bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CNS Protective Effect of Selpercatinib in First-Line RET Fusion-Positive Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Pérol Maurice , Solomon Benjamin J. , Goto Koichi , Park Keunchil , Nadal Ernest , Bria Emilio , Martin Claudio , Bar Jair , Williams Justin N. , Puri Tarun , Li Jian , Uh Minji K. , Lin Boris K. , Zhou Caicun
Published: June 2024

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical Trial Updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.

Although the CNS activity of selpercatinib in patients with RET fusion-positive non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been previously described, the ability of potent RET inhibition to prevent new CNS metastases from developing has been challenging to measure without randomized data. Serial CNS scans were studied from LIBRETTO-431, a randomized phase III trial of selpercatinib versus platinum/pemetrexed ± pembrolizumab whose primary results have been previously disclosed. Intracranial outcomes were assessed by neuroradiologic blinded independent central review in patients with baseline and ≥1 postbaseline CNS scans. Of the 192 patients within the intention-to-treat pembrolizumab population with baseline CNS scans, 150 patients were without baseline CNS metastases. The cumulative incidence of CNS progression in these patients was reduced with selpercatinib versus chemotherapy + pembrolizumab (cause-specific hazard ratio [HR], 0.17 [95% CI, 0.04 to 0.69]). The HR for intracranial progression-free survival (PFS) was 0.46 (95% CI, 0.18 to 1.18). Among the 42 patients with baseline CNS metastases, similar trends were observed in the cumulative incidence of CNS progression (cause-specific HR, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.19 to 1.92]) and intracranial PFS (HR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.28 to 1.97]). These data demonstrate that selpercatinib effectively treats existing CNS disease and prevents or delays the formation of new CNS metastases. These results reinforce the importance of identifying RET fusions in first-line patients with NSCLC and treating with selpercatinib.
Prolonged Adrenal Insufficiency After Osilodrostat Exposure With Eventual Recovery of Adrenal Function
Authors: Tejani Sanaa , Abramowitz Jessica , Tritos Nicholas A , Hamidi Oksana , Mirfakhraee Sasan
Published: June 2024

Osilodrostat is an 11β-hydroxylase inhibitor used in the treatment of adult patients with Cushing disease. Prolonged adrenal insufficiency (AI) after osilodrostat use is a rare but significant adverse effect. We present the case of a 41-year-old woman treated with osilodrostat for persistent hypercortisolism following pituitary surgery and Gamma Knife radiosurgery. After 11 months of osilodrostat therapy, she reported AI symptoms, and biochemical testing revealed low serum cortisol following cosyntropin stimulation as well as high plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The patient was started on physiologic replacement dose of hydrocortisone, which was discontinued 23 months after last osilodrostat exposure when laboratory testing revealed recovery of endogenous cortisol production. The mechanism responsible for the prolonged AI noted with osilodrostat use is unclear and unexpected, given the short half-life of the drug. Although prolonged AI after osilodrostat use is not well understood, providers should be aware of this potential adverse effect and have a low threshold to test for AI in patients reporting AI-related symptoms.
Ο εαυτός
Authors: Σπήλιος Ιάσων
Published: June 2024

Στη διατριβή με τίτλο «Ο εαυτός: φιλοσοφικές προσεγγίσεις αναλυτικής και φαινομενολογικής παράδοσης» θέτοντας ως ερώτημα το αν υπάρχει αναλογία ανάμεσα στην έννοια της θέσμισης από τη φαινομενολογία του Μερλώ-Ποντύ και την έννοια της αυτό-συγκρότησης όπως εμφανίζεται σε κείμενα της Κόρσγκααρντ, ερευνάται ο τρόπος προσέγγισης της εαυτότητας σε δύο παραδόσεις σκέψης της μετακαρτεσιανής φιλοσοφίας. Σε μια προσπάθεια ανάδειξης του αν υπάρχει διάλογος μεταξύ των δύο παραδόσεων, προκειμένου να παρουσιαστούν τα όριά του, χρησιμοποιήθηκαν τρεις θεματικές σε κάθε ένα από τα τρία μέρη της διατριβής. Το πρώτο αναφέρεται στη σωματικότητα, το δεύτερο στον σεβασμό, το τρίτο στην ενδεχόμενη αναλογία της αυτοσυγκρότησης με τη θέσμιση. Οι έννοιες της σωματικότητας και της διυποκειμενικότητας παίζουν καθοριστικό ρόλο για την κατανόηση του άλλου στη φαινομενολογία. Παράλληλα, στην καντιανή παράδοση υπάρχει η αναφορά στην έννοια του σεβασμού ως όριο για δράση και στοιχείο κατανόησης της ετερότητας. Και στις δύο περιπτώσεις που εξετάζονται, εντοπίζεται μια μετάβαση προς κάτι νέο και ανάλογο: από μια υπερβατολογική συνείδηση σε έναν ενσώματο εαυτό, που η έννοια της θέσμισης βρίσκεται στο επίκεντρο και από την ανεξαρτησία των ηθικών αρχών στην κατασκευή ενός εαυτού μέσω των επιλογών και των δράσεων. Συγκεκριμένα, προκύπτει η ακόλουθη αναλογία μεταξύ των δύο παραδόσεων: αντίθετα από μια συνείδηση που συγκροτεί (όπως στη φαινομενολογία του Χούσερλ), με την πρόταση του Μερλώ-Ποντύ είναι δυνατή η επαγωγή, που δίνει τη δυνατότητα δημιουργίας ουσιών με τη φαινομενολογική έννοια. Στη φιλοσοφία της Κόρσγκααρντ, τροποποιώντας την καντιανή φιλοσοφία, για την οποία οι ηθικές αρχές υπάρχουν ανεξάρτητα από τις ατομικές πεποιθήσεις, δίνοντας έμφαση σε έναν κονστρουκτιβισμό στο πλαίσιο μιας ηθικής φιλοσοφίας και στον ρόλο της πρακτικής ταυτότητας, παρουσιάζεται ένας εαυτός που συγκροτείται από ένα αυτενεργό υποκείμενο μέσω των επιλογών και των δράσεων και δημιουργούνται έτσι κανονιστικές αρχές.
Geometric inequalities and advances in the Ribe program
Authors: Εσκενάζης Αλέξανδρος
Published: June 2024

