bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of foot reflexology on an infant with sensorineural hearing loss: A case report
Authors: Lee Yu-Jun , Chen Mao-Qing , Dong Jie
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Our study contributes to the further understanding of the mechanism of foot reflexology. Foot reflexology has been reported to affect hearing recovery, but no physiological evidence has been provided. This lack of evidence hampers the acceptance of the technique in clinical practice.

CASE SUMMARY

A girl was taken to North Sichuan Medical University Affiliated Hospital for a hearing screen by her parents. Her parents reported that her hearing level was the same as when she was born. The girl was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) by a doctor in the otolaryngology department. After we introduced the foot reflexology project, the parents agreed to participate in the experiment. After 6 months of foot reflexology treatment, the hearing threshold of the girl recovered to a normal level, below 30 dB.

CONCLUSION

Foot reflexology should be encouraged in clinical practice and for families of infants with SNHL.
3M syndrome patient with a novel mutation: A case report
Authors: Luo Ming-Ran , Dai Si-Ming , Li Yin , Wang Qian , Liu Hao , Gao Peng , Liu Jia-Yun , Chen Jian , Zhao Shu-Jie , Yin Guo-Yong
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

A rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder, 3M syndrome, is characterized by severe intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation. Children with 3M syndrome typically exhibit short stature, facial deformities, long tubular bones, and high vertebral bodies but generally lack mental abnormalities or other organ damage. Pathogenic genes associated with 3M syndrome include CUL7 , OBSL1 and CCDC8 . The clinical and molecular characteristics of patient with 3M syndrome are unique and serve as important diagnostic indicators.

CASE SUMMARY

In this case, the patient displayed square shoulders, scoliosis, long slender tubular bones, and normal neurological development. Notably, the patient did not exhibit the typical dysmorphic facial features, relative macrocephaly, or growth retardation commonly observed in individuals with 3M syndrome. Whole exon sequencing revealed a novel heterozygous c.56681+1G>C (Splice-3) variant and a previously reported nonsense heterozygous c.3341G>A (p.Trp1114Ter) variant of OBSL1 . Therefore, it is important to note that the clinical features of 3M syndrome may not always be observable, and genetic confirmation is often required. Additionally, the identification of the c.5683+1G>C variant in OBSL1 is noteworthy because it has not been previously reported in public databases.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified a new variant (c.5683+1G>C) of OBSL1 that contributes to expanding the molecular profile of 3M syndrome.
High-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia diagnosed based on changes in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography findings: A case report
Authors: Furuya Nao , Yamaguchi Atsushi , Kato Naohiro , Sugata Syuhei , Hamada Takuro , Mizumoto Takeshi , Tamaru Yuzuru , Kusunoki Ryusaku , Kuwai Toshio , Kouno Hirotaka , Kuraoka Kazuya , Shibata Yoshiyuki , Tazuma Sho , Sudo Takeshi , Kohno Hiroshi , Oka Shiro
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

High-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) exhibits no mass and is not detected by any examination modalities. However, it can be diagnosed by pancreatic juice cytology from indirect findings. Most previous cases were diagnosed based on findings of a focal stricture of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) and caudal MPD dilatation and subsequent pancreatic juice cytology using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). We experienced a case of high-grade PanIN with an unclear MPD over a 20-mm range, but without caudal MPD dilatation on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).

CASE SUMMARY

A 60-year-old female patient underwent computed tomography for a follow-up of uterine cancer post-excision, which revealed pancreatic cysts. MRCP revealed an unclear MPD of the pancreatic body at a 20-mm length without caudal MPD dilatation. Thus, course observation was performed. After 24 mo, MRCP revealed an increased caudal MPD caliber and a larger pancreatic cyst. We performed ERCP and detected atypical cells suspected of adenocarcinoma by serial pancreatic juice aspiration cytology examination. We performed a distal pancreatectomy and obtained a histopathological diagnosis of high-grade PanIN. Pancreatic parenchyma invasion was not observed, and curative resection was achieved.

CONCLUSION

High-grade Pan-IN may cause MPD narrowing in a long range without caudal MPD dilatation.
Magnetic Shielding Implementation in the Small Satellite Reaction Wheel
Authors: UTAMA Satriya , AMIN Deddy El , SAIFUDIN M. Arif , HUZAIN Moh. Farid , ROZA Widya , JUDIANTO Chusnul Tri , MUKHAYADI Mohammad
Published: March 2024

Low Earth orbit satellites face challenges from Earth's magnetic field, causing attitude disturbances. Attaining a magnetic-dipole-free satellite is crucial. Layout optimization and in-orbit dipole compensation are common methods, but layout optimization can be impractical. In contrast, in-orbit dipole compensation struggles with rapidly changing magnetic dipoles like those from reaction wheel motors. This research proposes an alternative solution using Mu-metal, known for shielding against magnetic exposure. This shield can be applied to trap the magnetic field generated by the motors. Ground tests evaluated this approach. First, it determined the minimum distance between the magnetometer and the shield for accurate measurements with minimal interference, with the result of 10 cm as the least affected distance, particularly important for small satellite layout design. Second, it assessed the shield's effectiveness in trapping the motor-generated magnetic field. Tests showed a significant reduction in magnetic field magnitude and up to a 95% reduction in field fluctuations when the motor is activated. This research offers a practical solution for small satellite layout design, addressing the challenges posed by their compact dimensions. Mu-metal shielding proves effective for mitigating rapidly changing magnetic dipoles and enhancing magnetic cleanliness in low Earth orbit.
Diffraction of a pseudo nondiffracting Bessel beam by a circular perfect electromagnetic conductor disk
Authors: Basdemir Husnu Deniz
Published: March 2024

