bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial investigating the efficacy of low-dose olanzapine in preventing nausea and vomiting associated with oxaliplatin-based and irinotecan-based chemotherapy
Authors: Shen Jing , Zhao Juan , Jin Gaowa , Li Hui , Jiang Ying , Wu Yungaowa , Gao Jiali , Chen Feng , Li Jiaxuan , Wang Wenjuan , Li Quanfu
Published: May 2024

Objective

The aim of this study is to assess the clinical efficacy of a 5 mg dosage of olanzapine in preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) associated with moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC) among female patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal tract tumors.

Methods

Patients undergoing the oxaliplatin/irinotecan chemotherapy regimen were enrolled in this prospective controlled study. The olanzapine group received a 5 mg dosage of olanzapine along with palonosetron and dexamethasone, while the control group received a standard two-combination regimen consisting of dexamethasone and palonosetron. The primary endpoints included the total protection (TP) rates for the entire age group and the subgroup aged 60 years and above. Secondary endpoints encompassed the total protection rates during the acute and delayed phases within the two age brackets, as well as the total control (TC) rates and complete remission (CR) rates across all three phases (total, acute, and delayed). Additionally, the study involved the assessment of quality of life and the collection of adverse events associated with the interventions.

Results

1) Regarding the primary endpoint, the total phase TP rates within both the entire age group and the age group exceeding 60 years demonstrated superiority in the olanzapine group when compared to the control group (66.7% vs 37.25%, P = 0.003; 68.8% vs 44.4%, P = 0.044). 2) In terms of secondary endpoints, the olanzapine group exhibited superior acute phase TP rates in both age brackets when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The olanzapine group also demonstrated higher delayed-phase TP rates, TC rates across all three phases, and CR rates within the two age brackets, although the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the quality of life in the olanzapine group surpassed that of the control group for both age brackets (P < 0.05), characterized by enhanced appetite and a higher incidence of drowsiness in the patients treated with olanzapine when compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Olanzapine can enhance CINV induced by MEC regimen in female patients across all age groups, including the elderly, and therefore improve the quality of life for these patients.

Clinical Trial Registration:https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.html, identifier: ChiCTR20000368269, 25/08/2020.
First records of Secretargas transgariepinus (Argasidae) in Libya and Jordan: corrections of collection records and detection of microorganisms
Authors: Ševčík Martin , Špitalská Eva , Maliterná Michaela , Kabát Peter , Benda Petr
Published: May 2024

The primarily bat-associated argasid tick, Secretargas transgariepinus (White, 1846), is a member of the Afrotropical and southern Palaearctic fauna. Probably because of its secretive life style, little is known about this species and records of its collection are scant. Based on morphological revisions of the available specimens, we report new Middle Eastern records for this tick species that had been misidentified as other bat-associated argasid taxa. These specimens are larvae from three localities, and represent the first records of S. transgariepinus from two countries: one larva from Sabratha (Libya) was collected from an unidentified bat species (possibly Eptesicus isabellinus), seven larvae from Azraq-Shishan (Jordan), and 78 larvae from Shamwari (Jordan) were all collected from Otonycteris hemprichii. Twenty larvae from Shamwari were also tested for the presence of both, viral or bacterial microorganisms by PCR. Three ticks were found to be infected with the Murid gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68), one with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, and four with a Rickettsia sp. closely related to Rickettsia slovaca. The findings represent a first evidence for the occurrence of these possible pathogens in S. transgariepinus.
Asymmetric distributed trust
Authors: Alpos Orestis , Cachin Christian , Tackmann Björn , Zanolini Luca
Published: May 2024

Quorum systems are a key abstraction in distributed fault-tolerant computing for capturing trust assumptions. They can be found at the core of many algorithms for implementing reliable broadcasts, shared memory, consensus and other problems. This paper introduces asymmetric Byzantine quorum systems that model subjective trust. Every process is free to choose which combinations of other processes it trusts and which ones it considers faulty. Asymmetric quorum systems strictly generalize standard Byzantine quorum systems, which have only one global trust assumption for all processes. This work also presents protocols that implement abstractions of shared memory, broadcast primitives, and a consensus protocol among processes prone to Byzantine faults and asymmetric trust. The model and protocols pave the way for realizing more elaborate algorithms with asymmetric trust.
Stabilization-free virtual element method for 3D hyperelastic problems
Authors: Xu Bing-Bing , Peng Fan , Wriggers Peter
Published: May 2024

In this work, we present a first-order stabilization-free virtual element method (SFVEM) for three-dimensional hyperelastic problems. Different from the conventional virtual element method, which necessitates additional stabilization terms in the bilinear formulation, the method developed in this work operates without the need for any stabilization. Consequently, it proves highly suitable for the computation of nonlinear problems. The stabilization-free virtual element method has been applied in two-dimensional hyperelasticity and three-dimensional elasticity problems. In this work, the format will be applied to three-dimensional hyperelasticity problems for the first time. Similar to the techniques used in the two-dimensional stabilization-free virtual element method, the new virtual element space is modified to allow the computation of the higher-order $$L_2$$