Στο Κεφάλαιο 1 δείχνουμε πως υπάρχουν μετρικοί χώροι που δεν εμφυτεύονται coarsely σε χώρους Alexandrov αρνητικής καμπυλότητας, απαντώντας έτσι μια ερώτηση του Gromov (1993). Στο Κεφάλαιο 2 εισάγουμε μια μετρική αναλλοίωτη που λέγεται diamond κυρτότητα και δείχνουμε πως ένας χώρος Banach X έχει diamond κυρτότητα q αν και μόνο αν ο X επιδέχεται μια q-ομοιόμορφα κυρτή νόρμα. Επιπλέον μελετάμε την σχέση της diamond κυρτότητας με άλλες μετρικές αναλλοίωτες, όπως η Markov κυρτότητα και το μετρικό cotype. Στο Κεφάλαιο 3 χρησιμοποιούμε μετρικές αναλλοίωτες που ορίστηκαν στο πλαίσιο του προγράμματος Ribe για να συνάγουμε αποτελέσματα μη-εμφυτευσιμότητας για υποσύνολα χώρων L_p. Στο Κεφάλαιο 4 δείχνουμε πως η εξάρτηση στην διάσταση στην ανισότητα του Pisier για υπερανακλαστικούς χώρους X είναι $O\big((\log n)^{\alpha(X)}\big)$ για κάποιο $\alpha(X)\in[0,1)$, παρουσιάζοντας έτσι την πρώτη βελτίωση της λογαριθμικής εκτίμησης του Pisier (1986) για αυτή την κλάση χώρων. Στο Κεφάλαιο 5 μελετάμε συστηματικά ανισότητες με σταθερές ανεξάρτητες της διάστασης για συναρτήσεις ορισμένες στον διακριτό κύβο με φραγμένο φάσμα. Η τεχνική μας χρησιμοποιεί ιδέες από την διακριτή αρμονική ανάλυση, την μιγαδική ανάλυση και την κλασική θεωρία προσέγγισης. Στο Κεφάλαιο 6 χρησιμοποιούμε την μέθοδο του Κεφαλαίου 5 για να αποδείξουμε την πρώτη επέκταση της ανισότητας του Freud (1971) σε μεγάλες διαστάσεις με σταθερά που δεν εξαρτάται από την διάσταση. Στο Κεφάλαιο 7 εισάγουμε μια πιθανοθεωρητική τεχνική που βασίζεται σε mixtures μέτρων Gauss και την χρησιμοποιούμε σε προβλήματα στην θεωρία πληροφορίας και στην κυρτή γεωμετρία. Για παράδειγμα, αποδεικνύουμε επεκτάσεις της B-ανισότητας και της ανισότητας συσχέτισης για το μέτρο Gauss. Στο Κεφάλαιο 8 χρησιμοποιούμε μια διαφορετική μέθοδο για να βρούμε τις βέλτιστες σταθερές στην ανισότητα Khintchine για διανύσματα ομοιόμορφα κατανεμημένα στην μπάλα του $\ell_p^n$, απαντώντας έτσι μια ερώτηση των Barthe, Guédon, Mendelson και Naor (2005), και λύνουμε μια παραλλαγή του κλασικού προβλήματος ροπών για συμμετρικές λογαριθμικά κοίλες κατανομές στην πραγματική ευθεία. Στο Κεφάλαιο 9 βρίσκουμε τις ακραίες τομές χώρων της μορφής $\ell_p^n(X)$ με block υπερεπίπεδα, όπου $p\in(0,2]$ και ο X είναι ένας quasi-Banach χώρος που εμφυτεύεται ισομετρικά στον $L_p$. Στο Κεφάλαιο 10 δείχνουμε ότι το $(n,k)$ μοντέλο Bernoulli-Laplace παρουσιάζει cutoff στον χρόνο mixing μετά από $\frac{n}{4k}\log n$ βήματα όταν $k=o(n)$.
Smart tele-rehabilitation and tele-monitoring system based on 3D sensors and advanced computer vision techniques
Authors: Θεοδωρίδου Ελένη
Published: June 2024

