bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of a single-session heart rate variability biofeedback on attentional control: does stress matter?
Authors: Blaser Berenike L. , Weymar Mathias , Wendt Julia
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Vagally mediated heart rate variability is an index of autonomic nervous system activity that is associated with a large variety of outcome variables including psychopathology and self-regulation. While practicing heart rate variability biofeedback over several weeks has been reliably associated with a number of positive outcomes, its acute effects are not well known. As the strongest association with vagally mediated heart rate variability has been found particularly within the attention-related subdomain of self-regulation, we investigated the acute effect of heart rate variability biofeedback on attentional control using the revised Attention Network Test.

Methods

Fifty-six participants were tested in two sessions. In one session each participant received a heart rate variability biofeedback intervention, and in the other session a control intervention of paced breathing at a normal ventilation rate. After the biofeedback or control intervention, participants completed the Attention Network Test using the Orienting Score as a measure of attentional control.

Results

Mixed models revealed that higher resting baseline vagally mediated heart rate variability was associated with better performance in attentional control, which suggests more efficient direction of attention to target stimuli. There was no significant main effect of the intervention on attentional control. However, an interaction effect indicated better performance in attentional control after biofeedback in individuals who reported higher current stress levels.

Discussion

The results point to acute beneficial effects of heart rate variability biofeedback on cognitive performance in highly stressed individuals. Although promising, the results need to be replicated in larger or more targeted samples in order to reach stronger conclusions about the effects.
Guiding principles and proposed classification system for the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence in scientific writing in medicine
Authors: Hryciw Brett N. , Seely Andrew J. E. , Kyeremanteng Kwadwo
Published: November 2023

The integration of large language models (LLMs) and artificial intelligence (AI) into scientific writing, especially in medical literature, presents both unprecedented opportunities and inherent challenges. This manuscript evaluates the transformative potential of LLMs for the synthesis of information, linguistic enhancements, and global knowledge dissemination. At the same time, it raises concerns about unintentional plagiarism, the risk of misinformation, data biases, and an over-reliance on AI. To address these, we propose governing principles for AI adoption that ensure integrity, transparency, validity, and accountability. Additionally, guidelines for reporting AI involvement in manuscript development are delineated, and a classification system to specify the level of AI assistance is introduced. This approach uniquely addresses the challenges of AI in scientific writing, emphasizing transparency in authorship, qualification of AI involvement, and ethical considerations. Concerns regarding access equity, potential biases in AI-generated content, authorship dynamics, and accountability are also explored, emphasizing the human author’s continued responsibility. Recommendations are made for fostering collaboration between AI developers, researchers, and journal editors and for emphasizing the importance of AI’s responsible use in academic writing. Regular evaluations of AI’s impact on the quality and biases of medical manuscripts are also advocated. As we navigate the expanding realm of AI in scientific discourse, it is crucial to maintain the human element of creativity, ethics, and oversight, ensuring that the integrity of scientific literature remains uncompromised.
How Can Art Assist Climate Science in Antarctica?
Authors: O’Connor Gabby , Robinson Natalie , Stevens Craig
Published: November 2023

Sea ice forms when the surface ocean gets so cold it freezes. Sea ice is important for marine life. It can also affect how quickly the ice moving into the ocean from the continent of Antarctica melts. In this article, we describe what happens when an artist takes part in a scientific expedition to measure ocean properties beneath sea ice. The expedition required a team to live in a camp made from shipping containers on skis that are placed on the frozen ocean surface for several weeks while the team does their work. On this particular expedition, the team took an artist. After the expedition, the artist and scientists worked with school classes to build up large artworks, based on what was learned in the sea-ice camp, that help tell the story of the changing Antarctic environment in new ways.
Digital Meditation For Improving Focus
Authors: Simon Alexander J. , Gazzaley Adam , Ziegler David A.
Published: November 2023

While there have been many new treatments discovered for brain disorders over the past few decades, we are still facing a major problem when it comes to treating these disorders throughout the world. This means we need better tools for improving mental health. Meditation is a technique that people have used for thousands of years to learn how to better regulate their minds. Although the benefits of meditation are well known, many people never learn how to meditate, often because it can require having many meetings with people who teach meditation. To try to solve this problem, scientists have begun to use modern technology (like smartphones) to help people learn how to meditate. This article will explain how meditation can improve the brain’s ability to focus, how apps can be important tools for teaching people how to meditate, and how using meditation apps can benefit mental health.
Woman Varayoc of Peruvian Andes
Authors: Gutiérrez-Gómez Edgar , Huanca-Arohuanca Jesús Wiliam , Quispe-Arroyo Adolfo , González-Ríos Rosa Cecilia , Huari-Salazar Yodel Cheldo
Published: November 2023

