bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yerleşmeler Tarihinde Peyzaj Bitkilerinin İlk Kullanımları
Authors: Zeybek Osman
Published: November 2023

Bitki ve insan ilişkisi, Neolitik Çağ’dan itibaren insanların yerleşik hayata geçmeye başlaması ile farklı bir boyuta taşınmıştır. Avcılık ve toplayıcılık ile geçinen insan toplulukları tarımın keşfi ile birlikte verimli topraklar, temiz ve erişilebilir su, uygun iklim şartları ve yaşam alanı kurmak için yeterli doğal malzemenin
bulunduğu bölgelerde, en az bir vejetasyon dönemi boyunca yerleşik düzene geçmeye başlamışlardır. Başlarda gıda üretimi amacı ile gelişen bu ilişki, zaman içinde bitkilerin estetik ve işlevsel özellikleri amacı ile kullanılmasına evrilmiştir. İlk kent denemelerinin ise Mezopotamya Uygarlıkları tarafından gerçekleştirildiği bilinmektedir. Bu çalışmada, Mezopotamya Uygarlıklarına ilişkin geniş envanterleri bulunan The British Museum (İngiliz Müzesi), Louvre Museum (Louvre Müzesi), Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (Metropolitan Sanat Müzesi, New York), Ankara’daki Anadolu Medeniyetleri Müzesi ve İstanbul Arkeoloji Müzesi koleksiyonları incelenmiştir. Mezopotamya Uygarlıklarına ait buluntular tek tek incelenmiş ve üzerinde bitki figürü bulunan en eski buluntular araştırma kapsamına dahil edilmiştir. Metropolitan Sanat Müzesi ile İngiliz Müzesi’nin Mezopotamya Uygarlıklarına ait ve üzerinde bitki figürleri bulunan en eski eserlere sahip olduğu anlaşılmıştır. Araştırma kapsamında bu müzelerden beş eser seçilmiş ve eserlerdeki bitki figürlerinin tür tespitleri yapılmaya çalışılmıştır. Henüz global ticaret ağlarının gelişmediği, dolayısı ile bitkilerin evrildikleri anavatanlarında yaşamlarını sürdürdüğü kabul edilmiştir. Bu bağlamda, incelenen eserlerde kullanılan bitki figürleri için tür tahminleri yapılırken bitkilerin anavatanlarına özellikle dikkat edilmiştir. Eserlerde bitkilerin alle bitkilendirmesi şeklinde yol kenarlarında ve sınırlarda kullanıldığı rahatlıkla görülebilmektedir. Yapılan değerlendirmeler sonucunda hurma ağacı (Phoenix dactylifera L.) ve üzüm asması (Vitis vinifera L.) net şekilde tanımlanmış ve silindir mühürde ise Lübnan sedirinin (Cedrus libani L.) kullanıldığı düşünülmektedir.
IMPLEMENTASI KEBIJAKAN PENDIDIKAN KEJURUAN PADA KELAS JUNIOR (SMP) SEBAGAI UPAYA MENGATASI PENGANGGURAN
Authors: Andhika Adi , Immanuel Brenden F , Hafni  , Fawzan Rizki
Published: November 2023

Derived from the problem of unemployment that occurs in school and college graduates which is a problem in society. Therefore, we need a solution in the form of a policy that can maintain and improve the relationship of junior class schools with the wishes of work areas, business areas and industrial areas in the future. This article was created so that we can learn and understand the problem of unemployment and how to solve it, in this case the link and match policy can be a good solution for education in tackling problems such as unemployment in the future. The results of the discussion of this article are expected to provide a broad view of the implications of vocational education policies for the junior class in increasing their career potential and expertise from an early age so that in the future they will overcome unemployment, in this case what skills or careers will be required in the work area and what skills. the most attractive desired work area in the future.
La utilización en el aula de juegos de roles y análisis de casos concretos
Authors: Santos Rodríguez Jorge Enrique
Published: November 2023

La libertad de cátedra reconocida en Colombia permite que el método de enseñanza delDerecho Administrativo sea una elección del docente, quien dentro de las posibilidadesmetodológicas que tiene a su alcance puede valerse del juego de roles o análisis decasos concretos. Así, la materia se aborda como un hecho y no solo como unaexplicación de teorías y conceptos jurídicos, máxime si se tiene en cuenta que elDerecho Administrativo es la forma como se concretizan en el mundo de lo fáctico lasdisposiciones constitucionales y que la finalidad última de cualquier disciplina jurídicaes la de ser aplicada.
Las metodologías docentes aplicadas con perspectiva de género para la formación profesional del alumnado de Grado y Máster: Simulación y role playing.
Authors: Marrades Puig Ana
Published: November 2023

