bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Don't forget Tibet’: Understanding the discursive construction of Tibetan national identity through the identity entrepreneurship of the Dalai Lama
Authors: Ramanathan Pallavi , Singh Purnima
Published: March 2024

Given the exponential increase in the number of refugees and displaced people worldwide, it has become critical to examine the experiences of refugees; particularly their identity, since it is an important marker of their adjustment to the new context. Besides other factors impacting their identity and adjustment, the role of the leader is important as it can impact the construction of refugee identities. This paper explores the construction and negotiation of Tibetan refugee identities through the identity entrepreneurship of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual and erstwhile political leader of the Tibetans. It is postulated that leaders are entrepreneurs of identity who shape identity construction and negotiation. With an emphasis on the social, political, and historical context, three kinds of sources are analysed using a discourse‐historical approach to understand how leaders function as entrepreneurs of identity across the various contexts and negotiate identity construction across the shifting contexts. First, 12 speeches by the Dalai Lama on 10 critical events in Tibetan history since 1959; second, six speeches by the Dalai Lama for Tibetan Uprising Day (1961–2009); and third, two international interviews (CNN, 2009; BBC, 2012). The analysis demonstrates that the identity entrepreneurship of the Dalai Lama has strong elements of protection towards the ingroup, that is, the Tibetan refugees, through the crafting of a collective sense of identity for Tibetans. The study sheds new light on the nature of refugee leadership, acknowledging the impact of the shifting nature of identity, from a native citizen to refugee; and the leader's identity entrepreneurship in these evolving and often malleable contexts.
Experimental study on the effect of process parameters on postcombustion CO2 capture using rotating packed bed technology
Authors: Joel Atuman S. , Isa Yusuf M.
Published: March 2024

Environmental issues are the most discussed in today's industrialized world, and this has always been associated with the emission of greenhouse gases. CO2 emissions, especially from power plants, are considered the major greenhouse gas source. Capturing CO2 from large emission sources is necessary to address the worst impacts of climate change, including more frequent and severe droughts, heat waves, and intermittent rainfall. Conventional post‐combustion CO2 capture has always been questioned because of its high impact on energy costs. Rotating packed bed technology has shown the potential to reduce the cost of CO2 capture. This paper presents an experimental study on an in‐house designed rotating packed bed absorber for the capture of CO2 from a flue gas stream. Effects of process parameters such as rotating speed, liquid‐to‐gas ratio, and monoethanolamine (MEA) concentration on CO2 capture efficiency and overall volumetric mass transfer coefficient were studied. The study showed that as rotor speed increased, the CO2 capture efficiency increased, this can be attributed to higher rotor speed, resulting in more droplet flow, indicating an increase in the area of contact between the flue gas and the MEA solvent. Also, as the concentration of MEA increased CO2 capture efficiency increased, since an increase in concentration results in an increase in the rate of reaction. Finally, the study showed that a rotating packed bed absorber is an efficient unit for CO2 capture since it enhances mass transfer performance.
Fairness‐aware eMBB/URLLC spectrum resource multiplexing to ensure reliability in vehicular networks
Authors: Li Mengge , Wang Liang , Wang Xiaoming , Lin Yaguang , Du Jiarong , Ma Miao
Published: March 2024

Spectrum resource multiplexing of enhanced Mobile BroadBand (eMBB) and Ultra‐Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC) via puncturing in vehicular networks has become an important research direction. The main issue in this direction is how to minimize the adverse impact of preemptive puncturing on eMBB traffic. However, the available eMBB/URLLC coexisting schemes lack considerations on the quality of service of a single eMBB user and fairness between users. In view of this, we formulate the eMBB/URLLC multiplexing problem to maximize eMBB reliability and fairness under the premise of meeting the requirements of URLLC as a nonlinear integer programming (NIP) in this article. To balance the performance and computational complexity, we decompose this NIP into two subproblems that be solved efficiently. For the eMBB spectrum resource allocation subproblem of maximizing the reliability and fairness under resource constraints, we prove that this problem is NP‐hard, and design a Deep Q‐Network (DQN)‐based spectrum resource allocation algorithm and a two‐stage heuristic spectrum resource allocation algorithm, respectively. For the URLLC preemption subproblem, we further propose bandwidth‐sensitive URLLC spectrum resource preemption algorithm and time‐sensitive URLLC spectrum resource preemption algorithm, respectively. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme can guarantee better fairness and reliability for eMBB users compared with the comparison schemes. Besides, for the eMBB resource allocation problem, the proposed scheme can achieve near‐optimal performance with low complexity.
Molecular basis underlying default mode network functional abnormalities in postpartum depression with and without anxiety
Authors: Chen Kexuan , Yang Jia , Li Fang , Chen Jin , Chen Meiling , Shao Heng , He Chongjun , Cai Defang , Zhang Xing , Wang Libo , Luo Yuejia , Cheng Bochao , Wang Jiaojian
Published: March 2024

