bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of digital retinography to detect vascular changes in pre-diabetic patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Araújo Levimar Rocha , Orefice Juliana Lambert , Gonçalves Monica Aramuni , Guimarães Nathalia Sernizon , Soares Aleida Nazareth , Salomon Tassila , de Souza Alessandra Hubner
Published: November 2023

Background

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of DM and may go unnoticed until irreversible damage occurs. Its screening can contribute to the early detection. Although, there are no studies which investigate the ability of digital retinography to detect vascular changes in pre-diabetic patients.

Objective

Identify the prevalence and severity of RD in patients with pre-diabetes.

Methods

Cross-sectionalstudy carried out in a sample of patients with pre-diabetes and weight excess characterized from January 2020 to April 2023. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected, in addition to lifestyle habits. Retinographic evaluation was also performed using a Digital Retinography. For the analysis of all variables, the adopted significance level was 5%. The software used for the analysis was SPSS version 25.0.

Results

Of 108 patients selected 7.1% have alteration in the exam indicating DR. Among the participants with diabetic retinopathy, four had the moderate form (50%), three the moderate form (37%) and only one participant had the severe form (13%).

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the importance of preventive measures and adequate control of these conditions in pre-diabetic patients, in order to prevent or delay the progression of diabetic retinopathy and, consequently, reduce the risk of blindness and other ocular complications.
The construction of Bert fusion model of speech recognition and sensing for South China electricity charge service scenario
Authors: Wu Guangcai , Zheng Yinglong
Published: November 2023

Electric charge service and management is an important part of electric power work. The effective recovery of the electric charge relates to the smooth development of daily work and continuous improvement of the operation and management of power supply enterprises. With the large-scale implementation of the card prepayment system, the problem of electricity customers defaulting on electricity charges has been solved to a large extent, but some large electricity users still fail to pay electricity charges on time. Therefore, under the current situation of power grid development, it is still necessary to strengthen the service and management of electricity charges to promote efficient recovery of electricity charges. Speech recognition technology has increasingly become the focus of research institutions at home and abroad. People are committed to enabling machines to understand human speech instructions and hope to control the machine through speech. The research and development of speech recognition will greatly facilitate people's lives shortly. The development of 5G technology and the proposal of 6G technology make the interconnection of all things not only a hope but also a reality. To realize the interconnection of all things, one of the key technical breakthroughs is the development of a new human–computer interaction sensing system. Under the guidance of relevant theories and methods, this paper systematically analyzes the user structure, electricity charge recovery management and service system, existing problems and causes in South China, and clarifies the necessity of design and application of electricity charge service system in South China power supply companies. The experimental data and empirical analysis results show that the optimized Bert fusion model can provide more digital support for the power supply companies in South China in terms of electricity charge recovery efficiency, management level system improvement, and electricity charge service.
A review on recent advances on nobiletin in central and peripheral nervous system diseases
Authors: Pang Yueshan , Xiong Juan , Wu You , Ding Weijun
Published: November 2023

In recent years, the role of nobiletin in neuronal disorders has received extensive attention. However, the study of nobiletin in the peripheral nervous system is limited. Nobiletin, as a compound with high fat solubility, high bioavailability and low toxicity, has been extensively studied. Accumulating scientific evidence has shown that nobiletin has a variety of biological functions in the nervous system, such as inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors, reducing the neurotoxic response, improving the antioxidant capacity, promoting the survival of nerve cells, promoting axon growth, reducing blood‒brain barrier permeability, reducing brain oedema, promoting cAMP response element binding protein expression, improving memory, and promoting mild depolarization of nerve cell mitochondria to improve antioxidative stress capacity. Accumulating studies have shown that nobiletin also protects enteric nervous system, spinal cord and sciatic nerve. To explore the new therapeutic potential of nobiletin in the nervous system, recent and relevant research progress is reviewed in this article. This will provide a new research idea for nobiletin in the nervous system.
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in New Zealand and Australia: a scoping review
Authors: Kennedy Hannah L. , Hitchman Leonie M. , Pettie Michaela A. , Bulik Cynthia M. , Jordan Jennifer
Published: November 2023

Background

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder that involves restrictive or avoidant eating behaviour not related to weight or body image concerns. It was first included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders–fifth edition (DSM-5) in 2013. ARFID frequently begins in childhood and can have serious psychosocial impacts and detrimental health consequences when nutritional and energy needs are persistently unmet. This systematic scoping review focuses on Australasia, synthesizing the current literature landscape on ARFID, and offering recommendations for targeted, actionable research directions for both funders and researchers.

Methods

Online databases and university thesis repositories were systematically searched for studies examining ARFID in the New Zealand or Australian population since 2013. Database search results were exported to Rayyan software, and two independent reviewers screened all identified sources, prior to extraction of key data.

