bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A single-center retrospective review of the impact of cryotherapy on peripheral neuropathy scores in patients with breast cancer who received chemotherapy with a taxane-based treatment regimen.
Authors: Huffman Deanna , Primeaux Austin , Helm Elizabeth Reilly , Chen Lily Zhiying , Mason Joseph , Guzman-Arevalo Rafael , Chapple Andrew G , Loch Michelle Marie
Published: July 2024

e24106

Background: Taxanes are a class of chemotherapy frequently used for neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment of breast cancer. While effective, taxane use is not without adverse effects, the most well-known being chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). As CIPN is dose-related, it can lead to dose reductions and interruptions in therapy that may be detrimental to the patient. Cryotherapy has been used as a prevention strategy, but its efficacy remains unclear. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the cryotherapy program in our center. Included patients had breast cancer of any stage treated with a taxane in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting. All patients were offered cryotherapy at the time of their treatment and were separated into cohorts whether they opted in or out (“cryotherapy” and “non cryotherapy,” respectively). Neuropathy scores were collected by nursing staff via survey and scaled from 0-4. Patient demographics and neuropathy scoring were compared between the “cryotherapy” and “non cryotherapy” cohorts. Results: In total, 41 patients were included. Nearly half of patients in each cohort experienced neuropathy, 10 patients (41.7%) treated with cryotherapy and 8 patients (47.1%) without cryotherapy use. Younger age (46.5 years vs 57 years, p = 0.060), and patients using Medicaid (35.3% vs 75.0%, when compared to all other insurance types, p = 0.023) predicted cryotherapy use. Use of paclitaxel also predicted cryotherapy used when compared to docetaxel (76.0% and 31.2%, respectively, p = 0.009). There was not a significant difference in predicted neuropathy score between the cohorts (Adjusted Multiplicative Effect = .81, 95% CI = .34-1.96, p = .645). Conclusions: Our data did not suggest that the use of cryotherapy could predict lower neuropathy scores, but our study suffered from small sample size and short-duration of follow-up. Additional large, randomized trials with standard neuropathy scoring scales are needed to better evaluate the efficacy of cryotherapy in prevention of CIPN for breast cancer patients receiving taxane-based therapy.
DEFENDOR: Real-world evidence of primary prolonged G-CSF prophylaxis by empegfilgrastim for relative dose intensity compliance in patients with solid tumors—The final analysis.
Authors: Snegovoy Anton , Kononenko Inessa , Radyukova Irina , Orlova Svetlana , Starostina Tatiyana , Sultanbaev Alexander Valerievich , Dubovichenko Daria , Dergunov Alexander , Saydullaeva Alexandra , Repina Nadezhda , Gronskaya Yulia , Rossokha Elena , Sorokina Irina , Prosianikova Oksana
Published: July 2024

e24109

Background: Myelosuppression management under chemotherapy (CT) is crucial for maintaining the relative dose intensity (RDI) of therapy and ensuring effective treatment of patients with solid tumors (ST). RDI > 85% is associated with better overall survival for the most ST. Granulocyte colony stimulating factors (G-CSF) have been the standard of care for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN). Here we present the final results of a multicenter prospective observational post-marketing study of safety and efficacy of pegylated G-CSF Extimia (INN: empegfilgrastim, JSC BIOCAD) in pts with ST who receive cytotoxic therapy. Methods: The primary endpoint was the RDI of CT courses (4-8 cycles per course are allowed) with empegfilgrastim support. RDI was calculated for each single agent in the chemotherapy-based (CTb) regimen and for the CTb regimen in total. Extimia (7,5 mg) was administered subcutaneously once per chemotherapy cycle. Results: The study included 3218 pts with various tumor types across 41 centers in Russia. 3217 (99.97%) pts received at least one dose of the study drug. 2663 (82.8%) pts were included in the RDI assessment population per protocol. The average age of pts was 56.9 (18–84) y.o. Individuals aged ≥65 y.o accounted for almost one third of all pts. RDI ≥ 85% was achieved in 2415 (90.7%) pts (Table 1). 1447 (54.3%) pts have at least one FN risk factor whereas age ≥ 65 years is the most common (763/2663 (28.6%) pts). 91.5% RDI was registered in pts < 65 y.o and 88.7% RDI - in pts ≥ 65 y.o. Neutropenia was reported in 19 (0.7%) cases as a reason of RDI decrease. Grade 3-4 AEs were recorded in 74 (1.8%) cases in 59 pts whereas neutropenia (n = 22), anemia (n = 8) and diarrhea (n = 6) were the most common (CTCAE (v. 5.0)). Conclusions: Primary prolonged G-CSF prophylaxis by empegfilgrastim allows effectively maintaining RDI across various tumor types (TT) and treatment groups in pts with ST in routine clinical practice. Clinical trial information: NCT0481144 . [Table: see text]
Quantifying the risk of hypocalcemia in individuals treated with cabozantinib.
Authors: Murthy Anirudh
Published: July 2024

