
Published: January 2024

The authors have requested the removal of their preprint from Research Square, due to current circumstances that make preprinting challenging at this time. The author's request does not imply errors or misconduct.
Which Labarotory Index is Better for Predicting Survival and Pathological Response in Patients with Breast Cancer Receiving NACT?
Authors: YILDIRIM Sedat , DOGAN Akif , AKDAG Goncagul , YASAR Zeynep YUKSEL , BAL Hamit , KINIKOGLU Oguzcan , OKSUZ Sila , OZKERIM Ugur , TUNBEKICI Salih , YILDIZ Hacer Sahika , ALAN Ozkan , KOKTEN Sermin COBAN , ISIK Deniz , SURMELİ Heves , BASOGLU Tugba , SEVER Ozlem Nuray , ODABAS Hatice , YILDIRIM Mahmut Emre , TURAN Nedim
Published: January 2024

Objective: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is the standard treatment for locally advanced, high-risk breast cancer. Pathological complete response (pCR) improves survival. Peripheral blood-derived indices reflecting systemic inflammation and nutritional status have long been used as predictive and prognostic markers in solid malignancies. This retrospective study investigates whether eight commonly used indices in patients receiving NACT effect on pCR and survival.
Methods: This study includes 624 patients with locally advanced breast cancer who received NACT. The biomarker indices were calculated from peripheral blood samples taken two weeks before starting chemotherapy. Optimal cut-off values of the indices were determined using ROC Curve analysis.
Results: During a median follow-up period of 42 months, recurrence was detected in 146 patients, and 75 patients died. pCR was observed in 166 patients (26.6%). In univariate analysis, NLR, PLR, SII, PNI, HALP, and HRR were statistically significantly associated (p=0.00; p=0.03; p=0.03; p=0.02; p=0.00; p=0.02 respectively), but in multivariate analysis, only NLR was significantly predictive for pCR(p=0.04). Inn multivariate analysis, the HGB/RDW score significantly predicted DFS(p=0.04). The PNI score was identified as a marker predicting survival for both OS and PFS(p=0.01, p=0.01, respectively).
Conclusion: In conclusion, peripheral blood-derived indices have prognostic and predictive values on pCR and survival. However, further studies are needed to validate our findings.
Smart Library: A Multi-Agent Path Planning Logistics Operation using Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Batista Hiago , Carvalho Kevin , Oliveira Iure Rosa , Brandão Alexandre
Published: January 2024

Robotics navigation holds significant importance in the transportation, manufacturing, and exploration sectors. The prioritization of path planning is essential for efficient navigation in environments where multiple robots coexist. In the realm of logistic libraries, characterized by repetitive tasks with a need to mitigate human errors, this study concentrates on achieving feasible and optimal path planning for multiple agents tasked with transporting books within a two-floor building. The proposed algorithm, based on Q-learning, incorporates transfer and curriculum learning, enabling cooperative and decentralized behavior among the agents. Numerical experiments conducted through a software-in-the-loop approach validate the effectiveness of the method. The results indicate a success rate of 94% with 9 agents, accompanied by a 73.36% reduction in task completion steps compared to a scenario with a single agent.This research serves to showcase the algorithm's capability in enhancing navigation and task efficiency in multi-agent logistics settings, particularly within smart library environments.
Fast Absorbing Gut Sutures in Dermatologic Surgery - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Seger Edward W. , McClure Spencer P , Neill Brett C. , Jibbe Atieh
Published: January 2024

Introduction
Fast gut cutaneous sutures have become more prominent due to their low tissue reactivity, rapid absorption, and elimination of suture removal visits. It is not known how fast gut sutures compare to other closure modalities.
Methods
A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials comparing fast gut sutures to alternative closure methods during dermatologic surgery. Data collected included patient and physician assessed cosmetic outcome as well as standardized complication rates.
Results
Six studies were included in final analysis and reported on 208 patients. Fast gut sutures were associated with lower physician opinions of final scar when compared to polyproline sutures (SMD 0.438; 95% CI: 0.082–0.794). No differences existed between physician opinion of fast gut sutures and cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (SMD − 0.024; 95% CI: -0.605–0.556). Complications with fast gut suture placement were rare, and included infection, dehiscence, and hematomas. Fast gut sutures were less likely to experience wound dehiscence than tissue adhesive (p = 0.01).
Conclusion
If no contraindications to non-absorbable sutures exist, they may provide superior cosmetic outcomes compared to fast gut sutures. Further research is required to better quantify cosmetic outcomes and optimal use of fast gut sutures.
Fear of Progression and its Associated Factors among Postoperative Patients with Breast Cancer: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wu Songyu , Niu Yaling , Geng Xiaohan , Kou Changgui , Lv Zheng
Published: January 2024

