bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishing a plan to improve pediatric patient comfort during PIV insertions and blood specimen collection: a quality improvement effort
Authors: Lorenc Jamie , Flaucher Nicholas , Evans Emily , Schurman Jennifer V
Published: April 2024

HIGHLIGHTS

Patient comfort during peripheral intravenous (PIV) insertion and specimen collection was increased. The authors extended the contingency plan implemented for PICC insertion to include PIV insertion and specimen collection. The authors met their goals by using quality improvement methodology. Prioritizing patient comfort often requires institutional culture change.

Background:

Needle procedures can cause pain and distress, especially in pediatric patients. 1 Retrospective data collected at a freestanding pediatric facility revealed that approximately 30% of pediatric patients were not demonstrating sufficient levels of comfort during peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheter insertion and specimen collection (lab draws) even after successful implementation of comfort measures by the vascular access team (VAT) in an adjacent procedure (eg peripherally inserted central catheter placement). The current quality improvement project was implemented to support adaptation and expansion of previous lessons learned to PIVs and lab draws specifically.

Design and Methods:

The VAT used the Pediatric Sedation State Scale, 2 a standardized assessment tool integrated into the electronic medical record, to assess procedural comfort during PIVs and lab draws from February 2021 through April 2023. A total of 24 134 patients aged 0 to 18 years were included in the data collection. Interventions were delivered concurrently and included (1) reeducation/ongoing support for implementation of the Comfort Promise 3 measures, (2) the creation and implementation of advanced comfort options, and (3) culture change.

Aims and Objectives:

The goal of the interventions was to improve the percentage of pediatric patients achieving adequate levels of comfort beginning at 68% in year 1 to 90% in year 2.

Results:

From February 2021 to April 2023, the VAT team was able to improve procedural comfort scores from 68% to 90% of pediatric patients with adequate comfort for lab draws and/or PIV insertions.

Conclusions:

While standard comfort measures are a good first step in pain management during needle procedures, they are not sufficient for every pediatric patient. Nitrous, sedation, and the use of anxiolytics and analgesics can play an important role in reducing pain and anxiety during needle procedures and should be considered for patients not achieving adequate levels of comfort with standard comfort measures.
Whole genome screening for deleterious alleles in Hanwoo cattle
Authors: Macharia John Kariuki , Lee Dong Jae , Lee Seung Hwan , Lee Jun Heon
Published: April 2024

Selective breeding of cattle increases the level of inbreeding and, as a result, the risk of transmitting deleterious recessive alleles in a population. Numerous genetic disorders have been identified in various breeds of cattle. Although these disorders occur sporadically, the widespread use of semen from carrier sires can increase their prevalence in a population. In this regard, routine testing and elimination of carrier bulls is essential. The availability of a large amount of genomic data enables the screening and identification of causal alleles in the absence of phenotypes. This study aimed to investigate the presence of candidate variants of genetic disorders in Hanwoo cattle using whole genome data. 16,970 cattle were genotyped using the 50K Illumina Bovine chip and imputed to the whole genome sequence level using reference data from 203 bulls. Genetic coordinates of previously reported mutations in cattle were obtained from the OMIA online database. The information was then used to screen for harmful alleles in Hanwoo cattle. Fortunately, we did not identify any candidate variants in the tested population. However, this study was limited to a small sample. Moreover, the reliability of the results could have been affected by low imputation accuracy and genotype liftover errors. In this regard, we recommend regular screening of the breeding cattle to minimize the prevalence of genetic disorders in Hanwoo cattle.
Zu den arabisch-altäthiopisch-amharischen Übersetzungen
Authors: Wellnhofer Zeus
Published: April 2024

Anhand der Übersetzung von zwei christlich-arabischen Werken des 13. Jh. wird auf altäthiopisch-amharische Übersetzungsweisen eingegangen. Grundlage sind die ersten fünf Kapitel vom Kitāb at-Tawārīḫ von Abū Šākir b. ar-Rāhib sowie zur Ergänzung Textbeispiele aus dem Kitāb al-Qawānīn von Ṣafī d-dawlah b. al-ʿAssāl. Generell lässt sich eine Zunahme an Verbalkonstruktionen im Amharischen feststellen, die sich prinzipiell in geringerem Umfang bereits im Gəʿəz findet. Hinzu kommt insbesondere eine deutlich häufigere Verwendung vom Gerundium im Amharischen. Die auf Arabisch, Gəʿəz und Amharisch vorliegenden Texte sind nicht nur Teil einer weiteren inneräthiopischen Rezeption, sondern auch hilfreich, um ein deutlicheres Bild sowohl von den Textvorlagen und ihrer Rezeption als auch generell von den Übersetzungstechniken zu bekommen. Keywords: Amharisch, Gəʿəz, Arabisch, Übersetzung, Übersetzungstechnik
Die syntaktische Bedeutung der masoretischen Akzentuation
Authors: Trompelt Kevin
Published: April 2024

