bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data Analysis and Traction Performance Evaluation of an Electric All-Wheel Drive Tractor During Agricultural Operation
Authors: Baek Seung-Yun , Jeon Hyeon-Ho , Kim Wan-Soo , Kim Yeon-Soo , Park Cheol-Gyu , Kim Yong-Joo
Published: September 2024

Highlights

The study evaluated the feasibility of using a new type of platform, the electric AWD tractor, for agricultural operations.

The data for key components of the electric AWD tractor during plowing were analyzed.

The traction performance of the electric AWD tractor was evaluated via tractive efficiency and dynamic ratio.

The electric AWD tractor was expected to replace conventional tractors in terms of traction performance.

Abstract. Owing to the increasing need for research on electric all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, an investigation on the AWD systems applicable to tractors was conducted in this study. The experimental platform consisted of an electric power transmission system including four sets of electric motors, helical and planetary reducers, wheels, and an electrical system including chargers, batteries (LiFePO4), converters, and inverters. The drive control system of the electric AWD tractor was divided into the AWD and the motor controller. The data measurement system consisted of analog (current and traction force) and digital (battery voltage, current, motor rotational speed, state of charge (SOC) level, and travel speed) components that communicate using a controller area network (CAN) bus. Data measured during plowing were used to calculate motor power, motor torque, traction power, and driving power to analyze the power consumption of an electric AWD tractor. The traction performance of the electric AWD tractor was evaluated using tractive efficiency, calculated values (traction power and driving power), and dynamic ratio. The maximum and minimum average voltage of the electric AWD tractor during plowing were 72.2 and 64.7 V, respectively, and the average value was measured as 68.2 V. The average value of the maximum current applied to the inverter was 362.4 A, and the mean value was measured as 187.5 A. The average value of the maximum rotational speed of the four motors was 2111.5 rpm, while the mean rotational speed during the operation was 1131.9 rpm. The average value of motor torque was 79.4 Nm. The decrease rate of battery SOC level per minute was calculated as an average of 1.4%/min. The maximum values of the traction and driving power during plowing were 42.0 and 73.7 kW. The maximum tractive efficiency (TE) was 0.77, with an average TE of 0.47. The maximum dynamic ratio (DR) was 0.28, with an average DR of 0.18. The TE of a conventional tractor was found to be a maximum of 0.61, with averages of 0.41, respectively. The average TE of the electric AWD tractor was approximately 14% higher than that of the conventional tractor. Data analysis indicates that the electric AWD tractor performing speed control is vulnerable to slip, and further research is necessary to improve AWD system performance through speed and slip control. Keywords: Data analysis, Data measurement system, Electric AWD tractor, Plowing, Traction performance.
Club Foot with Contralateral Congenital Amniotic Band Syndrome Amputation Successfully Treated with Ponseti Method: Case Report
Authors:   Department of Orthopedics Childrens Hospital New Orleans, Louisiana, USA., Le Brian , Mudiganty Srikanth ,   Department of Orthopedics Childrens Hospital New Orleans, Louisiana, USA., Skalak Timothy ,   Department of Orthopedics Childrens Hospital New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Constriction amniotic band syndrome (CABS) is a rare condition associated with the fibrous amniotic bands that restrict and ensnare the fetus in utero resulting in malformations at birth in one per around 15,000 live births. CABS associated with clubfoot, historically required extensive soft-tissue release due to its propensity for relapse. Case Report: A 2-day-old Caucasian male infant born at 27 weeks gestation through emergency cesarean section due to concern for placental abruption and premature rupture of membranes in the setting of a prenatal history significant for oligohydramnios. The patient presented with non-viable tissue in the right leg requiring amputation with a left-sided clubfoot deformity. Following amputation of the right leg, the clubfoot was corrected with Ponseti method of serial casting and Achilles tenotomy. Three-week post-tenotomy and 6 months of age, a custom fit prosthesis of the right leg allowed for the application of a left abduction foot orthosis which maintained the correction. Conclusion: This case study supports recent literature that CABS-associated clubfoot can be corrected with the Ponseti method. While a contralateral amputation can prevent the use of a traditional bilateral abduction foot orthosis, a custom fitted prosthesis can allow for its use and prevention of a relapse of deformity. Keywords: Clubfoot, amniotic band syndrome, amputation, Ponseti casting, custom prosthesis.
Vascular Injury with Insertion of Anteroposterior Interlocking Screw of Retrograde Femoral Nail – Case Report
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Worcestershire Royal Hospital,Charles Hastings Way, Worcester, WR5 1DD, United Kingdom, Abdallatif Ahmad , Shaalan Mohamed ,   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Worcestershire Royal Hospital,Charles Hastings Way, Worcester, WR5 1DD, United Kingdom, Isaac Sherif ,   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Worcestershire Royal Hospital,Charles Hastings Way, Worcester, WR5 1DD, United Kingdom
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Retrograde femoral nailing is a frequently performed surgical procedure used to stabilize a supracondylar femur fracture. We are reporting a unique case where the insertion of the anteroposterior interlocking screw of a retrograde nail caused vascular damage. Within the elderly patient population, we anticipate the presence of significant collateral blood vessels, which increases the potential for vascular damage during the insertion of a proximal screw. In this instance, there was bleeding caused by a vascular injury after the insertion of proximal interlocking screws, which necessitated further examination and vascular embolization on the following day. The complexity above necessitates that the author makes adjustments to surgical techniques when inserting proximal screws of a retrograde nail in similar cases. Case Report: An 82-year-old female patient presented with a right periprosthetic supracondylar femur fracture. The fracture was managed by retrograde nail femur. Vascular injury during proximal anteroposterior screw insertion results in post-operative bleeding and marked hemoglobin drop. The bleeding is managed by computed tomography emergent vascular embolization. Conclusion: Vascular injury, due to the insertion of a proximal screw, is a rare but potentially dangerous complication that needs a high degree of suspicion to pick up and manage this rare serious complication promptly. Keywords: Retrograde nail femur, Distal femoral fracture, Vascular injury, Complications.
Philosophies and Surgical Techniques on Os Odontoideum Treatment with Literature Review
Authors:   Department of Spine Surgery, Yonsei Okay Hospital, Seoul, South Korea., Sakhrekar Rajendra , Ha Ji Soo ,   Department of Spine Surgery, Yonsei Okay Hospital, Seoul, South Korea., Han Hee-Don ,   Department of Spine Surgery, Yonsei Okay Hospital, Seoul, South Korea., Kim Do-Hyoung ,   Department of Spine Surgery, Yonsei Okay Hospital, Seoul, South Korea., Kim Chang Wook ,   Department of Spine Surgery, Yonsei Okay Hospital, Seoul, South Korea., Kulkarni Shreenidhi ,   Department of Spine Surgery, Yonsei Okay Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Os odontoideum is a rare condition described radiographically and clinically as a congenital anomaly of the second cervical vertebra (axis). It is a smooth, independent ossicle of variable size and shape separated from the base of a shortened odontoid process by an obvious gap, with no osseous connection to the body of C2. Material and Methods: This study reviewed the literature on OO to evaluate its etiology, clinical presentations, differential diagnosis, imaging modalities, and outcomes in the management of asymptomatic and symptomatic cases of Os odontoideum. Key articles from PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane were searched. Discussion: Considering etiology, the traumatic hypothesis is favored over the congenital hypothesis as per recent literature on OO. Clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic to mild neck pain to severe myelopathy and neurodeficit. Various C1-C2 instrumentation and fusion techniques such as wiring, transarticular screw, and laminar screws have been described with success rates. Conclusion: Os odontoideum is a rare condition with limited existing literature. Considering the significant risks involved if conservative management opts, like severe neurodeficit to sudden death on trivial trauma and the recent improvement of imaging tools helping to understand the pathology of the disease, surgery can be indicated even in an incidentally detected os odontoideum. However, a case-by-case approach can be considered for stable asymptomatic patients depending on factors such as age, activity level, comorbidities, syndromic association, and radiographic findings. Keywords: Os odontoideum, surgical management, etiology, atlantoaxial instability, complications.
Controlling of the spatially dependent absorption spectrum by quantum interference
Authors: Zhang Yufan , Kong Deyi , Wang Fei
Published: September 2024

