bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart Glasses in Surgery: The Theatre and Beyond
Authors: Gollapalli Syama , Sharma Vidushi , Al Ghazwi Adel , Heskin Leonie
Published: July 2024

Aims & Objectives

The primary aim of this paper is to determine whether smart glasses or head-mounted displays improve efficiency in a procedural or theatre setting without compromising the quality of the procedure performed. Additionally, this paper aims to qualitatively explore applications in surgical education, whilst on-call, consulting and patient observation.

Design

This paper is a systematic review of the literature available on the topic of smart glasses or head-mounted displays in surgical or procedural settings.

Methods

A search of Pubmed, Cochrane and the Wiley Online Library was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Procedural times and adverse outcomes were compared between the smart glass and non-smart glass groups in each of the quantitative studies. A literature review of studies, including those not satisfying the primary aim was conducted and is included in this paper.

Results

32 studies were identified that complied with the inclusion criteria of this paper. 8 of these studies focused on procedural times and adverse outcomes, with and without smart glass usage. Procedural time was reduced when smart glass technology was used, without an increase in adverse patient outcomes.

Conclusions

Surgeons should consider whether the relatively short reduction in procedural time is worth the high cost, privacy issues, battery complaints and user discomfort involved with these devices. There are promising applications of this technology in the areas of surgical education and consultation. However, more trials are necessary to assess the value of using smart glasses in these settings.
From the Ontology of Video Games to the Epistemology of Digital Movements. Towards a Semiotics of Virtual Practices
Authors: D’Armenio Enzo
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we intend to construct an original integration between the ontology and hermeneutics of video games proposed in the field of game studies and the post-structuralist approach of contemporary semiotics. The aim is to propose a new epistemology of video game and virtual reality experiences grounded in the concept of movement. These media will be reconceptualized as image-movements: expressive systems that rely on the interrelation of two sets of qualities, visual qualities and kinetic qualities. First, we will perform an integration between the concept of ergodic literature developed in the field of game studies and recent developments as regards a semiotics of practices. Starting from this general convergence, we will rely on the meta-ontology of video games proposed by Espen Aarseth and Paweł Grabarczyk to build a theory capable of integrating as many dimensions as possible around a kinetic explanatory core.
I Play, Therefore I Think: Procedural Philosophy in Remedy Entertainment's Alan Wake 2 (2023)
Authors: Mendelytė Atėnė
Published: July 2024

Regarding video games as loci of philosophical thinking, not simply illustrations of preexisting philosophical concepts and positions, is far too rare in gamic thought studies. Yet due to the conceptually complex nature of the critically acclaimed Alan Wake 2 (Remedy Entertainment, 2023) such a perspective becomes necessary in order to fully understand the philosophical, gamic, and aesthetic complexity of the game. Subsequently, this article argues that the game performs what is termed “procedural philosophy” as it involves adapting a position of radical skepticism and questioning the essential ontological categories of both the gamic and the nongamic reality. As the analysis shows, Alan Wake 2 develops a philosophical conceptualization of reality which results in the formation of “obscure ideas,” related to a gamic flattening of ontology.
Mothers’ Perceptions About Cooking at Home: A Qualitative Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Botelho Alyne Michelle , Camargo Anice Milbratz de , Fiates Giovanna Medeiros Rataichesck
Published: July 2024

Background: Cooking at home has been associated with better diet quality and, consequently, promoted by nutrition guidelines as necessary to avoid or reduce ultra-processed food consumption. Mothers are the main agents of culinary socialization, and the main cooks in the context of the home environment. Therefore, to effectively put dietary guidelines into practice it is desirable that public policies be informed by mothers’ perceptions about home cooking. The aim of this systematic review is to gather evidence on mothers’ perceptions about cooking-related matters at home. Methods: Qualitative studies or qualitative data from mixed methods studies which investigated mothers’ perceptions about cooking at home will be included in this review. Databases to be searched for published studies include SCOPUS, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO and SciELO. The search for unpublished studies (grey literature) will include Google Scholar, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, as well as Brazilian Theses and Dissertations catalog, with no date or language restrictions. Titles and abstracts will be screened. The full texts of selected studies will be assessed in detail, and findings and illustrations will be extracted and aggregated. Any disagreements between the two independent reviewers that arise at each stage will be resolved through discussion, or by a third reviewer. Systematic review registration: Submitted to PROSPERO for systematic review registration: CRD42023456505.
In vitro quantification of stent-graft behaviour during chimney thoracic endovascular aortic repair
Authors: Kwiecinski Jakub , Uberoi Raman , Hadi Mohammed , Cheng Christopher P , You Zhong
Published: July 2024

Objective

To quantify dynamic gutter phenomena and endograft deformations during double chimney thoracic endovascular aortic repair (ch-TEVAR) in a physiological model of the thoracic aorta subjected to pulsatile haemodynamic conditions.