This study focuses on the importance of the symbolism of social control by the woman as the Varayoc (an office of authority of Incan origin) in a community in the Peruvian Andes. The objective is to explain the survival of the office of the Varayoc—traditionally held exclusively by men—and the acceptance of Andean women to it as a recognition of gender equality. In this field investigation, we interviewed and observed the most important activities of a woman Varayoc administering justice and present in all communal tasks. We conclude that women in the Peruvian Andes are approaching a status of equality with men in their position as the Varayoc, while maintaining the Incan tradition of local governance through the symbolism of the rod of command, which is also called Varayoc. It is evident that more women in the Andean community are interested in assuming political leadership with the symbolism of the ancestral Varayoc.
Distress in the care of people with chronic low back pain: insights from an ethnographic study
Authors: Dillon Miriam , Olson Rebecca E. , Plage Stefanie , Miciak Maxi , Window Peter , Stewart Matthew , Christoffersen Anja , Kilner Simon , Barthel Natalie , Setchell Jenny
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Distress is part of the experiences and care for people with chronic low back pain. However, distress is often pathologised and individualised; it is seen as a problem within the individual in pain and something to be downplayed, avoided, or fixed. To that end, we situate distress as a normal everyday relational experience circulating, affecting, moving in, through, and across bodies. Challenging practices that may amplify distress, we draw on the theorisation of affect as a relational assemblage to analyse physiotherapy clinical encounters in the care of people with chronic low back pain.

Methods

Adopting a critical reflexive ethnographic approach, we analyse data from a qualitative project involving 15 ethnographic observations of patient-physiotherapist interactions and 6 collaborative dialogues between researchers and physiotherapists. We foreground conceptualisations of distress— and what they make (im)possible—to trace embodied assemblage formations and relationality when caring for people with chronic low back pain.

Results

Our findings indicate that conceptualisation matters to the clinical entanglement, particularly how distress is recognised and navigated. Our study highlights how distress is both a lived experience and an affective relation—that both the physiotherapist and people with chronic low back pain experience distress and can be affected by and affect each other within clinical encounters.

Discussion

Situated at the intersection of health sociology, sociology of emotions, and physiotherapy, our study offers a worked example of applying an affective assemblage theoretical framework to understanding emotionally imbued clinical interactions. Viewing physiotherapy care through an affective assemblage lens allows for recognising that life, pain, and distress are emerging, always in flux. Such an approach recognises that clinicians and patients experience distress; they are affected by and affect each other. It demands a more humanistic approach to care and helps move towards reconnecting the inseparable in clinical practice—emotion and reason, body and mind, carer and cared for.
Impacts of non-residential solar on residential adoption decisions
Authors: O'Shaughnessy Eric , Barbose Galen , Grayson Alexandra , Ferrall-Wolf Isa , Sunter Deborah
Published: November 2023

Household decisions to adopt rooftop solar photovoltaics are partly driven by social influence. Previous research on solar adoption influence has focused on influence among residential peers. Here, we expand the framework of solar adoption influence by exploring the influence of non-residential installations on residential adoption decisions. We use staggered differences-in-differences to estimate non-residential influence effects using a large data sample of residential adoptions. We also critically evaluate prevailing frameworks for solar adoption influence. We find that non-residential installations are associated with accelerated residential adoption rates, on the order of 0.4 additional residential adoptions per quarter per non-residential installation. We show that non-residential systems exert a continuous, long-term influence on residential adoption decisions. We explore separate results and influence mechanisms for solar installed on commercial buildings, government buildings, and houses of worship. The results suggest that non-residential solar adopters could serve as partners in policies to “seed” residential adoption in underserved communities.
Where women in agri-food systems are at highest climate risk: a methodology for mapping climate–agriculture–gender inequality hotspots
Authors: Lecoutere Els , Mishra Avni , Singaraju Niyati , Koo Jawoo , Azzarri Carlo , Chanana Nitya , Nico Gianluigi , Puskur Ranjitha
Published: November 2023

Climate change poses a greater threat for more exposed and vulnerable countries, communities and social groups. People whose livelihood depends on the agriculture and food sector, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), face significant risk. In contexts with gendered roles in agri-food systems or where structural constraints to gender equality underlie unequal access to resources and services and constrain women’s agency, local climate hazards and stressors, such as droughts, floods, or shortened crop-growing seasons, tend to negatively affect women more than men and women’s adaptive capacities tend to be more restrained than men’s. Transformation toward just and sustainable agri-food systems in the face of climate change will not only depend on reducing but also on averting aggravated gender inequality in agri-food systems. In this paper, we developed and applied an accessible and versatile methodology to identify and map localities where climate change poses high risk especially for women in agri-food systems because of gendered exposure and vulnerability. We label these localities climate-agriculture-gender inequality hotspots. Applying our methodology to LMICs reveals that the countries at highest risk are majorly situated in Africa and Asia. Applying our methodology for agricultural activity-specific hotspot subnational areas to four focus countries, Mali, Zambia, Pakistan and Bangladesh, for instance, identifies a cluster of districts in Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions in Bangladesh as a hotspot for rice. The relevance and urgency of identifying localities where climate change hits agri-food systems hardest and is likely to negatively affect population groups or sectors that are particularly vulnerable is increasingly acknowledged in the literature and, in the spirit of leaving no one behind, in climate and development policy arenas. Hotspot maps can guide the allocation of scarce resources to most-at-risk populations. The climate-agriculture-gender inequality hotspot maps show where women involved in agri-food systems are at high climate risk while signaling that reducing this risk requires addressing the structural barriers to gender equality.
Plant-microbiome interactions under drought—insights from the molecular machinist’s toolbox
Authors: Ait-El-Mokhtar Mohamed , Meddich Abdelilah , Baslam Marouane
Published: November 2023