Η τηλε-φυσιοθεραπεία είναι σημαντική για την αποκατάσταση της κινητικότητας του χεριού σε ασθενείς στους οποίους η κινητικότητα έχει μειωθεί λόγω εγκεφαλικού επεισοδίου, εγχείρησης ή νευρολογικής πάθησης. Σε αυτή τη μελέτη στοχεύσαμε να δημιουργήσουμε ένα σύστημα αποκατάστασης εξ αποστάσεως, χρησιμοποιώντας το Virtual Glove (VG). To VG είναι μια δομή βασισμένη στην υπολογιστική οπτική, που χρησιμοποιεί ταυτόχρονα δύο συγχρονισμένους πομπους-ανιχνευτές υπέρυθρης ακτινοβολίας Leap Motion (Leap Motion Controllers, LMCs) για την ανίχνευση της κίνησης του χεριού και την ανακατασκευή ενός αριθμητικού μοντέλου του σε πραγματικό χρόνο. Η ιδέα του VG βασίστηκε στην ανάγκη για ένα σύστημα εισαγωγής δεδομένων για σκοπούς τηλεθεραπείας, αλλα μπορεί να χρησιμοποιηθεί γενικότερα για την επικοινωνία ανθρώπου - υπολογιστή. Αναλύσαμε τη χρήση μεθόδων υπολογιστικής όρασης που χρησιμοποιούν πάνω από έναν ανιχνευτή και εστιάσαμε στη βελτιστοποίηση της λειτουργίας του VG με στόχο τη λεπτομερή ανίχνευση της κίνησης του χεριού αλλά και των δακτύλων. Αναπτύξαμε και ελέγξαμε πειραματικά διαφορετικές μεθόδους συνδυασμού δεδομένων από τους δύο ανιχνευτές LMC. Το πρόβλημα της απόκρυψης τμημάτων του χεριού από άλλα, κοινό πρόβλημα στα συστήματα υπολογιστικής οπτικής, μελετήθηκε και αναπτύχθηκαν μέθοδοι ελαχιστοποίησής του, πάντα διατηρώντας την απόκριση σε πραγματικό χρόνο. Τα αποτελέσματά μας συγκεντρώθηκαν σε μία πλήρη δομή (hardware και software) για θεραπεία στο σπίτι, ένα σύστημα που μπορεί να χρησιμοποιηθεί από τον ασθενή και από τον θεραπευτή. Το σύστημα πραγματοποιεί όλη την απαραίτητη συγκέντρωση και ανάλυση δεδομένων, ενώ μια διαδραστική εφαρμογή, σχεδιασμένη για χρήση από τον θεραπευτή, ελέγχει και αναλύει συνεδρίες θεραπείας, καταγράφωντας ποσοτικά την κινητικότητα των αρθρώσεων, και ταυτόχρονα χρησιμοποιείται για την σχεδίαση εξατομικευμένων ασκήσεων. Για να μπορεί το σύστημα να χρησιμοποιηθεί σε συνδυασμό με μεθόδους μηχανικής μάθησης, ένα ανθρωπόμορφο ρομποτικό χέρι κατασκευάστηκε σε 3D εκτυπωτή και χρησιμοποιήθηκε για την πραγματοποίηση κινήσεων που ανιχνεύθηκαν από το VG ενώ ταυτόχρονα είχαμε την πραγματική πληροφορία της θέσης του καρπού και των δακτύλων. Δημιουργήθηκε έτσι ένα συνολικό σχέδιο ανάλυσης δεδομένων και μια μέθοδος mapping, ταύτισης της χωρικής πληροφορίας του VG με την πραγματική θέση των τμημάτων του ρομποτικού χεριού. Επίσης, αναπτύχθηκε μέθοδος μεταφοράς της πληροφορίας σε σύστημα καρτεσιανών συντεταγμένων ανεξάρτητο της θέσης των ανιχνευτών, που βασίζεται στη θέση του κέντρου του χεριού. Ολοκληρώνοντας, αναπτύξαμε και παρουσιάσαμε μία πλήρη μέθοδο δημιουργίας βάσης δεδομένων για μελλοντικές εφαρμογές υπολογιστικής μάθησης, με βάση το ρομποτικό χέρι.
Development and Validation of a Bedside Scale for Assessing Upper Limb Function Following Stroke: A Methodological Study.
Authors: Pawani Dhaval , Joshua Abraham M. , Nayak Akshatha , Palaniswamy Vijayakumar , Mithra Prasanna , Prabhakar Ashish John , Amaravadi Sampath  Kumar
Published: June 2024

Background Numerous tools are available for evaluation of upper limb (UL) functions among stroke survivors. Despite the excellent psychometric properties, many require considerable amount of time, are resource-intensive, and often impractical for bedside evaluation. Objectives To develop and concurrently validate a simple, resource-efficient, and time-efficient bedside tool for evaluating UL function in stroke survivors. Methods Relevant literature review was carried out to conceptualize and define the theoretical framework of day-to-day UL movement tasks. Subsequently, an item pool of 18 UL movements was developed. A mini-Delphi method was employed to verify content validity. During the iterative rounds, 18-items were revised and refined to a 12-items scale. The final bedside upper limb evaluation tool (BUFET) scale underwent concurrent validation by correlating the scores with Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) scores using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Internal consistency was evaluated through Cronbach’s alpha. Results Concurrent validity and internal consistency of the scale were supported by a high correlation coefficient (r = 0.937; p<0.001) with WMFT and high Cronbach’s alpha (0.948). Conclusions Newly developed BUFET was found to be a valid and reliable bedside tool in the evaluation of upper limb functions and can be administered in a resource and time-efficient manner.
Twelve tips for the transition from training to first faculty position
Authors: Preti Beatrice , Sanatani Michael
Published: June 2024

The transition from residency or fellowship to autonomous, independent consultant can be daunting, to say the least! New consultants may face a number of challenges and decision points previously unencountered in their careers. In this article, we present twelve tips for trainees transitioning to their first consultant position (with an emphasis on those in academic or hybrid positions) to help with a smooth, successful process.
Using halotolerant Azotobacter chroococcum W4ii from technosoils to mitigate wheat salt stress
Authors: Binod Kumar Sweta , Kalwasińska Agnieszka , Swiontek Brzezinska Maria , Wróbel Monika
Published: June 2024