Methods

Two in vitro procedures revascularizing the brachiocephalic trunk and left common carotid artery were performed representing both balloon-expandable (BE, Ankura-BeGraft) and self-expandable (SE, Ankura-Viabahn) double ch-TEVAR configurations. Retrospectively gated computed tomography (CT) was used to evaluate endograft behaviour. Device interactions were characterised according to gutter volume, gutter surface deviation, and endograft deformation (D-ratio) at end-diastolic and peak-systolic aortic pressure.

Results

Use of BE chimney grafts resulted in three times total gutter volume compared to SE chimney grafts. Gutter volumes were observed to vary dynamically between the end-diastolic and peak-systolic phases of the cardiac cycle, with the most substantial change associated with the BE configuration. Chimney graft deformations were dependent on device type, with SE devices exhibiting up to twice the deformation as BE devices. When adjacent, SE chimney grafts were observed to support each other, and thus tended towards a more consistently circular shape.

Conclusion

Gutter and chimney graft behaviour were dependent on device type, and exhibited both spatial and temporal variability. This study emphasises notable differences between BE and SE double ch-TEVAR configurations which should be considered when evaluating risk of endoleak. The findings reported here also support the use of gated CT to better identify device-related complications with ch-TEVAR, and can be used in the design of next generation devices.
Edge-based secure image denoising scheme supporting flexible user authorization
Authors: Huang Yibing , Xu Yongliang , Cheng Hang , Chen Fei , Wang Meiqing
Published: July 2024

Image denoising is a fundamental tool in the fields of image processing and computer vision. With the rapid development of multimedia and cloud computing, it has become popular for resource-constrained users to outsource the storage and denoising of massive images. However, it may cause privacy concerns and response delays. In this scenario, we propose an efFicient privAcy-preseRving Image deNoising schEme (FARINE) for outsourcing digital images. By introducing a key conversion mechanism, FARINE allows removing noise from a given noisy image using a non-local mean way without leaking any information about the plaintext content. Due to its low computational latency/communication cost, edge computing is considered to improve the user experience. To achieve a dynamic user set efficiently, we design a fine-grained access control mechanism to support user authorization and revocation in multi-user scenarios. Extensive experiments over several benchmark data sets show that FARINE obtains comparable performance to plaintext image denoising.
Aiming for zero: Success of the hysterectomy surgical site infection prevention bundle
Authors: Patel Ushma J , Al-Niaimi Ahmed A , Parrette Kelly M , Zerbel Sara A , Barman Stephanie M , Gill Tressa , Heisler Christine A
Published: July 2024

Background

The Center for Disease Control’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) reported increased Standardized Infection Ratios (SIRs) for hysterectomy at a large community hospital.

Objective

To promote a surgical site infection (SSI) prevention bundle implemented to reduce hysterectomy-associated SSI.

Methods

A multidisciplinary Workgroup implemented the Hysterectomy SSI Prevention Bundle in 2020 to enforce standardization of perioperative techniques. This study included all benign hysterectomies pre-implementation ( n = 857) and post-implementation ( n = 772). Per NHSN categorization guidelines, “abdominal hysterectomy” includes both open and laparoscopic routes. “Inpatient surgery” is date of discharge different from date of surgery; “outpatient surgery” is same date of discharge. “SSI” includes superficial, deep, and organ/space; “complex SSI” includes deep and organ/space. Patient demographics were categorized and evaluated for statistical significance.

Results

After implementation of the SSI bundle, SIRs for hysterectomy were reduced to <1.0, indicating infection prevention. Reductions in SIR were significant for outpatient abdominal hysterectomy (0.868 [ p = .007]), inpatient vaginal hysterectomy (0 [ p < .001]), inpatient complex abdominal hysterectomy (0 [ p = .040]), and inpatient complex vaginal hysterectomy (0 [ p < .001]). Differences between groups were significant for increased laparoscopic and decreased vaginal hysterectomies ( p < .001), increased outpatient surgeries ( p < .001), and longer procedure duration ( p < .001).

Conclusion

Implementation of an SSI prevention bundle at a large community hospital has significantly reduced SIR for inpatient vaginal hysterectomies, outpatient abdominal hysterectomies, and all inpatient complex hysterectomies.
Sudden Death in Pediatric Patient With Dilated Cardiomyopathy Due to Founder Variant in NKX2-5: Case Report
Authors: Scibetta Nicholas , Sampson Barbara A. , Tang Yingying , Gelb Bruce D.
Published: July 2024

Background: The NKX2-5 gene encodes a transcription factor that plays a role in atrioventricular nodal and myocardial development. Pathogenic variants of NKX2-5 are associated with congenital heart disease and sudden cardiac death. The missense variant in this case is one of the more common ones in Northern Europe and has high penetrance in familial cases. To our knowledge, this is the youngest person who died due to this variant. Case summary: This was a healthy, asymptomatic 14-year-old male with well-managed mild congenital dilated cardiomyopathy who died unexpectedly in his home. Postmortem examination revealed the NKX2-5 pathogenic missense variant, p.Phe145Leu, as the only explicable cause of death. Discussion: We propose that immediate family members of those who die suddenly due to NKX2-5 disease undergo genetic counseling and longitudinal screening to include this gene, as pathogenic variants in the NKX2-5 gene may manifest in a time-dependent manner.
Financial capitalism going to heaven the ultrathin ultraluxury supertalls of Manhattan
Authors: Schmied Andi
Published: July 2024

