bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Possibilistic Formulation of Autonomous Search for Targets
Authors: Chen Zhijin , Ristic Branko , Kim Du Yong
Published: May 2024

Autonomous search is an ongoing cycle of sensing, statistical estimation and motion control with objective to find and localise targets in a designated search area. Traditionally, the theoretical framework for autonomous search combines the sequential Bayesian estimation with the information theoretic motion control. This paper formulates autonomous search in the framework of possibility theory. Although the possibilistic formulation is slightly more involved than the traditional, it provides means for quantitative modelling and reasoning in the presence of epistemic uncertainty. This feature is demonstrated in the paper in the context of partially known probability of detection, expressed as an interval value. The paper presents an elegant Bayes-like solution to sequential estimation, with the reward function for motion control defined to take into account the epistemic uncertainty. The advantages of the proposed search algorithm are demonstrated by numerical simulations.
Analysis of the Influence of Infrastructure Development on Economic Growth in Djibouti
Authors: Abdillahi Waberi Abdorahman
Published: May 2024

Infrastructure such as transport, electricity, telecommunications, and sanitation are indispensable drivers for improving the country’s social and economic development. The industrial, agricultural, fisheries and service sectors are also key tools for the country's economic growth. This study aims to analyze the influence of infrastructure development on Djibouti’s economic growth and determine the other economic sectors. This study employs multiple regression analyses from Eviews Software to establish a correlation between these variables and Djibouti’s economic growth, utilizing data spanning from the period 2013 to 2022. The results reveals that mobile cell phone subscriptions, and the people using the health service management, industry, and service have a positive and highly significant influence on Djibouti's economic growth. The study found that access to electricity has a positive influence on economic growth in Djibouti, but is not statistically significant. In addition, the study shows that agriculture, forestry, and fisheries have a negative influence on economic growth in Djibouti, but are statistically significant. Therefore, we recommend that the Government of Djibouti strengthen and ensure the benefit of developing electricity infrastructure in Djibouti and the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors to achieve sustainable economic growth in the coming years.
Gambaran Kesejahteraan Subjektif Remaja Dengan Orang Tua Bercerai (Studi Deskriptif Di Wilayah Jakarta Timur)
Authors: Qothrunnada Nurmarifah
Published: May 2024

Penelitian ini menggunakan metode survei, bertujuan untuk mengetahui gambaran kesejahteraan subjektif remaja dengan orang tua bercerai di wilayah Jakarta Timur. Sampel penelitian berjumlah 200 orang remaja berusia 15-18 tahun dengan latar belakang orang tua bercerai dan tinggal di wilayah Jakarta Timur, ditetapkan dengan teknik Purposive Sampling. Pengukuran kesejateraan subyektif menggunakan instrumen Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) dan Scale of Positive and Negative Experiences (SPANE). Data dianaliasis menggunakan statistik deskriptif dengan software SPSS. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan, remaja dengan orang tua bercerai di wilayah Jakarta Timur,  Sebagian besar memiliki kesejahteraan subjektif cenderung tinggi (63%, n = 125),  dan 38% (n = 75) lainnya memiliki kesejahteraan subjektif cenderung rendah. Pada penelitian ini, diketahui bahwa kondisi tersebut dipengaruhi variabel lain seperti perbedaan jenis kelamin, usia, dengan siapa mereka tinggal pasca perceraian serta dukungan didapatkan dan lamanya peristiwa perceraian orang tuanya telah terjadi.
Variation in the Cost of Hip Arthroscopy for Labral Pathological Conditions
Authors: Dean Michael C. , Cherian Nathan J. , Beck da Silva Etges Ana Paula , Dowley Kieran S. , LaPorte Zachary L. , Torabian Kaveh A. , Eberlin Christopher T. , Best Matthew J. , Martin Scott D.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Despite growing interest in delivering high-value orthopaedic care, the costs associated with hip arthroscopy remain poorly understood. By employing time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC), we aimed to characterize the cost composition of hip arthroscopy for labral pathological conditions and to identify factors that drive variation in cost.

Methods:

Using TDABC, we measured the costs of 890 outpatient hip arthroscopy procedures for labral pathological conditions across 5 surgeons at 4 surgery centers from 2015 to 2022. All patients were ≥18 years old and were treated by surgeons who each performed ≥20 surgeries during the study period. Costs were normalized to protect the confidentiality of internal hospital cost data. Descriptive analyses and multivariable linear regression were performed to identify factors underlying cost variation.

Results:

The study sample consisted of 515 women (57.9%) and 375 men (42.1%), with a mean age (and standard deviation) of 37.1 ± 12.7 years. Most of the procedures were performed in patients who were White (90.6%) or not Hispanic (93.4%). The normalized total cost of hip arthroscopy per procedure ranged from 43.4 to 203.7 (mean, 100 ± 24.2). Of the 3 phases of the care cycle, the intraoperative phase was identified as the largest generator of cost (>90%). On average, supply costs accounted for 48.8% of total costs, whereas labor costs accounted for 51.2%. A 2.5-fold variation between the 10th and 90th percentiles for total cost was attributed to supplies, which was greater than the 1.8-fold variation attributed to labor. Variation in total costs was most effectively explained by the labral management method (partial R2 = 0.332), operating surgeon (partial R2 = 0.326), osteoplasty type (partial R2 = 0.087), and surgery center (partial R2 = 0.086). Male gender (p < 0.001) and younger age (p = 0.032) were also associated with significantly increased costs. Finally, data trends revealed a shift toward labral preservation techniques over debridement during the study period (with the rate of such techniques increasing from 77.8% to 93.2%; Ptrend = 0.0039) and a strong correlation between later operative year and increased supply costs, labor costs, and operative time (p < 0.001 for each).

