bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do apologies promote the reintegration of former combatants? Lessons from a video experiment in Colombia
Authors: Agneman Gustav , Strömbom Lisa , Rettberg Angelika
Published: October 2024

Transitional justice practices frequently involve public apologies where former combatants confess their wrongdoings and ask for forgiveness, with the underlying assumption that such displays facilitate the reintegration of ex-combatants into society. However, little is known about the public response to ex-combatant apologies. In this article, we investigate the causal effect of an armed group apology on attitudes toward ex-combatant reintegration in Colombia. Our study builds on a novel experiment implemented in Meta, a conflict-ridden department of Colombia. The experiment entailed exposing a subset of participants to a video in which a former rebel group leader apologizes for violent acts committed by their armed group during the civil war. To examine the extent to which external actors influence the effectiveness of apologies, we incorporated third-party ‘encouragements to forgive’ (endorsements) in two additional treatment conditions. Our analysis demonstrates that, on average, participants do not exhibit higher reintegration attitudes when exposed to the apology, regardless of third-party endorsements. However, the absence of a treatment effect is not due to an indifference to the apology. In an exploratory heterogeneity analysis, we show that the apology induces negative effects on some indicators of reintegration attitudes among participants that did not support the peace agreement. This finding aligns with qualitative data gathered in a follow-up survey, which indicates that opponents of the peace agreement generally describe negative emotional responses to the FARC-EP apology. The results call for a reconsideration of unchallenged prescriptions of public apologies after conflict.
Toward a digital twin of a robot workcell: standards and methods
Authors: Kibira Deogratias , Shao Guodong , Venketesh Rishabh
Published: October 2024

Digital twins are poised to improve the engineering, operation, and management of manufacturing facilities. However, implementing digital twins has been a challenge primarily due to a lack of resources and the absence of standardized digital twin frameworks and methods. This paper describes creating a digital twin of a robot workcell using available standards, tools, and methods. The workcell comprises collaborative robot arms, a computer numeric control (CNC) machine tool, and a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The ISO 23247 standard provides a guideline for building the digital twin. Data are collected from physical devices and the MTConnect standard provides a format for communicating the data between the physical equipment and their digital counterparts. The machine components in the workcell are represented as models in the virtual world. This research shows that the above standards and methods support building a digital twin of a robot workcell. The data collected and communicated can be used to improve workcell functions such as quality management and predictive maintenance.
Contemporary Development Discourse in Northeast India and its Impact on the Tribal Communities
Authors: Sharma Chandan Kumar
Published: October 2024

Northeast India, a region characterised by great geo-political and ecological significance, is geographically divided into the plains and the hills and is home to many tribal communities that largely depend on natural resource-based livelihoods. While shifting cultivation (jhum) has been a dominant traditional system of land use among tribes both in the hills and the plains, most of them in the plains abandoned this practice on account of colonial-era encroachment. In the hills, however, shifting cultivation still plays a critical role in maintaining agricultural biodiversity and providing food security to the indigenous communities. The advent of colonial development in the region in the 19th century left a long-term impact on its natural and social landscapes. After independence, especially after the early 1960s, the hills that remained largely excluded from the process of colonial development were also brought under the development agenda of the Indian state. However, in recent times, under the neoliberal Indian state, the development discourse in the region has witnessed an unprecedentedly aggressive character seriously undermining the traditional ecology, land ownership system, livelihood and culture of the tribal communities.
Development of a Machine-Learning-Based Tool to Predict Retroreflectivity of Pavement Markings Across the U.S.
Authors: Ibne Idris Ipshit , Mousa Momen , Hassan Marwa , Carlson Paul , Greyson Eric
Published: October 2024

Retroreflectivity plays a crucial role in pavement markings as it enhances nighttime visibility for drivers. Yet, owing to budget constraints, many U.S. state agencies rarely monitor the retroreflectivity of their markings, and instead, restripe markings based on visual inspection or fixed schedule. To address this issue, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced a new final rule, effective September 6, 2022, that establishes a new minimum standard for pavement marking retroreflectivity. This rule also requires state agencies to implement a method within four years for maintaining pavement marking retroreflectivity at or above minimum levels. The ultimate objective of this research was to help state agencies comply with this new rule by developing a new decision-making tool for predicting retroreflectivity of pavement markings for up to three years using only measured initial retroreflectivity (at installation date) and other readily available project data (marking color, marking type, etc.). As such, data from National Transportation Product Evaluation Program (NTPEP) were retrieved and analyzed using six robust machine learning algorithms, and the algorithm yielding highest accuracy was selected to be incorporated into the proposed software. Findings indicated that random forest demonstrated best performance among the six algorithms. As expected, prediction accuracy decreased over time. Within the first year, random forest models successfully predicted retroreflectivity with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.97 and root mean square error (RMSE) of ± 31.12 mcd/m2/lux. Within the second and third years, R2 and RMSE were 0.92/±43.7 mcd/m2/lux, and 0.91/±36.0 mcd/m2/lux, respectively, which are more accurate as compared with previous studies.
The Impact of Subordination Type and Finiteness on Second Language Development in Timed Impromptu Writing: An NLP-Based Analysis Using the Subordination Sophistication Analyzer
Authors: Hwang Haerim
Published: October 2024

