bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of different machine learning algorithms for predicting the length of stay in the emergency departments: a single-centre study
Authors: Ricciardi Carlo , Marino Marta Rosaria , Trunfio Teresa Angela , Majolo Massimo , Romano Maria , Amato Francesco , Improta Giovanni
Published: January 2024

Background

Recently, crowding in emergency departments (EDs) has become a recognised critical factor impacting global public healthcare, resulting from both the rising supply/demand mismatch in medical services and the paucity of hospital beds available in inpatients units and EDs. The length of stay in the ED (ED-LOS) has been found to be a significant indicator of ED bottlenecks. The time a patient spends in the ED is quantified by measuring the ED-LOS, which can be influenced by inefficient care processes and results in increased mortality and health expenditure. Therefore, it is critical to understand the major factors influencing the ED-LOS through forecasting tools enabling early improvements.

Methods

The purpose of this work is to use a limited set of features impacting ED-LOS, both related to patient characteristics and to ED workflow, to predict it. Different factors were chosen (age, gender, triage level, time of admission, arrival mode) and analysed. Then, machine learning (ML) algorithms were employed to foresee ED-LOS. ML procedures were implemented taking into consideration a dataset of patients obtained from the ED database of the “San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona” University Hospital (Salerno, Italy) from the period 2014–2019.

Results

For the years considered, 496,172 admissions were evaluated and 143,641 of them (28.9%) revealed a prolonged ED-LOS. Considering the complete data (48.1% female vs. 51.9% male), 51.7% patients with prolonged ED-LOS were male and 47.3% were female. Regarding the age groups, the patients that were most affected by prolonged ED-LOS were over 64 years. The evaluation metrics of Random Forest algorithm proved to be the best; indeed, it achieved the highest accuracy (74.8%), precision (72.8%), and recall (74.8%) in predicting ED-LOS.

Conclusions

Different variables, referring to patients’ personal and clinical attributes and to the ED process, have a direct impact on the value of ED-LOS. The suggested prediction model has encouraging results; thus, it may be applied to anticipate and manage ED-LOS, preventing crowding and optimising effectiveness and efficiency of the ED.
A rapid method for computing 3-D high-resolution vegetative canopy winds in weakly complex terrain
Authors: Renault Matthieu Adrien , Bailey Brian N. , Stoll Rob , Pardyjak Eric R.
Published: January 2024

To determine near-surface winds within and above vegetation canopies for operational environmental applications, a wind model must run at high-resolution (O(1–10 m)), in a few minutes, using limited input information, and requiring minimal computing resources (e.g., personal computers). Current research models simulate large domains at coarse resolution or small domains at fine scale, but canopy simulations can take days. Fast-modeling approaches are used to solve large complex wind fields, but they oversimplify the roughness elements’ distribution impact on momentum exchanges. To overcome these deficits, the fast-running wind model QUIC-URB (Quick Urban and Industrial Complex) was augmented with a high-resolution canopy wind solver. The wind model includes a non-local factor that describes how momentum propagates through the canopy and how sub-canopy jets appear under certain conditions. QUIC-URB was also coupled with the mesoscale WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting) model to downscale wind fields from a few kilometers to a meter. The new QUIC Canopy Model resolves 3-D wind fields over hundreds of millions of cells in less than 30 s per time step on a personal computer. It was compared to two canopy models for real quasi-homogeneous and heterogeneous canopies. An error analysis shows that the model was relatively accurate with a normalized root-mean-square error of about 0.2 m s−1 in the quasi-homogeneous canopy, and a mean absolute error of 0.3 m s−1. The new model is suitable for coupling with pollution dispersion, wildfire spread, and numerical weather prediction models over weakly complex terrain, defined here as a mildly undulating environment with gradual changes in elevation and a heterogeneous distribution of plants.
Late Triassic E-W striking shear zone and its implication on gold mineralization in the Xiaoqinling area, eastern China
Authors: Chen Hong , Zhu Gui-Fan , Bai He , Cui Guo-Shuai , Zhang Huan-Huan , Mu Pei-Ji , Jin Yong-Jie
Published: January 2024