This photo essay is an introduction to a new architectural typology that has emerged as recently as in the 2010s: the speculatively built ultrathin, ultraluxury residential skyscraper, serving as the apotheosis of architecture and global finance intertwined. In stark contrast to what their marketing materials suggest, these supertalls are rarely lived in. Their primary purpose is to store the surplus capital of their ultrawealthy buyers safely—and, of course, to generate jaw-dropping returns for the development companies. Ultraluxury supertalls are present in many global metropolises. Still, in this essay, I will focus on Manhattan, where the skyline has been radically reshaped in the past 10 years by this new crop of skyscrapers, many built around 57th Street, also known as Billionaires’ Row. The paper, accompanied by photographs of the views of some of these towers, will aim to describe this new architectural typology, its target audience, legislative origins, and engineering records and give a feel into what it is like to be on the top of the world—or at least own a few thousand square feet of it. The text is based on artistic research methods: while posing as Gabriella, an apartment-hunting Hungarian billionaire, I accessed and documented the views of 25 of these buildings. Thus, this essay is enriched with details from sales brochures and photographs and transcribed conversation fragments from the viewings.
Pipeline versus non-pipeline flow diverter treatment for M1 aneurysms: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Senol Yigit Can , Orscelik Atakan , Bilgin Cem , Kobeissi Hassan , Ghozy Sherief , Arul Santhosh , Kallmes David F , Kadirvel Ramanathan
Published: July 2024

Background

The flow diversion treatment of aneurysms located distal to the Circle of Willis has recently increased in frequency. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical and radiological outcomes of flow diverter (FD) embolization in treating M1 aneurysms.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, and Scopus were searched up to May 2024 using the Nested Knowledge platform. We included studies assessing the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes for M1 aneurysms. Results of FDs classified as Pipeline Embolization Devices (PED) versus other types of FDs. Angiographic occlusion rates, ischemic and hemorrhagic complications, and favorable clinic outcomes were included. All data were analyzed using R software version 4.2.2.

Results

Thirteen studies with 112 total patients (58 patients for PED and 54 patients for other FD devices) were included in our meta-analysis. The overall adequate (complete + near-complete) occlusion rates were 85.1%. The complete occlusion rate was higher with PED than with other FD devices (72.9% PED and 41.6% for non-PED FDs, respectively, p-value <.01). The ischemic complications were 9.9% and 9.0% for the PED and non-PED groups, respectively ( p-value = .89). The overall modified Rankin Scale 0–2 was 100% for the non-PED and 97.1% for the PED group ( p-value = .51). In-stent stenosis rate was 7.5% for PED devices compared to 2.6% in the non-PED group ( p-value = .35).

Conclusions

This relatively small meta-analysis showed high rates of adequate and complete occlusion in FD treatment of M1 segment aneurysms, with favorable safety profiles. PEDs were associated with higher rates of complete aneurysm occlusion compared to other types of FDs.
AI in the language classroom: Insights from pre-service English teachers
Authors: Yetkin Ramazan , Özer-Altınkaya Zekiye
Published: July 2024

In recent years, the potential benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in language education have garnered increasing interest. Understanding the beliefs of pre-service English language teachers (PELTs) toward the integration of AI in language education is crucial for equipping them with the skills needed to integrate AI into educational practices. Therefore, this paper investigates the beliefs and attitudes of PELTs toward integrating AI into language education. The study involved a sample of 20 PELTs and utilized focus-group interviews to uncover their perspectives. The findings indicate that PELTs hold a mix of positive and negative attitudes toward AI integration. Various factors influencing their views on the use of AI-based tools in language education were identified, with a detailed exploration of each factor providing deep insights into the complexities of PELTs’ beliefs. By delving into PELTs’ perspectives, this study enriches the growing corpus of research on AI-integrated language teaching and offers valuable insights for educators, curriculum designers, and technology innovators.
Re-imagining the futures of geographical thought and praxis
Authors: Rose-Redwood Reuben , Rose-Redwood CindyAnn , Apostolopoulou Elia , Blackman Tyler , Cheng Han , Datta Anindita , Dias Sharon , Ferretti Federico , Patrick Wil , Riding James , Rose Mitch , Sabhlok Anu
Published: July 2024