The use of subordination enables language users to achieve syntactic efficiency by allowing them to connect ideas in temporal/logical relation. Although the importance of subordination has been recognized in previous research on second language (L2) writing, it has been typically assessed with global indices that measure overall ratio of subordination. In order to capture more nuanced patterns in the development of L2 writing, this study measures the sophistication of subordination, considering subordination type (adverbialization, complementization, relativization) and finiteness (finite, nonfinite). Our natural language processing analysis of 6,566 timed impromptu essays using the Subordination Sophistication Analyzer 1.0 showed that higher-proficiency L2 learners used more subordination, and, importantly, their patterns of use differed by subordination type and finiteness. Whereas the amount of adverbialization and relativization increased along with proficiency regardless of finiteness, the use of complementization increased only for nonfinite clauses. The broader impacts of this study for education and assessment are discussed.
HCA PIECESTM Care Coach Program: Peer to peer approach to promote person-centred care in long-term care
Authors: Jones Jae Yon , Leddy Amanda , Real Gloria
Published: October 2024

In Long-Term Care (LTC) settings, the potentially inappropriate use of antipsychotics for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia is a persistent issue, with high rates despite limited benefit and serious risk. Best practice is a non-pharmacological, person-centred approach to care, though this can be challenging in LTC settings. To help address this gap, we developed the PIECESTM HCA Care Coach Program and described its implementation and outcomes observed at 13 LTC homes. This program empowers Health Care aides with training, tools, and processes to practice the principles of person-centred care and provide peer mentorship to the care team. After 1 year, we found declining antipsychotics use (by 4.4%) and positive indicators of improved staff experience and improved resident quality of life. The Care Coach Program can be adapted and spread to a variety of LTC settings to help reduce potentially inappropriate antipsychotic use and better support people living with dementia.
The power of partnership: Strategies for pan-Canadian spread and scale of paramedics providing palliative care
Authors: Carter Alix , Cameron Cheryl , Stennett Danielle , Arab Marianne , Raquel Shaw-Moxam , Coronado Andrea C. , Pooler Charlotte
Published: October 2024

Paramedics and Palliative Care is an example of a promising practice (“pilot”) that underwent successful spread and scale across Canada. Through the support of two pan-Canadian health organizations and concurrent evolution of the profession of paramedicine, this innovation has become integrated into practice. Evaluation of the innovation sites showed positive impact in all elements of the Quintuple Aim, and data from the expansion sites mirrors this success. Paramedic comfort and confidence is improved. Patient and family satisfaction is high. Quality indicators such as time spent at home, and home deaths, improved after program launch. There are time and cost savings with the program in place. The framework that enabled this spread and scale is presented and elaborated, to support further uptake of this innovation and provide a blueprint for successful expansion of other promising practices to support healthcare improvement across Canada.
Long term care-acute system integration and transformation: Innovations in models of care
Authors: Edelstein Beatrise , Scott Denise , Kirk Kathleen
Published: October 2024

The article discusses innovations in integrating Long-Term Care (LTC) and acute systems, focusing on Humber River Health’s (HRH) model. Older adults in LTC homes are vulnerable to avoidable Emergency Department (ED) visits due to frailty and medical complexity. HRH developed an integrated care model centred on LTC Remote Monitoring (RM) with LTC partners, leveraging nurse-led care models, digital tools, and virtual care hub to reduce avoidable ED transfers. Key components include the PREVIEW-ED© tool for early detection of clinical deterioration, LTC+ Hub and LTC++ Diagnostic Imaging and Transportation, supporting improved access to healthcare services. The program aligns with the Quintuple Aim, emphasizing patient and provider experiences, population health, cost reduction, and health equity. Results show significant reductions in ED visits, hospital lengths of stay, and associated costs, while enhancing resident and provider experiences. The LTC RM model is positioned as a scalable solution for system transformation in integrated care.
Constructing a Conformer–Explorer Identity in Pandemic Narratives: A Qualitative Study of Chinese Emerging Adults
Authors: Liu Yanping , Zhu Wenyi , Hu Fawen
Published: October 2024