El concepto de género es una categoría de análisis imprescindible en lasáreas jurídicas y sociales. La falta de introducción de esta perspectiva en la docenciay en la investigación produce consecuencias negativas y sesgadas tanto de lapresencia y participación de las mujeres en todas las áreas del conocimiento comoen el tratamiento y la interpretación del Derecho y por tanto en la consecución dela justicia y la igualdad.La formación al alumnado con esta perspectiva en las actividades aplicadases necesaria para el desempeño de sus futuras actividades profesionales. Para ellopodemos valernos de técnicas de role playing y actividades de simulación para queentiendan los errores que podrían cometer en sus profesiones si no incorporan unamirada de género y aprendan la mejor forma de actuar bajo este prisma.
Exhumation History of the Greater Khingan Mountains (NE China) Since the Late Mesozoic: Implications for the Tectonic Regime Change of Northeast Asia
Authors: Wang Hongtao , Li Shichao , Zhang Lingyu , Sheldrick Thomas C. , Liu Fangbin , Zhao Zheren , Yang Xiaopeng , Wang Yadong
Published: November 2023

The Greater Khingan Mountains (GKMs) are a prominent orogenic zone in Northeast Asia that offers significant insights into the evolution of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean and the Pacific Ocean during the Phanerozoic. A comprehensive study integrating a low-temperature thermochronology analysis pertaining to the Greater Khingan area and its associated basins has been conducted. Apatite fission-track (AFT) tests conducted on detrital samples from the GKMs in Northeast China have yielded central ages ranging from 260 to 62 Ma. Two-dimensional thermal history inversion modeling and three-dimensional numerical simulations were used to investigate the GKMs' thermal history, revealing at least two distinct tectonic cooling and exhumation events: one occurring between 147 and 70 Ma and another around 35 Ma. The fission-track age groups of the GKMs, Hailar-Erlian Basin, and Mohe Basin bear some resemblance (>105 Ma), but the results from the Songliao Basin are unique. This implies that the Songliao Basin and the GKMs were likely under the influence of different tectonic domains during this period, while AFT age peaks between 105 and 45 Ma, indicating the basin-mountain systems were likely influenced by a unified Paleo-Pacific plate process, which prevailed from about 105 Ma. The 147–70 Ma cooling event can be attributed to the combined effects of the compression orogeny, resulting from the closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean during the Early Cretaceous and the extension orogeny triggered by the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean during the early Late Cretaceous. Since approximately 35 Ma, the increase in Pacific plate subduction speed may have established a post-arc extensional tectonic environment in the GKMs that has persisted until now.
The fractional analysis of thermo-elasticity coupled systems with non-linear and singular nature
Authors: Rab Abdur , Khan Shahbaz , Khan Hassan , Tchier Fairouz , Tawfiq Ferdous , Nadeem Muhammad , Jebran Samaruddin
Published: November 2023

It is noted that the study of linear and non-linear thermo-elasticity systems has a key role inthermal conductivity, stresses, as well as elasticity, and temperature. The solution to these systemsis one of the important parts of the present research. The fractional form of various thermo-elasticsystems is discussed, and their solutions are attained in a sophisticated manner. The solutionsof fractional and integer thermo-elastic systems are further discussed via graphs and tables. Thegraphs have shown the closed contact between the exact and LRPSM solutions. For appropriatemodeling, the solutions of fractional problems are plotted and shown to be convergent towardsinteger-order problems solutions. From the tables, it is verified that as the terms of the obtained seriessolution increases, the higher accuracy is achieved quickly. The faster convergence and stability of thesuggested method supports its modification for other fractional higher non-linear complex systemsin nature.
Ion coherence: A physical derivation of high-flux ion transport in biological channel
Authors: Song Bo , Hu Yixiao , Wang Yue , Gao Jun , Jiang Lei
Published: November 2023

Biological ion channels usually conduct the high-flux transport of 107 to 108 ions/s, however the underlying mechanism is still lacking [1-7]. Here, applying the KcsA potassium channel as a typical sample, by multi-timescale molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrate that there is coherence of K+ ions confined in biological channel, which determines the transport. Specifically, the coherent oscillation state of confined K+ ions with a nanosecond-level lifetime in the channel dominates each of transport events, serving as the physical basis of the high flux of ~108 ions/s. The coherent transfer of confined K+ ions, only taking several picoseconds and having no perturbation on the ion coherence, acts as the directional key of transport. The increase of ion coherence can significantly enhance the ion current by a coherence-induced transition. These findings provide a theoretical evidence supporting that the energy-efficient high-flux ion transport of biological channel is physically derived from ion coherence.
Effect of trabeculectomy in the treatment of primary angle-closure glaucoma combined with cataract: A case control study
Authors: Cao Xianfen , Ou Yulun , Zhou Xiaoping , Peng Zhengwu , Cao Zelie , Zhou Qing
Published: November 2023

Background Elderly cataract patients usually accompany primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG), leading to a series of pathophysiological changes in the patient’s eyes. While, the treatment of PACG combined with cataracts remains controversial. Methods A retrospective case control study was conducted. One hundred patients with PACG comorbid with cataract who were treated by phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation and trabeculectomy were selected as the study group. And another one hundred patients with PACG comorbid with cataract who were treated by phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation were selected as the control group. The intraocular pressure (IOP), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal endothelial cell density, average cell area, anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber angle width, and surgery complications before and after surgery were compared between the two groups. Results One month and three months after surgery, the IOP and BCVA of the study group were lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The corneal endothelial cell density of patients in the two groups at one and three months after operation was lower than that before the operation (P < 0.05), and the average cell area was larger than that before the operation (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the depth of the anterior chamber and the width of the anterior chamber angle between the two groups (P > 0.05). The depth and width of the anterior chamber angle in the study group were higher than those of the control at one month and three months after surgery (P < 0.05). The complication rate was lower in the study group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions Phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation and trabeculectomy for the treatment of PACG patients with cataract is effective and safe.
PFKFB3 attenuates cisplatin-induced ferroptosis in gastric cancer via dephosphorylation of SLC7A11
Authors: Shi Jiaolong , He Zhanke , Lian Zhiying , Yang Kai , Wu Jiani , Sui Chuyang , Zhang Penghao , Yan Ziyan , Yao Xingxing , Yu Jiang , Li Guoxin , Deng Haijun
Published: November 2023