The question of geography's future has recurred throughout the history of geographical thought, and responses to it often presume a linear trajectory from the past and present to a possible future. Yet one of the major contributions that geographers have made to understanding spatio-temporality is reconceiving both space and time as plural, fluid, and co-constituted through multiple space–time trajectories simultaneously. Amidst the ongoing crises of the present, this article opens the current special issue with a call to pluralize geography's futures by diversifying the voices speaking in the name of ‘geography’ and broadening the horizon of possibilities for the futures of geographical thought and praxis. We have assembled the contributions in this collection with the aim of raising important theoretical, methodological, and empirical questions about how geography's past and present shape the conditions of possibility for its potential futures. In doing so, we seek to demonstrate how the worlding of geography's futures is fundamentally a matter of transforming its disciplinary reproduction in the here-and-now.
A rapid review protocol of physiotherapy and occupational therapy telerehabilitation to inform ethical and equity concerns
Authors: Veras Mirella , Sigouin Jennifer , Auger Claudine , Auger Louis-Pierre , Ahmed Sara , Boychuck Zachary , Cavallo Sabrina , Lévesque Martine , Lovo Stacey , Miller William C , Nelson Michelle , Norouzi-Gheidari Nahid , O’Neil Jennifer , Perreault Kadija , Urbanowski Reg , Sheehy Lisa , Singh Hardeep , Vincent Claude , Wang Rosali , Zidarov Diana , Hudon Anne , Kairy Dahlia
Published: July 2024

Background

Telerehabilitation (TR) has emerged as a feasible and promising approach for delivering rehabilitation services remotely, utilizing technology to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and patients. As new modalities of virtual care and health technologies continue to emerge, it is crucial to stay informed about the growing landscape of virtual care to ensure that telehealth service delivery is ethical and equitable, and improves the quality of services and patient outcomes.

Objective

The primary objective of this article is to present the protocol of a rapid review to examine the equity-related aspects surrounding the implementation of TR. This includes a comprehensive analysis of the ethical dimensions and fairness concerns linked to this practice.

Methods

A rapid review protocol was developed in accordance with Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Guidance. Medline and EMBASE databases were searched between January 2010 and March 2023. Study selection and data extraction will be conducted in two phases (Phase I) by two independent reviewers and subsequently (Phase II) by a single reviewer. Our study will utilize the PROGRESS-Plus and Equitable virtual rehabilitation in the metaverse era framework to identify dimensions where potential inequities may exist within TR interventions.

Results

This rapid review is anticipated to enhance our knowledge of TR in the fields of physiotherapy and occupational therapy, with a specific focus on its influence on ethical and equitable practices and providing a foundation for informed decision-making and improved patient care.

Conclusion

This rapid review will contribute to the advancement of our understanding of TR within physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Through synthesizing existing evidence, this study not only addresses current gaps in knowledge but also offers valuable insights for future research and clinical practice in TR services.
Epidemic exposure risk assessment in digital contact tracing: A fuzzy logic approach
Authors: Rashidian Mohsen , Malek Mohammad Reza , Sadeghi-Niaraki Abolghasem , Choi Soo-Mi
Published: July 2024

Background

Bluetooth low energy (BLE)-based contact-tracing applications were widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the use of only the received signal strength feature for proximity calculations may not be adaptable to different virus variants or scalable for other potential epidemic diseases.

Objective

This study presents a novel framework in regard to evaluating and classifying personal exposure risk that considers both contact features, which include distance and length of contact, and environment features, which include crowd size and the number of recently infected cases in the environment. The framework utilizes a fuzzy expert system that is adaptable to different virus variants.

Methods

The proposed method was tested on two viruses with different close contact features, which used four membership functions and 256 fuzzy rule sets.

Results

The proposed framework classified personal exposure risks into four classes, which include low, medium, high, and too high risk. The empirical results showed that the fuzzy logic-based approach reduced the number of false positive cases and demonstrated better accuracy and precision than the current BLE-only approaches.

Conclusions

The proposed framework provides a more practical and adaptable method in regard to assessing exposure risks in real-world scenarios. It has the potential to be scalable and adaptable to different virus variants and other potential epidemic diseases by considering both contact and environment features. These findings may be useful in order to develop more effective digital contact-tracing applications and policies.
Acceptance of mobile application-based clinical guidelines among health professionals in Northwestern Ethiopia: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Baykemagn Nebebe Demis , Nigatu Araya Mesfin , Fikadie Berhanu , Tilahun Binyam
Published: July 2024

Background

Globally, healthcare providers have faced significant difficulties in adhering to clinical guidelines. Applying mobile health systems is a crucial strategy for enhancing the dissemination and accessibility of clinical guidelines. This study aimed to assess the acceptance of mobile app-based primary healthcare clinical guidelines and associated factors among health professionals in central Gondar health centers.

Methods

A cross-sectional study supplemented with qualitative data was conducted on 403 health workers. Data were collected using a pre-test structured printed questionnaire and entered into EpiData version 4.6. Analysis was conducted using Stata version 14, which included bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. For qualitative data, thematic analysis was conducted using Open Code v.4.2.