e24110

Background: Cabozantinib, a potent inhibitor for multiple receptor-tyrosine kinases, has been approved for the treatment of various advanced cancers. The risks of all-grade and high-grade hypocalcemia have been noted in many clinical trials. We have conducted an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials using single agent cabozantinib to assess the overall risk of hypocalcemia. Methods: We systematically identified relevant English-language studies primarily from PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov (up to March 2023), covering phase I to phase III trials using cabozantinib in cancer patients. Studies with patients assigned to single agent cabozantinib with available data on hypocalcemia were included. We employed fixed-effects or random-effect models depending on study heterogeneity to calculate the incidence and relative risk of hypocalcemia. Results: A total of nineteen studies were included for analysis. The overall incidence of all-grade hypocalcemia with cabozantinib was 15.0% (95% CI: 9.0-21.0%), with a high-grade (grade 3 or 4) incidence of 2.0% (95% CI: 1.0-3.0%). Significant variability was observed among different tumor types (p < 0.001), ranging from 45.0% in multiple myeloma to 2.0% in hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer. In comparison with placebo, cabozantinib significantly increased the risk of hypocalcemia with an RR of 1.75 (95% CI: 0.96-2.53, p < 0.001). However, when compared to prednisone, cabozantinib showed a non-significant risk reduction of 0.30 (95% CI: -0.20-0.79, p = 0.24). Furthermore, cabozantinib did not elevate the risk of hypocalcemia compared to other chemotherapeutic agents (everolimus, paclitaxel, and sunitinib). Conclusions: Patients undergoing cabozantinib treatment face an increased risk of hypocalcemia, with variations observed across different tumor types. Proactive measures can be implemented to prevent or mitigate hypocalcemia during cabozantinib therapy. Additionally, monitoring vulnerable patient populations is essential to optimize clinical care and enhance overall outcomes.
Cardiotoxicity in patients with breast cancer after modern therapy.
Authors: Xu Xiaocao , Lester-Coll Nataniel Hernan , Mari Mikaela-joy , Dittus Kim , Li Puyao
Published: July 2024

e24117

Background: Breast cancer survivors are at increased risk of adverse cardiac events (ACE). Many patient and treatment characteristics, including the use of radiation, anthracyclines, and anti-HER2 therapy, have been reported to affect the rate of ACE. Most prior studies evaluated patients treated with older techniques and therapies, and examined only ischemic events as an endpoint. We report the incidence and risk factors associated with a range of ACE in patients receiving modern systemic and radiation treatments. Methods: Retrospective review identified 235 women with breast cancer who received definitive treatment including radiation between 2017-2023. Coronary artery calcifications (CAC) were defined as density in the heart with ≥130 HU on simulation CT. Event free survival estimates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method. Uni- and multivariate analyses (MVA) were performed by Cox proportional hazards model. Median follow-up was 3.9 years (range, 0.8-6.9). Results: Patient characteristics are listed in table 1. At 4 years, ACE-free survival was 91.6%. Sixty-six patients had ACE, including arrhythmias (n = 21), valvular disease (17), acute coronary syndrome (9), ventricular dysfunction (20), and pericarditis (1). On MVA, radiation mean heart dose (MHD) > 4 Gy [HR 2.8, 95%CI 1.05-7.5, p = 0.04] and presence of CAC [HR 2.5, 1.2-5.2, p = 0.017] were independently associated with increased ACE. Endocrine therapy was associated with decreased risk (HR 0.4, 0.2-0.8, p = 0.012). Smoking (p = 0.88), hypertension (p = 0.97), diabetes (p = 0.52), treatment with chemotherapy (p = 0.89) including anthracyclines (p = 0.43), treatment with anti-HER2 therapy (p = 0.53), and radiation field (p = 0.65) were not significantly related to ACE in this limited cohort. A subset of patients participated in oncology rehab (n = 43) and there was no clear association with decreased ACE (p = 0.96) in in an exploratory analysis. Conclusions: The rate of ACE is low with modern therapy, even when accounting for a full spectrum of ACE. Consistent with prior studies, we found that higher MHD and CAC are independently associated with ACE, including previously under-reported ACE. Treatment with endocrine therapy was associated with fewer ACE. In this limited cohort with shorter-term follow up, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and treatment with anthracyclines and anti-HER2 therapy were not associated with ACE, suggesting that these may be less important risk factors. [Table: see text]
Comparison of prophylactic effects for chemotherapy-induced neutropenia between same-day vs next-day administration of pegteograstim in chemotherapy regimen composed of day 1 intensive myelosuppressive agent: A randomized phase III trial (CONCISE, KCSG PC22-11).
Authors: Park Kwonoh , Oh Sang-Bo , Hong Yun Jeong , Huh Seok Jae , Kim Il-Hwan , Shin Seong-Hoon
Published: July 2024

