bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of the occipital transtentorial approach incorporating visualization of the cerebellar tentorium using three-dimensional computed tomography angiography and gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging: Technical note
Authors: Shingai Yuto , Kanamori Masayuki , Shimoda Yoshiteru , Kayano Shingo , Nemoto Hitoshi , Mugikura Shunji , Saito Ryuta , Tominaga Teiji
Published: March 2023

The occipital transtentorial approach (OTA) is one of the most useful approaches to the lesions of the pineal region, dorsal brainstem, and supracerebellar region. However, a wide operative field is sometimes difficult to obtain due to the large tentorial sinus and bridging veins. This study evaluated the usefulness of preoperative simulation of OTA, specifically including the cerebellar tentorium in 9 patients. All patients underwent computed tomography angiography and venography and gadolinium-enhanced three-dimensional T1-weighted magnetic resonance images (Gd-3D-T1WI). The images were fused and the cerebellar tentorium and tumor manually extracted from Gd-3D-T1WI to obtain the preoperative simulation images. Visualization of the cerebellar tentorium could discriminate between bridging veins from the occipital lobe and cerebellum, and recognize the site of bridging to the tentorial sinus and variants which may interfere with the tentorial incision. Simulation of the tentorial incision was also possible based on the relationships between the tumor, tentorial sinus, bridging vein, and cerebellar tentorium. The simulation suggested that safe tentorial incision was difficult in two sides because of the crossed tentorial sinus draining the left basal vein and draining veins from the glioblastoma. The OTA was performed in eight cases and no difficulty was experienced in the tentorial incision in all cases. The simulation findings of the bridging vein and tentorial sinus were consistent with the intraoperative findings. Preoperative simulation including the cerebellar tentorium is useful for determining the optimum and safe side and required extent of the tentorial incision necessary for tumor resection with the OTA.
MIA3 promotes the degradation of GSH (glutathione) by binding to CHAC1, thereby promoting the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Wanbiao , Man Jing , Zuo Shi , Chen Tengxiang , Zhao Xueke , Li Haiyang
Published: March 2023

Background and purpose: MIA3 (melanoma inhibitory active protein 3)/TANGO1 (Golgi transporter component protein) plays an important role in the initiation, development and metabolism of cancer. We aimed to explore the role and underlying molecular mechanisms of MIA3/TANGO1 in the growth and migration of hepatoma cells.
Method: According to the analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, MIA3 is expressed at higher levels in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues than in normal tissues. MIA3 gene overexpression and gene knockout was performed via lentiviral transduction. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT‒PCR), immunohistochemistry, and western blotting were used to detect mRNA and protein expression in HCC tissues and cells. The in vitro function of MIA3in HCC cells was evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, cell migration and invasion, and flow cytometry assays. The effect of MIA3expression changes on the growth of transplanted tumours in vivo was evaluated in nude mice. Hep-G2 cells with MIA3overexpression were subjected to RNA-seq, and the downstream target gene CHAC1 (glutathione-specific γ-glutamyl cyclotransferase 1) was selected according to the results of the volcano map of gene enrichment. The relationship between MIA3 and CHAC1 was revealed by coimmunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy.
Result: MIA3 expression was upregulated in HCC organizations and HCC samples in the TCGA dataset. Knocking out MIA3 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of Hep-G2 cells and promoted the apoptosis of Hep-G2 cells. Overexpression of MIA3 in Huh7 cells promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion and suppressed the apoptosis of Huh7 cells. Overexpression of MIA3promoted the growth of HCC in nude mice. Overexpression of MIA3 promoted the expression of CHAC1 and the degradation of glutathione (GSH), thereby promoting the growth and metastasis of HCC cells. Knocking out MIA3 inhibited the expression of CHAC1 and slowed the degradation of GSH, thereby inhibiting the growth and metastasis of HCC cells.
Conclusion: MIA3 further promotes the growth, metastasis and invasion of hepatoma cells by binding to the CHAC1 protein and promoting GSH degradation.
Serum neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2, BA.2.75, BA.2.76, BA.5, BF.7, BQ.1.1 and XBB.1.5 in individuals receiving Evusheld
Authors: Zhao Qianqian , Wang Xin , Zhang Ze , Liu Xuefei , Wang Ping , Cao Jin , Liang Qiming , Qu Jieming , Zhou Min
Published: March 2023