Plants face numerous challenges in novel and harsh environments, including altered precipitation regimes, salinity, extreme temperatures, increased atmospheric CO2, nutrient deficiency, heavy metals, and oxygen. Drought remains a major constraint to crop productivity and meeting food demand, with the frequency, intensity, and duration of drought expected to raise in the coming century. The “cry for help” hypothesis proposes that timely recruiting of the microbiome by plants may confer benefits in stress alleviation, plant growth, fitness, and health. The root-associated microbiome harbors 10–100 times more functional genes than the host, which can significantly stimulate the metabolic and genetic potential of plant–microbiome assembly. However, cross-talk among drought and the root-associated microbes, and among the root-associated microbiome and the host-plant, is less well understood. Understanding the molecular aspect of multiple mechanisms by which microbes associate with plants during drought stress is of fundamental importance in plant biology and agriculture. In this review, we examine the progress in research on the response of plant and its microbiome assemblages and interactions to drought stress, including the impact of drought and root exudates on host resilience. We delve into the potential of ‘omics’ technologies to unravel the signaling networks underlying these interactions and the multiway interactions that occur among the host and its associated microbiome. We then discuss the shortfalls, challenges, and future research directions in this field. Overall, we argue that harnessing/manipulating the crop microbiome presents a promising strategy for improving agricultural systems in the face of global climate change.
Gap between words and action: empirical study on the consistency of farmers supporting green vegetable production practices
Authors: Li Bo , Liao Mengjie , Yuan Junjing
Published: November 2023

The increasing interest on the quality and safety of vegetables has focused much attention to the words (willingness) and action (behavior) of farmers toward the production of safe vegetables. However, the majority of studies typically focus on willingness or behavior, ignoring the interactions between the two. Moreover, there exists a wide gap between farmers’ actual behavior and their willingness to support green production practices of vegetable. Thus, in order to explore the key factors of farmers’ willingness, behavior, and their consistency to adopt green vegetable production vegetable practices, we performed bivariate probit modeling and binary logistic regression based on a survey of 452 farmers in Beijing, China. Results demonstrate the number of farmers willing to adopt green vegetable production practices to exceed those who do not by 65.5%. In particular, 73.9% of farmers adopt green vegetable production practices, while 67.5% of farmers exhibit an adoption willingness that is consistent with the adoption behavior. A positive correlation is observed between the willingness and behavior to adopt green production practices of vegetable, while the key influencing factors of the willingness, behavior, and consistency of green production practices are distinct. For example, cooperatives, neighboring farmers, and government regulation exert a significant positive impact on consistency, while family labor force, vegetable income, and the media have a significant negative impact. Moreover, cooperatives are identified as the most important influencing factor. Our work offers guidance in understanding the influencing factors of the willingness and behavior to adopt green vegetable production practices, and can provide a policy basis for governments to promote such practices.
Multi-Energy Cooperative Primary Frequency Regulation Analysis of a Hybrid Plant Station for Wind Power and Hydrogen Production Based on Ensemble Empirical-Mode Decomposition Algorithm
Authors: Sun Dongyang , Yu Jixuan , Zheng Wenyuan , Ruan Junlin , Zu Guangxin
Published: November 2023

Wind curtailment and inadequate grid-connected frequency regulation capability are the main obstacles preventing wind power from becoming more permeable. The electric hydrogen production system can tackle the wind curtailment issue by converting electrical energy into hydrogen energy under normal operating circumstances. It can be applied as a load-reducing method during frequency regulation to help the system restore the power balance. First, this study proposes the concept of a hybrid plant station that combines the production of hydrogen and wind energy. This plant station will be referred to as a hybrid station with centralized hydrogen production and distributed energy storage. By mimicking the synchronous generator’s frequency control features, the primary frequency regulation mechanism of a hybrid plant station is examined. Secondly, due to the frequency regulation requirements of the power grid’s full-time domain hybrid power station, this paper proposes a hybrid plant station control strategy based on the EEMD variable parameter control algorithm. In frequency regulation power, the electric hydrogen production device load reduction responds to the low-frequency component, and the supercapacitor responds to the high-frequency component. The impact of the dynamic characteristics of alkaline electrolyzers on the frequency regulation effect is analyzed in this article, along with a comparison of the matching of various energy storage devices and electrolyzers in power grid frequency regulation. Finally, the feasibility and soundness of the proposed control strategy are confirmed by creating a simulation model representing a hybrid plant station involved in primary frequency management under various operational scenarios.
Unlocking Potential: The Development and User-Friendly Evaluation of a Virtual Reality Intervention for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Wong Ka-Po , Zhang Bohan , Qin Jing
Published: November 2023