Results

Twenty-nine studies and one thesis from 138 screened sources were eligible for inclusion. Frequent study types were treatment interventions and cross-sectional studies, with populations including individuals with ARFID, ED service populations, parents/caregivers, health professionals, and non-clinical populations. ARFID presents in a range of settings and is associated with poorer quality of life and significant functional impairment. Assessment of ARFID was varied, and no specific treatment guidelines for ARFID have been written as yet.

Conclusion

This review calls for more accurate prevalence estimates of ARFID in children and larger-scale studies in all ages using validated measures. It emphasizes the need for education and training of healthcare professionals, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Established interventions like behaviour analytics should be considered, and more comprehensive research is needed on interventions for ARFID, including controlled trials and longitudinal studies. Urgent research is needed to improve outcomes for those affected by ARFID.
“I *know* all the things I should be doing …”: accounting for mental health and illness in an online mental health discussion forum during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Horwood Grace , Augoustinos Martha , Due Clemence
Published: November 2023

Background

Mental health is highly correlated with a person’s social and economic circumstances, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic made this connection uniquely visible. Yet a discourse of personal responsibility for mental health often dominates in mental health promotion campaigns, media coverage and lay understandings, contributing to the stigmatisation of mental ill-health.

Methods

In this study, we analysed how the concept of ‘mental health’ was discursively constructed in an online mental health peer-support forum in Australia during 2020, the period of the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. An approach informed by Critical Discursive Psychology was employed to analyse all posts made to a discussion thread entitled “Coping during the coronavirus outbreak” in 2020, a total of 1,687 posts.

Results

Two main interpretative repertoires concerning mental health were identified. Under the first repertoire, mental health was understood as resulting largely from the regular performance of a suite of self-care behaviours. Under the second repertoire, mental health was understood as resulting largely from external circumstances outside of the individual’s control. The existence of two different repertoires of mental health created an ideological dilemma which posters negotiated when reporting mental ill-health. A recurring pattern of accounting for mental ill-health was noted in which posters employed a three-part concessive structure to concede Repertoire 1 amid assertions of Repertoire 2; and used disclaimers, justifications, and excuses to avoid negative typification of their identity as ignorant or irresponsible.

Conclusions

Mental ill-health was commonly oriented to by forum posters as an accountable or morally untoward state, indicating the societal pervasiveness of a discourse of personal responsibility for mental health. Such discourses are likely to contribute to the stigmatisation of those suffering from mental ill-health. There is a need therefore for future communications about mental health to be framed in a way that increases awareness of social determinants, as well as for policy responses to effect material change to social determinants of mental health.
Long-term bone remodeling of maxillary anterior teeth with post-treatment alveolar bone defect in adult patients with maxillary protrusion: a prospective follow-up study
Authors: Guo Runzhi , Li Linwei , Lin Yifan , Huang Yiping , Liu Jian , Pan Mengqiao , Xu Li , Li Weiran
Published: November 2023

Background

Alveolar bone defects, particularly palatal bone dehiscence (PBD) and labial bone fenestration (LBF), occur frequently as a result of retraction of the maxillary anterior teeth. The study aims to explore the long-term bone remodeling of maxillary anterior teeth in adult patients with post-orthodontic treatment PBD and LBF.

Materials and methods

The study includes 24 adult patients with maxillary protrusion (8 males, 16 females) who were treated with extraction of four first premolars and had alveolar bone defects (PBD or LBF) in maxillary anterior teeth following orthodontic treatment. Cone-beam computed tomography imaging measurements were obtained before (T1), after (T2) orthodontic treatment, and after at least 1-year removable thermoplastic retainer retention (T3). The maxillary anterior teeth with PBD or LBF at T2 were divided into the PBD or LBF groups, respectively. The labial and palatal alveolar bone height (ABH), alveolar bone thickness (ABT), and movement of maxillary anterior teeth were measured during retraction (T2–T1) and retention (T3–T2) periods.

Results

The incidence of PBD and LBF in maxillary anterior teeth significantly increased after orthodontic treatment and decreased during the retention period. In the PBD group, the palatal ABH of all maxillary anterior teeth significantly increased from T1 to T2 but decreased from T2 to T3. The ABT of the maxillary central incisor and canine significantly increased on the palatal side and decreased on the labial side during the retention period. In the LBF group, the labial ABT of the maxillary central incisor at the apical level showed a significant decrease from T1 to T2, followed by an increase from T2 to T3. In both groups, the maxillary central incisor showed significant labial movement, with a relative intrusion during the retention period.

Conclusion

For adult patients with maxillary protrusion, the alveolar bone defect of maxillary anterior teeth caused by orthodontic retraction significantly improved during the retention period, indicating good long-term bone remodeling. Our findings suggest that a combination of spontaneous reorientation of maxillary anterior teeth and bone remodeling contributed to alveolar bone covering in these patients.
Infantile type I pleuropulmonary blastoma presenting with dyspnea due to compression by pneumothorax and an occupying tumor: a case report
Authors: Okamoto Mitsumasa , Kimura Shoka , Hotta Machiko , Tsuruno Yudai , Fukuzawa Hiroaki
Published: November 2023

Background

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is an extremely rare and malignant pediatric lung tumor. Purely cystic PPB has a more favorable prognosis than solid PPB, but may be difficult to distinguish from a certain type of “benign” congenital pulmonary airway malformation before and during surgery. The influence of tumor rupture on long life prognosis has not been clarified in detail.