Neben ihrer phonetischen und musikalischen Funktion gliedern die masoretischen Akzente jeden biblischen Vers in Unterabschnitte und zeigen damit an, was syntaktisch zusammengehört bzw. getrennt ist. Das maßgebende Charakteristikum für das Gliederungssystem der masoretischen Akzentuation ist dabei das Strukturgesetz der kontinuierlichen Dichotomie. Demnach wird der biblische Vers durch die Akzente zunächst in zwei Teile zerlegt. Diese Zweiteilung wiederholt sich nun wieder und wieder in den als Folge der Zerlegung entstandenen Verseinheiten, solange diese aus mindestens drei Wörtern bestehen. Im Beitrag wird zunächst die masoretische Akzentuation verschiedener syntaktischer Strukturen in den Blick genommen – angefangen von Nominalverbindungen, über einfache Sätze, bis hin zu komplexen Satzkonstruktionen. In diesem Zusammenhang wird mit der hierarchischen Ordnung der Disjunktive (Trennakzente) ein weiterer zentraler Grundsatz der masoretischen Akzentuation vorgestellt, der die Voraussetzung für das Strukturgesetz der kontinuierlichen Dichotomie bildet. In ihrer syntaktischen Funktion als Gliederungsmarker im Tanach nehmen die masoretischen Akzente schließlich Einfluss auf das Textverständnis und werden somit exegetisch bedeutsam. Indem sie den biblischen Text strukturell zerlegen und damit syntaktische Bezüge herstellen bzw. Unverbundenheiten kennzeichnen, wirken sie zwangsläufig und unverkennbar auf seine Aussage ein und geben ein bestimmtes Textverständnis wieder. Der Beitrag spürt diesem Textverständnis in einigen exemplarisch ausgewählten Versen nach. Keywords: masoretische Akzente, Disjunktive, kontinuierliche Dichotomie, syntaktische Bezüge, Textverständnis
Making Commotion: Riot and Protest in the Texts of 2 Henry VI
Authors: Ullmann Anna N.
Published: April 2024

Abstract: This essay argues that the textual differences between the quarto and folio versions of William Shakespeare’s 2 Henry VI evince the three-way ideological contestation between the aristocracy, the middling sort, and the lower classes in early modern England. Perhaps the most famous scenes from the play, those depicting Jack Cade’s rebellion, exist in both versions, but the portrayal of the uprising is very different between the two texts. The 1594 quarto gives us a vicious Cade intent on destroying businesses, raping women, and spurning well-meaning nobles; the 1623 folio version, by contrast, gives us an eloquent if imperfect Cade whose grievances are justified, reasoned, and well articulated. Political and economic power was steadily shifting during this period from the aristocracy to the middling sort, and, although the differences in Cade’s rebellion from the quarto to the folio might seem to indicate a revision in favor of the rebels, what the changes represent is the beginning of the transfer of ideological power from the aristocracy to upper-class commoners. To the nobility, the rebels are rioters, intent on causing chaos. For the middling sort, it was more advantageous to label them justified protesters, as the rebellion might remove the middling sort’s direct competition—the aristocracy. Thus, the two authoritative texts of Shakespeare’s 2 Henry VI can help us understand changing perceptions of popular riot and protest in the period and their connection to dominant and emerging class ideologies.
MPLC-based low-modal-crosstalk nine-mode-group demultiplexer for DSP-free IM/DD MDM transmission over MMF
Authors: Cui Jian , Deng Yu , Liu Zhuo , Hao Bin , Wu Chao , Tan Daiwei , Jiang Ming , Zhang Leimin , Chen Zhangyuan , He Yongqi , Li Juhao , Wan Qi
Published: April 2024

Weakly coupled mode-division multiplexing (MDM) transmission over legacy laid multimode
fiber (MMF) has great economic efficiency and can enormously enhance
the capacity of short-reach optical interconnections. In order to be
compatible with cost-efficient intensity-modulation/direct-detection
(IM/DD) transceivers, weakly coupled mode-group demultiplexers that
can simultaneously receive each mode group of MMFs are highly desired.
In this paper, we propose a scalable low-modal-crosstalk mode-group
demultiplexer over MMF based on multiplane light conversion (MPLC).
Multiple input Hermite–Gaussian (HG) modes of MMF are first converted
to bridging modes that are composed of HG00 modes distributed as a right-angle
triangle in Cartesian coordinates, and then each HG00 mode belonging to a degenerate mode
group is mapped to different overlapped HGn0 modes with vertical orientation for
simultaneous detection. With the help of bridging modes, the
MPLC-based mode-group demultiplexer can efficiently demultiplex all
mode groups in standard MMFs with less than 20 phase masks. A
nine-mode-group demultiplexer is further designed for demonstration,
and simulation results show that the MPLC-based demultiplexer achieves
low modal crosstalk of lower than −22.3dB at 1550 nm and lower than −17.9dB over the C-band for all the nine mode
groups with only 16 phase masks.
Measurement technology based on a Stokes parametric polarization system
Authors: Zhu Zhenmin , Qiu Hongwei , Long Wenqing , He Lifa , Xie Dongdong , Ye Yinsong
Published: April 2024