(1) Background: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is typically first diagnosed in early childhood. Medication and cognitive behavioural therapy are considered effective in treating children with ADHD, whereas these treatments appear to have some side effects and restrictions. Virtual reality (VR), therefore, has been applied to exposure therapy for mental disorders. Previous studies have adopted VR in the cognitive behavioural treatment for children with ADHD; however, no research has used VR to develop social skills training for children with ADHD. This study aimed to develop a VR-based intervention (Social VR) to improve social skills in children with symptoms of ADHD. Prior to conducting the pilot trial to assess the effectiveness of Social VR, valuable user feedback was gathered regarding the mechanics of Social VR, satisfaction and motion sickness. This study presented the development and preliminary usability of Social VR to enhance social interaction skills among children with ADHD. (2) Methods: The development process of the Social VR intervention was demonstrated. The Social VR intervention consisted of three scenarios, namely MTR, Campus and Market and Restaurant. In the usability study, 25 children with ADHD were recruited to test the Social VR during the preliminary usability stage of a clinical trial at preinclusion. The participants completed a survey about their experience of playing Social VR, satisfaction, and motion sickness. (3) Results: The participants indicated the three conditions had easy-to-follow instructions, were easy to pick up, and that they understood when the situations changed. The control and beauty of the graphics of Market and Restaurant were relatively lower compared with those of MTR and Campus. The three scenarios are applicable to children diagnosed with any subtype of ADHD. (4) Conclusion: The participants were satisfied with Social VR. Social VR was generally considered realistic and immersive. Further trials to assess the feasibility and efficacy were discussed. If proven effective, VR-based intervention can be an adjunctive approach to current multimodal training for children with ADHD.
El Niño’s Effects on Southern African Agriculture in 2023/24 and Anticipatory Action Strategies to Reduce the Impacts in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mugiyo Hillary , Magadzire Tamuka , Choruma Dennis Junior , Chimonyo Vimbayi Grace Petrova , Manzou Rebecca , Jiri Obert , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwa
Published: November 2023

The frequency of El Niño occurrences in southern Africa surpasses the norm, resulting in erratic weather patterns that significantly impact food security, particularly in Zimbabwe. The effects of these weather patterns posit that El Niño occurrences have contributed to the diminished maize yields. The objective is to give guidelines to policymakers, researchers, and agricultural stakeholders for taking proactive actions to address the immediate and lasting impacts of El Niño and enhance the resilience of the agricultural industry. This brief paper provides prospective strategies for farmers to anticipate and counteract the El Niño-influenced dry season projected for 2023/24 and beyond. The coefficient of determination R2 between yield and ENSO was low; 11 of the 13 El Niño seasons had a negative detrended yield anomaly, indicating the strong association between El Nino’s effects and the reduced maize yields in Zimbabwe. The R2 between the Oceanic Nino Index (ONI) and rainfall (43%) and between rainfall and yield (39%) indirectly affects the association between ONI and yield. To safeguard farmers’ livelihoods and improve their preparedness for droughts in future agricultural seasons, this paper proposes a set of strategic, tactical, and operational decision-making guidelines that the agriculture industry should follow. The importance of equipping farmers with weather and climate information and guidance on drought and heat stress was underscored, encompassing strategies such as planting resilient crop varieties, choosing resilient livestock, and implementing adequate fire safety measures.
Automatic Segmentation and Assessment of Valvular Regurgitations with Color Doppler Echocardiography Images: A VABC-UNet-Based Framework
Authors: Huang Jun , Huang Aiyue , Xu Ruqin , Wu Musheng , Wang Peng , Wang Qing
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the automatic segmentation and classification of mitral regurgitation (MR) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) using a deep learning-based method, aiming to improve the efficiency and accuracy of diagnosis of valvular regurgitations. A VABC-UNet model was proposed consisting of VGG16 encoder, U-Net decoder, batch normalization, attention block and deepened convolution layer based on the U-Net backbone. Then, a VABC-UNet-based assessment framework was established for automatic segmentation, classification, and evaluation of valvular regurgitations. A total of 315 color Doppler echocardiography images of MR and/or TR in an apical four-chamber view were collected, including 35 images in the test dataset and 280 images in the training dataset. In comparison with the classic U-Net and VGG16-UNet models, the segmentation performance of the VABC-UNet model was evaluated via four metrics: Dice, Jaccard, Precision, and Recall. According to the features of regurgitation jet and atrium, the regurgitation could automatically be classified into MR or TR, and evaluated to mild, moderate, moderate–severe, or severe grade by the framework. The results show that the VABC-UNet model has a superior performance in the segmentation of valvular regurgitation jets and atria to the other two models and consequently a higher accuracy of classification and evaluation. There were fewer pseudo- and over-segmentations by the VABC-UNet model and the values of the metrics significantly improved (p < 0.05). The proposed VABC-UNet-based framework achieves automatic segmentation, classification, and evaluation of MR and TR, having potential to assist radiologists in clinical decision making of the regurgitations in valvular heart diseases.
Integrins Can Act as Suppressors of Ras-Mediated Oncogenesis in the Drosophila Wing Disc Epithelium
Authors: Martínez-Abarca Millán Ana , Martín-Bermudo María D.
Published: November 2023

