bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimate of the time required to perform a nonadiabatic holonomic quantum computation
Authors: Sönnerborn Ole
Published: June 2024

Nonadiabatic holonomic quantum computation has been proposed as a method to implement quantum logic gates with robustness comparable to that of adiabatic holonomic gates but with shorter execution times. In this paper, we establish an isoholonomic inequality for quantum gates, which provides a lower bound on the lengths of cyclic transformations of the computational space that generate a specific gate. Then, as a corollary, we derive a nonadiabatic execution time estimate for holonomic gates. In addition, we demonstrate that under certain dimensional conditions, the isoholonomic inequality is tight in the sense that every gate on the computational space can be implemented holonomically and unitarily in a time-optimal way. We illustrate the results by showing that the procedures for implementing a universal set of holonomic gates proposed in a pioneering paper on nonadiabatic holonomic quantum computation saturate the isoholonomic inequality and are thus time optimal.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Student responses to climate knowledge: enabling climate concern to flourish
Authors: Williams Sara-Jayne , Portus Rosamund , De Laurentis Carla
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine a co-produced initiative implemented at the University of the West of England, UWE (UWE) between September 2022 and April 2023. The student-led project (Climate, Conversations and Cake: The 3C’s) addressed environmental and climate crisis awareness through monthly gatherings where, in partnership, students, academic staff and professional personnel gathered to share food, engage in conversations and partake in joint activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws upon a mix of student and staff feedback, gathered through surveys and written/verbal reflections, to explore the value and impact of this project.

Findings

The project received two UWE student Union awards for teaching sustainability and for student welfare, and was a finalist in the UK and Ireland Green Gown Awards. The 3C’s provided a platform for emotional expression by fostering a safe and supportive environment and encouraged students to reflect, share, apply and deepen their learning experiences in an informal setting characterised by compassion and empathy. This paper highlights the importance of developing supportive and compassionate pedagogical practices which recognise and normalise climate concern.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the growing body of literature on co-produced projects within higher education institutions, showcasing the potential of such initiatives to encourage meaningful engagement and empower students in addressing the pressing challenges of climate crisis. In addition to providing an evidence base for the value of such initiatives, through outlining the specifics of this student-led project, a framework that can be used by other institutions to develop their own initiatives is offered.
Forging a sustainable path: the QualEnv consortium's practices and strategies in promoting sustainable development in higher education institutions
Authors: Cubas Anelise Leal Vieira , Provin Ana Paula , Dutra Ana Regina de Aguiar , Andrade Guerra José Baltazar Salgueirinho Osório de , Mussi Clarissa Carneiro
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Higher education institutions (HEIs) have a pivotal role in global sustainable development. The purpose of this study is to assess the QualEnv Consortium's contributions (QualEnv, a cooperative network of 16 universities across several countries, aimed to promote sustainability within HEIs). This paper focuses on three key objectives: illustrating QualEnv's successful, replicable sustainability strategies, highlighting their application and outcomes and contributing to the discourse on sustainable practices in HEIs.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses qualitative and exploratory methods to provide an in-depth view of sustainability practices and strategies within universities. This study relies on documentation, specifically the “Sustainability Handbooks” of the QualEnv project, as a source of evidence.

Findings

This study reveals that the QualEnv Consortium's strategies have significantly improved the environmental and social performance of participating HEIs. Notably, this research identifies substantial enhancements in key sustainability metrics, including reduced carbon emissions, increased adoption of eco-friendly practices and stronger community engagement.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some limitations. First, the choice of a qualitative methodological approach may constrain the generalizability of the findings. Another relevant limitation is related to the uniformity in adopting sustainable practices. The effectiveness of actions linked to the Sustainable Development Goals may depend on consistency in implementation among participating universities, and variations in this aspect can affect the direct comparison of adopted strategies.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the sustainability in higher education field by comprehensively examining the QualEnv Consortium's innovative approach. By focusing on QualEnv's experiences and outcomes, this research offers valuable insights and serves as a model for HEIs worldwide seeking to align their academic, research and community engagement efforts with sustainable development goals.
Examining the dynamics of risk associated with green investment in India: a study on fintech and green bonds for clean energy production
Authors: Sreenu Nenavath
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The research investigates how green bonds and Fintech contribute to advancing sustainable energy adoption in India while addressing the intricate investment risks associated with green initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a stringent approach, conducting an extensive examination of data to analyze the interplay among green bonds, Fintech, and the renewable energy industry in India.

Findings

The study unveils Fintech’s capacity to optimize financing for renewable projects in India by leveraging blockchain technology and digital platforms, enhancing accessibility and investor confidence. Additionally, it underscores the role of green bonds in fostering the development of eco-friendly energy sources.