6-phosphofructo-2-kinase (PFKFB3) is an isoenzyme of the PFKFB family, of which numerous studies have revealed the involvement in tumorigenesis and malignant behaviors in a non-glycolysis-dependent manner. Based on our findings of PFKFB3 in trastuzumab resistance, interestingly, we have found that PFKFB3 significantly attenuated cisplatin cytotoxicity both in vivo and in vitro. We demonstrated that overexpression of PFKFB3 markedly inhibited Erastin- and cisplatin-induced ferroptotic cell death. We further showed that Cystine/glutamate antiporter (xCT) interacts with the phosphatase domain of PFKFB3 and can be dephosphorylated at serine 26 (S26) by PFKFB3. The dephosphorylation of S26 greatly enhances xCT transporter activity, is critical for the production of GSH, and inhibits cisplatin-induced ferroptosis. Notably, erastin reversed PFKFB3-mediated resistance to cisplatinboth in vivo and in vitro. Collectively, our findings open a door to uncover how PFKFB3 promotes cisplatin resistance and may provide a potential target for gastric cancer treatment.
Measuring productivity based on the reduction of produced capital to labor
Authors: Kang Duyong
Published: November 2023

Noting that capital is a produced factor of production, this paper explores the measurement of productivity based on the reduction of capital to labor. Specifically, it examines two productivity indicators based on this approach: ‘the modified Solow residual’ (MSR) and ‘total labor productivity’ (TLP), defined as the quantity of output per unit input. The study finds that MSR is a more general indicator of the growth contribution of technological progress than the conventional Solow residual in that it provides accurate estimates of the growth contribution for all types of technological progress and reduces to the conventional Solow residual in the case of Hicks-neutral technological progress. TLP is found to provide a broader perspective on productivity as it encompasses the efficiency of factor allocation as well as the level of technology. This paper also estimates the MSR of the Korean economy and compares it with conventional Solow residual estimates.
HSF-1 promotes longevity through ubiquilin-1 dependent mitochondrial network remodelling
Authors: Labbadia Johnathan , Erinjeri Annmary , Wang Xunyan , Williams Rhianna , Chiozzi Riccardo Zenezini , Thalassinos Konstantinos
Published: November 2023

Increased activity of the heat shock factor, HSF-1, suppresses proteotoxicity and enhances longevity. However, the precise mechanisms by which HSF-1 promotes lifespan are unclear. Using an RNAi screen, we have identified ubiquilin-1 (ubql-1) as an essential mediator of lifespan extension in worms overexpressing hsf-1. We find that hsf-1 overexpression leads to transcriptional downregulation of all components of the CDC-48-UFD-1-NPL-4 complex, which is central to both endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria associated protein degradation, and that this is complemented by UBQL-1-dependent turnover of NPL-4.1. As a consequence, mitochondria undergo extensive remodelling, leading to metabolic rewiring and increased lifespan. Together, our data are the first to establish that HSF-1 mediates lifespan extension through mitochondrial network adaptations that occur in response to the down-tuning of organellar protein degradation pathways.
Assisted cloning of an arbitrary unknown d-dimension state
Authors: Zhai Deng-xin , Peng Jia-yin , Maihemuti Nueraminaimu , Tang Jiang-gang
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this article is to further investigate the assisted cloning of a d-dimensional arbitrary unknown state by utilizing quantum teleportation (QT) and remote state preparation (RST) techniques. We first propose a scheme for cloning an arbitrary unknown single-qudit state with assistance from a state preparer. In this scheme, the maximally and non-maximally bipartite d-dimensional states are used as quantum channels, respectively. In the first stage of scheme requires usual QT and in the second stage, the state preparer disentangles the left over entangled states by introducing one auxiliary qudit and performing a generalized CNOT, a single-qudit positive operator-valued measurement (POVM) and a single-qudit projective measurement process and conveys some classical messages to different parties so that a copy is produced probabilistically with the unit fidelity.Then by replacing the maximally or non-maximally bipartite d-dimensional entangled channel with a sequence of maximally or non-maximally bipartite d-dimensional entangled states as quantum channel, we can extend the above scheme to the case of cloning a d-dimensional arbitrary unknown m-qudit state with the unit fidelity and a certain probability in the help of the state preparer.
PACS numbers 03.67.Hk, 03.67.-a, 03.65.Bz
The Study of Vaginal Wall Thickness in Adults Based on Histopathological Measurements
Authors: Wang Xinrong , Liu Juan , Zou Juan , Luo Can , Wei Dongmei
Published: November 2023