Case presentation

A 5-month-old boy underwent emergency transfer from another hospital due to a left thoracic cystic lesion and left pneumothorax detected on chest radiography performed for persistent wheeze and cough. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the chest revealed marked deviation of the mediastinum to the right due to a giant cystic lesion and pneumothorax. Thoracotomy was performed on hospital day 2. A cystic lesion had developed from the distal alveolar region of lower lobe of the left lung and the tumor showed a tiny adhesion to the left diaphragm and a tiny rupture near the adhesion. Partial lung excision including the cyst and scraping of the adhesion were performed. Histopathological investigations revealed immature blast cell-like mesenchymal cells and differentiated striated muscle cells in a dense cambium layer were found under the epithelium of the cystic lesion. Type I PPB was diagnosed.

Conclusions

Surgery should be performed with the possibility of type I PPB in mind when an extrapulmonary cystic lung lesion is found. Since issues such as the pathogenesis and long-term prognosis of ruptured cases remain unclear, continued careful follow-up of this case will be required.
The misbeliefs and food taboos during pregnancy and early infancy: a pitfall to attaining adequate maternal and child nutrition outcomes among the rural Acholi communities in Northern Uganda
Authors: Acire Peter Vivian , Bagonza Arthur , Opiri Nicolas
Published: November 2023

Background

In developing countries, the practice of food taboo is pervasive. The types of foods considered as taboos and the reasons attached to taboos vary from society to society. Food taboos have been recognized as one of the factors contributing to maternal undernutrition in pregnancy, especially in rural settings. In the rural Acholi community where malnutrition is prevalent, very little is known about these food taboos and misbeliefs. This study, therefore, aims to explore various misbeliefs and food taboos in the time of pregnancy that can influence maternal and child nutrition outcomes in Acholi.

Methods

A community-based qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted between April and May 2022 in five districts in the Acholi subregion. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) were used to collect data. Data transcription was done verbatim, organised into themes, assigned unique color codes, and manually analysed thematically.

Results

Upon scrutiny of the transcripts, three themes were eminent. The first theme focused on foods that are considered taboos in Acholi community and the reasons linked to them. Participants indicated offals, chicken, wild birds, smoked meat and fish, sugarcane, garden egg (‘Tula’), groundnut, bush meat, mushrooms, honey, sour fruits, or meals (oranges, mango, passion fruits, lemon, tamarind, ‘Malakwang’), goat’s meat, ‘Lalaa’ (the bitter green leafy vegetable), and ‘Lamola’ (Hyptis spicigera) as the major taboo foods. The second theme was the reasons underlying the adherence to the food taboos and misconceptions. Cultural dictates, individual characteristics, and societal context were the main reasons for the adherence to food taboos. The third theme looked at the misconceptions and other taboos during pregnancy. It was found that pregnant women are not allowed to touch grave soil, shave their hair, walk over an anthill, slaughter chicken or birds, have sex during pregnancy, sit on animal’s hide or skin, and/or touch needles.

Conclusions

Nutritional counseling and education should focus more on addressing food taboos. The mode of delivery of the nutrition message should be inclusive, targeting pregnant women and their spouses, school-going children, adolescent girls, and cultural leaders at their respective points of contact.
Perception and experiences of suicide among university students in Egypt
Authors: Kabbash Ibrahim Ali , Salama Basem , Mohammad Menatollah Ashraf , Galal Hagar , Yousef Noorhan , Elghazally Noha M.
Published: November 2023

Background

The worldwide prevalence of suicide ideation, planning, attempt, and death is a major public health issue. The highest rates of suicide are seen in those aged 15 to 29, largely correlating to their time spent in higher education.

Objectives

Identify the perception and experiences of medical students towards suicidal thoughts and attempts and explore some predictors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Kafrelshiekh University in Egypt, included 554 university students using predesigned questionnaire that included sociodemographic characteristics, perception of students about suicide, and their experience with knowing a person who had suicide thoughts or attempts and if they themselves had suicidal thoughts or attempts.

Results

Self-experience with suicidal thoughts was reported by 25.3% while 12.3% reported attempting suicide, and among those who attempted suicide the most frequent reason was feeling depressed (61.8) followed by educational pressures (54.4%) and feeling lonely (41.2%). Accepting the concept of suicide was the main predictor for having suicidal thoughts (OR = 7.784) followed by knowing a person who had suicidal attempt (OR = 2.234) or thoughts (OR = 4.609).

