bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Saccharomyces cerevisiae CellWall Remodeling in the Absence of Knr4 and Kre6 Revealed by Nano-FourierTransform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Bakir Gorkem , Dahms Tanya E. S. , Martin-Yken Helene , Bechtel Hans A. , Gough Kathleen M.
Published: February 2024

The cell wall integrity (CWI) signaling pathway regulates yeast cell wall biosynthesis, cell division, and responses to external stress. The cell wall, comprised of a dense network of chitin, β-1,3- and β-1,6- glucans, and mannoproteins, is very thin, <100 nm. Alterations in cell wall composition may activate the CWI pathway. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a model yeast, was used to study the role of individual wall components in altering the structure and biophysical properties of the yeast cell wall. Near-field Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (nano-FT-IR) was used for the first direct, spectrochemical identification of cell wall composition in a background (wild-type) strain and two deletion mutants from the yeast knock-out collection: kre6Δ and knr4Δ. Killer toxin resistant 6 (Kre6) is an integral membrane protein required for biosynthesis of β-1,6-glucan, while Knr4 is a cell signaling protein involved in the control of cell wall biosynthesis, in particular, biosynthesis and deposition of chitin. Complementary spectral data were obtained with far-field (FF)-FT-IR, in transmission, and with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) spectromicroscopy with 3 –10 μm wavelength-dependent spatial resolution. The FF-FT-IR spectra of cells and spectra of isolated cell wall components showed that components of the cell body dominated transmission spectra and were still evident in ATR spectra. In contrast, the nano-FT-IR at ∼25 nm spatial resolution could be used to characterize the yeast wall chemical structure. Our results show that the β-1,6-glucan content is decreased in kre6Δ, while all glucan content is decreased in the knr4Δ cell wall. The latter may be thinner than in wild type, since not only are mannan and chitin detectable by nano-FT-IR, but also lipid membranes and protein, indicative of cell interior.
A Differential Thermal Lens Spectrometry Method for Trace Detection
Authors: Cedeño Enrique , Zuleta Rodrigo , Mejorada Sánchez Jorge L. , Alvarado Salvador , Marín Ernesto
Published: February 2024

Thermal lens spectroscopy (TLS) is a high-sensitivity method to determine the concentration of light-absorbing species in samples. Here, we implemented a transient configuration of the technique, with a focused pump and a collimated probe beam coaxially propagating. A Fabry–Perot optical resonator is incorporated allowing multi-passing of the probe beam through the sample to enhance sensitivity. We show how the low detection limit of the method can be reduced approximately by half by making differential measurements of the signal at a far field in the center point of the probe beam spot and that obtained by spatial filtering of the same beam, the so-called eclipsed signal. Measurements were performed in test samples of Deyman's organic dye, Strawberry 2143 v.7, dissolved in ethanol. The thermal lens signal measured as a function of the dye concentration in water at the center of the beam was compared with the differential signal resulting from this and the eclipsed beam.
Photodegradation resistance and flammability of bio-based wood-nanoclay-polyurethane foam nanocomposites
Authors: Acosta Andrey Pereira , Labidi Jalel , Aramburu Arthur Behenck , Amico Sandro Campos , Gatto Darci Alberto , Delucis Rafael de Avila
Published: February 2024

Rigid polyurethane foams (RPUF) filled with lignocellulosic fillers have gained considerable interest due to their mechanical performance and eco-friendly characteristics. However, their flammability and photodegradation resistance properties still need further improvement, which may be achieved by incorporating various particles. This study investigated the effect of adding 2.5% of wood flour and 5%–15% of an organophilic nanoclay (relative to the wood flour weight) on the RPUF morphology, density, compressive strength, thermal stability, flammability, and photodegradation resistance. The addition of wood flour and nanoclay made the RPUF cells more rounded and disrupted but did not affect density. The compressive properties were adversely impacted. Nevertheless, the nanoclay significantly improved both flammability and photodegradation resistance compared to the neat RPUF.
Prediction of shape distortions in thermosetting composite parts using neural network interfaced visco-elastic constitutive model
Authors: Balaji Aravind , Sbarufatti Claudio , Dumas David , Parmentier Antoine , Pierard Olivier , Cadini Francesco
Published: February 2024