Results

Approximately 28% (95% confidence interval (CI): 23%–32%) of health professionals had utilized mobile app-based clinical guidelines. The availability of IT support (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)  = 3.51, 95% CI: 1.82–6.78), good knowledge (AOR = 3.46, 95% CI: 1.5–6.78), perceived usefulness (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.00–4.99), m-Health app exposure (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.2–4.50), and ease of use (AOR = 5.77, 95% CI: 2.50–13.32) were significantly associated with the acceptance of the mobile app-based clinical guideline. In qualitative data, lack of training and supervision and access to smartphones were barriers to acceptance of the mobile app-based clinical guideline.

Conclusion

In summary, acceptance of the app is currently low. However, it can be increased by improving the availability of IT support in the workplace, offering training and supervision, and enhancing access to smartphones.
Acceptability and usability of a WeChat-based intervention for depression in China: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Tan Yuxi , Lattie Emily G , Xiang Hui , Tang Hui , Teng Ziwei , Qiu Yan , Chen Jindong , Wu Haishan
Published: July 2024

Background

As research on the use of mobile technology to deliver mental health support grows, the research from China is still very limited. How to design an acceptable and usable mobile mental health service model suitable for China's social and cultural environment remains to be studied.

Objective

To understand the acceptability and usability of a WeChat-based intervention among Chinese patients with depression, and to provide insights to promote future development of user-centered mobile mental health services design.

Methods

The research team developed a multi-theoretical intervention that includes seven modules: recovery lessons, recovery journal, coaching sessions, mindfulness, personalized support, regular assessments and feedback collection. Forty-two patients diagnosed with depressive disorder were recruited, with a mixed sample of patients who were using an antidepressant medication ( n = 29) and patients who were not using an antidepressant medication ( n = 13). A single-arm mixed-methods study was conducted to understand engagement, satisfaction, usability and potential clinical effectiveness of the intervention.

Results

There was a retention rate of 83.33% — 22 participants who used an antidepressant medication and 13 participants who did not use an antidepressant medication completed the final assessments. The median (upper quartile–lower quartile) of the completed 60 recovery journals and 7 coaching sessions was 56 (59–46) and 6 (7–4) times, respectively. Participants' satisfaction regarding their recovery progress, and on perceived helpfulness on different modules were high. The overall score of the user version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale was 4.23 (SD 0.44, range 1–5), indicating high acceptability and usability. Qualitative feedback identified three key themes: an efficient access to professional help, a personalized source of social support, and a facilitator of cognitive and behavioral change.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that a WeChat-based intervention for depression was acceptable, and has the potential to promote personal recovery. More studies are needed to understand the efficacy and implementation of this model in real world.
Comparison between clinical and computerized methods for assessing gingival pigmentation
Authors: Nik Azis Nik Madihah , Abdul Shukor Siti Nuramanina , Razali Masfueh , Zakaria Hanis Yasreena , Zabarulla Nur Zafira
Published: July 2024

Background and Objective

Digital computerized assessment can provide objective values for the measurement of gingival pigmentation. This study aims to compare the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage Lab color space (CIELAB) values and the computerized intensity values (CIVs) from digital imaging with clinical evaluations using the Dummett–Gupta Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI) for assessing gingival pigmentation in a multi-ethnic population.

Methodology

Digital photographs of 188 participants were taken using standardized parameters. The buccal gingival pigmentation was evaluated using three methods (a) a clinical evaluation by two independent assessors using the DOPI, (b) the CIELAB values using the Adobe Photoshop® software (Version 23.1.1) and (c) the CIV calculated using the ImageJ software (Version 1.53k). A hierarchical clustering analysis was used to identify colour groups that clustered together. Agreement between the clinical and digital categorization of the pigmentation was carried out using weighted kappa analysis. Agreements between CIELAB and CIV were compared using intra-class correlation coefficient.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in the DOPI, the L*, a*, and b* coordinates, and the CIV between the different ethnic groups of the participants. Cluster analysis for the CIELAB and CIV both identified four clusters. The gingival pigmentation categorization using the L*, a*, and b* values moderately agreed with the clinical evaluation using the DOPI index while the categorization with the CIV was in slight agreement with the clinical evaluations.

Conclusion

This study identified four clusters of gingival pigmentation in 188 multi-ethnic participants. The clusters, determined by CIELAB values, align with the clinical assessment of gingival pigmentation. Digital measurements derived from clinical photographs can serve as an effective means of pigmentation measurement in dental clinics.
A 10-year retrospective cohort of diabetic patients in a large medical institution: Utilizing multiple machine learning models for diabetic kidney disease prediction
Authors: Li Guangpu , Li Jia , Tian Fei , Ren Jingjing , Guo Zuishuang , Pan Shaokang , Liu Dongwei , Duan Jiayu , Liu Zhangsuo
Published: July 2024

Objective

As the prevalence of diabetes steadily increases, the burden of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is also intensifying. In response, we have utilized a 10-year diabetes cohort from our medical center to train machine learning-based models for predicting DKD and interpreting relevant factors.

