bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progress of MEMS acoustic emission sensor: a review
Authors: Zhang Junhui , Zhang Sai , Yang Yuhua , Zhang Wendong
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Based on the micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology, acoustic emission sensors have gained popularity owing to their small size, consistency, affordability and easy integration. This study aims to provide direction for the advancement of MEMS acoustic emission sensors and predict their future potential for structural health detection of microprecision instruments.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper summarizes the recent research progress of three MEMS acoustic emission sensors, compares their individual strengths and weaknesses, analyzes their research focus and predicts their development trend in the future.

Findings

Piezoresistive, piezoelectric and capacitive MEMS acoustic emission sensors are the three main streams of MEMS acoustic emission sensors, which have their own advantages and disadvantages. The existing research has not been applied in practice, and MEMS acoustic emission sensor still needs further research in the aspects of wide frequency/high sensitivity, good robustness and integration with complementary metal oxide semiconductor. MEMS acoustic emission sensor has great development potential.

Originality/value

In this paper, the existing research achievements of MEMS acoustic emission sensors are described systematically, and the further development direction of MEMS acoustic emission sensors in the future research field is pointed out. It provides an important reference value for the actual weak acoustic emission signal detection in narrow structures.
A naturalistic observation study to determine the behaviours of customers purchasing à la carte menu service in a hotel chain after Covid-19 pandemic outbreak
Authors: Keski̇n Gülşah , Acar Vedat
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This current research aims to reveal customers’ behaviours who purchased à la carte menu service in a chain hotel operating in Istanbul, Türkiye after the Covid-19 outbreak. In addition to this main objective, customers’ main course preferences, tipping, complaining, maintaining eating and drinking habits, local food preferences, photograph taking and food waste behaviours were determined as the sub-research objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research method was adopted, and naturalistic observation was chosen as the data collection tool in this study. Firstly, an observation form was created based on the literature. To ensure the content validity, seven experts (five researchers and two experienced hotel employees) were consulted on 15 July 2021. After revising the form, a pilot study was carried out between 4 August and 29 September 2021. By conducting the pilot study, it was aimed to prevent any unpredictable behaviours of customers. As a result, four new items were added to, and two items were removed from the form. Then, 341 customers who purchased à la carte menu service in the restaurant of the hotel chain were observed between 7 October 2021 and 28 January 2022.

Findings

It was revealed that 52% of the customers who purchased à la carte menu services did not make any reservations, while approximately 59% of the customers with reservations did not stay at the hotel in which the research was conducted. In addition, 69% of them started to eat meal together; 56% of them paid in “cash”; 48% of them preferred local food and beverages; 41% left food on the plate; and 43% of them gave tip. In contrast, very few customers (6%) engaged in complaint behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

First, data were collected during the post-pandemic period when international travels were mostly restricted and thus, the researcher observed mostly Turkish customers at the restaurant. Second, only those customers sitting at the six tables close to the guest welcoming were observed. Third, just one observer took part in the data collection process. Fourth, the researchers chose one out of two restaurants of the hotel because only Asian cuisine was served and children under 12 years of age were not allowed to enter the other restaurant. Fifth, focusing on only a hotel and using naturalistic observation as a data collection tool may be shown among the limitations of this study.

Originality/value

This paper presents the customers’ behaviours who preferred à la carte menu service in a chain hotel operating in İstanbul, Türkiye after the Covid-19 outbreak. Although there are some studies focusing on changing of customer preferences during the post-pandemic period, “observation” was not preferred as a data collection tool by most of the researchers; hence, the findings of this study are useful for both researchers and educationists in tourism industry.
Effect of rolling on microstructure and mechanical properties of dual phase Mg–8Li–graphene composite
Authors: V. Kavimani , S. Kumaran , Ponnusamy Vignesh , Kumar Navneet
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the effect of interrupted rolling on microstructures and mechanical properties of Mg–8Li–xGr composite is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Graphene reinforced composite was developed by using stir casting route and rolled with different reduction in thickness such as 50, 75 and 90%. Microstructure, hardness and tensile characteristics of the rolled samples were evaluated.

Findings

Investigation on microstructures of rolled composite depicts that increase in rolling reduction % resulted in fine elongated grains and decreased aspect ratio. Further, it was also observed that increasing percentage of rolling reduction promotes the dissolution of ß Li phase and as a result the ductility of composite decreases. Interrupted rolled samples showcase higher hardness when compared with as-cast composite. Composite rolled with 90% reduction displays higher yield strength of 219 MPa. Hardening capacity of composites decreases with increase in reduction percentage due to the effective reduction in grain size.