In this paper, the spatially dependent probe absorption is investigated in a five-level cascade atomic system. We consider that four control fields interact with the atomic transitions forming a closed-loop structure, and a weak probe field is applied between the ground states and the lowest excited state. It is shown that the narrowing of the probe absorption profile is controllable by the intensities of the four driving fields. More interestingly, we find that the radial modification of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) is possible to obtain by simply increasing the numbers of the orbital angular momentum (OAM) of the vortex fields. In addition, the Doppler broadening effect on the spatially dependent EIT is also discussed briefly, demonstrating that various spatial absorption distributions are obtainable in different cases. The internal mechanisms can be attributed to the triple quantum interference effect according to the dressed-state analysis. It is possible to find potential applications in quantum information storage and high-dimensional quantum communications.
Three-dimensional modeling of near-field beam profiles from grating couplers using a deep neural network
Authors: Lim Yu Dian , Tan Chuan Seng
Published: September 2024

Integrated silicon photonics (SiPh) gratings have been widely studied for the optical addressing of trapped ions. As the form factor of ion traps reduces, the ion-trapping height decreases and may unavoidably fall into the reactive near-field region of SiPh gratings. In this study, a deep neural network (DNN) modeling technique is developed as a rapid alternative to generate reactive near-field beam profiles of light coupled from SiPh gratings, as compared to the conventional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique. The training of the optimized DNN model took 14 minutes, and the generation of beam profiles from the trained model took a few seconds. The time required for model training and beam profile generation is significantly faster than FDTD simulation, which may take up to 2 hours. The generated beam achieved accuracy values of up to 75%. Despite the relatively longer model training duration, it is possible to reuse the trained DNN model to generate beam profiles from gratings with several design variations. In short, this work demonstrates an alternative DNN-assisted technique to rapidly generate beam profiles in the reactive near-field region.
Fiber optic magnetic field sensor based on a magnetic-fluid-induced phase-shift FLRD
Authors: Li Hongxu , Huang Kunpeng , Dou Yetian , Li Siqi , He Huili , Cai Peng
Published: September 2024