Conclusion

Our results indicate the suicide ideation and behavior are prevalent among college undergraduates. Universities have the responsibility to educate students with effective life education as well as suicide prevention and intervention programs.
Application of bidirectional LSTM deep learning technique for sentiment analysis of COVID-19 tweets: post-COVID vaccination era
Authors: Akande Oluwatobi Noah , Lawrence Morolake Oladayo , Ogedebe Peter
Published: November 2023

Background

Social media platforms, especially Twitter, have turned out to be a major source of data repositories. They have become a platform that citizens can use to voice their concerns about issues that affect them. Most importantly, during the COVID-19 era, the platform was greatly used by governments and health organizations to sensitize people about the safety guidelines that they must adhere to so as to remain safe during the pandemic. As expected, people also used Twitter and other social media platforms to voice their opinions about how governments are handling the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Governments and organizations could, therefore, use these social media as a feedback mechanism that can help them know the view of the citizens about their policies. This could help them in making informed decisions about their policies.

Aim

The aim of this paper is to explore the use of BiLSTM deep learning technique for sentiment analysis of COVID-19 tweets.

Methodology

The study retrieved 197,327 tweets from the Nigeria Twitter domain using #COVID or #COVID-19 hashtags as keywords. The dataset was retrieved within the 1st month of COVID-19 vaccination in Nigeria, i.e., March 15–June 15, 2021. BiLSTM deep learning technique was trained using 789,306 sentiment annotated tweets obtained from Kaggle Sentiment140 tweet datasets. The preprocessed case study tweets were then used to evaluate the proposed model. Also, a precision of 78.26% and a recall value of 78.27% were also obtained.

Results

With an accuracy of 78.29%, 98,545 (49.93%) positive sentiments and 98,782 negative sentiments (50.06%) were recorded. Also, a precision of 78.26% and a recall value of 78.27% were also obtained. However, the presence of outliers which are tweets not related to COVID but which used the hashtag was observed.

Conclusion

This study has revealed the strength of BiLSTM deep learning technique for sentiment analysis. The results obtained revealed an almost balanced sentiments toward the pandemic with 49.93% positive disposition to the pandemic as compared to 50.06% negative disposition. This showed affirmed the impact of COVID vaccine in dousing citizen’s tension when it was made available for public use. However, the presence of outliers in the classified tweets could be a pointer to the reason why aspect-based sentiment analysis could be preferred to sentence-based sentiment analysis.
Correlation of hematological parameters, antibodies and cytokines with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Živković Valentina , Cvetković Tatjana , Dinić Biljana Radovanović , Jurišić Vladimir
Published: November 2023

Background

The aim of the study was to investigate the association of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios (PLR) with standard inflammation parameters, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), complement component C3, anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (anti-dsDNA), anti-nucleosome and anti-C1q antibodies, and serum and urinary monocyte-chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) with disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Results

This study included 160 patients (145 female and 15 male patients), hospitalized at the Rheumatology Department. A positive correlation between NLR and ESR (p < 0.01), anti-dsDNA antibodies (p < 0.05), and PLR (p < 0.001) was obtained, with a negative correlation with C3 (p < 0.005). PLR shows a positive correlation with ESR (p < 0.001), CRP (p < 0.005), anti-dsDNA antibodies (p < 0.001), anti-nucleosome antibodies (p < 0.05), and urine MCP-1 (p < 0.05), with a negative correlation with C3 (p < 0.005). Univariate analysis showed that all the examined laboratory parameters were independent predictors of disease activity (p < 0.001), while the method of standard multiple regression analysis revealed the most significant ESR and serum MCP-1 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

NLR and PLR, as inexpensive and accessible biomarkers, can help in routine clinical practice for the estimation of disease activity in SLE patients.
Assessing the early returns of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy in a patient population at high risk for cancer: factors associated with a diagnostic procedure and pathologic outcomes
Authors: Naaman Rami , Kapp Christopher M. , David Odile , Kovitz Kevin , Aronson Benjamin , Haas Kevin
Published: November 2023

Background

Lung cancer remains the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the USA. Successful implementation of lung cancer screening programs has led to increased detection of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPL). Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (RB) is a relatively novel tool used to safely diagnose PPN. Additionally, with the developing precision of personalized medicine and targeted therapy, obtaining adequate tissue for next-generation sequencing (NGS) has become critical to optimizing the medical management of lung cancer. Our aim is to assess the diagnostic yield of RB, identify patient and procedure characteristics associated with performing a diagnostic biopsy, and evaluate the adequacy of tumor cellularity for biomarker identification.