L
2

projection of the gradient. This paper reviews the calculation process of the traditional $$\mathcal {H}_1$$

H
1

projection operator; and describes in detail how to calculate the high-order $$L_2$$

L
2

projection operator for three-dimensional problems. Based on this high-order $$L_2$$

L
2

projection operator, this paper extends the method to more complex three-dimensional nonlinear problems. Some benchmark problems illustrate the capability of the stabilization-free VEM for three-dimensional hyperelastic problems.
Experiences of cohabiting partners of women diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy: a qualitative study
Authors: Sinclair Michelle , Song Richard , Peate Michelle , Saunders Christobel , Lippey Jocelyn , Umstad Mark P. , Mason Kylie , Ives Angela , Stafford Lesley
Published: May 2024

Purpose

When a pregnant woman is diagnosed with cancer, she faces complex and unique challenges while navigating both obstetric and oncological care. Despite often being the primary support for women diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy (CDP), little is known about the experiences of their partners. We undertook an in-depth exploration of the experiences of partners of women diagnosed with CDP in Australia.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with partners of women diagnosed with CDP treated in Australia. Interviews explored partners’ inclusion in decision making and communication with health professionals and their own coping experiences. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

Data from interviews with 12 male partners (N = 12) of women diagnosed with CDP were analysed. Two unique themes relevant to partners were identified: ‘Partners require support to adjust to changing roles and additional burdens’ and ‘Treating the couple as a team facilitates agency and coping, but partners’ needs are placed second by all’.

Conclusion

Partners of women diagnosed with CDP commonly experience unique stressors and a substantial shift in previously established roles across multiple domains including medical advocacy, household coordination and parenting. Partners’ coping is interlinked with how the woman diagnosed with CDP is coping. Inclusion of partners in treatment decisions and communications, and considering partners’ wellbeing alongside that of the woman with CDP, is likely to be supportive for partners. In turn, this is likely to enhance the quality of support that women diagnosed with CDP receive from their partners.
Influence of cerebrospinal fluid drainage in the first days after aneurysm rupture on the severity of early brain injury following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Tuzi Sheri , Kranawetter Beate , Moerer Onnen , Rohde Veit , Mielke Dorothee , Malinova Vesna
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Progressive cerebral edema with refractory intracranial hypertension (ICP) requiring decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) is a severe manifestation of early brain injury (EBI) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The purpose of the study was to investigate whether a more pronounced cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage has an influence on cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and the extent of EBI after aSAH.

Methods

Patients with aSAH and indication for ICP-monitoring admitted to our center between 2012 and 2020 were retrospectively included. EBI was categorized based on intracranial blood burden, persistent loss of consciousness, and SEBES (Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Early Brain Edema Score) score on the third day after ictus. The draining CSF and vital signs such as ICP and CPP were documented daily.

Results

90 out of 324 eligible aSAH patients (28%) were included. The mean age was 54.2 ± 11.9 years. DHC was performed in 24% (22/90) of patients. Mean CSF drainage within 72 h after ictus was 168.5 ± 78.5 ml. A higher CSF drainage within 72 h after ictus correlated with a less severe EBI and a less frequent need for DHC (r=-0.33, p = 0.001) and with a higher mean CPP on day 3 after ictus (r = 0.2351, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

A more pronounced CSF drainage in the first 3 days of aSAH was associated with higher CPP and a less severe course of EBI and required less frequently a DHC. These results support the hypothesis that an early and pronounced CSF drainage may facilitate blood clearance and positively influence the course of EBI.
Enhancing AI Research for Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Review of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte Datasets
Authors: Fiorin Alessio , López Pablo Carlos , Lejeune Marylène , Hamza Siraj Ameer , Della Mea Vincenzo
Published: May 2024

The field of immunology is fundamental to our understanding of the intricate dynamics of the tumor microenvironment. In particular, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) assessment emerges as essential aspect in breast cancer cases. To gain comprehensive insights, the quantification of TILs through computer-assisted pathology (CAP) tools has become a prominent approach, employing advanced artificial intelligence models based on deep learning techniques. The successful recognition of TILs requires the models to be trained, a process that demands access to annotated datasets. Unfortunately, this task is hampered not only by the scarcity of such datasets, but also by the time-consuming nature of the annotation phase required to create them. Our review endeavors to examine publicly accessible datasets pertaining to the TIL domain and thereby become a valuable resource for the TIL community. The overall aim of the present review is thus to make it easier to train and validate current and upcoming CAP tools for TIL assessment by inspecting and evaluating existing publicly available online datasets.
Nesting ecology and confirmed breeding of the invasive pond slider Trachemys scripta in an urban environment, Romania
Authors: Fănaru Geanina , Petrovan Silviu , Băncilă Raluca I. , Vizireanu Miruna G. , Drăgan Ovidiu , Vlad Sabina E. , Rozylowicz Laurentiu , Cogălniceanu Dan
Published: May 2024