Existing research indicates that social crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped young people’s sense of self, but little is known about what identities emerging adults construct in their pandemic narratives. Following propositions of narrative identity and Terror Management Theory, this qualitative study investigated Chinese emerging adults’ identity construction in their narratives of the national outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2022. Participants were 62 college students invited to share their pandemic experiences with reflections. Thematic analysis of the data suggests that the participants shared their pandemic experiences as a process of managing their death terror activated in the pandemic which threatened their sense of self and meanwhile motivated them to reconstruct who they are in the world. Based on their meaning-making capacities, the participants disclosed death awareness and vulnerabilities, adopted a temporal perspective in storytelling, emphasized their interpersonal and social connections, and made meaning out of the pandemic experiences to defend against death terror. As an outcome of their narration, a conformer–explorer identity was constructed in their pandemic narratives and we proposed a dialectical model to capture the dynamics of the construction. Although with limitations, this study contributes to our understanding of the functions of mortality salience on narrative identity among emerging adults in collectivist cultures during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trusting as an Emergent: Implications for Design
Authors: Hoffman Robert R.
Published: October 2024

The quest for an adequate model of trust in AI systems has led to rosters of influencing factors and proposals for how trust can be “designed-in.” An alternative is to consider trusting as an emergent. While progressive maturation of user trust may be desired, it is the exception. Trust can arise rapidly, but it can diminish in a heartbeat. It can be orthogonal to reliance. Trusting and relying are context-contingent. Work-centered design principles can make trustability achievable, but it can only be realized through user experience. And principles for “designing-in” trust do not span the creativity gap.
Toward the Design of an Ultra-Light Car Seat With a Reclining Back Rest
Authors: van den Boom-Stoop Lennert A. R. , Kraaijeveld Peter , Vink Peter
Published: October 2024

To reduce the weight of a seat of a city car (A-segment), a car seat was developed. First, a questionnaire was used to define the main functions the occupants prefer to have in the seat. The reclining and forward afterwards movement of the seat were seen as most important. Therefore, a reclining mechanism was built into the lightweight chair. This seat was tested by 39 participants and compared with a benchmark seat of the Toyota Aygo. It was clear that comfort testing is difficult comparing a full developed car seat with a prototype, which still needs development. Nevertheless, the comfort was comparable between the two seats and the shoulder space of the new seat was appreciated. The conclusion is that it is possible to develop a lighter weight car seat, which has the main features preferred by occupants, but further development is needed.
Uncertainty-driven dynamic ensemble framework for rotating machinery fault diagnosis under time-varying working conditions
Authors: Zhu Renjie , Song Enzhe , Yao Chong , Ke Yun
Published: October 2024

Multi-scale ensemble learning combines different scales of feature resolution, thereby improving fault diagnostic accuracy. However, the effectiveness of different information scales in characterizing fault features under time-varying speed conditions varies with speed. It is difficult for existing ensemble strategies to ensure the effectiveness of feature information when ensemble multi-scale feature information is involved. Accordingly, we propose an uncertainty-driven dynamic ensemble Bayesian convolutional neural network (DEBCNN) framework. The uncertainty of the results of different scale models was used to dynamically determine their weights in the ensemble framework, which reduced the influence of irrelevant features on the diagnostic results. By employing the proposed dynamic ensemble strategy, the ensemble framework can utilize fault feature information corresponding to different rotational speeds in the final diagnostic results. Experiments on motor and bearing datasets illustrate the superiority of this strategy over other techniques. This study provides useful insights for further research in the field of fault diagnosis of rotating machinery at time-varying speeds.
Brexit and the Services Trade—A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Du Jun , Shepotylo Oleksandr
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the impact of Brexit uncertainty on the UK's services sector trade from 2016 to 2019 revealing a statistically significant negative impact that varied across sectors and destinations. Using the OECD-WTO Balanced Trade in Services dataset and synthetic difference in differences methodology, the findings indicate an annual shortfall of US$23.7/£18.5 billion in UK services exports compared to a scenario where the UK remained in the EU, translating to a 5.65 percent reduction. The bilateral data suggests an 8.5 percent average decline, with larger exports to countries like Germany and the US being less affected than smaller bilateral exports. The UK bilateral exports to the EU declined by 6.21 percent, while Ireland’s exports expanded by 21.4 percent. The study highlights that small firms were disproportionately impacted, leading to a decline in trade openness and export activities. Methodological sensitivity is underscored, with various approaches estimating Brexit’s impact differently. Sectoral analysis shows significant declines in Travel, Insurance, Finance, Telecom, Business and Cultural Services. Ireland notably benefited post-Brexit, experiencing a 14.75 percent annual increase in services exports due to business relocations. The study emphasizes the critical yet underexplored consequences of economic disintegration on international trade in services, providing essential evidence for future UK-EU trade relations post-Brexit.
Effects of training on Feline Grimace Scale scoring for acute pain assessment in cats
Authors: Robinson Alexandra R , Steagall Paulo V
Published: October 2024

Objectives

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of training on inter-rater reliability and agreement of Feline Grimace Scale (FGS) scoring by small animal practitioners.

Methods

Seven small animal veterinarians were asked to score a total of 50 images of cats in varying degrees of pain before and after training in FGS scoring. Participant scores were compared with those of an expert rater. Inter-rater reliability was analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) before and after training (ICC <0.50 = poor reliability, 0.50–0.75 = moderate reliability, 0.76–0.90 = good reliability and >0.90 = excellent reliability). The Bland–Altman method was used to analyze the limits of agreement (LoAs) and bias between participants and the expert rater.