Structured light measurement systems often use polarization filters to reduce image interference from highly reflective areas. This method can be effective, but it may also reduce the brightness of specific areas, particularly overly dark portions, which can affect the accuracy of the measurement results. This paper proposes a measurement method for a polarization system based on Stokes parameters to solve the problem. After adjusting the polarization filter to angles of 0°, 45°, and 90°, the camera captures an image of the object and calculates the corresponding Stokes parameters to generate the expected polarization angle histogram. Then, based on the detailed information on the angle distribution, the accurate mathematical model is used to screen the interval, and the optimal polarization angle is determined by orthogonal processing while ensuring the signal-to-noise ratio and image quality. Finally, an image fusion technology synthesizes a set of fringe projection images with the preferred polarization angles. Experiments have shown that this new method effectively addresses the issue of interference in the highlighted region when using conventional polarization filters. Additionally, it significantly improves the quality of the fringe pattern. The polarization angle selection in the experimental process is made more rapid and accurate through the quantitative mathematical model calculation of the polarization angle, significantly improving the system’s measurement efficiency.
Broadband photoelectric fusion transceiver-multiplexed conversion system with high spurious rejection
Authors: Wang Hanyu , Zhao Zeping , Hu Zijian , Wang Chaoquan , Liu Jianguo , Zhang Weijie
Published: April 2024

In this paper, a broadband photoelectric fusion transceiver-multiplexed system is
proposed to realize a frequency converter. The system achieves a high
spurious suppression ratio through two frequency conversions that
utilize the advantages of microwave and photonics technology
simultaneously to reduce the complexity of the system and improve the
effective spectrum utilization. In addition, the core components, such
as the Mach–Zehnder modulator (MZM), are multiplexed in the up and
down frequency conversion link. High-frequency local oscillator (LO)
signals are used to keep image frequency signals and various kinds of
spurious signals obtained by beating frequency outside the system
bandwidth. Experimental results demonstrate that the operating
frequency ranges from 2 to 18 GHz with high performance
for both transmitter and receiver. The image rejection is
57.35 dB for up-conversion and 46.56 dB for
down-conversion, and the in-band spurious suppression achieves at
least 55.02 dB. At the same time, the spurious-free dynamic
range (SFDR) can reach at least 89.11dB⋅Hz2/3.
Initial design with confocal conic mirrors for freeform optical imaging systems
Authors: Fang Linyue , Chen Hongzuo , Chen Ting , Wu Rengmao
Published: April 2024

Freeform surfaces that can offer high degrees of freedom for aberration correction have been widely used in various imaging applications. Initial design is particularly critical in the optical design of freeform imaging systems due to the significantly expanded solution space. Here, we present a method to find an initial point for the optical design of four-mirror freeform imaging systems. The method is computationally simple, easily accessible, and theoretically supported. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated by designing a four-mirror confocal system without field-constant aberration and linear astigmatism. We also generalize the proposed method to four-mirror confocal systems with “double-pass surface.” The proposed method can yield a promising starting point for the design of freeform off-axis imaging systems.
Tunable liquid lens for three-photon excitation microscopy
Authors: Gilinsky Samuel D. , Jung Diane N. , Futia Greg L. , Zohrabi Mo , Welton Tarah A. , Supekar Omkar D. , Gibson Emily A. , Restrepo Diego , Bright Victor M. , Gopinath Juliet T.
Published: April 2024

We demonstrate a novel electrowetting liquid combination using a room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) and a nonpolar liquid, 1-phenyl-1-cyclohexene (PCH) suitable for focus-tunable 3-photon microscopy. We show that both liquids have over 90% transmission at 1300 nm over a 1.1 mm pathlength and an index of refraction contrast of 0.123. A lens using these liquids can be tuned from a contact angle of 133 to 48° with applied voltages of 0 and 60 V, respectively. Finally, a three-photon imaging system including an RTIL electrowetting lens was used to image a mouse brain slice. Axial scans taken with an electrowetting lens show excellent agreement with images acquired using a mechanically scanned objective.
Ultrafast laser direct writing of material independent integrated nonlinear components based on NPE
Authors: Xiu Longwang , Wang Yu , Hu Xinyu , Cao Xiangdong
Published: April 2024

Material independent integrated nonlinear components (MIINC) based on nonlinear polarization evolution (NPE) play an important role in the emerging quantum computing, integrated photonics and ultrafast science. However, to our knowledge, no one has yet employed ultrafast laser direct writing for NPE-based MIINC. Here, for the first time, we finish the MIINC direct writing based on NPE using an ultrafast laser, and we suggest a multi-slice (MS) approach to in-fiber waveplate direct writing that allows for flexible adjustment of the phase difference, the waveplate fast and slow axis, and the stress birefringence value. To complete the measurement of the nonlinear transmittance curve, a polarization-splitter prism is attached to the output light path's back end. The measurement results agree with the theoretical calculation. MIINC based on NPE with arbitrary nonlinear transmittance curves are fabricated via the direct writing method, which is expected to be used in optical chips in the future.
T staging esophageal tumors with x rays
Authors: Partridge T. , Wolfson P. , Jiang J. , Massimi L. , Astolfo A. , Djurabekova N. , Savvidis S. , Jones C. J. Maughan , Hagen C. K. , Millard E. , Shorrock W. , Waltham R. M. , Haig I. G. , Bate D. , Ho K. M. A. , Mc Bain H. , Wilson A. , Hogan A. , Delaney H. , Liyadipita A. , Levine A. P. , Dawas K. , Mohammadi B. , Qureshi Y. A. , Chouhan M. D. , Taylor S. A. , Mughal M. , Munro P. R. T. , Endrizzi M. , Novelli M. , Lovat L. B. , Olivo A.
Published: April 2024

