bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning radiomics of magnetic resonance imaging predicts recurrence-free survival after surgery and correlation of LncRNAs in patients with breast cancer: a multicenter cohort study
Authors: Yu Yunfang , Ren Wei , He Zifan , Chen Yongjian , Tan Yujie , Mao Luhui , Ouyang Wenhao , Lu Nian , Ouyang Jie , Chen Kai , Li Chenchen , Zhang Rong , Wu Zhuo , Su Fengxi , Wang Zehua , Hu Qiugen , Xie Chuanmiao , Yao Herui
Published: November 2023

Background

Several studies have indicated that magnetic resonance imaging radiomics can predict survival in patients with breast cancer, but the potential biological underpinning remains indistinct. Herein, we aim to develop an interpretable deep-learning-based network for classifying recurrence risk and revealing the potential biological mechanisms.

Methods

In this multicenter study, 1113 nonmetastatic invasive breast cancer patients were included, and were divided into the training cohort (n = 698), the validation cohort (n = 171), and the testing cohort (n = 244). The Radiomic DeepSurv Net (RDeepNet) model was constructed using the Cox proportional hazards deep neural network DeepSurv for predicting individual recurrence risk. RNA-sequencing was performed to explore the association between radiomics and tumor microenvironment. Correlation and variance analyses were conducted to examine changes of radiomics among patients with different therapeutic responses and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The association and quantitative relation of radiomics and epigenetic molecular characteristics were further analyzed to reveal the mechanisms of radiomics.

Results

The RDeepNet model showed a significant association with recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR 0.03, 95% CI 0.02–0.06, P < 0.001) and achieved AUCs of 0.98, 0.94, and 0.92 for 1-, 2-, and 3-year RFS, respectively. In the validation and testing cohorts, the RDeepNet model could also clarify patients into high- and low-risk groups, and demonstrated AUCs of 0.91 and 0.94 for 3-year RFS, respectively. Radiomic features displayed differential expression between the two risk groups. Furthermore, the generalizability of RDeepNet model was confirmed across different molecular subtypes and patient populations with different therapy regimens (All P < 0.001). The study also identified variations in radiomic features among patients with diverse therapeutic responses and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Importantly, a significant correlation between radiomics and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) was discovered. A key lncRNA was found to be noninvasively quantified by a deep learning-based radiomics prediction model with AUCs of 0.79 in the training cohort and 0.77 in the testing cohort.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that machine learning radiomics of MRI can effectively predict RFS after surgery in patients with breast cancer, and highlights the feasibility of non-invasive quantification of lncRNAs using radiomics, which indicates the potential of radiomics in guiding treatment decisions.
Extracellular matrix modulates the spatial hepatic features in hepatocyte-like cells derived from human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Farhan Faiza , Trivedi Manjari , Di Wu Priscilla , Cui Wei
Published: November 2023

Background

Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) can provide a valuable in vitro model for disease modelling and drug development. However, generating HLCs with characteristics comparable to hepatocytes in vivo is challenging. Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in supporting liver development and hepatocyte functions, but their impact on hepatocyte differentiation and maturation during hPSC differentiation remains unclear. Here, we investigate the effects of two ECM components—Matrigel and type I collagen on hepatic differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs).

Methods

hESC-derived HLCs were generated through multistage differentiation in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cultures, incorporating either type I collagen or Matrigel during hepatic specification and maturation. The resulting HLCs was characterized for their gene expression and functionality using various molecular and cellular techniques.

Results

Our results showed that HLCs cultured with collagen exhibited a significant increase in albumin and alpha-1 anti-trypsin expression with reduced AFP compared to HLCs cultured with Matrigel. They also secreted more urea than Matrigel cultures. However, these HLCs exhibited lower CYP3A4 activity and glycogen storage than those cultured with Matrigel. These functional differences in HLCs between collagen and Matrigel cultures closely resembled the hepatocytes of periportal and pericentral zones, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that Matrigel and collagen have differential effects on the differentiation and functionality of HLCs, which resemble, to an extent, hepatic zonation in the liver lobules. Our finding has an important impact on the generation of hPSC-HLCs for biomedical and medical applications.
Throughput maximization for irregular reconfigurable intelligent surface assisted NOMA systems
Authors: Zhang Weilin , Wang Lingyi , Mao Hangtao , Wang Zi , Wu Wei
Published: November 2023

Reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) is an emerging technology to improve the spectral efficiency of wireless communication systems. However, the high complexity of beam design and the non-negligible overhead associated with RIS limit the number of elements that can be deployed in practice. In this paper, we investigate the downlink communications of irregularly deployed intelligent reflecting surfaces that assist non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) systems. To address this challenge, we propose a novel four-step resource allocation algorithm. Specifically, we first obtain a sub-optimal solution for the sparse deployment of RIS elements using a Simulated Annealing Algorithm. We then solve the power allocation problem by employing an integer optimization algorithm that continuously iterates the immobile point. To simplify and optimize the reflection coefficient matrix, we propose a construction inequality algorithm. Finally, we optimize the channel assignment using a genetic algorithm. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed irregular RIS-assisted NOMA system outperforms the traditional RIS-assisted orthogonal multiple access system, with a maximum throughput increase of approximately 30%.
Sources of Myanmar’s economic growth during 2010–2015: input–output analysis
Authors: THEIN Ei Ei , INABA Kazuo
Published: November 2023