Results

After training, the ICC classification improved for each action unit (ear position, orbital tightening, muzzle tension, whiskers change and head position). The inter-rater reliability for the total FGS ratio scores before and after the FGS training session was moderate (ICC = 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66–0.83) and good (ICC = 0.80; 95% CI 0.73–0.87), respectively. Before training, LoAs were −0.277 to 0.310 with a bias of 0.016. After training, LoAs were −0.237 to 0.255 with a bias of 0.008. The bias was low (<0.1) both before and after training and LoAs did not span the FGS analgesic threshold (0.39).

Conclusions and relevance

Training in FGS scoring improved inter-rater reliability and agreement among seven small animal veterinarians and the veterinarians’ skills in pain assessment.
Microbial Contamination and Meat Handling Practices in Hawassa City Butcher Shops, Ethiopia
Authors: Kenaw Zebitu , Ejeso Amanuel , Deresse Dawit , Olkeba Beekam Kebede
Published: October 2024

Background:

Unsafe meat handling in butcher shops exacerbates microbial contamination, contributing to widespread food-related infections, particularly in developing countries like Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, microbial contamination in the meat supply chain is pervasive due to limited knowledge, inadequate hygiene practices, insufficient training, poor enforcement of food safety standards, and the absence of advanced diagnostic tools and regular microbial testing. This study aimed to assess the microbial load of meat, its contact surfaces, and meat handling practices of butcher shop workers in Hawassa city, Ethiopia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2023 among butcher shop workers in Hawassa city, Ethiopia. One hundred forty-four (144) swab samples were collected, and the microbial load was evaluated by serial dilution method and counted using standard procedures. A total of 52 workers were interviewed to assess meat handling practices. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze survey and laboratory data.

Results:

The findings of this study revealed that the levels of Total Plate Count, Enterobacteriaceae, and staphylococci from meat samples collected from the butchers were 6.14, 5.58, and 5.23, respectively. The levels of Total Plate Count, Enterobacteriaceae, and staphylococci in the swab samples collected from knives, chopping boards, and weighing boards were 5.66, 5.27, and 5.28; 5.61, 5.33, and 5.03; and 5.29, 4.97, and 4.91, respectively. In the butcher shops, 83% of the meat was exposed to flies without protection, and 64% of meat handling equipment was not disinfected.

Conclusions:

The Total Plate Count, Enterobacteriaceae and staphylococci levels in meat samples and swab samples collected from knives, chopping boards, and weighing boards were above acceptable levels. These findings suggest the presence of potential pathogenic microorganisms, likely due to poor personal hygiene of the workers, inadequate cleaning and sterilization in the butcher shops, and cross-contamination from sources, including paper money handled, and skin contact.
Psychological distress in Aotearoa New Zealand adults with type 1 diabetes
Authors: McClintock Joanna M , Chepulis Lynne , Blackmore Tania , Fraser Sonya , Paul Ryan G
Published: October 2024

The psychological burden of type 1 diabetes (T1D) can negatively impact health outcomes. This study evaluates the prevalence of low mood (WHO-5), disordered eating (DEPS-R), diabetes distress (PAID) and fear of hypoglycaemia (HFS-II), in a sample of 250 New Zealand adults (8.4% Māori/91.6% non-Māori; 43.6% female/56.4% male) with T1D using validated tools. Māori and female patients indicated low mood, with lower median WHO-5 scores than non-Māori ( p = 0.027) and males ( p = 0.002). Māori were more likely to score in the clinical range on the WHO-5, DEPS-R, PAID and HFS-II (all p < 0.05). HbA1c was correlated with emotional well-being ( rs = −0.189), diabetes distress ( rs = 0.223) and disordered eating ( rs = 0.389; all p < 0.001) whilst DEPS-R correlated with age ( rs = −0.232) and BMI ( rs = 0.343; both p ≤ 0.001). Thus, diabetes-related psychological distress is common in New Zealand adults with T1D, particularly for Māori, females and those with elevated HbA1c levels.
Deformation and internal force of multitower suspension bridges: Numerical modeling and analytical analysis
Authors: Ma Xiaowei , Sun Qinglong , Li Zhengyuan , Fan Jiansheng , Liu Yufei , Liu Jun-Zhi
Published: October 2024