Purpose: To accurately measure the vaginal mucosa thickness across different age groups by histopathologic techniques and to investigate the factors that may influence the thickness changes.
Methods：A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 348 patients who underwent local vaginal wall resection at the West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, from January 2021 and May 2022. The thickness of vaginal mucosa, epithelium and lamina propria was measured precisely under the microscope. And the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentile values of vaginal mucosa thickness across different age groups were counted and charted a dot-line plot .
Result: The percentile values for vaginal mucosa thickness exhibited a decreasing trend with increasing age; vaginal mucosa thickness showed significant correlations with times of delivery (P=0.031) and age (P<0.001), both of which were negatively associated. And vaginal mucosa thickness demonstrated no significant correlation with body mass index (BMI) (P=0.325), times of abortions (P=0.511), times of gestation (P=0.101), menstrual cycle (P=0.533), or types of delivery (P=0.056); epithelial thickness showed significant associations with age (P<0.001) and types of delivery (P=0.017), both of which were negative correlations. Moreover, BMI (P= 0.429), times of abortions (P=0.764), delivery (P=0.079), gestation (P=0.475), and menstrual cycle (P=0.950) were nonassociated with epithelial thickness; lamina propria thickness displayed a significant correlation only with age (P=0.002), and there were no obvious correlations observed between lamina propria thickness and BMI (P=0.374), times of abortion (P=0.417), delivery (P=0.053), gestation (P=0.101), types of delivery (P=0.132) and menstrual cycle (P=0.495). Moreover, when the age segmentation was thresholded at 35 and 50 years, both epithelial thickness and vaginal mucosa thickness were significantly correlated with age (P< 0.05). Lamina propria thickness was associated with age when the age threshold was set at 35 years (P=0.007), whereas it showed no strong link with age when the age threshold was 50 years (P=0.072).
Conclusion: This study revealed a strong link between vaginal mucosa thickness and age, with epithelium likely playing a predominant role, while the association with lamina propria appeared to be less significant. The potential relationship with the lamina propria needs to be explored on the basis of a larger sample size for further study.
Generative text-to-image diffusion for automated map production based on geosocial media data
Authors: Dunkel Alexander , Burghardt Dirk , Gugulica Madalina
Published: November 2023

The state of generative AI has taken a leap forward with the availability of open source diffusion models. Here, we demonstrate an integrated workflow that uses text-to-image Stable Diffusion at its core to automatically generate icon maps such as for the area of the Großer Garten, a tourist hotspot in Dresden, Germany. The provided workflow is based on the aggregation of geosocial media data from Twitter, Flickr, Instagram, and iNaturalist. This data is used to create diffusion prompts, to account for the collective attribution of meaning and importance by the population in map generation. Specifically, we contribute methods for simplifying the variety of contexts communicated on social media, through spatial clustering and semantic filtering, for use in prompts, and then demonstrate how this human-contributed baseline data can be used in prompt engineering to automatically generate icon maps. Replacing labels on maps with expressive graphics has the general advantage of reaching a broader audience, such as children and other illiterate groups. For example, the resulting maps can be used to inform tourists of all backgrounds about important activities, points of interest, and landmarks without the need for translation. Several challenges are identified and possible future optimizations are described for different steps of the process. The code and data are fully provided and shared in several Jupyter notebooks, allowing for transparent replication of the workflow and adoption to other areas or datasets.
A quantitative analysis method on the scale, shape and quantity of rockeries in Chinese classical gardens - Taking Wanfang Anhe Rockery in the Old Summer Palace as an example
Authors: Li Xinchen , He Xiaoxiao , Xiao Yuqing , Jia Shizhen , Qin Ke
Published: November 2023

