bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Wide Diameter and Fault Diameter of Exchanged Crossed Cube
Authors: Niu Baohua , Zhou Shuming , Tian Tao , Zhang Qifan
Published: June 2023

The fault diameter and wide diameter are commonly used to measure the fault tolerance and transmission delay of interconnection networks beyond traditional diameter. The [Formula: see text]-wide diameter of graph [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is the minimum integer [Formula: see text] such that there exist at least [Formula: see text] internally vertex disjoint paths of length at most [Formula: see text] for any two distinct vertices in [Formula: see text]. The [Formula: see text]-fault diameter of graph [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is the maximum diameter of the survival graph obtained by deleting at most [Formula: see text] vertices in [Formula: see text]. The exchanged crossed cube, as a compounded interconnection network denoted by [Formula: see text], holds the desirable properties of both crossed cube and exchanged hypercube, while achieving a better balanced between cost and performance of the parallel computing systems. In this paper, we construct [Formula: see text] internally vertex disjoint paths between any two distinct vertices of [Formula: see text]. Moreover, we determine the upper and lower bounds of [Formula: see text]-wide diameter and [Formula: see text]-fault diameter of [Formula: see text], i.e., [Formula: see text], which shows that the exchanged crossed cube has better efficiency and reliability than that of the exchanged hypercube.
The Structure Fault Tolerance of Alternating Group Networks
Authors: Ge Huifen , Zhang Shumin , Ye Chengfu
Published: June 2023

The alternating group network [Formula: see text] can be used to model the topology structure of a large-scale parallel network system. In this work, the structure fault tolerance of alternating group networks based on the star and path structures is investigated. For a graph [Formula: see text] and its a connected subgraph [Formula: see text], the [Formula: see text]-structure connectivity [Formula: see text] (resp. [Formula: see text]-substructure connectivity [Formula: see text]) of [Formula: see text] is the cardinality of a minimum family [Formula: see text] whose every element is isomorphic to [Formula: see text] (resp. isomorphic to a subgraph of [Formula: see text]) such that [Formula: see text] is disconnected. Specifically, we determine [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text].
Experimental Considerations in Long-Baseline Neutrino Oscillation Measurements
Authors: Di Lodovico Francesca , Patterson Ryan B. , Shiozawa Masato , Worcester Elizabeth
Published: June 2023

Long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiments, which are among the largest neutrino experiments in the world, have extensive physics programs to make precision measurements of three-flavor oscillation parameters, search for physics beyond the Standard Model, and study neutrinos from astrophysical sources. In this article, experimental considerations, including oscillation phenomenology, detector and experiment design, and analysis strategies, are described, with a focus on the three-flavor oscillation measurements. Current and future experiments are discussed, and significant sources of systematic uncertainty, along with mitigation strategies, are emphasized as control of systematic uncertainty is critical for success in precise measurement of long-baseline oscillation parameters. This article is structured as a primer for those new to this area of experimental work.
An Analytical Framework for Error Propagation Effects in Multiprocess Manufacturing
Authors: Li Chunlei , Li Liang
Published: June 2023

Analysis of multisource errors accompanying process execution and study of the propagation effects of the corresponding multiprocess manufacturing process are the basic prerequisites for optimizing the generation process and improving the quality of the product. This paper proposes an analytical framework for error propagation effects in multiprocess manufacturing, which completely covers error source analysis, mathematical calculation of error propagation accumulation, and description of error propagation effects, which can provide better support for error traceability, error propagation monitoring, and error dissipation in manufacturing production. First of all, establish the process state model into the features of the manufacturing level, analyze the type of multisource error, and its mode of action when executing the process operation; second, establish the mathematical calculation model of error propagation accumulation based on state space equation is established, so as to realize calculation and analysis of error propagation; and finally, establish the link graph and link matrix of error propagation influence in multiprocess manufacturing process are established to further reveal the scope and path of error propagation influence. In this section of the case study, a plate cover part had been taken as an example, the multisource error in its manufacturing was analyzed, and the propagation and accumulation of these error values are obtained by state space and state transition theory. On this basis, the link graph and its corresponding link matrix were used to explicitly describe the error propagation effects during the multiprocess manufacturing of the example part. The example analysis illustrated the proposed error analysis framework could analyze and calculate the multisource error of multiprocess manufacturing and visually describe the error propagation effects, which showed the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method framework.
The RBF-FD and RBF-FDTD Methods for Solving Time-Domain Electrical Transient Problems in Power Systems
Authors: Vu Duc-Quang , Nguyen Nhat-Nam , Vu Phan-Tu
Published: June 2023