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant is undergoing continuous evolution and convergent mutation, which has led to the rapid emergence of several new variants. These new subvariants carry different mutations in theirreceptor-binding domain (RBD), raising concerns that they may evade neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). In this study, we investigated the serum neutralization efficacy of Evusheld (cilgavimab and tixagevimab) antibody cocktails against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sublineages BA.2, BA.2.75, BA.2.76, BA.5, BF.7, BQ.1.1 and XBB.1.5. Our results show that Evusheld retained neutralizing activity against BA.2, BA.2.75 and BA.5, albeit with somewhat reduced titers. However, the neutralizing activity of Evusheld against BA.2.76, BF.7, BQ.1.1 and XBB.1.5 significantly decreased, with XBB.1.5 showing the greatest escape activity among the subvariants, followed by BQ.1.1, BA.2.76 and BF.7. We also observed that recipients of Evusheld displayed elevated antibody levels in their serum, which efficiently neutralized the original variant, and exhibited different characteristics of infection than those who did not receive Evusheld. These findings provide important guidance for the application of Evusheld in treating SARS-CoV-2 subvariant infections.
Immune niches in brain metastases contain TCF1+ stem-like T cells, are associated with disease control and are modulated by preoperative SRS
Authors: Jansen Caroline S. , Prabhu Roshan S. , Pagadala Meghana S. , Chappa Prasanthi , Goyal Subir , Zhou Chengjing , Neill Stewart G. , Prokhnevska Nataliya , Cardenas Maria , Hoang Kimberley B. , Zhong Jim , Torres Mylin , Logan Suzanna , Olson Jeffrey J. , Nduom Edjah K. , Balzo Luke del , Patel Kirtesh , Burri Stuart H. , Asher Anthony L. , Wilkinson Scott , Lake Ross , Higgins Kristin A. , Patel Pretesh , Dhere Vishal , Sowalsky Adam G. , Khan Mohammad K. , Kissick Haydn , Buchwald Zachary S.
Published: March 2023

The CD8+ T-cell response is prognostic for survival outcomes in several tumor types. However, whether this extends to tumors in the brain, an organ with barriers to T cell entry, remains unclear. Here, we analyzed immune infiltration in 67 brain metastasis (BrM) and found high frequencies of PD1+ TCF1+ stem-like CD8+ T-cells and TCF1- effector-like cells. Importantly, the stem-like cells aggregate with antigen presenting cells in immune niches, and niches were prognostic for local disease control. Standard of care for BrM is resection followed by stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), so to determine SRS’s impact on the BrM immune response, we examined 76 BrM treated with pre-operative SRS (pSRS). pSRS acutely reduced CD8+ T cells at 3 days. However, CD8+ T cells rebounded by day 6, driven by increased frequency of effector-like cells. This suggests that the immune response in BrM can be regenerated rapidly, likely by the local TCF1+ stem-like population.
Enhanced mechanical and water resistance properties of cassava starch-PVA composites with TiO2 nanofillers for triboelectric nanogenerators films
Authors: Ansori Aris , Soeparman Sudjito , Widhiyanuriyawan Denny , Widodo Teguh Dwi
Published: March 2023

The utilization of biopolymers for energy applications continues to attract researchers, due to the unique properties of biopolymers that are easily modified, such as cassava starch (CS) biopolymer that has hydroxyl molecular chains. However, the brittle, and non-waterproof nature of starch films is an obstacle to their use in triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) solid-solid films. This study aims to improve the physicochemical properties of cassava starch films by modifying them into nanocomposite films. The nanocomposite film was made from 70:30 CS/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite and variation of TiO2 nanoparticles addition using solvent casting method. The results showed that the mechanical properties of cassava starch film increased with the addition of PVA. Meanwhile, the addition of TiO2 above 1 wt % of the mechanical properties of the film tends to decrease. The film has low wettability properties with a contact angle of 83.6°. The performance of the nanocomposite film as a Rotary disc freestanding film (RDF-TENG) produces 4.4-fold the output voltage and 2.8-fold the current compared to the film without TiO2. This is a new finding that the CS/PVA-TiO2 nanocomposite film has the potential for TENG films in high-humidity environmental conditions
A new approach to numerical simulation of boundary value problems of the theory of elasticity in stresses and strains
Authors: Khaldjigitov Abduvali , Djumayozov Umidjon , Tilovov Otajon
Published: March 2023

The main parameters characterizing the process of deformation of solids are displacements, strain and stress tensors. From the point of view of the strength and reliability of the structure and its elements, researchers and engineers are mainly interested in the distribution of stresses in the objects under study. Unfortunately, all boundary value problems are formulated and solved in solid mechanics mainly with respect to displacements, or an additional stress functions. And the required stresses are calculated from known displacements or stress functions. In this case, the accuracy of stress calculation is strongly affected by the error of numerical differentiation, as well as the approximation order of the boundary conditions. The formulation of boundary value problems directly with respect to stresses or strains allows to increase the accuracy of stress calculation by bypassing the process of numerical differentiation.

Therefore, the present work is devoted to the formulation and numerical solution of boundary value problems directly with respect to stresses and strains. Using the well-known Beltrami-Miеchell equation, and considering the equilibrium equation as ah additional boundary condition, a boundary value problem(BVP) is formulated directly with respect to stresses. In a similar way, using the strain compatibility condition, the Beltrami-Mitchell type equations for strains are written.