An analytical model for predicting the deformation and internal forces of multitower suspension bridges is proposed in this paper. Equilibrium differential equations and deformation coordination equations are established based on deflection theory and coupling analysis of bridge components, in which the vertical stiffness contribution of girders and the longitudinal stiffness of all towers are considered. The equations for the deformation and internal forces of the bridge components, including towers, hangers, cables, and girders, are derived taking into account the live loads to which the multitower suspension bridge is subjected. The equations capture the mechanical characteristics of the bridge components, and the results can be obtained explicitly with the proposed model, notably improving the calculation efficiency. The applicability and efficiency of the proposed model are verified by two finite element model examples featuring two and three towers. A parametric analysis is performed to investigate the impact of major bridge parameters using the proposed model. The analysis results indicate that the longitudinal stiffness ratio of the mid-tower to the main cable plays an important role in the key design indices, including girder deflection and safety factor of anti-slipping of the saddle. A suitable stiffness range for the mid-tower is obtained by the proposed model.
The Rise of Fake Reviews: Toward a Marketing-Oriented Framework for Understanding Fake Reviews
Authors: Lim Weng Marc , Agarwal Reeti , Mishra Anubhav , Mehrotra Ankit
Published: October 2024

Reviews have become an essential part of consumer decision-making. However, the rise in fake reviews can lead consumers astray and provide misleading information to sell more products or harm competing brands. This study systematically analyzes 229 studies on fake reviews using structural topic modeling. The study outlines the antecedents, decisions, and outcomes (ADO) of fake reviews in marketing and summarizes the theories, contexts, and methods (TCM) used by research in this domain. Additionally, the study integrates the sender, message, channel, and receiver (SMCR) communication model with dual-factor theory to propose a comprehensive framework that categorizes marketing factors that contribute to or inhibit the creation and transmission of fake reviews along with their marketing implications. Finally, the study outlines opportunities for further research and provides equivalent recommendations for marketers and marketing researchers to deal with fake reviews.
Spinoza on blessedness for human beings: Possible for a few, but not for the whole human species
Authors: Roth Klas
Published: October 2024

Steven Nadler has written an insightful paper on ‘Spinoza and Maimonides on Human Perfection and the Love of God’, in which he analyses the differences and similarities between Spinoza and Maimonides related to the suggested themes, and he argues that becoming blessed is possible. Nadler does not, however, say much about whether blessedness is possible for a few or the whole human species. I argue, though, that pursuing blessedness is hard work and that only a few, if any, seem to engage or are being enabled to engage in the pursuit of becoming blessed, that is, in striving for the highest possible good, namely, the intellectual love of God or Nature. I begin by showing what humans’ typical potentials and limitations are with respect to achieving perfection, according to Spinoza. I also show that that we cannot achieve perfection: at least not in the same sense as God or Nature. In the second part I show what we as human beings have to do in order to engage ourselves in the pursuit of becoming blessed. In the final part I discuss some current conditions for education which does not in-themselves make it possible to become blessed in education, and put forward some ideas of what can be done in education in order for those concerned to strive to become blessed.
A Hot Season for Winterdale
Authors: Rasmussen Natalie , Locke Leslie Ann
Published: October 2024

The Winterdale School District sits within a majority White and progressive city, which sits within a majority White and conservative state. Students in the district voiced their concerns about the racially biased treatment they experienced or witnessed. This revelation prompted the formation of the Winterdale Equity Community (WEC) to address the district’s leadership. A very public and embarrassing exposé of the district’s biased practices resulted in a change in leadership. The case prompts students of educational leadership to consider how a new leader will create a systemically more racially conscious and equitable district for students and families despite being located in a state that has adopted anti-critical race theory (CRT) legislation.
Comparison of Extracorporeal and Intracorporeal Urinary Diversion after Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: An Shuhui , Shi Lei , Liu Yuepeng , Ren Lixin , Zhang Kun , Zhu Meng
Published: October 2024

To explore the therapeutic efficacy of intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) and extracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD) after robot-assisted radical cystectomy for bladder cancer through systematic review. This study systematically retrieved electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang to include peer-reviewed studies comparing ICUD and ECUD after robot-assisted radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Relative risk (RR) and mean difference (MD) were used to represent the pooled effect size and estimate its 95% confidence interval (CI). This study included 15 studies with good quality, involving 5,370 patients undergoing robot-assisted radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Meta-analysis showed that ICUD reduced intraoperative bleeding volume by 64.12 ml (95% confidence interval [CI]: [−100.95, −27.29]), significantly decreased the risk of blood transfusion (RR: 0.40; 95% CI: [0.24, 0.68]) and gastrointestinal complications (odds ratio [ OR]: 0.61; 95% CI: [0.47, 0.80]), with shorter postoperative time of exhaust (MD: −9.27; 95% CI: [−18.47, −0.08]) and oral intake (MD: −0.92; 95% CI: [−1.30, −0.54]). However, ICUD had a relatively longer surgical duration (MD: 30.84 min, 95% CI: [5.03, 56.66]). In addition, there was no statistically significant difference concerning the impact of ICUD and ECUD on the length of stay in the hospital (MD: −0.68d; 95% CI: [−1.79, 0.42]), overall complications (30-day: RR: 1.16; 95% CI: [0.93, 1.46]; and 90-day, RR: 0.85; 95% CI: [0.69, 1.04]) and readmission rate (30-day: RR: 0.96; 95% CI: [0.72, 1.27]; and 90-day: RR: 1.15; 95% CI: [0.80, 1.64]). ICUD after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy for bladder cancer exhibits obvious positive effects, especially in reducing the risk of blood transfusion and gastrointestinal complications, and shortening postoperative time of exhaust and oral intake. The findings in this meta-analysis should be confirmed by multiple high-quality studies in the future.
Research on fault diagnosis and feature extraction mechanism visualization of rotating machinery based on improved 1D CNN
Authors: Pang Pengfei , Tang(Member CCF) Jian , Rui Ting , Gong Jiancheng , He Yuchen
Published: October 2024