The Xiaoqinling area is located in the eastern part of the Qinling Orogen and experiences early and late Mesozoic gold mineralization controlled by structural deformation. The relationship between the two stages of mineralization and the orogenic process of the Qinling Orogen is unclear. We investigated the deformation and alteration of E-W striking veins in the Xiaoqinling area. The geometric features revealed that all the veins developed within the E–W-striking Guanyintang brittle–ductile shear zone. The vein was subparallel to the shear zone, dipped at 30°–60°, and had a wave-like appearance. The Guanyintang shear zone underwent three deformation stages: sinistral shearing (D1), dextral thrusting (D2), and sinistral normal faulting (D3). The development of ore-bearing quartz veins was controlled by deformation during D2, and the auriferous pyrite and minor chalcopyrite developed along the shear foliations. Re-Os dating of the molybdenite revealed a well-constrained isochron age of 230.2 ± 2.6 Ma, indicating the E-W striking shear zone developed in Late Triassic. This early Mesozoic shearing deformation in Xiaoqinling represents the early Mesozoic metallogenesis is correlated with the collisional orogeny of the Qinling orogen.
Fracture initiation pressure prediction of hydraulic fracturing for layered reservoirs considering borehole deformation
Authors: Wang Yingwei , Wang Man , Niu Zehua , Chen Zhaofan , Min Rui , Zheng Jingwei
Published: January 2024

Accurately predicting fracture initiation pressure is crucial for successfully applying hydraulic fracturing technology in layered reservoirs. However, existing models overlook the effects of rock anisotropy and borehole deformation. In this study, we simplified the layered reservoir to a transversely isotropic medium and developed a model to estimate borehole deformation precisely. Based on this estimated deformation, we created a model to predict fracture initiation pressure in hydraulic fracturing. By comparing previous models and experimental data, we validated the effectiveness of these proposed models. We examined the impacts of various factors on borehole deformation, fracture initiation pressure, and initiation angle. The results revealed that circular boreholes in layered reservoirs deform into elliptical boreholes under in situ stress, with the major axis not aligning with the principal stress direction, which highlights the significant impact of rock anisotropy on borehole deformation. Furthermore, the fracture initiation pressure of hydraulic fracturing either increases or decreases following borehole deformation, depending on specific geological parameters. The calculated initiation angle after borehole deformation is within 10°, closer to previous experimental results, underscoring the notable effect of borehole deformation on hydraulic fracturing. Our research indicates that the impact of borehole deformation on hydraulic fracturing is significant and should not be overlooked. This finding will offer fresh avenues for further study in the field of hydraulic fracturing.
Affective domain and mathematics achievement of Colombian students under multiple correspondence analysis
Authors: Prada Núñez Raúl , Rabelo Procopio Marcos V. , Fernández-Cézar Raquel , Solano-Pinto Natalia
Published: January 2024

The literature review indicates that age is a variable related to the students' affect toward mathematics in such a way that the older they are, the less affection they feel for mathematics. In the case of the Department of Norte de Santander, the administration is going to carry out an educational program for 2050, whose aim is to make this region a science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics (STEAM) territory, for which it is necessary for students, regardless of the grade, to reach optimum levels in the management of mathematical competencies. Therefore, having a picture of the department's situation in this respect is relevant. To this end, this research aims to apply a quantitative and descriptive methodology on the affective domain and achievement in mathematics to determine whether these vary with the students' grade level. A non-probabilistic sample of 2,729 students from fourth to eleventh grades (9 to 18 years old) from 13 educational institutions in a region of northwestern Colombia was used. The instrument used characterized the affective domain toward mathematics (attitudes, beliefs, and emotions) and math achievement, taking grade as the independent variable. A multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was carried out to depict the affective domain toward mathematics in relation to grade level, considering whether students like the subject and achievement as factors. The results allow us to identify that for beliefs and attitudes, the favorable values are located toward the positive axis of the abscissae, contrary to what is found for emotions. It is noteworthy that students in the lowest grade, fourth grade, show positive beliefs, attitudes, and emotions toward mathematics as well as high achievement, while those in the last grade, eleventh grade, show low values of the three components, besides low performance. This situation is worrying as mathematical knowledge is integral to everyday life and is necessary for citizens in the development of any profession. For this reason, relevant administration should take this into consideration when developing the STEAM program in order to promote an improvement in mathematical performance by supporting students in developing their affect toward mathematics.
Family quality of life and family-school collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic: perceptions of Swedish parents of adolescents with special educational needs
Authors: Zakirova-Engstrand Rano , Wilder Jenny
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Compared to other countries, Sweden did not introduce sudden lockdowns and school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, the country chose a less restrictive approach to managing the pandemic, such as staying at home with any symptoms of cold or COVID-19, washing hands, and maintaining social distancing. Preschools and compulsory schools remained open. In this context, limited evidence exists about how Swedish families of students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) experienced collaboration with school professionals to support their children during the COVID-19, and how the pandemic affected parents’ perceptions of quality of their family life. The present study investigated parental perceptions of satisfaction with family-school collaboration and with family quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Twenty-six parents of students with SEND who attended general lower secondary schools (grades 7-9) completed a survey using three measures: the demographic questionnaire, the Beach Center Family Quality of Life scale (FQOL), and the Family-School Collaboration scale – the adapted version of the original Beach Center Family-Professional Partnership Scale. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations were used to analyse data.