A magnetic field sensing system based on a phase-shift fiber loop ring-down (FLRD) technique and multi-mode interferometer (MI) coated with magnetic fluid (MF) is proposed and demonstrated. The MI is constructed by splicing a segment of no-core fiber between two sections of single-mode fibers, which is then immersed in MF to serve as a sensing head with the advantages of simple fabrication and specific magnetic sensitivity. Due to the magnetic refractive index tunable properties of the MF, the magnetic-field-dependent loss will be introduced in the fiber loop by the sensing head. Such magnetic-induced loss would be accumulated during the round trip of the optical carrier and reflected on the phase information of the modulated signal. The phase-shift changes with the applied magnetic field strength, enabling magnetic field sensing through phase-shift measurements. The sensing system is experimentally demonstrated and a sensitivity of 0.704×10−3deg/Gs in the linear region is achieved. Moreover, the stability and repeatability of the system are verified, leading to a promising method for magnetic field measurements.
Quantum illumination using polarization-entangled photon pairs for enhanced object detection
Authors: Sengupta Kanad , Shafi K. Muhammed , Asokan Soumya , Chandrashekar C. M.
Published: September 2024

Entangled light sources for illuminating objects offer advantages over conventional illumination methods by enhancing the detection sensitivity of reflecting objects. The core of the quantum advantage lies in effectively exploiting quantum correlations to isolate noise and detect objects with low reflectivity. This work experimentally demonstrates the benefits of using polarization-entangled photon pairs for quantum illumination and shows that the quantum correlation measure, using CHSH value and normalized CHSH value, is robust against losses, noise, and depolarization. We report the detection of objects with reflectivity (η) as low as 0.05 and an object submerged in noise with a signal-to-noise ratio of 0.003 using quantum correlation and residual quantum correlation measures, surpassing previous results. Additionally, we demonstrate that the normalized CHSH value aids in estimating the reflectivity of the detected object. Furthermore, we analyze the robustness of the correlation measure under photon attenuation in atmospheric conditions to show the practical feasibility of real-time applications.
Double rectangular-grooves metasurface for highly efficient electric modulation
Authors: Li Jiahao , Tian Haiyi , Wu Yunkai , Wang Xu
Published: September 2024

With the rapid development of optical communication, how to achieve efficient modulation (fast response speed and high modulation depth) of optical signals has attracted more and more attention from researchers. Among all electro-optical modulator (EOM) designs, the electro-optical metasurface is undoubtedly a competitive solution for optical signal modulation in free space. Although current research on electro-optical metasurfaces has realized improving response speed owing to the Pockels effect, there are still difficulties in achieving high modulation depth under CMOS-compatible voltage and developing rational designs of metasurfaces to achieve voltage application that trigger electro-optical effects. In this work, an ultrahigh-Q factor BaTiO3 (BTO) electro-optical metasurface, which consists of a periodic array of rectangular grooves, was designed to provide a feasible solution to address these shortcomings. Based on bound states in the continuum (BIC) theory, ultrahigh-Q factor (2.87 × 105) quasi-BIC (Q-BIC) was obtained around 1550 nm by breaking the in-plane symmetry of the two rectangular grooves in a unit cell, which could significantly deepen the modulation depth. The concave and continuous structure of rectangular grooves made the application of voltage more efficient. The simulation results show that an optical signal modulation in free space with a modulation depth of 100% could be achieved. Multipole decomposition indicated that toroidal dipole (TD) was dominant in this Q-BIC. Our work may further promote the development of electro-optical modulation towards faster and deeper modulation.
Optical spin-orbit Hall effect in a focused field from the Poincaré sphere perspective
Authors: Liu Meiyu , Zhu Mingchao , Fu Shenggui , Man Zhongsheng
Published: September 2024

The optical Hall effect, which manifests as angular momentum separation resulting from the spin-orbit interaction in photonics, has attracted tremendous interest due to its practical and potential applications. Traditionally, the optical Hall effect only expresses the angular momentum separation of the spin term or the orbital term. Recently, a novel optical Hall effect called the spin-orbit Hall effect has been proposed. This effect exhibits a separation between the spin and orbital angular momentums. Here, we prove numerically that the spin-orbit Hall effect can occur in the tightly focused first-order Poincaré sphere vortex beams. Specifically, the spatial separation of the spin and orbital angular momentum parts appears in the focal plane when the polarization states located at the equator of the first-order Poincaré sphere and the vortex charges are equal to ±1 and when the polarization states located at the surface of the northern hemisphere and the vortex charges are equal to −1, as well as when the polarization states located at the surface of the southern hemisphere and the vortex charges are equal to 1. These findings can be useful in applications such as optical manipulation and sensing.
Two-frame random phase-shifting interferometry immune to the influence of tilted phase-shift
Authors: Zhang Hangying , Zhang Weihao , Meng Kai , Lou Peihuang
Published: September 2024