With the wide application of intelligent equipment in modern industrial production, it is particularly important to study how to intelligently sense the faults of rotating machinery, improve the diagnosis efficiency and enhance the interpretation ability of the diagnosis process. Although the traditional 1-D CNN performs well in fault diagnosis, it has limitations in capturing subtle changes and complex patterns of fault signals, and its interpretability needs to be improved. Therefore, based on the improved ELCNN model, this paper discusses its diagnosis mechanism in depth, aiming at providing a new idea for intelligent fault diagnosis of rotating machinery. The functions of convolutional layer and S-GAP layer in ELCNN are studied and analyzed. Through single-layer linear convolution, ELCNN can adaptively learn the frequency domain features of the signal and realize the lightweight of the model. At the same time, the S-GAP layer enhances the ability of ELCNN to capture the main peak frequency of fault signals through feature sparseness. The experimental results show that the accuracy of ELCNN in frequency domain feature extraction is more than 80 %. The main peak frequency extracted can effectively help engineers understand the basis of model judgment and improve the reliability of the model.
Artificial intelligence-assisted focused cardiac ultrasound training: A survey among undergraduate medical students
Authors: Soliman-Aboumarie Hatem , Geers Jolien , Lowcock Dominic , Suji Trisha , Kok Kimberley , Cameli Matteo , Galiatsou Eftychia
Published: October 2024

Objectives:

Focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) is increasingly applied in many specialities, and adequate education and training of physicians is therefore mandatory. This study aimed to assess the impact of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted interactive focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) teaching session on undergraduate medical students’ confidence level and knowledge in cardiac ultrasound.

Methods:

The AI-assisted interactive FoCUS teaching session was held during the 9th National Undergraduate Cardiovascular Conference in London in March 2023 and all undergraduate medical students were invited to attend, and 79 students enrolled and attended the training. Two workshops were conducted each over 3-hour period. Each workshop consisted of a theoretical lecture followed by a supervised hands-on session by experts, first workshop trained 39 students and the second workshop trained 40 students. The students’ pre- and post-session knowledge and confidence levels were assessed by Likert-type-scale questionnaires filled in by the students before and immediately after the workshop.

Results:

A total of 61 pre-session and 52 post-session questionnaires were completed. Confidence level in ultrasound skills increased significantly for all six domains after the workshop, with the greatest improvement seen in obtaining basic cardiac views (p < 0.001 for all six domains). Students strongly agreed about the effectiveness of the teaching session and supported the integration of ultrasound training into their medical curriculum.

Conclusions:

AI-assisted interactive FoCUS training can be an effective and powerful tool to increase ultrasound skills and confidence levels of undergraduate medical students. Integration of such ultrasound courses into the medical curriculum should therefore be considered.
Computational turf model validation with Clegg Impact Soil Tester experimental impacts on a wide range of synthetic turf constructions
Authors: Correia Matheus A , Watson Brock , Bustamante Michael , Yoder Jared , O’Cain Cody , Aldahir Philipe , Meade Spratley Edward , Cronin Duane S
Published: October 2024

The use of synthetic turf has been increasing in professional sports, where evaluation of novel turf designs for mechanical response, consistency, and athlete playability currently requires time-consuming and complex physical testing on physical turf, and more efficient drop-weight impact testing. A variety of drop tests are used to measure the impact response and surface stiffness of synthetic turf, including the Clegg Impact Soil Tester (CIST). Finite element computational models offer an opportunity to assess new turf designs prior to the construction of physical turfs but require validation for a range of turf constructions. In the present study, 14 different synthetic turf designs with varying infill and fibers were constructed and experimentally evaluated using the CIST device. Peak accelerations and acceleration-versus-time responses were measured. The turf constituent materials were mechanically characterized, FE models of all the turfs were created, and the CIST tests were simulated. The peak acceleration from the simulation followed the experimental trend for the wide range of turf designs, with an average difference of 9.7%. When considering conventional turf constructions, the average difference in peak acceleration was 8.8%, indicating the models provided a good prediction of turf impact response and can be used to assess new turf designs virtually, potentially reducing design times and physical test requirements.
Effectiveness comparison between ustekinumab and infliximab for Crohn’s disease complicated with intestinal stenosis: a multicenter real-world study
Authors: He Xidong , Wang Yufang , Sun Jingyao , Li Yueqin , Ruan Gechong , Li Yue , Zheng Weiyang , Zhang Xiaolan , Zhan Rongrong , Ding Xueli , Liu Ailing , Chen Yijia , Hu Yiqun , Yang Hong , Qian Jiaming
Published: October 2024

Background:

The efficacy of ustekinumab (UST) and infliximab (IFX) in Crohn’s disease (CD) patients with intestinal stenosis remains uncertain.