The work aims to enhance the capabilities of a Finite Element tool, specifically related to a rheological thermo-chemo-viscoelastic constitutive model. This enhancement is intended to improve the tool’s ability to predict the distortions in composite parts caused by the polymerization of the thermoset composite matrix. These distortions occur due to internal residual stress generated by the inherent anisotropic properties of the thermoset composite material, including coefficients of thermal expansion and chemical shrinkage. The research work’s improvement is tied to the precise modelling of curing behaviour, which literature acknowledges as having a significant impact on manufacturing defects. In order to accommodate the influence of curing behaviour on various process variables—specifically, different thermal loading rates—a neural network model is implemented as an alternative to a standard diffusion cure-kinetics model. The neural network model is trained using Differential Scanning Calorimetry data and is integrated with the classical visco-elastic constitutive model to more accurately predict the progression of distinct thermoset resin states. This transition between cure states is assessed using two cure state variables: the degree of cure and the glass transition temperature. The enhanced predictions of state transitions lead to accurate assessments of internal residual stresses, especially when dealing with thick components subjected to thermal fluctuations. The anisotropic properties of thermoset composites, crucial for numerical analysis, are captured at various stages of cure. Ultimately, this methodology is employed to compare process-induced defects in the case study of the Z-shaped carbon/epoxy woven part, and the defects closely align with experimental measurements.
A difficult test for hard propaganda: Evidence from a choice experiment in Venezuela
Authors: Lutscher Philipp M , Donnay Karsten
Published: February 2024

Propaganda plays a key role in maintaining power in authoritarian regimes. Previous research finds that overt, crude, and heavy-handed messaging, so-called hard propaganda, can be used to effectively convey government strength and deter citizens from joining anti-regime protests in relatively stable autocratic regimes like China. Yet, it is unclear if this is also true in more contested and unstable autocratic contexts. In these settings, citizens are more likely to question such messaging and prior beliefs of government strength vary more widely. We explore the perception of hard propaganda in one such difficult test case for hard propaganda: the crisis-ridden Maduro regime in Venezuela. We measure perceptions of hard propaganda among the public using an online survey that featured a choice experiment in which respondents chose between and rated different propaganda images against more neutral political communication. Our results show that respondents perceived hard propaganda images as stronger compared to neutral political communication. This holds true – contrary to our pre-registered expectations – regardless of whether respondents overall perceived the government as strong or weak. Moreover, respondents reported a lower willingness to join anti-government protests but, at the same time, had a greater motivation to challenge the regime. These results support and extend prior findings on the effectiveness of hard propaganda in deterring anti-regime activities to the case of contested and unstable autocracies. But they also suggest that this kind of messaging erodes regime legitimacy providing the first evidence outside of the Chinese case of the pathology of hard propaganda.
Structural characteristics properties of sugarcane bagasse and its sound absorption as composites
Authors: Pan Jiaxin , Zhou Xinghai , Gao Yuan , Qian Yongfang , Lyu Lihua
Published: February 2024

Noise pollution is one of the serious environmental pollutions. In recent years, the preparation of sound absorption composites using natural fibers as reinforcement material has attracted much attention. Sugarcane bagasse is a by-product of sugarcane. In order to improve the utilization rate of sugarcane bagasse, enrich and expand the application field of its renewable resources, sugarcane bagasse as a reinforcement material, and polycaprolactone as a matrix material are used to prepare sugarcane bagasse/polycaprolactone sound absorption composites by hot press molding technology to analyze the sound absorption performance. The sound absorption mechanism of the sugarcane bagasse sound absorption composites is revealed. First, the structural characteristics of sugarcane bagasse were characterized, and the relationship between its structure and sound absorption performance was analyzed. Second, the effects of sugarcane bagasse length, mass fraction, hot pressing pressure, hot pressing time, and hot pressing temperature on the sound absorption performance were investigated by one-factor analysis. The results show that when the length of sugarcane bagasse was 1.0 mm, the mass fraction was 35%, the hot pressing pressure was 12 MPa, the hot pressing time was 20 min, and the hot pressing temperature was 130°C, the average sound absorption coefficient was 0.38, the noise reduction coefficient was 0.31, and the maximal sound absorption coefficient was 0.80. This study provides an experimental and theoretical basis for the research and development of sound absorption composites made of sugarcane bagasse, and provides a new solution for the recycling of sugarcane bagasse.
Value Co-Creation and Co-Destruction Through Adult Child–Parent Interactions During Family Vacations: Scale Development and Validation
Authors: Jia Guangmei , Yao Yanbo , Fan Daisy X. F.
Published: February 2024

Although numerous benefits of family vacations have been recognized, the value of family interactions during tourism activities remains under-explored in the literature. Through a series of dual-perspective studies using both qualitative and quantitative approaches, this research developed and validated two multidimensional datasets to measure value co-creation and co-destruction from the perspectives of adult children and their parents on family vacations. The results demonstrate that interactions between adult children and their parents may lead to co-created and co-destructed value, and that children and parents perceive interactive value structures differently. The research also identified two antecedents (family role clarity and prior knowledge) and one consequence (overall experience evaluation) of value co-creation and co-destruction. By developing and validating an effective dual scale for assessing value co-creation and co-destruction through adult child-parent interactions during family vacations, this study advances research on family travel and provides practical evidence that help improve the family travel experience.
An improved sliding mode speed controller for PMSM based on new terminal reaching law with generalized proportional integral observer
Authors: Xu Bo , Sun Hao , Ji Wei , Ding ShiHong , Liu Tong
Published: February 2024