Conclusions:

By applying TDABC to outpatient hip arthroscopy, we identified wide patient-to-patient cost variation that was most effectively explained by the method of labral management, the operating surgeon, the osteoplasty type, and the surgery center. Given current procedural coding trends, declining reimbursements, and rising health-care costs, these insights may enable stakeholders to design bundled payment structures that better align reimbursements with costs.

Level of Evidence:

Economic and Decision Analysis Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
An Information Source for Pregnancy Methods: Youtube Analysis with DISCERN
Authors: Kişi Merve , Kalender Selin , Metin Aslı
Published: May 2024

YouTube is the most widely used video platform worldwide. The platform is also an easy-to-access resource for women in search of information on methods of getting pregnant. The reliability of the videos on YouTube is an important issue in terms of public health. The study aims to measure the quality, popularity, and reliability of the videos encountered by individuals seeking information about the methods of pregnant on the YouTube. A search is made on YouTube with the keyword "for pregnancy". 44 videos by various filtering methods are included in the study. The quality and reliability of the videos are evaluated with the DISCERN scale. The VPI value is calculated to determine popularity of the videos. As a result of the study, it is determined that most of the video-uploaders (66%) are non-experts. The reliability of the videos uploaded by experts is higher. But the popularity of videos uploaded mostly by non-experts is higher. Consequently, the qualification of people that upload the videos is unimportant for individuals. Access to accurate and reliable information on special issues such as pregnancy is important. It is recommended to examine the expertise of those people who upload videos to these platforms, and to audit videos with low information reliability.
Muhasebe Araştırmalarında Covid-19 Salgını Etkisi: Bibliyometrik Bir Analiz
Authors: Kıllı Mustafa , Işık Yusuf
Published: May 2024

Bu çalışma, Web of Science tarafından indekslenen, Covid-19 temalı muhasebe makalelerini bibliyometrik analiz yöntemiyle inceleyerek salgının muhasebe araştırmalarına etkisini değerlendirmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Araştırma kapsamındaki 761 makale, Vosviewer yazılımı ile analiz edilmiştir. 2019 yılında Covid-19 hastalığına neden olan virüsün küresel yayılımı ile 2020 yılından itibaren muhasebe araştırmacıları tarafından yapılan yayınların hızla arttığı görülmektedir. 2020 yılında 126 olan yayın sayısı 2021 yılında 325, 2022 yılında ise 310 olmuştur. Pandeminin etkilerinin araştırılmasının muhasebe araştırmalarında önemli bir çalışma konusu olduğu görülmektedir. Sonuçlar, Covid-19 temalı muhasebe makalelerinin finansal piyasalar, kamu maliyesi, işletme performansı ölçümü, muhasebe eğitimi, kurumsal yönetim ve sürdürülebilirlik konularını kapsadığını göstermiştir. Muhasebe ve Covid-19 temalı en çok makale yayınlayan dergi “Journal of Public Budgeting Accounting Financial”dir. En sık kullanılan anahtar kelime 'Covıd-19'dır. En fazla yayını olan ülke ABD, ortak yazarlık bağlantısı en güçlü ülke İngiltere’dir. Türkiye 12 yayın, 92 atıf sayısı ve 23 toplam bağlantı gücü ile ortak yazarlık bağlantısı olan ülkeler arasında 22. sırada yer almaktadır. Araştırmacıların bağlı olduğu kuruluşlar arasında Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology en üretken kurumdur.
Threatened stick-nest rats preferentially eat invasive boxthorn rather than native vegetation on Australia’s Reevesby Island
Authors: Kraehe Annie Grace , Weisbecker Vera , Hill Robert , Hill Kathryn
Published: May 2024