TPS12149

Background: Administration of peg-GCSF 24 to 72 hours after chemotherapy is usually recommended. Next-day administration (after 24 hours) resulted in fewer duration of Gr4 chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN) and decreased severity of CIN than same-day (within 4 hours). However, patients sometimes receive same-day Peg-GCSF for the sake of convenience. In addition, a few prior studies showed that the same-day method is comparable or superior to the next-day in preventing CIN, especially in regimens that include day 1 myelosuppressive agents. Thus, we aim to test hypothesis that same-day administration of pegteograstim, a new formulation of peg-GCSF, is non-inferior to next-day administration in terms of Gr4 CIN duration. Methods: This study is a randomized, multicenter, open-label, investigator-initiated phase 3 study. Patients with adjuvant/neoadjuvant or 1st palliative chemotherapy comprising intensively myleosuppressive agents on day 1 (mFOLFIRINOX, ECb, EP, FOLFIRI, and FOLFOX) are enrolled. The patients are assigned to the same-day arm or the next-day arm in a 1:1 ratio. Randomizations are stratified according to number of CIN risk (1 vs ≥2), setting (perioperative vs palliative), and interval (2- vs 3-week). In the same-day, pegteograstim 6 mg is SC injected within 4 hrs after chemotherapy, while 24-36 hrs in the next-day. CBC test is performed daily from day 5 to 9 during the cycle 1. From cycle 2 to 4, treatments are performed in accordance with general practice, including checking for febrile neutropenia (FN), dose intensity, and safety. The primary endpoint is duration of Gr4 CIN (during cycle 1), and secondary endpoints include incidence of Gr 3-4 CIN (cycle 1), severity of CIN (cycle 1), time to recovery ANC 1000/㎕ (cycle 1), incidence of FN, CIN-related dose delay, and dose intensity. In order to verify non-inferiority of 0.6 days of Gr4 CIN duration, we estimated a significance level of 5%, power of 80%, and drop-out rate of 15%. This results in the need for a total of 160 patients, 80 in each arm. We are currently recruiting patients (since Nov 2022). Clinical trial information: KCT0007694 .
Guard 01: A randomized, multicentre, controlled trail on the prophylactic use of efbemalenograstim alfa for concurrent chemo-radiotherapy induced neutropenia.
Authors: Chen Yuanyuan , Li QiWen , Chen Chunyan , Ouyang Yi , Chen Ming
Published: July 2024

TPS12155

Background: Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of various advanced-stage malignant tumors. However, it is often associated with significant hematologic toxicity, especially leukopenia and neutropenia, which may lead to treatment interruptions, reduced efficacy, and even severe infections. Efbemalenograstim alfa is a novel long-acting recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) combined of an immunoglobulin (Ig) G2-Fc fragment and two rhG-CSF molecules. Although efbemalenograstim alfa has been confirmed to be effective in the prevention of chemotherapy induced neutropenia by a number of clinical studies, its prophylactic efficacy during concurrent chemo-radiotherapy was seldom investigated. Guard-01 is aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of primary preventive use of efbemalenograstim alfa in concurrent chemo-radiotherapy. Methods: This study is a multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled clinical trial involving 120 patients who are planned to receive definitive concurrent chemo-radiotherapy with non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, esophageal cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, or cervical cancer. Patients will be randomized into efbemalenograstim alfa arm or control arm in a 1:1 ratio on the first day of the first concurrent chemo-radiotherapy cycle. The stratification factor is chemotherapy regimen of the patients. Approximately 48 (±4) hours after the completion of each chemotherapy cycle, patients in the efbemalenograstim alfa arm will receive efbemalenograstim alfa (20 mg per dose, subcutaneous injection) for prevention. Patients in the control arm will receive rhG-CSF (5 μg/kg/day) when the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is less than 1.0×109/L, and treatment will be discontinued when ANC reaches ≥5×109/L. The primary endpoint is the incidence of grade ≥3 neutropenia (ANC<1.0×109/L) during concurrent chemo-radiotherapy. The trial is opened in November 2023 and will be conducted in 8 hospitals with the aim of recruiting 120 evaluable patients (4 patients are recruited untilled 29-Jan-2024). Clinical trial information: ChiCTR2300077504.
Cohesin composition and dosage independently affect early development in zebrafish
Authors: Labudina Anastasia A. , Meier Michael , Gimenez Gregory , Tatarakis David , Ketharnathan Sarada , Mackie Bridget , Schilling Thomas F. , Antony Jisha , Horsfield Julia A.
Published: July 2024

Cohesin, a chromatin-associated protein complex with four core subunits (Smc1a, Smc3, Rad21 and either Stag1 or 2), has a central role in cell proliferation and gene expression in metazoans. Human developmental disorders termed ‘cohesinopathies’ are characterized by germline variants of cohesin or its regulators that do not entirely eliminate cohesin function. However, it is not clear whether mutations in individual cohesin subunits have independent developmental consequences. Here, we show that zebrafish rad21 or stag2b mutants independently influence embryonic tailbud development. Both mutants have altered mesoderm induction, but only homozygous or heterozygous rad21 mutation affects cell cycle gene expression. stag2b mutants have narrower notochords and reduced Wnt signaling in neuromesodermal progenitors as revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing. Stimulation of Wnt signaling rescues transcription and morphology in stag2b, but not rad21, mutants. Our results suggest that mutations altering the quantity versus composition of cohesin have independent developmental consequences, with implications for the understanding and management of cohesinopathies.
Export activity of enterprises: a case study of a border region
Authors: Zabielska Izabela
Published: July 2024