Originality/value

Investigation on the influence of interrupted rolling on microstructures and mechanical properties of Mg graphene composite. The in-depth understanding of this will help to improve its wide spread application.
No votes for old men: Leaders' age and youth turnout in comparative perspective
Authors: CASTANHO SILVA BRUNO
Published: May 2024

Across countries, young people vote less than older citizens. While a few explanations have been suggested, this paper proposes that one core reason lies in youth under‐representation in partisan politics, in particular as issues such as climate change increase the salience of inter‐generational conflict. I argue that young people are less likely to vote in elections if they do not feel their age represented by candidates. I test this with data from the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems spanning 223 national elections in 58 countries between 1996 and 2021, combined with data on 980 party leaders and/or presidential candidates in those elections. I find that respondents younger than 30 are up to 4 per cent less likely to vote if the leading candidate of their favourite party is 70 in relation to a leader around 40. However, this effect only appears in more recent years and was nonexistent in the 1990s and early 2000s. Older voters' turnout is unaffected by leaders' and candidates' ages. Two potential mechanisms are the effects of descriptive representation of young voters on their external efficacy and democratic satisfaction. These findings corroborate the possible emergence of age as potential cleavage in contemporary politics and point to an important element of low youth participation as well as to the mobilization potential by parties selecting younger candidates.
Comparing the effectiveness of delivery style in produce safety training for growers
Authors: Enderton Arlene , Johnsen Ellen , Shaw Angela , Deering Amanda , Omolo Morrine
Published: May 2024

The Produce Safety Alliance grower training has been offered since 2016. Prior to the pandemic, the course was offered exclusively in‐person. During the pandemic, trainers were allowed to offer the course remotely. The effectiveness of in‐person and remote delivery options was compared utilizing four methods: course evaluations completed at the training; a pre‐ and post‐training knowledge assessment; a 1‐year follow‐up survey; and focus groups with course trainers. All methods, except the focus groups, were used as evaluation tools starting before and continuing during the pandemic. On the course evaluations, remote delivery and in‐person participants rated their satisfaction with the training and their confidence in their ability to make changes at the same high rate. The knowledge assessment found remote delivery participants scored higher on the posttest than in‐person participants when controlling for pretest score (p < 0.001); the effect size was between low and medium (ηp2 = 0.025). On the follow‐up survey, remote delivery participants reported making changes to food safety practices or infrastructure at a higher rate than in‐person participants (68% vs. 53%, respectively, Χ2 (1, N = 700) = 6.372, p = 0.012, Cramer's V = 0.012 (very low)). There were demographic differences in educational level, job description, and number of years farming between the two populations. The focus group revealed advantages and disadvantages of both delivery methods, including internet availability, engagement activity, and course logistics and planning. Because no practical differences in outcome were measured between delivery methods and each had unique strengths, researchers recommend that educators should utilize both methods in the future.

Practical Application

1. When deciding between offering in‐person or synchronous virtual training, trainers can feel confident that both delivery methods result in positive experiences from participants, learning, and behavior change. 2. PSA trainers may choose to offer the training remotely to increase accessibility for people who live in areas where there may not be enough growers to warrant holding an in‐person training nearby, but should also consider that reliable high‐speed internet access may not be available to all. 3. Remote delivery trainings can be smoother by hosting remote delivery participants at local extension or other partner offices where high‐speed internet is available.
Sweden: Political Developments and Data in 2023
Authors: WIDFELDT ANDERS
Published: May 2024

After several years of turbulence and instability, the political year of 2023 was comparatively quiet. The three‐party right‐of‐centre government, relying on support from the Sweden Democrats through the Tidö Agreement, stayed in office and its ministerial composition remained completely unchanged. Sweden chaired the presidency of the EU council for the first half of the year, without controversy or notable events. The process for membership of NATO proved more difficult than expected and was not completed at the end of the year due to resistance from Turkey and Hungary. The economy slowed down but showed signs of recovery towards the end of the year.
Clinical performance of predicting late age‐related macular degeneration development using multimodal imaging
Authors: Goh Kai Lyn , Abbott Carla J. , Campbell Thomas G. , Cohn Amy C. , Ong Dai Ni , Wickremasinghe Sanjeewa S. , Hodgson Lauren A. B. , Guymer Robyn H. , Wu Zhichao
Published: May 2024

Background

To examine whether the clinical performance of predicting late age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) development is improved through using multimodal imaging (MMI) compared to using colour fundus photography (CFP) alone, and how this compares with a basic prediction model using well‐established AMD risk factors.

Methods

Individuals with AMD in this study underwent MMI, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus autofluorescence, near‐infrared reflectance and CFP at baseline, and then at 6‐monthly intervals for 3‐years to determine MMI‐defined late AMD development. Four retinal specialists independently assessed the likelihood that each eye at baseline would progress to MMI‐defined late AMD over 3‐years with CFP, and then with MMI. Predictive performance with CFP and MMI were compared to each other, and to a basic prediction model using age, presence of pigmentary abnormalities, and OCT‐based drusen volume.

Results

The predictive performance of the clinicians using CFP [AUC = 0.75; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.68–0.82] improved when using MMI (AUC = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.72–0.85; p = 0.034). However, a basic prediction model outperformed clinicians using either CFP or MMI (AUC = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.78–91; p ≤ 0.002).