The pond slider (Trachemys scripta) is a major invasive species in freshwater habitats across the world. For decades, the main cause of individuals’ occurrences in the wild was the illegal release of pet animals. Recently, as an important component of their management, there has been an increasing focus on their ability to successfully reproduce in the invaded regions. In Romania, the species is reported as widespread in urban wetland environments within major cities, but information about its nesting and potential breeding remains scarce or anecdotal. We surveyed a large population of pond sliders in an artificial urban wetland site in Constanţa, SE Romania, and described their nesting ecology and reproductive output. Although eggs from several nests failed to hatch or were predated, potentially limiting their reproductive success, sliders were found to breed successfully at this site, with 18.6% viable hatchlings recorded. Our study could serve as a baseline for additional targeted surveys and to inform decision-making for successfully managing this invasive species. Although the importation, trading, and breeding of this species are prohibited by EU legislation, active and effective management is now required to address the successful reproduction and further potential spread of T. scripta.
Umweltrechtliche Anforderungen an die kleine Wasserkraft im Spannungsfeld zwischen Klimaschutz und Biodiversität
Authors: Albrecht Juliane
Published: May 2024

Der Ausbau der erneuerbaren Energien hat in Deutschland derzeit hohe Priorität. Davon zeugen
auch die zahlreichen Gesetzesvorhaben, die zur Beschleunigung deren Ausbaus in der aktuellen Legislaturperiode
in Kraft getreten bzw. noch in Vorbereitung sind. Wenngleich hierbei vor allem die Nutzung der Windenergie
und der Solarenergie im Vordergrund stehen, betreffen die gesetzlichen Neuerungen auch die Wasserkraft.
Der vorliegende Beitrag widmet sich der speziellen Problemlage der kleinen Wasserkraft im Hinblick auf ökologische
Konflikte und ihre rechtliche Bewältigung.
FLCP: federated learning framework with communication-efficient and privacy-preserving
Authors: Yang Wei , Yang Yuan , Xi Yingjie , Zhang Hailong , Xiang Wei
Published: May 2024

Within the federated learning (FL) framework, the client collaboratively trains the model in coordination with a central server, while the training data can be kept locally on the client. Thus, the FL framework mitigates the privacy disclosure and costs related to conventional centralized machine learning. Nevertheless, current surveys indicate that FL still has problems in terms of communication efficiency and privacy risks. In this paper, to solve these problems, we develop an FL framework with communication-efficient and privacy-preserving (FLCP). To realize the FLCP, we design a novel compression algorithm with efficient communication, namely, adaptive weight compression FedAvg (AWC-FedAvg). On the basis of the non-independent and identically distributed (non-IID) and unbalanced data distribution in FL, a specific compression rate is provided for each client, and homomorphic encryption (HE) and differential privacy (DP) are integrated to provide demonstrable privacy protection and maintain the desirability of the model. Therefore, our proposed FLCP smoothly balances communication efficiency and privacy risks, and we prove its security against “honest-but-curious” servers and extreme collusion under the defined threat model. We evaluate the scheme by comparing it with state-of-the-art results on the MNIST and CIFAR-10 datasets. The results show that the FLCP performs better in terms of training efficiency and model accuracy than the baseline method.
To Abate, or Not to Abate? The Arising of the Win–Win Solution Under Time Consistent Emission Taxation
Authors: Agliardi Elettra , Lambertini Luca
Published: May 2024

We analyse a model of environmental regulation where two firms can optimally decide to invest in an emission abatement technology and the regulator taxes firms’ emissions in a time-consistent manner. Depending on the values of the parameters measuring the extent of emission abatement that firms may achieve and the degree of product differentiation, we characterize the subgame perfect equilibria, developing all admissible scenarios where either both firms invest in abatement technologies, none of them do, or just one does, and show the conditions under which a win-win solution emerges, validating a strong form of Porter hypothesis. We also extend the main result to the oligopoly game with a generic number of firms.
Diversity and abundance of culturable fungal endophytes in leaves of susceptible and resistant alternate hosts of Cronartium pini and C. ribicola
Authors: Piispanen Juha , Bergmann Ulrich , Karhu Jouni , Kauppila Tuomas , Witzell Johanna , Kaitera Juha
Published: May 2024