Background Technosoils in Inowrocław, central Poland, are impacted by human activities and exhibit high salinity (ECe up to 70 dS/m) due to a soda lime repository. These saline environments pose challenges to plant growth and soil health. However, they also offer an opportunity for the evolution of microorganisms adapted to such conditions, including plant growth-promoting rhizospheric (PGPR) bacteria. The hypothesis tested here was that introducing PGPR bacteria from these environments could boost degraded soil performance, leading to better plant biomass and improved pathogen defense. Methods Azotobacter chroococcum W4ii was isolated from the rhizosphere of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for its plant growth properties on wheat plants under salt stress. Results Wheat seeds co-inoculated with A. chroococcum W4ii under 200 mM salt stress showed significant improvement in various growth parameters such as seeds germination (by 130%), shoot biomass (15%), chlorophyll b content (40%) compared to un-inoculated ones. Bacterial inoculation decreased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), whereas it elevated the antioxidative enzymatic activities of peroxidase (POD). The test isolate also enhanced the level of defense enzymes like β-1,3-glucanase, which can protect plants from infection by pathogens. The bacterium could also successfully colonize the wheat plants. Conclusions These results indicate that A. chroococcum isolated from the technosoil has the potential to promote wheat growth under salt stress and can be further used as a bioinoculant in the salt affected agricultural fields.
Measuring the psychological burden of women with pelvic floor complaints: The psychometric characteristics of a new instrument
Authors: Brand Alma , Waterink Wim , Rosas Scott , van Lankveld Jacques
Published: June 2024

Background To be able to optimize pelvic healthcare, it would be helpful to specifically assess women’s psychological burden with pelvic floor complaints. In the absence of such an instrument, a new instrument was developed to measure this burden in women who seek help. In previous research, a comprehensive overview was yielded of women’s restrictions and distress with pelvic floor complaints, and a conceptual model was developed of seven types of distress that were reflected by 33 statements. The present study was performed to investigate the psychometric properties of the new instrument, termed the Pelvic Floor Complaint-related Psychological Burden Inventory (PFC-PBI). Methods In an online survey data was collected from women with and without pelvic floor complaints on the 33 statements. The internal consistency of the types of distress was tested using item-total correlation analysis, Principal Component and Confirmatory Factor Analyses were performed, and the convergent and divergent validity of the types of distress was examined against existing questionnaires using the Multi-Trait Multi-Method methodology. Results Based on the factor analyses, a 10-item instrument was tested. Outcomes show excellent internal consistency of this instrument, comprising a single component. The PFC-PBI demonstrated satisfactory convergent and divergent validity. Conclusions This new measure appears to be a promising tool to inventory the psychological burden of women suffering from pelvic floor complaints. Research into its further development, implementation, and clinical use appears warranted.
Quasi-Laplacian energy of fractal graphs
Authors: BERBERLER MURAT ERSEN
Published: June 2024

Graph energy is a measurement of determining the structural information content of graphs. The first Zagreb index can be handled with its connection to graph energy. In this paper, a novel and significant application of the first Zagreb index to composite graphs based on fractal graphs is revealed, and by the relation between quasi-Laplacian energy and the vertex degrees of a graph, we derive closed-form formulas for the quasi-Laplacian energy of fractal graphs or namely R-graphs, R-vertex and edge join, R-vertex and edge corona, R-vertex and edge neighborhood graphs in terms of the corresponding energy, the first Zagreb indices, number of vertices and edges of the underlying graphs.
Asymmetric dynamic plastic response of stepped plates
Authors: Mürk Annely , Lellep Jaan
Published: June 2024

The dynamic plastic response of circular plates to asymmetric loading is studied. An approximate theoretical procedure is developed for the evaluation of asymmetrical residual de ections. The solution technique is based on the equality of the internal dissipation and the external work, respectively. Maximal residual de ections are defined for plates of piece-wise constant thickness.
Stiffness parameter prediction for elastic supports of non-uniform rods
Authors: Jaanuska Ljubov , Hein Helle
Published: June 2024

The present research focuses on establishing the stiffness parameter of elastic springs placed at the ends of non-uniform rods. The governing equation for the longitudinal vibrations of the rod was solved using the Haar wavelet integration method. The calculated natural frequency parameters closely aligned with those available in the literature. The normalised values of the first ten natural frequency parameters were used in the feature vector to predict the stiffness parameter of the springs. A feedforward neural network with two hidden layers made accurate predictions when the range of each natural frequency parameterwithin its domain exceeded one. The insights garnered from this study contribute to the design, optimisation and assessment of diverse engineering applications.
Studentification, youthification, and gentrification, all at once? New-builds, newcomers, and near-campus change in a post-industrial city
Authors: Zasina Jakub , Jakubiak Wiktoria
Published: June 2024

Higher education growth changes the neighbourhoods of university cities in multiple ways. The most evidenced way is studentification, although researchers also report youthification and gentrification. However, empirical studies on near-campus change through the tri-conceptual prism of studentification, youthification, and gentrification are recent and limited to North America. Therefore, we apply it to another context. In this paper, we look at Lodz, Poland, and its campus-adjacent, post-industrial area that is facing a housing boom. We describe the new-builds (their scale, types, and morphologies) and the newcomers (their demographics, residential choices, satisfaction and plans). As a result, we claim the change here is a gentrification-like hybrid of new-build youthification and studentification. Consequently, we suggest that boundaries between studentification, youthification, and gentrification can be fuzzy in particular locales. We also nuance previous findings about the near-campus change, especially the features of studentification and studentifiers, and the role of the campus itself in this process.
Early SEND support needs going unmet
Authors: Virdi Amrit
Published: June 2024

A shortage of special needs support in the early years is increasing pressure on childcare providers and schools, new reports reveal
Funded childcare should prioritise quality
Authors: Livingston Louise
Published: June 2024

Louise Livingston, head of training, Maria Montessori Institute
Calais ruling: key questions resolved
Authors: Lagrue Marianne
Published: June 2024

