bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial neural network-based data imputation for handling anomalous energy consumption readings in smart homes
Authors: Purna Prakash Kasaraneni , Kumar Yellapragada Venkata Pavan , Ravindranath Kongara , Pradeep Reddy Gogulamudi , Amir Mohammad , Khan Baseem
Published: February 2024

Smart homes are at the forefront of sustainable living, utilizing advanced monitoring systems to optimize energy consumption. However, these systems frequently encounter issues with anomalous data such as missing data, redundant data, and outliers data which can undermine their effectiveness. In this paper, an artificial neural network (ANN)-based approach for data imputation is specifically designed to deal with the anomalies in smart home energy consumption datasets. Our research harnesses the power of ANNs to model intricate patterns within energy consumption data, enabling the accurate imputation of missing values while detecting and rectifying anomalous data. This approach not only enhances the completeness of the data but also augments its overall quality, ensuring more reliable results. To evaluate the effectiveness of our ANN-based imputation method, comprehensive experiments were conducted using real-world smart home energy consumption datasets. Our findings demonstrate that this approach outperforms traditional imputation techniques like mean imputation and median imputation in terms of accuracy. Furthermore, it showcases adaptability to diverse smart home scenarios and datasets, making it a versatile solution for improving data quality. In conclusion, this study introduces an advanced data imputation technique based on ANNs, tailor-made for addressing anomalies in smart home energy consumption data. Beyond merely filling data gaps, this approach elevates the dataset's reliability and completeness, thereby facilitating a more precise analysis of energy consumption and supporting informed decision-making in the context of smart homes and sustainable energy management. Ultimately, the proposed method has the potential to contribute considerably to the ongoing evolution of smart home technologies and energy conservation efforts.
Assessing the Association Between Head and Neck Cancer and Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
Authors: Hoying David , Dorney Ian , Otteson Todd , Thuener Jason , Kaelber David C.
Published: February 2024

Objective: To determine the odds of head and neck cancer (HNC) in patients with a concurrent or prior diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Methods and Materials: The TriNetX Analytics Network, a federated research platform that aggregates de-identified electronic health record data of over 130 million patients worldwide, was queried for patients with at least one ICD-10 encounter diagnosis of GPA. Patients within this group with an encounter diagnosis of cancer of the sinonasal, oral cavity, oropharynx, nasopharynx, and larynx concurrent or after the initial encounter diagnosis of GPA were recorded and compared to a standardized control population to determine odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Relevant confounding variables, including human papillomavirus, Epstein Barr virus, tobacco, and alcohol exposure, were balanced between cohorts by 1:1 propensity matching. Results: Of the patients in the GPA cohort, 126 (0.48%) had an ICD-10 diagnosis of HNC. When stratifying by head and neck subsites, 20 (0.08%), 18 (0.07%), 23 (0.09%), 70 (0.27%), and 22 (0.084%) GPA patients had an ICD-10 encounter diagnosis of cancer involving the sinonasal, nasopharynx, larynx, oral cavity, and oropharynx. When comparing the experimental GPA group with the standardized control population after matching, patients in the GPA group had 1.3 times (95% CI: 1.03-1.175) greater odds of HNC when including cases diagnosed after or concurrently with the diagnosis of the vasculitis. There was no statistical difference in the odds of cancer at each anatomical subsite between the GPA and control cohort after matching. Conclusion: Our study identifies a statistically significant increase in the odds of HNC encounter diagnoses in patients with GPA.
Personality and Well-Being Across and Within Relationship Status
Authors: Hoan Elaine , MacDonald Geoff
Published: February 2024

Trends of increasing singlehood call for understanding of well-being correlates across and within relationship status. While personality is a major predictor of well-being, descriptive trait profiles of singles have not been developed. In the present research ( N = 1,811; 53% men; Mage = 29), single and partnered individuals completed measures of personality and well-being, including life, relationship status, and sexual satisfaction. Results revealed effects whereby single individuals were lower in extraversion and conscientiousness but higher in neuroticism. Additional facet analyses showed that singles were lower across all extraversion facets, but specifically lower in productiveness (conscientiousness facet) and higher in depression (neuroticism facet). Largely, personality was associated with well-being similarly for single and partnered people. Furthermore, relationship status accounted for variance in well-being above and beyond personality traits. Our results suggest individual differences in personality could play an important role in understanding well-being’s link with relationship status.
Subjective Age Moderates the Relationship Between Global Cognition and Susceptibility to Scams
Authors: Weissberger Gali H. , Lim Aaron C. , Mosqueda Laura , Nguyen Annie L. , Fenton Laura , Han S. Duke
Published: February 2024