Methods

Employing a large dataset from 73,101 hospitalized type 2 diabetes patients at The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, we analyzed demographic and medication data. Machine learning models, including XGBoost, CatBoost, LightGBM, Random Forest, AdaBoost, GBDT (gradient boosting decision tree), and SGD (stochastic gradient descent), were trained on these data, focusing on interpretability by SHAP. SHAP explains the output of the models by assigning an importance value to each feature for a particular prediction, enabling a clear understanding of how individual features influence the prediction outcomes.

Results

The XGBoost model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.95 and an area under the precision-recall curve (AUPR) of 0.76, while CatBoost recorded an AUC of 0.97 and an AUPR of 0.84. These results underscore the effectiveness of these models in predicting DKD in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions

This study provides a comprehensive approach for predicting DKD in patients with type 2 diabetes, employing machine learning techniques. The findings are crucial for the early detection and intervention of DKD, offering a roadmap for future research and healthcare strategies in diabetes management. Additionally, the presence of non-diabetic kidney diseases and diabetes with complications was identified as significant factors in the development of DKD.
Association between fitness technology use and physical activity mediated by communication behaviors on social media
Authors: Zheng Xia , Li Wenbo
Published: July 2024

Objective

Fitness technologies, such as smartphone applications and wearable tracking devices, have gained widespread popularity. This study had two main objectives: 1) to examine whether fitness technology use is associated with increased physical activity (PA) levels and 2) to investigate whether communication behaviors on social media mediated the association between fitness technology use and PA.

Methods

Data were from the U.S. Health Information National Trends Survey 2022 ( N = 6,252, weighted N = 258,418,467). Weighted linear regressions were conducted to examine the associations between fitness technology usage, physical activities, and communication behaviors on social media. Mediations were tested using PROCESS macro, a path-analysis based tool.

Results

Controlling for demographic and other known influences on PA, the findings revealed that users of fitness technology reported higher levels of both moderate PA ( β = .41, p < 0.001) and strength training ( β = .29, p < 0.001). Additionally, communication behaviors (i.e., sharing personal health information on social media and watching health-related videos on social media) mediated the relationship between fitness technology use and frequencies of strength training.

Conclusion

The results underscored the potential of fitness technologies in enhancing PA levels through promoting communication behaviors on social media.
Conceptualizing sustainable communities through an exhibition in a university museum
Authors: Nepote Ana Claudia , Uribe-Morfin Paulina , Bartolucci Jorge
Published: July 2024

Sustainability communication arises in the face of complex socio-environmental crises that manifest on different scales and in different ecosystems. Museums and science centres, as cultural institutions, are key to building social representations and generating discourses and experiences in their visitors to facilitate engagement in the search for future alternatives. This empirical research, conducted at the Universum Science Museum of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, seeks to contribute to the advancement of the academic field of sustainability communication by analysing the main elements and exhibition practices related to sustainability in the exhibition Producing by Conserving: Biodiversity and Sustainable Communities. We investigated how sustainability is expressed in the museum, utilizing the proposed perspective of analysis based on four typologies of science exhibitions. We employed qualitative analysis to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the exhibition. We identified central aspects and limitations in communication concerning sustainability that could nurture communication practices in demonstrations and other exhibitions with related themes. The implications of this study extend beyond the specific context of the university museum. They can be useful for communication practices in universities and other cultural institutions seeking to develop a culture of sustainability and envision transformation of future societies.
Prevalence of Common Metabolic Bone Diseases Diagnosed by Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Scanning and Blood Test in Outpatients With Osteoarthritis the Knee
Authors: Chaiyavech Napat , Thiengwittayaporn Satit , Hongku Natthapong
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Osteoarthritis of the knee (OA knee) is a common geriatric disease that require total knee arthroplasty. Periprosthetic fracture is one of the common complications, which is strongly related to metabolic bone disease.

Materials and methods

We conducted a prospective study on 291 outpatients with OA knee between November 2020 and April 2021. Baseline characteristics, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and blood test results were analysed using logistic regression analysis and expressed as odds ratio, 95% confidence intervals and P-values.

Results

Overall metabolic bone diseases were found in 82.91% of patients. Vitamin D insufficiency (53.38%) was the most prevalent, followed by osteopenia (44.38%), impaired renal function (26.69%), and osteoporosis (17.45%). Risk factors of vitamin D insufficiency are age ≥71 years (OR 0.33, P = 0.003) and bilateral affected side (OR 1.99, P = 0.007). For osteopenia and osteoporosis, risk factors were age, body mass index, affected side, and chronic kidney disease ( P < 0.05).