Context: The threatened native rodent species Leporillus conditor (greater stick-nest rat) is extinct on the Australian mainland and now lives primarily on small islands off the coast of southern Australia. Many of these are degraded novel ecosystems invaded by African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum), a weed of national significance. However, L. conditor does not appear to be negatively impacted by the presence of boxthorn, raising the question of how the two species co-exist.
Aims: To understand how L. conditor uses African boxthorn, we evaluated dietary composition of L. conditor on parts of Reevesby Island by comparing consumption of invasive boxthorn with that of native vegetation.
Methods: We identified three key vegetation types on the centre of the island and used point-intercept vegetation surveys to estimate relative availability of plant species in each. We then used micro-histological faecal analysis to estimate the proportions of each species in the diet of L. conditor, and quantified plant species selection using selection ratios (use/availability).
Key results: Qualitative evidence of L. conditor activity suggested it was mostly confined to vegetation with greater abundance of boxthorn than the other vegetation types (13.5%, compared to 5.7% total sampled vegetation). Furthermore, African boxthorn comprised of 51.7% of the faecal plant content and 11.8% of total sampled vegetation, resulting in a selection ration for boxthorn of 4.4. Native species that appeared to be favoured food sources of L. conditor included Olearia axillaris, Myoporum insulare and Enchylaena tomentosa.
Conclusions: Stick-nest rats of Revesby Island demonstrate a clear preference for African boxthorn, both in terms of diet (tested quantitatively) and nesting (from previous research and field observations).
Implications: The strong preference of stick-nest rats for a declared noxious weed as its main food source and persistence of stick-nest rats on Reevesby Island requires consideration with regards to vegetation management on all islands where L. conditor occurs. More broadly, it highlights that some elements of novel ecosystems may have unexpected positive impacts on parts of original ecosystems.
Mapping Phonon Polaritons with Visible Light
Authors: Tischler Joseph , Arledge Kiernan , Ellis Chase , Sarabi Nazli , Whiteside Vincent , Kim Chul , Kim Mijin , Ratchford Daniel , Meeker Michael , Weng Binbin
Published: May 2024

Phonon polaritons (PhPs) are hybrid photon-phonon waves which enable strong light-matter interactions and subdiffractional confinement, potentially empowering applications in sensing, nonlinear optics and nanoscale energy manipulation. In this work, we use confocal Raman microscopy to investigate the coupling between bulk phonon modes and localized surface phonon polariton (SPhP) modes in indium phosphide (InP) nanopillars and 4H-silicon carbide (4H-SiC) gratings. The Raman intensity within the nanostructures is described in terms of the SPhP eigenmodes and used to reconstruct the field intensity, providing a method to map SPhP eigenmodes using visible and near-IR light. Our results indicate that, contrary to expectation, all Raman-active bulk phonon modes of InP and 4H-SiC couple to the localized SPhP modes. Further, we confirm that polarizability selection rules form the predominant coupling mechanism between phonons and SPhP modes, with electron-phonon coupling playing a role for certain phonon modes (A1(LO) and E1(TO) in 4H-SiC). These observations provide a method for extending Raman studies of PhP modes to achieve full 3D reconstruction of the PhP eigenmodes and visualize light-matter interactions within nanostructures, thus advancing Raman scattering as a technique for understanding PhP modes.
Adrenocortical carcinoma with sarcomatoid pattern. Importance of differential diagnoses
Authors: Díaz Karla Gabriela , Martínez-Benítez Braulio , Lizardo-Thiebaud María José , Andrade-Rojas Juan José
Published: May 2024

Adrenocortical carcinoma is an infrequent neoplastic variant, with variable symptoms and high aggressiveness in women. The case of a 29-year-old woman with oppressive epigastric pain and irradiation in a semi-belt with weight loss is presented. CT scan showed a right adrenal mass measuring 11.4 cm x 5.9 cm. The histological study showed focal areas of epithelium, with dilated ectatic vessels and the presence of spindle cells in a deer antler. Immunohistochemistry revealed positivity for SF-1, p53, and CD34. Two cycles of chemotherapy with doxorubicin and ifosfamide have been given, in addition to the use of mitotane as an adrenolytic. Due to their appearance, they are treated as adrenal carcinomas, thus limiting adequate clinical improvement. According to the literature, it is a carcinoma with an unfavorable prognosis.
A Critical Case of MPO-ANCA-Associated Vasculitis with an Initial Presentation of Fever of Unknown Origin
Authors: Teng Jeng-Hao , Wu Ping-Hsun , Chuang Cheng-Hao , Liang Peir-In , Chen Guan-Xuan
Published: May 2024

Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is a multisystem small vessel necrotising vasculitis which can present with various clinical manifestations. The disease is classically associated with perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) that target the antigen myeloperoxidase (MPO). Herein, we report the case of a 72-year-old male with microscopic polyangiitis who presented with a fever of unknown origin (FUO) 1 month before admission. The patient developed renal dysfunction, pulmonary oedema and respiratory distress attributed to endotracheal intubation and admission to the intensive care unit. The patient had elevated serum creatinine levels and was positive for MPO-ANCA, so a renal biopsy was performed. The pathological diagnosis was consistent with pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis and the patient was treated with pulse steroid and cyclophosphamide therapy in conjunction with plasma exchange. The patient was extubated in 7 days with a satisfactory urine output and stable serum creatinine. This article reports a case of MPA with a critical illness that initially presented as an FUO and was resolved quickly after treatment initiation.
Synthesis and salt resistance of non-ionic polymer P (AM/ APEG400/NVP/SM)
Authors: Tian Haiyang , Shi Yunfeng , Zhang Heng , Liu Jie , Li Lie , Tang Peng
Published: May 2024