Cronartium pini and C. ribicola are rust fungi that cause destructive diseases of pines (Pinus spp.). These rusts spread via alternate hosts, among which Melampyrum spp., Veronica spp. and Impatiens spp. are important for C. pini and Ribes spp. for C. ribicola. Congeneric alternate hosts vary in their susceptibility to Cronartium rusts, but the reasons for this variation are not clear. To clarify whether internal, endophytic fungi could explain these differences, we investigated the temporal and spatial variation in fungal endophyte composition of C. pini-resistant M. pratense, V. chamaedrys and I. glandulifera, C. pini-susceptible M. sylvaticum, V. longifolia and I. balsamina, C. ribicola-resistant R. rubrum and C. ribicola-susceptible R. nigrum. In total, 2695 fungal endophytic isolates were obtained and classified into 37 morphotypes, with 1373 cultures isolated in early summer and 1322 in late summer. Fifty-two isolates were identified to species or genus level. The most common morphotypes were identified as Heterophoma sp. Some variation in the abundance of morphotypes occurred between collection sites, but the same morphotypes dominated across the sites and species. The diversity of morphotypes was higher in early September than in late June in all species and the same morphotypes dominated in both early and late season. The diversity of fungal endophytes was higher in resistant Veronica and Ribes than in susceptible congeneric species, but the results suggest that the diversity or abundance of culturable fungal endophytes does not explain the differences in the congeneric species’ susceptibility to rust fungi.
Novel injectable calcium-magnesium phosphate cement-based composites with piezoelectric properties: advancements in bone regeneration applications
Authors: Sakar Neslihan , Ziylan Albayrak Aylin , Karakaya Merve , Adem Umut , Tansel Tunay
Published: May 2024

Designing a novel injectable bone cement is an important approach to the success of bone healing in minimally invasive surgeries. As natural bone has a piezoelectric property, which is crucial in bone regeneration, this study focused on the development of a novel injectable composite bone cement with piezoelectric properties. For the composite composition, calcium and zirconium doped barium titanate (BCZT) was used for its piezoelectric property, while calcium phosphate and magnesium phosphate cement (CMPC) were preferred for its bone-like properties. In this framework, first BCZT, CMPC, and their composites were prepared, and their phase structures, particle size distributions, and piezoelectric and dielectric properties were investigated. Then, the composite bone cements were prepared by mixing CMPC with BCZT in three different ratios (20%, 30%, and 40%). Next, polysorbate 80 solution was added to the cement mixtures to prepare the injectable pastes. Finally, injectability, setting time, and compressive strength of the composites were assessed. As a result, the composite bone cement containing 30% BCZT has the potential to be used as an injectable bone cement in invasive orthopedic surgery.
Ecophobia and Social Class Identity: An Ecocritical Approach to the Nature/Culture Divide in Oscar Wilde’s Fairy Tales “The Young King” and “The Star Child”
Authors: Murga Aroca Aurora
Published: May 2024

This article applies an ecocritical approach to the analysis of the nature/culture divide in Oscar Wilde’s “The Young King” and “The Star-Child”. These two tales contrast the realm of nature, embodied in the forest, and the realm of civilisation, represented by the city. Both stories focus on the protagonists’ journey from wilderness to the city, where not only do they need to become civilised subjects, but they are expected to govern as kings. This physical journey is matched by an internal one since both characters simultaneously undergo a transition from an animal-like state to a human one. I argue that these tales’ use of the nature/culture and animal/human dichotomies is closely connected to Wilde’s reflections about the Victorian social class system included in The Soul of Man under Socialism. Class struggle is indeed a major preoccupation in traditional folktales, where protagonists tend to magically escape from an initial disadvantaged position. Applying an ecocritical perspective to “The Young King” and “The Star-Child” helps to illustrate how these two tales manage to question the legitimacy of the hierarchical social structure by blurring the lines that separate the civilised subject from the animal one.
Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning from Demonstration via Reachability-Based Reward Shaping
Authors: Gao Xiaozhu , Liu Jinhui , Wan Bo , An Lingling
Published: May 2024

Hierarchical reinforcement learning (HRL) has achieved remarkable success and significant progress in complex and long-term decision-making problems. However, HRL training typically entails substantial computational costs and an enormous number of samples. One effective approach to tackle this challenge is hierarchical reinforcement learning from demonstrations (HRLfD), which leverages demonstrations to expedite the training process of HRL. The effectiveness of HRLfD is contingent upon the quality of the demonstrations; hence, suboptimal demonstrations may impede efficient learning. To address this issue, this paper proposes a reachability-based reward shaping (RbRS) method to alleviate the negative interference of suboptimal demonstrations for the HRL agent. The novel HRLfD algorithm based on RbRS is named HRLfD-RbRS, which incorporates the RbRS method to enhance the learning efficiency of HRLfD. Moreover, with the help of this method, the learning agent can explore better policies under the guidance of the suboptimal demonstration. We evaluate the proposed HRLfD-RbRS algorithm on various complex robotic tasks, and the experimental results demonstrate that our method outperforms current state-of-the-art HRLfD algorithms.
Enhancing Document Information Selection Through Multi-Granularity Responses for Dialogue Generation
Authors: Wang Meiqi , Qiao Kangyu , Xing Shuyue , Yuan Caixia , Wang Xiaojie
Published: May 2024