This study examined the interactive effect of subjective age on the relationship between global cognition and susceptibility to scams. Sixty-five participants underwent an assessment of global cognition (Mini Mental State Examination; MMSE), reported their perceived age (i.e., subjective age), and responded to a self-report questionnaire assessing scam susceptibility. A main effect of global cognition on scam susceptibility was found ( p = .028); there was no main effect of subjective age ( p = .819). An interaction between global cognition and subjective age was found ( p = .016). Examination of conditional effects demonstrated that the relationship between cognition and scam susceptibility was not significant amongst those with subjective ages below one standard deviation of the mean, but was significant for those whose subjective ages fell around or above the mean. Findings suggest that individuals with older subjective ages may be particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of lower cognition on scam susceptibility.
Supporting Physical Activity Maintenance in Older Adults Following Supervised Group Exercise: A Mixed-Methods Study Among Culturally Diverse Older Adults
Authors: Wells Jessica , Manera Karine E. , Kaur Kitty , Smith Ben J.
Published: February 2024

Physical activity (PA) is important for prevention of falls and chronic disease in older adults. We aimed to examine the interrelated influences upon PA in culturally diverse older adults who completed a short-term exercise program, to inform maintenance strategies, using a mixed-methods design. Eighty-two past participants from the “ Stepping On”© program were surveyed examining ongoing participation, social and cognitive determinants of PA, mental and physical functioning, and fear of falls. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 34 respondents regarding enablers and barriers, cultural factors, and preferences for PA. Data were collected in English, Chinese, Arabic, Punjabi, or Hindi. Cultural factors minimally affected PA participation. There was low perceived availability of PA opportunities. Health difficulties not only discouraged but also motivated participation. Social connection was a facilitator and could be used to support maintenance. Older adults may benefit from assistance in accessing PA opportunities and clinical guidance about the benefits of ongoing PA.
Sustainable approach towards alternatives for the use of iron ore tailings in the construction sector using Data Envelopment Analysis methodology
Authors: de Oliveira Werlley Cristiano , de Araújo Samantha Rodrigues , Rodrigues Lásara Fabrícia , de Freitas Almeida João Flávio
Published: February 2024

Iron ore tailings (IOTs) need to be properly managed to mitigate the environmental, social, and economic impacts of mining activities. To cope with this issue, we use data envelopment analysis (DEA) to evaluate alternatives for using IOT in the construction sector. The classical and weight restriction output-oriented DEA models were used in this analysis. The results show that the ranking of alternatives depends on the aspect being evaluated. Concrete block is the most environmentally friendly alternative when analysing both models. For both social and economic aspects, ceramics produced better results in the classical model, whereas Portland cement showed better outcomes in the weight restriction model. In this sense, the results suggest great potential for the use of IOT in the construction sector, enabling the reduction of risks and social and environmental impacts of tailings dams.
Mapping the Coercive Turn: Universal Credit, Social Crisis, and the Politics of Welfare in Austerity Britain, 2010–2019
Authors: Wamsley Dillon
Published: February 2024

This article examines the politics of welfare in Britain from 2010 to 2019. Drawing on Gramscian literature, the first section outlines an original framework of the ‘divide-and-rule’ politics of welfare during the 1980s and 1990s in the United Kingdom. The second section examines the return of welfare restructuring in Britain following the 2008 global financial crisis, focusing on Universal Credit. It contends that a significant escalation of coercive social policies within the social security system undermined previous social antagonisms underpinning the political coalitions of neoliberal welfare reform. Alongside deepening economic stagnation and dislocation exacerbated by austerity after 2010, it argues that this coercive turn intensified an unfolding crisis of legitimacy. The third section examines the politics of welfare amid an unfolding social crisis in Britain. It argues that despite burgeoning socio-political discontent and the emergence of the counter-hegemonic project of Corbynism, 2016–2019 was characterised by an interregnum. With the defeat of Corbynism amid protracted Brexit negotiations, this included a period of political impasse in which popular support for welfare reform, austerity and neoliberalism were in decline, but without an attendant shift in the balance of political forces to advance an alternative hegemonic project. As a result, a deepening social crisis continued to unfold.
Arvind Ltd: Can Hiving off Be a Growth Strategy?
Authors: Upadhyay Hiteksha
Published: February 2024

This case sheds light on various aspects, including valuation, promoter holdings and shareholding patterns, concerning the pre- and post-demerger phases of Arvind Ltd. It serves as an educational tool for students to grasp the significance of demergers within the realm of corporate restructuring. Moreover, it equips them with the ability to analyse spin-offs, split-ups or split-offs as specific forms of demergers. What makes this case particularly intriguing is its potential to enable students to assess whether the chosen demerger structure and subsequent changes in shareholding patterns can effectively enhance shareholder wealth.
Digitalisation and Rural Livelihood Transformation: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Fahmi Fikri Zul , Mendrofa Martha Jesica S.
Published: February 2024