The finite difference equations for two-dimensional BVP are constructed and written in convenient a form for the use of iterative method. A number of problems on the equilibrium of a rectangular plate under the action of various loads applied on opposite sides are numerically solved. The reliability of the results is ensured by comparing the numerical results of the 2D elasticity problems in stresses and strains, and with the exact solution, as well as with the known solutions of the plate tension problem under parabolic and uniformly distributed loads
Choosing the best machine tool in mechanical manufacturing
Authors: Son Nguyen Hong , Hieu Tran Trung , Thang Nguyen Manh , Tan Huynh Nhu , Can Nguyen Tien , Thao Pham Thi , Bao Nguyen Chi
Published: March 2023

Machine tools are indispensable components and play an important role in mechanical manufacturing. The equipment of machine tools has a huge effect on the operational efficiency of businesses. Each machine tool type is described by many different criteria, such as cost, technological capabilities, accuracy, energy consumption, convenience in operation, safety for workers, working noise, etc. If the selection of machine is only based on one or several criteria, it will be really easy to make mistakes, which means it is not possible to choose the real best machine. A machine is considered to be the best only when it is chosen based on all of its criteria. This work is called multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM). In this study, the selection of machine tools has been done using two different multi-criteria decision-making methods, including the FUCA method (Faire Un Choix Adéquat) and the CURLI method (Collaborative Unbiased Rank List Intergration). These are two methods with very different characteristics. When using the FUCA method, it is necessary to normalize the data and determine the weights for the criteria. Meanwhile, if using the CURLI method, these two things are not necessary. The selection of these two distinct methods is intended to produce the most generalizable conclusions. Three types of machine tool, which are considered in this study, include grinding machine, drilling machine and milling machine. The number of grinders that were offered for selection was twelve, the number of drills that were surveyed in this study was thirteen, while nine were the number of milling machines that were given for selection. The objective of this study is to determine the best solution in each type of machine. The results of ranking the machines are very similar when using the two mentioned methods. Specially, in all the surveyed cases, the two methods FUCA and CURLI always find the same best alternative. Accordingly, it is possible to firmly come to a conclusion that the FUCA method and the CURLI method are equally effective in machine tool selection. In addition, this study has determined the best three machines corresponding to the three different machine types
Flow distribution analysis of a novel fcc system through experiment study and atomic model
Authors: Siswantara Ahmad Indra , Syafei M. Hilman Gumelar , Budiyanto Muhammad Arif , Widiawaty Candra Damis , Syuriadi Adi , Farhan Tanwir Ahmad , Permana Sulaksana
Published: March 2023

As the largest palm oil producer in the world, Indonesia has a promising potential to produce green fuel through the Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) process. A novel FCC configuration, FCC Proto X 3, which combines a riser reactor and downer reactor in the system, has been developed. However, several valves including in the FCC system remain a black box to the flow distribution in the system. The objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of the valve setting variation on the airflow distribution of the FCC system. The methodology uses experiment and acausal modeling. The effect of valve setting variation on pressure and average velocity of the airflow has been investigated. The experiment is conducted under cold test conditions, while the acausal model of the FCC system is built by using OpenModelica. It is obtained that valve 2 which controls the flow at the channel toward the regenerator is essential due to its role in controlling the air supply combustion process in the regenerator and driving the spent catalyst particles to the regenerator. Valve 3 is responsible for controlling the flow toward the riser reactor directly. Later, it is responsible for supplying the lifting fluid to support the catalytic cracking reaction at the riser sections. Valve 4 contributes to controlling the lifting fluid to the downer reactor. It will also be responsible for supplying thermal energy from the high-temperature particle catalyst to the reactor. When all valves toward the regenerator and reactor are 100 % open, the measured average velocity at the flue gas outlet and the product outlet are 8.04 m/s and 5.775 m/s respectively. The result shows that the airflow at the FCC system tends to flow through the regenerator. The atomic model estimation also shows a similar trend to the experiment result
Arte religioso, experiencia de fe y evangelización
Authors: Pérez Vargas John Jairo , Guerrero-Rubio Andrea , Nieto-Bravo Johan Andrés
Published: March 2023

El arte religioso ocupa un lugar relevante en la historia de la Iglesia y de manera particular en las experiencias de fe de los creyentes en donde se han ido configurando comprensiones particulares que ha adquirido la fe desde la enseñanza teológica. Este texto pretende identificar la unidad y correlación existentes entre arte y teología, y cómo estos dos aspectos pueden potenciar las experiencias de fe y de evangelización como caminos de encuentro que posibilitan desarrollos de especial impacto histórico y eclesial en la vida individual y comunitaria del creyente. Para ello se hace un ejercicio de reconstrucción histórica en torno de la importancia del arte para la consolidación de saberes teológicos y de experiencias de fe, se prosigue con una lectura teológica de la belleza y su impacto en la experiencia de fe y se cierra con una referencia a los procesos de evangelización por medio del arte religioso. Bajo este recorrido se reconocen rutas de acción prospectivas que dan cabida a la vinculación entre arte, experiencia de fe y evangelización.
Optimization of textile effluent bacterial treatment and improvement of the process efficiency through SPB1 biosurfactant addition
Authors: Mnif Inès , Bouassida Mouna , Ayed Lamya , Ghribi Dhouha
Published: March 2023