The government has made changes to settlement arrangements for children moved from Calais camps in 2016/17, says Marianne Lagrue, policy manager at Coram Children's Legal Centre
Anxiety-Related Emotions of University Students When Using English as a Foreign Language in Class: Comparing Health and Educational Sciences
Authors: Manchado-Nieto Cristina , Fielden-Burns Laura V.
Published: June 2024

In the realm of education, particularly in the domain of second language acquisition, understanding the intricate interplay between emotions and learning processes is a challenging endeavor. This research aims to explore the importance of studying anxiety-related emotions in the learning and teaching of English as a foreign language by conducting a study based on a quantitative methodology. To that end, a 33-item instrument was given to a total of 231 (n=231) university students who learn and use English in class in diverse degrees in the social and health sciences. The results obtained shed light on the negative emotions that students report during their English classes, such as fear, shame, nervousness, or feelings of judgement. However, not all the emotions are negative, since students also feel relaxed and interested. This study offers a new perspective on this topic since it compares different disciplines, underscoring the need to detect trends in different areas and therefore tailor pedagogy to different student profiles and degree programs.
Ultrathin ring-shaped metasurface for a multiview 3D display
Authors: Ahmad Munzza , Li Jingnan , Zhou Ruyi , Sun Yutong , Liu Juan
Published: June 2024

The development of glasses-free 3D multiview displays has opened up new avenues for
experiencing 3D displays. Multiview technologies have the advantages
of visual discomfort alleviation, smooth motion parallax, full-color
display, and broad depth of focus. However, their intended uses are
impeded due to the versatility of designing ultrathin display systems
freely by using metasurface technology. This paper presents a
technique for creating an ultrathin ring-shaped metasurface for a
multiview display system with a thickness of 2 µm. The proposed
multiview 3D display system generates eight views. Numerical
simulations are used to confirm the efficacy of the suggested
strategy, and the results demonstrate the attainment of a high-quality
multiview 3D display. The proposed work demonstrates the potential
applications of the metasurface in multiview display systems for
electromagnetic wave manipulation in future 3D TVs, imaging,
integrated optics, and next-generation compact displays.
Dual-grating single-shot pump-probe technique
Authors: Tianchen Yu , Yang Junyi , Li Zhongguo , Wu Xingzhi , fang yu , Yang Yong , SONG Ying-lin
Published: June 2024

A simple and effective single-shot pump-probe technique is reported for studying the ultrafast dynamic processes in various materials. Using only two commercial gratings, a large time window of ~ 95.58 ps is spatially encoded in a single probe pulse, and single-shot time-resolved measurements are implemented. This time window exceeds the maximum reported values for single-shot pump-probe techniques using the echelon or angle beam encoding strategy. The phase difference problem in the echelon encoding strategies is also eliminated and a customized echelon is not needed in this technique. The ultrafast dynamic processes of ZnSe and indolium squaraine at a wavelength of 650 nm were investigated using this technique.
Light Wave to PhotoWave vs
Photoelectric Effect to PhotoWave Effect
Authors: Peng Hui
Published: June 2024

Feynman (1956) called the double slit experiment "a phenomenon […] has in it the heart of quantum mechanics. In reality, it contains the only mystery. We cannot make the mystery go away by ‘explaining’ how it works". To study the mystery, the double slit experiments were performed one photon at the time. The photons are described by probability wave function. To interpret, the concept of the collapse of the wave function is utilized. However, the collapse of the wave function leads to the inconsistent/incomplete of the quantum mechanics (Penrose, 2022). In this article, we propose Postulate: the diaphragm, e.g., the slide of the double slit, does not change the nature of the light passing through it. Then we perform multi-experiments to test Postulate, and show that, before and after passing the diaphragm of the double slit, the light is photons. It is photons that produce the wave pattern, e.g., the interference pattern. We referred the phenomena as “PhotonWave Phenomena”.
Particle phenomena Wave phenomena
Light as wave non Light waves produce wave patterns
Light as photons Photons produce ejection of electrons:
Photoelectric effect Photons produce wave patterns:
PhotoWave phenomena
A complete interpretation should consistently explain all of the experiments, which challenges the existing wave theories. The experiments show the coexistence of particle nature and wave pattern in the same experiment, which violate Bohr’s complementarity principle and the wave interpretations. The experiments provide the comprehensive phenomena for developing theoretical model to study the nature of the light, the complementarity principle, the wave-particle duality, and wave theories.
Perceived stigma and depression among the HIV-positive adult people in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Desta Fikreab , Zenbaba Demisu , Sahiledengle Biniyam , Tekalegn Yohannes , Woldeyohannes Demelash , Atlaw Daniel , Nugusu Fikadu , Baffa Lemlem Daniel , Gomora Degefa , Beressa Girma
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, affecting approximately 60% of people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Low and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Ethiopia, bear a disproportionate burden of depression among HIV/AIDS patients. Several factors, including perceived stigma, have been linked to increased depression among HIV/AIDS patients. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the pooled effect of perceived stigma on depression among HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia.

Methods

For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we systematically retrieved all relevant studies starting from January 1, 2000 to June 1, 2022 from PubMed, HINARI, and Google Scholar. This review included observational studies that reported the effect of perceived stigma on the prevalence of depression among HIV-positive adults in Ethiopia. The effect estimate of the pooled effect of perceived stigma on depression was conducted using DerSimonian-Laird’s random effect model using STATA/MP version 16. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR), along with a 95% confidence interval (CI), was conducted to estimate the strength of the association between perceived stigma and depression.