Although Postpartum depression (PPD) and PPD with anxiety (PPD‐A) have been well characterized as functional disruptions within or between multiple brain systems, however, how to quantitatively delineate brain functional system irregularity and the molecular basis of functional abnormalities in PPD and PPD‐A remains unclear. Here, brain sample entropy (SampEn), resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC), transcriptomic and neurotransmitter density data were used to investigate brain functional system irregularity, functional connectivity abnormalities and associated molecular basis for PPD and PPD‐A. PPD‐A exhibited higher SampEn in medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and posterior cingulate cortex (PPC) than healthy postnatal women (HPW) and PPD while PPD showed lower SampEn in PPC compared to HPW and PPD‐A. The functional connectivity analysis with MPFC and PPC as seed areas revealed decreased functional couplings between PCC and paracentral lobule and between MPFC and angular gyrus in PPD compared to both PPD‐A and HPW. Moreover, abnormal SampEn and functional connectivity were associated with estrogenic level and clinical symptoms load. Importantly, spatial association analyses between functional changes and transcriptome and neurotransmitter density maps revealed that these functional changes were primarily associated with synaptic signaling, neuron projection, neurotransmitter level regulation, amino acid metabolism, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathways, and neurotransmitters of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT), norepinephrine, glutamate, dopamine and so on. These results reveal abnormal brain entropy and functional connectivities primarily in default mode network (DMN) and link these changes to transcriptome and neurotransmitters to establish the molecular basis for PPD and PPD‐A for the first time. Our findings highlight the important role of DMN in neuropathology of PPD and PPD‐A.
Optimal cut‐off value for identifying objective response in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after induction chemotherapy
Authors: Luo Chao , Huang Wenjie , Li Shuqi , Li Haojiang , Ruan Guangying , Fu Gui , Liu Lizhi
Published: March 2024

Background

We aimed to establish the most suitable threshold for objective response (OR) in the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods

According to RECIST 1.1, we retrospectively evaluated MR images of NPC lesions in patients before and after induction chemotherapy (IC). Restricted cubic spline and maximally selected rank statistics were used to determine the cut‐off value. Survival rates and differences between groups were compared with Kaplan–Meier curves and log‐rank tests.

Results

Of 1126 patients, 365 cases who received IC treatment were suitable for RECIST 1.1 evaluation. The 20% cut‐off value maximized between‐group differences according to maximally selected rank statistics. No difference in distant metastasis‐free survival between OR and non‐response groups was shown using the primary threshold of OR (30%), while it differed when 20% was employed.

Conclusions

With an optimal cut‐off value of 20%, RECIST may assist clinicians to accurately evaluate disease response in NPC patients.
Evaluating the benefit of virtual surgical planning on bony union rates in head and neck reconstructive surgery
Authors: Sabiq Farahna , Cherukupalli Abhiram , Khalil Mohammad , Tran Linh K. , Kwon Jamie J. Y. , Milner Thomas , Durham James S. , Prisman Eitan
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Virtual surgical planning (VSP) has gained acceptance because of its benefits in obtaining adequate resection, achieving cephalometric accuracy, and reducing operative time. The aim of this study is to compare the rate of union between VSP and free‐hand surgery (FHS), identify predictors of non‐union and evaluate the difference in operative time.

Methods

Post‐operative CT were retrospectively reviewed for 123 patients who underwent maxillary or mandibular reconstruction between 2014 and 2021 using either VSP or FHS. Each apposition was graded as complete, partial or non‐union. The rate of union, risk difference and inter‐rater reliability were calculated. The difference in operative time was assessed. Predictors of non‐union were identified using logistic regression.

Results

A total of 326 appositions were graded (VSP n = 150; FHS n = 176). The rates of complete and partial union were higher with VSP than FHS (74.7% vs. 65.3%; 18% vs. 15.9%, respectively, p = 0.01). Non‐union was found at a higher rate with FHS than with VSP (18.7% vs. 7.3%). The non‐union risk difference was 11.4. FHS, major complications and apposition at the native bone were predictors of non‐union (OR 2.9, p = 0.02; OR 3.4, p = 0.01; OR 2.5, p = 0.05, respectively). The mean surgical time was shorter with VSP than with FHS (265.3 vs. 381.5 min, p < 0.001). The inter‐rater agreement was high (k = 0.85; ICC = 0.86).

Conclusion

VSP demonstrated significantly higher bony union rates and shorter operative time. FHS, development of major complications and apposition with native bone correlated with non‐union.
Importance of integrating mixoplankton into marine ecosystem policy and management—Examples from the Marine Strategy Framework Directive
Authors: Anschütz Anna-Adriana , Maselli Maira , Traboni Claudia , Boon Arjen R. , Stolte Willem
Published: March 2024

Marine plankton capable of photosynthesis and predation (“mixoplankton”) comprise up to 50% of protist plankton and include many harmful species. However, marine environmental management policies, including the European Union Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and the USEPA, assume a strict dichotomy between autotrophic phytoplankton and heterotrophic zooplankton. Mixoplankton often differ significantly from these two categories in their response to environmental pressures and affect the marine environment in ways we are only beginning to understand. While the management policies may conceptually provide scope for incorporating mixoplankton, such action is rarely implemented. We suggest that the effectiveness of monitoring and management programs could benefit from explicit implementations regarding the ecological roles and impact of mixoplankton. Taking the MSFD as an example of marine management guidelines, we propose appropriate methods to explicitly include mixoplankton in monitoring and marine management. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1366–1383. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Key Points