Results

Parents felt less satisfied with family-school collaboration related to child-oriented aspects; they were least satisfied with their emotional well-being aspect of family quality of life. Strong, significant and positive associations were found between family-school collaboration and disability-related support aspect of FQOL.

Discussion

The findings point to the importance of family-school partnerships in promoting students’ positive school achievements, and in enhancing FQOL. The findings have practical implications for professional development of pre- and in-service teachers within the existing curricula of teacher preparation programs. Implications for further research are discussed given the study’s small sample size and challenges in recruitment of participants.
The effects of teacher–student reciprocity on students’ sense of belonging to the university; a moderated mediation model
Authors: Wang Gao , Chen Guiyun , Li Bichun
Published: January 2024

Developing a pleasant and supportive emotional bond with teachers might help students feel more at home at school. However, research on the relationship between positive teacher–student relationships and students’ feelings of belonging in university settings is scarce. Using data from 426 student surveys, this study estimated the moderated mediation model which is generated based on attachment theory and reciprocity theory. As a result, teacher–student reciprocity increases students’ sense of belonging to the university, and teacher–student attachment moderates this effect. The effects of teacher-student reciprocity and teacher-student attachment on students’ sense of belonging to the institution are positively moderated by social group attachment. This work contributes to the study of the sense of belonging by expanding on the applications of attachment theory and reciprocity theory. This research has a practical application.
Commitment and training: professionalization narratives in the implementation of social and emotional learning policies in Chilean schools
Authors: Bonhomme Alfonso , Rojas María Teresa
Published: January 2024

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the discourse on mental health has strongly permeated educational spaces. This is evidenced by the proliferation of policies and initiatives related to Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), which urgently emphasize socio-emotional development and the psychological and subjective well-being of students. This phenomenon makes it necessary to study how professionals should take responsibility and implement a series of practices to respond to these initiatives and policies, many of which are improvised and poorly understood by the community. The aim of this article is to analyze the narratives of professionalization produced by educational agents responsible for implementing SEL policies in Chilean schools. For this purpose, in-depth narrative interviews were conducted with 12 primary education actors, including principals, educational psychologists, school climate coordinators, and homeroom teachers. The participants were selected from different types of educational institutions, including public schools, subsidized private schools, and private schools. Through an inductive Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA), two main themes were identified that articulate the professional experience of implementing SEL policies among the interviewees: (1) commitment to SEL and the (dis)continuities between institutions and personal efforts, and (2) initial and ongoing training for the implementation of SEL. Moreover, from these two proposed themes, various sub-themes emerged, classified according to the types of professionals interviewed and the complexities associated with the types of schools where they work. These sub-themes demonstrate how discourses on the emotional dimension and SEL in schools translate into concrete implications, both subjective and material, regarding the daily work of the interviewees. Finally, the article discusses the complexity arising from the narrative differences among professionals, particularly in terms of their initial and ongoing training, as well as the importance of shared commitments among communities in recognizing the work carried out by these professionals.
YouTube in higher education: comparing student and instructor perceptions and practices
Authors: Greeves Scott , Oz Mustafa
Published: January 2024

YouTube is widely adopted in educational settings because it can support a variety of learning practices. However, unlike traditional learning resources, YouTube videos lack a standardized quality assurance process, posing a significant concern for educational users. The responsibility of identifying suitable educational content falls on the individual user as they navigate the site and select videos. Despite its importance, the multi-step process of video selection remains poorly understood among educational users. While it is established that most users begin with a keyword search for their topic of interest, there is limited empirical evidence on how users deliberate between returned video options, considering features such as view count and comment section sentiment, to make an informed video selection. To address this knowledge gap, this study surveyed college (1) instructors (N = 61) and (2) students (N = 300) to compare their prioritization of ten YouTube video features in relation to video selection. The results revealed fundamental similarities in their prioritization of key aspects such as accuracy, content creators’ expertise, video duration, and style. However, the analyses also suggest that instructors and students may value differing platform affordances across YouTube’s features.
Patient factors associated with survival after critical care interhospital transfer
Authors: Reimer Andrew P. , Dai Wei , Schiltz Nicholas K. , Sun Jiayang , Koroukian Siran M.
Published: January 2024

Objective

To identify the factors that predict mortality post-transfer and develop a comprehensive mortality prediction model capable of supporting pre-transfer decision making.

Materials and methods

Electronic health record data from the Medical Transport Data Repository of a large health system hospital in Northeast Ohio that consists of a main campus and 11 affiliated medical centers. We retrospectively analyzed patient data from the referring hospital encounter prior to interhospital transfer. All patient data including diagnoses, laboratory results, medication, and medical and social history were analyzed to predict in-hospital mortality post-transfer. We employed a multi-method approach including logistic regression, gradient boosting, and multiple correspondence analysis to identify significant predictors of mortality as well as variables that are clinically useful to inform clinical decision support development. We identified all patients aged 21 and older that underwent critical care transfer in the health system between 2010 and 2017.