Motivation: Enterprises, especially SMEs, are the backbone of the Polish economy. Their desire to develop makes them decide, among other things, to export. Particularly those located in border regions, are a challenge for the economic cohesion and economic activation of these areas. The openness of the border and the prevailing economic relations between neighbouring countries are of vital importance here. This peculiarity of the border location and the potential of the border regions of Eastern Poland (peripheral and economically underdeveloped), as well as the still existing research gap in this area justifies, among other things, taking up the topic.Aim: Identification and assessment of the state of export activity of Polish companies, with particular emphasis on the sector of small and medium-sized enterprises located in the border region.Results: The research carried out (empirical — primary and secondary — identifying the level of export activity by region in terms of quantity and value) into the dynamics and level of export activity by border regions — shows significant differentiation. This differentiation is influenced, inter alia, by the location and different historical and political conditions of the neighbours. Poland’s accession to the EU in 2004 and joining the Schengen area in 2007 resulted in completely different opportunities for the development of export activity in regions located on Poland’s western border (e.g. with Germany and thus within the European Union) than in regions located on Poland’s north-eastern border (e.g. with the Kaliningrad Oblast of the Russian Federation, where the state border is at the same time the EU border in the eastern part of Europe). This peculiarity results in the fact that there is still a lack of compact, homogeneous studies on the export activity of enterprises, especially SMEs, in relation to border regions. This is certainly still an existing research gap.
The NewConnect market as a source of raising funds for the SMEs
Authors: Zabielska Izabela , Ejsmont Aneta
Published: July 2024

Motivation: The NweConnect market is intended for small, innovative and dynamically developing companies, especially in the so-called new economy. A debut on this market is one of the possible strategies for raising capital by a small and medium-sized entrepreneur. In times of economic downturn and limited supply of capital on the capital market, only the most credible have a chance to raise capital on the alternative market.Aim: recognition of the actual nature of companies listed on the alternative market in Poland, with particular emphasis on the voivodeships of Eastern Poland. It was assumed that mainly young, innovative and fast-growing companies are listed on the NewConnect market. The analysis was based on a review of domestic and foreign literature and on the estimated linear econometric model.Results: Most companies on the NewConnect market are not characterized by rapid development, short period of entering the market and a high level of innovation. There are also companies from industries where the level of innovation was not a key element of activity from the beginning. In addition, the changes that have taken place (i.e. from market entry to the current situation, 2007–2022) are not favourable. While at the beginning of their activity (since 2007) listed companies were characterized by a relatively high level of innovation, now (2022) this level is decreasing. This justifies the need for further research on the development of the NewConnect market as a source of financing for small and medium-sized enterprises.
CORRUPTION, GOVERNMENT’S ECONOM-IC PERFORMANCE AND INSTITUTIONAL TRUST IN THE MENA REGION
Authors: KOUBAA Salah
Published: July 2024

Motivation: Countries in the MENA region are perceived as highly corrupt. They are struggling to achieve clear results against corruption. Unfortunately, no country has reached a significant improvement on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) published by Transparency International in 2021. The United Arab Emirates and Qatar are the top performers in the Region. The former was ranked 69 out of 100, the latter 63 out of 100. Libya (17/100), Yemen (16/100), and Syria (13/100) awfully damaged by the war are the worst. The state-of-the-art impacts trust at the national level and the performance of public institutions as well.

Aim: This paper aims to study the relationship between corruption and trust, and its impact on public economic performance in the MENA region. It is based on the data provided by Arabbarometer, 2018-2019. Our sample includes 8215 individuals located in 12 countries in that region. To test all our hypotheses simultaneously, we have used the structural equation modeling method with SmartPLS software. The latent variable of the research model – corruption, fighting corruption, and economic performance of the government- all of them are used as a reflective measurement. However, trust is included in the model as a formative measurement.

Results:
The findings show that trust in public institutions, measured by a formative scale, is negatively impacted by the level of corruption (-0,36). It also depends on the efforts made by the state to fight corruption in public agencies and institutions (0,37). Trust is one of the most important components of social capital. The performance of public policies is highly correlated to the level of trust between public administration and individuals. The government’s economic performance depends on the level of that trust (0,341), the efforts made to fight corruption (0,173), and public corruption (-230). All hypotheses are significant at 1%.
impact of lifestyle interventions targeting physical activity and healthy diet on treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Authors: Lipska Julia , Hamerska Laura , Hamerska Julia , Bocianiak Bogumił , Antczak Joanna , Kajka Anna , Fenrych Urszula , Wojtczak Karolina , Skupińska Olga , Ruta Damian
Published: July 2024

Introduction and purpose: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a worldwide prevalent sleep-related medical condition characterised by upper airway collapse, leading to hypoxia and hypercapnia. Excess body weight is the risk factor of OSAS. Lifestyle interventions, particularly targeting weight loss, have emerged as potential management strategies for OSAS. The purpose of this review is to compile the information about the effectiveness of different forms of lifestyle interventions in the treatment of OSA.
Brief description of the state of knowledge:
While CPAP remains the current “gold standard” treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, it’s not always well-tolerated. Consequently, lifestyle interventions such as dietary modifications, exercise programs, and behavioural therapies  have emerged as important components in the management of this disease. The research has shown that these strategies  not only reduce the severity of OSA but also improve quality of life.
 Summary:  Lifestyle interventions, including dietary modifications, exercise programs, and behavioral therapies targeting weight loss, have demonstrated promising results in reducing the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and alleviating associated symptoms. However, further large-scale, long-term studies are necessary to validate their efficacy and understand their broader impact on OSA management.
Impact of maternal pharmacotherapy use during lactation on breastfeeding options and safety
Authors: Czuba Anna , Dubel Julia , Zielnik Martyna , Serafin Klaudia , Knurowska Pola , Rembisz Patrycja
Published: July 2024