Currently, the use of digital technology for the protection and research of cultural heritages has become a trend in this field. These rockeries in Chinese classical gardens have become an important cultural heritage type because of unique shape, ingenious skills and rich connotations. The research difficulty lies in how to objectively describe, quantitatively analyze and evaluate such rockeries in an accurate way. Based on relevant historical information and 3D digital technology, this paper puts forward a quantitative analysis method on the scale, shape and quantity of rockeries in Chinese classical gardens, aiming at exploring the objective description and quantitative analysis path of rockeries at different levels, and taking Wanfang Anhe Rockery in the Old Summer Palace as an example for objective and comprehensive quantitative analysis and verification. Such method is based on quantitative analysis and fine management, and is carried out from four levels, i.e. overall, regional, hierarchical and individual. The above method is used to quantitatively analyze and verify Wanfang Anhe Rockery, wherein the overall scale of such rockery is determined based on the viewing position and viewing line of sight, the regional data show that the precipice area (B) and the drop area (D) are the main areas for rockery construction, Area D is divided into two hierarchies through slices and elevations and Area B is divided into three hierarchies at the hierarchical level, as well as at the individual level, there are 336 rocks in total in this rockery and 275 rocks in Area B, and all the viewing range, overall rockery height, material characteristics and stacking mode have a strong impact on the scale of individual rocks. This method is feasible and effective for quantitative analysis of the scale, shape and quantity of rockeries, which can help understand the basic background of stone rockeries and enhance a refined understanding of stone rockery construction, thereby providing data for preventive protection and informatization management of stone rockeries. The 3D rockery model database based on the overall, regional, hierarchical and individual quantitative analysis and numbering method brings a good application prospect for preventive protection and informatization management of the rockery.
Load observer for cable failure detection in Cable Driven Parallel Robots: a machine learning approach
Authors: Bettega Jason , Piva Giulio , Richiedei Dario , Trevisani Alberto
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes a method for cable failure detection in Cable Driven Parallel Robots (CDPR) which is based on the exploitation of the load observer (LO) concept together with machine learning algorithms. By just exploiting the dynamic model of each actuator in the conditions of no load, a LO is designed for each motor to estimate the presence of a load coupled through a cable. Since the load instantaneously goes to zero for the motor with a broken cable, a simple but effective and robust signature of failure can be inferred, to provide reliable detection even in the case of various model mismatches. Additionally, the LO is not computationally demanding since just motor measurements are required, thus avoiding any direct measurement (and a dynamic model as well) on the end-effector. The detection of a failure in made through supervised classification algorithms based on artificial intelligence. The training of the machine learning algorithm is based on an “hybrid” approach: the dataset includes several failure cases which are numerically generated through a system digital twin developed through the multibody system theory, together with measurements of the real system in non-failing conditions. Different classification algorithms are considered, together with different sets of input variables to be fed to the classifier. Two numerical examples are proposed, by showing the method capability in handling both fully actuated and redundantly actuated CDPRs under cable failure.
Effect of statins and testosterone replacement therapy on incident cardiovascular disease among male hormone-related cancer survivors
Authors: Haddad Danielle El , Kim Hyunkyoung , Polychronopolou Efstathia , Baillargeon Jacques , Villasante-Tezanos Alejandro , Kuo Yong-Fang , Gilani Syed , Khalife Wissam I. , Lopez David S.
Published: November 2023

Purpose: Statins and testosterone replacement therapy (TTh) have been previously linked with prostate, colorectal and male breast cancer (hereinafter we will refer as hormone related cancers [HRCa]), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there is a poor understanding about the combined association of statins and TTh with incident CVD among HRCa survivors and a matched cancer-free cohort.
Methods: We identified 44,330 men of whom 22,165 were previously diagnosed with HRCa, and 22,165 were age-and index-matched cancer-free in SEER-Medicare 2007-2015. Pre-diagnostic prescription of statins and TTh prior to CVD development was ascertained for this analysis in the two matched cohorts. Weighted multivariable-adjusted conditional logistic regression models were used to evaluate the independent and combined associations of statins and TTh with CVD.
Results: We found that use of statins (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.46–0.55) and TTh (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.67–0.97) were each independently inversely associated with incident CVD in the overall sample. TTh plus statins was also inversely associated with CVD. Associations were similar in the matched cancer-free cohort. Among HRCa survivors, only statins and combination of TTh plus statins (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.44–0.98) were inversely associated with CVD, but the independent use of TTh was not associated with CVD.
Conclusion: In general, pre-diagnostic use of statins and TTh, prior to CVD development, independently or in combination, were inversely associated with CVD in the overall, cancer-free population, and among HRCa survivors (mainly combination). Independent effects and combination of statins and TTh remained to be confirmed with specific CVD outcomes among HRCa survivors.
Revisiting the factors influencing consumer travel: an exploration of consumer travel for purchasing goods and experiencing services in Shanghai, China
Authors: Kang Ning , Niu Xinyi
Published: November 2023

This paper revisits the relationship among the perceived built environment, travel attitude, perceived value, and consumer travel in the particular era of the changing retail landscape amid advances in information technology. This study thus uses consistent partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLSc-SEM) to estimate the focal parameters based on data from 30 commercial centres in Shanghai, China. Additionally, this inquiry uses multigroup analysis structural equation modelling (MGA-SEM) to evaluate the disparities between two types of consumer travel: purchasing goods and experiencing services. The results show that consumers’ perceived values and travel attitudes significantly influence their travel and that these effects are even more apparent for experience services. In addition, the perceived built environment plays a partially positive role in consumer travel. Notably, however, accessibility cannot directly influence consumer travel, only indirectly influencing travel attitude, whereas commercial attractiveness positively influences both of these. Accordingly, this study offers valuable insights, enabling urban planning, transportation, and commercial services to better address the evolving retail landscape and emerging consumer travel demands.
Development and validation of a healthy work environment quality instrument
Authors: Shin Sunhwa , Lee Eun-Hye
Published: November 2023