Results

We found that age, laboratory results (albumin, INR, platelets, BUN, leukocyte, hemoglobin, glucose), vital signs (temperature, respirations, pulse, systolic blood pressure, pulse oximetry), and ventilator usage are the most predictive variables of post-interhospital transfer mortality. Using structured data from the EHR we achieved the same performance as APACHE IV within our health system (0.85 vs. 0.85). Lastly, mode of transport alone was not a significant predictor for the general population in any of the outcome models.

Conclusions

Our findings provide a foundation for the development of decision support tools to guide transport referrals and identified the need for further inquiry to discern the role of mode of transport to enable future inclusion in decision support approaches. Further inquiry is needed to identify factors that differentiate patients not triaged as time-sensitive transfers but still require helicopter intervention to maintain or improve post-interhospital transfer morbidity and mortality.
Safety and effectiveness of carbon nanoparticles suspension-guided lymph node dissection during thyroidectomy in patients with thyroid papillary cancer: a prospective, multicenter, randomized, blank-controlled trial
Authors: Zhao Jingzhu , Wang Junyi , Cheng Ruochuan , Qin Jianwu , Ai Zhilong , Sun Hui , Guo Zhuming , Zhang Xiaohua , Zheng Xiangqian , Gao Ming
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of carbon nanoparticles-guided lymph node dissection during thyroidectomy in patients with papillary thyroid cancer(PTC).

Methods

Clinical trials consisted of two subgroups: unilateral lobectomy (UL; n=283) and total thyroidectomy (TT; n=286). From each subgroup, the patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the carbon nanoparticle group and control group. Primary endpoints included parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, number of lymph nodes (LNs) detected, number of tiny lymph nodes detected, and recognition and retention of the parathyroid glands. Secondary endpoint was recognition and protection of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

Results

A total of 569 patients with PTC were recruited. There were no statistically significant differences in demographics between the carbon nanoparticles and control groups (P > 0.05). In the UL subgroup, there were no significant differences in PTH levels between the two groups at preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative day one, and postoperative month one (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the serum Ca2+ levels between the two groups preoperatively and at postoperative month one (P>0.05). The number of lymph nodes dissected in the carbon nanoparticles group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.0001). The detection rate of tiny lymph nodes in the carbon nanoparticles group was higher than that in the control group (P=0.0268). In the TT subgroup, there was no significant difference in PTH levels between the two groups at preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative day one (P>0.05). However, the mean PTH level in the carbon nanoparticles group was significantly higher than that of the control group at postoperative month one (P=0.0368). There was no significant difference in the serum Ca2+ levels between the two groups preoperatively and at postoperative month one (P>0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the number of dissected LNs (P>0.05) or the detection rate of tiny lymph nodes (P>0.05). No drug-related AE and complications due to the injection of carbon nanoparticles were recorded in this study. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of parathyroid preserved in situ and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in the UL and TT subgroups.

Conclusions

Carbon nanoparticles demonstrated efficacy and safety in thyroidectomy. The application of carbon nanoparticles could significantly facilitate the identification and clearance of LNs and the optimum preservation of parathyroid function.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier ChiCTR2300068502.
Beyond boundaries: unraveling innovative approaches to combat bone-metastatic cancers
Authors: Lan Huanrong , Wu Bo , Jin Ketao , Chen Yefeng
Published: January 2024

Evidence demonstrated that bones, liver, and lungs are the most common metastasis sites in some human malignancies, especially in prostate and breast cancers. Bone is the third most frequent target for spreading tumor cells among these organs and tissues. Patients with bone-metastatic cancers face a grim prognosis characterized by short median survival time. Current treatments have proven insufficient, as they can only inhibit metastasis or tumor progression within the bone tissues rather than providing a curative solution. Gaining a more profound comprehension of the interplay between tumor cells and the bone microenvironment (BME) is of utmost importance in tackling this issue. This knowledge will pave the way for developing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This review summarizes the mechanisms underlying bone metastasis and discusses the clinical aspects of this pathologic condition. Additionally, it highlights emerging therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing the quality of life for patients affected by bone-metastatic cancers. By synthesizing current research, this review seeks to shed light on the complexities of bone metastasis and offer insights for future advancements in patient care.
Intramuscular injection of human chorionic gonadotropin as luteal phase support in artificial cycle frozen-thawed embryo transfer does not improve clinical outcomes: a parallel, open-label randomized trial
Authors: Li Xiaofang , Huang Yu , Shi Zan , Shi Juanzi , Li Na
Published: January 2024