This article examines the extent to which digitalisation transforms rural livelihood in the context of the Global South. We conducted a case study in two villages in Indonesia that represent different digital technologies and rural economies. We found that digitalisation, to a certain degree, encourages changes in rural livelihoods, as it provides opportunities for rural residents to improve their capabilities. However, digital technology is rather used predominantly for social purposes and has thus not yet triggered a major structural transformation in the rural areas. Nevertheless, the more complex nature of digital technology adopted by the community tends to trigger more significant changes in rural livelihoods. It is thus to be expected that with more intensive future use and complex types of digital technologies, digitalisation will significantly influence rural transformation in the Global South.
Factors Influencing Agricultural Contracts in Value Chain: Lessons from Small Rice Producers in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Gniza Innocent Daniel
Published: February 2024

The contract farming approach, in which smallholders are tied to credit and input suppliers under certain conditions, and can repay the loan with the harvest, is one of the initiatives supporting value chain (VC) development. In this article, we analyse the factors that influence the creditworthiness of rice contract terms for smallholder farmers in Côte d’Ivoire. We use a sample of 134 rice farmers participating in a World Bank inclusive rice VC project in 2021 and apply multivariate probits to analyse factors affecting the creditworthiness of contractual arrangements in the project’s three pilot regions. The results indicate that a range of factors related to the characteristics of the producer, his plot, his environment, as well as the level of trust between the producer and the processing unit significantly affect compliance with the terms of the rice contract. As a result, policymakers supporting the development of the rice VC should initiate hydro-agricultural schemes in the lowlands and reinforce the interventions of extension services and trust between actors in the VC.
Hemolytic Disease in Newborn Due to Jka Antibody: A Unique Clinical Presentation
Authors: Sk Md Habibullah , Zamal Ashadur , Saha Bijan
Published: February 2024

Hemolytic disease in newborn results from alloimmune-mediated destruction of fetal or neonatal red blood cells caused by maternal alloantibodies. While ABO and Rh (D) incompatibilities are common causes, other minor antigenic mismatches such as Kidd are relatively infrequent. Here, we report a case of a female infant displaying conjugated hyperbilirubinemia and hepato-splenomegaly. Lab tests revealed both mother’s and baby’s blood groups as A positive, along with elevated reticulocyte count and a positive direct antiglobulin test. An abdominal ultrasound unveiled inspissated bile syndrome, likely due to calcium bilirubin sludge, leading to the conjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Further assessment revealed the infant and the father had a JKa-positive RBC phenotype, while the mother had a JKa-negative phenotype. This case highlights the significance of blood group antigen beyond the Rh system as a potential cause of hemolytic disease in newborn.
Unpaid Work by Women: A State-level Analysis of Evidence from Time-use Survey
Authors: Chakraborty Arpita , Sutradhar Rajib
Published: February 2024

Low and declining female labour force participation in India over the past two decades has turned attention to the high unpaid work time spent by women. The question, however, remains whether women spend more time on unpaid work because there are not enough jobs or whether it is time spent on unpaid work that is holding them back from participation in the labour force. Against this backdrop, the present article explores India’s nationally representative time-use survey conducted by National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) to estimate factors that explain variations in time spent by women in unpaid work at the state level. The results show that structural transformation, entailing a reduction in employment in agriculture and an increase in the share of industries in state GDP, does not necessarily entail any reduction in unpaid time spent by women if the technology embodied in industrialisation is not gender-friendly. Worryingly, progress in female literacy recorded by states is no guarantee of a reduction in unpaid work by women. However, a gender-friendly atmosphere does make a difference in the reduction in unpaid work reported by women. Similarly, targeted public policy intervention does relax the constraints that women face at home, with a positive effect on unpaid work time.
Re-Examining the Association Between Parental Monitoring, Parental Rearing Behaviors, and Family Risk Factors in Influencing Juvenile Delinquency Among Boys and Girls
Authors: Vujovic Tatjana
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parenting practices, parental misbehavior, sociodemographic factors, and juvenile delinquency behavior. The sample consisted of 178 adolescents, aged between 14 and 18 years. Self-reported questionnaires were used to collect data, and multiple regression analysis was conducted to analyze the results. The findings revealed significant gender differences in the predictors of delinquent behavior. The predictors of delinquent behavior for boys were lack of parental monitoring, parental rejection, overprotection, father’s alcohol abuse, and mother’s drug abuse, while none of the predictors were significant for girls. These results underscore the importance of considering gender differences when exploring the factors associated with juvenile delinquency. By addressing parental misbehavior and substance abuse in a dysfunctional parental environment, psychological interventions can help prevent and reduce delinquent behavior in adolescents.
Increasing Adolescent Sexual Activity Screening Through a Provider-Based Intervention
Authors: Parker Diane , Braswell April A. , Peterson Matthew J.
Published: February 2024