The non-ionic hydrophobic associative copolymer AANS was synthesized by micellar polymerization using acrylamide (AM), allyl polyoxyethylene ether (APEG400), N-vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP) and stearyl methacrylate (SM) as raw materials, 2, 2'-azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (V50) as initiator, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as surfactant. The temperature resistance, salt resistance and rheological properties of the polymer were tested by viscometer and rheometer. The change of polymer microstructure in salt solution was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The viscosity test results showed that when the polymer concentration was higher than CAC, the polymer solution exhibited good salt resistance and presented good salt thickening performance. The effect of temperature on the salt resistance of polymer solution showed different rules. With the increase in temperature, the resistance of the polymer to NaCl decreased gradually, while the resistance of the polymer to CaCl2 increased first and then decreased. The resistance of the polymer to CaCl2 showed a special temperature response. Viscoelastic and shear tests showed that the polymer possessed more robust resistance to extreme sodium chloride concentration than extreme calcium chloride concentration. Electron microscopy analysis suggested that the microstructure of the polymer gradually became dense and compact in the salt solution. The results showed that this novel non-ionic hydrophobically associating polymer possessed potential application value in ultra-high salinity reservoirs.
Exploring implementation of intrapartum trial evidence: a qualitative study with clinicians and clinical academics
Authors: Cross-Sudworth Fiona , Dharni Nimarta , Kenyon Sara , Lilford Richard , Taylor Beck
Published: May 2024

Background: Implementing research evidence into clinical practice is challenging. This study aim was to explore implementation of two intrapartum trials with compelling findings: BUMPES (position in second stage of labour in nulliparous women with epidural), and RESPITE (remifentanil intravenous patient-controlled analgesia).
Methods: A qualitative interview study set in UK National Health Service Trusts and Universities. Purposively sampled investigators from RESPITE and BUMPES trials and clinicians providing intrapartum care: midwives, anaesthetists, and obstetricians, were recruited using existing networks and snowball sampling. Semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was underpinned by Capability Opportunity Motivation Behaviour Change Framework.
Results: Twenty-nine interview participants across 19 maternity units: 11 clinical academics, 10 midwives, 4 obstetricians, 4 anaesthetists. Most (25/29) were aware of one or both trials. BUMPES had been implemented in 4/19 units (one original trial site) and RESPITE in 3/19 units (two trial sites). Access to sufficient resources, training, exposure to interventions, support from leaders, and post-trial dissemination and implementation activities all facilitated uptake of interventions. Some clinicians were opposed to the intervention or disagreed with trial conclusions. However competing priorities in terms of staff time and a plethora of initiatives in maternity care, emerged as key barrier to implementation.
Conclusions: Compelling trial findings were not implemented widely, and numerous barriers and facilitators were identified. Large-scale improvement programmes and evidence-based national guidelines may mean single trials have limited potential to change practice. There is a need to examine how intervention implementation is prioritised to optimise safety outcomes in the context of workforce restrictions, limited resources and large arrays of competing priorities including statutory requirements, that have increased in maternity care.
Monitoring of Haemophilus influenzae isolated from carriage, lower respiratory tract infections and blood over a six-month period in Belgium
Authors: Wautier Magali , Unal Sema , Martiny Delphine
Published: May 2024

H. influenzae carriage may evolve into respiratory or systemic infections. However, no surveillance system is in place in Belgium to monitor carriage strains. This study provides a detailed description of H. influenzae strains isolated from both carriage and lower respiratory infections, collected during a six-month national surveillance. Subsequently, a comparison is conducted with invasive isolates collected during the same period at the National Reference Centre (NRC).
From November 2021 to April 2022, 39 clinical laboratories collected 142 and 210 strains of H. influenzae from carriage and infection, respectively, and 56 strains of blood were submitted to the NRC. In each group, the biotype II comprised more than 40%, followed by biotypes III and I. The majority of strains were non-typeable H. influenzae, with a notable increase in the number of encapsulated strains in the invasive group (14.3% vs 1-2%). A beta-lactamase was identified in 18.5% and 12.5% of surveillance and invasive strains, respectively. Resistance to the amoxicillin-clavulanic acid combination accounted for 7% in the surveillance strains and 10.7% in invasive strains. The overall resistance to third-generation cephalosporins at 1.2% is consistent with rates observed in other European countries. Of particular significance is the identification of mutations in the ftsI gene in both carriage and infected strains, which are associated with high-level beta-lactam resistance.
NRC must engage in regular and systematic monitoring of beta-lactam susceptibility of H. influenzae to guarantee safe empiric therapy in severe cases and identify potential transitions from low-level to high-level resistance in the future.
Feasibility and travel speed influence on welding AA7075-T651 using cold wire pulsed gas metal arc welding (Cold Wire-P-GMAW)
Authors: Filho Ademir Angelo Castro , Loayza Cristhian Ricardo Loayza , Assunção Paulo Dangelo Costa , Braga Eduardo Magalhães
Published: May 2024