Due to its unique composition, breast milk is the ideal food for the baby, as it contains all the necessary nutrients. Breastfeeding is recommended by numerous scientific societies and is associated with many immediate as well as long-term benefits for mother and child. The use of pharmacotherapy in mothers during lactation raises concerns about the adverse consequences of treatment and the health of the child due to the distribution of drugs into breast milk. The following paper aims to present the safety profile of selected drug products during breastfeeding.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) - A Beneficial Effect on Health and Physical Activity
Authors: Popławska Natalia Aleksandra , Śliz Justyna , Skorupska Marta , Czeczotka Magdalena Joanna , Woźniak Krzysztof
Published: July 2024

Introduction: 
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a member of the Zingiberaceae plant family and is indigenous to Southeast Asia. It has been widely utilized as an herbal remedy in numerous nations and is known for its beneficial properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects. Ginger is commonly consumed for its various health benefits, including alleviating coughs, reducing pain, addressing nausea, aiding digestion, and exhibiting analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Recently, research has begun to uncover the potential benefits of ginger on physical activity and athletic performance. 
Materials and methods: 
A comprehensive examination of scientific and medical literature was performed using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The search terms employed were: "ginger," "ginger anticancer," "ginger anti-inflammatory," and "ginger antiemetic." 
Conclusion: 
Ginger, scientifically known as Zingiber officinale, is a widely utilized herb with various biological effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial properties primarily attributed to four phenolic compounds: gingerols, shogaols, paradols, and zingerone. Notably, 6-shogaol, an active ingredient in ginger, shows promise as a natural anticancer product with potential therapeutic benefits. Also, several scientific studies have indicated that ginger supplementation may lead to reduced muscle soreness, improved endurance performance, and decreased inflammation in response to intense physical activity.
A Day-to-Day Dynamical Approach to the Most Likely User Equilibrium Problem
Authors: Li Jiayang , Wang Qianni , Feng Liyang , Xie Jun , Nie Yu (Marco)
Published: July 2024

The lack of a unique user equilibrium (UE) route flow in traffic assignment has posed a significant challenge to many transportation applications. The maximum-entropy principle, which advocates for the consistent selection of the most likely solution, is often used to address the challenge. Built on a recently proposed day-to-day discrete-time dynamical model called cumulative logit (CumLog), this study provides a new behavioral underpinning for the maximum-entropy user equilibrium (MEUE) route flow. It has been proven that CumLog can reach a UE state without presuming that travelers are perfectly rational. Here, we further establish that CumLog always converges to the MEUE route flow if (i) travelers have no prior information about routes and thus, are forced to give all routes an equal initial choice probability or if (ii) all travelers gather information from the same source such that the general proportionality condition is satisfied. Thus, CumLog may be used as a practical solution algorithm for the MEUE problem. To put this idea into practice, we propose to eliminate the route enumeration requirement of the original CumLog model through an iterative route discovery scheme. We also examine the discrete-time versions of four popular continuous-time dynamical models and compare them with CumLog. The analysis shows that the replicator dynamic is the only one that has the potential to reach the MEUE solution with some regularity. The analytical results are confirmed through numerical experiments.

History: This paper has been accepted for the Transportation Science Special Issue on ISTTT25 Conference.

Funding: This research was funded by the United States National Science Foundation’s Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation [Grant 2225087]. The work of J. Xie was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72371205].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2024.0525 .
Development of Indonesian Association of People with Disabilities (PPDI) Volunteers Based on Digital Applications to Increase Deaf Interaction
Authors: Hardiyanto Sigit , Dalimunthe Rehana Salsabila , Lubis Chalisa Audia , Daulay Syahru Ramadhan
Published: July 2024

Background:  Effective communication is essential for everyone, but it can be especially difficult for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. This can lead to isolation and hinder their ability to express themselves. Unfortunately, many people, including volunteers from PPDI North Sumatra, lack sign language skills, creating a communication barrier with the deaf community.
Contribution: This activity aims to develop and assist Regional Representative Council PPDI North Sumatra volunteers to increase interaction with the deaf at Regional Representative Council PPDI North Sumatra
Method: PPDI volunteers participated in program socialization, learned PIKU application features, and received training on its use.
Results: The PIKU program yielded positive outcomes. Volunteer participation was enthusiastic, and interaction with the deaf community increased. The app's free accessibility, user-friendly interface, and clear visuals facilitated communication.

Conclusion: The PIKU program, with its communication-assistive technology, effectively improved interaction between PPDI volunteers and the deaf community in North Sumatra. This highlights the potential of technology to break down communication barriers and foster inclusivity
Drug-resistant epilepsy: an overview of and insight into present and future treatment potential
Authors: Ramadan Francesca
Published: July 2024

Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent and disabling chronic neurological conditions, and continues to be a pressing issue for healthcare professionals and researchers in neurology. This is especially the case with drug-resistant epilepsy, which affects around 30–40% of people with epilepsy. As the neuroscience healthcare professional is likely to encounter patients with drug-resistant epilepsy in their practice, a foundational knowledge on the predictors, impact of and current and future treatment, as well as management options for this condition, is critical.
Development of an Electric Variable Air Assist System for Apple Orchard Sprayers
Authors: Jeon Hongyoung , Zhu Heping
Published: July 2024

Highlights

Electric air assist system was developed with electric fans, pulse width modulation (PWM) controllers, a custom-designed air channel, and a battery.