The current work aims to optimize biological textile effluent treatment through the use of newly selected bacterial consortia composed of two strains: Citrobacter sedlakii RI11 and Aeromonas veronii GRI. We assessed the effect of SPB1 biosurfactant addition on color removal (CR). The process was optimized by a Box–Bhenken by examining the effect of pH, consortia density and biosurfactant value on treatment efficiency. Firstly, physicochemical analyses of the studied effluent revealed an alkaline pH along with a high content of suspended materials and large amounts of organic matter. Optimal CR and a chemical oxygen demand abatement of about 94 and 86% were obtained when treating the textile effluent at pH 5 with a total optical density of 0.4 and by incorporating 0.01% SPB1 biosurfactant. Additionally, an abolishment of phytotoxicity was registered after treatment optimization. The evaluations of the action mode of both selected bacteria during textile effluent treatment suggested the occurrence of biodegradation phenomena of dyes through enzymatic activities.
Virtual Reflection Group Meetings as a Structured Active Learning Method to Enhance Perceived Competence in Critical Care: Focus Group Interviews With Advanced Practice Nursing Students
Authors: Solberg Marianne Trygg , Sørensen Anne Lene , Clarke Sara , Nes Andrea Aparecida Goncalves
Published: March 2023

Background

Advanced practice nurses (APNs) are in high demand in critical care units. In Norway, APNs are educated at the master’s degree level and acquire the competence to ensure the independent, safe, and effective treatment of patients in constantly and rapidly changing health situations. APNs’ competence embraces expert knowledge and skills to perform complex decision-making in the clinical context; therefore, it is essential that educational institutions in nursing facilitate learning activities that ensure and improve students’ achievement of the required competence. In clinical practice studies of APN education, face-to-face reflection group (FFRG) meetings, held on campus with the participation of a nurse educator and advanced practice nursing students (APNSs), are a common learning activity to improve the competence of APNSs. Although FFRG meetings stimulate APNSs’ development of required competencies, they may also result in unproductive academic discussions, reduce the time that APNSs spend in clinical practice, and make it impossible for nurse preceptors (NPs) to attend the meetings, which are all challenges that need to be addressed.

Objective

This study aimed to address the challenges experienced in FFRG meetings by implementing virtual reflection group (VRG) meetings and to explore the experiences of APNSs, NPs, and nurse educators in VRG meetings as an active learning method supported by technology to stimulate students’ development of the required competence to become APNs in critical care.

Methods

This study adopted a qualitative explorative design with 2 focus group interviews and used inductive content analysis to explore the collected data.

Results

The main finding is that reflection group meetings supported by technology resulted in a better-structured active learning method. The VRG meeting design allowed APNSs to spend more time in clinical practice placements. The APNSs and NPs experienced that they participated actively and effectively in the meetings, which led to a perceived increase in competence. The APNSs also perceived an improved learning experience compared with their prior expectations.

Conclusions

Users perceived that the implemented novel teaching design supported by technology, the VRG meeting, was a more effective method than FFRG meetings on campus to develop APNSs’ required competence in critical care. The VRG was also perceived as an improved method to solve the challenges encountered in FFRG meetings. Specifically, the APNSs felt that they were prepared to undertake complex decision-making with a higher level of analytic cognition in a clinical context and to lead professional discussions in the ward. This developed teaching design can easily be adapted to diverse educational programs at various levels of professional education.
COVID-19 Vaccine–Related Information on the WeChat Public Platform: Topic Modeling and Content Analysis
Authors: Wu Xiaoqian , Li Ziyu , Xu Lin , Li Pengfei , Liu Ming , Huang Cheng
Published: March 2023

Background

The COVID-19 vaccine is an effective tool in the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak. As the main channel of information dissemination in the context of the epidemic, social media influences public trust and acceptance of the vaccine. The rational application of health behavior theory is a guarantee of effective public health information dissemination. However, little is known about the application of health behavior theory in web-based COVID-19 vaccine messages, especially from Chinese social media posts.

Objective

This study aimed to understand the main topics and communication characteristics of hot papers related to COVID-19 vaccine on the WeChat platform and assess the health behavior theory application with the aid of health belief model (HBM).

Methods

A systematic search was conducted on the Chinese social media platform WeChat to identify COVID-19 vaccine–related papers. A coding scheme was established based on the HBM, and the sample was managed and coded using NVivo 12 (QSR International) to assess the application of health behavior theory. The main topics of the papers were extracted through the Latent Dirichlet Allocation algorithm. Finally, temporal analysis was used to explore trends in the evolution of themes and health belief structures in the papers.