This paper examines Myanmar’s economic structure and its sources of economic growth during the period of economic reformation from 2010 to 2015. The study compares the economic performance of Myanmar with that of four other ASEAN countries employing the backward linkage and deviation from proportional growth (DPG) approaches. The data used for the analysis are sourced from the Eora global database and the Asian Development Bank’s database. During 2010–2015, Myanmar experienced significant gross production expansion with the growth rate of 1.84 times, which stands as the highest among the selected countries. Despite its high economic growth, Myanmar lags behind the four other ASEAN countries in terms of industrialization and international trade. Myanmar’s economy mainly relies on domestic market with poor international trade record. The analysis of backward linkages reveals that the transport equipment sector made the largest contribution to output growth in Myanmar. On the other hand, DPG approach indicates that Myanmar’s economic growth during 2010–2015 can be mainly attributed to the expansion of the public administration sector, driven by increased consumption and public and private investment. Industrialization remained underdeveloped until 2015 with the manufacturing sectors not significantly impacting on economy and export growth. Despite some improvements in manufacturing sectors after 2016, the promotion of the manufacturing sectors and agriculture sector is still necessary to foster export and output expansion.
Rumen microbial degradation of bromoform from red seaweed (Asparagopsis taxiformis) and the impact on rumen fermentation and methanogenic archaea
Authors: Romero Pedro , Belanche Alejandro , Jiménez Elisabeth , Hueso Rafael , Ramos-Morales Eva , Salwen Joan King , Kebreab Ermias , Yáñez-Ruiz David R.
Published: November 2023

Background

The red macroalgae Asparagopsis is an effective methanogenesis inhibitor due to the presence of halogenated methane (CH4) analogues, primarily bromoform (CHBr3). This study aimed to investigate the degradation process of CHBr3 from A. taxiformis in the rumen and whether this process is diet-dependent. An in vitro batch culture system was used according to a 2 × 2 factorial design, assessing two A. taxiformis inclusion rates [0 (CTL) and 2% DM diet (AT)] and two diets [high-concentrate (HC) and high-forage diet (HF)]. Incubations lasted for 72 h and samples of headspace and fermentation liquid were taken at 0, 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 48 and 72 h to assess the pattern of degradation of CHBr3 into dibromomethane (CH2Br2) and fermentation parameters. Additionally, an in vitro experiment with pure cultures of seven methanogens strains (Methanobrevibacter smithii, Methanobrevibacter ruminantium, Methanosphaera stadtmanae, Methanosarcina barkeri, Methanobrevibacter millerae, Methanothermobacter wolfei and Methanobacterium mobile) was conducted to test the effects of increasing concentrations of CHBr3 (0.4, 2, 10 and 50 µmol/L).

Results

The addition of AT significantly decreased CH4 production (P = 0.002) and the acetate:propionate ratio (P = 0.003) during a 72-h incubation. The concentrations of CHBr3 showed a rapid decrease with nearly 90% degraded within the first 3 h of incubation. On the contrary, CH2Br2 concentration quickly increased during the first 6 h and then gradually decreased towards the end of the incubation. Neither CHBr3 degradation nor CH2Br2 synthesis were affected by the type of diet used as substrate, suggesting that the fermentation rate is not a driving factor involved in CHBr3 degradation. The in vitro culture of methanogens showed a dose-response effect of CHBr3 by inhibiting the growth of M. smithii, M. ruminantium, M. stadtmanae, M. barkeri, M. millerae, M. wolfei, and M. mobile.

Conclusions

The present work demonstrated that CHBr3 from A. taxiformis is quickly degraded to CH2Br2 in the rumen and that the fermentation rate promoted by different diets is not a driving factor involved in CHBr3 degradation.
Behavioural design of gamification elements and exploration of player types in youth basketball training
Authors: Feng Zeping , Lau Newman , Zhu Mengxiao , Liu Mengru , Refati Rehe , Huang Xiao , Lee Kun-pyo
Published: November 2023

In Mainland China, the sports training process of most players is highly homogenized, the convergence of which makes them ineffectively be identified with their individual and specific profile and difficult for them to play the sports according to their strengths and characteristics. Moreover, existing sports training software does not differentiate between player types to provide customized persona. Therefore, efficient and personalized methods need to be provided to guide players towards more autonomous sports training. Current research shows that gamification design in the process of sports training can transform players' unique conscious behaviors into habits, thus increasing their autonomy. However, the current gamification design in sports training is only based on uniform gamification elements and does not take into account the player's motivation and gamification experience, which is one of the main reasons for the homogenization of sports training. Therefore, this study aimed to identify factors that contribute to the design of gamification systems in the field of sports training, as well as to determine the relationship between players' gamification experiences during sport. It will help the researchers to explore in depth the possibilities of learning environments for youth basketball training with the development of gamified experiences. This design-driven study performed both offline and online questionnaire research (N = 198), which was analyzed with the method of a 7-point Likert scale as well as the assistance of SPSS, identified potential for the establishment of a framework for analysing preferences for gamification design elements in the context of basketball training for young players. Based on the results, this paper finds that there is a correlation between immersion and achievement in gamification experiences and proposes a framework for gamification system design in the field of sports training and offers insight that may enable the development of gamification designs that can motivate players.
Measures of oral health-related quality of life in patients with bone graft and implant prosthetic rehabilitation at the anterior of mandible/maxilla among young and middle-aged adults: a retrospective pilot study
Authors: Yusa Kazuyuki , Ishikawa Shigeo , Suzuki Nagiko , Kunii Shunsuke , Okuyama Naoki , Hemmi Tomoharu , Iino Mitsuyoshi
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Dental implants are believed to contribute to improved masticatory function and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL), but the details remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of dental implant prosthetic rehabilitation after bone graft at the anterior mandible/maxilla based on OHRQOL, particularly in young and middle-aged patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included 11 patients who received bone grafts at the anterior mandible/maxilla and dental implant surgery. Chewing function score and OHRQOL (using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 questionnaire) were evaluated before and after completion of an implant-retained bridge or removable implant-supported denture.