AA7075-T651, an Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy, is specifically used for aircraft applications due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, which improves fuel economy in lightweight construction. Cold wire pulsed gas metal arc welding (Cold Wire-P-GMAW) was used to weld AA7075-T651 joints at two travel speeds (90 and 100 cm/min) using ER5183, while the wire feed speed (WFS), voltage, and average current were selected to keep the nominal heat input approximately equal to 0.4 kJ/mm. Results showed that the cold wire feed promoted the refining of the secondary dendrite arm spacing and increased the Vickers hardness, while the high welding speed reduced porosity area, the partial melting zone and liquation cracks. Cross-sectional tensile tests showed that the joints had a joint efficiency of approximately 50%. The fractographic analysis showed that the specimen experienced a ductile fracture. The mechanical properties obtained were slightly superior to the best results in the literature; however, this was achieved with a welding speed 733% higher and without the application of thermal treatment.
Disentangling the effects of vegetation and physical drivers on fire
Authors: Barberá Iván , Cingolani Ana María , Tiribelli Florencia , Mermoz Mónica , Morales Juan Manuel , Kitzberger Thomas
Published: May 2024

Background Understanding the drivers of fire is frequently challenging because some of them interact and influence each other. In particular, vegetation type is a strong control of fire activity, but at the same time it responds to physical and human factors that also affect fire, so their effects are often confounded. We developed a 30 m resolution record of fire for north-western Patagonia spanning 24 years (July 1998-June 2022), and present an updated description of fire patterns and drivers. We analysed interannual variation in fire activity in relation to interannual climatic variation, and assessed how topography, precipitation, and human factors determine spatial patterns of fire either directly or by affecting the distribution of vegetation types along physical and human-influence gradients.Results We mapped 234 fires ≥ 10 ha that occurred between 1999 and 2022, which burned 5.77% of the burnable area. Both the annual burned area and the number of fires increased in warm and dry years. Spatially, burn probability decreased with elevation and increased with slope steepness, irrespective of vegetation type. Precipitation decreased burn probability, but this effect was evident only across vegetation types, not within them. Controlling for physical drivers, wet forests showed the lowest burn probability, and shrublands, the highest.Conclusions Interannual climatic variation strongly controls fire activity in north-western Patagonia, which is higher in warmer and drier years. The climatic effect is also evident across space, with fire occurring mostly in areas of low elevation (high temperature) and low to intermediate precipitation. Spatially, the effect of topography on fire activity results from how it affects fuel conditions, and not from its effect on the distribution of vegetation types. Conversely, the effect of precipitation resulted mostly from the occurrence of vegetation types with contrasting fuel properties along the precipitation gradient: vegetation types with higher fine fuel amount and continuity and intrinsically lower fuel moisture occurred at low and intermediate precipitation. By quantifying the variation in burn probability among vegetation types while controlling for physical factors, we identified which vegetation types are intrinsically more or less flammable. This may contribute to generate fuel management guidelines.
Effect of Staining and External Bleaching on the color stability and Surface Roughness of Universal-Shade Resin- Based Composite
Authors: AlHabdan AlHanouf , Alsuhaibani Amal , Alomran Lama , Almutib Lulwah
Published: May 2024

Aim: This study evaluated the color stability and surface roughness of four universal-shade resin-based composites after staining and external bleaching with 40% hydrogen peroxide.
Methods: Two universal shade resin-based composites and two nanohybrid composites were tested. Twenty disc-shaped specimens from each material were fabricated and divided into two subgroups: one group was stained and bleached (staining group) and the other received bleaching treatment only (control group). The staining group was stained with coffee solution for 24 h. Subsequently, each sample of all four materials was bleached using an in-office bleaching gel using 40% hydrogen peroxide. Color measurements were performed using a spectrophotometer to obtain the International Commission on Illumination parameters, L*; a*; and b*, for each of the following periods: baseline, after bleaching, and two weeks after bleaching for the control group. The staining group was examined at baseline, after staining, after bleaching, and two weeks after bleaching. Surface roughness (Ra) of all the materials after each treatment step were also recorded.
Results: Descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) were used to describe color measurements and surface-roughness values. Two-analysis of variance and one-way analysis of variance were used to compare the mean values of surface roughness, L*, a*, b*, and ΔE values.
Statistically significant differences and clinically acceptable ΔE were observed between all materials during the different stages in color measurements, whereas the surface roughness were significantly different for each study material and treatment mode.
Conclusion: Staining with coffee solution and in-office bleaching produced acceptable color changes. Increased surface roughness values were observed after staining and bleaching the tested resin-based composites.
Higher serum fibroblast growth factor 2 levels are prone to appear in younger patients with Takayasu's arteritis
Authors: gao na , li taotao , cui wei , zhao limin , pan lili
Published: May 2024