Results

A total of 757 papers were analyzed. Almost all (671/757, 89%) of the papers did not have an original logo. By topic modeling, 5 topics were identified, which were vaccine development and effectiveness (267/757, 35%), disease infection and protection (197/757, 26%), vaccine safety and adverse reactions (52/757, 7%), vaccine access (136/757, 18%), and vaccination science popularization (105/757, 14%). All papers identified at least one structure in the extended HBM, but only 29 papers included all of the structures. Descriptions of solutions to obstacles (585/757, 77%) and benefit (468/757, 62%) were the most emphasized components in all samples. Relatively few elements of susceptibility (208/757, 27%) and the least were descriptions of severity (135/757, 18%). Heat map visualization revealed the change in health belief structure before and after vaccine entry into the market.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the structural expression of health beliefs in information related to the COVID-19 vaccine on the WeChat public platform based on an HBM. The study also identified topics and communication characteristics before and after the market entry of vaccines. Our findings can inform customized education and communication strategies to promote vaccination not only in this pandemic but also in future pandemics.
Facilitating In-House Mobile App Development Within Psychiatric Outpatient Services for Patients Diagnosed With Borderline Personality Disorder: Rapid Application Development Approach (Preprint)
Authors: Shaker Ali Abbas , Austin Stephen F , Jørgensen Mie Sedoc , Sørensen John Aasted , Bechmann Henrik , Kinnerup Henriette E , Petersen Charlotte Juul , Olsen Ragnar Klein , Simonsen Erik
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Mobile app development within mental health is often time- and resource-consuming, challenging the development of mobile apps for psychiatry. There is a continuum of software development methods ranging from linear (waterfall model) to continuous adaption (Scrum). Rapid application development (RAD) is a model that so far has not been applied to psychiatric settings and may have some advantages over other models.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the utility of the RAD model in developing a mobile app for patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) in a psychiatric outpatient setting.

METHODS

The 4 phases of the RAD model: (1) requirements planning, (2) user design, (3) construction, and (4) cutover, were applied to develop a mobile app within psychiatric outpatient services for patients diagnosed with BPD.

RESULTS

For the requirements planning phase, a short time frame was selected to minimize the time between product conceptualization and access within a clinical setting. Evidenced-based interactive content already developed was provided by current staff to enhance usability and trustworthiness. For the user design phase, activity with video themes and a discrete number of functions were used to improve the app functionality and graphical user interface. For the construction phase, close collaboration between clinicians, researchers, and software developers yielded a fully functional, in-house–developed app ready to be tested in clinical practice. For the cutover phase, the mobile app was tested successfully with a small number (n=5) of patients with a BPD.

CONCLUSIONS

The RAD model could be meaningfully applied in a psychiatric setting to develop an app for BPD within a relatively short time period from conceptualization to implementation in the clinic. Short time frames and identifying a limited number of stakeholders with relevant skills in-house facilitated the use of this model. Despite some limitations, RAD could be a useful model in the development of apps for clinical populations to enable development and access to evidence-based technology.
Methodology for Developing OpenEHR Archetypes: A Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Ferreira Daiane Evangelista , Souza Jano Moreira de
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Over the past two decades, there has been a growing need to develop electronic health records (EHR), which have been introduced into hospitals and clinics to manage patient data. Emerging the use of openEHR and the need for developing openEHR archetypes.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to provide a systematic literature review to identify, analyze, and characterize the state of the art about methodologies for developing openEHR archetypes.

METHODS

We did an exhaustive literature search of the five main databases in the computer science field – IEEE Digital Library, ACM Digital Library, Science Direct, Scopus, and Springer Link – for studies published from 2002 to 2020. Studies investigating theoretical reference related to methodologies for developing openEHR archetypes were included. Reviews, reports, posters, brief reports, books, textbooks, theses and dissertations, editorial letters, brief communications, commentaries, and unpublished working papers, papers that were not written in English, papers with text not available in full, duplicated papers and papers that did not directly address methodologies for developing openEHR archetypes were excluded.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 361 studies, of which 9 were eligible for inclusion. The 9 selected papers were then grouped into 5 categories - Methodology design, Methodology applied to specific clinical scenarios, Methodology applied to exams, Archetype modeling for EHR system and Archetype modeling and interoperability - in which we identified some connection points between the papers, and we realized that any gaps in one paper are complemented by the other papers.