Results

Chewing function score tended to improve slightly after dental implant prosthetic rehabilitation, but none of the observed differences were significant. In the assessment of OHRQOL, relatively worse domain scores before completion of dental implant prosthetic rehabilitation were seen for Functional limitation, Psychological discomfort, and Psychological disability. Conversely, Social disability seemed relatively unaffected by tooth loss. All domain scores and total scores for items other than Physical disability and Social disability were significantly improved after completion of dental implant rehabilitation.

Conclusions

Tooth loss in the anterior region may not significantly affect chewing function score, but can have a significant impact on OHRQOL. Bone grafts and dental implant prosthetic rehabilitation can resolve these problems, and the results of this study will benefit both patients and medical professionals in terms of treatment planning and informed consent.
The BJPsych: your journal, your voice, your research, your choice
Authors: Malhi Gin S.
Published: November 2023

There is a long tradition of excellence in research and clinical expertise in psychiatry across Britain. The BJPsych aims to reflect this wealth of mental science and practical experience alongside the very best of research and clinical practice from around the world using a variety of different kinds of articles.
Locomotor kinematics on sand versus vinyl flooring in the sidewinder rattlesnake Crotalus cerastes
Authors: Tingle Jessica L. , Sherman Brian M. , Garland Theodore
Published: November 2023

For terrestrial locomotion of animals and machines, physical characteristics of the substrate can strongly impact kinematics and performance. Snakes are an especially interesting system for studying substrate effects because their gait depends more on the environment than on their speed. We tested sidewinder rattlesnakes (Crotalus cerastes) on two surfaces: sand collected from their natural environment and vinyl tile flooring, an artificial surface often used to elicit sidewinding in laboratory settings. Of ten kinematic variables examined, two differed significantly between the substrates: the body's waveform had an average of ∼17% longer wavelength on vinyl flooring (measured in body lengths), and snakes lifted their bodies an average of ∼40% higher on sand (measured in body lengths). Sidewinding may also differ among substrates in ways we did not measure (e.g. ground reaction forces and energetics), leaving open clear directions for future study.
A Method-Comparison Study Highlighting the Disparity between Osseous- and Skin-Based Measures of Foot Mobility
Authors: Wearing Scott C. , Jones Brendan , Horstmann Thomas , Robertson Aaron
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study examined the validity of standard clinical measures of arch height mobility (AHM), midfoot width mobility (MWM) and foot mobility magnitude (FMM) relative to skin-based and osseous measures derived from radiographs.

Methods

Skin-based clinical indices of foot mobility were calculated from standard, caliper-based measures of foot length, midfoot width and dorsal arch height of the left limb of 20 healthy participants (8-71 years) during nonweightbearing and weightbearing. Skin-based radiographic and osseous indices were derived from concurrent antero-posterior and lateral radiographs. Agreement between skin-based clinical and skin-based radiographic measures of foot mobility with those of osseous measures were investigated using the Bland and Altman approach.

Results

Foot mobility indices derived from clinical measures were significantly higher (20%-50%) than skin-based radiographic measures (P < .01), which were, in turn, significantly higher (200%-250%) than osseous measures (P < .01). Clinical measures demonstrated significant levels of proportional bias compared to radiographic measures of foot mobility (P < .01). The contribution of osseous movement to skin-based clinical measures of mobility was highly variable between individuals, ranging between 19-81% for AHM, 4-87% for MWM and 14-75% for FMM. The limits of tolerance for clinical measures of foot mobility, ranged from ±3.2 mm for MWM to ±6.6 mm for measures of FMM. The limits of tolerance for skin-based clinical and skin-based radiographic measures were generally larger than osseous movement with weightbearing.

Conclusions

Skin-based measures of foot mobility, whether clinical or radiographic methods, are not interchangeable and are poor indicators of osseous mobility. Although further research regarding the utility of osseous measures is warranted, these findings strongly caution against the use of skin-based clinical measures of foot mobility in clinical and research settings.
History, Challenges and Opportunities of Italy’s Transition to a Regulated Profession
Authors: Schneider Kristian
Published: November 2023

Since 2018 conservator-restorer is a regulated profession in Italy. The article gives a brief recount of the steps that led form a completely unregulated sector through a series of legal provisions to the protection of the title and an obligatory study course at EQF 7 to access the profession. The qualiÞcation procedure which signed the passage to a regulated profession is discussed in detail. At the end a short review of the problems of the procedure, as well as the challenges and opportunities of the outcomes is given.
The Current Situation in Switzerland Concerning the Regulation of Professions in “Conservation-Restoration” and the Protection of the Title “Conservator-Restorer”
Authors: Carol Anja , Diggelmann Johanna , Weichbrodt Anjo , Ellwanger Natalie
Published: November 2023