Originality/value

This research offers novel insights into the dynamic relationship among green bonds, Fintech, and India’s renewable energy sector. It emphasizes the importance of adaptable regulatory frameworks in facilitating sustainability efforts and provides valuable guidance for stakeholders navigating environmental initiatives.
“Connect” me! Social networking in commercial real estate
Authors: Cifci Eren , Tidwell Alan
Published: June 2024

The use of social networking sites (SNS) within professional contexts is increasingly prevalent, yet studies examining their impact within the real estate sector remain limited. In this study, using LinkedIn followers as an indicator of professional networks, we investigate the effect of professional networking on performance within the commercial real estate market. By leveraging an agent's LinkedIn followers, we introduce a novel measure of professional network into the real estate literature. Findings suggest that listing agents with a larger number of SNS followers tend to engage in more property transactions, achieve higher sales prices, and experience shorter sale times than agents with fewer SNS connections. Similarly, agents considered “active” on the SNS also perform better than agents that have an account but are not “active.” These findings persist after accounting for various agent, property, and location characteristics, suggesting that SNS can be a helpful tool for real estate agents in utilizing and expanding their professional network.
Eligible offender samples are missing in CODIS: A statewide approach to performing a lawfully owed DNA census
Authors: Salinas Orlando C.
Published: June 2024

In 2019, the Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) Texas Ranger Division (TRD) identified approximately 3300 registered sex offenders (RSOs) from whom a “lawfully owed” DNA sample was missing from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Lawfully owed DNA (LODNA) is defined as a DNA sample from a qualifying offender who should have had their sample entered into CODIS, but for unknown reasons did not. As a result of those findings, TXDPS then applied for and was awarded a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance's Sexual Assault Kit Initiative to collect DNA specimens from these RSOs, and to perform a statewide LODNA census. TXDPS TRD sought to determine: Are the missed DNA collection problems limited to RSO's or are they occurring among individuals with a qualifying arrest or conviction as specified by state law too? What processes are used to identify individuals who are eligible for DNA sample collection? How is an individuals' DNA collection eligibility conveyed to external agencies? The findings from TXDPS' LODNA census, identified 43,245 individuals who were likely eligible for DNA collection between 1995 and 2020, therefore indicating statewide DNA collection issues. Over 4 years, collection efforts pertaining to the aforementioned lawfully owed census, have yielded 5183 LODNA sample collections, and 276 CODIS hits. This manuscript aims to create an awareness within other agencies of the importance of implementing best practices to ensure the collection and upload of LODNA from every eligible individual.
Towards understanding interactions in a complex world: Design and analysis of multi‐species functional response experiments
Authors: Rosenbaum Benjamin , Li Jingyi , Hirt Myriam R. , Ryser Remo , Brose Ulrich
Published: June 2024

The functional response describes feeding rates of consumers as a function of resource density. While models for feeding on a single resource species are well studied and supported by a large body of empirical research, consumers feeding on multiple resource species are ubiquitous in nature. However, laboratory experiments designed for parameterizing multi‐species functional responses (MSFR) are extremely rare, mainly due to logistical challenges and the non‐trivial nature of their statistical analysis.

Here, we describe how these models can be fitted to empirical data in a Bayesian framework. Specifically, we address the problem of prey depletion during experiments, which can be accounted for through dynamical modelling. In a comprehensive simulation study, we test the effects of experimental design, sample size and noise level on the identifiability of four distinct MSFR models. Additionally, we demonstrate the method's versatility by applying it to a list of empirical datasets.

We identify experimental designs for feeding trials that produce the most accurate parameter estimates in two‐ and three‐prey scenarios. Although noise introduces systematic bias in parameter estimates, model selection performs surprisingly well for the four MSFRs, almost always identifying the correct model even for small datasets.

This flexible framework allows the simultaneous analysis of feeding experiments from both single‐ and multi‐prey scenarios, either with or without prey depletion. This will help to elucidate mechanisms such as prey selectivity, prey switching and their implications for food web stability and biodiversity. Our approach equips researchers with the appropriate statistical tools to improve the understanding of feeding interactions in complex ecosystems.
Croatia: Political Developments and Data in 2023
Authors: NIKIĆ ČAKAR DARIO , RAOS VIŠESLAV
Published: June 2024

In 2023, Croatia joined both the euro and the Schengen area, thus completing full EU integration. No elections were held, and the Parliament experienced some minor cases of floor crossing while the government, although maintaining its party composition, reshuffled four ministers. The opposition criticized the government over political corruption and infringements upon media freedom.
The market risk premium in Australia: Forward‐looking evidence from the options market
Authors: Aspris Angelo , Félez‐Viñas Ester , Foley Sean , Malloch Hamish , Svec Jiri
Published: June 2024

This paper analyses forward‐looking estimates of the expected market return in Australian. By utilising option prices, we compute a lower bound for the capital gain and dividend components of the expected return. Over a 17‐year period, the average 1‐month expected return lower bound is found to be 8.6% per annum, compared with an average realised return of 10.9% per annum. Our option‐based estimates demonstrate significant predictive power beyond historical averages and enable direct measurement of the expected return term structure. This approach complements traditional measures of expected returns and offers valuable insights for practitioners, academics, and policymakers in Australia.
Beggars cannot be choosers? Legitimacy deficiency and the use of trade credit by family firms
Authors: Wu Qi , Xu Jing , Song Boliang , Liu Bin
Published: June 2024

While prior literature conceives financial distress as the primary driver of trade credit usage, organisational idiosyncratic characteristics and the situated institutional environment may also play a role. Building on the legitimacy‐based view, this study investigates whether family firms (FFs) – a special group of firms that are relatively understudied in the finance and accounting literature – in transitioning economies like China exhibit unique patterns of the use of trade credit. We found that increased family ownership leads to more usage of trade credit. Such inclination is stronger among FFs undergoing intergenerational succession, whereas it is weaker for FFs located in more developed subnational regions.
Learning ESG from stock prices: Evidence from a quasi‐natural experiment in China
Authors: Huang Zeyuan , Si Yi , Tian Gaoliang , Xia Chongwu , Zhang Lei
Published: June 2024

This study examines the impact of stock market liberalisation on managerial environmental, social and governance (ESG) learning from stock prices. Using a quasi‐natural experiment, specifically the Shanghai‐Hong Kong Stock Connect (SHHKC) and Shenzhen‐Hong Kong Stock Connect (SZHKC), we find that stock market liberalisation enhances firms' ESG expenditure sensitivity to stock prices, implying that managers extract greater amounts of ESG information from stock prices. Additionally, the mechanism test shows that liberalisation influences managerial learning by enabling stock prices to incorporate foreign investors' private ESG information at both aggregated and granular levels. Moreover, we demonstrate the specific ESG information that managers acquire from stock prices. We also find that the learning effects are stronger for firms in polluting industries, without ESG‐proficient managers, and without access to alternative learning channels, lending further support to managerial ESG learning from stock prices. Finally, we demonstrate that the increase in ESG expenditure leads to subsequent ESG performance improvement. Our findings provide the managerial implication that managers under transformation pressure may seek information from ESG‐related stock price reactions.
Conspire to one's own detriment: Strengthening HPV Program Support Through Debunking Epistemically Suspect Beliefs
Authors: Adamus Magdalena , Ballová Mikušková Eva , Kohut Michal
Published: June 2024

The study experimentally tested an intervention that debunks epistemically suspect beliefs about vaccines. After answering questions about pre‐existing epistemically suspect beliefs (irrational health beliefs and conspiracy mentality), 565 participants were randomly assigned into one of three conditions and exposed either to neutral information about domestic animals, salient epistemically suspect content about vaccination or an intervention that debunks epistemically suspect beliefs about vaccination. Afterwards, the participants answered questions about vaccination‐related conspiracy narratives (manipulation check), vaccination attitudes, intentions to vaccinate against HPV, support for an HPV vaccination programme and intentions to seek health guidance. Although the intervention demonstrated the potential to inhibit the endorsement of conspiracy narratives, we found no differences in the other outcome variables. Nevertheless, across the conditions, pre‐existing epistemically suspect beliefs were associated with less favourable attitudes towards vaccination, lower intentions to vaccinate against HPV, less support for the vaccination programme and lower intentions to seek health guidance. The results indicate that debunking may be futile in curbing long‐term negative impacts associated with epistemically suspect beliefs, and they contribute to the debate about assessing the effectiveness of interventions related to highly controversial topics such as vaccination. The study enhances understanding of persistent adverse impacts that epistemically suspect beliefs may have on public health outcomes.
Dental caries status and related factors among 12‐year‐old Somali school children in Hargeisa
Authors: Dahroug Abdelrahman Eid , Heen Espen Kolstad , Hussein Mohamed A. , Madar Ahmed Ali
Published: June 2024

Objectives

There is little data on the oral health conditions of Somali children. The aim was to assess the dental caries status and related risk factors of 12‐aged children in primary schools in Hargeisa, Somaliland.

Methods

A school‐based survey was conducted in Hargeisa in December 2022. Using 2‐stage cluster sampling, 405 children (12‐aged) were randomly selected from 16 primary schools. Data collection involved WHO structured interviewer‐administered questionnaire and clinical examinations. The DMFT index was measured according to WHO criteria, and accordingly, the mean for the significant caries index (SiC) was calculated. The association between the DMFT and the relevant variables was analysed using negative binomial regression in STATA.

Results

The overall prevalence of dental caries was found to be 62.7%, with a mean DMFT of 1.7 and a SiC score of 3.7. Non‐public school pupils showed significantly higher prevalence of dental caries and mean DMFT compared to public school counterparts (68.5% vs. 58.6%) and (1.91 vs. 1.48), respectively. Merely 14.7% of the participants utilized dental care services in the previous year. The multivariable analysis showed a significant positive association of the DMFT outcome with attending a non‐public school (95% CI 1.16–2.12) and having many previous dental visits (95% CI 1.22–2.83). In the adjusted model, fathers of low education had children with better dental caries status (lower mean DMFT) than their well‐educated counterparts. The mean DMFT was not significantly influenced by the factors sex, location, educational attainment (school class of the participants) and frequency of teeth cleaning.

Conclusion

Although the overall mean DMFT of school children in Hargeisa could be regarded low, the high levels of untreated caries especially in the one‐third most affected are a cause for concern. Children enrolled in non‐public schools formed the high‐risk group. Preventive oral public health programs targeting Somali school children are recommended.
One way or another…or both: Different roles of fathers, mothers, and adolescents in the intergenerational transmission of inclusive attitudes
Authors: Maratia Fabio , Crocetti Elisabetta
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to examine the processes of intergenerational transmission of attitudes toward migrant integration policies in families with adolescents. Participants included 809 adolescents (M
age = 15.61, range: 13.87–20.04 years), 545 fathers (M
age = 51.19, range: 38–77 years), and 716 mothers (M
age = 48.11, range: 33–68 years) involved in a longitudinal study with two assessments and a time‐lag of 1 year between them. Each family member completed the Attitudes towards Migrant Integration Policies scale. In addition, adolescents reported their perception of discussion of current events with parents and the level of support they receive from them. The cross‐lagged model highlighted a unidirectional transmission, with fathers' but not mothers' attitudes toward migrant integration policies influencing adolescents' attitudes. Furthermore, it has been examined which factors can either amplify or reduce the strength of intergenerational transmission processes considering individual characteristics of both adolescents (i.e., sex, age) and their parents (i.e., political orientation), and cultural (i.e., family, ethnic background) and relational (i.e., discussion of current events, perceived support from fathers and mothers) family characteristics. Individual factors (i.e., fathers' political orientation) and family relational characteristics (i.e., perceived support from fathers) moderated the transmission processes. The transmission was bidirectional when fathers reported being left‐wing and politically oriented and stronger when adolescents reported high support from their fathers. Thus, this study underscores the complexity of the family context, highlighting that the transmission of inclusive attitudes does not always operate in one way (e.g., from parents to children) or another, but in some cases, simultaneously.
GhHAM regulates GoPGF‐dependent gland development and contributes to broad‐spectrum pest resistance in cotton
Authors: Long Lu , Xu Fu‐Chun , Yuan Man , Shang Shen‐Zhai , Song Hao‐Ge , Zhao Jing‐Ruo , Hu Gai‐Yuan , Zhang Zhen‐Nan , Zhao Xiao‐Tong , Ma Jia‐Yi , Hussain Amjad , Wang Ping , Cai Ying‐Fan , Jin Shuang‐Xia , Gao Wei
Published: June 2024

Cotton is a globally cultivated crop, producing 87% of the natural fiber used in the global textile industry. The pigment glands, unique to cotton and its relatives, serve as a defense structure against pests and pathogens. However, the molecular mechanism underlying gland formation and the specific role of pigment glands in cotton's pest defense are still not well understood. In this study, we cloned a gland‐related transcription factor GhHAM and generated the GhHAM knockout mutant using CRISPR/Cas9. Phenotypic observations, transcriptome analysis, and promoter‐binding experiments revealed that GhHAM binds to the promoter of GoPGF, regulating pigment gland formation in cotton's multiple organs via the GoPGF‐GhJUB1 module. The knockout of GhHAM significantly reduced gossypol production and increased cotton's susceptibility to pests in the field. Feeding assays demonstrated that more than 80% of the cotton bollworm larvae preferred ghham over the wild type. Furthermore, the ghham mutants displayed shorter cell length and decreased gibberellins (GA) production in the stem. Exogenous application of GA3 restored stem cell elongation but not gland formation, thereby indicating that GhHAM controls gland morphogenesis independently of GA. Our study sheds light on the functional differentiation of HAM proteins among plant species, highlights the significant role of pigment glands in influencing pest feeding preference, and provides a theoretical basis for breeding pest‐resistant cotton varieties to address the challenges posed by frequent outbreaks of pests.
Real-Time Estimation of Human Arm Dynamic Parameters Based on Optical
Authors: Xu Yang , Wen Jiayi , Liu Chengcheng , Liu Zhu , Zhu Peiyi
Published: June 2024

A flexible optical intensity sensor is designed in this study to address the poor adaptability of fixed-value parameters in exoskeleton research, which makes it difficult to handle system changes and uncertainties. The light transmission portion of the sensor is made of TPU and PET, exhibiting flexibility and bendable deformation characteristics, as well as good sensitivity, anti-interference capability, and stability. The flexible optical sensor is fixed on the side of the binding device, which is installed on the biceps brachii to collect the optical intensity loss signals after sensor bending. By utilizing this method, parameters such as the cross-sectional radius, arm centroid, and moment of inertia can be estimated in real-time. Finally, the estimated radius values are compared with theoretical values, and the accuracy is verified by combining the kinematic model. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves a parameter information error of less than 8.63% and a stability better than 4.3%. Compared to the traditional fixed parameter method, the stability has improved by 25.06%, and the accuracy has improved by 9.04%.
Construction of symbols satisfying sum rules of order p using standard pairs
Authors: Mithun A. T.
Published: June 2024

In this paper, using standard pairs, we present a method to construct symbols satisfying the sum rules of order [Formula: see text] for any given [Formula: see text]. It is shown that using matrix polynomial theory symbols, symmetric or non-symmetric, satisfying the sum rules of order [Formula: see text] can be constructed efficiently. The construction is illustrated using various examples.
Efficient Material Flow and Storage Space Determination in Automated Distribution Centers
Authors: Alnahhal Mohammed , Gjeldum Nikola , Ruzayqat Mohammed
Published: June 2024

There can be two automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) in the same distribution center: one for pallets and the other for cases. Full pallets or half‐full pallets are depalletized and moved to the case storage system. The number of cases depalletized daily for an item needs to be determined based on the average daily demand for that item. Too many depalletized cases ahead of time will inflate the required storage capacity of the case storage system. On the other hand, depalletizing only the necessary cases day by day might lead to too frequent material flow, and therefore more stacker cranes are necessary. Therefore, the number of depalletized pallets affects the number and utilization of stacker cranes in the pallet storage system. It also affects the needed space in the case storage system. This study determines the most efficient number of depalletized cases for three classes of items (A, B, and C), which are determined based on their daily demand. This is done using three scenarios. The total cost is minimized, considering the utilization of the two storage systems. More investigation was done for B items, which have daily demand levels of one layer of cases or more, but less than pallet size. First, analytical equations were formulated to model the system. The model was solved using a genetic algorithm (GA) with special chromosome representations. Results showed that B items can be grouped into two subgroups that are replenished based on two different material flow scenarios. Items with relatively large demand levels have scenario 3 as the optimal one. Results also showed that the model reduces both total costs and stacker crane utilization while improving system flexibility.
Overexpression of
ATP5F1A
in Cardiomyocytes Promotes Cardiac Reverse Remodeling
Authors: Xu Mengda , Zhang Hang , Chang Yuan , Hua Xiumeng , Chen Xiao , Sheng Yixuan , Shan Dan , Bao Mengni , Hu Shengshou , Song Jiangping
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:

The mechanism of cardiac reverse remodeling (CRR) mediated by the left ventricular assist device remains unclear. This study aims to identify the specific cell type responsible for CRR and develop the therapeutic target that promotes CRR.

METHODS:

The nuclei were extracted from the left ventricular tissue of 4 normal controls, 4 CRR patients, and 4 no cardiac reverse remodeling patients and then subjected to single-nucleus RNA sequencing for identifying key cell types responsible for CRR. Gene overexpression in transverse aortic constriction and dilated cardiomyopathy heart failure mouse model (C57BL/6J background) and pathological staining were performed to validate the results of single-nucleus RNA sequencing.

RESULTS:

Ten cell types were identified among 126 156 nuclei. Cardiomyocytes in CRR patients expressed higher levels of
ATP5F1A
than the other 2 groups. The macrophages in CRR patients expressed more anti-inflammatory genes and functioned in angiogenesis. Endothelial cells that elevated in no cardiac reverse remodeling patients were involved in the inflammatory response. Echocardiography showed that overexpressing
ATP5F1A
through cardiomyocyte-specific adeno-associated virus 9 demonstrated an ability to improve heart function and morphology. Pathological staining showed that overexpressing
ATP5F1A
could reduce fibrosis and cardiomyocyte size in the heart failure mouse model.

CONCLUSIONS:

The present results of single-nucleus RNA sequencing and heart failure mouse model indicated that
ATP5F1A
could mediate CRR and supported the development of therapeutics for overexpressing
ATP5F1A
in promoting CRR.
Bacterial profile and antibiotic susceptibility patterns in patients with secondary peritonitis: a cross-sectional study in Uganda
Authors: Godefroy Nyenke Bassara , Muhumuza Joshua , Molen Selamo Fabrice , Waziri Musa Abbas , Kagenderezo ByaMungu Pahari , Vahwere Bienfait Mumbere , Sikakulya Frank Katembo , Mauricio William , Wandabwa Joel , Francois Bisingurege Kagoro , Agwu Ezera , Okedi Xaviour Francis
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Secondary peritonitis is the second leading cause of sepsis worldwide. Drug resistance to peritoneal cavity bacterial infection remains a public health threat, especially in resource-limited settings in Africa, including Uganda. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial susceptibility patterns and factors associated with secondary peritonitis among patients with acute abdomen who underwent surgery at a Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital (HRRH) that enrolled 126 patients with acute abdomen. Clinical samples were aseptically collected at laparotomy from patients with secondary peritonitis for culture and sensitivity using standard Microbiological methods. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with secondary peritonitis among patients with acute abdomen.

Results

The majority of the patients were males (61.9%) with a mean age of 37.9(SD ± 21.8). Secondary peritonitis was found in 57(45.2%) of the patients. Gram-negative bacteria were the most commonly isolated organisms with Escherichia coli (35.8%) and Klebsiella spp (17.0%) predominating. Imipenem 88.8%(8/9), Amikacin 88.8%(8/9), Ciprofloxacin 44.4%(4/9) and Gentamicin 44.4%(4/9) demonstrated sensitivity to the different isolated organisms at varying degrees. Being a male (AOR = 3.658; 95% CI = 1.570–8.519, p = 0.003) and presenting 3 days after onset of symptoms (AOR = 2.957; 95% CI = 1.232–7.099, p = 0.015) were independently associated with secondary peritonitis.

Conclusion

Imipenem, Amikacin, Ciprofloxacin, and Gentamicin should be considered for empirical therapy in cases of secondary peritonitis. Patients, more especially males with abdominal pain should be encouraged to present early to the hospital to minimize progression to secondary peritonitis.
Impact of the IDEA Collaboration Study on Real-World Practice Patterns of Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients With Stage III Colon Cancer: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Samnani Sunil , Ding Philip Q. , Lee-Ying Richard , Cheung Winson Y. , Karim Safiya
Published: June 2024

PURPOSE

The International Duration Evaluation of Adjuvant Chemotherapy (IDEA) collaboration showed no significant clinical difference in outcomes in patients with stage III colon cancer (CC) treated with 3 versus 6 months of oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy (O-ACT). We aimed to assess change in real-world practice patterns before and after publication of the IDEA study.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included patients age ≥18 years with stage III CC diagnosed between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2020. Eligible patients received >1 dose of ACT between March 20, 2012, and May 10, 2021 inclusive. They were categorized into pre-IDEA (diagnosed before March 31, 2018) and post-IDEA (diagnosed on or after April 1, 2018) groups. The primary outcome was the median duration and type of ACT and factors associated with a shorter duration. Secondary outcomes were 2-year overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS).

RESULTS

In total, 740 patients were included (median age, 64 years, range, 27-90; 52.7% male). 48.8% had pT4 and/or pN2 disease. 77% received O-ACT. In the post-IDEA era, capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CAPOX) ACT use increased (22.8%-50.7%,
P
< .001), and median duration of treatment was significantly shorter (2.7
v
4.8 months,
P
< .001). Factors associated with shorter O-ACT duration included diagnosis in the post-IDEA era (odds ratio, 2.08,
P
= .002), absence of pT4 and/or pN2 disease (hazard ratio [HR], 1.71,
P
= .01), and receipt of CAPOX (HR, 2.58,
P
< .001). Two-year OS and CSS were comparable between pre- and post-IDEA eras (OS 95%
v
94%; CSS 96%
v
96%).

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that the results of the IDEA trial have been largely adopted in clinical practice with shorter duration of ACT in low-risk stage III CC.
Comparison of the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation and conventional open thyroidectomy in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules
Authors: Fu Yuehe , Xia Yuke , Wang Haiyan , Zhang Gong
Published: June 2024

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of ultrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and conventional open thyroidectomy (OT) in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules (BTN).
Methods: Medical records of 103 patients with BTN undergoing surgical treatment at The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from March 2019 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Records show that 53 patients underwent US-guided RFA (observation group) and 50 patients underwent conventional OT (control group). Perioperative indicators (operation duration, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, incision length, and VAS score 12h and 24h after surgery), complications, thyroid function, and nodule recurrence in both groups were compared and analyzed.
Results: Perioperative indicators of patients in the observation group were better, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at 12 and 24 hours after the surgery were lower than those of the control group (p<0.05). The incidence of complications in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the preoperative levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), serum free thyroxine (FT4) and serum free triiodothyronine (FT3) between the two groups (p>0.05). The postoperative TSH levels in the observation group increased compared to the preoperative levels and were higher than those in the control group, while FT4 and FT3 levels decreased after surgery and were lower than those in the control group (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Compared to conventional open thyroidectomy, US-guided RFA is associated with less trauma, faster recovery, fewer complications, and less impact on thyroid function in the treatment of patients with BTN.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.7.9486
How to cite this: Fu Y, Xia Y, Wang H, Zhang G. Comparison of the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation and conventional open thyroidectomy in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(7):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.7.9486
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Broader than Broadway. Le anomalie dentro la griglia
Authors: Job Floris
Published: June 2024

La tipologia di edifici poco profondi e cuneiformi è emersa come conseguenza dell’incontro di un piano urbano inserito in un tessuto urbano esistente. Questo fenomeno compare in diverse città come New York o Parigi. Generalmente, queste anomalie non fanno parte della strategia urbana in modo conscio, ma sono eccezioni e difetti nella logica della pianificazione. Nonostante ciò sono la causa di momenti urbani affascinanti, nei quali l’unione tra urbanistica e architettura sembra dare del suo meglio. Queste anomalie si possono percepire sia come insoliti oggetti, sia come obbedienza al piano urbanistico. Seguendo le regole di quest'ultimo su tutta la linea, sorgono edifici grande importanza perche' pezzi indispensabili in grado di rafforzare la trama urbana.
Charles Correa e il Mandala. Un altro "mindset"
Authors: Manuela Schirra
Published: June 2024

A partire dall’hyper-local Correa intercetta l’innovazione e lascia la sua lectio.  “Usando con disinvoltura l’antico mandala come base per un edificio contemporaneo, è possibile arrivare ad un concetto completamente nuovo di organizzazione di sequenze spaziali”.* Un dispositivo reiterato e da reiterare secondo un sistema di ‘mondi di mondi’, sviluppato secondo la tecnica del ‘incastro’ e fondato sul presupposto del ‘vuoto’ come organizzatore e generatore spaziale.
La porta del Pantheon, il ‘muro’ di Alberti e quello di Chillida. Forme dell’ipogeo e l’architettura degli spazi cavi
Authors: Giuseppe Ferrarella
Published: June 2024

Nessuna forma e nessun tipo sembrano potersi ricondurre univocamente alle architetture del sacro, eppure molti di questi siti posseggono un carattere comune: l’idea dello spazio ipogeo.   Se in alcuni di questi luoghi – soprattutto i più antichi – lo spazio è prodotto di un reale movimento materico, in altri – più recenti – ciò è riprodotto dalle forme massive, dalle logiche di sottrazione dei volumi, dalla concezione dello spazio come luogo ‘cavato dal pieno’. È difficile, se non impossibile, risalire alle origini di questa esigenza apparentemente comune a molte culture, e sebbene sia affascinante pensare che tutto ciò abbia genesi nel gesto dello scavo delle prime tombe, l’ipotesi rimarrebbe indimostrabile. Attraverso tre rapide incursioni, si tenterà una riflessione sul senso dello spazio nei luoghi deputati al sacro ed al rito.
La Scuola Paulista: un’ipotesi di regionalismo critico
Authors: Ettore Vadini
Published: June 2024

Dagli inizi degli anni ‘40 il modernismo brasiliano da Rio de Janeiro si sposta quasi esclusivamente a San Paolo, se escludiamo il periodo di Brasilia e quel po’ che accadrà nelle restanti città ‘d’architettura’ del Brasile. In quegli anni a San Paolo inizia la professione João Batista Vilanova Artigas, una personalità di spicco con una visione dell’architettura idealista a sfondo sociale a cui la critica riconoscerà, forse tardi, la paternità della cosiddetta Scuola Paulista. Dopo le prime case wrightiane, Vilanova Artigas avvia una ricerca teorico-pratica a partire dal retaggio di quel Moderno carioca nato per una nazione in cerca d’identità. Vilanova Artigas, attraverso la sua “critica della modernizzazione”, farà dell’articolazione della forma strutturale che dialoga con la topografia del luogo la cifra distintiva della Scuola Paulista.
Cyberpsychology: The Understanding of Woman-Social Media's Interaction
Authors: Lailisna Novi Nur
Published: June 2024

The face can display how the emotion of a human. Some research concluded that it is possible to be different details of emotion and event. As found in the gender studies, men and women are having professional anger in both statuses for their own emotions. Especially for women who are actively become netizens of social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are predictively more interactive in that media and have various emotions to say and receive anything from them.  The critical introduction of social media from N. Bakić-Mirić explained a wide variety of topics including how to define the characteristics of new media; social and political uses of new media and new communications; new media technologies, politics, and globalization; everyday life and new media; theories of interactivity, simulation, the new media economy; cybernetics, cyberculture, the history of automata and artificial life. Therefore, more specifically, women have the psychology of becoming women in social media. Applying qualitative methodology, this study explores what cyberpsychology extend to women and how their emotion be on social media. The research contributes to women on to be careful with social media.
[Wajah pada kesempatannya mampu menampilkan bagaimana emosi manusia. Beberapa penelitian menyimpulkan bahwa terdapat kemungkinan adanya emosi dan peristiwa tertentu dalam konteks yang berbeda. Sebagaimana dalam studi gender, pria dan wanita mengalami kemarahan yang bermakna dari ungkapan untuk emosi mereka sendiri. Khususnya bagi perempuan yang aktif menjadi warganet di media sosial seperti facebook, twitter dan instagram; perempuan diprediksi lebih interaktif dalam media tersebut dan memiliki berbagai emosi untuk menyampaikan dan menerima apa pun dari. Pengenalan kritis media sosial dari N. Bakić-Mirić dijelaskan dalam berbagai topik termasuk: bagaimana mendefinisikan karakteristik media terbarukan; penggunaan media baru dan komunikasi baru secara sosial dan politik; teknologi media baru, politik dan globalisasi; kehidupan sehari-hari dan media baru; teori interaktivitas, simulasi, ekonomi media baru; sibernetika, budaya siber, sejarah automata dan kehidupan buatan (maya). Oleh karena itu, terkhusus lagi, perempuan memiliki psikologinya sendiri untuk menjadi perempuan di media sosial. Menerapkan metodologi kualitatif, studi ini  mengeksplorasi pertanyaan penelitian seperti: apa pengertian psikologi-siber yang terdapat pada perempuan dan bagaimana emosi mereka di media social. Hasil dari penelitian ini, adalah memberikan wawasan kepada wanita agar lebih peduli pada dirinya sendiri dalam penggunaan media sosial.]
Could this be next for corpus linguistics? Methods of semi-automatic data annotation with contextualized word embeddings
Authors: Fonteyn Lauren , Manjavacas Enrique , Haket Nina , Dorst Aletta G. , Kruijt Eva
Published: June 2024

This paper explores how linguistic data annotation can be made (semi-)automatic by means of machine learning. More specifically, we focus on the use of “contextualized word embeddings” (i.e. vectorized representations of the meaning of word tokens based on the sentential context in which they appear) extracted by large language models (LLMs). In three example case studies, we assess how the contextualized embeddings generated by LLMs can be combined with different machine learning approaches to serve as a flexible, adaptable semi-automated data annotation tool for corpus linguists. Subsequently, to evaluate which approach is most reliable across the different case studies, we use a Bayesian framework for model comparison, which estimates the probability that the performance of a given classification approach is stronger than that of an alternative approach. Our results indicate that combining contextualized word embeddings with metric fine-tuning yield highly accurate automatic annotations.
Уголовный проступок: новые грани российского законодательства
Authors: Gavrilov Boris , Krymov Vitaliy , Shpagina Yuliya
Published: June 2024

В контексте реформ современного российского уголовного законодательства одним из ключевых направленяий являются вопросы либерализации уголовной ответствен-ности, включая декриминализацию ряда преступлений, снижение уголовно-правовых санкций за отдельные виды противоправных деяний, исключение квалифицированных признаков неоднократности и повторности и ряд др . Особое место в затронутых вопросах занимает введение в российское законодательство уголовного проступка, в связи с чем возникает целый комплекс подлежащих обсуждению и разрешению вопросов, имеющих, в том числе и междисциплинарный характер . В настоящей научной статье авторами с применением научного методологического инструментария раскрыта в теоретико-прикладном аспекте заявленная проблематика и предложены пути ее решения . На примере исторического осмысления делается вывод о том, что российскому уголовному законодательству идея об уголовном проступке не нова и в современной действительности имеются все предпосылки к возвращению его концепции, что подкреплено доводами авторов, а также результатами других научных исследований . Цель исследования состоит в научно-теоретическом обосновании необходимости совершенствования уголовно-правового законодательства, включая выработку законодательных предложений по внесению изменений в уголовное и уголовно-процессуальное законодательство, направленных на защиту прав и законных интересов участников уголовного судопроизводства, а также на производство по уголовному делу в разумный срок . Методы исследования: диалектический, формально-логический, конкретно-социологический, историко-правовой, статистический, контент-анализ, юридико- технический анализ . Проведенное исследование позволило авторам сформулировать вывод о том, что совершенствование уголовно-правового законодательства видится в контексте дифференциации противоправных деяний на уголовные проступки и преступления и введение в уголовно-процессуальное законодательство для рассматри-ваемой категории деяний — протокольной формы расследования, что в целом призвано повысить уровень правовой и социальной защищенности как лиц и организаций, пострадавших от преступлений, так и лиц, впервые совершивших противоправные деяние, исправление которых возможно без применения мер уголовной репрессии.Для цитирования: Гаврилов Б.Я., Крымов В.А., Шпагина Ю.В. Уголовный проступок: новые грани российского законодательства // Право. Журнал Высшей школы экономики. 2022. Т. 15. № 1. С. 115–139. DOI:10.17323/2072-8166.2022.1.115.139.
Juggling for Effective Learning - Methods to Encourage the Acquisition of New Skills in an Optional Course at Óbuda University
Authors: Prokai Piroska , Pál László Bendegúz
Published: June 2024

Play and learn, or learn while having fun. Unfortunately, in today's achievement-oriented society, education is all about getting a student to complete a predetermined task on time. This pressure can be very stressful for students, especially if they themselves are perfectionists and want to do their best, and fear failure (repeating a term) and the feeling of underachievement when compared to the abilities of their peers. The "Juggling for Effective Learning" course has already been offered six times to students at Óbuda University. The primary reason for the course was to help students who have a disability, primarily a learning disability (dyslexia or dysgraphia). However, students who are curious about the course are also welcome to attend.