CONCLUSIONS

Our systematic review of the literature contributed to the construction of a theoretical reference on methodologies for developing openEHR archetypes, as well as showing that it is a growing research topic. Furthermore, we realize that there are some aspects (e.g., terminology and validations) that require further study.
Effectiveness of Home-Based Telerehabilitation Interventions for Dysphagia in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Yang Wenwen , Du Yifei , Chen Mengran , Li Sufang , Zhang Fan , Yu Peiyang , Xu Xiaoxia
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Multimodal treatment–induced dysphagia has serious negative effects on survivors of head and neck cancer. Owing to advances in communication technologies, several studies have applied telecommunication-based interventions that incorporate swallowing exercises, education, monitoring, feedback, self-management, and communication. It is especially urgent to implement home-based remote rehabilitation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the optimal strategy and effectiveness of remote interventions are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed to examine the evidence regarding the efficacy of telerehabilitation for reducing physiological and functional impairments related to swallowing and for improving adherence and related influencing factors among head and neck cancer survivors.

METHODS

The PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched up to July 2023 to identify relevant articles. In total, 2 investigators independently extracted the data and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies using the quality assessment tool of the Joanna Briggs Institute.

RESULTS

A total of 1465 articles were initially identified; ultimately, 13 (0.89%) were included in the systematic review. The quality assessment indicated that the included studies were of moderate to good quality. The results showed that home-based telerehabilitation improved the safety of swallowing and oral feeding, nutritional status, and swallowing-related quality of life; reduced negative emotions; improved swallowing rehabilitation adherence; was rated by participants as highly satisfactory and supportive; and was cost-effective. In addition, this review investigated factors that influenced the efficacy of telerehabilitation, which included striking a balance among swallowing training strategy, intensity, frequency, duration, and individual motor ability; treating side effects of radiotherapy; providing access to medical, motivational, and educational information; providing feedback on training; providing communication and support from speech pathologists, families, and other survivors; and addressing technical problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Home-based telerehabilitation has shown great potential in reducing the safety risks of swallowing and oral feeding, improving quality of life and adherence, and meeting information needs for dysphagia among survivors of head and neck cancer. However, this review highlights limitations in the current literature, and the current research is in its infancy. In addition, owing to the diversity of patient sociodemographic, medical, physiological and functional swallowing, and behavioral factors, we recommend the development of tailored telemedicine interventions to achieve the best rehabilitation effects with the fewest and most precise interventions.
Repeatability and Reproducibility of Automated Quantitative Conjunctival Hyperemia Analysis Software (Preprint)
Authors: Hansapinyo Linda , Pathanapitoon Kessara , Tananuvat Napaporn , Chaidaroon Winai , Ausayakhun Somsanguan , Kulniwatcharoen Pichaya , Panyowatkul Nathaya , O’Brien Timothy E , Patanukhom Karn
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

The degree of conjunctival hyperemia reflects the severity of various ocular disease. Most of clinical grading systems rely on individual physicians and it is difficult to compare between clinical examinations. We developed automated grading software to objectively assess conjunctival hyperemia.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the repeatability and reproducibility of newly developed automated quantitative conjunctival hyperemia analysis software.

METHODS

Eighty images of twenty glaucoma patients who were using at least one anti-glaucoma medication and complained of conjunctival hyperemia were collected. All patients’ severity of conjunctival hyperemia was evaluated by newly developed automated conjunctival hyperemia grading software into 4 levels: blood vessel, strong red area, weak red area and non-red area. Automatic registration was applied for improving the software repeatability and reproducibility.

RESULTS

Spearman correlation coefficient values(rs) values of 0.884, 0.982 and 0.932 for blood vessel area, strong red area and weak red area of two measurements of the same image, respectively. Spearman correlation coefficient (rs) values of 0.988, 0.992 and 0.995 for blood vessel area, strong red area and weak red area of two images of the same eye, respectively. The clinical grading had the best correlation with the summation of blood vessel and strong red area, following with strong red area.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed conjunctival hyperemia analysis software provides an automatically quantitative objective assessment of conjunctival hyperemia with excellent repeatability and reproducibility including excellent correlation with clinical grading by ophthalmologists. This algorithm including the automatic region of interest (ROI) registration between two images system give precise results in comparing the conjunctival hyperemic change in clinical practice.
Design and Early Use of the Nationally Implemented Healthier You National Health Service Digital Diabetes Prevention Programme: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Ross Jamie , Hawkes Rhiannon E , Miles Lisa M , Cotterill Sarah , Bower Peter , Murray Elizabeth
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

The Healthier You National Health Service Digital Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS-digital-DPP) is a 9-month digital behavior change intervention delivered by 4 independent providers that is implemented nationally across England. No studies have explored the design features included by service providers of digital diabetes prevention programs to promote engagement, and little is known about how participants of nationally implemented digital diabetes prevention programs such as this one make use of them.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to understand engagement with the NHS-digital-DPP. The specific objectives were to describe how engagement with the NHS-digital-DPP is promoted via design features and strategies and describe participants’ early engagement with the NHS-digital-DPP apps.