The Swiss Association for Conservation and Restoration (SKR/SCR) was founded back in 1966. It supports all efforts to protect and professionally preserve the art as well as cultural assets and acts for the interests of its member conservators and restorers. These members are employed and self-employed professionals of all disciplines from all cultural and linguistic regions of Switzerland. They represent the vast majority of conservators-restorers working in Switzerland. In 1991, the SKR/SCR was a constituent member of the European Confederation of Conservator-Restorer’s Organisations (E.C.C.O.). It works closely with national and international associations in the Þeld of cultural property conservation. The SKR/SCR is based on its professional proÞle, its code of honour, and E.C.C.O.s internationally recognised ethical documents “Professional Guidelines”.
GIS-assisted optimal design of maritime transport systems
Authors: Καρούντζος Ξενοφών-Ορφέας
Published: November 2023

Οι δυσμενείς περιβαλλοντικές επιπτώσεις των ορυκτών καυσίμων στη ναυτιλία απαιτούν τη στροφή προς πιο βιώσιμα μοντέλα θαλάσσιων μεταφορών για απανθρακοποίηση. Ως προς αυτό, οι περιβαλλοντικές επιπτώσεις από τη λειτουργία ναυτιλιακών δικτύων πρέπει να λαμβάνονται υπόψη στις διαδικασίες σχεδιασμού τους, ενώ παράλληλα απαραίτητη είναι η αντιμετώπιση διαφόρων ανισοτήτων, όπως η προσβασιμότητα, η συνοχή και η συνδεσιμότητα κάθε στοιχείου του δικτύου. Καθώς τα ναυτιλιακά δίκτυα παρουσιάζουν υψηλή πολυπλοκότητα και περίπλοκα τοπολογικά χαρακτηριστικά, η ανάπτυξη ενός νέου χωρικά σχετιζόμενου συστήματος υποστήριξης αποφάσεων (SDSS) για την υποβοήθηση του σχεδιασμού των δικτύων είναι απαραίτητη, βάσει των εξελίξεων στην ανάλυση χωρικών δεδομένων και η χρήση γεωχωρικών μεθόδων. Το αντικείμενο της παρούσας διατριβής είναι η ανάπτυξη ενός ευέλικτου και εύκολα προσαρμόσιμου μεθοδολογικού πλαισίου βασισμένου σε Συστήματα Γεωγραφικών Πληροφοριών (ΣΓΠ), μοντέλα και τεχνικές ανάλυσης χωρικών δεδομένων για την αξιολόγηση, το σχεδιασμό και την αναδιάρθρωση υφιστάμενων ναυτιλιακών δικτύων, αξιοποιώντας τις πρόσφατες τεχνολογικές εξελίξεις στα πλήρως ηλεκτρικά πλοία μηδενικών εκπομπών. Οι ειδικοί στόχοι της διατριβής περιλαμβάνουν: α) την ανάπτυξη ενός ολοκληρωμένου μεθοδολογικού πλαισίου για την παρακολούθηση των εκπομπών και την περιβαλλοντική αξιολόγηση ενός ναυτιλιακού δικτύου, καθώς και τον εντοπισμό περιοχών υψηλών εκπομπών αερίων CO2 για την εφαρμογή στοχευμένων παρεμβάσεων, β) την ανάπτυξη ενός μεθοδολογικού πλαισίου για τον επανασχεδιασμό των υφιστάμενων δικτύων, ενσωματώνοντας διαδρομές μηδενικών ρύπων, γ) την ανάπτυξη νέων δεικτών αποδοτικότητας για τους λιμένες του δικτύου σε συνδυασμό με ένα μοντέλο Περιβάλλουσας Ανάλυσης Δεδομένων λαμβάνοντας υπόψη περιθώρια χαλάρωσης (SBM-DEA) για την αξιολόγηση των λιμένων προς στοχευμένες παρεμβάσεις για βελτίωση. Το προτεινόμενο μεθοδολογικό πλαίσιο εφαρμόζεται στο ελληνικό ακτοπλοϊκό δίκτυο, συγκρίνοντας τα περιβαλλοντικά του οφέλη με συμβατικές στρατηγικές μείωσης ταχύτητας, ενώ επίσης συγκρίνεται με το υφιστάμενο δίκτυο, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη περιβαλλοντικούς παράγοντες, την προσβασιμότητα και κοινωνικής συνοχή του δικτύου.
Κβαντική πληροφορία παρουσία βαρυτικού πεδίου
Authors: Λαγουβάρδος Μιχαήλ
Published: November 2023