To expand the reliability of interferometry technology, this paper proposes a random two-frame algorithm with high accuracy, high robustness, and immunity to tilt phase-shift. This method uses the equivalence of inter-frame phase-shift and intra-frame phase difference to mine light intensity pixels carrying new phase-shift from different images. Then, the linear random phase-shift plane is fitted by least squares, and the inverse tangent relationship is used to obtain a high-precision phase distribution. This technology uses the principle of light intensity equivalence to fit the linear phase-shift plane and does not require any iterative process. It can effectively suppress the influence of tilt phase-shift while ensuring computational efficiency. The paper verifies that the proposed algorithm has excellent performance in both tilted and non-tilted conditions through simulation and experimental comparison.
Fast and accurate extraction of ultrahigh quality factors from cavity ringdown measurement
Authors: Liu Shihan , Yang Yanping , Geng Yong , Wen Huashun , Zhou Heng
Published: September 2024

Cavity ringdown spectroscopy is an essential test to measure ultrahigh quality factor (UHQ) optical cavities, which is, however, frequently misinterpreted due to lack of a specified analysis guideline. Here we clarify the basic property of cavity ringdown and present a step-by-step method that enables extraction of the overall quality factor, as well as the intrinsic loss and coupling state of UHQ cavities with better fidelity and simplicity than prior schemes. Our work can facilitate an accurate design and characterization of UHQ cavities for ultra-low noise lasers, high finesse reference cavities, and ultra-narrow optical filters.
Syllable processing is organized in discrete subregions of the human superior temporal gyrus
Authors: Cleary Daniel R. , Tchoe Youngbin , Bourhis Andrew , Dickey Charles W. , Stedelin Brittany , Ganji Mehran , Lee Sang Heon , Lee Jihwan , Siler Dominic A. , Brown Erik C. , Rosen Burke Q. , Kaestner Erik , Yang Jimmy C. , Soper Daniel J. , Han Seunggu Jude , Paulk Angelique C. , Cash Sydney S. , Raslan Ahmed M. , Dayeh Shadi A. , Halgren Eric
Published: September 2024

Modular organization at approximately 1 mm scale could be fundamental to cortical processing, but its presence in human association cortex is unknown. Using custom-built, high-density electrode arrays placed on the cortical surface of 7 patients undergoing awake craniotomy for tumor excision, we investigated receptive speech processing in the left (dominant) human posterior superior temporal gyrus. Responses to consonant-vowel syllables and noise-vocoded controls recorded with 1,024 channel micro-grids at 200 μm pitch demonstrated roughly circular domains approximately 1.7 mm in diameter, with sharp boundaries observed in 128 channel linear arrays at 50 μm pitch, possibly consistent with a columnar organization. Peak latencies to syllables in different modules were bimodally distributed centered at 252 and 386 ms. Adjacent modules were sharply delineated from each other by their distinct time courses and stimulus selectivity. We suggest that receptive language cortex may be organized in discrete processing modules.
Improving childhood cancer medicines access in developing countries: Towards an implementation framework to inform the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines for Nigeria
Authors: Chukwu Otuto Amarauche , Adewole Isaac Folorunso , Denburg Avram , Essue Beverley M.
Published: September 2024

Children and adolescents in developing countries continue to be disproportionately affected by cancer and have significantly lower survival rates (30%) than their counterparts in high-income countries (80%). This disparity is driven by poor access to childhood cancer medicines. The World Health Organization and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital launched the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines to provide continuous supply of quality childhood cancer medicines to developing countries. As much movement has not been seen with the platform, this research aimed to develop a stakeholder-informed guidance to support effective implementation of the platform and maximize opportunities to deliver on its intended goals. This study was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Participants were recruited based on the stakeholder categories framework and included policymakers from the Ministry of Health, organizations implementing access to medicines programs in Nigeria, medicines logistics providers, and health professionals and personnel at service delivery points such as oncologists and pharmacists. Data collection involved key informant interviews using a pilot-tested semi-structured interview guide. Data analysis was done by thematic content analysis. Ethical approval was obtained from the National Health Research Ethics Committee of Nigeria and the Ethics Review Board of University of Toronto. The findings reveal critical insights spanning five domains of the CFIR framework, each contributing uniquely to understanding the multifaceted issues of childhood cancer medicine access with a view to understanding pathways to implementation of the platform. Successfully implementing the platform could entail a partner-driven approach, integration with existing programs to avoid fragmentation, supporting capacity strengthening at the primary care level, and engaging patients and communities. This information was used to suggest a nuanced implementation framework for the platform in Nigeria and similar settings which could be beneficial for improving access for children who desperately need childhood cancer medicines to survive.
Multimodal smoking cessation treatment combining repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, cognitive behavioral therapy, and nicotine replacement in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: A feasibility randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Young Jonathan R. , Polick Carri S. , Michael Andrew M. , Dannhauer Moritz , Galla Jeffrey T. , Evans Mariah K. , Troutman Addison , Kirby Angela C. , Dennis Michelle F. , Papanikolas Claire W. , Deng Zhi-De , Moore Scott D. , Dedert Eric A. , Addicott Merideth A. , Appelbaum Lawrence G. , Beckham Jean C.
Published: September 2024