This study examined the diffraction of a pseudo nondiffracting Bessel beam by a perfect electromagnetic disk. The geometric optics beam waves were written from the geometry of the problem and related boundary conditions. The diffracted beam waves were derived by utilizing the relation between geometric optics and diffracted waves at the transition boundaries, considering the high frequency asymptotic expression of the scattered wave. The uniform scattered beam waves were expressed in terms of Fresnel functions with the uniform geometrical theory of the diffraction method. Thus, finite magnitudes were read at the transition boundaries. Finally, the obtained uniform expressions were investigated numerically for different groups of parameters.
Degree of paraxiality of radially polarized twisted multi-Gaussian Schell-model beams
Authors: Cheng Jinping , Feng Yin , Wu Hao , Wang Tao , Tang Miaomiao
Published: March 2024

The degree of paraxiality (DOP) of a radially polarized twisted multi-Gaussian Schell-model (RPT MGSM) beam is discussed, and the influence of the source parameters on its DOP is studied. It is shown that the parameters of the beam source, including the boundary characteristic, the beam waist width, the coherence width of the source correlation, and the twist factor, have a significant impact on the DOP of the RPT MGSM beam. To explain the behaviors of the DOP, the far-field divergence angle of this beam is also discussed.
Solvent-modulated luminescence of carbon dots for ion sensing and fingerprint detection
Authors: Zhao Jinxing , Zhang You , Chen Mingjun , Ding Yanan , Liu Baoyou , Yue Gang , Guan Li , Wang Chunsheng , Liang Baolai , Li Xu
Published: March 2024

Since carbon dots (CDs) with good water solubility are preferred by researchers and biological applications, a hydrothermal method was used to synthesize green fluorescent CDs with an excitation-independent peak at 526 nm using deionized water as the solvent and neutral red as the carbon source. To achieve spectral modulation, the pH of the solvent was adjusted with KOH to obtain orange CDs (O-CDs) in an alkaline environment, with the emission peak red-shifted to 630 nm. The water-soluble CDs were prepared for multidimension sensing as Fe3+ sensing (on/off). Carbon dots dispersed into a silica gel matrix can be used for fingerprint detection of various materials.
Free spectral range measurement based on a multi-longitudinal mode laser self-mixing ellipse fitting degree detection technique
Authors: Huang Zhen , Xu Haozhong , Li Dongyu
Published: March 2024

A method by detecting the ellipse fitting degree of the trajectory equation formed by two self-mixing (SM) signals in the multi-longitudinal mode laser SM system with a Wollaston prism is presented to test the free spectral range (FSR) of the laser. By utilizing the orthogonal vector and phase-shift characteristics between adjacent longitudinal modes, the fluctuations in multi-mode SM effects caused by changes in the external cavity length are transformed into alterations in the trajectory composed of two orthogonal SM signals. The FSR is calculated by detecting the difference in external cavity lengths between the two positions, where the trajectory of the two SM signals best fits an ellipse. To achieve an automatic FSR measurement, the ellipse fitting degree is proposed as the criterion for positioning the external cavity mode. Experimental results indicate that the FSR of the laser diode is measured to be 85.23 GHz with a resolution of 0.48 GHz, while the corresponding external cavity resolution is 10 µm, and the resolution of the ellipse fitting degree is less than 1. The compact and straightforward design, coupled with high sensitivity, automated measurements, and immunity to optical feedback, holds significant promise as a robust tool for measuring FSR and assessing laser performance.
Magnetically tunable Brewster angle in uniaxial magneto-optical metamaterials for advanced integration of high-resolution sensing devices
Authors: Sarmiento S. A. , Moncada-Villa E. , Mejía-Salazar J. R.
Published: March 2024

In this Letter, we introduce a concept to produce high-resolution, highly integrable biosensing devices. Our idea exploits the highly absorbing modes in multilayered metamaterials to maximize the transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect (TMOKE). Results are discussed in the context of dielectric uniaxial (εeff,∥εeff,⊥>0) and hyperbolic metamaterial (εeff,∥εeff,⊥<0) regimes. For applications in gas sensing, we obtained sensitivities of S = 46.02 deg/RIU and S = 73.91 deg/RIU when considering the system working in the uniaxial and hyperbolic regimes, respectively, with figures of merit (resolution) in the order of 310 or higher. On the contrary, when considering the system for biosensing applications (incidence from an aqueous medium), we observed that the proposed mechanism can only be successfully used in the uniaxial regime, where a sensitivity of 56.87 deg/RIU was obtained.
Hybrid graphene anti-resonant fiber with tunable light absorption
Authors: She Kang , Sheng Guo , Shan Zhengping , Xu Piaorong , Liu Exian
Published: March 2024