METHODS

Mixed methods were used. The qualitative study was a secondary analysis of documents detailing the NHS-digital-DPP intervention design and interviews with program developers (n=6). Data were deductively coded according to an established framework of engagement with digital health interventions. For the quantitative study, anonymous use data collected over 9 months for each provider representing participants’ first 30 days of use of the apps were obtained for participants enrolled in the NHS-digital-DPP. Use data fields were categorized into 4 intervention features (Track, Learn, Coach Interactions, and Peer Support). The amount of engagement with the intervention features was calculated for the entire cohort, and the differences between providers were explored statistically.

RESULTS

Data were available for 12,857 participants who enrolled in the NHS-digital-DPP during the data collection phase. Overall, 94.37% (12,133/12,857) of those enrolled engaged with the apps in the first 30 days. The median (IQR) number of days of use was 11 (2-25). Track features were engaged with the most (number of tracking events: median 46, IQR 3-22), and Peer Support features were the least engaged with, a median value of 0 (IQR 0-0). Differences in engagement with features were observed across providers. Qualitative findings offer explanations for the variations, including suggesting the importance of health coaches, reminders, and regular content updates to facilitate early engagement.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost all participants in the NHS-digital-DPP started using the apps. Differences across providers identified by the mixed methods analysis provide the opportunity to identify features that are important for engagement with digital health interventions and could inform the design of other digital behavior change interventions.
How did a Previously Unscrupulous Tactic Become a Popular Corporate Strategy?….. Time to Discuss the Impact of an Excise Tax on Treasury Stock
Authors: Crawford Constance J , Crawford Corinne L , Vallach Glenn C.
Published: March 2023

The problematic history of stock buybacks, known more familiarly as Treasury Stock acquisitions, has at times been described as unscrupulous transactions resulting in stock manipulation tactics engaged in by corporate America (Kotter, 1952). However, when the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) passed rule 10b-18, the definition of share buybacks changed from problematic manipulative strategies to brilliant corporate maneuvers (SEC Act 1934.). The SEC’s enactment of Rule 10b-18 opened Pandora’s Box for corporations to engage in unfettered access of their own issued stock shares. The 10b-18 SEC Rule provided a pathway for corporations to buyback their own previously sold stock shares within an accepted legal framework. Unfortunately, the SEC Rule 10b-18 has been viewed as sanctioning the use of corporate funds for valueless purchases depleting the liquidity of the corporate balance sheet. But should these transactions, be subject to tax as a means to rectify the problematic buyback mania?
Artificial Intelligence Tutelage System
Authors: Balaji Dr. S. , Kumanan Kumanan , Ahamed Irfan , Piraisanthan Piraisanthan
Published: March 2023

E-learning, often known as "online learning," "virtual learning," "remote learning," and other similar terms, is an alternative to traditional classroom instruction. "Distance education," "digital learning," or "mobile learning." E-learning involves using several distinct technologies, including the web, open broadcast, loop, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fibre optics, satellite, wireless communications equipment, audio/video conferencing, and others, for one-way or two-way transmission. To improve educational knowledge, e-learning makes use of interactive technology and communication infrastructure. It has the ability to change how we typically teach and learn across the board. It will improve standards and increase long-term learning involvement. Although it cannot completely replace teachers and lecturers, it will improve the quality and scope of their instruction and reduce the time spent on administration. Each learner will be changed to reach his or her full potential, and it will make it easier to give an academic force the freedom to change. It makes a very ambitious educational system for an emerging learning society feasible. As demand grows, there is a need to standardise the E-learning system and to use new technologies to raise the standard of the current system. Despite the fact that many corporations and academic institutions have previously adopted various standards, there are still certain issues with these standards' benefits and drawbacks that must be addressed by incorporating new technical standards into the current norms to improve their usability and systematicity
Precedente y civil law: Un camino por recorrer. Reflexiones sobre el precedente a partir de los trabajos de Flavia Carbonell y Rodrigo Camarena
Authors: Gascón Abellán Marina
Published: March 2023

El presente trabajo es producto del análisis y discusión que se llevaron a cabo en el seminario de la revista Problema. Anuario de Filosofía y Teoría del Derecho intitulado: “La construcción del precedente en el civil law. Debates, conceptos y desafíos”. En dicho encuentro, Flavia Carbonell y Rodrigo Camarena intervinieron con una exposición concisa respecto al precedente en cada uno de sus respectivos países (Chile y México), que a la vez abordan problemas de tipo normativo, práctico, teórico y conceptual. Con gran interés fui testigo de los argumentos de ambos, y motivada por sus ponencias, presento mis puntos de vista respecto a los rubros más importantes y relevantes en torno a sus contribuciones.
The Mexican Supreme Court and its Contributions to Democratic Transition. An Approach from Legal Philosophy
Authors: Patiño Gutiérrez Carlos
Published: March 2023