In this paper, the development and application of the radial basis function-finite difference (RBF-FD) method and the RBF-finite difference time domain (RBF-FDTD) method for solving electrical transient problems in power systems that are defined by the time-dependent ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and the time-dependent partial differential equations (PDEs), respectively, are presented. RBFs such as Gaussian (GA), Multiquadric (MQ), Inverse Quadric (IQ), and Inverse Multiquadric (IMQ) are used in these numerical methods to formulate the central finite difference approximations of the first- and second-order derivatives of a function. The algorithm of selecting “optimal” shape parameters for our basis functions is also applied, specifically to increase the accuracy of the suggested methods with regard to high accuracy needs. Finally, the accuracy, effectiveness, and applicability of our new approaches are evaluated through simulations of the switching transient voltages on a typical electrical circuit and a 220 kV single-phase transmission line, lightning-induced voltages on a 110 kV single-phase overhead distribution line, and transient voltages along two horizontal grounding electrodes excited by lightning impulse sources. The obtained numerical results demonstrate that our proposed RBF-based numerical approaches compare favorably to the traditional numerical methods.
The bio-derived material acacetin ameliorated hyperlipidemia and intestinal barrier damage in mice by modulating gut microbiota
Authors: Li Lijuan , Sun Na , Hao Zhili , Sun Panpan , Fan Kuohai , Yin Wei , Li Hongquan
Published: June 2023

The increasing incidence of hyperlipidemia has been linked to disruptions in gut flora. The bio-derived material, acacetin, is a naturally flavonoid compound extracted from various plants that has been shown to protect the liver and lowers blood lipid levels, its potential to mitigate
gut barrier damage caused by a high-fat diet (HFD) has not been fully explored. This work aimed to investigate the effects of acacetin on HFD-induced intestinal barrier disruption and its potential interaction with gut microbiota regulation. Forty-eight female ICR mice were divided into three
groups: control group (standard diet containing 6% daily energy from fat), HFD group (45% of daily energy from fat), and the acacetin (AC) group (HFD with acacetin 30 mg/kg body weight). The test period lasted for eight weeks. In addition to lipid metabolism parameters, serum lactate dehydrogenase
(LDH) activity, diamine oxidase (DAO) activity, and lipid metabolism, we used the real-time fluorescence quantitative method to measure the expression of zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1) and occludin genes. The microorganisms were analyzed by 16 s RNA and functional gene prediction
analysis. The results indicated that acacetin treatment could alter serum biochemical parameters and reduce body weight, liver weight gain, and abdominal fat accumulation. Furthermore, acacetin increased the expression levels of ZO-1 and occludin in HFD mice. In addition, acacetin
altered the structure, diversity, and function of intestinal flora, characterized by the restoration of the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Additionally, the species abundance were significant correlation with lipid factors, DAO, and LDH. Alistipes and Acetatifactor were the
prevalent genus in the AC group. Acacetin downregulated HFD-induced Facultative_anaerobic phenotypes related to Clostridium according to the BugBase analysis. The KEGG study revealed that acacetin altered the functional composition of microorganisms, as evidenced primarily by variations
in the abundance of metabolic pathways involved in lipid metabolism and intestinal epithelial injury. The COG category showed acacetin increased the abundance of Cytoskeleton associated with the intestinal barrier. Overall, acacetin ameliorated HFD-induced hyperlipidemia and intestinal barrier
damage in mice by modulating intestinal bacteria, exhibited a good clinical application prospect.
Higher Family Affluence is Associated With Multi-Sport Participation Among Irish Youth
Authors: Kearney Philip E. , Sherwin Ian , O’Brien Wesley , Nevill Alan M. , Ng Kwok
Published: June 2023

The impact of early single sport participation among young people has received much attention, with both sport leaders and pediatricians advocating multi-sport participation at least until early adolescence. In this study we explored the association between family socioeconomic status and level of Irish youth specialization in sport. We relied on data from the Children’s Sport Participation and Physical Activity (CSPPA) study, involving a representative sample of 3499 Irish children and adolescents aged 10–15 years. We analyzed data from questions related to the number of sports played, the number of days per week the youth were engaged in sport, and family affluence (as a proxy measure for socioeconomic status). Youth sport specialization before 12 years of age (males 5.7%; females 4.2%) and even between 13–15 years of age (males, 7.8%; females, 5.8%) was uncommon. However, lower levels of specialization were associated with higher socioeconomic status in that more children with high family affluence participated in multiple sports. Careful consideration should be given to whether low socioeconomic status may act as a barrier to participation in multiple sports.
Food price and availability in Solomon Islands during COVID-19: A food environment survey
Authors: Farrell Penny , Bogard Jessica , Thow Anne Marie , Boylan Sinead , Johnson Ellen , Tutuo Jillian
Published: June 2023