Tobacco-related deaths remain the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Veterans suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—about 11% of those receiving care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—have triple the risk of developing tobacco use disorder (TUD). The most efficacious strategies being used at the VA for smoking cessation only result in a 23% abstinence rate, and veterans with PTSD only achieve a 4.5% abstinence rate. Therefore, there is a critical need to develop more effective treatments for smoking cessation. Recent studies suggest the insula is integrally involved in the neurocircuitry of TUD. Thus, we propose a feasibility phase II randomized controlled trial (RCT) to study a form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) called intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS). iTBS has the advantage of allowing for a patterned form of stimulation delivery that we will administer at 90% of the subject’s resting motor threshold (rMT) applied over a region in the right post-central gyrus most functionally connected to the right posterior insula. We hypothesize that by increasing functional connectivity between the right post-central gyrus and the right posterior insula, withdrawal symptoms and short-term smoking cessation outcomes will improve. Fifty eligible veterans with comorbid TUD and PTSD will be randomly assigned to active-iTBS + cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) + nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) (n = 25) or sham-iTBS + CBT + NRT (n = 25). The primary outcome, feasibility, will be determined by achieving a recruitment of 50 participants and retention rate of 80%. The success of iTBS will be evaluated through self-reported nicotine use, cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and abstinence following quit date (confirmed by bioverification) along with evaluation for target engagement through neuroimaging changes, specifically connectivity differences between the insula and other regions of interest.
Acquired syphilis in older people in Brazil from 2010–2020
Authors: da Cunha Josiane Araújo , Marques dos Santos Marquiony , Costa de Lima Kenio
Published: September 2024

Background

The infection caused by Treponema pallidum remains a severe public health problem, with a high prevalence in individuals over 60 years. However, research into infections such as syphilis continues to be neglected in geriatrics. This study aims to evaluate data on the detection rate of syphilis in Brazil, in individuals between 60 and 120 years, by characterizing the epidemiological profile and respective factors associated with it, in addition to performing a temporal trend analysis, from 2010 to 2020.

Methodology

Ecological, time-series study, which started with the collection of notifications from the database of the Information System on Compulsory Notification of Diseases. The epidemiological profile was characterized based on sociodemographic variables. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program, version 19.0, was used for incidence and prevalence analysis. The 2010 census by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics and projections for older people were considered. In the trend analysis, the Joinpoint regression model was used.

Main findings

There was an upward variation in the detection of syphilis in older people from 2010 to 2018, with a peak in 2018. In 2019, there was a slight reduction in the notification of cases, which was accentuated in 2020. The prevalence of the infection was equivalent to 12.84 cases for each 100,000 Brazilians, with a mean age of 68.04 years (±7.15) for those between 60 and 120 years, being higher in white and black males. The highest proportion of older people with syphilis occurred in the South and Southeast regions. However, the trend analysis showed a significant and homogeneous increase in all regions of Brazil, for both sexes and all age groups.

Conclusions

There is a tendency for an increase in cases of syphilis in older people, which reinforces the need to plan health actions to combat the disease in this population.
Using machine learning to predict judgments on Western visual art along content-representational and formal-perceptual attributes
Authors: Spee Blanca T. M. , Leder Helmut , Mikuni Jan , Scharnowski Frank , Pelowski Matthew , Steyrl David
Published: September 2024

Art research has long aimed to unravel the complex associations between specific attributes, such as color, complexity, and emotional expressiveness, and art judgments, including beauty, creativity, and liking. However, the fundamental distinction between attributes as inherent characteristics or features of the artwork and judgments as subjective evaluations remains an exciting topic. This paper reviews the literature of the last half century, to identify key attributes, and employs machine learning, specifically Gradient Boosted Decision Trees (GBDT), to predict 13 art judgments along 17 attributes. Ratings from 78 art novice participants were collected for 54 Western artworks. Our GBDT models successfully predicted 13 judgments significantly. Notably, judged creativity and disturbing/irritating judgments showed the highest predictability, with the models explaining 31% and 32% of the variance, respectively. The attributes emotional expressiveness, valence, symbolism, as well as complexity emerged as consistent and significant contributors to the models’ performance. Content-representational attributes played a more prominent role than formal-perceptual attributes. Moreover, we found in some cases non-linear relationships between attributes and judgments with sudden inclines or declines around medium levels of the rating scales. By uncovering these underlying patterns and dynamics in art judgment behavior, our research provides valuable insights to advance the understanding of aesthetic experiences considering visual art, inform cultural practices, and inspire future research in the field of art appreciation.
The effects of entrepreneurial narrative on entrepreneurial intention: An affective events perspective
Authors: Dong Zhao , Bao Mingxu
Published: September 2024