Screening for adolescent sexual activity is a vital aspect of comprehensive pediatric care. Adolescents engage in risky sexual behaviors. Thus, a complete and accurate sexual health history can assist in the prevention and treatment of disease, prevention of unwanted pregnancy, treatment of existing diseases, and optimal planning of future healthcare for adolescents. Current evidence shows that provider-focused strategies improve the delivery of preventive services, including sexual health screenings. In this initiative, we assessed and examined pre- and post-screening rates for sexual activity among adolescents by advanced practice providers. This multi-site initiative was implemented in four school-based health centers and a school-linked center that included 2,102 unique patients ages 9 to 24 years. Our biphasic intervention included education for advanced practice providers and electronic health record modifications. Pre- and post-data collection was conducted to determine changes in the rate of screening for sexual activity during a primary care adolescent health visit over a 3-year period. Data were collected via retrospective medical chart review and analyzed in three time periods for comparison from 2018 to 2021. Screening rates for sexual activity increased significantly after the intervention (all p < .001) with the likelihood more than double that of the year before it was implemented. The intervention was deemed to be a feasible and cost-effective strategy to improve the provider’s willingness and ability to provide more adolescent sexual health screenings.
Information Sharing and Personalized Pricing in Online Platforms
Authors: Hu Yihong , Li Guo , Liu Mengqi , Qu Shengnan
Published: February 2024

With the rise of big data technology, an online platform can easily gather customer information to engage in price discrimination and obtain additional profits. Sharing customer information with a third-party seller increases the platform’s commission and information revenue, but the seller’s personalized pricing using customer information intensifies the price competition, which may damage the profitability of the platform’s own product. Whether to share information remains an unsolved strategy decision for the platform. We employ a game-theoretic model to characterize the interplay of information sharing by the platform and the pricing strategies of two firms. We consequently study four basic scenarios where the two firms adopt either uniform or personalized pricing policies. In equilibrium, the seller does not always have incentives to acquire information, and the platform is not always willing to share information. Intriguingly, with different combinations of the commission rate and the new consumer ratio, the equilibrium of the overall system has four possible results where the information may not be used for price discrimination. With a relatively high commission rate and a low new consumer ratio, the platform no longer pursues a demand for its own product and lets the seller occupy the whole market, which leads to the lowest consumer surplus and social welfare. We finally show that in the event of a relatively high commission rate, prohibiting information sharing increases consumer surplus and social welfare, verifying the necessity of regulations. These results could provide useful guidelines for platform managers and regulators to better design information sharing and price discrimination policies.
The Impact of Glycemic Control on Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitor–Associated Genitourinary Infections
Authors: Gerber Anthony , Rupp Victoria , Ryabenkova Natalia , Mikhelzon Nataliya
Published: February 2024

Background:

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at an increased risk of genital urinary (GU) infections, with the risk increasing with higher A1Cs. Given the broad adoption of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) in patients with T2D, both providers and patients need to be aware of common adverse effects associated with these medications, specifically GU infections. However trials involving SGLT2is looked at patients with an average A1C of less than 9%, and thus, the incidence of GU infections may not truly reflect the general diabetic population.

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to assess the association between GU infections in patients started on SGLT2is and A1C levels.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted on patients seen in an adult, primary care clinic, at New York City Health and Hospitals, South Brooklyn Health. Men and nonpregnant, nonlactating women >18 years old with a diagnosis of T2D who were initiated on an SGLT2i between January 2018 and January 2023 were included in the analysis. The primary endpoint is to compare the risk of GU infections in patients with T2D who were started on SGLT2is, regardless of dose, with hemoglobin A1C of >9% to those with hemoglobin A1C <9% at baseline.

Results:

Three hundred and twenty-eight patients were eligible based on specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, there was a statistically significant difference in the number of GU infections that occurred in patients with a baseline A1C >9% compared with those with an A1C <9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-2.88; P = 0.041).

Conclusions and Relevance:

Type 2 diabetes patients initiated on SGLT2is may experience an increased risk of GU infection, especially in those patients with an A1C of 9% or greater. Further research is necessary to validate and expand upon these findings.
Employing a Risk Assessment Tool for Shared Decision-Making in Breast Cancer Screening
Authors: Krueger Louisa
Published: February 2024