Background: In Solomon Islands, the retail food environment is an important food source, for instance, the dominant source of fresh fruit and vegetables for urban consumers is open markets. The effects of COVID-19 mitigation measures (such as restriction of human movement and border closures) in early 2020 placed food security at risk in many parts of the community. Of particular concern was the risk of price gouging in an already price-sensitive market. Aims: The study aimed to provide rapid and policy-relevant information on the pricing of foods in the urban food environment in Solomon Islands in the context of the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A vendor survey was conducted in July to August 2020 and repeated in July 2021 using a survey tool that collected information on type, quantity, and price of food on offer. Findings: We found price reductions among the majority of fresh fruit and non-starchy vegetables available. A trend of rising prices was reported for some other commodities, such as fresh locally caught fish. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the impact of 'schocks to the system' on food prices as a potential barrier or enabler to consumption of fresh foods purchased from urban areas – an important finding in a price sensitive market. The survey design was successful in collecting pricing data from the retail food environment during a time of external ‘shock to the system’. Our approach is applicable to other settings needing a rapid survey of the external food environment.
Not Alone When I’m Feeling Stressed: Online Adult Learner Connection and Retention
Authors: Shatila Suzanne L.
Published: June 2023

Increasingly, nontraditional students (over age 25, employed, parenting) are enrolling in universities offering online options. Online programs appeal to those needing flexible educational options, yet attrition remains high for adult learners and students enrolled in online education. Building on previous research, this study examines relationships between social location, role identity, social connectedness, and academic perseverance among online adult learners. Survey results from students ( n = 254) enrolled in online programs were analyzed, examining relationships between social connectedness and self-reported academic outcomes. Results showed that participants were confident in their ability to navigate school and competing priorities but recognized peer connection's value in supporting better academic outcomes; as perceptions about social connection's value increased, so too did the perception that connection fostered better academic outcomes. Implications for fostering nontraditional student social connectedness in online learning are discussed.
Individual, Social and Environmental Influences on Sleep in Latino Pre-Adolescents: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Nguyen-Rodriguez Selena T. , Urizar Guido , Magaña Judith , Spruijt-Metz Donna , Buxton Orfeu M. , Baezconde-Garbanati Lourdes , Redline Susan , Huh Jimi
Published: June 2023

A community-based qualitative study identified multilevel influences on sleep duration, quality, and timing in 10 to 12-year-old Latino pre-adolescents via 11 focus groups with 46 children and 15 interviews with parents. An iterative content analysis revealed three themes negatively and positively impacted sleep: (1) Individual-level; (2) Social-level; and (3) Environmental-level influences. At the individual level, use of technology (e.g., phones), activity levels (e.g., sitting all day), dietary intake (e.g., junk food) and emotions (e.g., stress/anxiety) were reported to impact children’s sleep. Social-level influences included interactions with peers and family members as well as time hanging out and arguing/fighting. Environmental-level influences were living in home and neighborhood settings with certain sounds (e.g., soothing music), uncomfortable temperatures, and items/things (e.g., stuffed animal) in the sleeping area. Parent reports indicated that some factors at each level were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings that influences at various levels interacted to impact sleep illustrate the need to simultaneously account for multiple levels of influence to best inform intervention development. Thus, application of social ecological models of behavior change to interventions may enhance sleep duration, quality, and timing among Latino pre-adolescents, as these models account for single as well as interacting influences to explain behavior.
Preparation and evaluation of chitosan-alginate/carrageenan hydrogel for oral drug delivery in the treatment of diabetes
Authors: George Archana , Shrivastav Pranav S
Published: June 2023

Marine beds are an untapped resource of bioactive materials which can be explored for drug delivery applications. In the present study, a hydrogel was developed with an optimal concentration of sodium alginate-chitosan core polyelectrolytic complex loaded with anti-diabetic drug metformin and coated with ĸ-Carrageenan as an efficient oral drug delivery vehicle. The formulation was optimized by changing parameters such as concentration of polymers, amount of cross-linker and the type and amount of coating material. The prepared hydrogels were characterized for their structural integrity using instrumental techniques such as FTIR, XRD, DSC, and SEM while the physical properties were assessed by evaluating its thickness, UV barrier ability and swelling degree. In vitro study demonstrated the influence of presence and type of coating material affecting drug delivery process. The study suggested that coating with 3% ĸ-Carrageenan (A19) was found most suitable for oral drug delivery since it could resist diffusion of drug in the stomach (pH 1.2) so that maximum drug could reach the intestine (pH 7.4) for absorption. Metformin loaded hydrogel (A20) released ~49% drug in the simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2). In the simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.4) both the hydrogel exhibited a sustained release pattern lasting for more than 4 h. Investigation of drug release kinetics using different mathematical models showed that Higuchi model was the best fit release model with R2 ⩾ 0.973. The results indicated that the prepared hydrogels could be potential drug delivery vehicle toward intestine as well as for extended release to colon targeted drug delivery.
Research on road tracking and anti-roll game control scheme of commercial vehicle based on Nash equilibrium
Authors: Xu Haizhu , Chen Zhenguo , Wu Dexi , Feng Jiwei , Xu Guangfei , Ning Zhenzhe
Published: June 2023