Background As the importance of a healthy work environment for nurses' good practice and patient safety has been recognized, there is a need to assess nurses' perceptions of the quality of a healthy work environment. Methods The initial items for the instrument were developed through literature review and interviews. The initial items were evaluated for content validity by ten experts. Two hundred and forty-seven shift nurses participated in this study through face-to-face surveys to test the reliability and validity of the instrument. The evaluation was used for item and confirmatory factor analyses to assess the criterion-related validity and internal consistency of the instrument. Test-retest reliability was analyzed using data from thirty-two nurses. Results The final instrument consisted of 23 items with five sub-factors identified through confirmatory factor analysis. Criterion-related validity was established using the K-PES-NWI (r = .54). Cronbach's alpha for the total items was .85, and test-retest reliability was .73. Conclusion The results confirmed the validity and reliability of the developed instrument. This instrument can be used as a basis for evaluating the healthy work environment quality of shift nurses and creating a desirable nursing work environment.
Accurate prediction of HCC risk after SVR in patients with Hepatitis C cirrhosis based on longitudinal data
Authors: Zou Yanzheng , Yue Ming , Jia Linna , Wang Yifan , Chen Hongbo , Zhang Amei , Xia Xueshan , Liu Wei , Yu Rongbin , Yang Sheng , Huang Peng
Published: November 2023

Background
Most existing predictive models of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk after sustained virologic response (SVR) are built on data collected at baseline and therefore have limited accuracy. The current study aimed to construct an accurate predictive model incorporating longitudinal data using a novel modeling strategy. The predictive performance of the longitudinal model was also compared with a baseline model.
Methods
A total of 400 patients with HCV-related cirrhosis who achieved SVR with direct-acting antivirals (DAA) were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly divided into a training set (70%) and a validation set (30%). Informative features were extracted from the longitudinal variables and then put into the random survival forest (RSF) to develop the longitudinal model. A baseline model including the same variables was built for comparison.
Results
During a median follow-up time of approximately 5 years, 25 patients (8.9%) in the training set and 11 patients (9.2%) in the validation set developed HCC. The areas under the receiver-operating characteristics curves (AUROC) for the longitudinal model were 0.9507 (0.8838–0.9997), 0.8767 (0.6972,0.9918), and 0.8307 (0.6941,0.9993) for 1-, 2- and 3-year risk prediction, respectively. The brier scores of the longitudinal model were also relatively low for the 1-, 2- and 3-year risk prediction (0.0283, 0.0561, and 0.0501, respectively). In contrast, the baseline model only achieved mediocre AUROCs of around 0.6 (0.6113, 0.6213, and 0.6480, respectively).
Conclusions
Our longitudinal model yielded accurate predictions of HCC risk in patients with HCV-relate cirrhosis, outperforming the baseline model. Our model can provide patients with valuable prognosis information and guide the intensity of surveillance in clinical practice.
Parameter Estimation for a Class of Stable Driven Stochastic Differential Equations
Authors: Manou-Abi Solym M.
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we consider parameter estimation for a stochastic process observed at some discrete times that is a solution of a given class of stochastic differential equations driven by α-stable processes, α ∈ (1, 2). Firstly, we consider the diffusion coefficients parameters estimation problem such as the scaling parameter and the driving stable process parameters. Secondly, we address the question of the joint estimation with the drift coefficients for Stable driven Cox–Ingersoll–Ross and Ornstein-Uhlenbeck processes. Our methodology which is based on the use of Nadaraya-Watson estimator is new according to the literature of such estimation problem. Indeed it is based on a combination of the characteristic sample function and the (linear or weighted) regression methods. We discuss the validity and efficiency of the numeric implementation of the estimators on synthetic data and real financial data as indexes and exchange rates. As a forthcoming work, we intend to provide a package (in the R programming language) for this type of estimation problem.
Combined use of graphical and statistical approaches for rainfall trend analysis in the Mae Klong River Basin, Thailand
Authors: Khalil Alamgir
Published: November 2023

The main purpose of this paper was to investigate the monthly, seasonal, and annual rainfall variability in the Mae Klong River Basin in Thailand using the Mann–Kendall (MK) test, Sen's slope method, Spearman's Rho (SR) test, and the innovative trend analysis (ITA) method. The monthly rainfall data of eight stations for the period 1971–2015 were used for trend analysis. Datasets with significant serial correlation were corrected by the trend-free pre-whitening (TFPW) approach for statistical methods. The MK test showed increasing rainfall trends for five out of eight stations in the dry season while 50% of stations indicated increasing trends in the wet season. On an annual scale, 75% of the stations exhibited increasing rainfall trends. The results of the SR test were in line with the MK test for seasonal and annual rainfall. The ITA method showed comparable findings with those of the statistical methods. For the entire basin, trend analysis found increasing rainfall on both seasonal and annual scales by all the tests. The findings of this study could benefit water supply and management, drought monitoring, agricultural production activities, and socioeconomic development in the Mae Klong River Basin in the future.
Water containers and the preferable conditions for laying eggs byAedesmosquitoes in Maros Regency, South of Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Agus Nurjana Made , Srikandi Yuyun , Wijatmiko Tri Juni , Hidayah Nurul , Isnawati Rina , Octaviani Octaviani , Gunawan Gunawan , Samarang Samarang , Koraang Meiske Elisabeth , Anastasia Hayani , Ningsi Ningsi
Published: November 2023