Document information selection is an essential part of document-grounded dialogue tasks, and more accurate information selection results can provide more appropriate dialogue responses. Existing works have achieved excellent results by employing multi-granularity of dialogue history information, indicating the effectiveness of multi-level historical information. However, these works often focus on exploring the hierarchical information of dialogue history, while neglecting the multi-granularity utilization in response, important information that holds an impact on the decoding process. Therefore, this paper proposes a model for document information selection based on multi-granularity responses. By integrating the document selection results at the response word level and semantic unit level, the model enhances its capability in knowledge selection and produces better responses. For the division at the semantic unit level of the response, we propose two semantic unit division methods, static and dynamic. Experiments on two public datasets show that our models combining static or dynamic semantic unit levels significantly outperform baseline models.
An Observer-Based Topology Identification and Synchronization in Finite Time for Fractional Singularly Perturbed Complex Networks via Dynamic Event-Triggered Control
Authors: Wang Lingyan , Wu Huaiqin , Cao Jinde
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates the topology identification and synchronization in finite time for fractional singularly perturbed complex networks (FSPCNs). Firstly, a convergence principle is developed for continuously differential functions. Secondly, a dynamic event-triggered mechanism (DETM) is designed to achieve the network synchronization, and a topology observer is developed to identify the network topology. Thirdly, under the designed DETM, by constructing a Lyapunov functional and applying the inequality analysis technique, the topology identification and synchronization condition in finite time is established in the forms of the matrix inequality. In addition, it is proved that the Zeno behavior can be effectively excluded. Finally, the effectiveness of the main results is verified by an application example.
Who is inclined to buy an autonomous vehicle? Empirical evidence from California
Authors: Rahman Md. Mokhlesur , Thill Jean-Claude
Published: May 2024

This study aims to investigate people’s perceptions and opinions on Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) and the key factors that influence their Behavioral Intention (BI) to purchase and use AVs. Data were sourced from the 2019 California Vehicle Survey to explore the determinants of AV purchase. A Structural Equation Model (SEM) of stated intentions is estimated to validate a theoretical framework drawn on relevant bodies of literature. The descriptive statistics show that many people are already aware of AVs. Many people also think that traveling by AVs is enjoyable, safe, and effective, although some of them would miss the joy of driving and would not entrust a driverless AV to shuttle their children. Results from the SEM indicate that being working-age adults, having children, household income, per capita income, and educational attainment are attributes positively associated with AV purchase intention. Similarly, psychological factors (e.g., perceived enjoyment, usefulness, and safety), prior knowledge of AVs, and experience with emerging technologies (e.g., electric vehicles) significantly enhance BI to purchase AVs. This study finds that family structure and psychological factors are the most influential factors of AV purchase intention, and more so than the built environment, transportation, and other socioeconomic factors.
From Pressure to Water Consumption: Exploiting High-Resolution Pressure Data to Investigate the End Uses of Water
Authors: Marsili Valentina , Mazzoni Filippo , Alvisi Stefano , Franchini Marco
Published: May 2024

In the era of digital transformation of water distribution networks, an increasingly important role is played by smart metering technologies, which allow detailed characterization of water consumption up to the end-use (i.e., domestic-fixture) level. To this end, smart flow meters make the collection of water-consumption data at high temporal resolution possible, but their installation can be unfeasible due to technical and economic limitations. As an alternative to the traditional flow-measurement-based methods for end-use characterization, a pragmatic method to obtain information about end-use water consumption exclusively based on pressure data is proposed in this study. In particular, a dual-phase methodology is developed, exploiting (i) pressure data collected at two sections of the user’s inlet pipeline and (ii) the pressure-flowrate relationship to discriminate between internal and external water-use events and estimate the household water-consumption time series, which is then subjected to individual-event analysis. The results obtained on a real case study undergone to 1-s resolution pressure monitoring over about one month and a half confirm the method’s effectiveness in obtaining the flowrate time series with an average error of about 2.3% and successfully identifying water-consumption events along with their features.

Graphical Abstract
MEMS-actuated terahertz metamaterials driven by phase-transition materials
Authors: Huang Zhixiang , Wu Weipeng , Herrmann Eric , Ma Ke , Chase Zizwe A. , Searles Thomas A. , Jungfleisch M. Benjamin , Wang Xi
Published: May 2024

The non-ionizing and penetrative characteristics of terahertz (THz) radiation have recently led to its adoption across a variety of applications. To effectively utilize THz radiation, modulators with precise control are imperative. While most recent THz modulators manipulate the amplitude, frequency, or phase of incident THz radiation, considerably less progress has been made toward THz polarization modulation. Conventional methods for polarization control suffer from high driving voltages, restricted modulation depth, and narrow band capabilities, which hinder device performance and broader applications. Consequently, an ideal THz modulator that offers high modulation depth along with ease of processing and operation is required. In this paper, we propose and realize a THz metamaterial comprised of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) actuated by the phase-transition material vanadium dioxide (VO2). Simulation and experimental results of the three-dimensional metamaterials show that by leveraging the unique phase-transition attributes of VO2, our THz polarization modulator offers notable advancements over existing designs, including broad operation spectrum, high modulation depth, ease of fabrication, ease of operation condition, and continuous modulation capabilities. These enhanced features make the system a viable candidate for a range of THz applications, including telecommunications, imaging, and radar systems.