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Key to cancer initiation and progression is the crosstalk between cancer cells and their microenvironment. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a major component of the tumour microenvironment and integrins, main cell-ECM adhesion receptors, are involved in every step of cancer progression. However, accumulating evidence has shown that integrins can act as tumour promoters but also as tumour suppressor factors, revealing that the biological roles of integrins in cancer are complex. This incites a better understating of integrin function in cancer progression. To achieve this goal, simple model organisms, such as Drosophila, offer great potential to unravel underlying conceptual principles. Here, we find that in the Drosophila wing disc epithelium the βPS integrins act as suppressors of tumours induced by a gain of function of the oncogenic form of Ras, RasV12. We show that βPS integrin depletion enhances the growth, delamination and invasive behaviour of RasV12 tumour cells, as well as their ability to affect the tumour microenvironment. These results strongly suggest that integrin function as tumour suppressors might be evolutionarily conserved. Drosophila can be used to understand the complex tumour modulating activities conferred by integrins, thus facilitating drug development.
Optical Imaging in Human Lymph Node Specimens for Detecting Breast Cancer Metastases: A Review
Authors: Papadoliopoulou Maria , Matiatou Maria , Koutsoumpos Spyridon , Mulita Francesk , Giannios Panagiotis , Margaris Ioannis , Moutzouris Konstantinos , Arkadopoulos Nikolaos , Michalopoulos Nikolaos V.
Published: November 2023

Assessment of regional lymph node status in breast cancer is of important staging and prognostic value. Even though formal histological examination is the currently accepted standard of care, optical imaging techniques have shown promising results in disease diagnosis. In the present article, we review six spectroscopic techniques and focus on their use as alternative tools for breast cancer lymph node assessment. Elastic scattering spectroscopy (ESS) seems to offer a simple, cost-effective, and reproducible method for intraoperative diagnosis of breast cancer lymph node metastasis. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides high-resolution tissue scanning, along with a short data acquisition time. However, it is relatively costly and experimentally complex. Raman spectroscopy proves to be a highly accurate method for the identification of malignant axillary lymph nodes, and it has been further validated in the setting of head and neck cancers. Still, it remains time-consuming. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRF) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DFS) are related to significant advantages, such as deep tissue penetration and efficiency. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is a promising method but has significant drawbacks. Nonetheless, only anecdotal reports exist on their clinical use for cancerous lymph node detection. Our results indicate that optical imaging methods can create informative and rapid tools to effectively guide surgical decision-making.
Novel Metabolic Approaches Targeting Cancer Cells
Authors: Sebestyén Anna , Lisanti Michael P. , Ozsvari Bela
Published: November 2023

Metabolic reprogramming is one of the main hallmarks of cancer [...]
Flow Analysis and Structural Optimization of Double-Chamber Parallel Flexible Valve Micropumps
Authors: Jiang Fan , Wen Jinfeng , Dong Teng
Published: November 2023

In the current study, a two-dimensional numerical study is carried out to investigate the performance of a novel Double-Chamber Parallel Flexible Valve micropump, which utilized the electrowetting-on-dielectrics (EWOD) effect to drive the microfluid flow. By observing the flow fields, the internal circulations are seen on both the left and right sides of the pump. The generation of the backflow is discussed as well by tracking the movement of the vortices. Only slight flow fluctuations are seen in the micropump. Based on the simulation results, the structural parameters including the width of the inlet and the outlet, the width of the pumping channel and the diverging angle in the micropump are analyzed, and the influence of these parameters on the pumping volume and the maximum pressure are discussed. Eventually, a group of optimal parameter combinations is given according to the simulation results to extend the operating potential of the micropump.
Recruiting In Vitro Transcribed mRNA against Cancer Immunotherapy: A Contemporary Appraisal of the Current Landscape
Authors: Miliotou Androulla N. , Georgiou-Siafis Sofia K. , Ntenti Charikleia , Pappas Ioannis S. , Papadopoulou Lefkothea C.
Published: November 2023