Controlling the output light-intensity and realizing the light-switch function in hollow-core anti-resonant fibers (HC-ARFs) is crucial for their applications in polarizers, lasers, and sensor systems. Here, we theoretically propose a hybrid light-intensity-tunable HC-ARF deposited with the sandwiched graphene/hexagonal boron nitride/graphene based on the typical six-circular-tube and the nested structures. Changing the external drive voltage from 12.3 to 31.8 V, the hybrid HC-ARF experiences a high–low alterative attenuation coefficient with a modulation depth 3.87 and 1.91 dB/cm for the six-circular-tube and nested structures respectively, serving as a well-performance light-switch at the optical communication wavelength of 1.55 µm. This response is attributed to the variation of the Fermi level of graphene and is obviously influenced by the core size, fiber length, and the number of graphene and hBN layers. Moreover, one attenuation dip of the modulation depth was found because of the epsilon-near-zero effect in graphene. Our design provides a feasible paradigm for integrating graphene with anti-resonant fibers and high-performance electro-optic modulators.
Dual high-order QAM-modulated mm-wave signal transmission in the Q-band enabled by simple IM/DD architecture and bandpass delta-sigma modulation
Authors: Yan Hengxin , Li Xinying , Pan Xiaolong , Xie Tangyao , Fang Liye , Bi Jiahao , Jiang Han , Xin Xiangjun
Published: March 2024

The intensity-modulation (IM)/direct-detection (DD) systems have been proven effective and low-cost due to their simple system architecture. However, the Mach–Zehnder modulator (MZM) of the IM/DD systems only reserves its driving signal intensity. Therefore, the IM/DD systems are generally unable to transmit vector signals and have a restricted spectrum efficiency and channel capacity. Similarly, the radio-over-fiber (RoF) transmission systems based on IM/DD are limited by their simple architecture and generally cannot transmit high-order quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signals, which hinders the improvement of their spectrum efficiency. To address the challenges, we propose a novel, to the best of our knowledge, scheme to simultaneously transmit the dual independent high-order QAM-modulated millimeter-wave (mm-wave) signals in the RoF system with a simple IM/DD architecture, enabled by precoding-based optical carrier suppression (OCS) modulation and bandpass delta-sigma modulation (BP-DSM). The dual independent signals can carry different information, which increases channel capacity and improves spectrum efficiency and system flexibility. Based on our proposed scheme, we experimentally demonstrate the dual 512-QAM mm-wave signal transmission in the Q-band (33–50 GHz) under three different scenarios: 1) dual single-carrier (SC) signal transmission, 2) dual orthogonal-frequency-division-multiplexing (OFDM) signal transmission, and 3) hybrid SC and OFDM signal transmission. We achieve high-fidelity transmission of dual 512-QAM vector signals over a 5 km single-mode fiber (SMF) and a 1-m single-input single-output (SISO) wireless link operating in the Q-band, with the bit error rates (BERs) of all three scenarios below the hard decision forward error correction (HD-FEC) threshold of 3.8 × 10−3. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time dual high-order QAM-modulated mm-wave signal transmission has been achieved in a RoF system with a simple IM/DD architecture.
High Water-resistant and Thermal Stable Fluoride Fibers for Mid-Infrared Laser
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Liu Mo , Xu NianNian , Shen Yewei , Xu Changjun , Farrell Gerald , Wang Shunbin
Published: March 2024

High-power mid-infrared (MIR) fiber laser sources exhibit excellent application potential in space communications, remote sensing, material processing, spectroscopy, and medical applications. Despite recent developments in high power MIR laser sources using fluorozirconate glass fibers, the lack of fluoride fibers with good chemical and thermal stability remains the main restriction for laser power scaling at MIR. In this work，fluoroaluminate glass fiber based on the composition of AlF3-YF3-BaF2-CaF2-SrF2-MgF2 (AYF) with superior corrosion resistance, higher glass transition temperature (~425 °C) was developed and reported for the first time . The AYF fibers were fabricated by using rod-in-tube method and the loss was ~0.5 dB/m at 1.570 µm. By using Ho3+-doping single-cladding AYF fibers as the gain medium and 1150 nm laser as the pump source, a cascaded laser operating at λ~3 μm and λ~2 μm with a total unsaturated maximum output power of 11.6 W and slope efficiencies of 29%, both at 2 µm and at 3 µm were obtained. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest output power at λ~3 μm and λ~2 μm for Ho3+-doped cascaded lasers. The results show that AYF fibers can be used as viable, high performance gain media for MIR fiber lasers.
Ready for Digital B2B Sales or not? Wie die Digitalisierung die Vertriebsarbeit verändert
Authors: Fischer Heiko , Seidenstricker Sven
Published: March 2024

Die digitale Transformation führt zu einem tiefgreifenden gesellschaftlichen Wandel und beeinflusst den Business-to-Business-Vertrieb (B2B-Vertrieb) erheblich. Der Vertriebsprozess ist zunehmend von digitalen Technologien geprägt und die Beziehung zwischen Kund*innen und Vertrieb verlagert sich in den digitalen Raum. Um den daraus resultierenden Herausforderungen im Vertrieb erfolgreich zu begegnen und den Vertrieb zu transformieren, ist die Readiness der Vertriebsmitarbeitenden sicherzustellen. Diese wird bei der Einführung digitaler Initiativen häufig vernachlässigt und die aktuelle Forschung erörtert die Readiness für den digitalen B2B-Vertrieb nur unzureichend. Der vorliegende Beitrag zeigt auf, was Readiness charakterisiert und untersucht die Anforderungen an den digitalen B2B-Vertrieb auf Mitarbeitendenebene. Durch qualitative Interviews werden drei wesentliche Sub-Dimensionen der Readiness für den digitalen B2B-Vertrieb abgeleitet: Kund*innenorientierung, hybrider Vertrieb und Marktorientierung. Vertriebsmitarbeitende benötigen ein tiefes Verständnis für Kund*innen, eine offene Haltung gegenüber digitalen Technologien und ein Bewusstsein für die Nutzung von Daten im Arbeitsalltag. Die Ergebnisse zeigen auf, dass es einer engeren Zusammenarbeit zwischen Marketing und Vertrieb bedarf, die digitale Transformation als kontinuierlicher Prozess zu verstehen ist und dass neue Disziplinen im Vertrieb erforderlich sind.
Menstrual health and hygiene knowledge among post menarche adolescent school girls in urban and rural Tanzania
Authors: Njee Robert M. , Imeda Calister P. , Ali Said M. , Mushi Adiel K. , Mbata Doris D. , Kapala Albert W. , Makundi Emmanuel A. , Nyigo Vitus A. , Majura Albert M. , Akyoo Winfrida O. , Mbatia Yolanda J. , Baraka Germana T. , Msovela Judith M. , Ngadaya Ester S. , Senkoro Mbazi F. , Malebo Hamisi M.
Published: March 2024