A compound sliding mode controller for permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) based on an adaptive terminal sliding mode reaching law with generalized proportional integral observer is proposed. First, an adaptive terminal reaching law is proposed to solve the defects of large chattering in commonly used sliding mode control, which consists of a piecewise function and a terminal term of state variables. The reaching law could adjust the gain according to the distance between the system state and the equilibrium point. On the premise of reducing chattering, a higher reaching speed is guaranteed. The convergence time has an upper bound and is not concerned with the initial value of the sliding mode variable. Based on the reaching law, an adaptive sliding mode controller is established. Second, to reduce the sliding mode gain and enhance the antidisturbance ability of the PMSM, a generalized proportional integral observer is established to evaluate the perturbations in PMSM and compensate them to the speed controller in real time. Simulations and experiments verify that the new compound control method has a faster-approaching speed, smaller chattering, and stronger antidisturbance ability than other methods.
Establishment and application of temperature–pressure coupling model for opening and closing wells in HTHP gas wells
Authors: Zheng Jie , Li Jiahui , Wang Weixiao , Dou Yihua , Yang Xu , Zhang Yarong
Published: February 2024

Switching wells in high-temperature and high-pressure gas wells will affect parameters such as the temperature and pressure of the fluid in the wellbore. Dynamic monitoring of temperature and pressure is difficult, and wellbore temperature, pressure, and fluid physical parameters are coupled to each other. Obtaining them separately will lead to large calculation errors. In order to improve the prediction accuracy of temperature and pressure in high-temperature and high-pressure gas wells, Based on the temperature–pressure coupling algorithm, this study compares the advantages and disadvantages of nine classic algorithms based on the temperature–pressure coupling algorithm, considers the impact of high temperature and high pressure on the temperature and pressure of the gas wellbore fluid, and establishes an unsteady temperature–pressure coupling model for high-temperature and high-pressure gas wells under on–off well conditions. Comparing with the measured data, it is proved that the prediction accuracy of the unsteady temperature–pressure coupling model of high-temperature and high-pressure gas wells meets the construction requirements of switch wells. The established model is used to simulate the temperature and pressure distribution of two high-temperature and high-pressure gas wells under switching conditions. The analysis shows that the distribution of wellbore temperature and pressure under the switch on and off conditions is affected by the gas–water ratio, heat transfer coefficient, tube size, and gas well production. Among them, the gas–water ratio increased by 1.5 times, the wellhead temperature increased by 25%, and the wellhead pressure decreased is 7.68%; When the heat transfer coefficient is increased by 1.5 times, the wellhead temperature drops to 34.38% and the wellhead pressure drops to 2.29%. When the tube size is increased by 1.125 times, the wellhead temperature is reduced by 44.20% and the pressure is increased by 6.09%. When the production of gas well is doubled, the wellhead temperature increases by 40.79% and the wellhead pressure decreases by 2.29%. The results can be used as a basis for the construction of high-temperature and high-pressure gas wells.
Jostling Discourses of Competition: Women leaders self-positioning
Authors: Mavin Sharon , Yusupova Marina
Published: February 2024

This study addresses the lack of research into social processes of competition in organizations and explores women leaders self-positioning in relation to the discourses of gendered competition and neoliberal competition. The discourses carry contradictory obligations for women. While the gendered competition discourse socially punishes competitive women, the neoliberal competition discourse expects competition. Through a feminist approach and critical discourse analysis of narratives from 52 women leaders we make two central contributions. First, we outline how the two discourses jostle together, fighting for attention and contradicting each other, provoking social ambiguity. We demonstrate how the women leaders adopt paradoxical self-positioning as ‘competitive–not competitive’ using four interconnected strategies of ‘denying’, ‘masking and reframing’, ‘moving on’ from and ‘diverting’ competition. Second, we extend studies of liminality and theorize how the discourses create liminality for women leaders. We elucidate how the women take up and disrupt the discourses by continually oscillating between paradoxical positions of being competitive, perceived as competitive, not competitive, no longer competitive, and competitive for organizations. Competition is identified as a toxic, gendered process, which is both harmful and aspirational, and both a liminal challenge and an opportunity for women leaders. We extend understandings of those who experience liminality in organizations, to women leaders and demonstrate how their paradoxical self-positioning affords them opportunities to discursively present as competitive.
Stalin and the Soviet theory of nationality and nationalism: Intellectual and political roots, implementation, and post-1991 legacies
Authors: Graziosi Andrea
Published: February 2024