Conclusions

Clinical performance for predicting late AMD development was improved by using MMI compared to CFP. However, a basic prediction model using well‐established AMD risk factors outperformed retinal specialists, suggesting that such a model could further improve personalised counselling and monitoring of individuals with the early stages of AMD in clinical practice.
Robotic approach to colonic resection: For some or for all patients?
Authors: Subramaniam Sentilnathan , Piozzi Guglielmo Niccolò , Kim Seon‐Hahn , Khan Jim S.
Published: May 2024

The robotic approach is rapidly gaining momentum in colorectal surgery. Its benefits in pelvic surgery have been extensively discussed and are well established amongst those who perform minimally invasive surgery. However, the same cannot be said for the robotic approach for colonic resection, where its role is still debated. Here we aim to provide an extensive debate between selective and absolute use of the robotic approach for colonic resection by combining the thoughts of experts in the field of robotic and minimally invasive colorectal surgery, dissecting all key aspects for a critical view on this exciting new paradigm in colorectal surgery.
Redox kinetics of methylene green: Titanium trichloride as a novel photo redox agent
Authors: Nadeem Syed Muhammad Saqib , Saeed Rehana
Published: May 2024

The kinetics of the redox reaction of methylene green (MG) and the novel photo‐redox agent titanium trichloride (TiCl3) in water were investigated by real‐time spectrophotometric analysis of the change in absorbance of the reaction mixture at 655 nm. The novelty of this redox reaction is that the TiCl3 is an inorganic compound in contrast to the previously studied organic redox couples. The redox reaction was analysed in depth and the effects of the concentration of the TiCl3, MG, pH, dielectric constant, ionic strength, metal ions, and temperature on the reaction kinetics were observed. The rate of reaction had a direct relationship with the pH, dielectric constant, and ionic strength of the reaction medium, while an increase in temperature decreased the rate of reaction. The activation energy (Ea) was calculated by the Arrhenius relation, and the other thermodynamic parameters, such as enthalpy change of activation (∆H*), free energy change of activation (∆G*), and entropy change of activation (∆S*) were also evaluated to support the findings of the kinetic measurements. The presence of any reaction intermediate other than the species in the reaction mechanism was ruled out by the spectroscopic analysis of the reaction mixture and Michaelis–Menten plot while the absence of any free radicals was confirmed by the negative polyacrylamide test. A reaction mechanism for the redox reaction of MG+ and TiCl3 was proposed based on the different excited states of the MG+ involved in the reaction and the results of the product analysis. The decolourisation of MG by the TiCl3 is overall a second‐order reaction and is significantly affected by the pH of the reaction medium. The overall rate law for the redox reaction of MG and TiCl3 is as follows.
Plasma fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids and surrogate fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids hydrolysis activity in children with or without obesity and in adults with or without coronary artery disease
Authors: Ong Sze Min , Ng Daniel Zhi Wei , Chee Thaddeus En Zhe , Sng Andrew Anjian , Heng Chew Kiat , Lee Yung Seng , Chan Eric Chun Yong , Ooi Delicia Shu Qin
Published: May 2024

Aim

Fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFA) are a class of bioactive lipids with anti‐inflammatory, antidiabetic and cardioprotective properties. FAHFA hydrolysis into its fatty acid (FA) and hydroxy fatty acid (HFA) constituents can affect the bioavailability of FAHFA and its subsequent biological effects. We aimed to investigate FAHFA levels and FAHFA hydrolysis activity in children with or without obesity, and in adults with or without coronary artery disease (CAD).

Materials and Methods

Our study cohort included 20 children without obesity, 40 children with obesity, 10 adults without CAD and 28 adults with CAD. We quantitated plasma levels of four families of FAHFA [palmitic acid hydroxy stearic acid (PAHSA), palmitoleic acid hydroxy stearic acid (POHSA), oleic acid hydroxy stearic acid (OAHSA), stearic acid hydroxy stearic acid] and their corresponding FA and HFA constituents using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Surrogate FAHFA hydrolysis activity was estimated as the FA/FAHFA or HFA/FAHFA ratio.

Results

Children with obesity had lower plasma PAHSA (p = .001), OAHSA (p = .006) and total FAHFA (p = .011) levels, and higher surrogate FAHFA hydrolysis activity represented by PA/PAHSA (p = .040) and HSA/OAHSA (p = .025) compared with children without obesity. Adults with CAD and a history of myocardial infarction (MI) had lower POHSA levels (p = .026) and higher PA/PAHSA (p = .041), POA/POHSA (p = .003) and HSA/POHSA (p = .038) compared with those without MI.