Adolescent girls’ capacity to lead healthy lives and perform well in school has been hampered by their lack of awareness about menstruation and the requirements for its hygienic management. Lack of enabling infrastructure, improper menstrual supplies, and limited socioeconomic support for good menstrual health and cleanliness are characteristics of schools in Africa South of the Sahara. We evaluated school-age girls’ knowledge of menstrual hygiene and identified bottlenecks that could affect policy and programming for menstrual health and hygiene. A school-based cross-sectional study involved 8,012 adolescent school girls in the age group of 11–18 years (mean age = 14.9 years). The study evaluated students’ knowledge of menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) from the viewpoints of schools and communities using a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data was collected using self-administered surveys, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and site observations. Girls’ older age (AOR = 1.62, P 0.001), having a female guardian (AOR = 1.39: P = 001), and having a parent in a formal job (AOR = 1.03: P 0.023) were positively associated with Menstrual health and Hygiene Knowledge. MHH knowledge levels varied significantly between girls attending government (53.3) and non-government schools (50.5%, P = 0.0001), although they were comparable for girls attending rural and urban schools. Only 21% of the study’s schools had at least one instructor who had received training in MHH instruction for students. We have established that the majority of adolescent girls in schools have inadequate knowledge on menstrual health and hygiene, and that school teachers lack the skills to prepare and support young adolescents as they transition into puberty. Concerted actions aimed at building supportive policy are paramount, for school-aged teenagers to learn about and reap the long-term advantages of good menstrual health practices.
Adaptive mask-based brain extraction method for head CT images
Authors: Hu Dingyuan , Qu Shiya , Jiang Yuhang , Han Chunyu , Liang Hongbin , Zhang Qingyan
Published: March 2024

Brain extraction is an important prerequisite for the automated diagnosis of intracranial lesions and determines, to a certain extent, the accuracy of subsequent lesion identification, localization, and segmentation. To address the problem that the current traditional image segmentation methods are fast in extraction but poor in robustness, while the Full Convolutional Neural Network (FCN) is robust and accurate but relatively slow in extraction, this paper proposes an adaptive mask-based brain extraction method, namely AMBBEM, to achieve brain extraction better. The method first uses threshold segmentation, median filtering, and closed operations for segmentation, generates a mask for the first time, then combines the ResNet50 model, region growing algorithm, and image properties analysis to further segment the mask, and finally complete brain extraction by multiplying the original image and the mask. The algorithm was tested on 22 test sets containing different lesions, and the results showed MPA = 0.9963, MIoU = 0.9924, and MBF = 0.9914, which were equivalent to the extraction effect of the Deeplabv3+ model. However, the method can complete brain extraction of approximately 6.16 head CT images in 1 second, much faster than Deeplabv3+, U-net, and SegNet models. In summary, this method can achieve accurate brain extraction from head CT images more quickly, creating good conditions for subsequent brain volume measurement and feature extraction of intracranial lesions.
Research on surface treatment technology for quickly improving the skid resistance of tunnel concrete pavement
Authors: Lei Jun’an , Zhao Fujing , Wang Yuanyuan , Ren Xiaofeng
Published: March 2024

In order to solve the problem that the skid resistance of concrete pavement in tunnel deteriorates rapidly, which is easy to cause traffic accidents, the anti-skid rapid elevation technology of surface treatment is proposed. Wear tests were used to investigate the effects of concrete surface roughness, properties of modified emulsified asphalt binder and anti-skid fine aggregate type on long-term skid resistance of treated surfaces. The results show that the four coarsening methods of fine milling, milling, grooving and brooming can improve the skid resistance of concrete, and the skid resistance durability of fine milling and milling is better. The adhesive property of modified emulsified asphalt is the best when the content of water-based epoxy resin is 20%. In different aggregates, the anti-skid effect is better when silicon carbide is used as anti-skid aggregate and the particle size is 0.6mm:0.3mm = 2:3. The method of fine milling of concrete surface + spraying epoxy emulsified asphalt + spreading silicon carbide can effectively improve the anti-skid performance of the original concrete pavement, and the feasibility of the scheme is verified by the test road. The research results have a good reference value for improving the skid resistance of tunnel concrete pavement.
Integrating image and gene-data with a semi-supervised attention model for prediction of KRAS gene mutation status in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Xue Yuting , Zhang Dongxu , Jia Liye , Yang Wanting , Zhao Juanjuan , Qiang Yan , Wang Long , Qiao Ying , Yue Huajie
Published: March 2024