Entrepreneurial narrative has been used in the entrepreneurship education process to develop students’ entrepreneurial intention. However, previous research has less knowledge about the mechanisms between entrepreneurial narrative and entrepreneurial intention from an affective events perspective. We explore the effect of entrepreneurial narrative on entrepreneurial intention based on the theory of affective events theory. The sample of this study comprised 348 individuals who participated in entrepreneurship education in China. The results suggest that entrepreneurial narrative have a significant positive impact on college students’ entrepreneurial intention. Additionally, the relationship between entrepreneurial narrative and entrepreneurial intention is mediated by entrepreneurial passion, and entrepreneurial support positively moderates the relationship between entrepreneurial passion and entrepreneurial intention.
A machine-learning based model for automated recommendation of individualized treatment of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis
Authors: Verboven Lennert , Callens Steven , Black John , Maartens Gary , Dooley Kelly E. , Potgieter Samantha , Cartuyvels Ruben ,   SMARTT team, Laukens Kris , Warren Robin M. , Van Rie Annelies
Published: September 2024

Background

Rifampicin resistant tuberculosis remains a global health problem with almost half a million new cases annually. In high-income countries patients empirically start a standardized treatment regimen, followed by an individualized regimen guided by drug susceptibility test (DST) results. In most settings, DST information is not available or is limited to isoniazid and fluoroquinolones. Whole genome sequencing could more accurately guide individualized treatment as the full drug resistance profile is obtained with a single test. Whole genome sequencing has not reached its full potential for patient care, in part due to the complexity of translating a resistance profile into the most effective individualized regimen.

Methods

We developed a treatment recommender clinical decision support system (CDSS) and an accompanying web application for user-friendly recommendation of the optimal individualized treatment regimen to a clinician.

Results

Following expert stakeholder meetings and literature review, nine drug features and 14 treatment regimen features were identified and quantified. Using machine learning, a model was developed to predict the optimal treatment regimen based on a training set of 3895 treatment regimen-expert feedback pairs. The acceptability of the treatment recommender CDSS was assessed as part of a clinical trial and in a routine care setting. Within the clinical trial setting, all patients received the CDSS recommended treatment. In 8 of 20 cases, the initial recommendation was recomputed because of stock out, clinical contra-indication or toxicity. In routine care setting, physicians rejected the treatment recommendation in 7 out of 15 cases because it deviated from the national TB treatment guidelines. A survey indicated that the treatment recommender CDSS is easy to use and useful in clinical practice but requires digital infrastructure support and training.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that global implementation of the novel treatment recommender CDSS holds the potential to improve treatment outcomes of patients with RR-TB, especially those with ‘difficult-to-treat’ forms of RR-TB.
Prevalence and genotypes of Chlamydia psittaci in pet birds of Hong Kong
Authors: Ko Jackie Cheuk Kei , Choi Yannes Wai Yan , Poon Emily Shui Kei , Wyre Nicole , Go Jennifer Le Lin , Poon Leo Lit Man , Sin Simon Yung Wa
Published: September 2024

Psittacosis, or parrot fever, is a zoonotic disease caused by Chlamydia species associated with birds. One of the causative agents of the disease is Chlamydia psittaci, which is commonly carried by psittacine and other bird species, can be highly pathogenic and virulent to humans. In Hong Kong, a city with high population density, psittacosis is a notifiable disease with over 60% of cases in the last decade resulting in hospitalization. However, the sources of transmission of C. psittaci and its prevalence in pet birds in Hong Kong are currently unknown. To evaluate the risks of psittacosis transmission through pet birds, we tested the presence of C. psittaci and determined its genotypes in samples obtained from 516 captive birds from households, pet shops, and a veterinary hospital in Hong Kong. Results revealed that five samples (0.97%), collected from budgerigars and cockatiels, were C. psittaci-positive, while four (80%) of them were obtained from pet shops. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed that all identified strains belonged to Genotype A and showed high similarity to other sequences of this genotype obtained from various geographical locations and host species, including mammals. Our findings provide evidence for the presence of Chlamydia psittaci and shed light on its sources in captive birds in Hong Kong. They highlight the potential zoonotic risks associated with this pathogen, which can affect both humans and wild birds.
PIK-III exerts anti-fibrotic effects in activated fibroblasts by regulating p38 activation
Authors: Sanchez Santiago , McDowell-Sanchez Aaron K. , Al-Meerani Sharaz B. , Cala-Garcia Juan D. , Waich Cohen Alan R. , Ochsner Scott A. , McKenna Neil J. , Celada Lindsay J. , Wu Minghua , Assassi Shervin , Rosas Ivan O. , Tsoyi Konstantin
Published: September 2024