Background: The existing guidelines for breast cancer screening incorporate assessing individual risk but contain no universally recommended risk assessment tool in the primary care setting. Local Problem: A family planning program utilizing nurses and nurse practitioners for assessment, education, and referral lacked a risk assessment tool for assessing breast cancer risk. Methods: A breast cancer risk assessment tool was implemented in practice. Interventions: The interventions involved assessing the patient's risks, providing education on risk reduction strategies, and determining the need for clinical breast exams and referrals for mammography. Results: The study demonstrated a clear correlation between the number of breast cancer risks identified and the extent of education provided to patients based on their specific risk profiles (0 vs. 1.5 risks; 2 vs. 4.6 educational components). Among patients under age 35, 80% opted for a clinical breast exam, while 100% of patients age 40 and above agreed to both clinical breast exams and referrals for mammography after discussing individual risks. Conclusions: The use of a breast cancer risk assessment tool provided an evidence-based foundation for the shared decision-making conversation between patient and nurse/provider on risk reduction. The discussion included current evidence on the risk versus benefit of age-based screening options for breast cancer, allowing for an informed decision made jointly between the patient and provider.
Depression and life satisfaction after Kahramanmaraş earthquakes: The serial mediation roles of life meaning and coping with earthquake stress
Authors: Cengiz Serkan , Peker Adem
Published: February 2024

This study aims to examine the meaning of life, and the mediating effect of strategies for coping with earthquake stress in the relationship between depression, and life satisfaction in survivors of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş centered earthquakes. The participants of this study were 472 adults (31.1% male, 68.9% female; Mage = 24.52) who were affected by earthquakes. The data of the study were tested with the bootstrapping-based PROCESS macro program (Model-81). The results showed that depression negatively predicted life satisfaction. Meaning of life mediated the relationship between depression and life satisfaction. However, problem solving and cognitive avoidance coping strategies reduced the effects of depression and the meaning of life on life satisfaction. These results can be a resource for mental health services for earthquake victims. At the same time, the study provides evidence that protecting personal resources in disaster situations positively affects life satisfaction in terms of conservation of resources theory (COR).
Parallel lives or active citizens? Examining the interplay between multicultural service provision and civic engagement in Australia
Authors: Mansouri Fethi , Vergani Matteo , Weng Enqi
Published: February 2024

Over recent decades, there have been increased public debates about rising level of ethnic and religious diversity and their implications for social cohesion and intercultural relations. These contestations are often situated within a diversity governance continuum with two opposing and often extreme poles both in the policy arena as well as the academic literature. The first pole sees diversity as potentially contributing to social fissures and intercultural discord. The second pole highlights the benefits of an acceptance of diversity for cross-cultural awareness and social peace. Using empirical evidence from a multi-year project, this article assesses the key assumptions underlying these oppositional approaches through a study of the provision of social services to multicultural communities and its association with civic engagement and national belonging. Study findings show that access to multicultural services is significantly associated with higher levels of civic engagement among migrants, rather than social exclusion and urban segregation.
Does high-quality news attract engagement on social media? Mediatization, media logic, and the contrasting values that shape news sharing, liking, and commenting on Facebook
Authors: Shin Jieun , Lewis Seth C , Kim Soojong , Thorson Kjerstin
Published: February 2024

Despite the concern over deteriorating news quality on social media, few studies have empirically examined how much high-quality news is rewarded on social media. Guided by the mediatization literature, we compared the extent to which normative values (i.e. factual reporting and public importance) in news stories as opposed to social media values (i.e. popularity) contribute to actual engagement such as sharing, liking, and commenting on Facebook. The normative values and social media values were drawn from survey participants’ evaluations of the news content, recruiting both consumers ( n = 5816) and journalists ( n = 742). Each news post’s engagement metrics were extracted from Facebook. Our analysis shows that consumers’ news judgments are overall consistent with those of journalists. More importantly, the study finds that a social media value dominates news engagement whereas normative values are eminently weak. We discuss the implications of the disproportionally powerful social media logic shaping news engagement in comparison to normative logics for news.
Diversity of authors in the British Journal of Orthodontics and Journal of Orthodontics over the last 50 years
Authors: Harrison Jayne E.
Published: February 2024

Aims:

To explore any changes in the perceived gender and affiliation of first authors of papers published in the British Journal of Orthodontics (BJO) and Journal of Orthodontics (JO), over the last 50 years.

Methods:

Electronic hand searches of the BJO and JO from 1973 to 2021, were undertaken to identify research and clinical papers published the first volume of the BJO (1973-74) and then the first two volumes of each subsequent decade i.e. 1980-81; 1990-91 to 2020-21. Articles such as Editorials, Product Updates and Abstract summaries, were excluded. The perceived gender of the first author was identified from their forename, internet sources and/or personal knowledge, where possible. The country of the first author’s affiliation was identified from the author details stated in the papers. The countries were then grouped into geographical areas.

Results:

A total of 385 papers were identified with a steady increase from 1973 to 2021. There was a statistically significant increase in papers published by authors who were perceived to be female (odds ratio 8.33; 95% CI 4.75, 14.64). The increase in papers published by non-UK affiliated first authors was significant (odds ratio 5.01; 95% CI 2.78, 9.02).