In this essay, I assess Stalin’s ideas and concepts about nationalities, their ‘manipulability’ and their legacies. I do this by briefly reconstructing their theoretical and political roots in both Tsarist and socialist traditions. Special attention will be paid to the discovery of a positive correlation between economic development and the growth of nationalism among ‘backward’ peasant peoples, which went against the grain of previous socialist beliefs, and to the appearance of a theory according to which socialism would naturally produce a superior national-popular society. After discussing the evolution of these ideas and concepts, their practical applications, and the reaction they generated up to 1953, I will focus on the Soviet post-Stalinist theories and practices, and their results, also by taking into consideration the development in Soviet times and after 1991, of new, hybrid variants of Russian nationalism, as well as of Eurasian trends.
High-performance e-beam-deposited (Sn2Sb2S5)GO:FTO supercapacitor electrode and photocatalytic thinfilm for contaminants removal
Authors: Gul Mahwash Mahar , Ahmad Khuram Shahzad , Thomas Andrew Guy , AA Ibrahim
Published: February 2024

The present work outlines the synthesis of e-beam deposited (Sn2Sb2S5)GO:FTO thin film. The surface and physicochemical characterization of the thinfilm was done through X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray and UV-visible spectrophotometry. An orthorhombic phased Sn2Sb2S5-GO was confirmed by XRD with crystallite size of 16.9 nm. SEM morphology revealed homogenous distribution of grains and sheet-like structure of graphene oxide (GO) and a direct band gap of 2.9 eV. Moreover, electrical investigation presented (Sn2Sb2S5)GO:FTO as an excellent electrode material with 303 F g−1 specific capacitance. The photocatalytic degradation rates by the thinfilm for methyl red dye, pesticide and phenol were 70%, 94% and 54%. The dynamic properties of the investigated film present it as a propitious material for opto-electrical and remediation devices.
Microgeographies of assetisation: Realising value of households and residents in co-living housing
Authors: Bergan Tegan L , Power Emma R
Published: February 2024

Financialised capitalism’s proclivity for assets helps explain growing investment into new housing asset-classes, including co-living, Build-to-Rent and Purpose-Built Student Housing. To date, research has focused on institutional and financial settings driving the assetisation of property. Less common is research into the microgeographies of assetisation. In this paper, we contribute to research on the microgeographies of assetisation by examining how households and their inhabitants are actively reworked within co-living housing. Our analysis identifies how households are rendered more investable and profitable, demonstrating how assetisation processes can exceed the bounds of real estate property as an arena of value. Assetisation is intimately navigated in microgeographic sites, with implications for residents’ housing security and domestic experiences. Our analysis draws on research conducted between 2016 and 2022 that charted the emergence, maturation and transformation of the co-living sector in New York City, San Francisco and Australia. The paper identifies the three key practices through which co-living providers realise value from households and residents: (1) Running an asset-light business model, allowing profit from property outside the risks of ownership. (2) Rescripting residents as subscribed members rather than legal tenants. (3) Curating household forms, delivering experiences through hospitality-like services and capitalising on the residents as community members to generate maximum profit. This work supports economic and housing geographers to go beyond conceptualisations of financialisation as a ‘monolithic and inevitable process’, shining a light on microgeographic sites, actors and practices holding up wider financial ideologies.
Meeting the Aerobic and Muscle-Strengthening Physical Activity Guidelines Among Older US Adults, National Health Interview Survey 1998–2018
Authors: Hyde Eric T. , Brown David R. , Webber Bryant J. , Piercy Katrina L. , Omura John D. , Rose Ken , Whitfield Geoffrey P.
Published: February 2024

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, second edition, recommends older adults participate in ≥150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity equivalent aerobic activity and ≥2 days per week of muscle-strengthening activity. We estimated prevalence and trends of meeting the guidelines among US adults aged ≥65 years from 1998 to 2018. Using the 1998–2018 National Health Interview Survey, we estimated the prevalence of meeting aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and combined physical activity guidelines stratified by age group, sex, race and ethnicity, and education level. Within age groups, we calculated prevalence differences by sociodemographic categories. Prevalence of meeting each guideline increased for all age groups and most sociodemographic subgroups. The increased magnitude of meeting the combined guideline from 1998–2000 to 2016–2018 differed across levels of educational attainment for most age groups. Despite increasing over time, the prevalence among older adults of meeting physical activity guidelines remains low (range for combined guideline: 7.2%–17.2%).
Factors Associated With Long Survival in Patients With Cancer Admitted to Palliative Care: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Ferraz-Gonçalves José António , Alves Adelaide , Silva Álvaro José , Valente Ana Carmo , Pina Ana , Lima Áurea , Antunes Daniela , Cubal Francisco , Costa Isabel , Rodrigues Jorge , Costa Mariana , Ramos Mariana , Luis Michael , Soares Sofia Garcês , Sousa Sofia , Moreira Teresa Dias , Sá-Araújo Vânia , Bento Maria José
Published: February 2024