In view of the problem that the active suspension conflicts with the road tracking system while resisting roll when the commercial vehicle encounters emergency road conditions in the process of unmanned driving, this article is based on the Nash non-cooperative open-loop feedback game theory, taking the road tracking system, and the active anti-roll system as the participants of the game. An interactive control scheme which can not only accurately steer but also take into account the vertical roll stability is proposed. Firstly, the coupled model of Horizontal pendulum-anti-roll for commercial vehicles is established and extended to the vehicle-road three-degree of freedom closed model. Then, based on the derivation of the linear quadratic optimal control model (LQ), the non-cooperative open-loop Nash game theory is used to obtain the interactive optimal control afferent the road tracking system and the active anti-roll system. Finally, the experimental scheme is verified by hardware in the loop experiment. The results show that the interactive control scheme of road tracking and anti-roll based on Nash non-cooperative game for commercial vehicles allows the vehicle to take the vertical stability into account while turning actively, thus ensuring the safety and stability of the vehicle during driving.
Aiding gastrointestinal diagnostic laboratory by designing a device for the non invasive detection of peptic ulcer
Authors: Faiz Mehwish , Murad Maheen , Khalid Rabia , Mushtaq Shaikh Taha , Ali Essar , Shah Mahnoor , Ejaz Nazia , Khan Saad Jawaid
Published: June 2023

Peptic ulcer (PU) has been recognized as an utmost gastrointestinal problem that affects the lining of the stomach and duodenum, specifically triggering soreness. It is a life-threatening condition, while roots of the infection are not identified yet. There are various risk factors for the cause of peptic ulcer disease, but the most significant is “Helicobacter pylori” (H. pylori). The detection of this disease involves different invasive procedures which are painful and not feasible for everyone. The aim of this device is to identify the peptic ulcer non-invasively by unmasking the presence of H. Pylori bacterium by monitoring crucial parameters of the disease which include respiration rate, heart rate, ECG, pH of Saliva, and temperature. Multiple investigations related to PU authenticate the alteration in these physicochemical aspects of the body. The increase in the level of stomach acid in PU is responsible for belching and bloating. Heart rate, temperature, and respiratory rate are also elevated during peptic ulcers while the pH of Saliva is decreased toward the acidic side. The disturbance in the QRS complex of the ECG wave is also observed. These biosignals are examined as analog input from the body, sent into MCP3008, and converted into digital input signals. Then these digital inputs are directed toward Raspberry pi 3 which processes, received inputs, and shows output on the LCD. The values of parameters obtained are then compared with standard values and a conclusion is made that whether a patient has a peptic ulcer or not.
Long noncoding RNA long intergenic non-protein-coding RNA 173 contributes to nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression by regulating microRNA-765/Gremlin 1 pathway
Authors: Wang Dan , Jiang Heng
Published: June 2023

Background

Long intergenic non-protein-coding RNA 173 (LINC00173) executes vital functions in various cancers. Nevertheless, its role and expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) have yet to be investigated. Here, we investigated its effects on the malignancy characteristics of NPC and elucidated the potential molecular mechanism of LINC00173 in NPC progression.

Methods

Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunoblotting were conducted to estimate the LINC00173, microRNA-765 (miR-765), and Gremlin 1 (GREM1) expressions in NPC cells and tissues. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), colony formation, and wound healing experiments were done to evaluate the proliferation, growth, and migration of NPC cells, respectively. The tumorous growth of NPC cells in vivo was assessed through the xenograft tumor experiment. Furthermore, the interactions among miR-765, LINC00173, and GREM1 were investigated through bioinformatics analyses, luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation chip assays.

Results

An upregulated LINC00173 expression was found in NPC cell lines and tissues. The functional experiments uncovered that its downregulation repressed NPC cell proliferation, growth, and migration. In addition, LINC00173 knockdown hampered the NPC cells’ tumorous growth in vivo. These effects could partially be reversed by downregulating miR-765. GREM1 is a downstream target of miR-765. GREM1 knockdown could repress the proliferation, growth, and migration of NPC cells. Nonetheless, these anti-tumor effects could be abolished by miR-765 downregulation. Mechanistically, LINC00173 increased the expression of GREM1 by binding with miR-765.