Results

We performed a retrospective observational study consecutively enrolling 54 adult patients who underwent RB between January 2022 and March 2023. Records were reviewed for medical comorbidities and smoking status. PPL characteristics included size, location, presence of a bronchus sign on mapping computed tomography (CT) scans, distance from airway and pleura on CT, and days between obtaining CT and the bronchoscopy. Procedural factors included the radial endobronchial ultrasound (r-EBUS) view obtained and the sampling method(s) with which a diagnosis was achieved. Records were reviewed for final pathology and the need for further procedures to establish a diagnosis. Samples that yielded non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were sent for an NGS panel if deemed adequate. The panels were reviewed to identify potentially actionable mutations. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess patients and lesions characteristics associated with a diagnostic biopsy. We sampled 56 lesions, 45 (80.4%) were from current or former smokers. The overall diagnostic yield was 73.2% and 68.9% for nodules less than 3 cm. Lesions size ranged from 8 mm nodules to 70 mm masses, with an average size 20.3 mm. Mean nodule size from diagnostic procedures was 21.5 mm and 16.9 mm from non-diagnostic ones (p = 0.04). Logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of a bronchus sign was associated with a diagnostic procedure (OR 19.4, p = 0.023), while lack of a r-EBUS view predicted a non-diagnostic bronchoscopy (OR 0.02, p = 0.013). 28 diagnostic biopsies (68.3%) yielded NSCLC and of the 25 cases that we followed, 22 samples (88%) were adequate for NGS.

Conclusions

The presence of a bronchus sign on CT and obtaining r-EBUS view during RB were associated with a higher diagnostic yield. RB successfully sampled PPL with adequate tumor cellularity for NGS.
Early intervention in psychosis services: A systematic review and narrative synthesis of barriers and facilitators to seeking access
Authors: Tiller Jacqui , Maguire Tess , Newman-Taylor Katherine
Published: November 2023

Background

The duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) continues to be a global priority. Early intervention services were established to reduce treatment delays but have had limited impact. This systematic review examines barriers and facilitators to seeking access to these services, to identify targets for service level change.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of relevant databases (PsychINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsychARTICLES) using pre-defined search terms for psychosis, early intervention, and barriers and facilitators. Given the majority of qualitative studies, a thematic synthesis rather than meta-analysis was indicated.

Results

The search yielded 10 studies. Mental health stigma and discrimination predict DUP, compounded by structural barriers which limit the impact of early intervention services on timely access to recommended treatments. Synthesis of the qualitative studies generated three themes: knowledge, relationships, and stigma. Lack of knowledge, absence of supportive relationships (social and professional), and self-stigma constitute significant barriers to seeking access to early intervention services.

Conclusions

This is the first review of the barriers and facilitators to seeking access to early intervention services. The findings highlight public health and secondary care service targets to expedite access to recommended treatments and thereby reduce the DUP.
Overall Survival With Circulating Tumor Cell Count–Driven Choice of Therapy in Advanced Breast Cancer: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Bidard François-Clément , Kiavue Nicolas , Jacot William , Bachelot Thomas , Dureau Sylvain , Bourgeois Hugues , Goncalves Anthony , Brain Etienne , Ladoire Sylvain , Dalenc Florence , Gligorov Joseph , Teixeira Luis , Emile George , Ferrero Jean-Marc , Loirat Delphine , Cabel Luc , Kadi Amir , Diéras Véronique , Alix-Panabières Catherine , Pierga Jean-Yves
Published: November 2023

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

In patients with hormone receptor–positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative advanced breast cancer, the STIC CTC trial established that, for choosing between endocrine therapy (ET) or chemotherapy, the use of circulating tumor cell (CTC) count is noninferior to the investigator's choice in terms of progression-free survival. Here, we report overall survival (OS) results, a secondary end point. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to have their first-line treatment (ET or chemotherapy) determined by investigators or CTC count (chemotherapy if ≥ 5 CTCs/7.5 mL; ET if low CTC count; CellSearch). OS was assessed at the discontinuation of follow-up. After a median follow-up of 4.7 years, 382 deaths (50.6%) had occurred among 755 patients. Median OS was 51.3 months (95% CI, 46.8 to 55.1) in the CTC arm and 45.5 months (95% CI, 40.9 to 51.1) in the standard arm (hazard ratio [HR] for death, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.69 to 1.03; P = .11). Among 189 patients (25.0%) with ET recommended by clinicians and high CTC count, chemotherapy was superior to ET (HR for death, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.78; P = .001). In case of a discordant estimate, OS data demonstrate the clinical utility of CTC count.
Fugitive Time
Authors: Omelsky Matthew
Published: November 2023

In Fugitive Time, Matthew Omelsky theorizes the embodied experience of time in twentieth- and twenty-first-century black artforms from across the world. Through the lens of time, he charts the sensations and coursing thoughts that accompany desires for freedom as they appear in the work of artists as varied as Toni Morrison, Yvonne Vera, Aimé Césaire, and Issa Samb. “Fugitive time” names a distinct utopian desire directed at the anticipated moment when the body and mind have been unburdened of the violence that has consumed black life globally for centuries, bringing with it a new form of being. Omelsky shows how fugitive time is not about attaining this transcendent release but is instead about sustaining the idea of it as an ecstatic social gathering. From the desire for ethereal queer worlds in the Black Audio Film Collective’s Twilight City to Sun Ra’s transformation of nineteenth-century scientific racism into an insurgent fugitive aesthetic, Omelsky shows how fugitive time evolves and how it remains a dominant form of imagining freedom in global black cultural expression.
Ophiostomatatoid fungi (Ascomycota) associated with Ips acuminatus (Coleoptera) in eastern Poland
Authors: Jankowiak Robert , Bilański Piotr , Trąbka Oskar , Hulbój Regina , Taerum Stephen Joshua
Published: November 2023