With histopathology results typically taking several days, the ability to stage tumors during interventions could provide a step change in various cancer interventions. X-ray technology has advanced significantly in recent years with the introduction of phase-based imaging methods. These have been adapted for use in standard labs rather than specialized facilities such as synchrotrons, and approaches that enable fast 3D scans with conventional x-ray sources have been developed. This opens the possibility to produce 3D images with enhanced soft tissue contrast at a level of detail comparable to histopathology, in times sufficiently short to be compatible with use during surgical interventions. In this paper we discuss the application of one such approach to human esophagi obtained from esophagectomy interventions. We demonstrate that the image quality is sufficiently high to enable tumor T staging based on the x-ray datasets alone. Alongside detection of involved margins with potentially life-saving implications, staging tumors intra-operatively has the potential to change patient pathways, facilitating optimization of therapeutic interventions during the procedure itself. Besides a prospective intra-operative use, the availability of high-quality 3D images of entire esophageal tumors can support histopathological characterization, from enabling “right slice first time” approaches to understanding the histopathology in the full 3D context of the surrounding tumor environment.
Quantifying holistic capacity response and healthcare resilience in tackling COVID-19: Assessment of country capacity by MCDM
Authors: Ozsahin Dilber Uzun , Isa Nuhu Abdulhaqq , Uzun Berna , Ozsahin Ilker
Published: April 2024

The resilience of a country during the COVID-19 pandemic was determined based in whether it was holistically prepared and responsive. This resilience can only be identified through systematic data collection and analysis. Historical evidence-based response indicators have been proven to mitigate pandemics like COVID-19. However, most databases are outdated, requiring updating, derivation, and explicit interpretation to gain insight into the impact of COVID-19. Outdated databases do not show a country’s true preparedness and response capacity, therefore, it undermines pandemic threat. This study uses up-to-date evidence-based pandemic indictors to run a cross-country comparative analysis of COVID-19 preparedness, response capacity, and healthcare resilience. PROMETHEE—a multicriteria decision making (MCDM) technique—is used to quantify the strengths (positive) and weaknesses (negative) of each country’s COVID-19 responses, with full ranking (net) from best to least responsive. From 22 countries, South Korea obtained the highest net outranking value of 0.1945, indicating that it was the most resilient, while Mexico had the lowest (-0.1428). Although countries were underprepared, there was a robust response to the pandemic, especially in developing countries. This study demonstrates the performance and response capacity of 22 key countries to resist COVID-19, from which other countries can compare their statutory capacity ranking in order to learn/adopt the evidence-based responses of better performing countries to improve their resilience.
Cardiovascular risk of veterans’ football: An observational cohort study with follow-up
Authors: Egger Florian , Schilling Tilman , Baumann Sybille , Meyer Tim , Scharhag Jürgen
Published: April 2024

Background

The cardiac stress for veteran football players during match is considerable. In this specific elderly population, the kinetics of exercise-induced cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and B-Type natriuretic peptide (BNP) could potentially be related to cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and cardiovascular disease and are therefore be investigated for their usefulness as an complement to established screening measures.

Methods

cTnI and BNP was measured in 112 veteran football players (age: 51 ± 10 years) within 30 minutes pre- and post-match. Players with elevated cTnI (cTnI-positive) and a control group (out of the 112 veteran players) with normal cTnI (cTnI-negative) underwent cardiac follow-up 4.2 ± 3.5 months post-match, comprising history, resting and stress ECG (including 30 minutes pre- and post cTnI and BNP), and echocardiography.

Results

In 33 players (29%) cTnI and in 6 players BNP (5%) exceeded the upper range limit for increased risk of myocardial damage (cTnI ≥ 5 ng/l) and myocardial wall stress (BNP ≥ 100 pg/ml) post-match, respectively. No correlation was observed between Δ cTnI (pre- vs. post-match) and the number of CVRF (r = -0.06, p = 0.50). Follow-up was conducted in 62 players (31 cTnI-positive and 31 cTnI-negative players) of which 6 (10%, 3 cTnI positive and 3 cTnI negative players) had cardiac abnormalities (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy n = 2, coronary artery disease n = 2, coronary artery anomaly n = 1, hypertensive heart disease n = 1).

Conclusion

Veterans’ football matches elicit increases in BNP and particularly cTnI in a considerable number of players. However, these biochemical alterations do not indicate acute cardiac damage as evidenced by follow-up. Routine determination of cardiac biomarkers is unlikely to improve cardiovascular screening in veteran football players.
Qualitative assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of oncologists about precision medicine in cancer patients- study from Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Naaem Rida , Hashmi Furqan Khurshid , Yaqub Sulaman , Mohamed Noor Dzul Azri
Published: April 2024

Background

Precision medicine (PM) is in great progressive stages in the West and allows healthcare practitioners (HCPs) to give treatment according to the patient’s genetic findings, physiological and environmental characteristics. PM is a relatively new treatment approach in Pakistan Therefore, it is important to investigate the level of awareness, attitude, and challenges faced by oncology physicians while practicing PM for various therapies, especially cancer treatment.

Objectives

The present study aims to explore the level of awareness, attitude, and practice of PM in Pakistan along with the challenges faced by the oncologists for the treatment of cancer using the PM approach.

Methods

Phenomenology-based qualitative approach was used. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted using the purposive sampling approach among oncologists in Lahore, Pakistan. The data were analyzed using thematic content analysis to identify themes and sub-themes.

Results

Out of 14 physicians interviewed 11 were aware of PM. They were keen on training to hone their skills and agreed on providing PM. Oncologists believed PM was expensive and given to affluent patients only. Other impeding factors include cost, lack of knowledge, and drug unavailability.