Background

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as one of the first signals secreted by the embryo to the mother may have a direct effect on the endometrium at implantation. The current study was aim to compare the clinical outcomes after frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) treated with artificial cycles (AC) between women who were administered intramuscular injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as luteal phase support and the routine group.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial of 245 women was conducted at the Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Xi’an, China from January 2019 to January 2020. Women <40 years of age undergoing their first FET treated with AC were included. Patients were randomly allocated into either: (1) the hCG treatment group, who received intramuscular injection of hCG since the third day of progesterone administration, at a dose of 2000 IU once every two days, for a total of four times, (2) the control group, receiving routine protocol without placebo on these four days. Clinical outcomes of the two groups were analyzed.

Results

The primary outcome ongoing pregnancy rate in the hCG treatment group versus the control group was 73/124 (58.87%) versus 75/121 (61.98%), respectively (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.88, 0.53-1.47, P = 0.619). Secondary clinical outcomes including biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, early pregnancy loss, multiple pregnancy, live birth and preterm birth were also comparable between the two groups through the univariate analysis and multivariable regression analysis (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

In women undergoing AC-FET, there was no significant difference in the clinical outcomes between the hCG treatment group and the control group. Clinicians should be cautious about adding IM-hCG as luteal phase support to improve the clinical outcome after AC-FET.

Clinical trial registration

http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=32511, identifier ChiCTR1800020342.
Association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and increased glucose-to-albumin ratio in adults without diabetes
Authors: Wang Shuai , Lin Xiaohong , Zhu Chuchen , Dong Yuqi , Guo Yiwen , Xie Zhonghao , He Xiaoshun , Ju Weiqiang , Chen Maogen
Published: January 2024

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects approximately 30% of individuals globally. Both serum glucose and albumin were demonstrated to be potential markers for the development of NAFLD. We hypothesized that the risk of NAFLD may be proportional to the glucose-to-albumin ratio (GAR).

Methods

Based on information from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2018, it was determined that GAR was associated with an increased risk of NAFLD and liver fibrosis utilizing weighted multivariable logistic regression. Participants with a fatty liver index (FLI) over 60 were identified with NAFLD, and those with an NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) >0.676 with evidence of NAFLD were labeled with advanced hepatic fibrosis (AHF). The liver biopsy was utilized to verify the relationship between GAR and FLD in our center cohort. Mendelian randomization analysis investigated the genetic relationship between GAR and NAFLD.

Results

Of 15,534 eligible participants, 36.4% of participants were identified as NAFLD without AHF. GAR was positively correlated with the probability of NAFLD following full adjustment for possible variables (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.39–1.67). It was confirmed that patients with NAFLD and AHF had an inferior prognosis. The relationship between GAR and NFS was favorable (R = 0.46, P< 0.0001), and NAFLD patients with a higher GAR tended to develop poor survival. In our center cohort, the association between GAR and NAFLD was verified.

Conclusion

Among participants without diabetes, greater GAR was linked to higher risks of NAFLD. In addition, NAFLD patients with higher GAR tended to develop liver fibrosis and adverse outcomes.
Intact ketogenesis predicted reduced risk of moderate-severe metabolic-associated fatty liver disease assessed by liver transient elastography in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lee Sejeong , Bae Jaehyun , Kim Seung Up , Lee Minyoung , Lee Yong-ho , Kang Eun Seok , Cha Bong-Soo , Lee Byung-Wan
Published: January 2024

Aim

Hepatic ketogenesis is a key metabolic pathway that regulates energy homeostasis. Some related controversies exist regarding the pathogenesis of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). We aimed to investigate whether intact ketogenic capacity could reduce the risk of MAFLD based on transient electrography (TE) in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

A total of 361 subjects with newly diagnosed T2D were recruited and classified into two groups based on the median serum β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB) level, referred to as the intact and impaired ketogenesis groups. The glucometabolic relevance of ketogenic capacity and associations of the baseline serum β-HB and MAFLD assessed with TE were investigated.

Results

Compared to the impaired ketogenesis group, the intact ketogenesis group showed better insulin sensitivity, lower serum triglyceride levels, and higher glycated hemoglobin levels. The controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) was lower in the intact ketogenesis group without statistical significance (289.7 ± 52.1 vs. 294.5 ± 43.6; p=0.342) but the prevalence of moderate–severe steatosis defined by CAP ≥260 dB/m was significantly lower in the intact group. Moreover, intact ketogenesis was significantly associated with a lower risk of moderate–severe MAFLD after adjusting for potential confounders (adjusted odds ratio 0.55, 95% confidence interval 0.30–0.98; p=0.044).