Objectives
Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) is a rare large vessel vasculitis. The fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2) has angiogenic property. This study aims to investigate expression of FGF2 in TAK patients.
Methods
Serum cytokines of 48 patients with TAK and 32 healthy controls were detected using cytokine cytometric bead array. The percentage of T cell subsets of TAK patients were analyzed by flow cytometry analysis. Immunohistochemical staining analysis were used to detect FGF expression in the aortic wall of 3 TAK patients and 3 atherosclerosis patients.
Results
Serum level of FGF2 were significantly elevated in patients with TAK compared to controls [40.22 (29.88, 60.01) pg/ml vs. 26.51(21.28, 30.08) pg/ml, p < 0.001].Serum FGF2 level was negatively correlated to age (r = -0.313, p = 0.030),age of TAK onset(r=-0.329, p = 0.023) and positively correlated to cytokines [G-CSF (r = 0.361, p = 0.002), CCL2(r = 0.251, p = 0.034), CCL3(r = 0.572, p < 0.001), IL-4(r = 0.421, p < 0.001), IL-8(r = 0.646, p < 0.001), IL-17(r = 0.812, p < 0.001)Furthermore, we found marked expression of FGF2 was shown in aortic lesions of patients with TAK compared with those of atherosclerosis(5.380% ± 0.986% vs. 0.019% ± 0.012%, P = 0.011).
Conclusions
Higher serum FGF2 levels are prone to appear in younger TAK patients with Takayasu's arteritis. FGF2 might be involved in the pathogenesis in TAK.
Enhancing Stoma Care Quality: Implementing a PDSA Cycle-Based Program for Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Zhu Yingjiao , Yao Na , Tang Lijun , Yang Chunbaixue , Lin Xingyu , Lin Xiaoyan
Published: May 2024

Background: Effective quality management is of prime importance in reducing the risk of ostomy’s complications. It is necessary to improve the quality of stoma practice specialist and increase patients' awareness of self-care and the need to temporarily withhold certain medication.
Objectives: A quality stoma practice specific program (QSPSP) was introduced to address these concerns and enhance the care among patients who had received a diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) and underwent surgery with stoma creation at a single medical center. PDSA model was approached for care service improvement in three cycles (the Plan, Do, Study, Act/cycle) to test and generate new ideas relating to patients' needs.
Measurements and Results: The QSPSP was identified through the application of the PDSA model. Viable strategies to address these challenges within the QSPSP program encompass: (1) Recruitment of a certified stoma-specific nurse. (2) Creation of standardized guidelines. (3) Integration of an interdisciplinary team. (4) Enhancement of patient self-care education. (5) Identification of specific goals. (6) Provision of feedback on intervention and evaluation by comparison of QLQ-C30 scores
Conclusion: The quality stoma practice specific program has achieved qualification, and its initiatives have been effectively disseminated to enhance professional awareness of the paramount importance of quality in patient care.
FBG seismometer optimized by genetic algorithm to realize 3-axis vibration detection using one fiber without bending
Authors: Guo Teng , Song Hao , Sha Sha , Li Cunxia , Xu Ming
Published: May 2024

We propose a 3-axis FBG seismometer in which the X- and Y-axis hinge structures are optimized and designed by genetic algorithm to precisely modulate their sensitivity and resonant frequency, thence possess basically the same vibration characteristics with the pre-fabricated spring structure that responsible for Z-axis vibration detection. Sensors on three axes operate in a frequency band of 20-90 Hz, the sensitivities of the proposed accelerometer in X,Y and Z directions are 401.088 pm/g, 413.580 pm/g and 402.075 pm/g respectively. Such application of algorithm enables our seismometer to realize quasi-distributed 3-dimensional vibration detection using one single fiber without bending, which will significantly reduce the diameter of the seismometer, eliminate the bending loss and broaden its application scenario.
Effect of tracheal intubation performed by trauma surgeons on patients with severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Wang Liang , Sun Zhengjie , Xu Feng , Sharifi Nona Hashem , Zhang Pengjie , Ling Weihua , Chen Xionghui
Published: May 2024

Background: An early intubation is predominantly performed by anesthesiologists for patients experiencing severe traumatic brain injury (STBI). Currently, a growing number of trauma surgeons in China have acquired proficient skills in tracheal intubation through rigorous training offered at trauma centers. In this article, we performed a retrospective observational cohort investigation with the aim of comparing the outcomes of endotracheal intubation conducted by trauma surgeons and anesthesiologists in the emergency room, specifically focusing on patients suffering from STBI.
Methods: Data were gathered from all STBI patients who received intubation between January 2018 and March 2023. There are two study groups based on the intubation performers: the trauma surgeon's intubation (TI) group and the anesthesiologist's intubation (AI) group. The age, sex, Injury Severity Score (ISS), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), admission SpO2, PO2, PCO2, SBP, RR, HR, injury mechanism, intracranial lesion type, duration of endotracheal intubation, 1-min success rate of intubation, complications related to intubation, time from admission to intubation, duration of mechanical ventilation, incidence of aspiration pneumonia, 3-day mortality rate and the 30-day mortality rate were recorded.
Results: Among the 356 patients with STBI, 219 individuals fulfilled the inclusion criteria (comprising of 142 patients in the TI group and 77 patients in the AI group). No notable statistical differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, sex, ISS, GCS, admission SpO2, PO2, PCO2, SBP, RR, HR, injury mechanism, and intracranial lesion type. The AI group exhibited a considerably shorter time from admission to intubation (p<0.01). Furthermore, the AI group demonstrated a reduced incidence of aspiration pneumonia as well as a decreased duration of mechanical ventilation (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The intubation of patients with STBI by trauma surgeons early can reduce aspiration pneumonia incidents and duration of mechanical ventilation.
A clustering-based survival comparison procedure designed to study the Caenorhabditis elegans Model
Authors: Grollemund Paul-Marie , Poupet Cyril , Comte Elise , Bonnet Muriel , Veisseire Philippe , Bornes Stéphanie
Published: May 2024