Systemic sclerosis (SSc), also known as scleroderma, is an autoimmune-driven connective tissue disorder that results in fibrosis of the skin and internal organs such as the lung. Fibroblasts are known as the main effector cells involved in the progression of SSc through the induction of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and myofibroblast differentiation. Here, we demonstrate that 4’-(cyclopropylmethyl)-N2-4-pyridinyl-[4,5’-bipyrimidine]-2,2’-diamine (PIK-III), known as class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PIK3C3/VPS34) inhibitor, exerts potent antifibrotic effects in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) by attenuating transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)-induced ECM expression, cell contraction and myofibroblast differentiation. Unexpectedly, neither genetic silencing of PIK3C3 nor other PIK3C3 inhibitors (e.g., SAR405 and Autophinib) were able to mimic PIK-III-mediated antifibrotic effect in dermal fibroblasts, suggesting that PIK-III inhibits fibroblast activation through another signaling pathway. We identified that PIK-III effectively inhibits p38 activation in TGF-β1-stimulated dermal fibroblasts. Finally, PIK-III administration significantly attenuated dermal and lung fibrosis in bleomycin-injured mice.
Can good ESG performance of listed companies reduce abnormal stock price volatility? Mediation effects based on investor attention
Authors: Wu Fengju , Zhu Bao , Tao Siqi
Published: September 2024

Today, with a growing emphasis on sustainable economic development, corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance is attracting increasing attention and favor from investors. This triggers a question: can good ESG performance of listed companies mitigate the "up and down" of the stock market by drawing investor attention? This paper utilizes the data from China’s A-share listed companies from 2011 to 2020, with investor attention as a mediating variable, to explore how the ESG performance of listed companies influences abnormal stock price volatility. The findings suggest that stronger ESG performance of listed companies significantly reduces abnormal stock price volatility, in which investor attention plays a partial mediating role. This paper confirms the robustness of the findings through multiple robustness and endogeneity tests. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that listed companies with good ESG performance during the growth period are more likely to significantly mitigate abnormal stock price volatility. Similarly, firms that maintain commendable ESG performance in bear markets significantly reduce abnormal stock price volatility. These findings enrich the theoretical research on the impact of ESG performance on abnormal stock price volatility, provide empirical evidence for listed companies to emphasize ESG investment and encourage investors to consider ESG ratings. Additionally, the study provides a new perspective for government agencies to utilize corporate ESG performance to maintain the sound development of the capital market.
Primary series COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness among health care workers in the country of Georgia, March–December 2021
Authors: Katz Mark A. , Rojas Castro Madelyn Yiseth , Chakhunashvili Giorgi , Chitadze Nazibrola , Ward Caleb L. , McKnight C. Jason , Lucaccioni Héloïse , Finci Iris , Zardiashvili Tamila , Pebody Richard , Kissling Esther , Sanodze Lia
Published: September 2024

Background

Healthcare workers (HCWs) have suffered considerable morbidity and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Few data on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) are available from middle-income countries in the WHO European Region. We evaluated primary series COVID-19 VE against laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 among HCWs in Georgia.

Methods

HCWs in six hospitals in Georgia were invited to enroll in a prospective cohort study conducted during March 19–December 5, 2021. Participants completed weekly symptom questionnaires. Symptomatic HCWs were tested by RT-PCR and/or rapid antigen test (RAT), and participants were routinely tested for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR or RAT, regardless of symptoms. Serology was collected at enrolment, and quarterly thereafter, and tested by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. We defined primary series vaccination as two doses of COVID-19 vaccine received ≥14 days before symptom onset. We estimated VE as (1-hazard ratio)*100 using a Cox proportional hazards model with vaccination status as a time-varying covariate. Estimates were adjusted by potential confounders that changed the VE estimate by more than 5%, according to the change-in-estimate approach.

Results

Overall, 1561/3849 (41%) eligible HCWs enrolled and were included in the analysis. The median age was 40 (IQR: 30–53), 1318 (84%) were female, and 1003 (64%) had laboratory evidence of prior SARS-Cov-2 infection. At enrolment, 1300 (83%) were unvaccinated; By study end, 1082 (62%) had completed a primary vaccine series (69% BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech); 22% BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm); 9% other). During the study period, 191(12%) participants had a new PCR- or RAT-confirmed symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. VE against PCR- or RAT- confirmed symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection was 58% (95%CI: 41; 70) for all primary series vaccinations, 68% (95%CI: 51; 79) for BNT162b2, and 40% (95%CI: 1; 64) for BBIBP-CorV vaccines. Among previously infected HCWs, VE was 58% (95%CI: 11; 80). VE against medically attended COVID-19 was 52% (95%CI: 28; 68), and VE against hospitalization was 69% (95% CI: 36; 85). During the period of predominant Delta variant circulation (July-December 2021), VE against symptomatic COVID-19 was 52% (95%CI: 30; 66).