Conclusions

Despite basic knowledge and will to practice, resource and cost constraints were marked as significant barriers. Additional training programs and inclusion into the curriculum may help to pave the way to PM implementation in the future. In addition, health authorities and policymakers need to ensure a cheaper PM treatment can be made available for all cancer patients.
Effectiveness of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and BBIBP-CorV vaccines against COVID-19-associated hospitalisation and death in the Seychelles infected adult population
Authors: Theresa Pool Sylvie Nadine , Shroff Emelyn Helen , Chetty Agnes , Lewis Lara , Nonhlanhla Yende-Zuma , Abdool Karim Salim S.
Published: April 2024

Background

The Seychelles COVID-19 vaccination campaign was initiated using two different vaccines during the first wave of the pandemic in 2021. This observational study estimated vaccine effectiveness against severe outcomes (hospitalisation and/or death) from individuals infected with COVID-19 in the Seychelles adult population during Beta and Delta variant transmission.

Methods

This nationwide retrospective cohort study included all Seychellois residents aged ≥ 18 years who tested positive by RT-PCR or rapid antigen test for COVID-19 between January 25, 2021, and June 30, 2021. We measured the relative risk (RR) of laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 hospitalisation and/or death among individuals partially or fully vaccinated with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (SII Covishield) or BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) vaccines compared to unvaccinated individuals using modified Poisson regression. Controlling for age, gender and calendar month, vaccine effectiveness was estimated as 1-RR ≥14 days after the first dose and ≥7 days after the second dose for each available vaccine versus an unvaccinated control group.

Results

A total of 12,326 COVID-19 infections were reported in adult Seychellois residents between January 25, 2021, and June 30, 2021. Of these, 1,287 individuals received one dose of either BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) or ChAdOx1-nCoV-19 (SII Covishield) vaccine, and 5,225 individuals received two doses. Estimated adjusted effectiveness of two doses of either Sinopharm or SII Covishield was high, at 70% (95% CI 58%–78%) and 71% (95% CI 62%–78%) respectively. Sinopharm maintained high levels of protection against severe outcomes in partially vaccinated individuals at 61% (95% CI 36%–76%), while the effectiveness of one dose of SII Covishield was low at 29% (95% CI 1%–49%).

Conclusions

This observational study demonstrated high levels of protection of two doses of two vaccine types against severe outcomes of COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic driven by Beta (B.1.351) and Delta (B.1.617.2) variant predominance. One dose of ChAdOx1-nCoV-19 (Covishield SII) was found to be inadequate in protecting the general adult population against hospitalisation and/or death from COVID-19.
Development and web deployment of prediction model for pulmonary arterial pressure in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension using machine learning
Authors: Matsunaga Takaaki , Kono Atsushi , Nishio Mizuho , Yoshii Takahiro , Matsuo Hidetoshi , Takahashi Mai , Takahashi Takuya , Taniguchi Yu , Tanaka Hidekazu , Hirata Kenichi , Murakami Takamichi
Published: April 2024

Background and purpose

Mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) is a key index for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Using machine learning, we attempted to construct an accurate prediction model for mPAP in patients with CTEPH.

Methods

A total of 136 patients diagnosed with CTEPH were included, for whom mPAP was measured. The following patient data were used as explanatory variables in the model: basic patient information (age and sex), blood tests (brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)), echocardiography (tricuspid valve pressure gradient (TRPG)), and chest radiography (cardiothoracic ratio (CTR), right second arc ratio, and presence of avascular area). Seven machine learning methods including linear regression were used for the multivariable prediction models. Additionally, prediction models were constructed using the AutoML software. Among the 136 patients, 2/3 and 1/3 were used as training and validation sets, respectively. The average of R squared was obtained from 10 different data splittings of the training and validation sets.

Results

The optimal machine learning model was linear regression (averaged R squared, 0.360). The optimal combination of explanatory variables with linear regression was age, BNP level, TRPG level, and CTR (averaged R squared, 0.388). The R squared of the optimal multivariable linear regression model was higher than that of the univariable linear regression model with only TRPG.

Conclusion

We constructed a more accurate prediction model for mPAP in patients with CTEPH than a model of TRPG only. The prediction performance of our model was improved by selecting the optimal machine learning method and combination of explanatory variables.
Mainstreaming Gays: Critical Convergences of Queer Media, Fan Cultures, and Commercial Television, Eve NG (2023)
Authors: O’Meara Damien
Published: April 2024

Review of: Mainstreaming Gays: Critical Convergences of Queer Media, Fan Cultures, and Commercial Television, Eve NG (2023)

Rutgers University Press, 212 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-97883-133-9, p/bk, USD 32.95
‘Music is like a ribbon that knits the storylines together’: The musicality of Greta Gerwig’s Little Women
Authors: Babel Anika
Published: April 2024