Conclusions

LINC00173 functions as an oncogenic factor by binding with miR-765 to promote the progression of NPC via GREM1 upregulation. This study provides a novel insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in NPC progression.
The Economic Viability of an In-home Monitoring System in the Context of an Aged Care Setting
Authors: Perri Frank , Miah Shah J. , Zanon Steve , Ohtsuka Keis
Published: June 2023

The aged care sector in Australia faces significant challenges. Although many of these issues have been clearly identified, their urgency has been further highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Technology such as in-home monitoring is one way to address some of these challenges. However, the efficacy of technology must be considered together with its implementation and running costs to ensure that there is a return on investment, and it is economically viable as a solution. A pilot programme was run using the HalleyAssist® in-home monitoring system to test the efficacy of this system. This article focuses on an economic analysis to better understand the financial viability of such systems. Using a secondary analysis approach, the findings identified that revenue could be generated by providing carers with additional services such as real-time monitoring of the client, which can foster deeper relationships with the customer, along with savings of healthcare costs to carers, service providers and Government. Savings are related to the earlier intervention of critical events that are identified by the system, as delays in treatment of some critical events can create much more severe and costly health outcomes. Further health costs savings can be made via trend analysis, which can show more nuanced health deterioration that is often missed. The implementation of preventative measures via this identification can reduce the chances of critical events occurring that have much higher costs. Overall, monitoring systems lead to a transition from a reactive to a preventative services offering, delivering more targeted and personalised care.
A Rare Case of Sagittal Sinus Obstruction Following Posterior Cranial Vault Distraction Osteogenesis
Authors: Hayek Gabriel M. , Moon Hwi Sean , Radenovich Violeta , Jimenez David F. , Yates David M.
Published: June 2023

Posterior cranial vault distraction osteogenesis (PCVDO) is a relatively new paradigm in the treatment of syndromic craniosynostosis, having first been introduced in 2009. PCVDO directly addresses the underdeveloped cranial vault and appears to allow for a larger increase in intracranial volume when compared to traditional techniques. Although reported as safe in the literature, critical appraisal is still required as PCVDO is a relatively uncommon procedure that may require greater numbers to detect true complication rates. The overall reported incidence of serious complications in PCVDO to date is low. This presentation highlights a rare case of sagittal sinus obstruction following posterior cranial vault distraction and raises questions as to the safest technical considerations when planning the operation.
The Use of Machine Learning Techniques to Predict Deep Vein Thrombosis in Rehabilitation Inpatients
Authors: Hou Tingting , Qiao Wei , Song Sijin , Guan Yingchao , Zhu Chunyang , Yang Qing , Gu Qi , Sun Li , Liu Su
Published: June 2023

Background

Rehabilitation is crucial to recovering patients’ dysfunction, improving their life quality, and promoting an early return to their family and society. In China, most patients in rehabilitation units are patients transferred from neurology, neurosurgery, and orthopedics, and most of these patients face problems such as continuously bedridden or varying degrees of limb dysfunction, all of which are risk factors for deep venous thrombosis. The formation of deep venous thrombosis can delay the recovery process and result in significant morbidity, mortality, and higher healthcare costs, so early detection and individualized treatment are needed. Machine learning algorithms can help develop more precise prognostic models, which can be of great significance in the development of rehabilitation training programs. In this study, we aimed to develop a model of deep venous thrombosis for inpatients in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University using machine learning methods.

Methods

We analyzed and compared 801 patients in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine using machine learning. Support vector machine, logistic regression, decision tree, random forest classifier, and artificial neural network were used to build models.

Results

Artificial neural network was the better predictor than other traditional machine learnings. D-dimer levels, bedridden time, Barthel Index, and fibrinogen degradation products were common predictors of adverse outcomes in these models.

Conclusions

Risk stratification can help healthcare practitioners to achieve improvements in clinical efficiency and specify appropriate rehabilitation training programs.
Role of contributing factors on health risks of whole-body vibration exposure of heavy equipment and vehicle operators: A critical review
Authors: Singh Khane Jithendar , Palei Sanjay Kumar , Karmakar Netai Chandra
Published: June 2023

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a recognized health hazard that primarily affects the musculoskeletal system of human beings. Although research works on WBV are documented, for the past few decades or so, researchers are still attempting to explore the role of contributing factors of WBV for the causation of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Therefore, this paper synthesizes up-to-date knowledge on WBV with respect to measurement methods, critical vibration magnitudes, contributing factors, and effects on human health. The present review is based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes) that includes 112 studies on WBV exposure and its contributing factors. It also summarizes the contributing factors of MSDs that include personal factors, environmental factors, machine-related factors, and WBV exposure of the heavy vehicles and equipment operators across various industries. Most of the studies reported lower back pain as the most common MSDs experienced by the vehicle operators exposed to WBV, followed by upper back pain. However, it is apparent from the prevailing literature that musculoskeletal health risks do not result from exposure to WBV alone. The role of multivariate contributing factors should also be considered, analyzed, assessed, and understood to establish correlations between these factors with the development of MSDs. In addition to the measurement and assessment of WBV as per the ISO guidelines to evaluate the potential and likely health risks faced by the heavy equipment operators, researchers should also focus on studying various impacts of WBV, and understanding the role of its contributing factors on human health using advanced machine learning tools.
The Impact of On-Ground Activation Events on Improved Toilet Coverage: A Case Study From the Tanzania National Sanitation Campaign “Nyumba ni Choo”
Authors: Mwakalikamo Joshua , Sankwa Emili , Aunger Robert
Published: June 2023