This paper deals with the contributions of the Supreme Court to the democratization of the Mexican political system in the years between 1995 and 2011. It presents the results of a broad research in which I analyzed relevant cases and conducted in-depth interviews with chief justices, researchers and politicians. Although judicial politics has emphasized the role of the judiciary within the political systems, I am interested in studying whether or not the Mexican Supreme Court has contributed to democratic transition from a legal philosophy approach. My argument is that if judges adjudicate based on theories of law, and if theories of law can affect democracy, therefore, courts’ sentences and their philosophical core may have an impact on democracy. This could be of relevance because it operationalizes philosophical categories. Such correlation between theories of law and democracy is reflected on the interpretation used by the Supreme Court. The major conclusion is that when the Supreme Court started to use new forms of argumentation related to natural law, it happened to be a contribution to democracy.
Evaluation of Wound Healing Parameters and Antibacterial Effect of Jojoba and Citrullus colocynthis Oils in Staphylococcus Wound Infection Induced in Mice
Authors: Elbatouti Gihan A. , Abdelhady Sherien A. , Yacout Dalia M. , Farrage Ebtehal , Abdelwahab Ibrahim A.
Published: March 2023

Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for most bacterial wound infections. Antibiotics are the first-line treatment; however, their indiscriminate use led to the emergence of resistance. Alternative therapeutic options beyond antibiotic treatment are required. Our study aimed to evaluate and compare the healing parameters and antibacterial activity of Jojoba and Citrullus colocynthis oil extracts in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus wound infections. In-vivo assessment of inflammatory biomarkers, matrix metalloproteinase and histopathological examination of Staphylococcus aureus induced wound lesions were conducted in mice. Levels of interleukin 1 and interleukin 6 were reduced, while matrix metalloproteinases ratio; MMP-1 /MMP-9 was increased after topical application of both essential oils. Citrullus colocynthis oil showed optimum wound healing compared to the other treated groups in histopathological examination. In conclusion, topical Citrullus colocynthis preparation may be a promising alternative natural dermatological application with enhanced antibacterial activity.
Experimental Testing On Carbon/Basalt Interwoven Fabric to Determine Its Mechanical Properties
Authors: L Oblisamy , P Sanoj , A Basithrahman , Diwate Harshal , Mane Yash , Yadav Omkar , Rajeshirke Shivtej
Published: March 2023

Abstract: In this research an attempt is made to analyse the mechanical properties for the plain weave hybrid composite of carbon and basalt fibers reinforced with polymer matrix. The interwoven fabric was made by hand-weaving method and various mechanical tests such as tensile, flexural, impact and hardness was carried out on the polymer matrix composite according to ASTM standards. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is used to examine the morphology of fractured surface of hybrid composite during testing.
Forecasting prices for the main building materials in a context of uncertainty: method and practice
Authors: Orlov Alexandr K. , Bolgov Vladimir A.
Published: March 2023

Introduction. The purpose of the study is to evaluate and forecast the behaviour of prices for the main building materials in a highly uncertain and risky environment using the price behavior forecasting method that takes into account external conditions.

Materials and methods. A forecast, made in a context of uncertainty, typical for the current economic situation resulting from geopolitical changes, should take into account results of calculations, the experts’ input, variability of scenarios, and a continuously verifiable and updatable mathematical model. The authors propose a method to forecast materials prices in a context of uncertainty. The method is based on a ranked sequence of actions which is refined on a step-by-step basis.

Results. The method proposed by the authors was employed to calculate and verify the forecast price of the main building materials (reinforcement bars and ready-mix concrete) in June to December 2022. The author offers scenarios, showing the behaviour of prices for the main building materials in 2022 with account taken of the key factors of risk.

Conclusions. The need for a method to forecast building materials prices in a context of uncertainty was evident. The research method was tested, and prices for the main building materials (reinforcing bars and ready-mix concrete) were analyzed. The upward price trend was substantiated for all construction market scenarios during the forecast period. Key factors, affecting the probability of each scenario, were identified. The author substantiated the need to continuously monitor the financial model of investment and construction projects to take risk into account.
Informações financeiras utilizadas na gestão de pequenas e médias empresas industriais
Authors: Bagatini Fabiano Marcos
Published: March 2023

O presente trabalho busca constatar quais são as informações financeiras utilizadas no gerenciamento de empreendimentos industriais de pequeno e médio porte, filiados à Associação Comercial e Industrial de Chapecó – ACIC. Trata-se de um estudo não experimental, predominantemente quantitativo, decaráter exploratório, sendo ainda, um estudo crosssectional.Foram identificadas 53 empresas associadas à ACIC, no entanto, 29 gestores aceitaram participar da pesquisa. Foram realizadas entrevistas estruturadas com os administradores nos meses de janeiro e fevereiro de 2007 e os resultados apontam que: controle de contas a pagar, controle de contas a receber e disponível são as informações financeiras mais utilizadas na gestão das empresas analisadas. Verifica-se ainda que as variáveis: grau de escolaridade do gestor, tempo de fundação das empresas, porte da empresa e área de formação doentrevistado não exercem influência na utilização dos informes financeiros.