From concept to completion, music was integral to Greta Gerwig’s 2019 non-linear adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel Little Women, a story which traces the trials and tribulations of the four March sisters as they come of age in 1860s Massachusetts. As writer and director, Gerwig’s musical sensibilities position her as a mélomane and a cinematic verbalist. These descriptors pertain to the rhythmically notated dialogue, the musical invigoration of Beth March and how this sister’s musical characterization extends to Alexandre Desplat’s original score via his use of the piano. To appreciate the broader narrative, representational and filmgoing effects of Gerwig’s musical sensibilities, this article explores how music is evinced in the script and realized for the screen.
Temporal Trends in Syphilis Epidemiology in the UAE: A Five-Year Retrospective Analysis (2018-2022)
Authors: Mehdi Poor Nargis Khatoon Hossein , AlDabal Laila Mohamed Jasim Ali , Hamed Dujana Mostafa , Adhnon Arshiya , Ahmad Alanood Mohammad Ali , Al Suwaidi Shamsa Mohammad Abdulla Saif , Seddigh Laleh Mohammad Sharif , Kazim Mahra Nooruddin Abdulwahid , Dsouza Carol Lavina , Moosa Musthafa
Published: April 2024

Objectives
This study examined the frequency and dynamics of syphilis in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) between 2018 and 2022. Recognizing the significance of understanding syphilis trends, this study intends to conduct further research on sexually transmitted diseases in the context of the UAE.

Methods
This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. This study focused on patients who underwent syphilis screening between January 2018 and December 2022. Cases were classified as conclusive only if they passed the first screening and subsequent confirmatory tests.

Results
The findings demonstrate that Syphilis frequency varied throughout the UAE during the study period. Demographic trends and sex variations were discovered, providing insight into how syphilis patterns change. Additionally, this study identified a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, confirming the complexity of the disease. It was also noted that males had a higher frequency of syphilis than females.

Conclusion
Understanding the complexity of the frequency of syphilis is critical for developing effective public health interventions. Variations in frequency, demographic trends, sex disparities, and clinical manifestations indicate the need for personalized preventive and control measures. This study provides important information that may be utilized to motivate focused initiatives to address the difficulties associated with syphilis in the UAE, thus enhancing overall public health.
Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Coil Embolization of Refractory Rectal Dieulafoy Bleeding
Authors: Mai Hugh D. , Panicker Linoj , Restrepo Alexander , Proenza Jose L. , Aaron Hayden , Scott Curtis E.
Published: April 2024

Hematochezia due to recurrent bleeding from rectal Dieulafoy can be challenging for endotherapy. We report the first case of successful endoscopic ultrasound-guided coil embolization of a feeding arteriole to the peripheral Dieulafoy vessels in the region of a colorectal anastomosis. The patient presented with recurrent lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage despite multiple previous conventional endoscopic treatment modalities.
Bleeding Mass in Remnant Stomach, Unveiling Lynch Syndrome 18 Years After Bariatric Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery
Authors: Qazi Adam , Mathur Karan , Rosen Ryan D. , Stroud Alyssa , Webber John , Mutchnick Milton
Published: April 2024

There is sparse literature on the development of malignancy in remnant gastric stomach after bariatric Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. We report a case of overt upper gastrointestinal bleeding from malignant adenocarcinoma in the remnant stomach presenting several years after bariatric Roux-En-Y gastric bypass surgery. The mass in the remnant stomach was surgically resected, and the patient was subsequently diagnosed with Lynch syndrome on genetic analysis.
Surgimento da agenda de pesquisa em padronização de relatórios contábeis para sustentabilidade e questões climáticas para o setor público
Authors: Azevedo Ricardo Rocha de , Sediyama Gislaine Aparecida Santana , Aquino André Carlos Busanelli de
Published: April 2024

O editorial apresenta o momento atual da adoção de normas de contabilidade pública para sustentabilidade no Brasil, e apresenta a agenda nascente de pesquisa no tema. O movimento do “Public Sector Sustainability Report” está atualmente no início do debate internacional, e uma nova agenda de pesquisa se abre no tema ‘reforma contábil’, ou ‘adoção de normas contábeis no setor público’. Em termos de fenômeno geral, a adoção de normas contábeis tem similaridade com outras iniciativas passadas, como a recente experiência de implantação das normas internacionais de contabilidade IPSAS no Brasil. Ao mesmo tempo, possui desafios particulares, como um menor consenso e entendimento sobre o tema e a necessidade de envolver outras comunidades epistêmicas nas várias fases da mudança. Apresentamos algumas oportunidades de pesquisa sobretudo para a fase inicial em curso.
Instrumento para potenciar nociones intuitivas del cálculo de volúmenes desde la perspectiva de los indivisibles de Cavalieri
Authors: Pinilla Castañeda Angie Daniela , Díaz Hernández Alejandra , Castellanos Gámez Cristian Daniel
Published: April 2024

La enseñanza sistemática y teórica que se ha dado del cálculo en la educación básica y media, responde principalmente al uso y memorización de fórmulas matemáticas totalmente formales, inconexas de la realidad y faltantes de una significativa comprensión, ante esta situación, el presente artículo centra su interés en diseñar un Instrumento manipulativo tangible bajo la perspectiva histórica de Cavalieri, que promueva actividades matemáticas e ideas intuitivas hacia procesos de aprendizaje significativo de la integral respecto al cálculo y comparación de volúmenes a partir de "indivisibles"; caracterizando e interpretando los procesos intuitivos en la enseñanza de la integral, así como las actividades matemáticas emergentes. Desde una metodología cualitativa e interpretativa, se aplicó el recurso sobre un grupo de estudiantes de grado once, mediados por diferentes actividades y preguntas orientadoras a lo largo del estudio, que generaron discusión y evidencias de nociones primarias de: límite, infinito (potencial y actual) e infinitesimal vinculadas a la caracterización epistémica de la integral, al dejarse guiar por la percepción y manipulación, asimismo, se expresaron algunas generalizaciones  en cuanto al cálculo de volúmenes. Finalmente, se considera que fomentar el uso no solo del recurso diseñado, sino de cualquier tipo de instrumento cuya construcción y manipulación involucren una reflexión histórico epistémica consciente o inconsciente, genera en los sujetos perspectivas inicialmente intuitivas que potencializan los significados asociados a la integral para el cálculo de volúmenes, dotando igualmente de diferentes sistemas de representación los múltiples conceptos matemáticos puestos en juego para dar respuesta a las preguntas orientadoras durante el desarrollo de la actividad propuesta.
Analysis of project management principles with the Scrum framework in systems development
Authors: Pinto Jefferson de Souza , Leme Reginaldo da Silva
Published: April 2024