Graphical Abstract
Multiple-Population Discrete-Time Mean Field Games with Discounted and Total Payoffs: The Existence of Equilibria
Authors: Więcek Piotr
Published: May 2024

In the paper we present a model of discrete-time mean-field game with several populations of players. Mean-field games with multiple populations of the players have only been studied in the literature in the continuous-time setting. The main results of this article are the first stationary and Markov mean-field equilibrium existence theorems for discrete-time mean-field games of this type. We consider two payoff criteria: $$\beta $$
β
-discounted payoff and total payoff. The results are provided under some rather general assumptions on one-step reward functions and individual transition kernels of the players. In addition, the results for total payoff case, when applied to a single population, extend the theory of mean-field games also by relaxing some strong assumptions used in the existing literature.
Highly-Sensitive Polymer Optical Fiber SPR Sensor for Fast Immunoassay
Authors: Wang Ying , Rao Xing , Wu Xun , Chen George Y. , Liao Changrui , Smietana Mateusz Jakub , Wang Yiping
Published: May 2024

A new type of human immunoglobulin G (IgG) sensors based on the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in the low refractive index (RI) plastic optical fiber (POF) and an antibody immobilization method is presented. A 50-nm-thick gold film was formed on the polished D-shaped fiber surface by magnetron sputtering. The RI response of the POF sensor is 30 049.61 nm/RIU, which is 26.5 times higher than that of single mode fiber (SMF) SPR sensors. The proposed SPR biosensor can be developed by simple and rapid modification of the gold film with 11-mercapto undecanoic acid (MUA). Upon immobilization of the goat anti-human IgG antibody, the resonance wavelength shifts by 11.2 nm. The sensor can be used to specifically detect and quantify the human IgG at concentrations down to 245.4 ng/mL with the sensitivity of 1.327 7 nm per µg/mL, which offers an enhancement of 12.5-fold compared to that of the conventional SMF based SPR sensors. The proposed device may find the potential applications in the case of use at the point of care.
Review on Hollow-Core Fiber Based Multi-Gas Sensing Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Nie Qilu , Liu Zhixiong , Cheng Mengen , Pei Shilong , Yang Dexun , Guo Donglai , Yang Minghong
Published: May 2024

In recent years, detecting and quantifying multiple gases have garnered widespread attention across various fields, particularly in volatile organic compound (VOC) detection, which holds significant importance for ecosystems and the medical field. The Raman spectroscopy has been widely used in multi-gas detection due to its advantages in fast response speed and non-destructive detection. This paper reviews the latest research progress of the multi-gas sensing technology in the Raman spectroscopy, focusing on using the hollow-core fiber to enhance the gas signal intensity. The basic principles of the fiber-enhanced Raman spectroscopy are introduced. The detailed discussion includes the system architecture, parameter configuration, and experimental results. Then, the latest advances in the coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering multi-gas detection technology are reviewed. Finally, the challenges faced by the hollow-core fiber in practical applications are discussed.
Are HRM practitioners required to possess competence in corporate ethics? A content analysis of qualifications in Australia and Asia
Authors: Segon Michael , Booth Chris , Roberts Andrew
Published: May 2024

Ethical cultures, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and sustainability strategies are increasingly being addressed through formal organisational policies and structures. This is evidenced by codes of ethics, conduct, whistle-blowing reporting lines, anti-bribery and corruption policies, and broader stakeholder and environmental engagement strategies. In the United States, corporate ethics managers are responsible for these functions, supported by specific professional and university-level qualifications. However, this is not the case in Australia and Asia where the role appears delegated to human resource personnel in organisations. Human resource management (HRM) is increasingly advanced as a formal profession, yet whether corporate ethics content features as a significant component of the HRM profession is unclear. Expert knowledge is a foundation of a profession along with the duty to act within the limits of that knowledge and expertise. This paper scopes what constitutes professional expert knowledge. It examines corporate ethics expertise and HRM within this context. Major Australian and Asian organisations are examined to verify that HRM Departments, and thus HRM practitioners, are responsible for managing corporate ethics. Given the seniority and strategic importance of this function, the content of selected Masters in HRM and related fields are examined to identify the extent of ethics content. This is considered in the light of the expertise required to manage corporate ethics, and conclusions are drawn whether the HRM discipline is appropriately qualified to manage this function. Finally, recommendations and further research towards advancing the role and function of corporate ethics managers in general are proposed.
Problems and Opportunities in the use of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis for Assessing Body Composition During Ketogenic Diets: A Scoping Review
Authors: Paoli Antonio , Campa Francesco
Published: May 2024

Purpose of the Review

The use of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) for monitoring body composition during the ketogenic diet has experienced a rapid surge. This scoping review aimed to assess the validity of procedures applying BIA in the ketogenic diet and to suggest best practices for optimizing its utilization.