Results

Eleven studies with a total of 4,153 HIV-positive adults were included for meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that the odds of depression were higher among patients with perceived stigma (AOR: 3.78, 95% CI: 2.73, 5.24). The pooled prevalence of depression among HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia was 39% (95% CI: 32%, 46%) (I2 = 98%, p ≤ 0.0001). The subgroup analysis revealed that the primary studies conducted in the Oromia region had the highest pooled prevalence of depression at 48% (95% CI: 32%, 63%).

Conclusion

The pooled estimates of the meta-analysis revealed that perceived stigma and depression were strongly associated. Stigma and depression screenings should be carried out for additional treatments and prevention, and programs supporting Ethiopia’s PLWHA population should be strengthened.
Generalized Bézier-like model and its applications to curve and surface modeling
Authors: Ameer Moavia , Abbas Muhammad , Shafiq Madiha , Nazir Tahir , Birhanu Asnake
Published: June 2024

The subject matter of surfaces in computer aided geometric design (CAGD) is the depiction and design of surfaces in the computer graphics arena. Due to their geometric features, modeling of Bézier curves and surfaces with their shape parameters is the most well-liked topic of research in CAGD/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). The primary challenges in industries such as automotive, shipbuilding, and aerospace are the design of complex surfaces. In order to address this issue, the continuity constraints between surfaces are utilized to generate complex surfaces. The parametric and geometric continuities are the two metrics commonly used for establishing connections among surfaces. This paper proposes continuity constraints between two generalized Bézier-like surfaces (gBS) with different shape parameters to address the issue of modeling and designing surfaces. Initially, the generalized form of C3 and G3 of generalized Bézier-like curves (gBC) are developed. To check the validity of these constraints, some numerical examples are also analyzed with graphical representations. Furthermore, for a continuous connection among these gBS, the necessary and sufficient G1 and G2 continuity constraints are also developed. It is shown through the use of several geometric designs of gBS that the recommended basis can resolve the shape and position adjustment problems associated with Bézier surfaces more effectively than any other basis. As a result, the proposed scheme not only incorporates all of the geometric features of curve design schemes but also improves upon their faults, which are typically encountered in engineering. Mainly, by changing the values of shape parameters, we can alter the shape of the curve by our choice which is not present in the standard Bézier model. This is the main drawback of traditional Bézier model.
High-frequency harmonics suppression in high-speed railway through magnetic integrated LLCL filter
Authors: Al-Barashi Maged , Wang Yongjun , Bhutta Muhammad Shoaib
Published: June 2024

The traction converter modulation generates switching-frequencies current harmonics. The trapped filters can eliminate these switching harmonics, reducing total inductance and filter size. Nonetheless, in comparison with the typical inductor-capacitor-inductor (LCL) filter, the trap inductor needs a larger magnetic core. Moreover, the trapped filter has not been analyzed in the traction systems. This paper proposes a magnetic integrated inductor-trap-inductor (LLCL) filter to decrease the filter’s size and investigate its application in traction converters. In fact, the application range of this filter is quite broad, and it can be used in various electrical power systems, including industrial power systems, renewable energy systems, transportation systems, and building power systems. The LC-trap may be formed by connecting the equivalent trap inductor, introduced through the magnetic coupling between inverter-side and grid-side inductors, in series with the filter capacitor. Furthermore, for H-bridge unipolar pulse width modulation (PWM) traction converters, the prominent switching harmonics are concentrated at the double switching frequencies. Therefore, the stability zone is expanded by moving the resonance above the Nyquist frequency. The presented filter’s features and design are thoroughly analyzed. The proposed method is finally validated by the MATLAB/Simulink simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) experimental results. Compared to the discrete windings, the integrated ones can save two magnetic cores. Furthermore, the proposed filter can meet IEEE criteria with 0.3% for all the harmonics and total harmonic distortion (THD) of 2.15% of the grid‐side current.
Empowering parents to optimize feeding practices with preschool children (EPO-Feeding): A study protocol for a feasibility randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Jian , Cao Yang , Wei Xiaoxue , Winkley Kirsty , Chang Yan-Shing
Published: June 2024

Background

Parental feeding practices (PFPs) play a key role in fostering preschoolers’ dietary habits and in mitigating the risk of childhood obesity. Nevertheless, parents often employ inappropriate feeding practices, leading to children’s potential nutrition-related issues. Thus, research is needed to inform interventions that focus on optimizing feeding practices.

Methods

This protocol describes the evaluation of a novel intervention—Empowering Parents to Optimize Feeding Practices (EPO-Feeding Program). The program will be evaluated with a two-arm feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) in Yangzhou, China. The program includes four weekly group-based training sessions led by healthcare professionals for parents of preschool children. The intervention incorporates sessions, group discussions, motivational interviewing, and supplementary materials (e.g., key messages and educational videos) aimed at enhancing parents’ knowledge, skills, and behaviours related to feeding practices. The primary outcomes include i) implementation feasibility, primarily assessed through retention rates; and ii) program acceptability through a survey and qualitative process evaluation. Secondary outcomes encompass the potential impacts on i) PFPs, ii) parental perception of child weight (PPCW), iii) parenting sense of competence, iv) children’s eating behaviours, and v) child weight status. Quantitative analyses include descriptive estimates for evaluating the feasibility and linear mixed regression analysis for testing the potential effects. Qualitative valuation will use thematic framework analysis.