Caenorhabditis elegans holds significant importance in current research, serving as a pivotal model organism that has greatly advanced the understanding of fundamental biological processes such as development, cellular biology, and neurobiology, helping to promote major advances in various fields of science. In this context, the survival of the nematode under various conditions is commonly investigated, employing a statistical survival analysis typically based on hypothesis testing, providing valuable insights into the factors influencing its longevity and its response to varying environmental factors. The extensive reliance on hypothesis testing is acknowledged as a concern in the scientific analysis process, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive evaluation of alternative statistical approaches to ensure rigorous and unbiased interpretation of research findings. In this paper, we propose an alternative method to hypothesis testing for evaluating differences in nematode survival. Our approach relies on a clustering technique that takes into account the complete structure of survival curves, enabling a more comprehensive assessment of survival dynamics. The proposed methodology helps to identify complex effects on nematode survival and enables us to derive the probability that a treatment induces a specific effect. To highlight the application and benefits of the proposed methodology, it is applied to two different datasets, one simple and one more complex.
Comparative Analysis of Cysteine Protease-based Nano- formulations to Manage Callosobruchus maculatus Fabricius and Trogoderma granarium Everts in Stored Products
Authors: Ahmad Sarah , Akrem Ahmed , Najam-ul-Haq Muhammad , Mehmood Sohaib , Batool Muazzama , Saeed Ahsan , Jabeen Fahmida , Ashraf Saima , Bashir Nabila , saeed Qamar
Published: May 2024

Insect pests cause one-third of grain loss during storage. This should be minimized through sustainable management to assure food security. This study describes development of nano-formulated biopesticides for managing stored product insect pests Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) (Chrysomelidae; Coleoptera) and Trogoderma granarium (Everts) (Dermestidae; Coleoptera). Cysteine protease (PeuCP) from Populus euphratica was extracted, purified (by ammonium sulfate saturation prior to gel filtration chromatography), and identified through LC-MS/MS. The molecular interaction of PeuCP with substrate (chitin) was documented via in-silico study. The PeuCP was formulated with Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The insecticidal activity of PeuCP was assessed by bioassays against two stored product insect pests at three concentrations (10, 5 and 2.5 mg/g). Computational analysis showed molecular interaction of PeuCP at five potential sites for ligand (N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) binding in which the strongest site with the highest drug score (Site-1) was located near N-terminus. The insecticidal assays of PeuCP without nano-formulation revealed inhibited population buildup of C. maculatus and delayed life stages development in T. granarium. The growth inhibition of tested insects confirmed the substrate binding of PeuCP. The results also revealed increased insecticidal activity of PeuCP after nanoformulations, among which GQDs nanoformulation was more promising. Nanoformulated PeuCP had the potential to control stored grain insect pests as alternative to chemical insecticides.
Eating Behaviors, Physical Activity and Weight Loss after Motivational Interviewing in Patients who have Undergone Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Sobhani Zahra , Poursharifi Hamid , Khazraei Hajar , Hosseini Seyed Vahid
Published: May 2024

Background: There is strong evidence that obesity, especially morbid obesity, is associated with serious and dangerous physical illnesses, and that weight loss in these patients can improve their social functioning, quality of life, and mental health.
Objectives: The goal of this study was to evaluate eating behaviors, physical activity, and weight loss after motivational interviewing (MI) in patients who have undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).
Setting: Mother and Child Hospital in Shiraz during spring and summer of 2019.
Methods: The thirty obese patients (Body Mass Index:BMI ≥ 35) who had undergone LSG were selected and randomly divided into two groups of control and experimental. Data were collected using bariatric surgery self-management behaviors questionnaire. MI was conducted for the experimental group during four weeks.
Results: The results indicated that MI caused a significant difference between the two groups in at least one of the dependent variables (eating behaviors, supplement consumption and physical activity). Therefore, MI is effective and appropriate in obese patients who had undergone LSG towards achieving optimal weight loss.
Conclusion: Changing the lifestyle in patients that have undergone bariatric surgery is achieved by meeting the psychological needs, namely autonomy, competence, and communication with others.
Improving curcumin bioavailability via sustained release of curcumin and piperine co-encapsulated in electro-sprayed multilayer chitosan microparticles
Authors: Cao-Luu Ngoc-Hanh , Luong Huynh-Vu-Thanh , Pham Duy Toan , Nguyen-Thi Bich-Thuyen , Ngo-Truong Ngoc-Mai , Dang Huynh-Giao , Nguyen Tuong-Vy
Published: May 2024