Conclusion

In drug-naïve, newly diagnosed T2D patients, intact ketogenesis predicted a lower risk of moderate–severe MAFLD assessed by TE.
Characteristics and immune checkpoint status of radioiodine-refractory recurrent papillary thyroid carcinomas from Ukrainian Chornobyl Tissue Bank donors
Authors: Bogdanova Tetiana , Rogounovitch Tatiana I. , Zurnadzhy Liudmyla , Mitsutake Norisato , Tronko Mykola , Ito Masahiro , Bolgov Michael , Chernyshov Serhii , Gulevatyi Serhii , Masiuk Sergii , Yamashita Shunichi , Saenko Vladimir A.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The radioiodine-refractory (RAI-R) recurrent papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) are more frequent in elderly patients and have an unfavorable prognosis. Data on the prevalence and characteristics of RAI-R recurrent PTCs in patients of young and middle age with or without a history of radiation exposure in childhood are poorly described. The aim of the current study was: i) to determine the frequency of RAI-R recurrent PTCs among donors of the Chornobyl Tissue Bank (CTB) and analyze the clinicopathological features of primary tumors (PTs), primary metastases (PMTSs), recurrent metastases (RMTSs) and risk factors for RMTS, and ii) to determine the immune checkpoint status (ICS) of the RAI-R recurrent PTCs and to assess the factors associated with ICS positivity.

Methods

Sixty RAI-R recurrent PTCs (46 exposed to radiation and 14 non-exposed, 2.5% of all cases registered with the CTB) from the Ukrainian patients aged up to 48 years were identified.

Results

The clinicopathological characteristics of the PTs moderately to weakly resembled those of the PMTS and RMTS from the same patients while the metastatic tissues were highly similar. The multivariate model of RMTS included the dominant solid-trabecular growth pattern of the PT, cystic changes, N1b metastases, and the probability of a causation (POC) of PTC by radiation as risk factors. Among these factors, the lateral PMTS (N1b) had the strongest effect. The longer period of latency (a POC component) was the second statistically significant characteristic. ICS percent agreement between the PT and RAI-R RMTS was 91.5%; 23.7% of PTs and 28.8% of RMTSs had positive ICS (positive PD-L1 tumor epithelial cells (TECs) and positive PD-L1/PD1 tumor-associated immune cells). ICS positivity of PTs was associated with pronounced oncocytic changes and high density of the p16INK4A-positive TECs in the invasive areas of PTs. In RMTSs, ICS positivity was associated with pronounced oncocytic changes and Ki-67 labeling index ≥ 4.5% of PTs, and the dominant solid-trabecular growth pattern, Ki-67 labeling index ≥ 7.6% and p16INK4A-positivity of RMTS.

Discussion

The findings are of clinical relevance and may be useful for developing individual treatment approaches for patients with RAI-R recurrent PTCs possibly involving immunotherapy.
Unified dispatch of grid-connected and islanded microgrids
Authors: Wodicker Mackenzie Robert , Nelson James , Johnson Nathan Gregory
Published: January 2024

This work develops microgrid dispatch algorithms with a unified approach to model predictive control (MPC) to (a) operate in grid-connected mode to minimize total operational cost, (b) operate in islanded mode to maximize resilience during a utility outage, and (c) utilize weighting factors in the grid-connected objective function to preserve islanded capability (on-site fuel reserves, battery state of charge) to enhance resilience in the potential event of an unplanned grid outage. Resilience is defined using microgrid survivability (probability to serve 100% of critical load), autonomy (duration of time to serve 100% of critical load), and unserved energy (curtailed critical load) for a target of 7 days during a grid outage. The developed methods are applied to a military microgrid with 2,250 kW of diesel generation, 3,450 kW/13,800 kWh battery storage, and 16,479 kW of solar photovoltaics. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to determine the selection of weighting factors to have the best impact on three developed objectives: grid-connected economics, islanded resilience, and carbon intensity. Optimal weighting factors reduce operating costs by 0.1%, increase survivability by 3.9%, increase autonomy by 16.7%, reduce unserved energy by 94.1%, and increase carbon intensity by 2.5%.
Design of the external forced air cooling control strategy for the bulb tubular turbine generator based on multi-objective optimization
Authors: Wei Han , Zhang Yukun , Song Houbin , Qiu Hongbo , Guan Zhijun , Wang Shuai , Xie Wenqi
Published: January 2024