Discussion

If this study shows this program to be feasible to implement and acceptable to parents, it will be used to inform a fully powered trial to determine its effectiveness. The research will also help inform policy and practices in the context of child nutrition promotion, particularly regarding implementing group-based training sessions by healthcare providers in similar settings.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, Protocol #NCT06181773, 20/11/2023.
Social anxiety and social networking service addiction proneness among university students: A moderated mediation model of narcissism and gender
Authors: Lee Jin Pyo
Published: June 2024

This study aims to investigate the mediation effect of narcissism and the mediation effect moderated by gender in the effect of social anxiety on university students’ SNS addiction. In this cross-sectional survey, university students, aged 19 to 29 were selected from two provinces in South Korea. The sample size was calculated using G*power 3.1., and a sample of 170 university students was used in the final analysis. To perform the analysis, descriptive statistics; independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation were used. The data collected was statistically analyzed using SPSS Program 23.0 and SPSS PROCESS macro (version 4.0). The moderated mediation effect was significant in both male and female groups. The mediation effect of narcissism on the relationship between social anxiety and SNS addiction proneness was stronger in the female group than in the male group. The findings have the potential to provide substantial basic data for developing health promotion and education programs to reduce university students’ social anxiety, narcissism, and SNS addiction.
Patient experiences with value-based healthcare interventions at the HIV outpatient clinic of the Erasmus Medical Centre
Authors: van Hoorn Evelien S. , Bassant Nadine Y. , Lingsma Hester F. , de Vries-Sluijs Theodora E.
Published: June 2024

Background

One of the aims of value-based healthcare (VBHC) is to deliver more patient-centred care. However, little is known about the effect of VBHC interventions on patient experiences. We aim to explore how patients experience VBHC as implemented in an HIV outpatient clinic in an academic hospital in the Netherlands.

Methods

The HIV outpatient clinic of the Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, an academic tertiary hospital, implemented a VBHC intervention consisting of 1) implementation of a generic quality of life questionnaire, administered before each visit, 2) a change in consultation schedule; from twice a year face-to-face to one face-to-face double consultation and one remote consultation per year, and 3) a change in consultation structure; from a single face-to-face consultation with the infectious diseases (ID) specialist to a double consultation in which the patient visits both the nurse and the ID specialist. Semi-structured interviews were held with Dutch or English-speaking adult patients, that had been a patient within Erasmus MC for more than 5 years, on their experiences with the implemented changes.

Results

Thirty patients were interviewed. Patients had no objections towards completing the questionnaires especially if it could provide the professionals with additional information. Patients were primarily positive about the change in consultation schedule. For the yearly remote consultation they preferred a telephone-consultation above a video-consultation. The change in consultation structure ensured that more topics, including psychosocial and medical aspects could be discussed. Some patients did not see the added value of talking to two professionals on the same day or completing the quality of life questionnaire before their consultation.

Conclusion

Patients are generally positive towards the VBHC interventions implemented at the HIV outpatient clinic. Our findings may inform further optimization of VBHC interventions and improve patient-centred care in outpatient HIV clinics.
The development status and future trends of lubricant additives technology: Based on patents analysis
Authors: Wang Mianqing , He Hua , Fang Xi , Li Hui
Published: June 2024

In order to reveal the current status and future trends of lubricant additives, this study analyzes the structured and unstructured data of 77701 lubricant additive patents recorded by Patsnap. The results show that China is the country with the largest number of patents in this field, and the United States is the main exporting country of international technology flow; the current research and development of lubricant additives is dominated by multifunctional composite additives; environmentally friendly additive compositions are the current research hotspot; and more environmentally friendly and economically degradable additives have more development potential in the future. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the research and application of lubricant additives and contributes to the future development of the lubricant industry.
The BICD2 dynein cargo adaptor binds to the HPV16 L2 capsid protein and promotes HPV infection
Authors: Speckhart Kaitlyn , Choi Jeongjoon , DiMaio Daniel , Tsai Billy
Published: June 2024

During entry, human papillomavirus (HPV) traffics from the endosome to the trans Golgi network (TGN) and Golgi and then the nucleus to cause infection. Although dynein is thought to play a role in HPV infection, how this host motor recruits the virus to support infection and which entry step(s) requires dynein are unclear. Here we show that the dynein cargo adaptor BICD2 binds to the HPV L2 capsid protein during entry, recruiting HPV to dynein for transport of the virus along the endosome-TGN/Golgi axis to promote infection. In the absence of BICD2 function, HPV accumulates in the endosome and TGN and infection is inhibited. Cell-based and in vitro binding studies identified a short segment near the C-terminus of L2 that can directly interact with BICD2. Our results reveal the molecular basis by which the dynein motor captures HPV to promote infection and identify this virus as a novel cargo of the BICD2 dynein adaptor.
Características de estudiantes con talento en la escritura académica de las licenciaturas en educación y en enseñanza del inglés
Authors: Cervantes Arreola Diana Irasema , Gómez Martínez Dalia Lizette , Vázquez Reyes Óscar Martín
Published: June 2024

Esta investigación presenta un acercamiento a las características del talento en la escritura académica de estudiantes universitarios de las licenciaturas en Educación y en Enseñanza del Inglés, situado en los catalizadores ambientales e intrapersonales del Modelo Diferenciado de Dotación y Talento de Gagné, así como en algunos recursos para su desarrollo. Se llevó a cabo con un enfoque cualitativo, mediante un estudio de casos múltiple, en el que participaron cuatro estudiantes de los programas de Educación y Enseñanza del Inglés. Los resultados indican que hay catalizadores comunes en los casos: aprendizaje de la lectura y escritura a temprana edad, considerar a los profesores como motivadores del aprendizaje y desarrollo de la escritura, gusto por materias de lingüística, considerarse con facilidad para redactar, tener la responsabilidad como un valor esencial, así como dedicación y perfeccionismo. Se concluye que la formación académica impulsada por los maestros, además de algunos rasgos personales, son elementos clave para el desarrollo del talento en la escritura académica, ya que existen coincidencias muy cercanas en los casos de estudio.
Mecanismos de influencia y elementos de la competencia intercultural en la política educativa de la UNESCO y del Consejo de Europa
Authors: Neubauer Adrián , Matarranz María
Published: June 2024