In 2017, Tanzania was one of the countries in the world with the lowest proportion of households having access to improved toilets. Between 2017 and 2021, the government launched a national sanitation campaign under the brand Nyumba ni Choo. The objective of this paper is to assess the impact of one component of this campaign, “direct consumer contact” events, on the coverage of improved household latrines in Tanzania. Secondary data from both the National Sanitation Management Information System (NSMIS; https://nsmis.moh.go.tz/ ) and internal project reports were used to extract data on coverage and dates of events, respectively. Regression estimation models were used to estimate impact at ward and regional levels. The study used quarterly panel data from all 26 regions between 2017 (baseline) and 2020 (endline) for estimation purposes. The study shows that direct consumer contact events had a significant positive effect on the rate at which households subsequently improved their toilets at both small and large scale in Tanzania. On average, the rate of household latrine improvement increased by 12.91% at ward level and 14.17% at regional level. These results testify to the importance of designing an effective behavioral change campaign to achieve significant improvements in sanitation coverage.
“It’s Another Feather in My Hat”-Exploring Factors Influencing the Adoption of Apps With People Living With Dementia
Authors: Conway Aoife , Ryan Assumpta , Harkin Deirdre , Mc Cauley Claire
Published: June 2023

Introduction

With the growing interest and availability of mobile applications (apps) for people living with dementia, it is desirable to have a broader insight into how technology adoption may be further improved. This paper aims to explore the factors influencing adoption of mobile applications for people living with dementia.

Methods

The recruitment of participants was facilitated through a dementia advocacy group of people living with dementia. A focus group design was applied to elicit discussion and to explore divergent views on the topic. The data was analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

The 15 individuals who participated in this study comprised of seven women and eight men within the age range of 60-90 years. This study reports key findings pertaining to the views and experiences of using mobile apps. Data analysis revealed the following four distinct themes; (Theme 1: Living with dementia)-“That’s the difficulty there even with apps or anything else.” (Theme 2: Motivation)- “It makes me feel good. I feel a little with it [laughs], that its not all gone in there” (Theme 3: Fears and Concerns)- “Can somebody else get into your personal memories?” (Theme 4- Support)– “So it’s important that we have that support”. Together these themes encapsulate the most influential aspects, as highlighted by the participants influencing the acceptance and adoption of apps.

Conclusion

This paper explores the barriers and facilitators to app acceptance and adoption. This includes the importance of “feel good moments” and positive experiences, challenges associated with living with dementia, the importance of ongoing support, and security of the user’s information. This study adds to what is already known by capturing the views and experiences of people living with dementia in relation to the factors influencing the adoption of apps.
Long-Term Outcome of Carotid-Subclavian Bypass in the Management of Coronary-Subclavian Steal Syndrome
Authors: Wenkel Martin , Halloum Nancy , Izzat Mohammad Bashar , Ali-Hasan-Al-Saegh Sadeq , Duerr Georg Daniel , Kriege Marc , Stamenovic Davor , Treede Hendrik , El Beyrouti Hazem
Published: June 2023

Objective

The presence of a significant left subclavian artery stenosis may occasionally lead to blood flow reversal through a LIMA-to-coronary artery bypass graft during left arm exertion; with “stealing” of myocardial blood supply. The aim of this study was to review our experience with carotid-subclavian bypass in patients with post-CABG coronary-subclavian steal syndrome.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of all patients who underwent carotid-subclavian bypass grafting for post-CABG coronary-subclavian steal syndrome at Mainz University Hospital between 2006 and 2015. Cases were identified in our institutional database, and data were retrieved from surgical records, imaging studies, and follow-up records.

Results

Nine patients (all males, mean age of 69.1 years) underwent surgical treatment for post-CABG coronary-subclavian steal syndrome. Medium interval between original CABG and carotid-subclavian bypass grafting was 86.1 months. There were no perioperative deaths, strokes or myocardial infarctions. At a mean follow-up period of 79.9 months, all patients remained asymptomatic and all carotid-subclavian bypass grafts remained patent. One patient required stenting of a common carotid artery stenosis proximal to the graft anastomosis site, and coronary artery stenting was required in four patients in regions other than those supplied by the patent LIMA graft.