Adjusting PWM duty cycles from 0% to 100% achieved average exit air velocities from 0 to 11.3 m s-1.

Spray applications with the system at 50% and 70% power achieved canopy pass through spray coverages from 4.1% to 19.9% and 14.2% to 24.2%, respectively.

A multivariable regression model was developed to adjust air assist outputs based on tree canopy density and off-target loss.

Abstract. Air assist for apple orchard spray applications is a necessity to deliver pesticides to target crops. However, conventional orchard sprayers use axial fans to provide air assists which are generally designed for tall crops. Thus, these systems have very limited capabilities to control airflows to match canopy densities. An electric air assist system (EAAS) was developed with an electric fans, pulse width modulation (PWM) controllers, a custom-design air channel, and a 400-Ah LiFePO4 battery to address such limitations. The system could ramp up its airflow to nearly 80% of its maximum in 2.5 s, while it took approximately 4 s to reach 100% airflow from no air assist. The EAAS provided airflow of 11.3 and 5.3 m s-1 at the fan outlet and 1 m away, respectively, with 100% duty cycles (DC) of PWM. It was capable of modulating its average air velocities from 0 to 11.3 ms-1 by changing DCs. Spray coverage samples of constant rate applications with different air assist levels were collected from the behind apple tree canopies throughout the 2023 growing season to characterize the potential for off-target spray drift. A multivariable regression model for controlling DCs was developed with the spray coverage data and leaf area index (LAI) to minimize the off-target drift. The EAAS was a promising approach to developing more advanced air assist spraying systems to enable the adjustment of both air and liquid flows based on canopy characteristics to maximize spray depositions on intended targets while minimizing spray drift. Keywords: Air assisted sprayer, Automation, Crop protection, Fan, Penetration, Pesticide, Pulse width modulation, Variable air assistance.
Determination of Needle Penetration Force and Pump Pressure for the Development of an Automated Trunk Injection System for HLB-Affected Citrus Trees
Authors: Ojo Israel , Ampatzidis Yiannis , de Oliveira Costa Neto Antonio , Bayabil Haimanote , Schueller John K. , Batuman Ozgur
Published: July 2024

Highlights

An equation was developed for estimating the needle penetration force required for trunk injection.

A method to determine the required pump pressure for citrus tree trunk injection was developed.

This information can be used for the development of a drill-free, pressurized, automated trunk injection system.

Abstract.
Targeted precisemanagement of intravascular diseases such as citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) involves the application of therapeutics via trunk injection.Although trunk injection has proven more effective than foliar spray and soil drenching, multiple studies have highlighted limitations for large-scale commercial tree crop applications because of the manual process involved, emphasizing the need for an automated injection system.The design of a trunk injection mechanism to efficiently dispense aqueous therapeutic materials to the trunk of HLB-affected citrus trees requires the characterization of the hydraulic properties of the trunk and the determination of the penetration force of a dispensing needle. This study developed an equation for estimating penetration force at maximum depth based on the needle diameter, depth of penetration, and specific gravity of the wood tissue, and presents a method for estimating injection pump pressure. Trunk hydraulic conductance was measured using a hydraulic conductance flow meter, and needle insertion and removal force were measured using a force gauge in an Instron universal testing machine. The average maximum force was 2517, 3739, and 5387 N for dowel pins 4.76, 6.35, and 7.93 mm in diameter at a 12 mm penetration depth. Average specific conductivity was 2.45, 0.34, and 0.15 kgs-1m-1MPa-1for trunk segments 0–12.7, 12.7–26.7, and 26.7–40.6 cm above the ground, with a corresponding estimated pump pressure of 0.14, 0.99, and 2.31 MPa, respectively. Keywords: Automated trunk injection, Drill-free, Huanglongbing, Plant diseases.
Playing with the Narrative of Mental Illness : Communication Beyond Serious Empathy games
Authors: Kreitler Melanie
Published: July 2024

This essay focuses on the implicit narrative of mental illness communicated through the cultural rhetoric of serious games and empathy games. Games about mental illness are seen to promote a change in behavior and foster greater understanding by breaking down the boundary between the neuro-non-normative avatar and players. However, rather than cultivating empathy, these games reinforce notions of mental illness as the unknowable Other. Using Infinite Fall’s Night in the Woods (2017), this essay demonstrates how the use of non-serious elements, changes to the narrative premise, and limited insight into the avatar’s mind create a new communicative situation. Oscillating between sameness and difference, the game shows mental illness as a normal part of life, of growing up and getting to know yourself and the people around you.
Teachers' situated knowledge: Addressing digital exclusion in rural contexts
Authors: Pavez Isabel , Novoa-Echaurren Angela , Salinas-Layana Antonio
Published: July 2024