One of the factors that influence the development of mosquitoes is the water container. This study was performed to determine the relationship between the characteristics of water containers and the preferable conditions for laying eggs by Aedes sp. A single larva method was conducted during March 2019 in 300 houses in two villages (Turikale and Adatongeng) at Maros Regency, Indonesia. In total, 1,269 water containers were considered, and among them buckets were found to be the most common container. Logistic regression analysis showed that the type, container location, and weekly drainage were related to the presence of larvae/pupae in the Maros Regency (p-value < 0.05). Non-water containers, which are kept indoors and are not drained at least once a week, have a greater chance of breeding Aedes sp. More attention is given to non-water containers that are located inside the house. Prevention activities, especially draining water containers properly at least once a week ensures that they do not become breeding sites for Aedes sp. mosquitoes and helps to prevent the transmission of dengue viral fever.
Chemical composition of groundwater and its controlling factors in the Liuzhuang coal mine, northern Anhui Province, China
Authors: Jiang Qilin , Liu Qimeng , Liu Yu , Zhu Jingzhong , Chai Huichan , Chen Kai
Published: November 2023

Identification of the hydrochemical characteristics of the groundwater system in the mining area and the controlling factors of the water's chemical components is necessary to protect groundwater resources. In this study, 80 sets of groundwater samples were collected from three aquifers of the Liuzhuang coal mine (northern Anhui Province, China), and a total of eight indicators were selected for quantitative analysis of the chemical components of water. Conventional mathematical and statistical methods and Piper trilinear diagrams show that the cations in the groundwater samples of the mine area are mainly K+ + Na+ (92.4%), while the anions in the Cenozoic and Carboniferous aquifers are mainly Cl−, reaching 57.2% and 55.2%, respectively, and the anions in the Permian aquifer are mainly HCO3- (52.6%). Most of the water chemistry types are Cl-Na, HCO3-Na, and HCO3-Cl-Na. Analysis on the basis of Gibbs plots showed that the aquifer system in the mine area is primarily controlled by the water–rock interaction. The results of ion ratio analysis, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis showed that the dissolution of hydrochloric acid and alternating cation adsorption is more prominent in the Cenozoic and Carboniferous aquifers, while desulfurization is more significant in the Permian aquifer.
Assessment of groundwater reservoir and the influence of its characteristics on water dynamic control
Authors: Yao Wenli , Liu Xiaoli , Wang Fang , Wang Enzhi , Cao Linshun , Bai Peng , Hu Nan
Published: November 2023

Groundwater reservoirs play an important role in regional water volume balance. In order to ensure the efficiency of a groundwater reservoir and obtain its maximum value, it is necessary to figure out its characteristics, such as minimum water level, normal water level, and maximum water level. The characteristics not only determined the storage capacity but also influenced the water allocation and utilization. Therefore, this paper took a groundwater reservoir built in an alluvial fan as an example to assess its storage capacity and the influence on water dynamic control. The alluvial fan was located in the front of Lao River, where there were an alluvial-diluvial fan, groundwater storage space, and natural impervious boundary. Therefore, it was an ideal place for constructing a groundwater reservoir. Through theoretical analysis and numerical simulation, the storage capacity was determined, and the influence of groundwater reservoir characteristics on water dynamic control was analyzed. On this basis, the water-supply method in the research area was confirmed. This paper will present a new method for repairing the groundwater system and protecting the ecological environment.
Clinical Features, Socio-cultural Characteristics, Sleep Patterns, and Depression in Fibromyalgia Patients from India: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ramteke Smruti , Ramteke Sanjay , Yadav Sandeep , Chandak Nitin
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex and chronic disease with significant regional variation. There is a lack of studies on Fibromyalgia (FM) in Indian population.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical features of FM patients in India, including the prevalence and distribution of comorbidities, sleep patterns, and depression.

Methods:

Cross-sectional analysis of patients attending outpatient rheumatology clinic from 2019-2020 fell in the ACR2016 criteria for FM.

Results:

Of the 121 patients enrolled in the study, the majority (93.4%) were female, with a female-to-male ratio of 14:1. The mean age of the patients was 45 ±11 years. The socio-cultural profile of the patients revealed that the majority were married (88%) and homemakers (68.8%), lived in nuclear families (56%) and were middle to upper middle class (68.6%). Contrary to the existing literature, a higher prevalence of FM has been observed in people with a higher educational status. Common clinical symptoms were extensive body aches (100%), fatigue (88%), difficulty concentrating (69.4%), irritability and gastrointestinal complaints (58.5%). We observed a high prevalence of primary headache (76%), mainly migraine (42%) and obsessive-compulsive (OCB) (71%). Sleep disturbances and depression were found in the significant number of patients with FM. The patients reported various sleep problems, such as snoring, waking up at night, daytime sleepiness, and taking daytime naps. Most of the patients had mild (50.8%) to moderate (29%) depression, while a smaller proportion experienced severe (6.6%) symptoms. Most of the patients had low serum vitamin D (91%). The presence of moderate to severe depression was associated with the severity of FM.