Objective
Fear of progression (FoP) is commonly observed in breast cancer patients. It may exist for a period of time even after cancer survivorship. Our study aims at investigating the distribution and associated factors of FoP based on postoperative patients with breast cancer in Northeast China.
Methods
This is a cross-sectional study. 257 postoperative patients with breast cancer were recruited using convenience sampling method. Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form was used to evaluated the FoP status of participants. Hierarchic multiple linear regression was applied to identify the independent relevant factors. Mediation effect analysis was conducted to explore the potential pathway between attitude towards cancer and FoP. All P values were two-tailed. P < 0.05 was considered to represent statical significance.
Results
The most frequent fear of the participants was “worrying that medications could damage the body”. After adjusting for other factors, the following independent variables were identified to be the associated factors for FoP: age, number of descendants, time after operation, postoperative pain, regular review, personality, anxiety and depression, self-esteem and self-acceptance and attitude towards cancer. Moreover, we have confirmed the mediation role of anxiety and depression in the relationship between FoP and attitude towards disease.
Conclusion
Clinicians should help and guide patients to correctly view the necessity and double-sided of operation and medication treatment. Additional attention should also be paid to patients with pessimistic personality or low psychosocial adaptability.
Improvement of Expansive Soil using Volcanic Ash and Lime Additives in the Southern Parts of Addis Ababa City, Ethiopia
Authors: Lake Wale Sintie
Published: January 2024

The presence of expansive subgrade soil in road construction causes a series of damage events because of its susceptibility to differential settlement, low load bearing capacity, high compressibility, cracking and low strength. In this study, the use of volcanic ash alone (with a concentration ranging from 10%-40%) or as an enhancement to lime (5%) was investigated. To evaluate the effects of these additives on expansive subgrade soil stabilization, laboratory tests, namely, Atterberg’s limits, compaction, the California bearing ratio (CBR), the CBR-swell and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, were conducted on natural and stabilized soils. Chemical tests to characterize the stabilizer, volcanic ash, were also carried out. Laboratory test results revealed that the addition of volcanic ash alone has an insignificant effect on the geotechnical properties of expansive subgrade soil. However, a significant improvement in the index and engineering properties of expansive subgrade soil was observed when the treatment was performed with a combination of lime (5%) and volcanic ash (10–40%). The test results revealed that the liquid limit, plasticity index, OMC, linear shrinkage and CBR swell values decreased, whereas the CBR increased as the percentage of volcanic ash increased from 0–40%. The maximum dry density and unconfined compressive strength increased up to a certain percentage; however, a further increase in volcanic ash content resulted in a decrease in these parameters. This research showed that these two additives can be used together to enhance expansive subgrade soil properties and that the treated soil can meet the minimum requirement of the ERA pavement manual specification for use as a subgrade material in road construction.
Forecast of temporal variations in some road condition variables
Authors: Slobodchikova N. A.
Published: January 2024

The article considers issues of forecasting temporal variations in the condition of roads. The road condition is affected by external factors against the background of internal processes, occurring in construction layers. Most mathematical models, forecasting the service life of roads, are developed on the basis of strength characteristics, which, in conditions of limited financing of regional and local significance roads, leads to certain difficulties in their practical application. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a model of variations in the condition of road pavements based on data about their consumer properties, such as evenness, adhesion coefficient and pavement condition. The process of reducing the evenness values, pavement condition, and adhesion coefficient over time can be described using the Weibull distribution. The paper presents mathematical models of temporal variations in the condition of the road pavement, adhesion coefficient and longitudinal evenness. The data of the model and annual road diagnostics, compared for assessing the model effectiveness, demonstrated high convergence. The proposed approach to assessing the variations in the pavement condition, evenness and adhesion coefficient makes it possible to increase the efficiency of managing the road condition.
Visually-shaped comfort of perceiving the architectural environment in conditions of artificial lighting (using the example of Chelyabinsk)
Authors: Bokova O. R.
Published: January 2024