Objective: Some patients with cancer admitted to palliative care have relatively long survivals of 1 year or more. The objective of this study was to find out factors associated with prolonged survival. Methods: Retrospective case-control study comparing the available data of patients with cancer who survived more than 1 year after admission in a palliative care service with patients with cancer who survived 6 months or less. The intended proportion was 4 controls for each case. Patients were identified through electronic records from 2012 until 2018. Results: And 1721 patients were identified. Of those patients, 111 (6.4%) survived for at least 1 year, and 363 (21.1%) were included as controls according to the established criteria. The intended proportion could not be reached; the proportion was only 3.3:1. The median survival of cases was 581 days (range: 371-2763), and the median survival of controls was 57 days (range: 1-182). In the multivariable analysis, patients with a hemoglobin ≥ 10.6 g/dL and a creatinine level >95 µmol/L had a higher probability of living more than 1 year. In contrast, patients with abnormal cognition, pain, anorexia, liver metastases, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status >1, and a neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio ≥ 3.43 had a low probability of living more than 1 year. Conclusion: Several factors were statistically associated positively or negatively with prolonged survival. However, the data of this study should be confirmed in other studies.
When rules turn into tools: An activity theory-based perspective on implementation processes and unintended consequences
Authors: Shachak Aviv , Buchanan Francine , Kuziemsky Craig
Published: February 2024

The idea that actions of people, organizations or governments may lead to Unintended Consequences (UICs) is not new. In health, UICs have been reported as a result of various interventions including quality improvement initiatives, health information technology implementation, and knowledge translation, especially those involving translation of broad policies (evidence-based medicine and patient-centred care) or system level improvement into actionable items or tools. While some unintended consequences cannot be anticipated, others may be predictable. In this article, we present a model based on cultural historical activity theory, which may help policy-makers, health leaders, and researchers better anticipate UICs resulting from implementation of new programs or technologies and take action to address them or mitigate their risk of occurrence. We support this model using examples of UICs of implementing family centred care principles, electronic health records, and computerized templates for quality improvement in chronic disease management.
Continuous Versus Intermittent Control Cuff Pressure for Preventing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: An Updated Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wu Yanshuo , Li Yanan , Sun Meirong , Bu Jingjing , Zhao Congcong , Hu Zhenjie , Yin Yanling
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of continuous control cuff pressure (CCCP) versus intermittent control cuff pressure (ICCP) for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in critically ill patients.

Methods

Relevant literature was searched in several databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ProQuest, the Cochrane Library, Wanfang Database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure between inception and September 2022. Randomized controlled trials were considered eligible if they compared CCCP with ICCP for the prevention of VAP in critically ill patients. This meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.3 and Trial Sequential Analysis 0.9 software packages. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework was used to assess the level of evidence.

Results

We identified 14 randomized control trials with a total of 2080 patients. Meta-analysis revealed that CCCP was associated with a significantly lower incidence of VAP compared with ICCP (relative risk [RR] = 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.37-0.74; P < 0.001), although considerable heterogeneity was observed ( I2 = 71%). Conducting trial sequential analysis confirmed the finding, and the GRADE level was moderate. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that CCCP combined with subglottic secretion drainage (SSD) had a more significant effect on reducing VAP (RR = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.29-0.52; P < 0.001). The effect of CCCP on ventilator-associated respiratory infection (VARI) incidence was uncertain (RR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.53-1.24; P = 0.34; I2 = 61%). Additionally, CCCP significantly reduced the duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) (mean difference [MD] = −2.42 days; 95% CI = −4.71-0.12; P = 0.04; I2 = 87%). Descriptive analysis showed that CCCP improved the qualified rate of cuff pressure. However, no significant differences were found in the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (MD = 2.42 days; 95% CI = −1.84-6.68; P = 0.27) and ICU mortality (RR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.74-1.00; P = 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the combination of CCCP and SSD can reduce the incidence of VAP and the duration of MV and maintain the stability of cuff pressure. A combination of CCCP and SSD applications is suggested for preventing VAP.
Effects of Multi-Mechanism Complementary Therapy on Pain and Anxiety During Labor Latency in Primiparous Women
Authors: Hu Qi-tao , Li Ying , Zhu Ying , Wang Jie , Li Qian
Published: February 2024

Objective: Evaluate the efficacy of single and mixed complementary therapies, with different analgesic mechanisms, in relieving pain and anxiety during the late labor period. Design and method: In this study, 145 primiparous women with 2–3 cm dilation of the cervix were randomly assigned to one of five groups: control group (psychological comfort), comprehensive group, aroma group, auricular acupuncture group, and music group. The groups were distributed equally (1:1:1:1 ratio), and pain and anxiety scores were assessed at 30, 60, and 120 minutes post-intervention in each group. Outcomes and measures: Compared to the control group, all intervention groups showed lower pain scores. The comprehensive group had the largest reduction in pain scores at 30, 60, and 120 minutes post-intervention. The auricular point, aroma, and music groups also demonstrated significant reductions in pain scores at different time points. Only the comprehensive group had a statistically significant reduction in anxiety at 30 minutes post-intervention compared to the control group. However, at 60 and 120 minutes post-intervention, all intervention groups showed lower anxiety scores compared to the control group. Conclusion: The optimal effects of each therapy varied in terms of timing and duration. Combination therapy showed a greater effect size than single complementary therapy.
Significantly better precision with new machine learning versus manual image registration software in processing images from single-plane fluoroscopy to determine tibiofemoral kinematics following total knee replacement
Authors: Pourtabib Joseph , Hull Maury L.
Published: February 2024