Conclusion

Carotid-subclavian bypass surgery is a safe treatment option even in patients with multivessel disease and severe comorbidities and should be taken into consideration in patients who are deemed fit for surgery and those who would benefit from the excellent long-term patency rates.
Maintaining Transient Diversity Is a General Principle for Improving Collective Problem Solving
Authors: Smaldino Paul E. , Moser Cody , Pérez Velilla Alejandro , Werling Mikkel
Published: June 2023

Humans regularly solve complex problems in cooperative teams. A wide range of mechanisms have been identified that improve the quality of solutions achieved by those teams on reaching consensus. We argue that many of these mechanisms work via increasing the transient diversity of solutions while the group attempts to reach a consensus. These mechanisms can operate at the level of individual psychology (e.g., behavioral inertia), interpersonal communication (e.g., transmission noise), or group structure (e.g., sparse social networks). Transient diversity can be increased by widening the search space of possible solutions or by slowing the diffusion of information and delaying consensus. All of these mechanisms increase the quality of the solution at the cost of increased time to reach it. We review specific mechanisms that facilitate transient diversity and synthesize evidence from both empirical studies and diverse formal models—including multiarmed bandits, NK landscapes, cumulative-innovation models, and evolutionary-transmission models. Apparent exceptions to this principle occur primarily when problems are sufficiently simple that they can be solved by mere trial and error or when the incentives of team members are insufficiently aligned. This work has implications for our understanding of collective intelligence, problem solving, innovation, and cumulative cultural evolution.
Google Scholar Profile for Institutions: A Sample Study
Authors: Muthuraj A. , Tamizhchelvan M.
Published: June 2023

This study examines the Google Scholar profile for Gandhigram Rural Institute. Gandhigram Rural Institute (deemed to be university) has established a Google Scholar profile for their research. The Gandhigram Rural Institute’s faculty publications information was collected from Web of Science and Scopus as of 22 January 2021. After consolidating the data from Web of Science and Scopus, a Google Scholar profile was created. After generating a profile, missing publication data were added to the profile as a sample for the year 2020. The present study information was obtained from Gandhigram Rural Institute Google Scholar profile. It was examined using data from Google Scholar, Web of Science and Scopus. Department publications, Google Scholar citations, the top 15 highly cited papers, and the citations and h-index of the top 15 faculty members were all analysed. It is discovered that ‘Department of Chemistry’ has published 78 (33.77%) publications and has received the greatest number of citations from Google Scholar, 294 (64.19%) citations from Web of Science and 96 (50.79%) citations from the Scopus database. It is found that Faculty S. Meenakshi has received the highest number of 232 (27.10%) citations from Google Scholar, 134 (29.26%) citations from the Web of Science and 47 (28.87%) citations from Scopus. It concluded that having an institution profile in the Google Scholar profile makes it very difficult to update and strengthen all the data in the profile. A Google Scholar profile can be useful as an individual profile if the data are kept up-to-date and maintained.
Madrasa Education and Muslim Women: Negotiating Modest Dressing
Authors: Dassi Archana , Ruby Chand Mahal
Published: June 2023

This study presents an ethnographic account of the lives of young Muslim women who underwent Islamic religious education in madrasa. It examines their body-image narratives. It focuses on how the socialisation at madrasa has shaped their image of themselves concerning bodily comportment, piety and modesty. It highlights different social actors from family, madrasa and media shape the image of these women. Accounts of six madrasa graduates who have studied Islamic theology for at least five years are examined. It focuses on Muslim women’s practice of purdah, keeping in mind cultural relativism and the perspective of the women who wear it. It unravels their everyday choice construction regarding the perceptions and practices of adorning their bodies with and within the burqa. The study is based in New Delhi, India. It finds that purdah for the respondents represents piety and completes their being. The embracing of fashion, trends, makeup and other aspects of body image varies in individual degrees, with a shared understanding of doing it within the framework of modesty, as interpreted by them. They present a picture of being agents of their own within their domain of life, living and being.
Evaluation of Muscle Strength and Graft Laxity With Early Open Kinetic Chain Exercise After ACL Reconstruction: A Cohort Study
Authors: Forelli Florian , Barbar Wassim , Kersante Gwendal , Vandebrouck Amaury , Duffiet Pascal , Ratte Louis , Hewett Timothy E. , Rambaud Alexandre J.M.
Published: June 2023

Background:

Open kinetic chain (OKC) exercise is an effective method to improve muscle function during rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR); however, there is controversy about its use in the early phase of rehabilitation.

Purpose:

To determine (1) whether the use of OKC and closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises improves quadriceps and hamstring strength in the early phase of rehabilitation after ACLR and (2) whether the early use of OKC exercise affects graft laxity at 3 and 6 months postoperatively in patients with a hamstring tendon graft.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

This study included an intervention group that underwent OKC + CKC exercises (n = 51) and a control group that underwent CKC exercise only (n = 52). In the intervention group, OKC exercise for the quadriceps and hamstring was started at 4 weeks after ACLR. At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, isokinetic testing was performed to calculate the limb symmetry index (LSI) and the peak torque to body weight ratio (PT/BW) for the quadriceps and hamstring. Anterior knee laxity was measured by an arthrometer.