La educación intercultural es una forma de entender la sociedad en la que vivimos y un elemento esencial para los sistemas educativos contemporáneos. Los organismos internacionales, conscientes de la importancia de la incorporación de la perspectiva intercultural en la esfera educativa, llevan ya unos años trabajando para promoverla en sus países miembros. Esta investigación tiene como objeto de estudio identificar los mecanismos empleados por la Unesco y por el Consejo de Europa para promover su posicionamiento teórico-político acerca de la educación intercultural y conocer cuáles son, para dichos organismos, los elementos de la competencia intercultural más destacados. El método empleado para el estudio ha sido el análisis documental con la ayuda del software de análisis cuantitativo-cualitativo MAXQDA AnalyticsPro 2022. Los resultados para ambos organismos apuntan, por un lado, al uso fundamentalmente de los mecanismos de influencia de «difusión» e «imitación» y, por otro lado, el «entendimiento, comprensión y respeto mutuo» y «el diálogo intercultural» son los elementos más recurrentes en la competencia intercultural.
La innovación docente en la educación para la ciudadanía mundial desde la alianza entre la Universitat de València y la campaña mundial por la educación
Authors: Ancheta-Arrabal Ana , Cercos-Chamorro Beatriz
Published: June 2024

El trabajo se basa en la presentación de la investigación y acciones formativas realizadas en el marco del proyecto de innovación educativa «Semana de Acción Mundial por la Educación (SAME)». Una experiencia para desarrollar la corresponsabilidad socioeducativa (UV-SFPIE_PIEC-2736915), fruto del trabajo y la alianza de la Universitat de València con la Campaña Mundial por la Educación (CME), para reivindicar la educación. La comunidad universitaria junto con organizaciones sociales valencianas colaboran desde 2007 en esta experiencia que ofrece ocasiones para la innovación educativa y el abordaje transversal de este derecho en diferentes titulaciones de la UV. El Proyecto de Innovación Educativa de la Semana Mundial por la Educación se ha llevado a cabo durante más de diez años desde la Facultad de Filosofía y Ciencias de la Educación de la Universidad de Valencia (UV) por el Grupo Consolidado de Innovación Docente GCID-SAMEUV (GCID23_2591527) con la colaboración de diversas ONG que componen la CME en la Comunitat Valenciana. Centrado en la corresponsabilidad social y educativa tanto en el alumnado como en el profesorado universitario, se han implementado diversas actividades formativas conectadas con la educación para la ciudadanía mundial y el desarrollo sostenible, en coherencia para garantizar el derecho a la educación de acuerdo con los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS), entre los que destacamos una educación de calidad (ODS 4) y la igualdad de género y empoderar a todas las mujeres y niñas (ODS 5).
El potencial creativo en las personas con discapacidad intelectual
Authors: Vela Llauradó Esther , Del Castillo Lorite Paula
Published: June 2024

La creatividad es importante en la vida del ser humano porque nos permite crear nuevas ideas y puntos de vista diferentes. Para las personas con discapacidad intelectual, la creatividad es una herramienta muy valiosa que estimula su pensamiento divergente, fomenta la autoestima y les ayuda a desarrollar habilidades comunicativas y sociales, lo que les permitirá tener una mejor integración en la sociedad. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar el potencial creativo en personas con discapacidad intelectual entre 17 y 27 años y compararlo con personas sin discapacidad intelectual. El diseño de esta investigación pertenece al paradigma cuantitativo de tipo ex post-facto. La muestra está compuesta por un total de 84 participantes con y sin discapacidad intelectual, a los cuales se les ha administrado una adaptación del Test Torrance (1974), que nos permite medir la creatividad a partir de 4 dimensiones: fluidez, originalidad, flexibilidad y elaboración. Los resultados nos indican que las personas sin discapacidad intelectual tienen mayor potencial creativo, lo que nos permite concluir en la necesidad de favorecer el desarrollo de esta capacidad en el ámbito educativo, siendo uno de los aspectos que debe estar presente en las intervenciones con este colectivo.
Growth and yield of Brazilian potato cultivars
Authors: Lenz Emerson Andrei , Pereira Arione da Silva , Reisser Junior Carlos , Cuadra Santiago Vianna , Azevedo Fernanda Quintanilha , Silva Giovani Olegário da , Cima Francieli Fátima , Silva Tuane Araldi da , Wolter Daiana Döring
Published: June 2024

The analysis of plant growth of cultivars is useful for understanding the dynamics of accumulation and partition of photoassimilates during the crop cycle, and this information is important for the crop management of each cultivar. The objective of this study was to evaluate potato cultivars BRS Ana, BRSIPR Bel, BRS Clara, BRS F63 (Camila) and Macaca for growth and yield, under subtropical climatic conditions of Southern Brazil. Plant samples were collected every 20 days, beginning 40 days after planting (DAP), totaling five collections, and physiological growth indexes and the dry mass partitioning to plant organs were estimated. ‘BRSIPR Bel’ showed the fastest development of assimilatory system. ‘BRS Ana’ had the most vigorous plants and the largest leaf area, reaching the leaf area index 4.0 at 70 DAP. ‘BRSIPR Bel’ e ‘BRS Ana’ had the highest dry mass yield, 214 g and 206 g of dry mass plant-1, respectively. ‘BRS F63’ (Camila) and ‘BRSIPR Bel’ presented earlier tuberization and were the most efficient cultivars in the partitioning of dry mass to tubers, with the highest coefficient of dry mass partitioning to tubers estimated between 40 and 64 DAP. These two cultivars also showed the highest yield of marketable tubers.