Conclusion

Altered FAHFA metabolism is associated with obesity and MI, and inhibition of FAHFA hydrolysis should be studied further as a possible therapeutic strategy in obesity and MI.
Evaluating the influence of neighborhood connectivity and habitat effects in dynamic occupancy species distribution models
Authors: Solà Oriol , Aquilué Núria , Fraixedas Sara , Brotons Lluís
Published: May 2024

Exploring new approaches and methodologies to characterize species distribution dynamics, instead of solely relying on static spatial patterns, should be a priority for species distribution modelling research. Dynamic occupancy models (here, ‘dynocc models') are a promising tool to capture temporal patterns of distribution change but their spatial accuracy has been shown to be limited. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of incorporating neighborhood connectivity effects into the colonization and extinction functions of dynocc models. To accomplish this, we compared dynocc models accounting either for neighborhood connectivity only, for site‐level habitat covariates only, or combining both neighborhood and habitat explanations in the models for species extinction and colonization. All models were evaluated for a total of 46 bird species typical of forests and shrublands using data at 1 km2 scale from two Catalan breeding bird atlases (CBBA2: 1999–2002 and CBBA3: 2015–2018). Models' predictive performance varied across species between dynocc models incorporating habitat covariates alone and those considering neighborhood connectivity alone. Among species, 68% exhibited a predominant response to habitat effects, 24% showed similar responses for habitat and connectivity effects, and 9% were mostly associated with connectivity effects. Dynocc models combining connectivity and habitat covariates achieved the best predictive performance for most species, with bigger gains for species with similar results from habitat‐only and connectivity‐only models. However, relative performance gains compared to dynocc models using only habitat or connectivity variables were generally modest for most species. This study shows the benefits of considering more spatially explicit formulations in dynocc models, specifically incorporating neighborhood connectivity into the extinction and colonization processes. Our work also highlights the importance of evaluating different model formulations and assessing which aspects of the model are more important depending on the study species.
An assessment of Brazilian dentists' knowledge about tooth fragment reattachment: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Pinheiro Emerson de Sousa , Almeida Júlio César Franco , Garcia Fernanda Cristina Pimentel , Silva Uriel Paulo Coelho , da Cunha Leonardo Fernandes , Massignan Carla , de Moura Regina Cardoso , de Rezende Liliana Vicente Melo de Lucas
Published: May 2024

Background/Aim

Crown fractures are common traumatic dental injuries and tooth fragment reattachment is a viable option for restoring a fractured tooth. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and experience of dentists in the Federal District regarding the tooth fragment reattachment technique for enamel and dentin fractures.

Materials and Methods

For the cross‐sectional observational study, an electronic form was designed with objective and self‐report questions for dentists. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, with their absolute and relative frequencies. For the analysis of categorical variables, the nonparametric chi‐squared or Fisher exact association tests were used in the statistical software R (version 4.2.1).

Results

A total of 416 dentists participated in the study (58.9% female and 41.1% male). Of these, 70% declared they knew about fragment reattachment, but only 42.3% reported previous experience with this procedure. The most common storage medium used for the fractured fragment was milk (78.1%), and the bonding material used for reattachment was light‐cured composite resin (86.3%). A majority (66.3%) reported that for a patient with enamel and dentin fracture, with the crown fragment in good condition, they would choose to do the reattachment.

Conclusion

Dentists demonstrated that they had adequate knowledge about the tooth fragment technique, although many did not have previous experience with this procedure.
Fatal acute clinical babesiosis in an adult gelding pony living in an endemic area
Authors: Hermans Lisa‐Marie , Tortereau Antonin , Riccio Barbara , Desjardins Isabelle
Published: May 2024

Equine piroplasmosis is a haemoprotozoal disease caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi. Clinical presentations vary in severity according to infectious load, host immunity and endemicity. In endemic regions, equine piroplasmosis is rarely acute or peracute in presentation. Here we report a case of a 10‐year‐old pony gelding presented for fever and acute inspiratory dyspnoea. Clinical signs of hypovolemic shock were observed. Blood smear examination revealed a mild anaemia and thrombocytopenia with the presence of intraerythrocytic inclusions resembling Babesia caballi merozoites. Acute lung injury, ischaemic myocarditis, acute renal failure, pancreatitis and myopathy were detected. We made a presumptive diagnosis of acute babesiosis, with secondary systemic inflammatory reaction and multiple organ dysfunction syndromes. Supportive therapy was initiated, but imidocarb was not administered due to potentially fatal adverse reactions in a horse in shock. Anaemia worsened, with the development of acute pulmonary oedema, respiratory distress and disseminated intravascular coagulation. The gelding was euthanised and post‐mortem examination confirmed the formation of microthrombi within small vessels, leading to venous stasis and vasculitis.
Couple relationship functioning and social adjustment during the transition to parenthood among fathers with a history of maltreatment
Authors: Murray‐Perdue Samantha A. , Conway Andrew , Feinberg Mark E.
Published: May 2024