Mixoplankton (capable of photo- and heterotrophy) are a broad trophic group that is currently not considered by marine environmental management, while they often display different responses to environmental changes than strict phytoplankton or zooplankton due to their unique physiology. Many harmful algal species that are currently being monitored due to their impact on public health and the economy are mixoplankton, and effective forecasting systems may be challenging to establish by not considering their unique trophic mode. We showcase where the current omission of mixoplankton from marine management can misinform on the environmental status of marine ecosystems and how existing management and monitoring programs can benefit from including mixoplankton. Using the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive as an example, we show how mixoplankton can be integrated into existing management programs and where research gaps still exist.
Introducing surgical intelligence in gynecology: Automated identification of key steps in hysterectomy
Authors: Levin Ishai , Rapoport Ferman Judith , Bar Omri , Ben Ayoun Danielle , Cohen Aviad , Wolf Tamir
Published: March 2024

Objective

The analysis of surgical videos using artificial intelligence holds great promise for the future of surgery by facilitating the development of surgical best practices, identifying key pitfalls, enhancing situational awareness, and disseminating that information via real‐time, intraoperative decision‐making. The objective of the present study was to examine the feasibility and accuracy of a novel computer vision algorithm for hysterectomy surgical step identification.

Methods

This was a retrospective study conducted on surgical videos of laparoscopic hysterectomies performed in 277 patients in five medical centers. We used a surgical intelligence platform (Theator Inc.) that employs advanced computer vision and AI technology to automatically capture video data during surgery, deidentify, and upload procedures to a secure cloud infrastructure. Videos were manually annotated with sequential steps of surgery by a team of annotation specialists. Subsequently, a computer vision system was trained to perform automated step detection in hysterectomy. Analyzing automated video annotations in comparison to manual human annotations was used to determine accuracy.

Results

The mean duration of the videos was 103 ± 43 min. Accuracy between AI‐based predictions and manual human annotations was 93.1% on average. Accuracy was highest for the dissection and mobilization step (96.9%) and lowest for the adhesiolysis step (70.3%).

Conclusion

The results of the present study demonstrate that a novel AI‐based model achieves high accuracy for automated steps identification in hysterectomy. This lays the foundations for the next phase of AI, focused on real‐time clinical decision support and prediction of outcome measures, to optimize surgeon workflow and elevate patient care.
“I'm not getting paid to give you a TED talk on how my trans body works”. Experiences of hysterectomy gender affirming surgery: A qualitative study
Authors: Ingamells Sarah , Steers Denise , Henry Claire , Hartley‐Parsons Tai , Filoche Sara K.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To explore the experiences of care surrounding hysterectomy as part of gender affirming surgery.

Methods

An in‐depth reflexive thematic analysis from accounts by 10 out of 12 people was undertaken. Experiences were then mapped to the surgery journey as a template for developing system responsiveness.

Results

No one person's experience of the procedure was affirmed across the entire surgery journey. Transgender health literacy was central to inclusive practice as it mediated bodily autonomy being upheld. The physical care environment influenced the experience, for example, the waiting room was marginalizing (intimidating), with a gendered clinic name and toilets. Some participants took a female support person/partner so that “people looking would assume that I was there supporting her, not the other way around.” Communication misalignments were evident around information provided/understood about fertility and ovarian preservation. Participants were also placed in the position of both receiving care and providing education: “I also shouldn't have to be going in there for treatment, and then being expected to educate the medical professional that's meant to be helping me… I'm not getting paid to give you a TED talk on how my trans body works.” The experiences mapped across the surgery journey highlighted multiple levels of service provision development needed to foster inclusive practice, for example, from workforce education to healthcare policy.

Conclusion

Healthcare for transgender people can be unsafe and inequitable. Increasing transgender health responsiveness across the surgery journey will facilitate better alignments in communication and uphold bodily autonomy, leading to safer and inclusive practice.
Brucella canis: a clinical review and rationalising risk
Authors: Woods Glynn
Published: March 2024

Background: After a letter published by the chief veterinary officer in February 2021 highlighted an increase in the number of positive Brucella canis dogs, the frequency of B canis testing in the UK has increased substantially. To date, roughly 160 positive cases have been reported by the APHA. Amid growing unease, veterinary teams have implemented practice protocols to mitigate risk associated with this non‐endemic, zoonotic infection. Although well‐meaning, blanket policy and inappropriate application of serological tests can negatively impact client and patient welfare while fuelling health anxiety among staff. The combination of increased pet travel, increased popularity of importing dogs and a lack of centralised border requirements for dogs, means B canis is likely to be increasingly encountered and warrants regular, evidence‐based discussion to empower the profession and preserve canine welfare.