Ips acuminatus (Coleoptera, Scolytinae) is a pine-infesting bark beetle that occurs throughout Europe and Asia. Recently, the insect has killed numerous Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris) in eastern Poland. Several species of ophiostomatoid fungi are associated with I. acuminatus in Europe, but no research has been done on the fungi associated with this bark beetle in Central Europe specifically. The aim of this study was to identify the ophiostomatoid fungal associates of I. acuminatus in eastern Poland, where tree mortality caused by this beetle species has recently increased. Field surveys in Puławy and Mircze Forest Districts yielded a total of 2 269 fungal isolates from 237 beetles and 204 beetle galleries. Isolates were grouped based on morphology and representatives of each group were identified based on DNA sequences of the ITS, LSU, β-tubulin, calmodulin and elongation factor 1-α gene regions. A total of seven previously described species of ophiostomatoid fungi were identified. The dominant species were Graphilbum acuminatum and Sporothrix pseudoabietina. This study revealed that the community of ophiostomatoid fungi associated with I. acuminatus in Poland is different from those reported in other regions of Europe. In addition, molecular data suggest that S. pseudoabietina is a synonym of S. villosa in the Sporothrix gossypina & S. stenoceras species complexes.
An Exploration into the Impact of Flipped Classroom Model on Cadets’ Problem-Solving Skills: A Mix Method Study
Authors: Ivan Muhammad , Ulfah Maria , Awalludin Awalludin , Novarita Novarita , Nilawijaya Rita , Fitriyyah Di’amah
Published: November 2023

Many education and learning experts currently recommend the flipped classroom model as an alternative to learning after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to explore the impact of the flipped classroom model on social skills and problem-solving skills for cadets. This research used a sequential mix method involving 50 maritime students in semester 7 of the Engineering Study Program at the Maritime Sciences Polytechnic Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Researchers used two main instruments, namely problem-solving skill tests and interviews. Furthermore, in the quantitative analysis, the researcher ran paired sample t-tests and one-way Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) using the SPSS 25.00 program. In addition, researchers also analysed qualitative data from interviews using thematic analysis techniques. The results showed that the flipped classroom model proved to have a positive effect on the problem-solving skills of maritime students. Other findings state that the cadets also respond positively to the flipped classroom model. Researchers recommend that teachers use the flipped classroom model, especially in dealing with learning in the post-pandemic era, like today.
The Influence of Teacher Professional Identity on Conformity Behavior: The Mediating Role of Perceived Institutional Norms
Authors: Xu Chuang , Chang Yuan-Cheng
Published: November 2023

Based on institutional theory, this study explores the causal relationship between teacher professional identity, perceived institutional norms, and teachers’ conformity behavior in colleges and universities in Hunan Province. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 500 teachers from two universities in Hunan Province. The reliability and validity test results and structural equation modeling analysis show that the professional identity of college teachers positively affects their conformity behavior, and that perceived institutional norms partially mediate the relationship between teacher professional identity and teacher conformity behavior. The research enriches the application of institutional theory in university organization and provides an empirical basis for universities to improve teachers’ conformity behavior.
Integrated WDM-compatible optical mode division multiplexing neural network accelerator
Authors: Yin Ruoyu , Xiao Huifu , Jiang Yongheng , Han Xu , Zhang Pu , Chen Li , Zhou Xudong , Yuan Mingrui , Ren Guanghui , Mitchell Arnan , Tian Yonghui
Published: November 2023

On-chip photonic neural networks (PNN) are emerging as an attractive solution for artificial neural networks due to their high computing density, low energy consumption, and compact size. Matrix-vector multiplication (MVM) plays a key role in on-chip PNN, and can achieve high-speed multiply-accumulate operation. Most current schemes implement MVM by adopting wavelength division multiplexing technology to accumulate the power of different wavelengths together. This requires multiple laser sources. Additionally, both positive and negative domain MVM are inevitable for realizing precise PNNs, but because of the innate limitations of light, effective solutions to perform negative value computing are still inadequate. Here, we propose and demonstrate a PNN accelerator based on mode division multiplexing technology to reduce the use of multi-wavelength lasers. We show that it can satisfactorily tackle real-number-field computing (including positive and negative domains) based on a novel, to our knowledge, transformation mapping approach. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrate a fabricated accelerator for image convolution and letter pattern detection, achieving a computing density of 1.37TOPS/mm2 under the 22.38 Gbaud modulation rate.
Sculpting optical fields into caustic patterns based on freeform optics
Authors: Wei Shili , Li Yitong , Ma Donglin
Published: November 2023