Conclusions:

The Journal has seen a significant change, over the last 50 years, in its authorship profile from nearly exclusively male, UK based authors to more than 60% of published papers having a first author who was perceived as being female and 37% originating from outside the UK.
Quantification of derivatized phenylalanine and tyrosine in dried blood spots using liquid chromatography with tandem spectrometry for newborn screening of phenylketonuria
Authors: Duh Tsai-Hui , Liang Yu-Ching , Shen Po Tsun , Ke Yi-Wen , Nian Yan-Tian , Liang Shih-Shin
Published: February 2024

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal genetic disorder caused by a deficiency of the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) enzyme. The lack of PAH results in the inability of phenylalanine (PHE) to transform into tyrosine (TYR). Consequently, this leads to the accumulation of PHE in the blood samples of newborns causing metabolic diseases such as irreversible neurological problems. An analysis was required for determining the values of PHE and TYR in blood samples from newborn babies. In this study, therefore, we developed a derivatized method to monitor PHE and TYR in plasma samples using liquid phase chromatography linked with quadrupole mass spectrometry. Accessible formaldehyde isotopes and cyanoborohydride were used to react with PHE and TYR amino groups to generate h2-formaldehyde-modified PHE and TYR (as standards) and d2-formaldehyde-modified PHE and TYR (as internal standards). We used tandem mass spectrometry for multiple reaction monitoring. We demonstrated a derivatized method suitable for the PKU screening of newborns. The recoveries for PHE and TYR were 85% and 90%, respectively. Furthermore, we compared the values of PHE and TYR in different human plasma sample storage methods, including direct plasma and dried blood spots, and the results showed no significant difference.
Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine “Fuzheng Qingdu Decoction” on Autonomic Function and Cancer-Related Symptoms in Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer undergoing Chemotherapy: A Controlled Trial
Authors: Yuan Chengjia , Wu Shuang , Wu Yang , Tian Cuiling , Wang Zaichuan , Zhang Xiaochun
Published: February 2024

Objective:

To evaluate the effects of Fuzheng Qingdu Decoction (FZQDD) on the autonomic function and cancer-related symptoms of patients with advanced gastric cancer undergoing chemotherapy to verify its clinical efficacy.

Methods:

Sixty-two patients with stage III or IV gastric cancer were included in this study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the chemotherapy (33 patients) and chemotherapy with FZQDD (29 patients) groups. The primary outcome was the autonomic function of the patients before and after the interventions. The parameters that were used to assess autonomic function were deceleration capacity (DC) and acceleration capacity (AC) of heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV), which comprised standard deviation of the normal-normal interval (SDNN), root mean square of successive interval differences (RMSSD), low-frequency power (LF), high-frequency power (HF), total power (TP), and LF–HF ratio. The secondary outcomes were cancer-related symptoms and the quality of life.

Results:

DC and HRV parameters (ie, SDNN, RMSSD, LF, HF, and TP) were significantly decreased in the chemotherapy group; however, AC significantly increased after the interventions. No significant differences were observed in the DC, AC, and HRV parameters before and after the interventions in the chemotherapy with FZQDD group. Nevertheless, the changes in DC, AC, and HRV parameters (SDNN, RMSSD, HF, and TP) before and after the interventions were statistically significant between both the groups. FZQDD significantly improved the cancer-related symptoms and the quality of life of the patients.

Conclusions:

Oxaliplatin combined with S-1 (tegafur, gimeracil, and oteracil potassium) can impair autonomic modulation in patients with advanced gastric cancer. FZQDD can alleviate autonomic dysfunction by increasing the parasympathetic activity and decreasing the sympathetic tone, helping patients restore the dynamic sympathovagal balance, and significantly improving the cancer-related symptoms and the quality of life of patients.
Fear of Death in Colombian Nursing Students
Authors: Hernández-Gamboa Adriana Elena , Souza da Silva Rudval , Toloza Ardila María Fernanda , Forero Manosalva Yuly Paola , Velasco Álvarez Mariana Isabella , Contreras-Ramos Luz Mery
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Death is a natural phenomenon inherent to the human condition and an inevitable consequence of life. As future professionals, nursing students should face the process of death and recognize their limitations, because emotional aspects can influence the quality of health care, especially in Spanish-speaking countries. This study aimed to quantify the level of fear of death among nursing students in a higher education institution in a region of Colombia. Methods: A quantitative correlational study including 258 university students selected by stratified sampling were administered the Collet–Lester Fear of Death Scale; the results were analyzed for the age, religion, marital status, number of children, and academic level of the respondents. Results: On average, the students were 22.9 years old; 83.3% of them were female, 75.6% were Catholic, 14.1% had at least one child, and 66.7% had experienced bereavement in the family. An association was found between the female gender and the fear of one's own death ( p = .025). Conclusion: These findings differ from those reported in other Latin American countries where higher academic level and clinical experience are related to lower fear of death.
Patient-reported measures of tinnitus for individuals with neurofibromatosis type 2–related schwannomatosis: Recommendations for clinical trials
Authors: Thompson Heather L , Grabowski Jane , Franklin Barbara , Koetsier Kimberley S , Welling D Bradley
Published: February 2024

Background

Neurofibromatosis type 2–related schwannomatosis is a genetic disease characterized by the development of bilateral vestibular schwannomas, ependymomas, meningiomas, and cataracts. Mild to profound hearing loss and tinnitus are common symptoms reported by individuals with neurofibromatosis type 2. While tinnitus is known to have a significant and negative impact on the quality of life of individuals from the general population, the impact on individuals with neurofibromatosis type 2 is unknown. Consensus regarding the selection of suitable patient-reported outcome measures for assessment could advance further research into tinnitus in neurofibromatosis type 2 patients. The purpose of this work is to achieve a consensus recommendation by the Response Evaluation in Neurofibromatosis and Schwannomatosis International Collaboration for patient-reported outcome measures used to evaluate quality of life in the domain of tinnitus for neurofibromatosis type 2 clinical trials.

Methods

The Response Evaluation in Neurofibromatosis and Schwannomatosis Patient-Reported Outcomes Communication Subgroup systematically evaluated patient-reported outcome measures of quality of life in the domain of tinnitus for individuals with neurofibromatosis type 2 using previously published Response Evaluation in Neurofibromatosis and Schwannomatosis rating procedures. Of the 19 identified patient-reported outcome measures, 3 measures were excluded because they were not validated as an outcome measure or could not have been used as a single outcome measure for a clinical trial. Sixteen published patient-reported outcome measures for the domain of tinnitus were scored and compared on their participant characteristics, item content, psychometric properties, and feasibility for use in clinical trials.

Results

The Tinnitus Functional Index was identified as the most highly rated measure for the assessment of tinnitus in populations with neurofibromatosis type 2, due to strengths in the areas of item content, psychometric properties, feasibility, and available scores.

Discussion

Response Evaluation in Neurofibromatosis and Schwannomatosis currently recommends the Tinnitus Functional Index for the assessment of tinnitus in neurofibromatosis type 2 clinical trials.
Processing wh-filler-gap dependencies
Authors: Kim Nayoun , Wellwood Alexis , Yoshida Masaya
Published: February 2024

We present experimental evidence showing that different wh-filler-gap dependencies are processed differently, depending on their syntactic licensors. Our studies compared the active storage profiles for why, how, and who (serving as subject or object of the verb). The results of offline and online experiments revealed that these wh-fillers are stored in memory for different durations, and predictably so based on the hypothesised structural distance between each wh-filler and the licensor which determines its grammatical and interpretive functions. Furthermore, the results showed that once the wh-filler is licenced, it is integrated to the current structure, and no longer engenders additional memory costs. Based on these findings, we argue that the mechanism of online sentence processing may employ both storage and integration components in memory.
Raising logistics performance to new levels through digital transformation
Authors: Lam HY , Tang Valerie , Wong L
Published: February 2024

In view of the higher demand and customer expectations on the speed and accuracy of e-commerce logistics service as well as the repetitive and time-consuming nature of manual order processing operation. This paper proposes a robotic process automation (RPA) model to liberate human resources over time-consuming, inefficient, non-value-added, and repetitive operational processes occupying workforces. This paper proposed an RPA model that integrates three functional RPA bots in (1) tracking order status, (2) capturing order data, and (3) verifying order data to increase the efficiency and accuracy of logistics operation and the order-handling process in small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) logistics company. A case study was conducted on an SME logistics service providing customers with inbound and outbound operation services. The result demonstrated that the proposed model significantly improves logistics operations performance against a human approach concerning key indicators after implementation. Logistics companies could free up the workforce for value-creating activities in value-added services.
Impact of digital literacy on academic achievement: Evidence from an online anatomy and physiology course
Authors: Holm Patrik
Published: February 2024