Study of fathers has gained significant traction over recent decades. However, the experience for men over the transition to parenthood remains focused on high‐socioeconomic and socially advantaged fathers. Researchers have yet to thoroughly investigate how fathers may uniquely experience this transition period with a history of childhood maltreatment, given that childhood abuse is known to impact several components of development and relationship functioning into adulthood. The current study endeavored to fill this gap by evaluating the associations between fathers' childhood experiences of physical and emotional abuse and their relationship functioning over the transition to parenthood in terms of both the couple relationship and social adjustment in relationships with others. Using data from 399 fathers who participated in a randomized control trial during pregnancy, the results from stepwise regressions indicate fathers with a history of emotional abuse experience particular declines in their external relationships (reductions in social support and increases in social stress) from prenatal (Wave 1) to postpartum (Wave 2) reports. However, no significant association emerged between fathers' history of maltreatment and their relationship functioning with their partners. These results underscore the importance of investigating the impact of different types of abuse on men in fatherhood. Moreover, we emphasize the need to study further fathers' social adjustment over the transition to parenthood beyond the couple relationship and broad social support to address the needs of men with a history of maltreatment in their new role as fathers.
A phylogeographical study of the discontinuously distributed Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)
Authors: Scribner Kim T. , Talbot Sandra L. , Pierson Barbara J. , Robinson John D. , Lanctot Richard B. , Esler Daniel , Dickson Kathryn
Published: May 2024

Species distributions are often indicative of historical biogeographical events and contemporary spatial biodiversity patterns. The Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus is a sea duck of conservation concern that has a disjunct distribution, with discrete portions of its range associated with northern Pacific and Atlantic Ocean basins. Movement data indicate migratory connectivity within regions of each ocean basin but not cross‐continent dispersal, suggesting that genetic structuring could exist at multiple spatial scales. Little is known regarding the impacts of past vicariance events on the species phylogeographical structure and historical demography, or rates of gene flow at different spatial scales. We used data from microsatellite loci and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences to quantify levels of genetic diversity within, and the extent of spatial genetic differentiation among locations sampled at multiple spatial scales across the species range. Samples were collected at nonbreeding locations, which represent groupings appropriate for characterizing genetically differentiated subgroups at regional and continental scales. Collectively, genetic data and coalescence modelling suggested that individuals colonized regions currently occupied within both ocean basins in the Holocene from a single refuge in the Atlantic. Further, it seems likely there was secondary contact with lineages derived from populations in Asia, based on the shallow species‐wide mtDNA phylogeny and high incidence of recently derived private mtDNA haplotypes. Estimates of inter‐location variance in microsatellite allele and mtDNA haplotype frequency were moderate and significant between western (Pacific – North America) and eastern (Atlantic – North America, Greenland and Iceland) ocean basins and among sampling groups within each ocean basin. Genetic differentiation among sampling groups was particularly evident at the species distributional margins in the Atlantic (Iceland) and the Pacific (Shemya Island) Ocean basins. Coalescent modelling results suggest that contemporary spatial genetic patterns in the species arose through the combined influences of secondary contact, shared ancestry and gene flow after the last glacial maxima.
Investigation of the influences of instructors and different media on learning attention with a wearable eye‐tracking system in the physical classrooms
Authors: Pham Thao , Hwang Wu‐Yuin , Pham Xuan‐Lam
Published: May 2024

Background

Examining student attention in physical classrooms is crucial, but it faces challenges due to the lack of accurate monitoring. Constraints posed by device limitations and the design of educational materials impede the integration of eye‐tracking technology in these settings.

Objectives

This study aims to (1) develop a wearable eye‐tracking system specifically designed to monitor students' eye movements and gaze points on the projector screen within a physical classroom setting; (2) explore the impact of instructor gestures (by compare live instruction by an instructor and video‐recorded instruction) on student attention and examine the effectiveness of directing students' attention from text to image through instructor intervention.

Methods

An innovative wearable eye‐tracking system was developed to monitor learners' eye movements within the physical classroom. Twenty‐five students participated in the experiment, which included two approaches: classroom lectured by the instructor and by a video presentation.

Results and Conclusions

The results indicate that participants exhibit a stronger inclination to allocate additional time to text content than image content when receiving instruction through video presentations with a laser pointer in the physical classroom. This tendency can be attributed to the participants' requirement for longer reading and comprehension time in the absence of an instructor. Additionally, the instructor's gestures and body movements significantly impacted participants' fixation on text slides compared to the image slides. The heatmap analyses support these findings and further indicate that participants focus on the instructor's face rather than other body parts.

Takeaways

The wearable eye‐tracking technology developed in this study holds promise for future educational research, offering further exploration and analysis opportunities.
A comparison of dementia diagnoses and cognitive function measures in Medicare claims and the Minimum Data Set
Authors: Niznik Joshua D. , Lund Jennifer L. , Hanson Laura C. , Colón‐Emeric Cathleen , Kelley Casey J. , Gilliam Meredith , Thorpe Carolyn T.
Published: May 2024

Background

Gold standard dementia assessments are rarely available in large real‐world datasets, leaving researchers to choose among methods with imperfect but acceptable accuracy to identify nursing home (NH) residents with dementia. In healthcare claims, options include claims‐based diagnosis algorithms, diagnosis indicators, and cognitive function measures in the Minimum Data Set (MDS), but few studies have compared these. We evaluated the proportion of NH residents identified with possible dementia and concordance of these three.