Discussion

In the aspect of Vit D insufficiency, age>70 and bilateral OA knee were significantly related in many ways, such as reduction in cutaneous synthesis and daily exposure to sunlight and various diseases, including CKD and GI malabsorption. The risk factors of osteopenia and osteoporosis can be explained throughout several mechanisms. For instance, abnormality in hormone and cytokines metabolism will lead to the increase in adipocyte differentiation and fat accumulation. And that situation may lead to the decrease in osteoblast differentiation and increased osteoclast activity which could lead to negative impact on bone strength.

Conclusions

Metabolic bone diseases were common in most patients with OA knee, and the insufficiency in amount of vitamin D(serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D), osteoporosis, and osteopenia conditions were mainly identified. These preventable conditions have risk factors that are mostly correctable These preventable conditions have risk factors that are mostly correctable, for example gain more outdoor activities, consume vitamin D supplement or start osteoporosis treatment program. Further analysis is necessary to establish solid evidence in the comparison of risk factors between the OA and non-OA groups.
Pathological Personality Domains and Social Media Use in Emerging Adults: Mediation by Social Media Self-Control Failure
Authors: Filip Daniel , Van der Hallen Ruth , Smeets Guus , Franken Ingmar , Prinzie Peter
Published: July 2024

Social media use has been associated with negative effects on mental health, but little is known about the role of personality pathology in predicting social media use. To address this gap, this longitudinal study examined the relationship between self-reported pathological personality domains (Short Form Personality Inventory for the DSM-5; PID-5-SF), social media use (hours per day) and social media self-control failure measured 3 years later. A total of 368 emerging adults ( M age = 24.86 years, SD = 1.11, 55% female) were included. Using a multivariate mediation model, we investigated whether pathological personality traits relate to social media use through social media self-control failure. Results indicated that while no direct relationships were observed, social media self-control failure served as an indirect-only mediator between the pathological personality domain of disinhibition and social media use. These findings have implications for clinical practice in identifying individuals at risk for higher social media use.
About positive and negative synergies of social projects: Treating correlation in participatory value evaluation
Authors: Bahamonde-Birke Francisco J , Mouter Niek
Published: July 2024

Participatory value evaluation (PVE) is a novel method aiming at the evaluation of projects from a societal perspective. It aims at establishing which investment projects or investment portfolios (with a portfolio containing multiple investment projects) are likely to be favored by the population, given a limited budget. The approach emulates the decision-making problem faced by policy-makers. The ultimate end of PVE is to evaluate and establish how individuals value attributes of public projects in order to construct social trade-offs between different attributes and investments projects. However, it is important to consider that when investment portfolios consist of more than one investment project, significant synergies (positive and negative) may exist among the projects. This paper proposes a new evaluation framework that allows addressing synergies among projects in the context of PVE, while also offering a highly flexible structure. The approach is tested making use of one synthetic and two real datasets. Results show that neglecting synergies among the utilities of the projects included in the chosen portfolio majorly reduces the model fit and biases the estimators.
Contiguity of underutilized lands: Dynamic simulation taking their temporary uses into account
Authors: Sayuda Kanta , Usui Hiroyuki , Asami Yasushi , Hino Kimihiro
Published: July 2024

In Japan, shrinking densely built-up cities face the dual issue of lacking open spaces and increasing underutilized lands, such as vacant lots, lots with vacant houses, and parking lots. These unused land patches can be temporarily repurposed as open spaces for evacuation and recreation. However, identifying such clump is methodologically challenging. To address this issue, lot geometry is utilized. The study thus aims to investigate the frequency and size of contiguous underutilized lands, called the contiguity of underutilized lands, at a specific time point and under their temporary uses. A densely built-up area in Kobe city, Japan, was selected for the empirical case study. A comparison with simulation results shows that the observed static contiguity of underutilized lands tends to be more substantial than a uniformly random distribution. It shows a certain feasibility of a temporary use policy conducted in the case site. Specifically, when considering the temporary uses of underutilized lands, the maximum area of contiguous temporary open spaces is 583 m2, meeting the area requirement for a redevelopment project in Kobe. Utilizing parking lots can further extend the maximum area up to 945 m2. Nevertheless, policy makers need to promote the joint development of privately owned lots facing a wide roadway, as these are unlikely to become temporary open spaces. This study contributes not only to providing new methods for land use change simulation using lot geometry to analyse the contiguity of underutilized lands under their temporariness but also to demonstrating the feasibility and limitations of a temporary use policy.
Impact resistance of aramid honeycomb tandem sandwich composites reinforced with TiB2
Authors: Čekerevac Damjan , Bajić Danica , Perković Srđa , Fidanovski Bojana , Marinković Jelena , Pejović Vesna , Rigueiro Constança , Pereira Eduardo , Santiago Aldina
Published: July 2024