Over 100 innovative in vitro transcribed (IVT)-mRNAs are presently undergoing clinical trials, with a projected substantial impact on the pharmaceutical market in the near future. Τhe idea behind this is that after the successful cellular internalization of IVT-mRNAs, they are subsequently translated into proteins with therapeutic or prophylactic relevance. Simultaneously, cancer immunotherapy employs diverse strategies to mobilize the immune system in the battle against cancer. Therefore, in this review, the fundamental principles of IVT-mRNA to its recruitment in cancer immunotherapy, are discussed and analyzed. More specifically, this review paper focuses on the development of mRNA vaccines, the exploitation of neoantigens, as well as Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cells, showcasing their clinical applications and the ongoing trials for the development of next-generation immunotherapeutics. Furthermore, this study investigates the synergistic potential of combining the CAR immunotherapy and the IVT-mRNAs by introducing our research group novel, patented delivery method that utilizes the Protein Transduction Domain (PTD) technology to transduce the IVT-mRNAs encoding the CAR of interest into the Natural Killer (NK)-92 cells, highlighting the potential for enhancing the CAR NK cell potency, efficiency, and bioenergetics. While IVT-mRNA technology brings exciting progress to cancer immunotherapy, several challenges and limitations must be acknowledged, such as safety, toxicity, and delivery issues. This comprehensive exploration of IVT-mRNA technology, in line with its applications in cancer therapeutics, offers valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges in the evolving landscape of cancer immunotherapy, setting the stage for future advancements in the field.
Abstracts of the 2023 Joint Annual Meeting of the Swiss Neurological Society and Swiss Society of Neurosurgery Guest Society: Swiss Society of Behavioural Neurology, Kongresshaus Zurich, Switzerland, November 23–24, 2023
Authors:   Swiss Neurological Society (SNS),   Swiss Society of Neurosurgery (SSNS)
Published: November 2023

On behalf of the SNS and SSNS, we are pleased to present the abstracts of the Joint Annual Meeting to be held in Zurich, Switzerland, on 23–24 November, 2023. In total, 119 abstracts have been selected: 4 abstracts for the Plenary Sessions, 12 abstracts for Free Communications, 18 abstracts for Poster flash presentations, 6 abstracts for the SAYN GemSession, and 79 abstracts as ePosters. We congratulate all the presenters on their research work and contributions.
Professional Values and Self-Reported Clinical Competence of Acute Care Nurses in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ashehry Abdualrahman S. , Inocian Ergie P. , Alharbi Homood A. , Alanazi Naif H. , Adalin Norisk M. , Carsula Rene P. , Tumala Regie B.
Published: November 2023

Background: Professional values are the foundation of nursing practice. Current research evidence on the influence of professional values on clinical competence among acute care nurses in the clinical area is lacking. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the professional values and self-reported clinical competence among acute care nurses. Methods: This quantitative study used a cross-sectional, correlational design. A convenience sample of 403 nurses was recruited to answer the survey utilizing the Nurses Professional Values Scale-3 and the Nurse Competence Scale. The Pearson correlation coefficient was computed to test the relationship between study variables, and a stepwise multiple regression analysis was then performed to investigate the predictors of nurses’ professional values and clinical competence. Results: The professional value of “caring” received the highest mean score, followed by “professionalism”, while the factor “activism” was rated the lowest. Education was a significant predictor of all three factors of professional values. For clinical competence, “managing situations” was rated as the highest dimension, while “ensuring quality” was rated as the lowest. Moderate positive correlations were revealed between the three factors of professional values and all dimensions of nurses’ clinical competence. Area of practice and “activism” were the only significant predictors of the nurses’ clinical competence. Conclusions: Nurses perceived all three factors of professional values with high importance in influencing their clinical competence. These findings can contribute to the development of educational interventions to improve and sustain professional values and clinical competence among acute care nurses.
Driving Factors of Chinese Pine Population Distribution in the Ridge Habitats of the Southern Slope of the Mid-Qinling Mountains, China
Authors: Yang Hang , Song Yahui , Pang Yue , Kang Haibin , Xue Yue , Wang Dexiang
Published: November 2023

The Chinese pine (Pinus tabuliformis) community on the ridge is one of the most important zonal forest communities on the southern slope of the mid-Qinling Mountains. This study aimed to investigate the driving factors of Chinese pine population distribution in the ridge habitats and its adaptability characteristics. Population age structure and the relationship between regeneration dynamics and environmental factors were investigated in 32 plots in the Huoditang Forest region. The results showed that the niche of Chinese pine was wide but overlapped greatly with that of Quercus aliena var. acutiserrat, an oak species. The population in the ridge habitats exhibited an expansion trend, while that inhabiting slope habitats was declining. Seedling density in ridge habitats was much higher than that of the understory in the slope habitats. Still, the seedling growth rate in both ridge and understory habitats was much lower than that characteristic of gap habitats. Seedling density positively correlated with understory solar conditions, while growth positively correlated with soil fertility, indicating that environmental factors significantly influence the regeneration process. Thus, light conditions and intrinsic biological traits of Pinus tabuliformis influence its distribution. In ridge habitats, sufficient light conditions promote Pinus tabuliformis regeneration and recruitment of larger classes, but poor soil conditions also limit its growth.
Overview on the Biosecurity Measures of Salmonid Fish Farms: A Case Study in Italy
Authors: Mazzucato Matteo , Dorotea Tiziano , Franzago Eleonora , Mulatti Paolo , Marchetti Giulio , Casarotto Claudia , Fabris Andrea , Ferrè Nicola , Toffan Anna , Marsella Andrea , Callegaro Azzurra , Manca Grazia , Dalla Pozza Manuela
Published: November 2023