Conclusion:

The demographic profile of Indian patients was similar to that reported in the literature but had varied socio-cultural profiles needing further community-based studies. The high prevalence of psychological comorbidities and sleep disturbances highlights their importance in managing FM patients.
Revolutionizing Diabetes Care: The Pivotal Role of Artificial Intelligence (Preprint)
Authors: Dey Amit Kumar , Grover Anu
Published: November 2023

UNSTRUCTURED

The application of artificial intelligence in addressing diabetes, a global epidemic, holds immense potential to transform the diagnosis and treatment of this chronic condition fundamentally. Machine learning-based algorithms have been devised to encourage the utilization of risk prediction models for diabetes and its associated complications. Additionally, digital therapies are being increasingly utilized to modify lifestyles as part of diabetes treatment. A growing number of patients are becoming active consumers, and healthcare providers now possess better tools to manage diabetes independently. Clinical decision support systems play a crucial role in assisting healthcare professionals. Synthetic intelligence facilitates seamless and continuous remote monitoring of symptoms, signs, and biomarkers. Furthermore, engagement in online forums and social media platforms has exhibited a positive influence on patients' involvement in diabetes treatment. The advancements in technology have significantly enhanced the utilization of resources for diabetes treatment. Collectively, these thoughtfully implemented technological advancements culminate in improved glycemic management, leading to reduced pre and post-meal glucose levels, minimized sugar spikes, and decreased glycosylated haemoglobin levels. The advent of AI signifies a radical departure from the existing diabetes treatment paradigm, propelling us towards data-driven precision medicine.
Most Believe in Artificial Intelligence, but Many Do not Want to Try -- Providers' Attitude Towards Artificial Intelligence in India's Informal Healthcare Sector - A Case of TB Diagnosis (Preprint)
Authors: Kumar Sumeet , Rayal Snehil , Bommaraju Raghuram , Varasala Navya Pratyusha , Papineni Sirisha , Deo Sarang
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health concern, causing 1.5 million deaths in 2020. Diagnostic tests for TB are often inaccurate, expensive, and inaccessible, making chest X-rays (CXRs) augmented with Artificial Intelligence (AI) a promising solution. However, whether providers are willing to adopt AI is not apparent.

OBJECTIVE

The study seeks to understand the attitude of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) and informal healthcare providers, who we jointly call AIPs, towards adopting AI for TB diagnosis. We chose to study these providers as they are the first point of contact for a majority of TB patients.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 406 AIPs across the states of Jharkhand (162 participants) and Gujarat (244 participants) in India. We designed the survey questionnaire to assess the AIPs’ confidence in treating presumptive tuberculosis (TB) patients; their trust in local radiologists’ reading of the CXR images; their beliefs regarding the diagnostic capabilities of AI; and their willingness to adopt AI for TB diagnosis.

RESULTS

After removing incomplete responses, we found that 93.7% (270/288) of AIPs believed that AI improved the accuracy of TB diagnosis, and 69.4% (200/288) were willing to try AI. AIPs who were more confident in diagnosing TB and had greater trust in the local radiologists were more likely to believe in AI-based TB diagnosis. However, we found significant differences in AIPs’ willingness for AI adoption across the two states. Specifically, in Gujarat, a state with better and more accessible healthcare infrastructure, 73.4% (155/211) were willing to try AI; and in Jharkhand, 58.4.% (45/77) were willing to try AI. Moreover, AIPs in Gujarat who showed higher trust in the local radiologists were less likely to try AI. In contrast, in Jharkhand, those who showed higher trust in the local radiologists were more likely to try AI.

CONCLUSIONS

While most AIPs believed in the potential benefits of AI-based TB diagnosis, many did not intend to try AI, indicating that the expected benefits of AI measured in terms of technological superiority may not directly translate to impact on the ground. Improving beliefs among AIPs with poor access to radiology services or those who are less confident of diagnosing TB is likely to result in greater impact of AI on the ground.
A Blended Learning Course on the Diagnostics of Mental Disorders: Multicenter Cluster Randomized Noninferiority Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Bonnin Gabriel , Kröber Svea , Schneider Silvia , Margraf Jürgen , Pflug Verena , Gerlach Alexander L , Slotta Timo , Christiansen Hanna , Albrecht Björn , Chavanon Mira-Lynn , Hirschfeld Gerrit , In-Albon Tina , Thielsch Meinald T , von Brachel Ruth
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Clinical diagnoses determine if and how therapists treat their patients. As misdiagnoses can have severe adverse effects, disseminating evidence-based diagnostic skills into clinical practice is highly important.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a blended learning course in a multicenter cluster randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Undergraduate psychology students (N=350) enrolled in 18 university courses at 3 universities. The courses were randomly assigned to blended learning or traditional synchronous teaching. The primary outcome was the participants’ performances in a clinical diagnostic interview after the courses. The secondary outcomes were diagnostic knowledge and participants’ reactions to the courses. All outcomes were analyzed on the individual participant level using noninferiority testing.

RESULTS

Compared with the synchronous course (74.6% pass rate), participation in the blended learning course (89% pass rate) increased the likelihood of successfully passing the behavioral test (odds ratio 2.77, 95% CI 1.55-5.13), indicating not only noninferiority but superiority of the blended learning course. Furthermore, superiority of the blended learning over the synchronous course could be found regarding diagnostic knowledge (β=.13, 95% CI 0.01-0.26), course clarity (β=.40, 95% CI 0.27-0.53), course structure (β=.18, 95% CI 0.04-0.32), and informativeness (β=.19, 95% CI 0.06-0.32).

CONCLUSIONS

Blended learning can help to improve the diagnostic skills and knowledge of (future) clinicians and thus make an important contribution to improving mental health care.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05294094; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05294094