The increasing prevalence of online courses has highlighted the importance of digital literacy for students. This study investigates the relationship between digital literacy and academic achievement among students who participate in an online course on anatomy and physiology. The study also evaluates how different aspects of digital literacy, such as age and previous education in natural science, affect students’ grades. Using logistic regression analysis, data from five areas of digital literacy that were assessed among participants with different educational backgrounds are analyzed. The results show that some aspects of digital literacy are more crucial for academic success in the online course. Students with a natural science background exhibited higher levels of digital literacy, emphasizing the importance of considering previous education in supporting students’ digital skills in online courses. The study also reveals that students were proficient in self-assessing their own digital literacy, enabling easy evaluation of the collective digital literacy within the course and facilitating targeted interventions for all students, regardless of their initial digital literacy levels. This study underscores the importance of digital literacy in online education. It highlights the specific areas of digital literacy that strongly contribute to academic achievement and emphasizes the positive impact of previous education in natural science on students’ digital skills. These findings suggest that instructors should consider these factors when designing and delivering online courses to ensure equal opportunities for students to enhance their digital literacy.
The Construction of Human Rights Narratives in the 2022 World Cup: A Critical Examination of US and Qatari News Coverage
Authors: LeJeune Harrison J. , Workneh Téwodros W.
Published: February 2024

This study examines the tensions in the representations of human rights discourses in the context of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Primarily drawing from postcolonial approaches, it investigates how the construction of human rights narratives were deployed by two leading publications representing US ( The New York Times—NYT) and Qatari ( Gulf Times—GT) viewpoints. In doing so, the study probes the representation and self-portrayal of Qatari cultural, political, and socio-economic repertoire by the NYT and GT, respectively. Results from a qualitative content analysis highlight how the NYT emphasized the exotic Otherness of Qatar and its supposed inability-cum-illegitimacy to host the tournament. Alternatively, GT demonstrated a paradoxical disdain and desire for Western validation. Overall, the narratives in the NYT and GT tell a story of an ambivalent relationship between the West and Qatar situated in the historical context of colonialism and reflective of the ongoing, reciprocal dialogue between publications targeting English speaking audiences.
The Lived Experience and Impact of Compassion for Others in Undergraduate Students’ Recovery From Suicidal Ideation
Authors: Allegro Hailey N. A. , Van Vliet K. Jessica
Published: February 2024

Suicide is a leading cause of death for undergraduate students, with there being a crucial need to understand sources of suicide prevention for this population. While the benefits of compassion toward others appear to align with the psychological targets of recovery from suicidal ideation, little is known about the potential role of compassion for others in undergraduate students’ recovery process. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experience and impact of compassion toward others, as it relates to undergraduate students’ recovery from suicidal thinking. We interviewed six undergraduate students about their experiences of compassion toward others and its impact on recovery. Using data analyses methods from interpretative phenomenological analysis, six superordinate themes emerged, including: sense of meaning and purpose, reciprocity, positive self-concept, non-judgement and acceptance, social connection, and the cost of compassion. Implications for counseling, limitations, and future directions for research are discussed.
Time-dependent stagnation point flow of nano Casson fluid with Joule heating over an elongated surface subjected to viscous heating and exponential space-based heat source/sink: Boungiorno model
Authors: Swain Kharabela , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy
Published: February 2024

The unsteady two-directional flow of a non-Newtonian magneto-Casson nanoliquid flow over an elongated flat surface with the porous matrix is investigated. The flow is subjected to space-based exponential heat generation/absorption (ESHS), thermophoresis, Brownian motion of nanoparticles, and transverse magnetic field. Within the base fluid, the diffusion of chemically reactive nanoparticles is assumed to be highly significant; hence considered. The governing equations of the flow model admit self-similar equations and are numerically solved by employing the Runge-Kutta-based shooting technique (RKSM). The significance of key parameters on the temperature, velocity, friction factor at the surface, heat transfer rate, and mass transfer rate distributions is analyzed. The use of high-Prandtl number base fluid and nanoparticles of high thermal conductivity could be of practical use to increase the heat transfer rate and avoid nanoparticle accumulation. The occurrence of nanoparticles in the operating liquids reduces the shearing stress at the plate surface to avoid backflow.
Effects of joule heating and viscous dissipation on electromagneto-hydrodynamic flow in a microchannel with electroosmotic effect: Enhancement of MEMS cooling
Authors: Rilwan Usman S , Oni Michael O , Jibril Haruna M , Jha Basant K
Published: February 2024

This paper inspects the effect of Joule heating and viscous dissipation due to electric double layer (EDL) and electroosmotic effect on steady fully developed electromagnetohydrodynamic flow in a microchannel. Dimensionless formulations of the Poisson-Boltzmann, momentum, and energy equations are derived for the electric potential, velocity profile, and temperature distribution in the microchannel. Exact solutions for the temperature distributions and velocity profile were obtained using the method of undetermined coefficients. The Debye-Hückel linearization is used to get exact solution for the electric potential. The results showed that Brinkmann number [Formula: see text], Joule heating parameter [Formula: see text], Debye-Hückel parameter [Formula: see text], Hartmann number [Formula: see text], and electric field [Formula: see text] have a substantial impact on flow formation and heat transfer. The complex interaction between joule heating, viscous dissipation, and the EOF effect were accurately captured. The range values for the governing parameter for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] are [Formula: see text], and[Formula: see text] respectively.