Objective:

This study aims to compare the efficacy of UST and IFX in the treatment of CD patients with intestinal stenosis.

Design:

This was a retrospective and multicenter cohort study.

Methods:

In this retrospective study, we included CD patients treated with IFX or UST at five centers. We assessed the clinical response rate at weeks 12 and 24, steroid-free clinical remission rate at weeks 24 and 52 for overall patients and those with stenosis, and objective examination (intestinal ultrasound and/or endoscopy) response rate at week 52 for stenosis patients.

Results:

A total of 211 CD patients (106 IFX and 105 UST) were included, with 119 (56 IFX and 63 UST) having intestinal stenosis. In the overall patient population, there were no significant differences in clinical response rate and steroid-free clinical remission rate at weeks 12, 24, and 52 between the IFX and UST groups. In patients with stenosis, the steroid-free clinical remission rate at week 52 was significantly lower in the IFX group compared to the UST group (51.79% IFX vs 69.84% UST, p = 0.044). The objective examination response rate did not significantly differ between the IFX and UST groups at week 52 (66.67% IFX vs 76.19% UST, p = 0.690). In the UST group, steroid-free clinical remission rate was higher in bio-naïve patients than bio-experienced patients at week 24 (75.00% bio-naïve vs 55.38% bio-experienced, p = 0.043).

Conclusion:

UST may be considered a more advantageous treatment option for those CD patients with intestinal stenosis, as it has better steroid-free clinical remission rates compared to IFX.
Pre-treatment pan-immune-inflammation value as a prognostic marker of pazopanib in soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Wu Cheng-Han , Lai Cheng-Lun , Hsu Yong-Chen , Hsu Chiann-Yi , Wang Yu-Chao , Lin Hsin-Chen
Published: October 2024

Background:

Increasingly, more evidence has shown that inflammation stress and the tumor microenvironment pose a negative effect on targeted therapy. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is considered to be a surrogate biomarker of inflammation and can predict pazopanib treatment effect in non-adipocytic soft-tissue sarcoma (STS). The role of the pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) in STS is still yet to be determined.

Objectives:

We sought whether the pre-treatment PIV could be applied to predict the response of pazopanib in STS.

Design:

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 75 patients who had been treated with pazopanib for recurrent or metastatic non-adipocytic STS.

Methods:

Our cohort was stratified into either a pre-treatment high PIV group with PIV ⩾310 ( n = 45) or a low PIV group with PIV <310 ( n = 30). We compared their clinical features and outcomes. Cox regression analysis was employed to determine the risk factors of disease progression and mortality. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were utilized to assess both the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results:

The results revealed that a pre-treatment high PIV (⩾310) is a risk factor for progression under pazopanib (hazard ratio: 1.91; 95% confidence interval: 1.08–3.36; p = 0.025). The median PFS and OS of the pre-treatment high PIV group were found to be significantly lower than the low PIV group (0.33 vs 0.75 years; p = 0.023, 0.46 vs 1.63 years; p = 0.025).

Conclusion:

High pre-treatment PIV in STS patients may indicate an elevated risk of disease progression and mortality. Pre-treatment PIV reflects inflammation stress and acts as a practical biomarker for STS patients treated with pazopanib.
Second-line treatment of PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade combined with liposomal irinotecan plus leucovorin and fluorouracil for advanced cholangiocarcinoma: study protocol of a single-arm, prospective phase II trial
Authors: Yang Heqi , Li Linjuan , Li Xiaofen , Ma Yuhang , Yang Yu , Cao Dan
Published: October 2024

Background:

Cholangiocarcinoma is a kind of malignant tumor that originates in the epithelium of the biliary tract. Although there are several options for second-line treatment for patients without specific genetic mutations, the overall treatment efficacy is disappointing. Second-line treatment which is composed of liposomal irinotecan plus fluorouracil and leucovorin significantly improved the treatment efficacy for advanced biliary tract cancer and extended patient survival. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of cadonilimab with liposomal irinotecan plus fluorouracil and leucovorin for advanced biliary tract cancer.

Objectives:

The primary objective of this study is to determine the objective response rate. The second objectives of this study are overall survival, progression-free survival, disease control rate, and adverse event incidence rate.

Design:

The study is a single-arm, prospective phase II clinical trial. In all, 51 patients who are diagnosed with locally advanced or metastatic bile tract cancer will be enrolled.