KRAS is a pathogenic gene frequently implicated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, biopsy as a diagnostic method has practical limitations. Therefore, it is important to accurately determine the mutation status of the KRAS gene non-invasively by combining NSCLC CT images and genetic data for early diagnosis and subsequent targeted therapy of patients. This paper proposes a Semi-supervised Multimodal Multiscale Attention Model (S2MMAM). S2MMAM comprises a Supervised Multilevel Fusion Segmentation Network (SMF-SN) and a Semi-supervised Multimodal Fusion Classification Network (S2MF-CN). S2MMAM facilitates the execution of the classification task by transferring the useful information captured in SMF-SN to the S2MF-CN to improve the model prediction accuracy. In SMF-SN, we propose a Triple Attention-guided Feature Aggregation module for obtaining segmentation features that incorporate high-level semantic abstract features and low-level semantic detail features. Segmentation features provide pre-guidance and key information expansion for S2MF-CN. S2MF-CN shares the encoder and decoder parameters of SMF-SN, which enables S2MF-CN to obtain rich classification features. S2MF-CN uses the proposed Intra and Inter Mutual Guidance Attention Fusion (I2MGAF) module to first guide segmentation and classification feature fusion to extract hidden multi-scale contextual information. I2MGAF then guides the multidimensional fusion of genetic data and CT image data to compensate for the lack of information in single modality data. S2MMAM achieved 83.27% AUC and 81.67% accuracy in predicting KRAS gene mutation status in NSCLC. This method uses medical image CT and genetic data to effectively improve the accuracy of predicting KRAS gene mutation status in NSCLC.
A brittle star is born: Ontogeny of luminous capabilities in Amphiura filiformis
Authors: Coubris Constance , Duchatelet Laurent , Dupont Sam , Mallefet Jérôme
Published: March 2024

Bioluminescence is the production of visible light by living organisms thanks to a chemical reaction, implying the oxidation of a substrate called luciferin catalyzed by an enzyme, the luciferase. The luminous brittle star Amphiura filiformis depends on coelenterazine (i.e., the most widespread luciferin in marine ecosystems) and a luciferase homologous to the cnidarian Renilla luciferase to produce blue flashes in the arm’s spine. Only a few studies have focused on the ontogenic apparitions of bioluminescence in marine organisms. Like most ophiuroids, A. filiformis displays planktonic ophiopluteus larvae for which the ability to produce light was not investigated. This study aims to document the apparition of the luminous capabilities of this species during its ontogenic development, from the egg to settlement. Through biochemical assays, pharmacological stimulation, and Renilla-like luciferase immunohistological detection across different developing stages, we pointed out the emergence of the luminous capabilities after the ophiopluteus larval metamorphosis into a juvenile. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the larval pelagic stage of A. filiformis is not bioluminescent compared to juveniles and adults.
Spatio-temporal distribution and evolution of the Tujia traditional settlements in China
Authors: Li Yunzhang , Du Jianjun , Ran Disi , Yi Cao
Published: March 2024

The rapid modernization in China has aggravated the reduction of the traditional settlements and aroused concern about the protection and research. This study aims to examine the spatial-temporal variations Tujia traditional settlements in China and to delineate the driving mechanism of the settlement distribution. Previous studies have focused on the characteristics of settlements in provincial or smaller areas, providing lacked information regarding spatial distribution heterogeneity of Tujia traditional settlements in China. In this study, the spatial heterogeneity and influence factors of the distribution of traditional Tujia settlements were examined using the GIS platform and statistical methods. The results reveal that the spatial distribution of settlements exhibits clustering with the pattern of “scattered distribution in a large region, while concentrated in small areas”. The settlements were generally built in low hills, gentle slopes, sunny slopes and low-relief terrain areas, with elevation, relief degree of land surface (RDLS), slope and aspect were the key factors affecting the distribution. In Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, settlements showed significant clustering all through, though the location and number of clustering center kept changing. In this process, the history of the Tujia chieftain and the transportation and marketing lines of Sichuan salt had a profound influence on the historical evolution of the settlement.
Timing of surgery in acute deep partial-thickness burns: A study protocol
Authors: Salemans Roos F. C. , van Uden Denise , van Baar Margriet E. , Haanstra Tjitske M. , van Schie Carine H. M. , van Zuijlen Paul P. M. , Lucas Ymke , Scholten-Jaegers Sonja M. H. J. , Meij-de Vries Annebeth , Wood Fiona M. , Edgar Dale W. , Spronk Inge , van der Vlies Cornelis H. ,   National Burn Care, Education & Research group, the Netherlands
Published: March 2024

For deep partial-thickness burns no consensus on the optimal treatment has been reached due to conflicting study outcomes with low quality evidence. Treatment options in high- and middle-income countries include conservative treatment with delayed excision and grafting if needed; and early excision and grafting. The majority of timing of surgery studies focus on survival rather than on quality of life. This study protocol describes a study that aims to compare long-term scar quality, clinical outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes between the treatment options. A multicentre prospective study will be conducted in the three Dutch burn centres (Rotterdam, Beverwijk, and Groningen). All adult patients with acute deep-partial thickness burns, based on healing potential with Laser Doppler Imaging, are eligible for inclusion. During a nine-month baseline period, standard practice will be monitored. This includes conservative treatment with dressings and topical agents, and excision and grafting of residual defects if needed 14–21 days post-burn. The subsequent nine months, early surgery is advocated, involving excision and grafting in the first week to ten days post-burn. The primary outcome compared between the two groups is long-term scar quality assessed by the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale 3.0 twelve months after discharge. Secondary outcomes include clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcomes like quality of life and return to work. The aim of the study is to assess long-term scar quality in deep partial-thickness burns after conservative treatment with delayed excision and grafting if needed, compared to early excision and grafting. Adding to the ongoing debate on the optimal treatment of these burns. The broad range of studied outcomes will be used for the development of a decision aid for deep partial-thickness burns, to fully inform patients at the point of consent to surgery and support optimal person-centred care.
Enhancing site selection strategies in clinical trial recruitment using real-world data modeling
Authors: Hulstaert Lars , Twick Isabell , Sarsour Khaled , Verstraete Hans
Published: March 2024