This study delves into the intricate challenges surrounding incorporating information and communication technologies (ICTs) in education, particularly in regions characterized by digital exclusion, such as rural areas. By recognizing the potential of ICTs to support and expand student learning opportunities, this research explores the necessity for effective implementation through tailored professional development aligned with teachers' contextual conditions and needs. In addressing these challenges, the study explores the concept of technological appropriation, underscoring the significance of individual and contextual elements in adapting ICTs to users' specific needs and environments. Through unstructured face-to-face interviews with 21 teachers immersed in a digitally vulnerable rural context, this research unveils insights into how educators’ appropriate technologies to enhance student learning. The findings of this study contribute to the development of educational practices tailored to rural contexts, focusing on providing a meaningful and effective learning experience for students. By shedding light on teachers' strategies for navigating the digital landscape in challenging environments, the research aims to inform policies and practices that bridge the technological gap, ultimately fostering equitable access and enhanced educational outcomes in rural settings.
Internationalization of Clusters: A Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) of Township Industrial Clusters
Authors: Lu Qian , Huang Feifei , Jia Liangding , Kai Chuang
Published: July 2024

This study aims to examine the internationalization of clusters, a driving force of the rising of multinational firms from emerging markets. We explored the question from the knowledge and relational dimension of clusters. We examine how the configuration of four factors, namely, component knowledge, architecture knowledge, horizontal competition, and vertical coordination, within a cluster jointly affect the degree of cluster internationalization by utilizing the Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) method. Using Data of 34 township clusters in Suzhou City, China, we identified three models that lead to a high cluster internationalization level.
Chinese Multinationals Gaining Global Dominance
Authors: Casanova Lourdes , Miroux Anne
Published: July 2024

Chinese firms have become key players in the global economy. Their rise is a defining feature since the turn of the century. In this paper, we analyze the ascent of Chinese firms in global business, the factors behind their emergence and how they have disrupted the global competitive landscape. Through the empirical study of large samples of firms and the help of databases like Capital IQ, FdI Markets and SDC Platinum, the paper examines the revenue growth and global expansion of Chinese firms– highlighting, among others, trends in geographical and sectoral distribution and modes of entry in foreign markets. The paper pays also particular attention to the rise of Chinese firms as global innovators and includes several cases studies in key industries. The paper concludes that while Chinese firms’ global expansion benefited from a favorable global environment, the current trade wars and geopolitical tensions, may be more challenging.
‘El acto del libro’ and Borges’s Metaphysics of the Book
Authors: Fiddian Robin
Published: July 2024

Abstract: In ‘El acto del libro’, Borges returns to the Quixote and reinterprets the ‘cartapacio’ of Cide Hamete Benengeli as prophetic and magical. Branding his proposition a ‘fantasía’, he hints at common ground with the belief systems of Islam and Christianity, specifically their doctrines of predestination and free will. Consideration of certain theories regarding the sources of both the Koran and the Bible leads to the assertion of a metaphysics of the book that encompasses some key areas and motifs in Borges’s wider œuvre. Important points of reference in the latter include ‘Las ruinas circulares’, ‘La busca de Averroes’, ‘Ajedrez’, and ‘Everness’.
Power over fiber in radio access networks: 5G and beyond
Authors: Vázquez Carmen , Altuna Rubén , López-Cardona Juan Dayron
Published: July 2024

This paper introduces the concept of power over fiber (PoF) and potential applications envisioned in radio access networks with optical fronthauling using different types of optical fibers. It is an open discussion on exploring PoF technology with current experiments integrating analog radio over fiber using 5G-NR signals in compliance with 3GPP, PoF, and monitoring techniques and general requirements in future deployments along with its potential to be part of the energy efficiency strategy in beyond 5G networks.
Enhanced sensitivity of magnetic field sensing using L-shaped dual Terfenol-D-FBGs based on the Vernier effect and a dual-loop optoelectronic oscillator
Authors: Zhao Xiaotong , Wu Beilei , Wang Muguang , Xiao Shiying , Li Jing , Cai YiHua , Yan Fengping
Published: July 2024

We proposed and successfully validated improved the sensitivity of magnetic field sensing using the Vernier effect in a dual-loop optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) incorporating cascaded L-shaped Terfenol-D-FBGs. Thanks to the time delay introduced by the dispersion compensating fiber (DCF) in the OEO cavity, precise conversion between the sensing FBG wavelength changes and the OEO oscillation frequency can be achieved. The central wavelengths of the sensing Terfenol-D-FBG change along with the magnetic field. Therefore, the magnetic field can be monitored by measuring the oscillating frequency of the OEO. In the proposed scheme, two reflection signals from the cascaded FBGs pass through two fiber paths with slightly different lengths, inducing the Vernier effect in the OEO, which significantly enhances the sensitivity of the sensor. Additionally, a bias magnetic field is applied to the sensing Terfenol-D alloy to further improve the sensitivity. Experimental results demonstrate that by applying a bias magnetic field on both sides of the sensing Terfenol-D, the sensitivity of the single-loop OEO is increased from 421 Hz/mT to 560 Hz/mT. Utilizing the Vernier effect, the magnetic field sensitivity of the dual-loop OEO reaches up to −16.54 kHz/mT, with a 29-times improvement over the single-loop OEO's 560 Hz/mT. By finely adjusting the path length difference, we further enhance the performance of the sensor, achieving sensitivities of −24.58 kHz/mT, −28.49 kHz/mT and −35.94 kHz/mT, respectively, which are 44 times, 51 times and 64 times higher than the single-loop OEO structure. Besides, to overcome the influence of temperature, a temperature compensation sensor is designed using a pair of L-shaped Terfenol-D alloys to host the cascaded sensing FBG and reference FBG. The experimental results show that the proposed L-shaped Terfenol-D with cascaded FBG can reduce the magnetic field error caused by temperature crosstalk to 0.03 mT.
Power optimization of high-power random Raman laser with a full-open cavity
Authors: Wu Jinming , Wang Peng , Zhang Hanwei , Wu Hanshuo , Xi Xiaoming , Shi Chen , Yang Baolai , Wang Xiaolin , Han Kai , Chen Jinbao
Published: July 2024