Manipulating flux transportation of optical fields holds great promise across various kinds of applications, encompassing laser micro-processing, optical trapping, microscopic imaging, and illumination engineering. In recent decades, freeform optics, lauded for its capacity to efficiently control the wavefronts of optical beams with high design freedom, has garnered significant attention as a potent tool for shaping light. Nevertheless, the predominant focus in current research has centered on the development of freeform optical elements (FOEs) tailored to project a designated two-dimensional flux density onto a specific target plane. This limitation confines the potential applications of freeform light shaping optics to a rather restricted domain. Moreover, the constraints imposed by geometric optics pose a further limitation on FOEs, particularly in their ability to sculpt coherent light, such as laser beams, as these are particularly susceptible to diffraction effects. Within the context of this study, we propose a design paradigm that harnesses freeform optics to craft light trajectories in three dimensions. This approach inherently gives rise to caustics, which are singularities within the realm of flux transfer in geometric optics. Crucially, our proposed method yields the capability to generate sharply defined light patterns, empirically giving better results for mitigating diffraction effects in contrast to previous design methodologies, which is observed by experiments. This design philosophy empowers FOEs to undertake new roles and functionalities by shaping caustics. To substantiate the potential of our proposal, we present a diverse array of design examples. These encompass scenarios ranging from the illumination of parallel planes to the sculpting of light propagation into three-dimensional curves, as well as the reshaping of beam intensities with an extended depth of field. We expect that the proposed work can broaden the scope of freeform optics, particularly within non-imaging applications, and propel freeform optical elements into hitherto unexplored territories.
Significance of the Longitudinal Component of Paraxial Light in
Position-dependent Selection Rules for Quadrupole Atomic Transitions
Authors: Alharbi Abdullah , Lyras Andreas , Lembessis Vassilis
Published: November 2023

It is well established that the longitudinal component of paraxial optical vortices has a key role in specific atomic quadrupole transitions near the beam axis when the spin and orbital angular momenta are antiparallel. By deriving analytical expressions for the position-dependent selection rules, this work shows that the significant role of the longitudinal fields is not limited to this case, but rather is a more general feature for any paraxial light including, for example, optical vortices with parallel spin and orbital angular momenta as well as Guassian beams. Numerically, the transition rates induced by the weaker longitudinal component can be twice as high as those by the stronger transverse component. We also show that there are transitions that can be induced exclusively by the longitudinal component for light carrying two quanta of orbital angular momentum. Although these transitions are relatively weak, they are experimentally delectable near the phase singularity even for beams whose polarization is not perfectly pure.
PGP-14 establishes a polar lipid permeability barrier within the C. elegans pharyngeal cuticle
Authors: Kamal Muntasir , Tokmakjian Levon , Knox Jessica , Han Duhyun , Moshiri Houtan , Magomedova Lilia , Nguyen Ken CQ , Zheng Hong , Burns Andrew R. , Cooke Brittany , Lacoste Jessica , Yeo May , Hall David H. , Cummins Carolyn L. , Roy Peter J.
Published: November 2023

The cuticles of ecdysozoan animals are barriers to material loss and xenobiotic insult. Key to this barrier is lipid content, the establishment of which is poorly understood. Here, we show that the p-glycoprotein PGP-14 functions coincidently with the sphingomyelin synthase SMS-5 to establish a polar lipid barrier within the pharyngeal cuticle of the nematode C. elegans. We show that PGP-14 and SMS-5 are coincidentally expressed in the epithelium that surrounds the anterior pharyngeal cuticle where PGP-14 localizes to the apical membrane. pgp-14 and sms-5 also peak in expression at the time of new cuticle synthesis. Loss of PGP-14 and SMS-5 dramatically reduces pharyngeal cuticle staining by Nile Red, a key marker of polar lipids, and coincidently alters the nematode’s response to a wide-range of xenobiotics. We infer that PGP-14 exports polar lipids into the developing pharyngeal cuticle in an SMS-5-dependent manner to safeguard the nematode from environmental insult.
Identifying price bubbles in copper market: Evidence from a GSADF test approach
Authors: Peng Yushan , Ni Menglin , Wang Xiaoying
Published: November 2023

This paper uses the test proposed by Generalized Supremum Augmented Dickey-Fuller to identify whether there are multiple bubbles in copper price. The empirical results show that base on market fundamentals, there are seven bubbles existed from January 1980 to March 2023. Through analyses, the first two bubbles can be explained by the demand from Japan by the industry concentration and persistent supply constraint. The third to sixth bubbles are mainly negatively impacted by the global financial crisis and growing demand of China. The last bubble is caused by the economic recovery from Covid-19. The logit regression has stated that aluminum price, copper production, all metals index and GDP have a positive impact on copper bubbles, while China’s copper imports and precious metals price negatively explains copper bubbles. The main contributions are the investigation of the copper price bubbles, its determinants and the different technique of GSADF to detect copper price bubbles. Furthermore, it provides helpful information for those investors to make reasonable investment decisions and thus, avoid potential price risk.
Higher level domain specific skills in mathematics; The relationship between algebra, geometry, executive function skills and mathematics achievement
Authors: Spiller Jayne , Clayton Sarah , Cragg Lucy , Johnson Samantha , Simms Victoria , Gilmore Camilla
Published: November 2023