The study, conducted at the facilities of Chelyabinsk, aims to identify the essence of the comfort visually-shaped perception of the artificial architectural and light environment. This is achieved by an integrated approach, which involves the analysis of scientific and information resources, including regulatory and legal documents, field observations and surveys, graphical analysis of architectural and light environmental fragments under artificial lighting. An analysis of the regulatory framework on the lighting of architectural objects and urban space demonstrated the technical regulations of this sphere clearly articulating the visual comfort concept and its parameters only in relation to the interior space and the road transport system. The study clarified the concept and conditions of creating a shaping aspect in the visual perception of the urban artificial architectural and light environment. Mostly in terms of comfort for this process, the Chelyabinsk areas of the architectural and light environment in artificial lighting conditions were studied. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the process of forming an artificial architectural and light environment of the city should be based on a visuallyshaped comfort, proceeding in a certain sequence and associated with the emergence of new factors of innovative urban environmental development. The relationship between the visually-shaped comfort of perceiving the artificial architectural and light environment, as well as the basics of the functional safety of subjects at the nodal points of the city were established. According to the experience of a typical domestic metropolis of Chelyabinsk, theoretical and research materials, presented in the article, can serve as the basis for the further interdisciplinary development of a visually comfortable and safe artificial architectural and light environment of cities.
Settlement Procedure in Turkish Competition Law
Authors: Yavaşi Mahmut , Varlı Elif Banu
Published: January 2024

Settlement procedure, whose legal basis is to be found in the Law No. 4054 on the Protection of Competition, is conceptually discussed in this article by focusing on its legal nature and comparing it to other alternative dispute resolution methods. Our study in this article is limited to competition law, with settlement procedure being the most used procedure in the European Union (EU) and the United States of America (USA) in this area of law. The study, which was based on the Law No. 4054 on the Protection of Competition, was completed by making maximum use of the scholarly works on the subject. In the study, comparisons have been made with EU competition law on how the settlement procedure can be conducted in Turkish Competition Law. The regulations in the Draft are also discussed while making a comparison. The settlement procedure, which did not have a legal basis before in Competition Law, has been evaluated in the light of the decisions in which leniency programs are implemented in current practice. In Turkish Competition Law, the problems that may be encountered in the implementation of the settlement procedure regulated by the Law No. 4054 on the Protection of Competition and suggestions on the solution of these problems are included.
A Closer Look at the Doctrine of Separability in Arbitration
Authors: Todorović Ilijana
Published: January 2024

In the ever-growing business world impacted by globalization, many commercial contracts nowadays contain an arbitration clause. This article focuses on the history behind arbitration as an alternative method of dispute resolution and its penetration to the forefront of mechanisms for resolving commercial disputes—with focus on England, France, and the United States. The article also delves into some of the key questions related to the relationship between an arbitration clause and the underlying contract in which it is contained. And those are the infamous separability and competence-competence doctrines. The author’s conclusion is that the efficiency of an arbitration clause is feasible only if its autonomy is entrenched and safeguarded from preventative and baseless court intervention. In that regard, the author addresses the consequences, current challenges, judicial and academic discourse, and the need for improvement when it comes to these two arbitral principles—all with the goal to provide contracting parties with forethought as to what to consider when drafting their contracts as to avoid unwelcome consequences.
The WTO Appellate Body Crisis: Can the Crisis be Cured?
Authors: Zwolankiewicz Agata
Published: January 2024

The Appellate Body has played a major role in the dispute settlement system at the WTO. The future of it, and as a result, the future of the dispute settlement system remains unknown. That is due to the fact that the USA has been consistently blocking new appointments of the prospective members to the Appellate Body. The USA has been alleging that its strategy consisted in expressing its dissatisfaction with certain alleged irregularities concerning the functioning of the appellate process and the members of the Appellate Body. There has been a lot of discussions on the possibilities to avert the crisis both temporarily, as well as to pursue fundamental changes to the current dispute settlement system in order to address certain concerns that were raised since the beginning of the functioning of the Appellate Body. This paper explores possible scenarios of the cure of the stalemate in the Appellate Body in the WTO dispute settlement system.
ОСОБЕННОСТИ МЕДИКО-СОЦИАЛЬНОЙ РАБОТЫ С ЛИЦАМИ, ИМЕЮЩИМИ НАРУШЕНИЯ ОПОРНО-ДВИГАТЕЛЬНОГО АППАРАТА
Authors: Кузьмин В.П. , Дурицкий А.А.
Published: January 2024

Статья посвящена анализу социологического исследования медико-социальной работы с лицами, имеющими нарушения опорно-двигательного аппарата: востребованность посещения медицинских учреждений, а также пользование медико-социальными услугами лицами, имеющими ограниченные возможности опорно-двигательного аппарата; описаны трудные жизненные ситуации инвалидов; особенности восприятия больных людей, уровнем поддержки от окружения; анализируются адаптивные технологии, применяемые в повседневной жизни людьми с ограниченными физическими возможностями.
Pentágono da privacidade no Big Data Analytics
Authors: Lopes Brenner , Barbosa Ricardo Rodrigues , Falcão Luander Cipriano de Jesus , Souza Renato Rocha
Published: January 2024