Conclusions

Primary series vaccination with BNT162b2 and BBIBP-CorV was effective at preventing COVID-19 among HCWs, most of whom had previous infection, during a period of mainly Delta circulation. Our results support the utility of COVID-19 primary vaccine series, and the importance of increasing coverage, even among previously infected individuals.
Score of fear of COVID-19 and physical activity level are related to the habitual consumption of dietary supplements
Authors: Tavares da Silva Welligron , Castelo Paula Midori , Pereira Luciano José , Pardi Vanessa , Murata Ramiro Mendonça , Andrade Eric Francelino , Pereira Aline Carvalho
Published: September 2024

The measures implemented to contain the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in both behavioral and lifestyle changes. The “Changes in Lifestyle-Related Behavior” instrument was developed to assess lifestyle-related behaviors in the Indian population. However, considering current knowledge, this instrument was not adapted for the Brazilian population. In addition, the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and consumption of dietary supplements has not yet been evaluated. Thus, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the use of dietary supplements with lifestyle behavior and the fear of COVID-19, as well as assess the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the “Changes in Lifestyle-Related Behavior” instrument. An online questionnaire assessed sociodemographic, occupational, anthropometric, physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire—short form), fear of COVID-19, and lifestyle behavior data from 416 Brazilian adults (237 females; 18-60y). Mann-Whitney, Chi-square test, exploratory, and confirmatory analyses were applied. Exploratory and confirmatory analyses showed a satisfactory adequacy level of the questionnaire (CMIN/DF = 2.689; Cronbach’s α = 0.60) with 5 domains (‘Bad eating behavior’; ‘Healthy eating’; ‘Sleep quality’; ‘Interest in cooking’; ‘Number of portions and meals’). Lower fear of COVID-19 scores and higher levels of physical activity were found in participants who reported previous dietary supplement intake during the pandemic; in addition, the group that did not ingest dietary supplements reported greater changes in stress and anxiety levels during the pandemic (p<0.05). The intake of dietary supplements before the pandemic was associated with greater energy expenditure and better coping with the fear of COVID-19 during the pandemic. Additionally, the Changes in Lifestyle-Related Behavior tool can be used to assess lifestyle-related variables during the pandemic.
Impacts of industrial agglomeration on the energy consumption structure’s low-carbon transition process: A spatial and nonlinear perspective
Authors: Liu Yuqing
Published: September 2024

Based on panel data collected from 2003 to 2020 across 30 provinces in China, the paper employs the spatial vector angle method and spatial Durbin model to investigate industrial agglomeration’s nonlinear and spatial spillover effects on the energy consumption structure’s low-carbon transition process (Lct). The results indicate the following: First, the influence of industrial agglomeration on Lct exhibits an inverted U-shaped pattern. As the degree of industrial agglomeration expands, its effect on Lct shifts from positive to negative. Second, industrial agglomeration demonstrates spatial spillover effects. It promotes the improvement of Lct in neighboring provinces through agglomeration effects. However, the continuous expansion of industrial agglomeration inhibits the improvement of Lct in neighboring provinces through congestion effects. Third, the heterogeneity test finds that industrial agglomeration has a significant role in promoting Lct in the samples of eastern region, but this effect is not significant in the samples of western and middle regions.
Towards environmental performance through responsible environmental intentions and behavior: Does environmental law cognition really matter among Chinese farmers
Authors: Wang Ying
Published: September 2024

Rapid agricultural expansion, marked by unsustainable practices, has contributed significantly to environmental degradation globally. In response to China’s escalating environmental concerns, recent environmental legislation has sought to disseminate information and promote awareness of environmental preservation among residents. This study aims to investigate the influential role of citizen environmental intentions and activist environmental intentions on responsible behavior for achieving environmental performance (EP). Moreover, the moderating influence of these environmental laws on the relationship between environment-protecting intentions and behavior, with a focus on legal cognition. Utilizing a population of 3150 farmers we select 603 farmers using simple random sampling and, this study applies the theory of planned behavior within a structural equation model framework. The findings affirm that farmers’ perceived behavior control, personal factors, and attitudes directly impact both citizen and activist intentions, subsequently influencing both types of environmental-oriented behavior. Notably, the study identifies a stronger inward attitude effect compared to the outward attitude in both types of farmers’ intentions. Additionally, legal cognition among farmers emerges as a crucial moderator, influencing the link between environmental intentions and behavior. The results suggest that as farmers become more familiar with environmental laws, the direct effect of their intentions on environmentally oriented behavior intensifies. Hence, the legal obligations play an essential role in shaping the farmers’ pro-environmental behavior. This study aligns the individual level environmental intentions with farmer’s law cognition for offering interesting insights to develop and implement imminent environmental policies. Hence, this study benefits to both practitioners and policy makers’ contextualizing Chinese agricultural sector.