Algebra and geometry are important components of mathematics that are often considered gatekeepers for future success. However, most studies that have researched the cognitive skills required for success in mathematics have only considered the domain of arithmetic. We extended models of mathematical skills to consider how executive function skills play both a direct role in secondary-school-level mathematical achievement as well as an indirect role via algebra and geometry, alongside arithmetic. We found that verbal and visuospatial working memory were indirectly associated with mathematical achievement via number fact knowledge, calculation skills, algebra and geometry. Inhibition was also indirectly associated with mathematical achievement via number fact knowledge and calculation skills. These findings highlight that there are multiple mechanisms by which executive function skills may be involved in mathematics outcomes. Therefore, using specific measures of mathematical processes as well as context-rich assessments of mathematical achievement is important to understand these mechanisms.
Balancing equity and policyholder protection: Assessing insurer’s interests in green lending under cap-and-trade regulations
Authors: Chen Shi , Zhao Yonghong , Chiu Shiu-Chieh , Wu Jingfei , Lin Jyh-Horng
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a contingent claim model designed to assess an insurer’s equity within the framework of carbon trading regulations imposed on borrowing firms while also considering the integration of green lending. The development of this model is particularly relevant for regions with established carbon trading markets, with a specific focus on the post-period following the 2015 Paris Agreement concerning climate change. We focus on shareholders and policyholders to optimize equity and ensure maximum protection. Strict caps in cap-and-trade harm interest margins, reducing guaranteed rates for equity maximization and compromising policyholder protection. Government intervention through sustainable production carbon trading hinders win-win outcomes. Green subsidies can improve insurer margins, but achieving win-win solutions remains challenging. A collective approach is needed to share sustainable production and finance benefits among diverse economic sectors.
Impact of dysfunctional parenting, affective temperaments, and stressful life events on the development of melancholic and non-melancholic depression: A path analysis study
Authors: Tamada Yu , Inoue Takeshi , Sekine Atsushi , Toda Hiroyuki , Takeshima Minoru , Sasaki Masaaki , Fujimura Yota , Ohmae Susumu
Published: November 2023

Background

The influence of psychosocial factors on differentiating between melancholic depression (MEL) and non-melancholic depression (NMEL) remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the interrelationship between dysfunctional parenting, personality traits, stressful life events, and the diagnosis of MEL and NMEL among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods

Ninety-eight patients with MDD completed the following self-administered questionnaires: the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) for dysfunctional parenting, the short version of the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego-autoquestionnaire version (TEMPS-A) for affective temperaments, and the Life Experiences Survey (LES) for stressful life events. The data were analyzed using single and multiple regression analyses and path analysis.

Results

Dysfunctional parenting did not have a significant direct effect on MEL. However, paternal care had a significant indirect effect on MEL through depressive temperament. The total indirect effect of paternal care on MEL was significant (indirect path coefficient = 0.161, p <0.05). In other words, low levels of paternal care were associated with the development of NMEL via increased depressive temperament. None of the paths from paternal care to MEL via negative change scores of the LES were significant.

Limitations

This study used cross-sectional data, so the possibility that current depressive status may affect the assessment of LES and TEMPS-A cannot be ruled out.

Conclusions

We found that low levels of paternal care did not directly affect the development of NMEL, but affected the development of NMEL through the mediation of depressive temperament rather than stressful life events.
Qualidade de Vida no Ambiente de Trabalho: Implementação e Desafios
Authors: Oliveira Rodrigues Vinícius , Sales Silva Rogerio
Published: November 2023

A implementação da qualidade de vida, e também de trabalho, se constituiu nesses últimos tempos em meio a globalização, a redução dos afastamentos por conta de presenteísmo e do absenteísmo, bem como de doenças relacionadas ao LER/DORT. Além disso, a implementação de programas de qualidade de vida no ambiente de trabalho (PQVT) tinham também como objetivo o aumento da produtividade, e o equilíbrio entre as demandas da empresa e dos colaboradores. A partir desse contexto, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivo descrever a ergonomia e sua relação com a qualidade de vida no trabalho. Com relação aos resultados, foi observado que a implementação da qualidade de vida depende diretamente da cultura organizacional, do apoio da alta gerência, e de investimentos por parte da empresa na implementação do PQVT.  Concluiu-se que a criação de programas de qualidade de vida no ambiente de trabalho podem trazer uma melhoria da produtividade, diminuindo o absenteísmo laboral, o que por sua vez pode implicar em na melhoria dos resultados organizacionais.