Vivemos num ambiente caracterizado como um oceano de dados, que cresce não só quanto ao seu volume e quantidade, mas também em termos de variedade, sendo criado e transitando em alta velocidade. Atualmente os dados estruturados estão em quantidade e importância bem menor, e os ajustes e aprimoramentos nas tecnologias e modelos analíticos foram em parte realizados para se adaptarem a essa nova realidade, que convencionou-se chamar de Big Data Analytics. Entre as questões de grande preocupação, nessa nova realidade, estão as ameaças à privacidade. A questão posta como resultado de diversas pesquisas é que os procedimentos, técnicas, tecnologias e legislações, atualmente disponíveis, não conseguem dar garantia plena à privacidade. Diante desse complexo cenário, o objetivo dessa pesquisa foi propor um modelo teórico multifacetado no âmbito do Big Data Analytics, que garanta a privacidade, ao mesmo tempo em que não inviabilize sua extração de valor. A metodologia proposta para esse trabalho foi a revisão sistemática da literatura, com vistas à análise crítica dos apontamentos e conclusões de estudos anteriores, a identificação e proposição lógica de novas hipóteses e construtos, de maneira a formatar o desenho final de um modelo teórico. Como resultado é proposto o Pentágono da Privacidade no Big Data Analytics, que contempla um caleidoscópio de soluções capazes de garantir a privacidade ao mesmo tempo que dá garantias à extração de valor no Big Data Analytics. O construto obtido como resultado desse trabalho, traz uma resposta concisa e consistente à questão de partida desse trabalho.
Variabilidad térmica en la Bahía Laguna Verde (33° 06'S; 71° 45'W)
Authors: Moraga Julio P.
Published: January 2024

Durante los años 1979 a 1981 se tomaron registros de temperaturas con un termógrafo de arrastre y un batitermógrafo en el interior de la bahía Laguna Verde. Las observaciones, aunque esporádicas, incluyen un muestreo intensivo de dos días, con estaciones repelidas al mismo día después de cuatro horas. En general, el invierno se caracteriza por gradientes térmicos verticales despreciables, los que empiezan a aumentar a fines de la primavera, llegan a ser máximos en el otoño. En verano, aunque la radiación solar es máxima, la entrada de aguas frías desde Curaumilla impide la formación de una termoclina estacional. En mayo de 1981, en un lapso de 10 días y bajo condiciones de vientos intensos, provenientes del norte, se observó el hundimiento de la termoclina y por lo tanto el aumento de la capa de mezcla. Las variaciones en superficie responden al calentamiento solar y a la entrada de aguas oceánicas, mientras que los cambios en los niveles medios en el muestreo intensivo efectuado en invierno, podrían indicar la existencia de ondas internas. Estas variaciones mostraron la necesidad de programar las mediciones en bahías donde no es usual tener condiciones estacionarias ni estables.
Consideraciones sobre la ordenación de una pesquería en pequeña escala
Authors: Defeo Omar
Published: January 2024

Desde 1983, la Sección Recursos Bentónicos del Instituto Nacional de Pesca de Uruguay (INAPE) se halla abocada al estudio de la pesquería de almeja amarilla Mesodesma mactroides (Deshayes, 1854), tomando en cuenta como puntos básicos la interdependencia de variables biológicas y socioeconómicas que pudiesen incidir en la misma. El presente trabajo brinda resultados preliminares, ya que hasta el momento no se han concluido los modelos analíticos y de producción hasta tanto no se recopile un monto de información básica necesaria, la cual no existe debido a la falta de historia de datos estadísticos de la pesquería. No obstante, se enuncian algunas conclusiones de interés, tal como talla mínima comercializable, y determinación de 2 épocas diferenciales de explotación, a efectos de considerar cupos de captura distintos en las mismas. Asimismo se discuten medidas que tienden de alguna manera a superar el estado constante de pobreza relativa y absoluta (Panayotou, 1983) existente entre los arrancadores de almeja, fenómeno común en la mayoría de las pesquerías en pequeña escala del mundo.
The shellfishery in Chile: an analysis of 26 years of landings (1960-1985)
Authors: Bustamante Rodrigo H. , Castilla Juan C.
Published: January 2024

This work compiles Information on the development of the Chilean shellfish fishery. The landings and exportations valúes are analysed between 1960 and 1985. Correlations between work-force (number of artisanal shellfishermen), landing and económica! valúes of shellfish exportation are presented. A panoramic view of landings and their exportation for the main shellfish species is given. Moreover, an analysis of the present shellfish legal regulation in the country is compiled. Finally, we discuss the present State of the art regarding the basic knowledge on these resources accumulated in the country and identify gaps and the future lines of research that should be developed.