Italy is one of the main European producers of trout fish, and the most important producing area is the Autonomous Province of Trento (APT) in the North East. The objective of the study was to obtain a snapshot of the trout farms of the APT by identifying biosecurity factors, objectifying them, and classifying the establishments accordingly. Data from 62 salmonid farms were collected using a national checklist in which biosecurity elements were identified and assessed using the method of expert elicitation. The purpose was to evaluate the levels of biosecurity of a trout farm in order to rank the risk of introduction and spread of infectious fish diseases. The main critical factors identified during this study were as following: (i) cleaning and disinfection of the cargo truck; (ii) regular collection, storage, and disposal of dead fish; (iii) presence of anti-bird nets; (iv) use of dedicated equipment for the different sectors of the farm; and (v) presence of external areas dedicated to the loading of dead fish.
A Computational Fluid Dynamics Study to Compare Two Types of Arterial Cannulae for Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Gramigna Vera , Palumbo Arrigo , Rossi Michele , Fragomeni Gionata
Published: November 2023

Thanks to recent technological and IT advances, there have been rapid developments in biomedical and health research applications of computational fluid dynamics. This is a methodology of computer-based simulation that uses numerical solutions of the governing equations to simulate real fluid flows. The aim of this study is to investigate, using a patient-specific computational fluid dynamics analysis, the hemodynamic behavior of two arterial cannulae, with two different geometries, used in clinical practice during cardiopulmonary bypass. A realistic 3D model of the aorta is extracted from a subject’s CT images using segmentation and reverse engineering techniques. The two cannulae, with similar geometry except for the distal end (straight or curved tip), are modeled and inserted at the specific position in the ascending aorta. The assumption of equal boundary conditions is adopted for the two simulations in order to analyze only the effects of a cannula’s geometry on hemodynamic behavior. Simulation results showed a greater percentage of the total output directed towards the supra-aortic vessels with the curved tip cannula (66% vs. 54%), demonstrating that the different cannula tips geometry produces specific advantages during cardiopulmonary bypass. Indeed, the straight one seems to generate a steadier flow pattern with good recirculation in the ascending aorta.
Reinforce Bee Product Quality Evaluation to Protect Human Health
Authors: Li Qiangqiang , Wu Liming
Published: November 2023

The quality of bee products is directly related to the health of consumers [...]
Parameter Estimation of LFM Signals Based on FOTD-CFRFT under Impulsive Noise
Authors: Wang Houyou , Guo Yong , Yang Lidong
Published: November 2023

Due to the short duration and high amplitude characteristics of impulsive noise, these parameter estimation methods based on Gaussian assumptions are ineffective in the presence of impulsive noise. To address this issue, a LFM signal parameter estimation method is proposed based on FOTD and CFRFT. Firstly, the mathematical expression of FOTD is presented and its tracking performance is verified. Secondly, the tracked signal is subjected to discrete time CFRFT, and a mathematical optimization model for LFM signal parameter estimation is established on the fractional spectrum characteristic. Finally, a correction method for non-standard SαS distributed noise is proposed, and the performance of parameter estimation under both standard and non-standard SαS distributions are analyzed. The simulation results show that this method not only effectively suppresses the impact of impulsive noise on the fractional spectrum of LFM signal, but also has better parameter estimation accuracy and stability in the low GSNR. The proposed method is particularly effective under the measured noise environment, as it successfully suppresses the impact of impulsive noise and achieves high-precision parameter estimation.
Modeling Long-Distance Forward and Backward Diffusion Processes in Tracer Transport Using the Fractional Laplacian on Bounded Domains
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Tang Hongwu , Yuan Saiyu , Zhang Huiming , Kong Lingzhong , Sun HongGuang
Published: November 2023