Objective: Demonstrate a case study on project management using the Scrum framework in the development of systems for a public organization.
Design / Methodology / Approach: The research method used in the Case Study is an exploratory research with a qualitative approach, through data collection, application of a structured questionnaire to Stakeholders, Scrum Master and Product Owner and analysis of the artifacts generated.
Results: The work demonstrated the factors that affect the effectiveness application of the Scrum framework, highlighting bad practices and barriers related to the understanding of business and products, which reduce the ability to deliver quality and value, ineffectiveness of the method application.
Research limitations: the number of interviewees in the organization, for further analysis in the case study.
Originality/Value: while previous studies focus on the application of the Scrum method in private companies, this paper presents a case study from the perspective of a public organization.
Teaching/Learning Philosophy In High School: Case Of Congo
Authors: Ndossi Reine Espoire Ngoma , Boundja Claver
Published: April 2024

This article is a study and research carried out among students in final year literary classes and Philosophy teachers, at the Nganga Edouard high school in Brazzaville Congo), during the 2019-2020 school year. We wanted to answer the following question: what are the didactic and pedagogical problems that philosophy teachers encounter in the transmission of knowledge related to existence and its problems? This question is linked to the didactics and pedagogy of philosophy in high school. Propose didactics and pedagogy of philosophy, more adapted to the theme entitled “the philosophical teaching of existence and its problems”. We arrive at the following results: the difficulties of philosophical teaching on existence and its problems in literary final year classes are linked to the misuse of didactics and pedagogy by teachers; the theme of existence and its problems is not well taught in high school because of the limitations experienced by teachers regarding the methodical explanation of the subjects; the teaching of this theme is too theoretical and far from the real existence and daily experience of learners. We suggest an interactive didactic approach; a participatory pedagogy; an integration of the real problems of the learners' existence, in the content of the lessons.
Millennials’ Behavioural Intention of Sharing Online Video Advertising (OVAs): Mediating Role of Company Reputation Perspective
Authors: Ismail An Nur Nabila , Zainordin Nik Mohamad Shamim Nik Mohd , Omar Wan Marhaini Wan , Zulqernain Nurul Syaqirah
Published: April 2024

Online Video Advertisings (OVAs) have become more popular due to the increasing number of people who use the internet to search for information and buy things. This study examines three components of Theory Planned Behaviour (TPB): attitude (ATT), subjective norm (SN), and perceived behavioural control (PBC), and how they relate to sharing OVAs. The study investigates how company reputation impacts the correlation between these variables. A total of 208 millennials in Selangor were given questionnaire to gather the data. Partial least squares-structural equation modelling technique was used to examine the data. The findings show that ATT and SN have an impact on millennials’ intention to share OVA. The mediation result indicates that company reputation partially mediates the relationship between PBC and the intention to share OVAs. The results of this study add to the body of knowledge while giving practitioners, particularly marketers, practical knowledge about efficient marketing strategies.
The Minority Confederate Induced Errors of the Majority Members in the Role-Inverted Asch Experiment
Authors: Mori Kazuo , Miyazawa Satoru , Morioka Yuta , Murayama Takahiro
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to investigate whether errors made by minority group members could influence the behavior of the majority in a role-reversed version of Asch's conformity experiment. Eighty-five undergraduate students, comprising 51 males and 34 females, were organized into groups of four individuals who were already acquainted with each other. From these groups, we randomly selected twelve, and discreetly instructed the third student in each group (a confederate) to provide incorrect responses on six out of the nine line-judgment tasks, similar to Asch's majority's behavior. The findings revealed that groups with the confederate member did lead to an increase in errors from other group members, although this increase did not reach statistical significance. Nevertheless, further analyses indicated that participants were more likely to make errors when other group members had already responded incorrectly. Consequently, we interpreted these errors as a form of social conformity, where participants intentionally made mistakes to alleviate the awkwardness of having only one member of the group providing incorrect answers. In summary, this study provides insights into the dynamics of social conformity and the impact of minority errors on group behavior in a role-reversed Asch experiment.
Uncovering sympathetic nervous system dysfunction in disorders of consciousness via heart rate variability during head‐up tilt test
Authors: Cai Weiqiang , Han Xu , Tang Xinwei , Cao Zuojun , Yu Zi , Sun Zuowen , Wu Junfa , Wu Yi , Xie Hongyu
Published: April 2024