Methods

Using a 20% random sample of 2018–2019 Medicare beneficiaries, we identified MDS admission assessments for non‐skilled NH stays among individuals with continuous enrollment in Medicare Parts A, B, and D. Dementia was identified using: (1) Chronic Conditions Warehouse (CCW) claims‐based algorithm for Alzheimer's disease and non‐Alzheimer's dementia; (2) MDS active diagnosis indicators for Alzheimer's disease and non‐Alzheimer's dementias; and (3) the MDS Cognitive Function Scale (CFS) (at least mild cognitive impairment). We compared the proportion of admissions with evidence of possible dementia using each criterion and calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and agreement of the CCW claims definition and MDS indicators for identifying any impairment on the CFS.

Results

Among 346,013 non‐SNF NH admissions between 2018 and 2019, 57.2% met criteria for at least one definition (44.7% CFS, 40.7% CCW algorithm, 26.0% MDS indicators). The MDS CFS uniquely identified the greatest proportion with evidence of dementia. The CCW claims algorithm had 63.7% sensitivity and 78.1% specificity for identifying any cognitive impairment on the CFS. Active diagnosis indicators from the MDS had lower sensitivity (47.0%), but higher specificity (91.0%).

Conclusions

Claims‐ and MDS‐based methods for identifying NH residents with possible dementia have only partial overlap in the cohorts they identify, and neither is an obvious gold standard. Future studies should seek to determine whether additional functional assessments from the MDS or prescriptions can improve identification of possible dementia in this population.
Advancing primatology through ethical and scientific perspectives on rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) cloning
Authors: Kwon Taeho
Published: May 2024

A critical turning point was reached in research with the recent success in cloning rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta), a major advancement in primatology. This breakthrough marks the beginning of a new age in biomedical research, ushered by improved somatic cell nuclear transfer techniques and creative trophoblast replacement strategies. The successful cloning of rhesus monkeys presents the possibility of producing genetically homogeneous models that are highly advantageous for studying complex biological processes, testing drugs, and researching diseases. However, this achievement raises important ethical questions, particularly regarding animal welfare and the broader ramifications of primate cloning. Approaching the future of primate research with balance is critical, as the scientific world stands on the brink of these revolutionary breakthroughs. This paper aims to summarise the consequences, ethical challenges and possible paths forward in primatology arising from rhesus monkey cloning.
Revolutionizing non‐melanoma skin cancer treatment: Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors take the stage
Authors: Gholizadeh Nasim , Rokni Ghasem Rahmatpour , Zaresharifi Shirin , Gheisari Mehdi , Tabari Mohammad Amin Khazeei , Zoghi Ghazal
Published: May 2024

Background

Innovative treatments for non‐melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are required to enhance patient outcomes.

Aims

This review examines the effectiveness and safety of receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (RTKIs).

Methods

A comprehensive review was conducted on the treatment potential of several RTKIs, namely cetuximab, erlotinib, gefitinib, panitumumab, and lapatinib.

Results

The findings indicate that these targeted therapies hold great promise for the treatment of NMSCs. However, it is crucial to consider relapse rates and possible adverse effects. Further research is needed to improve treatment strategies, identify patient groups that would benefit the most, and assess the long‐term efficacy and safety, despite the favorable results reported in previous studies. Furthermore, it is crucial to investigate the potential benefits of integrating RTKIs with immunotherapy and other treatment modalities to enhance the overall efficacy of therapy for individuals with NMSC.

Conclusions

Targeted therapies for NMSCs may be possible with the use of RTKIs. The majority of studies focused on utilizing epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors as the primary class of RTKIs for the treatment of NMSC. Other RTKIs were only employed in experimental investigations. Research indicates that RTKIs could potentially serve as a suitable alternative for elderly patients who are unable to undergo chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Nurses' attitudes towards COVID‐19 vaccines: A qualitative study (PROACTIVE‐study)
Authors: Ottonello Giulia , Pesenti Silvia , Napolitano Francesca , Calzolari Michela , Pagnucci Nicola , Aleo Giuseppe , Zanini Milko , Catania Gianluca , Hayter Mark , Sasso Loredana , Bagnasco Annamaria
Published: May 2024

Aim

To explore the attitudes of healthcare workers towards COVID‐19 vaccines.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design was used.

Methods

Five focus groups were conducted between October and November 2021, with a total of 30 nurses from different contexts in Northern Italy. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcripts.

Results

Three main themes were identified: ‘favourable’, ‘unsure’ and ‘contrary to’ COVID‐19 vaccines. The favourable position was underpinned by trust in science, research and vaccination; protection for themselves, their families, patients and the population; duty as professionals; necessity to set an example for others. Participants who were unsure had doubts about the composition, safety and efficacy of the vaccine and were sometimes afraid that media provided incomplete information. The main reason why nurses were against was the feeling that being forced to vaccinate perceived as blackmail. Favourable or unsure nurses struggled to deal with those who were against and developed a series of emotions that ranged from respect and attempt to rationalize, to frustration and defeat.