Aim of the article: This article summarises the clinically relevant issues surrounding Brucella canis, focussing on epidemiology, transmission, human health and safety, clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment. Governmental recommendations and recent risk assessments by the Human Animal Infection and Risk Surveillance group are drawn on where appropriate. Moreover, the article aims to instil confidence in veterinary personnel when rationalising B canis infection risk, and help to ensure that canine and staff health are protected.
Comparative study of journal article scholarly activity: Pharmacy practice dual‐degree faculty versus single terminal‐degree faculty members
Authors: Henkels Rebecca , Tak Casey , Kim Kibum , Zhu Julia , Chao Darin , Munger Mark A.
Published: March 2024

Objective

The goals of the 2005 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Roadmap of the Future of Pharmacy Colleges emphasized the importance of bidirectional information flow in translational research to enhance drug discovery and research. Many dual‐degree programs and pathways have been developed to meet this bidirectional information flow to enhance discovery and research, but limited data exists on the bibliometrics of these dual‐degree Department of Pharmacy Practice faculties. To determine whether dual‐degree programs enhance research, a four‐outcome bibliometric analysis of United States Departments of Pharmacy Practice tenure‐track (DPP‐TT) dual‐degree compared with DPP‐TT single terminal‐degree faculty was conducted over a 10‐year period.

Methods

A search of PubMed of DPP‐TT single and dual‐degree faculty from January 10, 2010 to December 31, 2019 was performed. Faculty employed in DPP‐TT were determined through published rosters in the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) rosters or college/school internet sites. Department of Pharmacy Practice faculty members' number of publications, number of citations per publication, h‐index, and NIH iCite weighted Relative Citation Ratio (RCR) value were determined. Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance compared dual‐degree with single terminal‐degree DPP faculty data.

Results

Ninety‐one institutions employed 348 DPP‐TT dual‐degree faculty that produced 7480 publications compared with 131 institutions with 1805 single terminal‐degree faculty of 12 670 publications. Dual‐degree DPP number of citations per publication (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) was 37.8 ± 86.8 with a journal impact factor (JIF) of 6.4 ± 14.3 compared to single‐degree of 24.7 ± 90.8 (p < 0.001) with a JIF of 4.7 ± 80.8 (p < 0.001). Dual‐degree faculty h‐index was 14.7 ± 12.5 with a mean iCite weighted RCR of 54.8 ± 87.6 compared to single‐degree faculty of 6.5 ± 8.9 (p < 0.001) with an RCR of 22.1 ± 65.3 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Department of Pharmacy Practice dual‐degree faculty have significantly higher bibliometrics compared with single‐degree DPP faculty.
Synergistic regulation of chloride anion recognition using a triple‐functional sites receptor with two different cationic effectors
Authors: Yao Qingqing , Yuan Kun , Li Mengyang , Zhao Yaoxiao , Liu Yanzhi , Zhao Xiang
Published: March 2024

The synergistic regulation of the multi‐functional sites on one receptor molecule with different cationic effectors for anion recognition is scarce to be well understood from the experiment and theory. In this work, a new anion receptor with three functional zones including ether hole, biurea and double bipyridine groups (EUPR) is designed expecting to enhance the chloride anion recognition together with a rational synthesis path being proposed based on four simple and mature organic reaction steps. The conformational structures of the designed receptor EUPR and the binding behaviors for three kinds of ions (Cl−, Na+, and Ag+) are deeply investigated by using density functional theoretical calculations. It is found that Cl− binding via the hydrogen bond interaction can be significantly enhanced and synergistically regulated by the two kinds of cations and the corresponding conformational changes of receptor EUPR. Especially, the conformational pre‐organization of receptor caused by the encapsulation of sodium ion into ether hole is benefit to the binding for Cl− in both thermodynamics and kinetics. Na+ binding, in turn, can ever be enhanced by chloride anion, whereas it seems that Ag+ binding cannot always be enhanced by chloride anion, reflecting an electrical complementary matching and mutual enhancement effect for different counter ions. Moreover, solvent effect calculations indicate that EUPR may be an ideal candidate structure for Cl− recognition by strategy of counter ion enhancement in water. Additionally, a visual study of intermolecular noncovalent interaction (NCI) and molecular electrostatic potential (ESP) are used for the analysis on the nature of interactions between receptor and bound ions.
Using Real‐World Data to Externally Evaluate Population Pharmacokinetic Models of Dexmedetomidine in Children and Infants
Authors: McCann Sean , Helfer Victória E. , Balevic Stephen J. , Hornik Chi D. , Goldstein Stuart L. , Autmizguine Julie , Meyer Marisa , Al‐Uzri Amira , Anderson Sarah G. , Payne Elizabeth H. , Turdalieva Sitora , Gonzalez Daniel ,   the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act – Pediatric Trials Network Steering Committee
Published: March 2024