Curcumin (CCM) is a natural compound with strong tumor-inhibiting activity. However, CCM is not widely used for cancer treatment because of its poor water solubility, penetration, and bioavailability. In this study, CCM and piperine (PPR), a bio-enhancer, were co-encapsulated within chitosan (CS) by co-axial electro-spraying method aiming to increase CCM bioavailability. Two formulation approaches have been proposed, including (1) co-encapsulation of CCM and PPR in micro-particle core (e.g., CCM/PPR@CS) and (2) separate encapsulation of CCM and PPR in two different CS layers (e.g., CCM@PPR@CS). The optimal electro-spraying parameters were investigated and found to be applied voltage of 15 kV, flow-rate of 0.1/0.2 mL h− 1 (core/shell), and needle tip-to-collector distance of 10 cm for CCM/PPR@CS micro-particle; and applied voltage of 19 kV, flow rate of 0.1/0.2/0.3 mL h− 1 (inner-layer/middle-layer/outer-layer), and working distance of 14 cm for CCM@PPR@CS formulation. The obtained particles were non-agglomerated, spherical, and possessed core-shell structure with clear boundaries, relatively wide distribution with mean diameters of 366 ± 136 nm for CCM/PPR@CS and 784 ± 139 nm for CCM@PPR@CS. As expected, the in vitro data showed that PPR was released faster than CCM with the separation of PPR and CCM in two different layers, and the drugs were released more strongly at pH 5.5 than at pH 7.4 due to pH sensitivity of chitosan shell. The CCM and PPR cumulative releases were also high (70–80%). In conclusion, the CCM@PPR@CS structure could be utilized as a potential drug delivery system for decreasing denaturation and enhancing the absorption of CCM.
Predicting ancient city sites using GEE coupled with geographic element features and temporal spectral features: a case study of the Neolithic and Bronze Age of Jianghan region
Authors: Yang Hong , Hu Qingwu , Zou Qiushi , Ai Mingyao , Zhao Pengcheng , Wang Shaohua
Published: May 2024

As an important birthplace of civilization in China, the Yangtze River Basin has the necessary to discover further and investigate the ancient remains, and the archaeological site prediction model is significant for discovering and investigating archaeological remains. In this paper, we focused on the ancient city sites of the Neolithic and Bronze Age in Jianghan region in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, annotated the specific locations and ranges of 33 ancient city sites using the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform, and proposed a machine learning ancient city site prediction model by coupling geographic element features and temporal spectral features. Results indicated that the ancient city sites were recognizable in different geographic elements and separable in Sentinel-2 multispectral bands and spectral indices; the coupled time series spectral features could improve the ability of the model to recognize the regions of the ancient city sites, the percentage of pixels with a high probability of prediction (greater than 0.57) within the range of the ancient city sites was 80.0%, and the distribution of the ancient city sites could be obtained from the precise high probability regions. The model proposed can be used to predict the potential geographic locations of ancient city sites and indicate the key areas for future field archaeological survey work.
Reproductive biology of the threatened Kaempfer's Tody-Tyrant (Hemitriccus kaempferi)
Authors: Willrich Guilherme , de Farias Fernando Bittencourt , Anjos Luiz dos , Lima Marcos Robalinho
Published: May 2024

Knowledge on the reproductive biology of neotropical bird species is still scarce. Many species lack basic information regarding descriptions of nest and eggs, incubation and nestling period, and parental care. In the present study we explore several aspects of the reproductive biology of Hemitriccus kaempferi based on banded individuals that were monitored during two consecutive reproductive seasons (between August and December 2016 and 2017). Fieldwork was conducted in two distinct forest areas in the municipality of Joinville, Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil. A total of 21 individuals were captured and banded. We conducted a total of 178 h 04 min of focal-animal monitoring and 142 h of active nest search and found two nests. Nests resemble those already described for the genus, they are enclosed with lateral entrance, ovoid and has a superior and lateral fixation. The females were solely responsible for all the reproductive activities, including nest construction, egg incubation and parental care. Clutch size varies from 1 to 2 eggs, which are cream coloured and covered by small brown spots. Incubation period was 21–22 days and nestlings fledged after 19 days. We also present information regarding parental care, juvenile behaviour, and diet, which include 11 arthropods orders with prevalence of Lepidoptera and Coleoptera. This study adds valuable information on ecology and natural history of this endemic and enigmatic species as well as can guide further studies on phylogenetically related species.
Season Aware Solar Photovoltaic-Based Efficient EV Charging System Using A Novel JFL-BiLSTM And RF-SHO
Authors: Rajender Jatoth , Dubey Manisha , Kumar Yogendra
Published: May 2024

The surge in Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption has intensified energy demand, prompting the integration of Solar Photovoltaic (S-PV) systems for optimization. To address the challenge of fluctuating load demand with seasonal changes, a novel approach is proposed. This system combines Laguerre Polynomial-based Ramp Rate Method (LP-RRM) to smooth DC power from S-PV, Generalized Space Vector Modulation-based Switching Regulators (GSVM-SR) to tackle grid interruptions, and Rosenbrock Function-based Sea-Horse Optimization (RF-SHO) for optimal Charging System (CS) selection. Pre-processing the dataset identifies seasons and extracts features, which are fed into Joint Fusion Layer – Bidirectional Long Short Term Memory (JFL-BiLSTM) for load demand forecasting. The chosen CS is determined from a constructed graph based on user requests. The proposed technique effectively mitigates blackout risks and facilitates efficient EV charging operations, yielding promising results according to simulation outcomes.