Recent Findings

We conducted a systematic scoping review of peer-reviewed literature involving BIA for assessing body composition in individuals adhering to a ketogenic diet. Searches of international databases yielded 1609 unique records, 72 of which met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Thirty-five studies used foot-to-hand technology, 34 used standing position technology, while 3 did not declare the technology used. Raw bioelectrical parameters were reported in 21 studies. A total of 196 body mass components were estimated, but predictive equations were reported in only four cases.

Most research on BIA during ketogenic diets did not report the equations used for predicting body composition, making it impossible to assess the validity of BIA outputs. Furthermore, the exceedingly low percentage of studies reporting and analyzing raw data makes it challenging to replicate methodologies in future studies, highlighting that BIA is not being utilized to its full potential. There is a need for more precise technology and device characteristics descriptions, full report of raw bioelectrical data, and predictive equations utilized. Moreover, evaluating raw data through vectorial analysis is strongly recommended. Eventually, we suggest best practices to enhance BIA outcomes during ketogenic diets.
Report of three azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus cases with TR34/L98H mutation in hematological patients in Barcelona, Spain
Authors: Monzo-Gallo Patricia , Alastruey-Izquierdo Ana , Chumbita Mariana , Aiello Tommaso Francesco , Gallardo-Pizarro Antonio , Peyrony Olivier , Teijon-Lumbreras Christian , Alcazar-Fuoli Laura , Espasa Mateu , Soriano Alex , Marco Francesc , Garcia-Vidal Carolina
Published: May 2024

Objectives

We aimed to report the emergence of azole-resistant invasive aspergillosis in hematologic patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Spain during the last 4 months.

Methods

Prospective, descriptive study was performed to describe and follow all consecutive proven and probable invasive aspergillosis resistant to azoles from hematological cohort during the last 4 months. All patients had fungal cultures and antifungal susceptibility or real-time PCR detection for Aspergillus species and real-time PCR detection for azole-resistant mutation.

Results

Four cases of invasive aspergillosis were diagnosed in 4 months. Three of them had azole-resistant aspergillosis. Microbiological diagnosis was achieved in three cases by means of fungal culture isolation and subsequent antifungal susceptibility whereas one case was diagnosed by PCR-based aspergillus and azole resistance detection. All the azole-resistant aspergillosis presented TR34/L98H mutation. Patients with azole-resistant aspergillosis had different hematologic diseases: multiple myeloma, lymphoblastic acute leukemia, and angioimmunoblastic T lymphoma. Regarding risk factors, one had prolonged neutropenia, two had corticosteroids, and two had viral co-infection. Two of the patients developed aspergillosis under treatment with azoles.

Conclusion

We have observed a heightened risk of azole-resistant aspergillosis caused by A. fumigatus harboring the TR34/L98H mutation in patients with hematologic malignancies. The emergence of azole-resistant aspergillosis raises concerns for the community, highlighting the urgent need for increased surveillance and the importance of susceptibility testing and new drugs development.
Variants in Imagery Rescripting for OCD: Memories Versus Future, Attachment Versus Mastery
Authors: Cooper David D. J. , Stavropoulos Lauren , Grisham Jessica R.
Published: May 2024

Imagery rescripting commonly seeks to target memories by imagining the intervention of a caregiver. In some cases, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the target imagery may also be episodic future imagery, and a sense of mastery may be more salient than an intervening caregiver. We aimed to compare how varying the target image and rescripting approaches influenced beliefs, emotions, or characteristics of idiopathic imagery relevant to OCD. We recruited 250 online participants high in OCD traits. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions, reflecting variations in target image (memory/future) and rescripting approach (attachment/mastery). Self-administered audio-guided exercises were used to elicit the target image and facilitate rescripting. Participants completed a range of measures before and after rescripting. Participants in all groups tended to report changes in self-related beliefs, emotions, and imagery characteristics. In general, these results did not differ between target images or rescripting approaches. However, mastery-based rescripting reduced anxiety associated with episodic future imagery to a greater extent than attachment-based rescripting. These results suggest that the general benefit of modifying emotionally salient imagery tends to outweigh differential effects of varying the target image or rescripting approach. Standardised re-scripting protocols could be varied based on the individual’s needs.
Indexing ECG for Integrated Health Social Networks Predicting Keywords from ECG to Access Online Information
Authors: Huang Yi , Song Insu
Published: May 2024