Results:

At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, quadriceps strength was higher in the intervention group than in the control group for the LSI (3 months: 76.14% ± 0.22% vs 46.91% ± 0.21%, respectively; 6 months: 91.05% ± 0.18% vs 61.80% ± 0.26%, respectively; P < .001 for both) and PT/BW (3 months: 1.81 ± 0.75 vs 0.85 ± 0.50 N·m/kg, respectively; 6 months: 2.40 ± 0.73 vs 1.39 ± 0.70 N·m/kg, respectively; P < .001 for both). There were similar findings regarding hamstring strength for the LSI (3 months: 86.13% ± 0.22% vs 64.26% ± 0.26%, respectively; 6 months: 91.90% ± 0.17% vs 82.42% ± 0.24%, respectively; P < .001 at three months, P = .024 at 6 months) and PT/BW (3 months: 1.09 ± 0.36 vs 0.67 ± 0.39 N·m/kg, respectively; 6 months: 1.42 ± 0.41 vs 1.07 ± 0.39 N·m/kg, respectively; P < .001 for both). No significant difference in laxity was observed between the intervention and control groups at 3 or 6 months.

Conclusion:

Early use of OKC exercise for both the quadriceps and the hamstring, in addition to conventional CKC exercise, resulted in better correction of quadriceps and hamstring strength deficits without increasing graft laxity.
Predictive model of acute kidney injury after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Tian Yixin , Zhang Yu , He Jialing , Chen Lvlin , Hao Pengfei , Li Tiangui , Peng Liyuan , Chong Weelic , Hai Yang , You Chao , Jia Lu , Fang Fang
Published: June 2023

Background and objectives:

Acute kidney injury is a common comorbidity in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. Although there are predictive models to determine risk of AKI in patients in critical care or post-surgical scenarios or in general medical floors, there are no models that specifically determine the risk of AKI in patients with ICH.

Methods:

Clinical features and laboratory tests were selected by previous studies and LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regression. We used multivariable logistic regression with a bidirectional stepwise method to construct ICH-AKIM (intracerebral hemorrhage–associated acute kidney injury model). The accuracy of ICH-AKIM was measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The outcome was AKI development during hospitalization, defined as KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) Guidelines.

Results:

From four independent medical centers, a total of 9649 patients with ICH were available. Overall, five clinical features (sex, systolic blood pressure, diabetes, Glasgow coma scale, mannitol infusion) and four laboratory tests at admission (serum creatinine, albumin, uric acid, neutrophils-to-lymphocyte ratio) were predictive factors and were included in the ICH-AKIM construction. The AUC of ICH-AKIM in the derivation, internal validation, and three external validation cohorts were 0.815, 0.816, 0.776, 0.780, and 0.821, respectively. Compared to the univariate forecast and pre-existing AKI models, ICH-AKIM led to significant improvements in discrimination and reclassification for predicting the incidence of AKI in all cohorts. An online interface of ICH-AKIM is freely available for use.

Conclusion:

ICH-AKIM exhibited good discriminative capabilities for the prediction of AKI after ICH and outperforms existing predictive models.
Performance of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Polymerase Chain Reaction Nasal Screening for Ruling Out MRSA Pneumonia in Hospitalized, Immunocompromised Patients
Authors: Lin Hui , Anderson Daniel T. , Clemmons Amber , Eudy Joshua , Nutt Brittny , Stevens Caroline , White Sydney , Forehand Christy
Published: June 2023

Background: Recent literature demonstrates support for using methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal swab polymerase chain reaction (NaPCR) screening as an antimicrobial stewardship tool aiding early de-escalation of anti-MRSA antimicrobials. However, immunocompromised patients have been underrepresented in previous studies despite increased risk of morbidity and mortality from multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO). Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the negative predictive value (NPV) of the MRSA NaPCR in hospitalized, immunocompromised adult patients with suspected pneumonia. Methods: A single-center, retrospective, observational review was conducted of hospitalized, immunocompromised adult patients that had an MRSA NaPCR obtained between March 1, 2020 and January 10, 2021. For inclusion, bacterial cultures must have been collected within 2 weeks after MRSA NaPCR. The primary outcome was the NPV of MRSA NaPCR in hospitalized, immunocompromised patients with suspected pneumonia. Secondary outcomes include NPV in other infections. Results: Between March 1, 2020 and January 10, 2021, 59 patients with 78 unique cultures, including 28 respiratory cultures, were included in the study. The NPV of the MRSA NaPCR for pneumonia was 91.7%. The NPV for bloodstream infections was 100% and for urinary tract infections was 100%, but interpretation of these results should be cautioned due to the small sample sizes. Conclusion: The NPV of MRSA NaPCR in pneumonia remains high in this study. The MRSA NaPCR has utility as a de-escalation tool in hospitalized, immunocompromised adult patients, but larger studies are warranted to evaluate all immunocompromised patient populations.