One common method to determine tibiofemoral kinematics following total knee replacement (TKR) is to capture single-plane fluoroscopic images of a patient activity and determine anterior-posterior (AP) positions of the femoral condyles and internal-external (IE) tibial rotation. Although JointTrack is widely used to analyze such images, precision (i.e. repeatability) in determining AP positions and IE tibial rotations using the two publicly available programs has never been quantified. The objectives were to determine the precision and reproducibility of results using both programs. Fluoroscopic images of 16 patients who performed a weight-bearing deep knee bend following TKR were analyzed. JointTrack Manual (JTM) and JointTrack Machine Learning (JTML) were used to perform 3D model-to-2D image registration after which AP positions of the femoral condyles and IE tibial rotations were determined. Precision in AP positions and IE rotations was quantified. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for both repeatability (i.e. intraobserver) and reproducibility (i.e. interobserver) also were determined. Precision using JTM was worse than JTML for AP positions of the medial and lateral femoral condyles (1.0 mm and 0.9 mm vs 0.3 mm and 0.4 mm, respectively; p < 0.001 for both). For IE tibial rotation, precision also was worse using JTM versus JTML (1.1º vs 0.9°, p = 0.010). ICC values for JTML indicated good to excellent agreement (range: 0.82–0.98) whereas ICC values for JTM indicated only moderate to good agreement (range: 0.58–0.88). JTML has better precision and reproducibility than JTM and also is more efficient to use. Therefore, use of JTML over JTM is strongly recommended.
Assessing Verbal Eyewitness Confidence Statements Using Natural Language Processing
Authors: Greenspan Rachel Leigh , Lyman Alex , Heaton Paul
Published: February 2024

After an eyewitness completes a lineup, officers are advised to ask witnesses how confident they are in their identification. Although researchers in the lab typically study eyewitness confidence numerically, confidence in the field is primarily gathered verbally. In the current study, we used a natural language-processing approach to develop an automated model to classify verbal eyewitness confidence statements. Across a variety of stimulus materials and witnessing conditions, our model correctly classified adult witnesses’ ( N = 4,541) level of confidence (i.e., high, medium, or low) 71% of the time. Confidence-accuracy calibration curves demonstrate that the model’s confidence classification performs similarly in predicting eyewitness accuracy compared to witnesses’ self-reported numeric confidence. Our model also furnishes a new metric, confidence entropy, that measures the vagueness of witnesses’ confidence statements and provides independent information about eyewitness accuracy. These results have implications for how empirical scientists collect confidence data and how police interpret eyewitness confidence statements.
From brown to green: Are emerging countries moving in right direction? Testing the validity of LCC hypothesis
Authors: Feng Zhenzhen , Durani Farah , Anwar Ahsan , Ahmad Paiman , Syed Qasim Raza , Abbas Ali
Published: February 2024