A novel composite tandem sandwich structure made of aramid fabric and aramid honeycomb, impregnated in a matrix of epoxy resin combined with poly (vinyl butyral), PVB, is proposed. The composite was additionally reinforced with a small concentration of titanium diboride nanoparticles, TiB2, to study its effect on impact resistance. Sandwich composite samples were fabricated by impregnating the aramid fabrics and honeycomb in subsequent layers with the system epoxy/PVB/TiB2. Their mechanical behavior was examined through three-point bending test, Charpy impact test, and compressive test. The chemical reaction between PVB and epoxy resin, and chemical inertness between the nanoparticles and the other constituents were confirmed by FTIR analysis. The flexural strength and stiffness increased by 27.6% and 62.5%, respectively, in the presence of TiB2 reinforcement. Impact tests showed increase of 104% in impact toughness in the case of samples with TiB2. Nano TiB2 did not increase compressive strength of the proposed sandwich structure, but it improved its stiffness and reduced the permanent deformation. The achieved improvements in mechanical resistance make this new composite structure a promising candidate for automotive, airspace, naval, civil engineering, sports equipment industry, and for use in defense technologies.
Urban post-industrialism's long shadow and lasting spell
Authors: Luger Jason , Schwarze Tilman
Published: July 2024

The commentaries introduce some important challenges to our provocation, and in other ways, take our critique even further and in new directions. Rather than addressing each commentary sequentially, we structure our response to the commentaries around a few key critical themes that emerged across the group. These are: a) The need to retain post-industrialism as a conceptual framework for understanding urban processes, spaces, lives and change; b) for also differentiating between de-industrialisation and post-industrialisation; and c) for carefully deconstructing (and listening to) who, how, and why post-industrialism is used (i.e., whose voices, stories, histories are included or excluded? What political intentions lie behind the use of post-industrial and related terms such as ‘left-behind?’), with specific attention to the structures and experiences of race, class, and gender. In other words, the focus needs to be on the discursive and symbolic power, politics, and cultural sensitivities when the notion of post-industrialism is evoked.
Abnormally glymphatic system functional in patients with migraine: a diffusion kurtosis imaging study
Authors: Cao Yungang , Huang Mei , Fu Fangwang , Chen Keyang , Liu Kun , Cheng Jinming , Li Yan , Liu Xiaozheng
Published: July 2024

Background

The diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) method has been used to evaluate glymphatic system function in patients with migraine. However, since the diffusion tensor model cannot accurately describe the diffusion coefficient of the nerve fibre crossing region, we proposed a diffusion kurtosis imaging ALPS (DKI-ALPS) method to evaluate glymphatic system function in patients with migraine.

Methods

The study included 29 healthy controls and 37 patients with migraine. We used diffusion imaging data from a 3T MRI scanner to calculate DTI-ALPS and DKI-ALPS indices of the two groups. We compared the DTI-ALPS and DKI-ALPS indices between the two groups using a two-sample t-test and performed correlation analyses with clinical variables.

Results

There was no significant difference in DTI-ALPS index between the two groups. Patients with migraine showed a significantly increased right DKI-ALPS index compared to healthy controls (1.6858 vs. 1.5729; p = 0.0301). There was no significant correlation between ALPS indices and clinical variables.

Conclusions

DKI-ALPS is a potential method to assess glymphatic system function and patients with migraine do not have impaired glymphatic system function.
Effects of combined morbid insomnia and sleep apnea on long-term cardiovascular risk and all-cause mortality in elderly patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Fang Fengfeng , Sun Zhihong , Gao Yinghui , Han Jiming , Zhao Libo , Zhao Zhe , He Zijun , Zhang Zuo , Bian Hongyan , Liu Lin
Published: July 2024

Purpose

It is reported that insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increase the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to analyze the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in elderly patients with comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (COMISA).

Methods

We included 868 elderly patients with OSA who underwent sleep monitoring at a multicenter sleep room from January 2015 to October 2017. We collected demographic data, clinical features, medical history, sleep parameters, and laboratory findings. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to identify the relationship between COMISA and adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.

Results

There were 181 elderly patients with COMISA. The median follow-up was 43 months, during which we observed major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in 90 patients. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve indicated a significant relationship between COMISA and MACE (Plog Rank < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that COMISA increased the incidence of MACE (HR = 2.328, 95% CI: 1.349–4.018, P = 0.002), hospitalization for unstable angina (HR = 2.915, 95% CI: 1.397–6.081, P = 0.004), and the combination of all events (HR = 2.301, 95% CI: 1.393–3.803, P = 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in cardiovascular death, all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, or hospitalized heart failure in patients with COMISA (P > 0.05). Subgroup analyses showed that among COMISA patients, male sex (HR = 2.800, 95% CI: 1.458-5.377, P = 0.002), age < 70 years (HR = 4.050, 95% CI: 2.022–8.115, P < 0.001), and overweight and obesity (HR = 2.482, 95% CI: 1.383-4.453, P = 0.002) were associated with a higher risk of MACE.

Conclusions

Our results showed that COMISA increased the risk of MACE, unstable angina, and the compound occurrence of all events. Male, overweight or obese COMISA patients under 70 years of age have an increased risk of MACE.