Methods and analysis:

Eligible participants will receive cadonilimab at a dosage of 6 mg/kg on day 1 of each 21-day cycle combined with intravenous liposomal irinotecan at a dosage of 70 mg/m2 for 90 min on day 1 plus leucovorin at a dosage of 400 mg/m2 for 30 min on day 1 and fluorouracil at a dosage of 400 mg/m2 for 46 h every 2 weeks.

Discussion:

Previous studies have suggested that there is a synergistic effect between the two treatment modalities. However, the potential of cadonilimab in bile tract cancer has not been explored. Hence, this trial is the first to investigate its efficacy and toxicity. In addition, the trial is also willing to explore potential biomarkers in patients with locally advanced and metastatic bile tract cancer.

Trial registration:

This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with NCT06438822.

Ethics:

This study protocol and amendments have been approved by the Ethics Committee of West China Hospital (2024(791)).
Conversation-Related Advertising and Electronic Eavesdropping: Mapping Perceptions of Phones Listening for Advertising in the United States, the Netherlands, and Poland
Authors: Segijn Claire M. , Strycharz Joanna , Turner Anna , Opree Suzanna J.
Published: October 2024

People report receiving ads on their mobile device that are seemingly related to previous offline conversations (i.e., conversation-related advertising). They may think that this is because their electronic devices are eavesdropping (i.e., e-eavesdropping). To gain insights into the scope and characteristics of conversation-related advertising and e-eavesdropping beliefs, we conducted a survey in the United States ( n = 300), the Netherlands ( n = 293), and Poland ( n = 293). These countries were chosen based on their differences in privacy regulations and history with state surveillance. We find that belief in conversation-related advertising is a widespread cross-country phenomenon, which is higher in the United States compared with European countries. In addition, between half and two-thirds of respondents believe e-eavesdropping is a likely explanation for it. We find that social media is a main contributing factor through which people hear about and most often see conversation-related advertising. Moreover, in response to such advertising, respondents experience more negative than positive affect. The results show that this is a prevalent and timely phenomenon that warrants more research. This carries implications for the (social) media industry and regulators, as it highlights the importance of transparency and (insufficient) individual understanding of data collection and processing.
What You Perceive Is What You Get: Enhancing Rumor-Combating Effectiveness on Social Media Based on Elaboration Likelihood Model
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Chang Qian
Published: October 2024

Rumors spread on social media overshadow the truth and trigger public panic. One effective countermeasure to address this issue is online rumor-combating. However, its effectiveness on social media has not been fully verified. In this study, drawing on construal level theory, we use temporal distance—the time interval between a rumor-combating post being released and receiving responses from social media users—to measure the effectiveness of rumor-combating. We also adopt elaboration likelihood model to explore the factors that could enhance this effectiveness. The empirical results show that perceptible (central route) factors, including the author’s authoritative combating methods, media richness, and positive emotions, are negatively related to temporal distance and are more effective for enhancing rumor-combating effectiveness than imperceptible (peripheral route) factors, such as the author’s influence and activeness. In addition, media richness exerts positive moderating effects on the relationship between perceptible route factors and rumor-combating effectiveness, implying that with the help of images or videos, rumor-combating effectiveness improves. This study addresses the need to enhance the effectiveness of rumor-combating and has practical implications for combating rumors in the social media.
GP Engagement: A Proposed Model to Guide Engagement Activities in Australian Primary Health Networks
Authors: Barton Chris , Saldanha Susan , Lane Riki , Clifford Sharon , Achar Nidhi , Russell Grant
Published: October 2024

Background:

Engagement with general practice is a requirement of Australia’s Primary Health Networks (PHNs). We propose a model for engagement that draws on principles of stakeholder and clinician engagement, tailored to meet the needs of PHNs and general practitioners (GPs).

Methods:

A comprehensive literature review was undertaken to identify components, challenges, and approaches to optimizing clinician engagement. Interviews with GPs (n = 18), other practice staff (n = 12), PHN staff, and other stakeholders (n = 15) across 3 PHN regions in Victoria, Australia, were used to identify perceived needs of GPs and opportunities for engagement with PHNs. Interview transcripts, notes, and contact summaries were collated and organized using QSR NVivo to support the process of coding and identification of common themes and perspectives. Information from the literature and interviews was synthesized to inform development of a model for GP engagement that could guide GP strategy and engagement activities undertaken by PHNs.

Findings:

PHNs engaged with GPs for accreditation, quality improvement, data sharing, continuing professional development, commissioning, and population health initiatives, among others. GPs were motivated to engage with PHNs, however, the roles of PHNs and benefits of engagement were not always clear. A model to support PHN engagement with general practice was developed comprising: (1) Organizational values for engagement; (2) Needs of GPs; (3) Areas of engagement; (4) Stages of engagement; (5) Communication planning; and (6) Monitoring and Evaluation.

Conclusion:

The proposed model represents contemporary understanding in clinician engagement, drawing upon concepts from community and stakeholder engagement, and extending established models for engagement into the setting of general practice.