Since the concept of distributed feedback fiber random laser was put forward, random Raman fiber laser (RRFL) has made great progress in high power operation. For RRFL with a full-open cavity, the simplest cavity structure, further power scaling was restricted by the rapid increase of high-order Stokes wave. In this paper, we demonstrate that the output power of the RRFL can be further improved by optimizing the fiber length. The relationship between the RRFL output power and fiber length is researched theoretically and experimentally. Results show that to optimize the RRFL with a full-open cavity in output power to the best, the fiber length should be as short as possible, under the premise of avoiding causing strong four-wave mixing (FWM) and ensuring the sufficient absorption of signal light.
Multiple-reflections single-shot dispersion scan for fast ultrashort-pulse measurements
Authors: Capdeville Francisco , Villanueva Fernando , Hidalgo-Rojas Diego , Wahaia Faustino , Wheatley Robert Alastair , Wallentowitz Sascha , Volkmann Ulrich , Seifert Birger
Published: July 2024

A single-shot non-interferometric ultrashort-pulse measurement method based on the dispersion scan (d-scan) technique with a substantially extended time span for the pulses to be measured is presented. While single-shot d-scan is typically used for rather short femtosecond pulses, the presented multiple-reflections d-scan (MR d-scan) technique allows measurement of both short and long femtosecond pulses. Single-shot d-scan is currently limited to pulses with a maximum duration of 60 fs using a chromatic dispersion, i.e., a group delay dispersion (GDD) of 4400 fs2 at 840 nm provided by customized random nonlinear crystals. MR d-scan achieves a GDD of 31100 fs2 at 820 nm in this work, but can generally achieve an increase in GDD of up to two orders of magnitude. MR d-scan works with commonly available output couplers, does not rely on a homogeneous, precisely imaged beam profile and has an in-line configuration. As an example, long femtosecond double pulses are measured and reconstructed.
Passively harmonic mode-locked GHz U-band femtosecond pulse generation based on soliton self-frequency shift
Authors: Wang Mingjiao , Huang Zinan , Huang Qianqian , Li Weixi , Tian Haochen , Chen Tao , Xu Zishuo , Dai Lilong , Yan Kaiquan , Mou Chengbo
Published: July 2024

We demonstrate a GHz U-band fiber laser harnessing soliton self-frequency shift (SSFS). The seed source is a passively harmonic mode-locked (HML) fiber laser based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) polymer film. By adjusting the pump power and polarization controller (PC) appropriately, the repetition rate can be tuned up to 1.104 GHz with a side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) of 42.5 dB. The seed source with different repetition rates can be frequency shifted from C-band to U-band in a piece of dispersion-shifted fiber (DSF) after amplification. We selected three repetition rates (457.8 MHz, 700.1 MHz, and 1104.1 MHz) and systematically studied the impact of different repetition rates on SSFS. The broad tuning range of wavelengths covering the entire U-band can be obtained by adjusting the pump power of the main amplifier. To the best of our knowledge, the demonstrated laser is the first U-band femtosecond fiber laser based on passively HML with a repetition rate over 1 GHz.
Neural network-based electrical dispersion pre-compensation for a 56 Gb/s PAM-4 over an 80 km fiber in intensity-modulation and direct-detection systems
Authors: Rong Limin , Ni Weihao , Chen Zhiwei , Li Fan
Published: July 2024

A neural network (NN)-based electrical dispersion pre-compensation (pre-EDC) scheme in intensity-modulation and direct-detection (IM/DD) systems is proposed and experimentally demonstrated in this Letter. The scheme enables 56 Gbit/s four-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM-4) generation at a transmitter over an 80 km single-mode fiber (SMF) transmission in the C-band. The NN is utilized to better fit nonlinear phase-amplitude transformation due to the chromatic dispersion (CD) in IM/DD systems, in place of the existing Gerchberg–Saxton (GS) iterative algorithm and linear GS-based finite impulse response (GS-FIR) non-iterative compensation schemes. The experimental results show that the measured bit error ratio (BER) can be reduced to below the 7% hard-decision forward error correction (HD-FEC) threshold of 3.8 × 10−3 with 0 dBm receiver optical power (ROP) by the NN-based non-iterative pre-EDC scheme, which also saves up to 81% of computational complexity compared to the GS-based scheme. The results indicate that our proposed scheme is promising for the CD pre-compensation at the transmitter.