Slow patient enrollment or failing to enroll the required number of patients is a disruptor of clinical trial timelines. To meet the planned trial recruitment, site selection strategies are used during clinical trial planning to identify research sites that are most likely to recruit a sufficiently high number of subjects within trial timelines. We developed a machine learning approach that outperforms baseline methods to rank research sites based on their expected recruitment in future studies. Indication level historical recruitment and real-world data are used in the machine learning approach to predict patient enrollment at site level. We define covariates based on published recruitment hypotheses and examine the effect of these covariates in predicting patient enrollment. We compare model performance of a linear and a non-linear machine learning model with common industry baselines that are constructed from historical recruitment data. Performance of the methodology is evaluated and reported for two disease indications, inflammatory bowel disease and multiple myeloma, both of which are actively being pursued in clinical development. We validate recruitment hypotheses by reviewing the covariates relationship with patient recruitment. For both indications, the non-linear model significantly outperforms the baselines and the linear model on the test set. In this paper, we present a machine learning approach to site selection that incorporates site-level recruitment and real-world patient data. The model ranks research sites by predicting the number of recruited patients and our results suggest that the model can improve site ranking compared to common industry baselines.
Towards a better understanding of anticipatory postural adjustments in people with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Seuthe Jana , Heinzel Anna , Hulzinga Femke , Ginis Pieter , Zeuner Kirsten E. , Deuschl Günther , D’Cruz Nicholas , Nieuwboer Alice , Schlenstedt Christian
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Previous studies have shown that anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) are altered in people with Parkinson’s disease but its meaning for locomotion is less understood. This study aims to investigate the association between APAs and gait initiation, gait and freezing of gait and how a dynamic postural control challenging training may induce changes in these features.

Methods

Gait initiation was quantified using wearable sensors and subsequent straight walking was assessed via marker-based motion capture. Additionally, turning and FOG-related outcomes were measured with wearable sensors. Assessments were conducted one week before (Pre), one week after (Post) and 4 weeks after (Follow-up) completion of a training intervention (split-belt treadmill training or regular treadmill training), under single task and dual task (DT) conditions. Statistical analysis included a linear mixed model for training effects and correlation analysis between APAs and the other outcomes for Pre and Post-Pre delta.

Results

52 participants with Parkinson’s disease (22 freezers) were assessed. We found that APA size in the medio-lateral direction during DT was positively associated with gait speed (p<0.001) and stride length (p<0.001) under DT conditions at Pre. The training effect was largest for first step range of motion and was similar for both training modes. For the associations between changes after the training (pooled sample) medio-lateral APA size showed a significant positive correlation with first step range of motion (p = 0.033) only in the DT condition and for the non-freezers only.

Conclusions

The findings of this work revealed new insights into how APAs were not associated with first step characteristics and freezing and only baseline APAs during DT were related with DT gait characteristics. Training-induced changes in the size of APAs were related to training benefits in the first step ROM only in non-freezers. Based on the presented results increasing APA size through interventions might not be the ideal target for overall improvement of locomotion.
HISTÓRIAS, MEMÓRIAS E INQUIETAÇÕES QUE TRANSFORMAM
Authors: Soares Cornely Roberta , Monteiro Lemos Sandra
Published: March 2024

Recorte de uma pesquisa ampla que tematiza as experiências de mulheres em uma comunidade periférica, numa cidade do interior do Rio Grande do Sul, essa pesquisa buscou compreender o modo como mulheres pertencentes a uma comunidade vulnerável, significam suas identidades ao se tornarem lideranças comunitárias. O campo dos Estudos Culturais em articulação com as contribuições da sociologia, da antropologia, da pedagogia e demais campos afins, formaram a base do estudo. Metodologicamente a pesquisa se pauta por um viés etnográfico, numa perspectiva crítico-dialética, fazendo uso de recursos tais como: observação participante, diário de campo, rodas de conversa, filmagem, fotografias, entrevistas semiestruturadas e textos (memoriais) escritos pelas mulheres. Os achados da pesquisa apontam para as percepções em relação ao gênero, a (co)produção de versões da realidade vivida, as trocas significativas de saberes, as aprendizagens não-escolares e o modo como são ressignificados constantemente as identidades através da reconstrução das memórias.
MULHERES E SOCIOBIODIVERSIDADE DO CERRADO MATO-GROSSENSE
Authors: De Campos Ana , Rezende Maria Aparecida
Published: March 2024