Σε αυτή την εργασία, μελετάμε την επίδραση της ασθενούς βαρύτητας πάνω σε κβαντικά συστήματα, επικεντρώνοντας σε φαινόμενα που έχουν αμιγώς κβαντικά χαρακτηριστικά, όπως η αποσυμφωνία. Για να κάνουμε προβλέψεις των πειραματικών αποτελεσμάτων βασισμένοι στις υπάρχουσες και καθιερωμένες θεωρίες μας, μια προσέγγιση που να ξεκινάει από τη Γενική Σχετικότητα και την Κβαντική Θεωρία Πεδίου είναι απαραίτητη. Τέτοια προσέγγιση είναι η θεωρία ABH, την οποία εφαρμόζουμε για τις περιπτώσεις της επίδρασης των βαρυτικών διακυμάνσεων σε βαθμωτά σωμάτια και σε φωτόνια. Πέρα από την προσέγγιση ασθενούς πεδίου, χρησιμοποιούμε τη μαρκοβιανή προσέγγιση για να κατασκευάσουμε μια εξίσωση μάστερ. Οι βαρυτικές διακυμάνσεις μπορεί να προκύπτουν από αστροφυσικά σώματα, να είναι κοσμολογική φύσης ή ακόμα και να είναι χαρακτηριστικά της μικροσκοπικής δομής του χωροχρόνου. Η ένταση της βαρυτικής αποσυμφωνίας που προβλέπεται από τη θεωρία (η οποία μπορεί να ποσοτικοποιηθεί χρησιμοποιώντας μια φαινομενολογική θερμοκρασία θορύβου Θ) εξαρτάται από τα χαρακτηριστικά της κβαντικής κατάστασης αυτών των βαρυτικών διακυμάνσεων. Μελλοντικά πειράματα μέτρησης της φαινομενολογικής σταθεράς Θ, θα μπορούσαν να ρίξουν φως στη μικροσκοπική φύση της βαρύτητας. Τέλος, εκτός από τις δυνατότητες πρόβλεψης της θεωρίας ABH, συζητιούνται οι δυνατές επεκτάσεις και γενικεύσεις της.
Η θεολογία του Πλάτωνα
Authors: Καρυδόπουλος Ευστράτιος
Published: November 2023

Αντικείμενο της παρούσας διατριβής αποτελεί η διδασκαλία του Πλάτωνα για το θείο. Ο Πλάτων μελετά την έννοια του θείου από τους πρώιμους διαλόγους του (π.χ. Ευθύφρων) μέχρι και τους ύστερους (π.χ. Τίμαιος), σε μία προσπάθεια να κατανοήσει τη φύση και τα ιδιαίτερα χαρακτηριστικά του και να προσδιορίσει τον ρόλο του στη διάρθρωση της πραγματικότητας, όπως τη γνωρίζουμε. Στο πλατωνικό corpus συναντάται ένα ετερόκλητο πλήθος όντων, τα οποία αποκαλούνται θεοί ή θεϊκά, γεγονός που δυσχεραίνει την ταυτοποίηση των γνήσια θείων όντων στη σκέψη του φιλοσόφου και, ιδίως, τον εντοπισμό μίας υπέρτατης θεϊκής οντότητας, ενός Θεού (με κεφαλαίο Θ), εφόσον κάτι τέτοιο είναι δυνατό. Μάλιστα, η δυσκολία στη μελέτη της πλατωνικής θεολογίας εντείνεται και από τον ασυνεχή και αποσπασματικό τρόπο με τον οποίον παρουσιάζει ο Πλάτων τη διδασκαλία του για το θείο. Σήμερα, πολλοί μελετητές θεωρούν ότι η θεολογία του Πλάτωνα συνιστά ένα ασυνεχές και συγκεχυμένο πεδίο της φιλοσοφικής του σκέψης. Στις υπάρχουσες μελέτες που έχουν γραφεί για την πλατωνική θεολογία η ταυτότητα του Θεού ποικίλλει, πράγμα λογικό εάν αναλογιστεί κανείς ότι στα πλατωνικά κείμενα πολλά όντα εμφανίζονται ως υπέρτατοι Θεοί. Στο επίκεντρο της παρούσας μελέτης τίθενται η Ιδέα του Αγαθού στην Πολιτεία, ο Δημιουργός στον Τίμαιο και η κοσμική Ψυχή στο ίδιο έργο και στο 10ο βιβλίο των Νόμων, η βασιλική Ψυχή με τον θεϊκό Νου στον Φίληβο και ο Θεός στον μύθο του Πολιτικού. Στόχος της διατριβής είναι να φωτίσει τα στοιχεία εκείνα που προσδίδουν συνοχή στην πλατωνική θεώρηση του θείου, συνδέοντας αρμονικά τις θεολογικές απόψεις στους διάφορους διαλόγους και το ετερόκλητο πλήθος των όντων που διεκδικούν τον τίτλο του Θεού στη φιλοσοφία του. Για την ολοκληρωμένη παρουσίαση της πλατωνικής θεολογίας εξετάζονται και οι απόψεις των προγενέστερων φιλοσόφων για το θείο και τις αρχές της πραγματικότητας, δηλαδή των Προσωκρατικών και του Σωκράτη, τις οποίες φαίνεται να έχει συνεχώς κατά νου ο Πλάτων, όταν μιλά για τον Θεό και τη δράση του στον κόσμο. Η διατριβή ολοκληρώνεται με τις απόψεις του Πλάτωνα για τους Ολύμπιους θεούς και το ζήτημα της ύπαρξής τους κατά τον ίδιο.
General versus spinal anesthesia in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Indra Rachman Rinaldo , Birowo Ponco , Nurullah Ghifari , Cho Prof. Sung Yong , Atmoko Widi , Widyahening Indah Suci , Rasyid Nur
Published: November 2023