Recent studies have emphasized the importance of the long-distance diffusion model in characterizing tracer transport occurring within both subsurface and surface environments, particularly in heterogeneous systems. Long-distance diffusion, often referred to as nonlocal diffusion, signifies that tracer particles may experience a considerably long distance in either the forward or backward direction along preferential channels during the transport. The classical advection–diffusion (ADE) model has been widely used to describe tracer transport; however, they often fall short in capturing the intricacies of nonlocal diffusion processes. The fractional operator has gained recognition among hydrologists due to its potential to capture distinct mechanisms of transport and storage for tracer particles exhibiting nonlocal dynamics. However, the hypersingularity of the fractional Laplacian operator presents considerable difficulties in its numerical approximation in bounded domains. This study focuses on the development and application of the fractional Laplacian-based model to characterize nonlocal tracer transport behavior, specifically considering both forward and backward diffusion processes on bounded domains. The Riesz fractional Laplacian provides a mathematical framework for describing tracer diffusion processes on a bounded domain, and a novel finite difference method (FDM) is introduced as an effective numerical solver for addressing the fractional Laplacian-based model. Applications reveal that the fractional Laplacian-based model can effectively capture the observed nonlocal tracer transport behavior in a heterogeneous system, and nonlocal tracer transport exhibits dynamic characteristics, influenced by the evolving heterogeneity of the media at various temporal scales.
New Approach to Quasi-Synchronization of Fractional-Order Delayed Neural Networks
Authors: Zhang Shilong , Du Feifei , Chen Diyi
Published: November 2023

This article investigates quasi-synchronization for a class of fractional-order delayed neural networks. By utilizing the properties of the Laplace transform, the Caputo derivative, and the Mittag–Leffler function, a new fractional-order differential inequality is introduced. Furthermore, an adaptive controller is designed, resulting in the derivation of an effective criterion to ensure the aforementioned synchronization. Finally, a numerical illustration is provided to demonstrate the validity of the presented theoretical findings.
Efficient Analysis of Large-Size Bio-Signals Based on Orthogonal Generalized Laguerre Moments of Fractional Orders and Schwarz–Rutishauser Algorithm
Authors: Aldakheel Eman Abdullah , Khafaga Doaa Sami , Fathi Islam S. , Hosny Khalid M. , Hassan Gaber
Published: November 2023

Orthogonal generalized Laguerre moments of fractional orders (FrGLMs) are signal and image descriptors. The utilization of the FrGLMs in the analysis of big-size signals encounters three challenges. First, calculating the high-order moments is a time-consuming process. Second, accumulating numerical errors leads to numerical instability and degrades the reconstructed signals’ quality. Third, the QR decomposition technique is needed to preserve the orthogonality of the higher-order moments. In this paper, the authors derived a new recurrence formula for calculating the FrGLMs, significantly reducing the computational CPU times. We used the Schwarz–Rutishauser algorithm as an alternative to the QR decomposition technique. The proposed method for computing FrGLMs for big-size signals is accurate, simple, and fast. The proposed algorithm has been tested using the MIT-BIH arrhythmia benchmark dataset. The results show the proposed method’s superiority over existing methods in terms of processing time and reconstruction capability. Concerning the reconstructed capability, it has achieved superiority with average values of 25.3233 and 15.6507 with the two metrics PSNR and MSE, respectively. Concerning the elapsed reconstruction time, it also achieved high superiority with an efficiency gain of 0.8. The proposed method is suitable for utilization in the Internet of Healthcare Things.
Picturing Jewish Genealogy: Using Nineteenth-Century Portrait Albums as a Genealogical Source
Authors: Klein Michele
Published: November 2023

This essay argues that the earliest genre of Jewish family photograph albums, the nineteenth-century portrait-card albums created by the bourgeoisie, may become a starting point for genealogical discoveries. Some display the visual genealogies of extended families, and many reveal the genealogical memories of family migration. The case studies presented here showcase the process through which an album became a starting point for the construction or expansion of a family’s genealogy. They draw on the radial sources commonly employed by family genealogists, including birth and burial records, censuses, and other archival materials. The discussion looks at the role of family albums in the passing down of family history to future generations.
Navigating Uncertainty: Experiences of Older Adults in Wuhan during the 76-Day COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Tang Jianing , Wang Tangsheng , Cottrell Jessica , Jia Fanli
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the world. Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak, underwent a 76-day lockdown. Research has indicated that the lockdown negatively impacted the quality of life of older individuals, but little is known about their specific experiences during the confinement period. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 elderly residents of Wuhan, aged 65 to 85, who experienced mandatory isolation throughout the pandemic. The interviews centered around three stages of experiences: the Early Lockdown stage (the first week of lockdown after the government implemented the lockdown policy in January 2020), Infection During Lockdown stage (from February to April 2020 when participants were affected by the lockdown), and the Post-Lockdown stage (after April 2020 when the government lifted the lockdown policy). We found that older adults experienced different core themes during each lockdown stage. In the Early Lockdown stage, they felt nervousness and fear while searching for information. During the Lockdown and Infection Stage, they relied on reciprocal support and adjusted to new lifestyles. In the Post-Lockdown stage, they expressed cautions, trust, and gratitude. The finding highlights the evolving emotions and coping strategies of older adults throughout the lockdown phases. This study has yielded valuable insights into the adaptations of behavior and the importance of social interactions, specifically emphasizing the significance of healthcare among the elderly population.