O tema que se apresenta é a visibilidade dos saberes da sociobiodiversidade do cerrado. Objetiva-se apresentar e divulgar a história das mulheres que desenvolvem seus saberes relacionados à agroecologia e outros saberes voltados para as práticas tradicionais alimentares e de saúde do povo do campo. Trata-se de uma pesquisa participante, seguindo um método fenomenológico. Quanto à obtenção das informações (dados), foram realizadas entrevistas abertas com cinco mulheres que fazem parte do Grupo de Mulheres Camponesas Raízes do Cerrado, no município de Nossa Senhora do Livramento, MT. Os resultados da pesquisa apontam que há poucos trabalhos que envolvem a temática, principalmente relativos ao feminismo comunitário e ao extrativismo do cumbaru. Sobre os aprendizados mais relevantes da pesquisa, até o momento, evidencia-se que o grupo vem gerando riquezas em se tratando da relação das mulheres com o bioma, com a terra, a religiosidade e com a vida.
ENTRE MANDATOS ADULTOS Y PATRIARCALES
Authors: Brochero Gisela Fabiana , Páez Florencia María
Published: March 2024

RESUMEN
El trabajo tematiza las prácticas corporales (PC) de infancias y adolescencias en contextos de pobreza (ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina) desde un enfoque cualitativo y exploratorio, a partir de un estudio de caso. El objetivo general del estudio fue indagar desde una perspectiva de género e interseccional las experiencias de PC de las infancias y adolescencias del merendero Arcoiris, realizadas en sus tiempos compartidos. Se buscó caracterizar sus PC, reconocer subversiones y reproducciones de mandatos culturales e identificar desigualdades de género. El marco teórico, anclado en el campo epistémico de la Educación Física, articula conceptos sobre PC con la perspectiva de género e interseccional. En lo metodológico, se utilizó observación participante y entrevistas semi-estructuradas. Niñes y adolescentes, en el caso de estudio, bailan y juegan fútbol. La zumba y el reggaeton influyen en la puesta en escena de estereotipos dominantes, heteronormativos, de sexualidad adulta. En el fútbol, durante la práctica organizada, se dan más expresiones de inequidad de género que en las situaciones espontáneas.
ÜNİVERSİTE ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN SANAL EĞİTİME YÖNELİK YAKLAŞIMLARI: KARŞILAŞTIRMALI BİR ÇALIŞMA
Authors: BOZKURT Serap , ERGÜN Canan
Published: March 2024

Sanal hareketliliğin yaygın yöntemlerinden biri olan sanal eğitimler alan üniversite öğrencilerinin sayısı günden güne artmaktadır. Bu araştırmada, sanal eğitim etkinliğini değerlendirmek; tercih edilen alanlar, kullanılan araçlar ve sanal öğrenmenin avantaj ve dezavantajlarını tespit etmek amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmada, disiplinlerarası benzerlikler ve farklılıkları tespit etmek adına Halkla İlişkiler ve Reklamcılık ve Bilgi-Belge Yönetimi öğrencilerinin yönelimleri ile diğer disiplinlerde eğitim alan öğrencilerin tercihleri de karşılaştırılmıştır. Nicel bir çalışma örneği olan bu araştırmanın örneklemini oluşturan 173 üniversite öğrencisine çevrim içi anket uygulanmış ve veriler SPSS programıyla analiz edilmiştir. Araştırma bulgularına göre, sanal eğitimin tekrar tekrar izlemeye olanak sağlaması, zamandan ve mekândan bağımsız olması en önemli avantajları olarak gösterilmektedir. Sanal eğitimlerin en önemli dezavantajları “sosyalleşmeyi olumsuz etkilemesi ve süreç içerisinde karşılaşılan teknik sorunlar” şeklinde ortaya çıkmıştır. Ayrıca, çalışma kapsamında sanal eğitime ayrılan zaman ve sanal eğitim alanı arasındaki ilişkiye yönelik de önemli bulgular elde edilmiştir. Bu noktada Halkla İlişkiler ve Reklamcılık öğrencileri eğitimlere diğer bölüm öğrencilerine kıyasla daha fazla zaman ayırmaktayken Bilgi-Belge Yönetimi öğrencileri diğer bölümlerle benzer oranda zaman ayırmaktadır. Elde edilen bulgular sonucunda, sanal eğitim sürecinin maksimum fayda ile gerçekleştirilebilmesi için sanal ortamdaki olumsuzlukların giderilmesi bir gereklilik olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Diğer yandan sanal eğitim sürecinde öğreten ve öğrenen kişilerin teknolojik yeterlik ve yetkinliklerinin geliştirilmesi de dikkat edilmesi gereken bir diğer husus olarak ortaya çıkmaktadır.
BIOPOLITICS AND NEOLIBERAL GOVERNANCE IN THE COVID-19 INFODEMIC: THE EPISTEMIC OF AN EPIDEMIC
Authors: YILMAZ Müge
Published: March 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic that emerged in Wuhan, China in 2019 has led to a global crisis with significant loss of lives. However, in addition to this health crisis, it has also given rise to a parallel crisis - an infodemic reminiscent of the political deception during the post-truth era in 2016. The primary aim of this study is to discuss the epistemic foundations of fake news spread during the COVID-19 pandemic through the concepts of biopolitics and neoliberal governance by Michel Foucault, and to reveal the impact of this fake news on the responsibilities of governments and companies related to the pandemic. Drawing inspiration from Foucault's concept of episteme, the study aims to understand how misinformation related to the pandemic shaped within a conceptual framework rooted in neoliberal governance. Furthermore, specific to this study, eight categories such as competition, inequality, vaccine nationalism, individualization, society's alignment with market logic, the embedding of science with capital, the dominance of popular culture, surveillance have been formulated to identify the epistemic codes of fake news related to the pandemic. This framework will be used to comprehend the socio-cultural impacts of the infodemic during the pandemic and shed light on the potential corrosive effects of this misinformation on the responsibilities of governments and companies.
Desempenho da luz natural em modelelos de edifícios de escritórios brasileiros
Authors: De Almeida Carpanedo Felipe , Coelho Pagel Érica , Nacari Maioli Ricardo
Published: March 2024