Conclusions

Identifying the areas of hesitation is essential to understand what affects the choices of acceptance, delay or refusal of vaccination. The issues that emerged regarding proper communication within the vaccination campaign highlights the key importance of adequate vaccination strategies.

Implication for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Understanding attitudes towards vaccine and related motivations among healthcare workers could help develop more specific and targeted vaccination campaigns that can ensure proper vaccination coverage rates and avoid hesitancy or refusal.

Impact

Healthcare workers experiences of COVID‐19 vaccines, their views and know how they feel during COVID‐19 vaccinations.

Healthcare workers had three different positions in COVID‐19 vaccination.

This research will guide and target future vaccination campaigns.

Reporting Method

The study is reported using the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR).

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Measuring the importance of olfaction in Chinese children: A psychometric study of the Chinese version of the Children's Personal Significance of Olfaction Questionnaire
Authors: Chen Lixin , Tan Shaozhen , Li Shaowei , Ma Qianwen , Chen Yuying , Yan Chao , Schriever Valentin A. , Zou Laiquan
Published: May 2024

The Children's Personal Significance of Olfaction Questionnaire (ChiPSO) is a measurement tool for assessing the importance of olfactory information in children. Due to limited research on the importance of olfaction in Chinese children, this study aims to translate the ChiPSO into Chinese and validate this version, thereby examining its applicability within the Chinese context. The study involved 1015 participants aged 6–15 years, with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) used to evaluate the questionnaire's factor structure, alongside tests for internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and concurrent validity. The results confirmed a robust three‐factor structure (food, environment, and social) with adequate internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Furthermore, concurrent validity was confirmed through significant correlations with the Chemosensory Pleasure Scale for Children and the Body Odor Sniffing Questionnaire. In conclusion, this study effectively validated the ChiPSO‐C, proving it to be a reliable instrument for investigating olfactory significance in Chinese children.

Practical Application

The Chinese version of the Children's Personal Significance of Olfaction offers a validated tool to assess the personal significance of olfaction in Chinese children. Researchers and educators can use this tool to better understand and support children who may rely more significantly on olfactory cues for learning and interaction. Furthermore, this tool facilitates cross‐cultural research by providing a means to compare olfactory significance across different cultural contexts.
Demographics and exploitation of threatened cyprinid, Hypselobarbus kolus from a small‐scale reservoir fishery in the Western Ghats hot spot, India
Authors: Renjithkumar Chelapurath Radhakrishnan , Roshni Kuttanelloor
Published: May 2024

The Western Ghats region (part of Western Ghats‐Sril Lanka biodiversity hotspot) in India, is known not only for its rich ichthyodiversity and endemism but also as a region that continues to face various human pressure on its freshwater ecosystem through over‐exploitation, habitat destruction and alien fish invasion. Insufficient data regarding the demographics and exploitation pattern of threatened freshwater fishes in the Western Ghats (WG) region serves as a barrier to effectively managing and conserving these species in a sustainable manner. In this study, growth, mortality and exploitation level of an endemic and threatened cyprinid, Hypselobarbus kolus were investigated based on the specimen collected by tribal fishers through small‐scale fishery in Poringalkuthu Reservoir, Chalakudy River, WG, India. The asymptotic length (L∞) and growth rate (K) (growth parameters) of H. kolus were estimated as 341.25 mm and 0.64 year−1 respectively. The potential longevity (tmax) and length at first capture (Lc) were found to be 4.69 years and 249.34 mm respectively. The fishing mortality (F = 1.20 year−1) of H. kolus was higher than the natural mortality (M =.65 year−1) suggesting an unsustainable level of exploitation for the species within the present study area. Current exploitation rate is greater than E50 and 68% of the predicted maximum exploitation (Emax) points out the possibility of uncertain future of the stock under current exploitation rate. An integrative conservation approach, including fishing closure during spawning seasons, mesh size regulation, quotas system for local tribes and fishermen will ensure to sustainable harvesting for the species in the WG hotspot.
Understanding marine biodiversity patterns and drivers: The fall of Icarus
Authors: Danovaro Roberto
Published: May 2024

Biodiversity patterns are fundamental in our understanding of the distribution of life, ecosystem function, and conservation. In this concept analysis, A survey of the existing knowledge on marine biodiversity patterns and drivers across latitudes, longitudes, and depths indicates that none of the postulated patterns represent a rule. The paradigm of latitudinal gradients or bathymetric patterns of diversity vary across biogeographic regions or biodiversity components, kingdoms, or body sizes. The same holds true for the hypothesized longitudinal and cost‐offshore patterns. Food availability and temperature influence all life forms and appear to be the most relevant factors shaping marine biodiversity. However, these drivers interact with many other variables such as spatial heterogeneity, ecological and physical processes creating a complex mosaic of shaping factors that limits any prediction. Climate change, with its implications for global primary productivity and temperature rise, can represent one of the major influences on future marine biodiversity. Understanding biodiversity emphasizes the need to complete the census of marine life in the next decade. The effort must use the most advanced technologies, develop holistic approaches and promote the integration of morphological‐ and genetic‐based taxonomy to explore the biodiversity of organisms of all size classes, at large spatial scales and across habitat types, particularly open ocean and deep‐sea ecosystems. Without this basic knowledge, coupled with identification of the drivers shaping the observed patterns, we will be unable to fill these knowledge gaps that are crucial for developing adequate conservation measures of marine biodiversity at global scale.
Mechanisms of low nighttime temperature promote oil accumulation in Brassica napus L. based on in‐depth transcriptome analysis
Authors: Mi Chao , Zhang Yusong , Zhao Yanning , Lin Liangbin
Published: May 2024