Dexmedetomidine is a sedative used in both adults and off‐label in children with considerable reported pharmacokinetic (PK) interindividual variability affecting drug exposure across populations. Several published models describe the population PKs of dexmedetomidine in neonates, infants, children, and adolescents, though very few have been externally evaluated. A prospective PK dataset of dexmedetomidine plasma concentrations in children and young adults aged 0.01‐19.9 years was collected as part of a multicenter opportunistic PK study. A PubMed search of studies reporting dexmedetomidine PK identified five population PK models developed with data from demographically similar children that were selected for external validation. A total of 168 plasma concentrations from 102 children were compared with both population (PRED) and individualized (IPRED) predicted values from each of the five published models by quantitative and visual analyses using NONMEM (v7.3) and R (v4.1.3). Mean percent prediction errors from observed values ranged from −1% to 120% for PRED, and −24% to 60% for IPRED. The model by James et al, which was developed using similar “real‐world” data, nearly met the generalizability criteria from IPRED predictions. Other models developed using clinical trial data may have been limited by inclusion/exclusion criteria and a less racially diverse population than this study's opportunistic dataset. The James model may represent a useful, but limited tool for model‐informed dosing of hospitalized children.
Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound of polyp malignant transformation with multiple metastases in a patient with Peutz‐Jeghers syndrome
Authors: Wang Xiangyu , Zhang Longfang , Qiao Huilian , Liu Xi , Fan Xiaozhou
Published: March 2024

Multi‐systemic metastasis in patients with Peutz‐Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is very rare, and there are nearly no relevant imaging reports, especially in contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). We present here a 40‐year‐old male patient who underwent several partial small bowel resections and endoscopic polypectomy for intestinal polyps. After reviewing the patient's clinical diagnosis and treatment process, CEUS with sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles (SonoVue, Bracco, Milan, Italy) in the liver and gastrointestinal tract was performed. We imaged multiple abnormal masses with sonographic features consistent with malignancies. Combined with other imaging examinations and 18 gauge core‐needle puncture biopsy of liver masses, multiple metastases outside the gastrointestinal tract were considered. This case report suggests CEUS may be an easy, effective, and supplementary method for evaluating PJS patients with suspected multi‐systemic malignant lesions including the gastrointestinal tract.
Student training in administering inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia with a simple manufactured simulation model
Authors: Garcia‐Blanco Matias , Ruffini Juan M. , Salomone Lorena , Gualtieri Ariel F. , Puia Sebastian A.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of administering inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB) for the first time with or without a previous practical lesson using a simple manufactured simulator.

Methods

This was a study designed to compare students’ first administration of IANB anesthesia during 2022, with or without a previous practical lesson. Students were randomized into two groups. The experimental group attended both theoretical lessons and a practical lesson with a simulator device, while the control group attended only theoretical lessons. The theoretical lesson included usual contents such as anatomy, physiology, technical maneuvers for administering anesthesia, tips, and complications, and the practical lesson consisted of the administration of anesthesia using a simple manufactured simulator. After students applied their first IANB, its efficacy, and their answers to a questionnaire on a 5‐point Likert scale were recorded. Statistical analysis consisted of the Chi‐square test (p < 0.05).

Results

The study recorded 60 anonymous surveys. The main difference observed was in instrument handing (p < 0.05), and there was a tendency in the ease of recognition of the anatomical marks used for the technique—pterygomandibular raphe and coronoid notch of the mandible (p = 0.08 and 0.11, respectively). No difference in success was observed (p > 0.05). Self‐confidence and personal feelings did not differ statistically. All students agreed strongly or partially that training with the simulator model was helpful.

Conclusion

Students who used simple manufactured simulators achieved better outcomes for instrument handling, and possibly for identification of anatomical landmarks, than those who received only theoretical lessons.
Patterns of integrated growth of body parts in Rook (Corvus frugilegus) ontogeny
Authors: Shatkovska Oksana V. , Ghazali Maria , Mytiai Ivan S. , Stegney Mykola M.
Published: March 2024

The early period of ontogeny is key to understanding the patterns of body plan formation in birds. Most studies of avian development have focused on the development of individual avian characters, leaving their developmental integration understudied. We explored the dynamics and integration of relative percentage increments in body mass, lengths of head, skeletal elements of wing and leg, and primary flight feathers in the embryonic and postnatal development of the Rook (Corvus frugilegus). The relative percentage increments were calculated according to Brody's equation. Groups of similar growing traits (modules) were determined using hierarchical cluster analysis, and the degree of correlation between modules was estimated by PLS analysis. The embryonic and postnatal periods demonstrate significant consistency both in the dynamics of changes in relative percentage increments of studied traits as well as in the clustering of individual modules. The modules mainly include the body mass and head length, as well as the elements that form the fore‐ and hind limbs. Differences were revealed in the combination of modules into clusters in embryonic and postnatal periods. Hind limb elements clustered together with wing elements in the embryonic period but with body mass and the head in the postnatal period. The strongest modularity was noted for the leg in embryogenesis, and for the wing in postnatal development. The forelimb and especially the primary feathers had more distinctive growth patterns. We suggest the changes in the degree of integration between locomotor modules in ontogenesis are connected with the earlier functioning of the legs in the postnatal period and with the preparation of the wings for functioning after a chick leaves the nest.
Patients' Experience to MRI Examinations—A Systematic Qualitative Review With Meta‐Synthesis
Authors: Nieto Alvarez Isabel , Madl Janika , Becker Linda , Amft Oliver
Published: March 2024

Background

Patients often mention distress, anxiety, or claustrophobia related to MRI, resulting in no‐shows, disturbances of the workflow, and lasting psychological effects. Patients' experience varies and is moderated by socio‐demographic aspects alongside the clinical condition. While qualitative studies help understand individuals' experiences, to date a systematic review and aggregation of MRI individuals' experience is lacking.