O desempenho lumínico nos espaços de trabalho está relacionado as transformações das aberturas das fachadas ao longo do tempo. Esta pesquisa objetivou analisar o comportamento da luz natural em modelos de edifícios de escritórios em Vitória ES. A metodologia utilizada foram simulações computacionais através do Software DIVA em uma sala de trabalho de edifícios representativos de três períodos: de 1950 a 1979, de 1980 a 1999 e de 2000 a 2016. Os resultados mostraram que o modelo típico do período de 1950 a 1979 apresentou o maior percentual de Iluminância Útil da Luz do Dia. Nenhum dos modelos atingiu o mínimo recomendado para o parâmetro de uniformidade. Em relação ao ofuscamento, os maiores percentuais de horas simuladas dentro da faixa intolerável, são registrados no 10° pavimento e nas simulações com orientação da fachada a oeste. De forma geral, a presença do entorno obstruído impactou mais o desempenho dos edifícios contemporâneos.
Investigando a influência das variáveis arquitetônicas na iluminação natural do poço de luz residencial
Authors: Melo Souza João Pedro , Chaves Alberto Klaus , Andrade Barbosa Sabrina
Published: March 2024

O poço de luz é um recurso arquitetônico utilizado para promover iluminação natural a partir do núcleo do edifício. Frequentemente, ele é projetado de acordo com um índice sem levar em consideração a influência de cada uma das variáveis arquitetônicas nos ganhos de iluminação natural. Assim, este estudo tem como objetivo identificar e comparar a influência dessas variáveis arquitetônicas no desempenho da iluminação natural de um poço de luz do edifício residencial. Para isso, foi simulado parametricamente um modelo-base de poço de luz de seis pavimentos na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil, variando, em casos alternativos, sua dimensão geométrica, a refletância das suas paredes e a abertura da janela das salas conectadas a ele. Para a avaliação da iluminação natural, foram utilizadas, através do software ClimateStudio, as métricas Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE1000) e Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA300/50%). Observou-se que o aumento da refletância é uma solução que melhora a distribuição da iluminação natural sem elevar os níveis de luz solar direta, enquanto o aumento da dimensão geométrica resulta em maior alcance da luz solar direta no poço, não ultrapassando o quarto pavimento. Para minimizar o risco de desconforto visual nos ambientes, as janelas devem ter abertura menor na metade superior e maior na metade inferior do poço de luz. Assim, as variáveis consideradas contribuem, de maneira distinta, para o aumento da iluminação natural nos ambientes avaliados, porém é necessário considerar o risco de desconforto visual em alguns casos.
Transformativism and Expressivity in Hegel’s Philosophy of Mind
Authors: Peters Julia
Published: March 2024

According to a major trend in Hegel scholarship, Hegel advocates a McDowell-style transformativist conception of the human mind. Central to this conception is a methodological dualism, according to which phenomena belonging to the rational mind, in contrast to those belonging to non-rational nature, must be accounted for from within the ‘space of reasons.’ In this paper I argue, by contrast, that Hegel rejects methodological dualism. For Hegel, a constitutive aspect of the rational mind is the activity of expression. I show how Hegel’s philosophy of mind adequately accounts for low-level forms of expressivity without appealing to capacities connected to conceptual thought and judgment, and that he does so by drawing on methods similar to those employed within the empirical sciences of his time. Thus, for Hegel, the sphere of the rational mind is broader than the McDowellian space of reasons.
Infinite energy harmonic maps from quasi-compact Kähler surfaces
Authors: Daskalopoulos Georgios , Mese Chikako
Published: March 2024

We construct infinite energy harmonic maps from a quasi-compact Kähler surface with a Poincaré-type metric into an NPC space. This is the first step in the construction of pluriharmonic maps from quasiprojective varieties into symmetric spaces of non-compact type, Euclidean and hyperbolic buildings and Teichmüller space.
The effect of irradiance versus light dose on the antioxidant activity of two strains of Ulva lacinulata
Authors: Cardoso Isabel , Meiβner Anneke , Hofmann Laurie C.
Published: March 2024

The genus Ulva, described as a good source of antioxidants known for its antibacterial properties and associated with the capacity to adapt to different environments and high growth rates, has justified the increasing interest in its large-scale production. While extensive research has been done on optimizing the extraction of Ulva’s bioactive compounds, few studies were conducted on increasing or optimizing antioxidant activity (AA) of Ulva spp. during cultivation. Our study aimed to investigate an optimization method of Ulva lacinulata by testing the impact of light dose and irradiance on its AA. Two geographically different strains (NE-Atlantic and Mediterranean) were observed for 5 days under two irradiances (70 or 185 µmol photons m−2 s−1) with the same light dose (4 mol photons m−2 d−1). Samples were collected at different times (0, 3, 24, 48 and 120 h) to evaluate their antioxidant activity (with 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical decolorization assay) and photosynthetic performance (with Pulse Amplitude Modulated fluorometer). A strain-dependent response was observed in the NE-Atlantic strain which had significantly higher AA after 5 days (89 %) under the photosynthetic saturating irradiance, while the Mediterranean strain was not impacted, suggesting that light dose may significantly affect AA in certain Ulva spp.