The compact internal structure of the bulb tubular turbine generator (BTTG) leads to poor ventilation and heat dissipation capability (VHDC). It will result in high-temperature faults and lead to losses for the hydro-power station, if the staff at the hydropower station fail to promptly regulate the external forced air cooling for effective heat dissipation. Thus, a specific and effective ventilation control strategy (VCS) is of utmost importance for the operation of the BTTG. In this study, the finite element method (FEM) was employed to solve the magnetic-flow-thermal coupled field of a 24-MW BTTG. The distribution characteristics of electromagnetic losses and their impact on the temperature field were revealed. Experimental validation was conducted to verify the effectiveness of the numerical results. The response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to design an experimental plan by building upon this foundation. Integrated with a multiobjective genetic algorithm (MOGA), an optimal relationship between ambient temperature, fan flow rate, and heating components’ temperature was established. This relationship serves as the optimized ventilation control strategy for the BTTG. This research provides a theoretical framework for the formulation of operational guidelines to ensure the safe operation of generators.
Residential load forecasting by a PSO-tuned ANFIS2 method considering the COVID-19 influence
Authors: Alam S. M. Mahfuz , Ali Mohd. Hasan
Published: January 2024

The most important feature of load forecasting is enabling the building management system to control and manage its loads with available resources ahead of time. The electricity usage in residential buildings has increased during the COVID-19 period, as compared to normal times. Therefore, the performance of forecasting methods is impacted, and further tuning of parameters is required to cope with energy consumption changes due to COVID-19. This paper proposes a new adaptive neuro-fuzzy 2 inference system (ANFIS2) for energy usage forecasting in residential buildings for both normal and COVID-19 periods. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) method has been implemented for parameter optimization, and subtractive clustering is used for data training for the proposed ANFIS2 system. Two modifications in terms of input and parameters of ANFIS2 are made to cope with the change in the consumption pattern and reduce the prediction errors during the COVID-19 period. Simulation results obtained by MATLAB software validate the efficacy of the proposed ANFIS2 in residential load forecasting during both normal and COVID-19 periods. Moreover, the performance of the proposed method is better than that of the existing adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), long short-term memory (LSTM), and random forest (RF) approaches.
Impact of impeller blade count on inlet flow pattern and energy characteristics in a mixed-flow pump
Authors: Zhu Yadong , Jiao Haifeng , Wang Shihui , Lu Zelin , Chen Songshan
Published: January 2024

Mixed-flow pumps, which amalgamate centrifugal and axial-flow attributes, play a pivotal role in various sectors due to their high efficiency and versatility. This paper, utilizing numerical simulation and experimental validation, addresses the critical role of impeller blade count in mixed-flow pump performance. It investigates the effect of the number of impeller blades on the energy dissipation mechanism and inlet flow pattern of a mixed-flow pump. The results reveal that dynamic and static interference effects, along with the separation vortex due to flow separation, are the main sources of energy dissipation in the pump. Under part-load and part-overload conditions, the increase in the number of blades contributes to the improvement of the flow pattern and performance but may induce more intense rotating stall effects under part-load conditions. In overload conditions, the increase in the number of blades significantly amplifies the volume of the inlet vortex structure, consequently deteriorating the inlet conditions of the impeller. This study provides valuable insights for the design and optimization of mixed-flow pumps.
The impacts of digital value chain embeddedness on trade-related carbon emissions intensity
Authors: Lyu Yanfang , Xiang Yun , Wang Dong
Published: January 2024

Objective: Digitalization supported by digital technology presents a potential solution for improving the efficiency of resource utilization. However, the impacts of digitalization on trade-related carbon emissions intensity have not been studied systematically.

Methods: Based on panel data of 41 countries and regions over the period 2000–2014, this study examines how different types of digital value chain embeddedness can affect carbon emissions intensity using a semi-parametric partially linear model.

Results: Research findings indicate that there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between digital domestic value chain embeddedness and carbon emissions intensity embodied in domestic trade; only when digitalization reaches a threshold of approximately 0.88, does the effects on carbon emissions intensity become negative. In addition, the impacts of digital global value chain embeddedness on carbon emissions intensity embodied in import trade and export trade are recognized as being non-linear; the thresholds of digitalization are approximately 0.1 and 0.3 for import trade and approximately 0.03 and 0.21 for export trade. Although participating in global value chains is conducive to accelerating digital technology diffusion, the actual environmental effects are constrained by a country’s absorptive capacity and high economic system complexity. Compared with developed countries, developing countries lag behind in entering the downward stage of the inverted U-shaped curve, thereby gaining environmental benefits from digital value chain embeddedness. Moreover, in terms of utilizing digital value chain embeddedness to improve energy efficiency, measures include optimizing trade conditions, adjusting energy structure, and increasing trade scale, which can play an active role.