Purpose

To investigate how adult patients experience MRI, and the characterizing factors.

Study Type

Systematic review with meta‐aggregation and meta‐synthesis.

Population

220 patients' reported experience of adults undergoing clinical MRI and 144 quotes from eight qualitative studies.

Assessment

Systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycInfo databases according to the PRISMA guidelines. For quality appraisal, the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools were used. Convergent segregated approach was undertaken.

Data Analysis

Participant recruitment, setting of exploration, type of interview, and analysis extracted through Joana Briggs Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI QARI) tool. Meta‐synthesis was supported by a concept map. For meta‐aggregation, direct patient quotes were extracted, findings grouped, themes and characterizing factors at each stage abstracted, and categories coded in two cycles. Frequency of statements was quantified. Interviews' raw data unavailability impeded computer‐aided analysis.

Results

Eight articles out of 12,755 initial studies, 220 patients, were included. Meta‐aggregation of 144 patient quotes answered: (1) experiences before, at the scanning table, during, and after an MRI, (2) differences based on clinical condition, and (3) characterizing factors, including coping strategies, look‐and‐feel of medical technology, interaction with professionals, and information. Seven publications lack participants' health literacy level, occupation, and eight studies lack developmental conditions, ethnicity, or country of origin. Six studies were conducted in university hospitals.

Data Conclusion

Aggregation of patients' quotes provide a foundational description of adult patients' MRI experience across the stages of an MRI process. Insufficient raw data of individual quotes and limited socio‐demographic diversity may constrain the understanding of individual experience and characterizing factors.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 5
Concentrations of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances in vegetables from Sydney and Newcastle, Australia
Authors: Liu Siyuan , Duan Luchun , Shi Feng , Filippelli Gabriel M , Naidu Ravi
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

This study investigated per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in 53 fruit and vegetable samples collected from a local wholesale and retail market in Sydney and a local supermarket in Newcastle. As there is limited information about PFAS levels in vegetables on the market, this study aimed to fill this gap and assess potential risks for humans through consumption of these vegetables.

METHODS

QuEChERS extraction – a solid‐phase extraction method, a portmanteau word formed from ‘quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe’ – followed by enhanced matrix removal–lipid cleaning and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis were used to detect 30 PFASs in vegetables.

RESULTS

PFOA was detected in 7 out of the 53 samples, with concentrations of 0.038–1.996 ng g−1 fresh weight; PFOS was detected in 2 samples only, with concentrations ranging from 0.132 to 0.911 ng g−1 fresh weight. PFHxS was not detected in any sample in this study. PFOA and PFOS concentrations measured in vegetables in this study constituted daily intake of 2.03 ng kg−1 body weight (BW) and 1.98 ng kg−1 BW, respectively, according to recommended daily vegetable intake and BW data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The most sensitive population group is girls of 4–8 years of age. These estimated exposure levels represent up to 1.3% of the tolerable daily intake for PFOA (160 ng kg−1 BW) and 9.9% for PFOS (20 ng kg−1 BW) according to Food Standards Australia New Zealand. Consumption of the vegetables from the study locations poses a marginal risk to human health. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Research progress on natural preservatives of meat and meat products: classifications, mechanisms and applications
Authors: Wen Lei , He Hongjun , Liu Yaobo , Wang Weiting , Du Pengfei , Hu Peng , Cao Jianfang , Ma Yanli
Published: March 2024

Meat and meat products are highly susceptible to contamination by microorganisms and foodborne pathogens, which cause serious economic losses and health hazards. The large consumption and waste of meat and meat products means that there is a need for safe and effective preservation methods. Furthermore, toxicological aspects of chemical preservation techniques related to major health problems have sparked controversies and have prompted consumers and producers to turn to natural preservatives. Consequently, natural preservatives are being increasingly used to ensure the safety and quality of meat products as a result of customer preferences and biological efficacy. However, information on the current status of these preservatives is scattered and a comprehensive review is lacking. Here, we review current knowledge on the classification, mechanisms of natural preservatives and their applications in the preservation of meat and meat products, and also discuss the potential of natural preservatives to improve the safety of meat and meat products. The current status and the current research gaps in the extraction, application and controlled‐release of natural antibacterial agents for meat preservation are also discussed in detail. This review may be useful to the development of efficient food preservation techniques in the meat industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Application of a Novel 3D‐Printed Nasal Plug as a Conservative Treatment for Empty Nose Syndrome
Authors: Gwak Jang Wook , Kim Don‐Han , Jang Yong Ju
Published: March 2024

Objective

Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is commonly treated by surgery, albeit with limited success. Herein, we introduce our experience of applying a newly developed “3D‐printed nasal plug” as an alternative conservative treatment modality.