Rape (Brassica napus L.; AACC) is an important oil‐bearing crop worldwide. Temperature significantly affects the production of oil crops; however, the mechanisms underlying temperature‐promoted oil biosynthesis remain largely unknown. In this study, we found that a temperature‐sensitive cultivar (O) could accumulate higher seed oil content under low nighttime temperatures (LNT,13°C) compared with a temperature‐insensitive cultivar (S). We performed an in‐depth transcriptome analysis of seeds from both cultivars grown under different nighttime temperatures. We found that low nighttime temperatures induced significant changes in the transcription patterns in the seeds of both cultivars. In contrast, the expression of genes associated with fatty acid and lipid pathways was higher in the O cultivar than in the S cultivar under low nighttime temperatures. Among these genes, we identified 14 genes associated with oil production, especially BnLPP and ACAA1, which were remarkably upregulated in the O cultivar in response to low nighttime temperatures compared to S. Further, a WGCNA analysis and qRT‐PCR verification revealed that these genes were mainly regulated by five transcription factors, WRKY20, MYB86, bHLH144, bHLH95, and NAC12, whose expression was also increased in O compared to S under LNT. These results allowed the elucidation of the probable molecular mechanism of oil accumulation under LNT conditions in the O cultivar. Subsequent biochemical assays verified that BnMYB86 transcriptionally activated BnLPP expression, contributing to oil accumulation. Meanwhile, at LNT, the expression levels of these genes in the O plants were higher than at high nighttime temperatures, DEGs (SUT, PGK, PK, GPDH, ACCase, SAD, KAS II, LACS, FAD2, FAD3, KCS, KAR, ECR, GPAT, LPAAT, PAP, DGAT, STERO) related to lipid biosynthesis were also upregulated, most of which are used in oil accumulation.
Characterisation of two novel HLA‐DRB1 alleles, HLA‐DRB1*04:01:24 and HLA‐DRB1*13:353
Authors: Loginova Maria , Obukhov Ivan , Paramonov Igor
Published: May 2024

Two novel HLA‐DRB1 alleles were detected using next generation sequencing.
BPS invariants fromp-adic integrals
Authors: Carocci Francesca , Orecchia Giulio , Wyss Dimitri
Published: May 2024

We define$p$-adic$\mathrm {BPS}$or$p\mathrm {BPS}$invariants for moduli spaces$\operatorname {M}_{\beta,\chi }$of one-dimensional sheaves on del Pezzo and K3 surfaces by means of integration over a non-archimedean local field$F$. Our definition relies on a canonical measure$\mu _{\rm can}$on the$F$-analytic manifold associated to$\operatorname {M}_{\beta,\chi }$and the$p\mathrm {BPS}$invariants are integrals of natural${\mathbb {G}}_m$gerbes with respect to$\mu _{\rm can}$. A similar construction can be done for meromorphic and usual Higgs bundles on a curve. Our main theorem is a$\chi$-independence result for these$p\mathrm {BPS}$invariants. For one-dimensional sheaves on del Pezzo surfaces and meromorphic Higgs bundles, we obtain as a corollary the agreement of$p\mathrm {BPS}$with usual$\mathrm {BPS}$invariants through a result of Maulik and Shen [Cohomological$\chi$-independence for moduli of one-dimensional sheaves and moduli of Higgs bundles, Geom. Topol.27(2023), 1539–1586].
A Procedure for the Static Design of Activated Carbon-Filled Air Springs
Authors: Breitenbach Stephan , Skoglund Marcel , Mantwill Frank
Published: May 2024

Compared to conventional coil springs in passenger vehicles, air springs allow the vehicle body to be leveled independently of the load while maintaining an almost constant spring rate. However, while vehicle masses are increasing, the usable installation space for the suspension and especially the body springs is constantly decreasing as battery packs for electric vehicles tend to become larger. This leads to a conflict of objectives in the design of the air spring, as a low spring rate is mainly achieved by a large air volume in the spring. By introducing adsorbents into the enclosed air volume, the spring rate can be lowered while maintaining the same installation space. Conversely, it is possible to reduce the required installation space while achieving the specified stiffness. This work provides an analytical approach for the determination of the spring stiffness of air springs filled with activated carbon. In contrast to complex numerical approaches based on substitute tests, the presented method provides a simple and application-oriented stiffness prediction for adsorbent-filled air springs under quasi-static excitation. With the validation measurements presented, this provides a robust design tool for industrial use.