Since the United Nations endorsed the sustainable development goals in 2015, emerging economies have faced several issues in meeting the objectives set by the sustainable development goals. Environmental degradation is one of the main issues faced by emerging countries. To overcome this issue and for attaining sustainable development goals, this study is the earliest attempt to examine the asymmetric influence of economic policy uncertainty, renewable energy consumption, and technological innovations on load capacity factor under the framework of the load capacity curve for E-7 countries during 1996–2019. The preliminary tests confirm the absence of data normality; hence, we use panel quantile regression. The findings of the study reveal the presence of a U-shaped load capacity curve hypothesis in E-7 countries including China, Indonesia, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, India, and Turkey. This finding depicts that at an earlier stage, gross domestic product has an adverse influence on environmental quality but after achieving its threshold level, a further increase in gross domestic product growth becomes helping to boost environmental quality. An increase in economic policy uncertainty leads to a decrease in load capacity factor while renewable energy consumption has a favorable impact on load capacity factor to enhance environmental quality. The negative impact of technological innovation is that prevailing technology patterns are not environmentally supportive. Relying on these empirical outcomes current study recommends significant policy measures to achieve the targets of sustainable development goals including SDG 07, SDG 08, SDG 09, and SDG 13 as renewable energy, economic growth, innovations, and climate action, respectively, in E-7 economies.
The Impact of Shared Instructional Leadership and Social Capital on School Effectiveness
Authors: Akyurek Muhammet Ibrahim , Ozdogru Mehmet , Sarier Yilmaz
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of shared instructional leadership and social capital on school effectiveness according to teacher perceptions. The study was designed in a descriptive relational survey model. The sample of the study consists of 403 teachers working in schools in the Odunpazarı and Tepebaşı districts located in the city center of Eskişehir, Turkey in the 2021-2022 academic year. In the study, “Shared instructional leadership scale,” “Social capital scale” and “School effectiveness scale” were used. In the study, it was found that teachers’ perceptions of shared instructional leadership, social capital, and school effectiveness levels were high. It was determined that shared instructional leadership and social capital variables together had a high and significant relationship with school effectiveness. The relative importance of the predictor variables on school effectiveness are shared instructional leadership and social capital variables, and these variables were found to be significant predictors of school effectiveness. School principals can contribute to the strengthening of social capital and school effectiveness by exhibiting shared instructional leadership behaviors such as focusing on student learning, sharing authority and responsibilities, strong dialogue and cooperation.
Victims of Corruption Suffer Personal and Collective Loss: A Qualitative Study of Public Perceptions
Authors: Zandi Saeid , Esmaeili Masoumeh , Farahbakhsh Kumars
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to identify citizens’ perceptions of the effects of administrative corruption on their lives. Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews with 15 citizens living in Tehran, Iran, recruited through the convenience sampling method. Two main themes emerged from the data: Negative individual consequences (including “negative emotional consequences”, “negative motivational consequences”, “negative moral and behavioural consequences” and “negative economic consequences”) and Negative collective consequences (including “negative consequences related to family formation and stability” and “negative social consequences”). The study reveals that participants have experienced or perceived adverse effects in the personal, family and social spheres as a result of administrative corruption. The impacts of corruption on people's lives can be taken into consideration when explaining the importance and necessity of designing and implementing preventive measures and policies aimed at reducing corrupt behaviours in public agents.
Examining the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) of Turkish Preservice English as a Foreign Language Teachers
Authors: Genç Gülten , Dülger Rabia
Published: February 2024

The current quantitative research uses the survey technique to examine English as a foreign language (EFL) preservice teachers’ technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) proficiency levels. Participants were 129 preservice EFL teachers from a Turkish state university. There is evidence that English Language Teaching student teachers believe they possess technological knowledge most among the other knowledge domains, and third-grade EFL student teachers seem to have a higher level of proficiency in TPACK than fourth graders, and female EFL student teachers appear to be more proficient in TPACK than male student teachers. Some recommendations followed the research findings.
School Choice: Data From Charter Schools of Color in Minnesota
Authors: Farah Abdiqani Y.
Published: February 2024

There are 180 charter schools operating in Minnesota, and 40.5% of these schools enroll more than 63% of students of color. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree to which charter schools serving communities of color in this Midwestern state are committed to providing parents with the necessary academic metrics like graduation rates, test scores, student-teacher ratios, and teacher profiles. Using a systematic review, data were collected on 73 charter schools serving students of color. Very few of these charter schools report graduation rates and student-teacher ratios, while none of them report test scores and teacher profiles on the Minnesota Department of Education's (MDE) webpage, the Data Center. Parents have insufficient information to make rational choices.
Canalicular-Like Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Parotid Gland: A Recently Classified Tumor Highlighting the Use of Frozen Section Analysis and Surrogate IHC for Gene Rearrangement Defined Subtypes
Authors: Brown Adam E. , Eells Annica C. , Hinni Michael L. , Schmitt Alessandra C.
Published: February 2024

Canalicular-like pleomorphic adenomas are a relatively recently described entity, that possess features of both canalicular adenomas and pleomorphic adenomas. The presence of unusual HMGA2-fusion partners (most commonly HMGA2::WIF1 gene fusions) has established canalicular-like pleomorphic adenoma as a distinct entity. The use of intraoperative frozen section analysis and surrogate HMGA2 IHC are 2 tools that can provide the surgical team with valuable insight into intraoperative decision making and final classification of rare tumors of the parotid gland, respectively. We present a case of canalicular-like pleomorphic adenoma and characterize its appearance on frozen section analysis. HMGA2 IHC staining was retroactively performed, assisting in the confirmation of the tumor subtype.
Immature Platelet Fraction and Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Oppenheim Lee , Loutati Ranel , Marmor David , Perel Nimrod , Tabi Meir , Taha Louay , Dvir Danny , Shuvy Mony , Jubeh Rami , Glikson Michael , Asher Elad
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Immature platelets or reticulated platelets are newly released thrombocytes. They can be identified by their large size and high RNA cytoplasm concentration. Immature platelet fraction (IPF) represents the percentage of immature circulative platelets relative to the total number of platelets. The role of IPF in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is unknown. The aim of the current trial was to assess the levels of IPF in patients undergoing TAVI and correlation with clinical outcomes.