Health Social Networks (HSN) provide rich medical knowledge bases that are scalable and sustainable, while IoT provides non-invasive, pervasive, and low-cost methods to collect patient data. However, receiving relevant information from HSN is time consuming and challenging for users, such as searching for the right relevant information using keywords and filtering. On the other hand, healthcare IoT has limited access to the vast medical knowledge bases, such as HSN, to interpret the collected data. To address these challenges, we propose Keyword-based Integrated HSN of Things (KIHoT), an approach that combines the strengths of both HSNs and IoT to overcome their limitations. In this method, data (biosignals) collected via IoT devices are converted to human readable keywords using word embedding vector features and CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) predictors. The CNN predictors are trained to predict keywords that individuals search within an HSN to extract relevant information of the given biosignals. Those keywords are encoded as word embedding for searching relevant information. KIHoT utilizes contrast learning techniques to extract latent feature representations of electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, which are then used to predict disease-related keywords. The proposed method was evaluated using 11,936 ECG signals from patients with heart disease and achieved an accuracy of 98% for disease prediction. Our results suggest that KIHoT can effectively extract relevant information from HSN portals, making it easier for researchers and clinicians to access valuable medical knowledge.
Human-centric computational urban design: optimizing high-density urban areas to enhance human subjective well-being
Authors: van Veghel Joppe , Dane Gamze , Agugiaro Giorgio , Borgers Aloys
Published: May 2024

Urban areas face increasing pressure due to densification, presenting numerous challenges involving various stakeholders. The impact of densification on human well-being in existing urban areas can be both positive and negative, which requires a comprehensive understanding of its consequences. Computational Urban Design (CUD) emerges as a valuable tool in this context, offering rapid generation and evaluation of design solutions, although it currently lacks consideration for human perception in urban areas. This research addresses the challenge of incorporating human perception into computational urban design in the context of urban densification, and therefore demonstrates a complete process. Using Place Pulse 2.0 data and multinomial logit models, the study first quantifies the relationship between volumetric built elements and human perception (beauty, liveliness, and safety). The findings are then integrated into a Grasshopper-based CUD tool, enabling the optimization of parametric designs based on human perception criteria. The results show the potential of this approach. Finally, future research and development ideas are suggested based on the experiences and insights derived from this study.
Agent-Based Model for Analyzing the Impact of Movement Factors of Sahelian Transhumant Herds
Authors: Traore Cheick Amed Diloma Gabriel , Delay Etienne , Diop Djibril , Bah Alassane
Published: May 2024

Transhumants move their herds based on strategies simultaneously considering several environmental and socio-economic factors. There is no agreement on the influence of each factor in these strategies. In addition, there is a discussion about the social aspect of transhumance and how to manage pastoral space. In this context, agent-based modeling can analyze herd movements according to the strategy based on factors favored by the transhumant. This article presents a reductionist agent-based model that simulates herd movements based on a single factor. Model simulations based on algorithms to formalize the behavioral dynamics of transhumants through their strategies. The model results establish that vegetation, water outlets and the socio-economic network of transhumants have a significant temporal impact on transhumance. Water outlets and the socio-economic network have a significant spatial impact. The significant impact of the socio-economic factor demonstrates the social dimension of Sahelian transhumance. Veterinarians and markets have an insignificant spatio-temporal impact. To manage pastoral space, water outlets should be at least $$15\ km$$

15

k
m

from each other. The construction of veterinary centers, markets and the securitization of transhumance should be carried out close to villages and rangelands.
Clinical Efficacy of Megadose Vitamin C in Sepsis: Protocol for a Multicenter Randomized Single-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Wang Guizhong , Liang Zhihui , Guan Jianbin , Chang Ping , Zeng Zhenhua , Li Jianwei , Chen Shaowu , Liu Zhanguo
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Sepsis is a severe disease with a complex pathogenesis and is an important factor in the mortality of patients in intensive care units (ICUs). The administration of vitamin C and its combination treatment in sepsis was not supported by the results of multiple randomized controlled clinical trials. However, the efficacy of a higher vitamin C dose in treating patients with sepsis remains unclear. Therefore, the effectiveness of administering a larger dosage of vitamin C to patients with sepsis remains unclear.

Methods and Analysis

The Clinical Efficacy of Megadose Vitamin C in Sepsis (CEMVIS) trial is a multicenter, single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 234 individuals with sepsis. The following adult patients will be enrolled: those with procalcitonin (PCT) ≥ 2 ng/mL and sepsis 3.0 diagnostic criteria. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive 12 g vitamin C or the same volume of 5% glucose injection intravenously pumped every 12 h for 4 days or up to the moment they are discharged from ICU. The primary outcome will be the mortality within 28 days. Secondary outcomes will mainly include protection and support of organ functions, improvement in inflammatory status, and length of ICU stay. Moreover, adverse events and serious adverse events will be meticulously recorded.

Ethics

This study was approved by the Clinical Ethics Committee of Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University (2020-KY-069-05). The trial results will be published in peer-reviewed journals or at national or international conferences.

Trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05194189, Registered 3 January 2022, URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov.