bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of lenalidomide in the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Liu Yang , Li Yanju , Zhang Chike , Yang Xu , Yang Bo , Cheng Jinyang , Chen Juan , Yuan Xiaoshuang , Li Ya , Chen Ying , Zhang Fengqi , Tang Dongxin , He Zhixu , Wang Feiqing
Published: April 2024

Background

The combination of rituximab and chemotherapy is a first-line treatment for patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory drug that has shown promising properties and activity in a variety of hematological malignancies. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of lenalidomide-based regimens in the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Methods

The PubMed, Science Direct, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant studies published up to May 2022. Studies with patients diagnosed with non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma, who were randomly assigned to a lenalidomide treatment group or a non-lenalidomide control group were considered for inclusion in this review and meta-analysis. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the time-to-event outcomes and risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs of dichotomous data were estimated.

Results

A total of 3593 patients from 10 studies were evaluated. The results of the pooled analysis indicated that the lenalidomide-based regimen was associated with prolonged overall survival (HR, 0.85; 95% CI 0.74–0.97; P = 0.02) and progression-free survival (HR, 0.70; 95% CI 0.57–0.88; P = 0.002). Significant differences were found in the overall response rate (RR, 1.18; 95% CI 1.04–1.33; P = 0.01) and complete response rate (RR, 1.18; 95% CI 1.00–1.39; P = 0.05) between the treatment and control groups.

Conclusions

Lenalidomide appears to be a promising therapeutic agent that offers the possibility of a novel combination of chemotherapy free regimen for patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Shaping and enhancing resilient forests for a resilient society
Authors: Cantarello Elena , Jacobsen Jette Bredahl , Lloret Francisco , Lindner Marcus
Published: April 2024

The world is currently facing uncertainty caused by environmental, social, and economic changes and by political shocks. Fostering social-ecological resilience by enhancing forests’ ability to provide a range of ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, habitat provision, and sustainable livelihoods, is key to addressing such uncertainty. However, policy makers and managers currently lack a clear understanding of how to operationalise the shaping of resilience through the combined challenges of climate change, the biodiversity crisis, and changes in societal demand. Based on a scientific literature review, we identified a set of actions related to ecosystem services, biodiversity conservation, and disturbance and pressure impacts that forest managers and policy makers should attend to enhance the resilience of European forest systems. We conclude that the resilience shaping of forests should (1) adopt an operational approach, which is currently lacking, (2) identify and address existing and future trade-offs while reinforcing win–wins and (3) attend to local particularities through an adaptive management approach.
MHD Effects on the Peristaltic Transport of Non-Newtonian Eyring–Powell Fluid with Heat and Mass Transfer in an Inclined Uniform Channel
Authors: Gudekote Manjunatha , Choudhari Rajashekhar , Sanil Prathiksha , Hadimani Balachandra , Vaidya Hanumesh , Prasad Kerehalli Vinayaka
Published: April 2024

The primary focus of the current study is to examine the effect of magnetohydrodynamics on the peristaltic motion of Eyring–Powell fluid. The Navier–Stokes equations, renowned for their intricate nature, form the foundation of the mathematical model utilised in this investigation. However, the model has been simplified through specific assumptions to facilitate analysis. The model assumes explicitly a long wavelength and a low Reynolds number. This study also investigates the effect of wall characteristics on peristalsis in the presence of a magnetic field. Additionally, variable liquid properties such as varying viscosity and thermal conductivity are also considered in the study. The governed nonlinear equations are solved with multiple slip conditions to obtain the velocity, temperature, concentration and streamline profiles. Different waveforms on velocity profiles are also studied. A parametric evaluation makes the analysis more accessible, and the results are graphically depicted using MATLAB R2023a software. The findings of this study shed light on the substantial impact of the magnetic parameter and varying viscosity on fluid properties.
Clinico-pathological factors associated with radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid carcinoma status
Authors: Schubert L. , Mbekwe-Yepnang A. M. , Wassermann J. , Braik-Djellas Y. , Jaffrelot L. , Pani F. , Deniziaut G. , Lussey-Lepoutre C. , Chereau N. , Leenhardt L. , Bernier M- O. , Buffet C.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Risk factors for developing radioiodine refractory thyroid cancer (RAIR-TC) have rarely been analyzed. The purpose of the present study was to find clinical and pathological features associated with the occurrence of RAIR-disease in differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC) and to establish an effective predictive risk score.

Methods

All cases of RAIR-DTC treated in our center from 1990 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Each case was matched randomly with at least four RAI-avid DTC control patients based on histological and clinical criteria. Conditional logistic regression was used to examine the association between RAIR-disease and variables with univariate and multivariate analyses. A risk score was then developed from the multivariate conditional logistic regression model to predict the risk of refractory disease occurrence. The optimal cut-off value for predicting the occurrence of RAIR-TC was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Youden’s statistic.

Results

We analyzed 159 RAIR-TC cases for a total of 759 controls and found 7 independent risk factors for predicting RAIR-TC occurrence: age at diagnosis ≥ 55, vascular invasion, synchronous cervical, pulmonary and bone metastases at initial work-up, cervical and pulmonary recurrence during follow-up. The predictive score of RAIR-disease showed a high discrimination power with a cut-off value of 8.9 out of 10 providing 86% sensitivity and 92% specificity with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.95.

Conclusion

Predicting the occurrence of RAIR-disease in DTC patients may allow clinicians to focus on systemic redifferentiating strategies and/or local treatments for metastatic lesions rather than pursuing with ineffective RAI-therapies.
A Systematic Examination of Texas School District Websites for Suicide Prevention Information
Authors: Ibarra Carmen , Reinbergs Erik J. , Anderson Jacqueline R. , Roberson Anthony J.
Published: April 2024

Youth suicide and related behaviors continue to be a significant public health concern in the USA. Multiple approaches across settings, including schools, are required to address this multi-faceted public health concern. The Texas Suicide Safer Schools Report recommended that districts post suicide prevention information on their websites as one piece of more comprehensive suicide prevention initiatives. However, there is no examination in the literature on whether this recommendation has been implemented and what, if any, information is accessible to parents and students about suicide on school district websites. This study quantifies the suicide prevention information available on a random sample of 20% of all Texas school district websites (N = 242) and conducts exploratory analyses to examine what district features are associated with an increased likelihood of posting this information. Results indicate that 53% of the sampled websites contained any suicide prevention information. Of the websites containing this information, the most frequent types posted were the numbers of suicide prevention hotlines followed by links to professional organizations. Significant relationships were found between Hispanic/Latino enrollment and information available in Spanish, independent school districts (vs. charters), and posted suicide prevention information, as well as total district enrollment and posted suicide prevention information. Implications and targeted efforts for improvement are discussed.
A review on the interactions between engineering and marine life: key information for engineering professionals
Authors: Dobson Tamsin , Lenchine Valeri , Bainbridge Scott
Published: April 2024

Marine life both affects and is affected by coastal, marine and offshore engineering. As engineering projects have become larger, more frequent and more complex, hence has the number and type of interactions with marine life. Engineers are looking for more information about these interactions so they can better mitigate against any harmful effects to marine life and enhance any positive impacts. This review aims to fill this purpose, giving professional engineers a broad understanding of the impacts that marine engineering projects can cause to marine life and to suggesting some “best practice” mitigation strategies. The review considers the interactions between engineering projects and marine life from three perspectives with a specific example given in each case. First, potential mitigation measures are discussed in the context of offshore windfarms. Secondly, the issue of engineering noise affecting marine species in different ways. Lastly, the engineering solutions employed in the “Great Barrier Reef (GBR) Restoration Project” is exampled. Environmental Impact Assessments used by managers must reference up-to-date and detailed data from biological surveys so that local species that are vulnerable to the specific engineering activities can be identified. The mitigation activities must include acoustic mitigation, be scalable and affordable. This review highlights the need for engineers to liaise closely with marine scientists and biologists to ensure that solutions are appropriate and do not have unexpected or indirect consequences to marine life.
Detection of myocardial infarction using Shannon energy envelope, FA-MVEMD and deterministic learning
Authors: Zeng Wei , Shan Liangmin , Yuan Chengzhi , Du Shaoyi
Published: April 2024

Myocardial infarction (MI) poses a significant clinical challenge, necessitating expeditious and precise detection to mitigate potentially fatal outcomes. Current MI diagnosis predominantly relies on electrocardiography (ECG); however, it is fraught with limitations, including inter-observer variability and a reliance on expert interpretation. This study introduces an automated MI detection framework that capitalizes on hybrid signal processing methodologies and deterministic learning theory. The initial step involves the extraction of the Shannon energy envelope (SEE) and its derivative from a single-lead ECG. Integration of the SEE into the ECG’s phase portrait provides a means to capture the underlying nonlinear system dynamics. Subsequently, the application of fast and adaptive multivariate empirical mode decomposition (FA-MVEMD) yields discriminative features originating from the most energetically dominant intrinsic mode components (IMFs) within the SEE. Profound dissimilarities are discernible between ECG signals recorded from healthy subjects and those afflicted with MI. In the subsequent phase, deterministic learning theory, implemented through neural networks, is employed to facilitate the classification of ECG signals into two distinct groups. The method’s efficacy is meticulously evaluated using the PTB diagnostic ECG database, resulting in a noteworthy average classification accuracy of 99.21$$\%$$
%
within a tenfold cross-validation framework. In summation, the findings affirm that the proposed features not only complement conventional ECG attributes but also align closely with the underlying dynamics of the ECG system, ultimately fortifying the automatic detection of MI. The imperative requirement for early and accurate MI diagnosis is addressed through our approach, offering a robust and dependable means to fulfill this pivotal clinical need.
Why is the Cobb-Douglas production function so popular?
Authors: Balk Bert M.
Published: April 2024

It is well known that, in continuous time, the Cobb-Douglas function can be derived from the underlying, data governing, accounting identity under some reasonable assumptions (factor shares are constant, and the weighted growth of the labour input price and the capital input price is constant). In this article these results are generalized in three ways: (1) the accounting identity contains a (pure) profit term; (2) continuous time is replaced by discrete time periods; (3) additional assumptions appear to be superfluous. The article also discusses extensions: from two to multiple inputs, from value added to gross output, and from a single production unit to an ensemble of those units.
Sufficient synchronization conditions for resistively and memristively coupled oscillators of FitzHugh-Nagumo-type
Authors: Lautenbacher Robin , Al Beattie Bakr , Ochs Karlheinz , Köhl Ralf
Published: April 2024

We study the synchronization behavior of a class of identical FitzHugh-Nagumo-type oscillators under adaptive coupling. We describe the oscillators by a circuit model and we provide a sufficient synchronization condition that relies on the shape of the nonlinear conductance’s (i, u)-curve and the connectivity of the adaptive coupling network. The coupling network is allowed to be time-variant, state-dependent and locally adaptive, where we treat memristive coupling elements as a special case. We provide a physical interpretation of synchronization in terms of power dissipation and investigate the sharpness of our condition.
DFT studies on structure, electronics, bonding nature, NBO analysis, thermodynamic properties, molecular docking, and MM-GBSA evaluation of 4-methyl-3-[2-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,3-dioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindole-5-amido]benzoic acid: a potent inhibitor of Graves’ disease
Authors: Edache Emmanuel Israel , Uzairu Adamu , Mamza Paul Andrew , Shallangwa Gideon Adamu , Ibrahim Muhammad Tukur
Published: April 2024

A calculation analysis on the molecular structure and energy of 4-methyl-3-[2-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,3-dioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindole-5-amido]benzoic acid (COD30) is carried out with the 6-311G (d,p) basis set by the DFT/RB3LYP method as an anti-graves' disease treatment. The calculated FT-IR spectrum is strongly correlated with the vibrational spectra reported in the literature. To evaluate the entire electron density and organic reactive sites of COD30, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) and frontier molecular orbitals (FMO) were analyzed. The density of states analysis is used to determine the orbital molecular contributions (DOS and PDOS). In comparison to methimazole (MMI) and propylthiouracil, COD30 showed more encouraging docking results, and it also offered golden binding contacts in addition to an improvement in docking energy (PTU). The outcomes of bioactivity prediction and MD simulation indicate that COD30 could be further developed into an inhibitor of Graves' disease.
Vulnerability of Asylum Seekers and Undocumented Migrants in Toronto
Authors: Atak Idil , Asalya Sara , Zyfi Jona
Published: April 2024

This article examines the underlying structural elements contributing to the vulnerability experienced by asylum seekers and undocumented migrants across two critical domains: refugee eligibility examination and accessibility of essential social services, particularly healthcare. By drawing insights from fieldwork conducted in Toronto between 2020 and 2022, this article investigates how migrants navigate and perceive vulnerability encountered both at the front-end of the refugee status determination and while trying to access social services. It discusses the perspectives of key stakeholders, including lawyers, representatives of immigrant-focused non-profit organizations, and municipal officials, shedding light on their experiences and insights regarding the challenges faced by migrants. Furthermore, this article critically evaluates Canada’s adherence to the principles articulated in the 2018 United Nations Global Compacts on Migration and Refugees concerning the mitigation of vulnerability among migrant populations.
Misunderstandings and Intentional Misrepresentations: Challenging the Continued Framing of Consensual and Nonconsensual Intimate Image Distribution as Child Pornography
Authors: Dodge Alexa
Published: April 2024

Many educational presentations continue to straightforwardly frame both consensual and nonconsensual intimate image distribution among youth as child pornography. This continues despite the availability of a purpose-built offence for nonconsensual intimate image distribution (NCIID) that was designed, in part, to avoid the use of child pornography offences in NCIID cases and the existence of a “private use exception” that limits the applicability of child pornography offences in cases of consensual “sexting” among youth. This sometimes inaccurate and, I argue, inappropriate focus on child pornography offences is especially common in presentations by police and public safety personnel. Through a discursive analysis of Canadian case law and a case study of educational approaches provided by the CyberScan unit, I find that the continued dominance of a child pornography framing is based on both genuine misconceptions of how these offences apply to intimate image distribution and intentional misrepresentations of the legal context.
Impact of financial compensation on enrollment and participation in a remote, mobile-app based research study
Authors: Meier Shelby , Cheng Alex , Tischbein Maeve , Shyr Cathy , Jerome Rebecca N. , Edwards Terri L. , Stroud Mary , Wilkins Consuelo H. , Harris Paul A.
Published: April 2024

Background:

There is no consensus on how to determine appropriate financial compensation for research recruitment. Selecting incentive amounts that are reasonable and respectful, without undue inducement, remains challenging. Previously, we demonstrated that incentive amount significantly impacts participants’ willingness to complete various hypothetical research activities. Here we further explore this relationship in a mock decentralized study.

Methods:

Adult ResearchMatch volunteers were invited to join a prospective study where interested individuals were given an opportunity to view details for a study along with participation requirements, then offered a randomly generated compensation amount between $0 and $50 to enroll and participate. Individuals agreeing to participate were then asked to complete tasks using a remote mobile application (MyCap), for two weeks. Tasks included a weekly survey, a daily gratitude journal and daily phone tapping task.

Results:

Willingness to participate was 85% across all incentive levels but not significantly impacted by amount. Task completion appeared to increase as a function of compensation until a plateau at $25. While participants described the study as low burden and reported that compensation was moderately important to their decision to join, only 31% completed all study tasks.

Conclusion:

While offering compensation in this study did not have a strong effect on enrollment rate, this work provides insight into participant motivation when joining and participating in studies employing mobile applications.
Implications for the Testimonial Reductionism/Anti-Reductionism Debate from Psychological Studies of Selective Trust: Scope and Limitations
Authors: Iizuka Shun
Published: April 2024

The child objection is a major challenge for reductionism, which requires hearers to have positive reasons for testimonial justification. However, it has been pointed out that anti-reductionism, which requires only the absence of negative reasons, or defeaters, suffers from the same kind of problem. The child objection presupposes the empirical thesis that “children do not have the capacity to consider reasons,” but the plausibility of this assumption may be revealed by developmental psychology research on selective trust. This paper uses recent epistemological studies as a guide to narrow down the types of defeaters that children are required to consider, and then clarifies what kind of reasons various experiments can be said to test the ability to consider, and in what sense children who pass the test can be said to be “considering” reasons. In doing so, we clarify the scope and limits of the implications that selective trust studies can have for reductionism and anti-reductionism. We then suggest what future psychological research is desired from an epistemological interest to go beyond the current limitations.
Coherent distributions on the square–extreme points and asymptotics
Authors: Cichomski Stanisław , Osękowski Adam
Published: April 2024

Let
$\mathcal{C}$
denote the family of all coherent distributions on the unit square
$[0,1]^2$
, i.e. all those probability measures
$\mu$
for which there exists a random vector
$(X,Y)\sim \mu$
, a pair
$(\mathcal{G},\mathcal{H})$
of
$\sigma$
-fields, and an event E such that
$X=\mathbb{P}(E\mid\mathcal{G})$
,
$Y=\mathbb{P}(E\mid\mathcal{H})$
almost surely. We examine the set
$\mathrm{ext}(\mathcal{C})$
of extreme points of
$\mathcal{C}$
and provide its general characterisation. Moreover, we establish several structural properties of finitely-supported elements of
$\mathrm{ext}(\mathcal{C})$
. We apply these results to obtain the asymptotic sharp bound
$\lim_{\alpha \to \infty}\alpha\cdot(\sup_{(X,Y)\in \mathcal{C}}\mathbb{E}|X-Y|^{\alpha}) = {2}/{\mathrm{e}}$
.
Super-replication of life-contingent options under the Black–Scholes framework
Authors: Ng Ze-An , Koh You-Beng , Loo Tee-How , Yang Hailiang
Published: April 2024

We consider the super-replication problem for a class of exotic options known as life-contingent options within the framework of the Black–Scholes market model. The option is allowed to be exercised if the death of the option holder occurs before the expiry date, otherwise there is a compensation payoff at the expiry date. We show that there exists a minimal super-replication portfolio and determine the associated initial investment. We then give a characterisation of when replication of the option is possible. Finally, we give an example of an explicit super-replicating hedge for a simple life-contingent option.
Revisiting the Concept of Voice: Expression of Grievances across the English and Welsh National Health Service
Authors: Mulcahy Linda
Published: April 2024

This article reexamines the notion of voice in law and society scholarship, which has focused on journeys to complaints and claims. Using the English and Welsh National Health Service as a case study, it argues that looking at the articulation of grievances through a large number of channels across a large service sector offers new opportunities to examine a range of different political logics underpinning voicing mechanisms. Two key arguments emerge. First, it becomes clear that expressions of dissatisfaction can be collected for a variety of purposes other than dispute resolution or conflict management. Formal grievance procedures, rendered legitimate by concepts of rights and due process, not only interact with but compete with other ways of serving the collective good. The second key finding is that when looked at in isolation, the concept of voice can usefully be studied as a discrete concept rather than just a vital component of claiming.
Classicism and Modern Growth: The Shadow of the Sages
Authors: Ma Chicheng
Published: April 2024

This paper examines how the worship of ancient wisdom affects economic progress in historical China, where the learned class embraced classical wisdom for millennia but encountered the shock of Western industrial influence in the mid-nineteenth century. Using the number of sage temples to measure the strength of classical worship in 269 prefectures, I find that classical worship discouraged intellectuals from appreciating modern learning and thus inhibited industrialization between 1858 and 1927. By contrast, industrialization grew faster in regions less constrained by classicism. This finding implies the importance of cultural entrepreneurship, or the lack thereof, in shaping modern economic growth.

“The humor of blaming the present, and admiring the past, is strongly rooted in human nature, and has an influence even on persons endued with the profoundest judgment and most extensive learning.”

—David Hume (1754, p. 464).
Oropharyngeal dysphagia in children with multiple disabilities
Authors: Chane-Law Emeline , Prum Grégoire , Mallart Remi , Verin Eric
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia among institutionalised children with multiple disabilities, a topic with limited literature coverage.

Methods

The study employed a questionnaire, specifically the F-PEDI-EAT-10, to screen for dysphagia in children. Trained nurses administered the questionnaire to the participants.

Results

The study included 117 children with multiple disabilities (51.3 per cent boys and 48.7 per cent girls) with an average age of 14 ± 4.7 years. The questionnaire revealed that 53 per cent (n = 62) of the children had a positive score and, surprisingly, 29 per cent of them (n = 18) did not have a confirmed diagnosis of oropharyngeal dysphagia. Notably, children with a positive F-PEDI-EAT-10 score had a significantly higher prevalence of pneumopathy and undernutrition compared with those with a negative score.

Conclusion

This study underscores the high prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia among children with multiple disabilities, a condition that is often underdiagnosed.
Energetic particle tracing in optimized quasi-symmetric stellarator equilibria
Authors: Figueiredo P.A. , Jorge R. , Ferreira J. , Rodrigues P.
Published: April 2024

Recent developments in the design of magnetic confinement fusion devices have allowed the construction of exceptionally optimized stellarator configurations. The near-axis expansion in particular has been proven to enable the construction of magnetic configurations with good confinement properties while taking only a fraction of the usual computation time to generate optimized magnetic equilibria. However, not much is known about the overall features of fast-particle orbits computed in such analytical, yet simplified, equilibria when compared with those originating from accurate equilibrium solutions. This work aims to assess and demonstrate the potential of the near-axis expansion to provide accurate information on particle orbits and to compute loss fractions in moderate to high aspect ratios. The configurations used here are all scaled to fusion-relevant parameters and approximate quasi-symmetry to various degrees. This allows us to understand how deviations from quasi-symmetry affect particle orbits and what are their effects on the estimation of the loss fraction. Guiding-centre trajectories of fusion-born alpha particles are traced using gyronimo and SIMPLE codes under the NEAT framework, showing good numerical agreement. Discrepancies between near-axis and magnetohydrodynamic fields have minor effects on passing particles but significant effects on trapped particles, especially in quasi-helically symmetric magnetic fields. Effective expressions were found for estimating orbit widths and passing–trapped separatrix in quasi-symmetric near-axis fields. Loss fractions agree in the prompt losses regime but diverge afterwards.
Pacifying the Battlefield of Industry: Warfare and Social Rights in 1848 France
Authors: Boscarello Samuel
Published: April 2024

This study delves into the intricate relationship between warfare and social rights during the Second French Republic. As recent scholarship suggests that the emergence of social rights in the 18th century involved a transition from Christian charity principles to secular obligations, primarily influenced by proponents of free markets, this research uncovers a distinct path during the July Monarchy. Here, socialists framed social rights using a unique language centered on warfare, which was overtly at odds with the prevailing free-market discourse. This transformation led to the concept of “guerre industrielle” or industrial warfare, portraying industrial workers as modern soldiers in the international economic competition among nations. Such a narrative significantly molded the political demands of the emerging French working class, focusing on securing decent employment and extending to workers the social provisions already granted to the military. These demands gained substantial momentum during the tumultuous 1848 Revolution, fueling a call for comprehensive societal transformation, emphasizing cooperative production and mutual assistance. Nevertheless, the rejection of these radical ideas was primarily attributed to the reluctance of moderate republicans to embrace the profound societal changes implied by such demands. By delving into the intricacies of this relationship, the article offers fresh insights into the development of social rights before the emergence of the Welfare State and their impact on the construction of tools of socioeconomic governance during the last two centuries.
Patentes, contratos de defensa e innovación en el sector de armamento militar en España, 1878–1939
Authors: Martos Gómez José J. , Ortiz-Villajos José M.
Published: April 2024

El trabajo analiza la innovación en la industria militar en España entre 1878 y 1939 a partir de las patentes y los contratos de defensa. El alto porcentaje de contratos de productos patentados (63%) es indicio de una notable relación entre patentes y contratos. Esto se ve confirmado por la coincidencia en el orden de los principales países en ambas variables. El test econométrico confirma la estadística descriptiva y, además, evidencia que las patentes a priori más valiosas (de invención, puestas en práctica, más longevas y empresariales) tienen una correlación más fuerte con los contratos. Desde la óptica sectorial también se observa una correlación positiva y significativa, aunque menos intensa que desde el espacial. El análisis micro confirma la estrecha relación de las patentes con la actividad del sector de armamento militar, explicita los protagonistas y las vías de esa relación (importación, producción local y licencias) y explica las disparidades observadas en el análisis agregado.
Health technology assessment in traditional and complementary medicine: a scoping review of international activity and examples of acupuncture
Authors: Ai Dan-Dan , Sui Bin-Yan , Duan Cheng-A-Xin , Xu Qian , Zhao Kun
Published: April 2024

Background

Traditional therapies are crucial in maintaining and improving human well-being. China’s healthcare policymakers are attempting to use health technology assessment (HTA) as a decision-making supportive tool. The value assessment framework for Chinese patent medicine (CPM) has been developed and is being adopted and validated widely by research institutions. Subsequently, the healthcare decision-makers particularly hanker for the value framework of traditional non-pharmacological therapies.

Methods

To construct a practical value framework for traditional non-pharmacological therapies, a scoping review methodology was adopted to identify the evaluation domains and obstacles. A search, screening, and analysis process was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Evidence was retrieved from scientific databases and HTA agencies’ websites.

Results

The search strategy identified 5 guidelines records and 17 acupuncture HTA reports. By synthesizing the valuable reports of CPM and acupuncture evaluation in representative countries, this study found that Mainland China was promoting the comprehensive value assessment of CPM, whereas the United Kingdom, Singapore, Canada, the United States, and Malaysia had carried out the HTA evaluation of acupuncture for various conditions among which chronic pain was the most common. UK and Singapore applied the HTA results to support acupuncture reimbursement decisions. Three domains, including safety, effectiveness, and economy, were commonly adopted. The identified biggest challenge of evaluating traditional non-pharmacological therapies is the scarce high-quality clinical evidence.

Conclusions

This study identified value domains and issues of traditional therapies, and pointed out future research implications, to promote the development value framework of traditional therapies.
Design of a multiple criteria decision analysis framework for prioritizing high-impact health technologies in a regional health service
Authors: Sánchez-Martínez Fernando-Ignacio , Abellán-Perpiñán José-María , Martínez-Pérez Jorge-Eduardo , Gómez-Torres Jorge-Luis
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This study aims to develop a framework for establishing priorities in the regional health service of Murcia, Spain, to facilitate the creation of a comprehensive multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework. This framework will aid in decision-making processes related to the assessment, reimbursement, and utilization of high-impact health technologies.

Method

Based on the results of a review of existing frameworks for MCDA of health technologies, a set of criteria was proposed to be used in the context of evaluating high-impact health technologies. Key stakeholders within regional healthcare services, including clinical leaders and management personnel, participated in a focus group (n = 11) to discuss the proposed criteria and select the final fifteen. To elicit the weights of the criteria, two surveys were administered, one to a small sample of healthcare professionals (n = 35) and another to a larger representative sample of the general population (n = 494).

Results

The responses obtained from health professionals in the weighting procedure exhibited greater consistency compared to those provided by the general public. The criteria more highly weighted were “Need for intervention” and “Intervention outcomes.” The weights finally assigned to each item in the multicriteria framework were derived as the equal-weighted sum of the mean weights from the two samples.

Conclusions

A multi-attribute function capable of generating a composite measure (multicriteria) to assess the value of high-impact health interventions has been developed. Furthermore, it is recommended to pilot this procedure in a specific decision context to evaluate the efficacy, feasibility, usefulness, and reliability of the proposed tool.
Impact of electrophysiologists at daily multidisciplinary report in a paediatric cardiac care unit
Authors: Mikulski Matthew F. , Well Andrew , Shmorhun Daniel , Mery Carlos M. , Fenrich Arnold L. , Fraser Charles D.
Published: April 2024

Background:

Paediatric cardiac electrophysiologists are essential in CHD inpatient care, but their involvement is typically limited to consultation with individual patients. In our integrated heart centre, an electrophysiologist reviews all cardiac inpatient telemetry over the preceding 24 hours and participates in daily multidisciplinary morning report. This study investigates the impact of the strategy of consistent, formalised electrophysiologist presence at multidisciplinary morning report.

Methods:

This is a single-centre, prospective, observational study of electrophysiologist participation in patient encounters during heart centre multidisciplinary morning report from 10/20/2021 to 10/31/2022. Multidisciplinary morning report includes discussion of all intensive care and non-intensive care cardiac patients. An encounter was defined as reporting on one patient for one day. Electrophysiologists were initially blinded to observations.

Results:

Two electrophysiologists were observed over 215 days encompassing 6413 patient encounters. Electrophysiologists made comments on 581(9.1%) encounters in 234 unique patients with diverse diagnoses, equating to a median of 3[interquartile range:1–4] encounters per day. These included identifications of arrhythmias and describing electrocardiographic findings. Recommendation to change management occurred in 282(48.5%) encounters, most commonly regarding medications (n = 142, 24.4%) or pacemaker management (n = 48, 8.3%). Of the 581 encounters, there were 61(10.5%) in which they corrected another physician’s interpretation of rhythm or electrocardiogram.

Conclusion:

Routine electrophysiologist involvement in multidisciplinary morning report provides significant, frequent, and timely input in patient management by identifying precise rhythm-related diagnoses and allowing nuanced, patient-specific medication and pacemaker management of all cardiac patients, not just those consulted. Electrophysiologist presence at multidisciplinary morning report is a vital resource and this practice should be considered at integrated paediatric cardiac centres.
Bandpass filter with multiple selective absorptive stopbands for 28 GHz transmitters
Authors: Moscato Stefano , Caicedo Steven , Oldoni Matteo
Published: April 2024

This manuscript presents a novel design for an absorptive bandpass filter for mm-wave applications, specifically the commercial FR2 spectrum. Three bands have been selected to be properly input matched with only one of them being the passband, where the insertion loss is minimized. The proposed approach relies on a multiplexer topology implemented through microstrip lines and on thin-film manufacturing process on alumina to shrink the footprint. Cascades of half-wavelength C-shape open-ended resonators are exploited to create the matched bands and define the filter’s selectivity. The selected passband spans from 26.5 to 28.5 GHz, with a measured maximum insertion loss of 3.05 dB for a −3 dB fractional bandwidth of 7.3%. Two absorptive bands are realized to match signals at 24 and 32.25 GHz. The alumina die footprint is 5500 × 3440 µm2, compatible with immediate integration within a mm-wave lineup.
Potential Barriers to Adaptive Actions in Water–Rice Coupled Systems in Japan: A Framework for Predicting Soft Adaptation Limits
Authors: Takada Asari , Yoshida Takeo , Ishigooka Yasushi , Maruyama Atsushi , Kudo Ryoji
Published: April 2024

The changing climate makes it more difficult to manage water resources and food production sustainably. Various adaptation measures have been proposed to moderate the negative impacts of climate change; however, implementation of these measures may be hampered by other factors even if the benefits are acknowledged—a situation termed “soft adaptation limits” by the IPCC. We hypothesized that societal rules can be a potential barrier to adaptive action if they are too fixed, because such rules have coevolved with the interactions between the past climate and human activities. To test this hypothesis, we present a framework based on the assumption that associated societal rules of Japan's matured irrigation systems are potential barriers to adaptation. The framework consisted of two process‐based models, one to evaluate the water deficit risk and one to evaluate the benefits of optimizing rice yield and quality. We applied each model to an experiment in which we shifted the current transplantation date by 1 week for up to 5 weeks before and after the current date under the historical (1981–2000) and RCP 2.6 and 8.5 (2011–2030 and 2031–2050) scenarios. We revealed two contrasting development pathways in the study watershed. Soft adaptation limits imposed by water availability will occur by 2030 if farmers optimize for quality, whereas mutual benefits to farmers and river administrators will be achieved if farmers seek yield. We argue that more participatory research with stakeholder engagement, as well as policy discussions about these possible developments, is needed to ensure successful adaptation.
Stochastic Assessment of Dissolution at Fluid‐Mineral Interfaces
Authors: Recalcati Chiara , Siena Martina , Riva Monica , Bollani Monica , Guadagnini Alberto
Published: April 2024

Chemical weathering associated with dissolution/precipitation at interfaces between minerals and flowing fluids is key for the evolution of geologic systems, including groundwater contamination and storage capacity. Relying on Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) yields reaction rates at nanoscale resolutions. Challenges limiting our ability to quantify heterogeneity associated with these processes include establishing reliable platforms allowing AFM imaging of real‐time and in situ absolute material fluxes across mineral surfaces under continuous flow conditions to complement typically acquired surface topography images. We provide an experimental workflow and heterogeneous absolute rates at the nanoscale across the surface of a calcite crystal under dissolution. These high‐quality experimental observations are then interpreted through a stochastic approach. The latter is geared to embed diverse kinetic modes driving the degree of spatial heterogeneity of the reaction and corresponding to different mechanistic processes documented across the crystal surface.
The Third Plasma Density Peak at Poleward of EIA Crest: Swarm and ICON Observations
Authors: Huang Yuyang , Xiong Chao , Wan Xin , Park Jaeheung , Spogli Luca
Published: April 2024

In this study, we focus on the presence of the ionospheric third plasma density peak associated with the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) based on observations from the ESA's Swarm constellation. By statistically analyzing the third peaks observed by the Swarm A and B at two different altitudes, we found that such structure appears mainly around ±20° magnetic latitude (Mlat), namely the poleward of the EIA crests. In the meanwhile, the third peak shows prominent season and local time dependences, that are mainly observed in the summer hemisphere during solstice seasons and with the highest occurrence in the afternoon hours. However, no clear solar flux and magnetic activity dependences are found. By further analyzing the simultaneous neutral wind measurements from the ionospheric connection explorer satellites, we found that the summer‐to‐winter hemispheric meridional wind is responsible for causing the third peak as well as its seasonal dependence (higher occurrence in the summer hemisphere). In addition, the third‐peak structure shows prominent longitudinal dependence. In regions where the magnetic declination directs eastward, it has a larger occurrence in the southern hemisphere, while in regions where the magnetic declination reverses, it has a larger occurrence in the northern hemisphere. Such a longitudinal dependence suggests that the zonal wind, which has a magnetic field‐aligned component at favorable magnetic declination regions, contributes also to the formation of the third‐peak structure.
Detailed 3D Structures of the Western Edge of the Pacific Large Low Velocity Province
Authors: Li Jiewen , Zhang Baolong , Sun Daoyuan , Tian Dongdong , Yao Jiayuan
Published: April 2024

Large Low Velocity Provinces (LLVPs) are situated oppositely in the lowermost mantle beneath the Pacific Ocean and Africa. Deciphering the detailed seismic structures at the edge of LLVPs can provide key information on the composition and dynamics in the deep Earth. Here, we provide a detailed seismic image at the western edge of the Pacific LLVP by dense recordings. Differential travel time residuals and amplitude ratios between ScS and S outline the S‐wave western boundary of the Pacific LLVP, suggesting the complex structures including low/high‐velocity patches in the lowermost mantle in our study region. We determine the 3D low‐velocity structure by modeling the delayed ScS and high‐velocity D″ layer structure by modeling the anomalous Scd, with tight constraints from multiple events data. The drastically varied waveforms in azimuth suggests a sharp transitional boundary among the complex structures. After comparing the velocity structures in adjacent regions, we propose that the 3D structures of the western edge of the Pacific LLVP are strongly influenced by the vigorous mantle flow associated with the actively subducted slab.
Coarse Sand Transport Processes in the Ripple Vortex Regime Under Asymmetric Nearshore Waves
Authors: Fritsch N. , Fromant G. , Hurther D. , Cáceres I.
Published: April 2024

Large‐scale wave flume experiments are conducted in the ripple vortex regime to study near bed coarse sand transport processes below asymmetric surface waves typical of the coastal nearshore region. For this purpose, a set of complementary acoustic instruments were deployed under regular nearshore wave conditions. Time‐resolved velocity, sand concentration and sand flux profiles are measured across both the dense bedload and dilute suspension layers with an Acoustic Concentration and Velocity Profiler. The equilibrium 2D suborbital ripples are in good agreement in terms of dimensions, shape and onshore migration rate with Wang and Yuan (2018, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018jc013810, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coastaleng.2019.103583). Stoss ripple vortex entrainment around the trough‐to‐crest flow reversal (FR+) is found to be more energetic in terms of sand pick‐up into suspension compared to the counter rotating lee side vortex around the FR‐ flow reversal, as a consequence of the onshore skewed wave acceleration. Ripple vortex driven nearbed velocity phase leads around both flow reversals exceed typical bed friction induced values found in turbulent Wave Boundary Layers. Intrawave sand erosion events can be distinguished locally at the two ripple vortex positions around the flow reversals and two events more uniformly distributed along the ripple profile at wave crest and trough. Spatial fields of sand flux reveal the origin of the net onshore directed suspended and bedload transport. Good agreement is found with the mechanism identified under asymmetric oscillatory flows in Wang and Yuan (2020, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coastaleng.2019.103583). Differences with ripple vortex regime under skewed shoaling waves and symmetric oscillatory flows are highlighted.
Differentiating Periodic Drivers of Air Quality Changes: A Two‐Step Decomposition Approach Integrating Machine Learning and Wavelet Analysis
Authors: Song Yuqin , Wu Hao , Dai Qili , Liu Xuan , Zhang Yufen , Feng Yinchang
Published: April 2024

Air quality time series exhibit significant periodic patterns, which are linked to a diverse array of emission sources and atmospheric processes. To discern and distinguish these periodic drivers, we have devised a two‐step decomposition approach that integrates a machine learning‐based model for weather normalization with Morlet wavelet analysis. This approach was applied to a 7‐year data set encompassing six regulated air pollutants across eight Chinese cities. Our analysis revealed distinct periodicities in weather‐normalized concentrations of primary air pollutants: a dominant annual cycle with periodicity around 365 days, which accounts for over 50% of the variance on average and is primarily driven by recurrent winter heating activities; daily cycles characterized by regular diurnal patterns attributable to combustion sources such as traffic; and periodicities exceeding 512 days that associated with long‐term regulatory policies targeting SO2. Particularly notable was the significant drop in the strength of the annual cycle in northern cities following the implementation of China's clean heating policies in 2017/2018, affirming the success of these initiatives. Additionally, diurnal dispersion and photochemistry, large‐scale atmospheric circulation, and synoptical weather patterns are likely responsible for the observed daily cycle (accounting for over 40% of the variance), annual periodicities, and intra‐monthly variations in the meteorologically driven concentrations, respectively. The varying power of these periodic drivers across time and locations implies the heterogeneity of emission rates and region‐specific climates. This work highlights the efficacy of this decomposition approach in air quality research, warranting attention for its potential value for enhancing our understanding of air pollution dynamics.