Background: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the preferred treatment for the removal of large kidney stones, sized >20 mm. However, there is still an ongoing debate concerning the best anesthesia for PCNL. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety between general and spinal anesthesia for PCNL. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis study. A systematic, electronic literature search was performed in several databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar until July 1st, 2022. The quality of the articles was examined using Crombie's Items (for non-randomized controlled trials (RCTs)) and Jadad Scale (for RCTs). The outcomes assessed were operation time, fluoroscopy time, length of stay, stone-free rate, overall complication rate, specific postoperative complications, cost, pain score, and postoperative analgesic requirement. The article selection was reported based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We assessed four RCTs and eight retrospective studies. Meta-analysis of selected studies was performed using the Review Manager 5.3. Results: General anesthesia resulted in fewer Clavien–Dindo grade II (OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.49 – 0.94; p=0.02), major complications (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.45 – 0.94; p=0.02, and lower transfusion rates (OR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.53 – 0.94; p=0.02). Whereas spinal anesthesia resulted in faster operation time (Mean Difference: -12.98; 95% CI: -20.56 – -5.41; p<0.001, fluoroscopy time (MD: -26.15; 95% CI: -42.79 – -9.50; p=0.002), reduced length of stay (MD: -0.47; 95% CI: -0.75 – 0.20; p<0.001), and lower postoperative analgesic requirement and cost. No significant difference in stone-free rate (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.92 – 1.26; p=0.37). PCNL performed using either general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia is equally safe and effective. Conclusions: Each method of anesthesia has its own advantages and disadvantages. The final choice between general and spinal anesthesia should be based on the patient's condition and surgical team preference.
Maternal anaemia care in Kano state, Nigeria: an exploratory qualitative study of experiences of uptake and provision
Authors: Kuliya-Gwarzo Aisha , Tancred Tara , Gordon Daniel , Bates Imelda , Raven Joanna
Published: November 2023

Background: Maternal anaemia (anaemia in pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period) remains a persistent challenge, particularly in Kano State, Nigeria, which has the highest prevalence of maternal anaemia globally, at 72%. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study in Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano State, Nigeria. We aimed to identify factors constraining uptake and provision of maternal anaemia care, exploring perspectives across different stakeholders. We carried out 10 key informant interviews with policymakers and hospital managers, 28 in-depth interviews with healthcare providers and pregnant women using antenatal services and four focus group discussions with pregnant women’s husbands and mothers-in-law. Data were analysed thematically. Results: Issues with provision include a lack of provider training and guidelines specific to maternal anaemia and blood transfusion, insufficient staff to meet increasing demand, and inadequate resources. Issues with uptake include the inability to afford informal user fees, distrust in health services and the blood transfusion process, and a lack of understanding of the causes, consequences, and treatment for anaemia, resulting in poor uptake of care and adherence to treatment. Conclusions: This study recommends the implementation of standardized guidelines and training sessions to better support healthcare providers in offering quality services and increasing funding allocated to supporting maternal anaemia care. Education initiatives for service users and the public are also recommended to build public trust in health services and to improve understanding of maternal anaemia.
When Myopic Managers Must Mark to Market
Authors: Kolasinski Adam , Yang Nan
Published: November 2023

Although prior research suggests strict, fair value–based securities accounting rules cause banks to sell securities into negative liquidity shocks, a value-destroying behavior called “liquidity feedback trading,” the mechanism is uncertain. We find the sooner chief executive officers (CEOs) are permitted to cash out of their stock and option grants, the more prone are their banks to feedback trading. Furthermore, the sooner CEOs can cash out, the more positive their banks’ stock price reaction to news of accounting rule relaxation. We conclude incentives for managerial short-term focus are a mechanism by which stricter accounting rules cause feedback trading. We also find evidence that regulatory compliance concerns play a role.

This paper was accepted by Tomasz Piskorski, finance.

Funding: A. Kolasinski is grateful for financial support from Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. N. Yang thanks the School of Accounting and Finance at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University for financial support.

Supplemental Material: The data and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2020.03249 .
Information Reliability and Market Outcomes
Authors: Cho Chihoon , Frankel Richard , Martin Xiumin
Published: November 2023

We study the used car market to understand how public enforcement that intends to increase information reliability affects disclosure, pricing, and liquidity. In 1986, federal rules mandated the creation of odometer records, and states enforced the law in a staggered fashion. We find that used car asking-price sensitivity to mileage increases by 32.6%, and mileage disclosure in classified ads increases by 23.4%. The findings suggest that strengthened law enforcement increases odometer credibility and enhances market participants’ use of that information. We also show significant improvement in market outcomes: a 9.7% increase in asking price and a 13.4% increase in transaction speed, as reflected in the reduction in repeated ads. The price effect arises irrespective of whether ads contain mileage disclosure, whereas the liquidity effect arises mainly through disclosure. Our study shows public enforcement can benefit the market by improving information credibility.

This paper was accepted by Suraj Srinivasan, accounting.

Funding: The authors are grateful for financial support from the Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis.