Methods

This retrospective study included 20 patients (14 males, 6 females; mean age 46.5 ± 13.5 years) with ENS who underwent the application of the 3D‐printed nasal plug at Asan Medical Center between June 2022 and May 2023. Symptom improvement was assessed by Empty Nose Syndrome 6‐Item Questionnaire (ENS6Q) before and after applying the nasal plug. Clinical results, such as duration and frequency of plug use, discomfort, and level of satisfaction, were investigated.

Results

The mean follow‐up duration was 40.3 ± 24.2 weeks. The average duration of nasal plug usage was 10.8 h per day and 5.3 days a week. The ENS6Q scores improved from 19.6 ± 4.6 to 6.8 ± 5.1 (mean reduction 12.8 ± 5.9) after 30 minutes of wearing. Symptom “nose feelings too open” was improved most by a score of 3.0 ± 1.5 (p < 0.001). Thirteen patients (65.0%) reported that the effectiveness of the plug, initially confirmed at the first wearing, was well maintained during the entire follow‐up. Four patients (20.0%) wore the nasal plug uninterruptedly throughout the week, whereas nine patients (45.0%) wore it intermittently as needed. Frequently reported complaints with plug usage were ‘displacement of the plug’ and ‘cosmetic concerns’ about the visible hook portion.

Conclusion

A 3D‐designed nasal plug can be a useful conservative treatment option for ENS patients.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:3935–3940, 2024
An improved method to quantify bulk carbohydrate in marine planktonic samples
Authors: Hu Ying‐Yu , Irwin Andrew J. , Finkel Zoe V.
Published: March 2024

The TPTZ (2,4,6‐tripyridyl‐s‐triazine) method is used to detect monosaccharides from seawater and particulate matter samples because it is sensitive, precise, rapid and easy to perform. Contrary to mechanisms proposed in the literature, we provide evidence that the TPTZ method detects hydroxyl as well as aldehyde groups in monosaccharides when all reducing groups are fully deprotonated in alkaline medium. We use this insight to develop an optimized hydrolysis protocol to increase yields from polysaccharides while minimizing the dehydration of monosaccharides. Compared to the TPTZ method with commonly used hydrolysis protocols and the often‐used phenol–sulfuric acid method, our new optimized method detects a wider range of carbohydrates with a more consistent yield relative to glucose and much lower coefficient of variation. When applied to phytoplankton cultures and marine particulate samples, our new method achieves significantly higher bulk carbohydrate yields.
Suitability of using simulated porous‐like solutions to evaluate the steel corrosion in carbonated concrete
Authors: Carricondo Juan , Duffó Gustavo S. , Farina Silvia B.
Published: March 2024

The use of simulated solutions is a common practice in corrosion studies to assess easily and quickly the corrosion behaviour of materials in real situations. In this context, it is frequent to substitute tests performed in concrete or mortar with tests performed in porous‐like solutions. Particularly, to simulate carbonated concrete, different carbonated porous‐like solutions (CPS) are found in the literature. However, it is not known whether the use of these solutions accurately predicts the behaviour of steel bars embedded in carbonated concrete. In the present work, a comparison between the corrosion behaviour of carbon steel in carbonated mortar and in different CPS was performed. It was found that none of the CPS studied in the present work adequately simulate the corrosion behaviour of the steel in carbonated mortar, but the CPS containing high concentrations of carbonates/bicarbonates is the only one that provides corrosion rates close to those obtained in carbonated concrete.
Flow Behavior of Entangled Polymer Nanoparticle Composites in a Nanotube: Insights into Jamming State
Authors: Liu Hu , An Lijia , Ruan Yongjin , Lu Yuyuan
Published: March 2024

Using molecular dynamics simulations, this study investigates the equilibrium properties and flow behaviors of entangled polymer nanoparticle composites (PNCs) within a nanotube. The results show that the density distribution of nanoparticles (NPs), displacement of polymer chains and NPs, and the moduli of PNCs remain relatively unaffected when NP volume fractions (ΦN) ≤0.10. However, the flow behavior of entangled PNCs deviates from the ideal parabolic profile seen in unentangled PNCs, displaying plug‐like flow characteristics with a significant platform region, indicating the presence of shear bands. Interestingly, entangled PNCs at intermediate ΦN values undergo a significant alteration in NP distribution under steady flow, resulting in notable NP aggregation. At ΦN = 0.30, a distinct change in the static structure of PNCs occurs, reducing the equilibrium distance between neighboring NPs. Consequently, the motion of both polymer chains and NPs becomes restricted, leading to an increase in the moduli of PNCs resembling solid‐like behavior. Additionally, the entangled PNCs experience a complete absence of flow, indicating the entry into a jamming state. This study contributes to the understanding of PNCs flow behavior and provides insights into fundamental aspects and practical implications of PNCs.
A Green High‐k Dielectric from Modified Carboxymethyl Cellulose‐Based with Dextrin
Authors: Santoso Leon Lukhas , Prakoso Suhendro Purbo , Bui Hai‐Khue , Hong Qi‐An , Huang Ssu‐Yu , Chiang Tai‐Chin , Huang Kuan‐Yeh , Nurkhamidah Siti , Tristantini Dewi , Chiu Yu‐Cheng
Published: March 2024