Few standardized tools are available for evaluation of disorders of consciousness (DOC). The potential of heart rate variability (HRV) during head‐up tilt (HUT) test was investigated as a complementary evaluation tool. Twenty‐one DOC patients and 21 healthy participants were enrolled in this study comparing clinical characteristics and HRV time‐ and frequency‐domain outcomes and temporal changes during HUT test. During the 1st–5th min of the HUT, DOC group showed a significant increase and decrease in log low frequency (LF) (p = 0.045) and log normalized high frequency (nHF) (p = 0.02), respectively, compared to the supine position and had lower log normalized LF (nLF) (p = 0.004) and log ratio of low‐to‐high frequency (LF/HF) (p = 0.001) compared to healthy controls. As the HUT continued from the 6th to the 20th min, DOC group exhibited a significant increase in log LF/HF (16th–20th min) (p < 0.05), along with a decrease in log nHF (6th–10th and 16th–20th min) (p < 0.05) and maintained lower log LF, log nLF, and log LF/HF than controls (p < 0.05). 1st–10th min after returning to the supine position, DOC group demonstrated a significant decrease in log nHF (p < 0.01) and increases in log LF/HF (p < 0.01) and had lower log LF (p < 0.01) and log nLF (p < 0.05) compared to controls. In contrast, the control group exhibited a significant decrease in log nHF (p < 0.05) and increase in log LF/HF (p < 0.05) throughout the entire HUT test. Notably, no significant differences were observed when comparing time‐domain outcomes reflecting parasympathetic nervous system between the two groups. HRV during HUT test indicated a delayed and attenuated autonomic response, particularly in the sympathetic nervous system, in DOC patients compared with healthy individuals.
Auschwitz Survivor and Nobel Prize of Peace, Élie Wiesel as Theologian
Authors: de Saint Cheron Michaël
Published: April 2024

This article examines the life and work of Elie Wiesel (1928–2016), a Francophone writer of Romanian origin, Auschwitz-Birkenau survivor, American citizen, Nobel Peace Prize laureate of 1986. It specifically explores Wiesel’s complex engagement with the divine and the faith, which remained a central concern throughout his life, following his return from the Nazi extermination camps. This is most evident in his seminal book, Night, where he recounts the experience of God’s death in the death camps. Despite such profound crisis of faith, Wiesel remained a deeply religious Jew till the end. On the 16 July 2006, Oprah Winfrey dedicated her Book Club to The Night and called it “one of the greatest books of the century”. More than 3 million copies were sold in a few weeks in the United States. This study proposes that Wiesel’s confrontation with the divine can be best understood through his response to mysticism, expressed as a spiritual song of a fervent yet torn soul. It further suggests that his rejection of Nietzsche’s proclamation of “God’s death” and his alignment with Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav’s idea of a “broken faith” underscores his profound spiritual resilience.
An experimental study on the tensile properties of reinforced asphalt pavement
Authors: Menkash Omaima A. , Joni Hasan H. , Nsaif Maha H.
Published: April 2024

Utilizing one of the most effective new technologies is the primary goal of this research, which uses a combination of bituminous surfacing materials with geotextile reinforcement sheets, to improve the behavior of asphalt mixes and fatigue reduction. The aim of this research is to analyze the impact of woven geotextile upon fatigue characteristics of hot mix asphalt mixtures. In order to improve the tensile qualities of the asphalt pavement, the experimental program for this study includes the application of geotextile within the wearing layer. Marshall fatigue and stability tests were carried out. Four-point bending test in a strain-controlled mode was adopted in this study. Three micro strain levels (250, 400, 750) at a frequency of 5 Hz were used. The findings demonstrated that unreinforced mixtures have a shorter fatigue life than wearing layers reinforced with geotextile. Additionally, exposure to different temperatures (5, 20, 30°C) showed that the performance of the geotextile interlayer system in cold environments is inferior to that of those in warm and moderate climates. The analyzed geotextile has a positive impact on the performance of the pavement and a large potential to extend the life of the pavement as a whole, according to the obtained results of fatigue life.
Extraction and characterization of nano-silica particles to enhance mechanical properties of general-purpose unsaturated polyester resin
Authors: Engidaw Angaw Chaklu , Betelie Araya Abera , Redda Daniel Tilahun
Published: April 2024

Unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) is the most versatile liquid polymer with a wide range of applications in every aspect of the industry but it has low impact strength, low elongation at break, and low toughness. Its mechanical properties can be enhanced with the addition of an optimum percentage of nano-silica fillers by using ASTM polymer test standards, which have been followed by various research groups. For this research, enhanced mechanical properties of the resin have been tested for 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4% amount by weight fraction of the nano-silica as fiber nanomaterial. The sugar cane bagasse ash was collected from the Wenji Sugar Factory and extracted with the required size of the particle, which is 10 nm. The ability of extraction is used to manipulate the particle size as the researcher needs. The aim is to determine the enhanced mechanical properties of the UPR by the addition of optimum nano-silica particles. Nanoparticles have the effect of filling porous regions, crack path deflection, and crack bridging capability of the material, which provides good adhesion with the matrix to increase the mechanical properties of composite materials. Experimental result dictates that 0.5% nano-silica addition with 10 nm particle size performs best by enhancing the mechanical properties of composite material up to 30.45% for tensile, 33% for compression, 17.8% for flexural, a slightly 10% improvement for impact test and it shows an overall 27% better performance than the pure UPR. Thermal stability and glass transition temperature were not influenced by the addition of nano-silica.