Supplemental Material: The data and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.03758
Navigating obstacles impacting the sustainability of Medicare-funded wound care pricing
Authors: Feight Jennie , Forsyth Allyn , Tettelbach William
Published: November 2023

As the US population continues to age, costs for hard-to-heal wounds are expected to rise and negatively contribute to the long-term financial stability of Medicare, which is currently labelled a ‘high-risk’ program by the US Government Accountability Office. Within wound care, some skin substitutes, also known as cellular tissue products (CTPs), and now referred to as CAMPS (cellular, acellular, and matrix-like products), have demonstrated improved healing times and cost-effective usage. However, a dramatic increase in the number of CAMPs has led to controversy on reimbursement rates. For instance, in the third quarter of 2022, 30 of 68 CAMPs represented a disproportionate $256 million USD in costs, due to failures to report their average sales pricing. In its calendar year (CY) 2024 Proposed Rules, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) did not implement the proposal to package (‘bundle’) CAMPs products within the private office. Moreover, three Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) withdrew Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) that sought to curb use of CAMPs with limitations on covered products and number of applications, all of which illustrates a continued lack of consensus in coverage and reimbursement of CAMPs. To stabilise Medicare wound care expenditures, the CMS should use tools already at its disposal, to enforce reporting of average sales prices (ASP) for Q-coded CTPs or CAMPs, and to suitably audit ASPs for all potential abuses. MACs should consider adopting more rigorous strategies that drive all manufacturers of CAMPs to adopt an ASP reporting model.

Conclusion:

With more effective oversight, Medicare costs can be reduced, while stabilising a portion of its trust fund, disincentivising non-compliance and improving outcomes for the growing population of US beneficiaries with hard-to-heal wounds.
An oxygen-releasing agent promotes healing of skin wounds in rats
Authors: Deliberador Tatiana Miranda , Macalossi Juliana Marchioro Souza , Tenorio Claudia , Dall´Agnol Gizelli de Souza , Boia Mariana Ferreira , Zielak João Cesar
Published: November 2023

Objective:

To evaluate the local effect of a slow oxygen-release gel on the healing of standardised skin wounds caused in rats.

Method:

Skin wounds were created on the backs of male rats (Rattus norvegicus, Wistar) that were randomly allocated into two groups. In the treated (T) and control (C) groups, oxygen gel and distilled water, respectively, were applied to the wounds on alternate days for 28 days. Postoperatively, euthanasia was performed at 5, 10, 14, 21 and 28 days, followed by clinical, histological (Masson's trichrome) and immunohistochemical analysis. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni's test.

Results:

The cohort comprised 50 rats. On clinical and histological analysis, groups C and T showed similar characteristics 5 days post-operation. Subsequently, group T showed better healing at 14, 21 and 28 days and presented more intense inflammatory infiltrate up to 10 days. At days 14, 21 and 28, group T exhibited a reduction in oedema and increased angiogenesis, granulation tissue formation, and deposition of collagen fibres than group C. Immunohistochemical analysis showed the presence of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in both the groups, but the levels were significantly higher in group T (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

The local application of slow oxygen-release gel accelerated the healing of standardised skin wounds created surgically in rats, with increased angiogenesis and better collagen fibre formation.
Synthesis and Characterization of 6-Amino Caproic Acid Tkp-Based Resin for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Kanwar Sugan , Singh A. V.
Published: November 2023

The natural polysaccharide-based resin of tamarind using functional group as 6-amino caproic acid has been synthesized by porath’s method. Their adsorption behavior also evaluated by determination of % adsorption of toxic metal ions from stock solution as well as industrial effluents by batch method and column separation experiment. Their physiochemical properties as bulk density, ion exchange capacity, and FTIR, were investigated. Using the batch equilibrium approach, Kd of five metal ions at various pH levels was investigated. The maximum removal % of metal ions of Cu+2, Fe+2, Zn+2, Cd+2, and Pb+2 at TACA resin were found at 97.97%,97.80%, 96.39%, 94.94%, and 91.90% respectively. Distribution ratio of these ions observed from pH 2 to 8 was Cu+2 > Fe+2> Zn+2> Cd+2 > Pb+2. The toxic metal ions from discharge samples of the metallurgical and mineral industries have been removed using ion exchange resins. Recovery of Zn (Ⅱ), Pb (Ⅱ), Cd (Ⅱ), Cu (Ⅱ), and Fe (Ⅱ) were obtained at 95.44, 96.27, 96.41, 98.82, and 100% respectively. The ion exchange capacity of TACA resin was found 2.24mmol/g
Simplified Design Method for Imaging Systems Based on Optical-Digital Joint Optimization
Authors: Wang Yuanhang , Zhong Xing , Qu Zheng , Gao Qixiang , Li Lei , Zeng Chaoli
Published: November 2023

With the continuous improvement of imaging performance requirements, the design of imaging systems tends to become more complex, making it more difficult and expensive to manufacture and test. To overcome these problems, a simplified design framework for imaging systems based on optical-digital joint optimization is built in this paper. Specifically, this paper proposes a modified total variation (TV) regularization image recovery algorithm combined with the traditional optimization method for jointly correct the aberration and simplify the optical system by relaxing the configuration constraints under the guarantee of the imaging performance. To demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of the method, three design examples are provided, where the structural similarity (SSIM) of the simulation imaging results is on the same level as the initial system, with a maximum error of no more than 0.04. The simulation results demonstrate that our design method can effectively simplify the optical structure of imaging systems while maintaining the high performance.
Graphene-based fabrication to boost performance of InAs/GaInSb type II superlattice infrared photodetectors
Authors: Fukushima Shoichiro , Shimatani Masaaki , Iwakawa Manabu , Ogawa Shinpei
Published: November 2023

This study demonstrates that graphene can boost the performance of type-II superlattice (T2SL) infrared photodetectors. The devices were fabricated by simply forming graphene transistors or graphene diodes on InAs/GaInSb T2SLs, in contrast to recent structures that are grown using complex crystal growth and bandgap engineering techniques. The long wavelength infrared performance of the T2SL was improved by a factor of 5.5, and the T2SL-based graphene diodes exhibited the lowest noise equivalent power value of 4.09 pW/Hz½ while the T2SL diodes without the graphene exhibited that of 26.7 pW/Hz½. These findings indicate the potential to improve infrared image sensor performance by incorporating graphene.
Is N-Hacking Ever OK? The consequences of collecting more data in pursuit of statistical significance
Authors: Reinagel Pamela
Published: November 2023

Upon completion of an experiment, if a trend is observed that is “not quite significant,” it can be tempting to collect more data in an effort to achieve statistical significance. Such sample augmentation or “N-hacking” is condemned because it can lead to an excess of false positives, which can reduce the reproducibility of results. However, the scenarios used to prove this rule tend to be unrealistic, assuming the addition of unlimited extra samples to achieve statistical significance, or doing so when results are not even close to significant; an unlikely situation for most experiments involving patient samples, cultured cells, or live animals. If we were to examine some more realistic scenarios, could there be any situations whereN-hacking might be an acceptable practice? This Essay aims to address this question, using simulations to demonstrate howN-hacking causes false positives and to investigate whether this increase is still relevant when using parameters based on real-life experimental settings.
Does information on age-related fertility decline and fertility policies affect university students’ family and career expectations? Evidence from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tan Poh Lin , Pan Jessica , Xia Xing
Published: November 2023

Background

Past research shows that young adults have poor knowledge of age-related fertility decline and that the provision of information can improve fertility knowledge. We provide university students with information on age-related fertility and fertility-related policies and investigate whether the provision of such information affects their family formation and career expectations.

Methods

A three-armed randomized controlled trial was conducted online in Singapore between September and October 2021. A total of 1000 undergraduate students were recruited through campus advertisements to complete a 30- to 45-minute online survey, which randomly exposed participants to one of three informational brochures on age-related fertility decline, fertility policies, or diabetes (control group). Participants answered questions on family formation and career expectations both before and after the information intervention. Analysis of covariance was used to assess the effects of the information intervention.

Results

Exposure to age-related fertility information resulted in significant reductions in the ideal age at first childbirth, significant increases in the expected probability of marriage before age 30, and (among female participants) significant increases in the expected likelihood of undergoing social egg-freezing. No difference existed in child-number ideals, educational aspirations, and income expectations between groups after exposure. No difference existed between the fertility policy information group and the control group after exposure in any of the outcomes of interest.

Conclusions

Information on age-related fertility decline brought forward university students’ expected timing of childbearing and marriage without reducing their educational and career expectations. The provision of fertility information at early ages, such as during university, can help correct widespread inaccurate beliefs about fertility and promote realistic family formation planning without adversely affecting educational and career goals.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov.
Thrombin generation, bleeding and hemostasis in humans: Protocol for a scoping review of the literature
Authors: Shaw Joseph R. , James Tyler , Douxfils Jonathan , Dargaud Yesim , Levy Jerrold H. , Brinkman Herm Jan M. , Shorr Risa , Siegal Deborah , Castellucci Lana A. , Gross Peter , Khalife Roy , Sperling Christine , Page David , Fergusson Dean , Carrier Marc
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Hemostasis and bleeding are difficult to measure. Thrombin generation assays (TGAs) can measure both procoagulant and anticoagulant contributions to coagulation. TGAs might prove useful for the study of bleeding disorders. There has been much progress in TGA methodology over the past two decades, but its clinical significance is uncertain. We will undertake a scoping review of the literature to synthesize available information on the application of TGAs towards the study of bleeding and hemostasis, TGA methodologies being used and to summarize available literature on associations between TGA parameters, bleeding and hemostatic outcomes.

Methods and analysis

MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) will be searched in collaboration with an information specialist. Title/abstract and full-text screening will be carried out independently and in duplicate; eligible study types will include randomized controlled trials, non-randomized studies, systematic reviews, and case series reporting TGA results and bleeding/hemostatic outcomes among humans. Mapping the information identified will be carried out with results presented using qualitative data analytical techniques.

Ethics and dissemination

This scoping review will use published, publicly available information. Research ethics approval will not be required. We will disseminate our findings using conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, social media, and engagement with knowledge users. This review will outline knowledge gaps concerning TGAs, better delineate its applicability as a clinically relevant assay for bleeding. and seek to identify ongoing barriers to its widespread adoption in clinical research, and eventually, in the clinical setting.

Trail regulations

Registration ID with Open Science Framework: osf.io/zp4ge.
Social justice movements in the expansion of the Afro-Brazilian fashion market
Authors: Araújo Ana Rafaella Oliveira de
Published: November 2023

Fashion in the twenty-first century has been heavily impacted by social justice movements. Given this scenario, this article aims to discuss the reflexes that the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement caused in the global fashion industry from the year 2020, especially in Brazil. From the analysis of the events that motivated this movement, as well as a critical reading of the Brazilian historical-social formation context, I seek to present the emerging brands of racialized creators that are being highlighted at São Paulo Fashion Week, one of the most important fashion events in the country and Latin America.