Many crucial components inside electronic devices are made from non‐renewable, non‐biodegradable, and potentially toxic materials, leading to environmental damage. Finding alternative green dielectric materials is mandatory to align with global sustainable goals. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a bio‐polymer derived from cellulose and has outstanding properties. Herein, citric acid, dextrin, and CMC based hydrogels are prepared, which are biocompatible and biodegradable and exhibit rubber‐like mechanical properties, with Young modulus values of 0.89 MPa. Hence, thin film CMC‐based hydrogel is explored as a suitable green high‐k dielectric candidate for operation at low voltages, demonstrating a high dielectric constant of up to 78. These fabricated transistors reveal stable high capacitance (2090 nF cm−2) for ≈±3 V operation. Using a polyelectrolyte‐type approach and poly‐(2‐vinyl anthracene) (PVAn) surface modification, this study demonstrates a thin dielectric layer (d ≈30 nm) with a small voltage threshold (Vth ≈−0.8 V), moderate transconductance (gm ≈65 nS), and high ON–OFF ratio (≈105). Furthermore, the dielectric layer exhibits stable performance under bias stress of ± 3.5 V and 100 cycles of switching tests. The modified CMC‐based hydrogel demonstrates desirable performance as a green dielectric for low‐voltage operation, further highlighting its biocompatibility.
For showing only, for selling only, or for hybrid? Physical store deployment for a manufacturer in online retailing
Authors: Li Yanting , Zhang Cuihua , Li Chunyu , MacMillen Simeon J.
Published: March 2024

Manufacturers in online retailing are exploring a physical store option: showroom, retail store, or hybrid model. We've built game‐theoretic models to study their deployment strategies and channel preferences of e‐tailers and consumers. Our analysis reveals that manufacturers opt for a hybrid store with a small showrooming effect, showroom with a significant effect, but rarely a retail store. Consumers generally favor manufacturers introducing an offline channel while e‐tailers prefer this when the online channel has a large market share. When the online channel dominates, e‐tailers are more motivated to choose a hybrid store while consumers lean towards a showroom.
Demand‐driving innovation, advertising nuisance, and a media platform optimal pricing
Authors: Aloui Chokri , Jebsi Khaïreddine
Published: March 2024

This paper explores the incentives of a monopolistic media platform to invest in demand‐driving innovation when the interactions between its customer groups (eyeballs and advertisers) are countervailing. We investigate whether media innovation contributes to resolving the trade‐off between catering to both groups (or sides) and minimizing advertising nuisance. We identify an innovation threshold guiding the media platform on when to charge more eyeballs than advertisers, effectively reversing the standard divide‐and‐conquer pricing strategy. Moreover, we show that the media platform invests more in research and development (R&D) on the side with the strongest reference market, and we highlight the role of excessive inertia and momentum in shaping innovation. Furthermore, we find that when the relative advertising nuisance is low, the platform is less encouraged to innovate on both sides when the ad nuisance increases marginally. However, when the relative advertising nuisance is high, we infer an R&D see‐saw rule: a marginal increase in the ad nuisance reduces the R&D efforts undertaken on one side and increases those on the other. Our findings provide insights into the complex interplay between media platform innovation and pricing strategy in the presence of advertising nuisance and a challenging chicken‐and‐egg problem.
A posteriori error estimate of the weak Galerkin finite element method solving the Stokes problems on polytopal meshes
Authors: Xu Shipeng
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we propose an a posteriori error estimate of the weak Galerkin finite element method (WG‐FEM) solving the Stokes problems with variable coefficients. Its error estimator, based on the property of Stokes' law conservation, Helmholtz decomposition and bubble functions, yields global upper bound and local lower bound for the approximation error of the WG‐FEM. Error analysis is proved to be valid under the mesh assumptions of the WG‐FEM and the way can be extended to other FEMs with the property of Stokes' law conservation, for example, discontinuous Galerkin (DG) FEMs. Finally, we verify the performance of error estimator by performing a few numerical examples.
Linear quadratic zero‐sum game for time‐delayed uncertain stochastic systems
Authors: Chen Xin , Yuan Yue , Yuan Dongmei , Shao Yu
Published: March 2024

This study focuses on the analysis of a linear quadratic zero‐sum game (LQZSG) for time‐delayed uncertain stochastic systems. To begin, we introduce a general time‐delayed zero‐sum game. Employing an algebraic transformation method, we transform the time‐delayed zero‐sum game into an equivalent uncertain random zero‐sum game without time delay. Subsequently, we present equilibrium equations that streamline the transformation of the uncertain random zero‐sum game into problems solvable as deterministic difference equations. We then investigate the LQZSG involving a linear time‐delayed uncertain stochastic system with a quadratic objective function. Within this framework, we provide a unified framework for solving this type of game and obtaining the analytic expression for the saddle‐point equilibrium of the LQZSG. Additionally, we present a numerical example and a counter‐terrorism economic game to illustrate the applicability of our findings.