Value: This study sheds light on the exploration of the potential of digitalization and the facilitation of economic development in a more environmentally friendly manner.
Impacts of vegetation restoration strategies on soil nutrients and stoichiometry of the earthquake-induced landslides in Jiuzhaigou, eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Huang Xuemei , Xian Ting , Long Teng , He Li , Donald Marion L. , Deng Dongzhou , Dong Tingfa
Published: January 2024

Natural and artificial approaches are the mainly management strategy used in degraded lands restoration, while few studies examine the effect of the two strategies on soil nutrient properties in an earthquake-triggered degraded ecosystem. We compared soil chemical traits and major nutrient stoichiometry from areas following landslides that had undergone natural restoration (D. NR.) and artificial restoration (D. AR.), as well as neighboring undisturbed areas (Und.), following the 2017 magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Jiuzhaigou, eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The results showed that soil organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), exchangeable calcium (eCa), exchangeable magnesium (eMg), C/P, C/K, N/P, N/K, P/K, cation exchange capacity, and vegetation cover in landslides of D. NR. and D. AR. were lower than those in Und. land, while their pH and total potassium (K) concentration were higher. Compared to D. NR., most of these traits were higher in D. AR., except for the C/N, which was reduced in D. AR. Soil C was positively related to AN, C/K, N/P, N/K, P/K in each land type, while in D. NR., it was not related to N, AP, AK, eCa, eMg, C/N, although it was negatively related to P and K concentration. The findings demonstrated that vegetation restoration strategies could affect not only soil nutrient content but also the macronutrient stoichiometry (N, P, K). Furthermore, artificial restoration projects can enhance soil nutrient concentration and facilitate vegetation recovery more quickly than natural restoration, which is primarily driven by soil N rather than P or K.
How do smart city pilots affect the ESG performance of manufacturing firms? evidence from China
Authors: Tang Haisheng , Wang Jeng-Bang , Ou Chung-Ya
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The existing literature extensively covers factors influencing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. However, there’s a lack of studies exploring the relationship between smart cities and ESG performance. This gap is surprising, particularly considering the significant role that governments in developing countries play in leading smart city initiatives.

Methods: As the impact of smart city pilot (SCP) policies, initiated by governments, on the ESG performance of manufacturing firms lacks verification, our study leverages SCP as a quasi-experiment to examine the effects of smart city development on this performance. Data was collected from 2,229 listed manufacturing firms in China from 2009 to 2020.

Results: Our findings indicate a substantial increase in ESG performance among manufacturing firms due to SCP implementation. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the positive influence of SCP is primarily advantageous for non-state-owned enterprises. Geographically, SCP significantly enhances corporate ESG performance in eastern and central China, with more muted effects observed in the western region. Two key mechanisms driving the enhancement of corporate ESG performance due to SCP are the promotion of green innovation investment and the improvement of internal control quality.

Discussion: This paper provides valuable insights for policymakers and business leaders in China and other emerging economies. It guides them in fortifying ESG performance, thereby facilitating sustainable corporate growth.
Environmental change induced by water engineering development dominates the global watershed sustainable development issues
Authors: Meng Zhu , Cheng-Qi Zhang , Qi Feng , Ju-Tao Zhang , Wei Liu , Ling-Ge Wang , Yuan-Yuan Xue , Ying-Qing Su
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Global watershed sustainable development has experienced world-wide threats from continuing anthropogenic stressors, and the need to deepen and broaden research encompassing the intersection in global environmental change as well as environmentally oriented watershed sustainable development (EOWSD) has been noticed. However, there is not yet a widely recognized cognition on the applicability and scope of various EOWSD issues, and the zoning of global EOWSD issues is remains uncertain despite it is crucial for achieving global watershed sustainable development.

Methods: This research was conducted to both clarify the zoning and evolution of various EOWSD issues around the world, and differentiate the relative impacts on EOWSD of climate change and human activities. The global EOWSD issues were summarized from 62 watersheds around the world as 6 categories associated with different aspects of global watershed sustainability. And the partition method, in which the spatial and temporal variations of global summer Normalized Difference Vegetation Index in summer were examined and the quantitative climate classification were conducted, indicates a clear and definite relationship between the zoning of EOWSD issues and 8 natural geographical zones. Meanwhile, we selected 34 watersheds either or both are the 100 most populous river basins and the 100 largest (by area) river basins in the world from the 62 watersheds to assess relative effects of human impact on watershed sustainability.

Results: Results from the numerical analyses of baseline water stress (BWS) values, which was used to provide a robust measure of human impact and evaluate the impact and relative importance of human-induced changes on watershed sustainability, indicate that the human activities do not affect the zoning of EOWSD issues at global scale while the environmental change induced by water engineering development should be certain to affect that on the long-term.

Discussion: Our findings present a new perspective to illustrate the relationship among global EOWSD, environmental change and human impacts, and will also provide a scientific basis on setting future emphasizes of global watershed sustainable development and furthering the related disciplines.