Material and Methods

Immature platelet fraction levels were measured 3 times in all patients (preprocedure, 1-2 days post-procedure and 1-month post-procedure). Immature platelet fraction measurement was carried out using an autoanalyzer (Sysmex XE-2100). Patients were followed for 12 months. Primary outcomes were defined as complications during hospitalizations, rehospitalization, and mortality.

Results

Fifty-one patients were included in the study. Mean age was 79.8 (±9.6), and 28 (55%) were women. Twenty-one patients (41%) had complications: Of them, 6 of 21 (29%) occurred during hospitalizations (2—vascular complications; 2—sepsis, 2—implantation of a pacemaker), 9 of 21 (43%) patients were rehospitalized after the index admission, and 6 patients died during the follow-up period. Multivariate Cox regression analysis found that IPF < 7% in at least one of the 3 tests was associated with worse outcomes (hazard ratio 3.42; 95% CI 1.11-10.5, P = .032).

Conclusion

Immature platelet fraction >7% in patients undergoing TAVI is associated with worse outcomes. Further studies are needed to better understand this phenomenon.
Breast Cancer in Young Women: Is It Different? A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Abulkhair Omalkhair , Omair Ahmad , Makanjuola Dorothy , Al Zaid Manal , Al Riyees Lolwah , Abdelhafiez Nafisa , Masuadi Emad , Alamri Ghaida , Althan Fatinah , Alkushi Abdulmohsen , Partridge Ann
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the commonest cancers among women worldwide. Differences regarding tumor biology, presentation, genetics, and molecular subtypes may contribute to the relatively poorer prognosis among younger women. Limited information exists regarding pathologic characteristics and long-term outcomes among this group.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included 695 BC patients diagnosed over a 10-year period and investigated the clinicopathological characteristics and long-term disease outcomes among patients diagnosed at age less than or equal to 40 years compared with older ones. Cox regression analysis was performed, and Kaplan-Meier curves were generated to assess overall survival (OS).

Results:

Compared with the younger patients (⩽40 years) estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression was mainly positive in older patients (>40 years) (76.2% vs 61.3% and 64.2% vs 49.6%, respectively). The most common molecular subtype in both age groups was luminal B (44.1% in older and 40.3% in younger). A clinical complete remission after neoadjuvant therapy was observed more frequently in older patients (76.7%; N = 442) in comparison with the younger patients (66.4%; N = 79) ( P = .018). Recurrence and disease progression were significantly more likely to occur among younger patients accounting for 12.6% and 29.4% of the cases, compared with 6.3% and 18.2% in older patients ( P = .016 and P = .006, respectively). The overall mortality was 132 (19%) of 695, with 88% cancer-related deaths. Estrogen receptor and PR expression ( P ⩽ .001 and P = .003, respectively), molecular subtype ( P = .002), tumor grade ( P = .002), and N stage ( P = .038) were the variables that were found to be significantly influenced by age. The OS was not statistically different among 2 age groups, but younger patients with luminal A molecular subtype showed significantly poor outcome ( P = .019).

Conclusion:

Overall survival in women diagnosed with BC at age less than or equal to 40 years is not significantly worse than older patients. However, among patients with luminal A subtype, younger women had relatively poor survival. Further research is needed to understand this age-based disparity in outcomes.
Incidence of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers in Alberta, Canada, From 2007 to 2018
Authors: Chambers Daniel B. , Ghosh Sunita , Taher Muba S. , Salopek Thomas G.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common malignancy affecting Caucasian populations and has been seeing steady increases in incidence globally for decades. Our previous study (from Alberta, Canada) had shown a plateau in the incidence rates for NMSC. This contrasts with data from other regions within Canada and throughout the world that indicated a continued increase in incidence rates of NMSCs.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to provide an update on the trends in incidence of NMSC in Alberta, Canada, from 2007 to 2018.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of patients from Alberta diagnosed with NMSC from 2007 to 2018 inclusive was conducted with data retrieved from Alberta Cancer Registry. Sex-, age-, anatomical location-, NMSC subtype-, stage-specific incidence rates and trends were examined.

Results:

From 2007 to 2018, overall incidence rates of NMSC increased by 36%. Invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and in situ SCC demonstrated the most significant increase, invasive SCC [annual percentage change (APC) 3.48, P = .014] and in situ SCC (APC 5.61, P = .0001). In addition, we were able to determine that females had the most significant increases in NMSC incidence rates from 2007 to 2018 particularly invasive SCC (APC 3.03, P = <.0001) and in situ SCC (APC 5.08, P = <.0001).

Conclusions:

After initial levelling of NMSC incidence in Alberta in the early part of 21st century, the incidence of NMSC continues to increase over the past decade. The reasons for this change are not clear and likely multifactorial.