bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumour cells can escape antiproliferative pressure by interferon-β through immunoediting of interferon receptor expression
Authors: Hiebinger Felix , Kudulyte Aiste , Chi Huanting , de Lara Sebastian Burbano , Helm Barbara , Welsch Hendrik , Thi Viet Loan Dao , Klingmüller Ursula , Binder Marco
Published: August 2023

Type I interferons (IFNs) play a central role not only in innate immunity against viral infection, but also in the antitumour response. Apart from indirect immune-modulatory and anti-angiogenic effects, they have direct impact on cell proliferation. Particularly for cancer arising in the context of chronic inflammation, constant exposure to IFNs may constitute a strong selective pressure during tumour evolution. Expansion of neoplastic subclones or -populations that developed resistance to the antiproliferative effects of IFNs might constitute an important contribution to immunoediting of the cancer cells leading to more aggressive and metastasising disease. Experimental evidence for this development of IFN-insensitivity has been scarce and its molecular mechanism is unclear. In this study we demonstrate that prolonged (six weeks) exposure of cells to IFN-β in vitro reduces their sensitivity to its antiproliferative effects, and that this phenotype was stable for up to four weeks. Furthermore, we observed substantial differences in cellular sensitivity to growth inhibition by IFN-β in a panel of ten different liver cancer cell lines of varying malignity. IFN-resistance was most prominent in a pair of highly dedifferentiated cell lines, and least in cells from well-differentiated tumours, fostering the hypothesis of IFN-driven immunoediting in advanced cancers. In both settings, long-term IFN selection in vitro as well as in dedifferentiated tumour cell lines, we found IFNAR expression to be substantially reduced, suggesting the receptor complex, in particular IFNAR2, to be a sensitive target amenable to immunoediting. Beyond new insights into possible molecular processes in tumour evolution, these findings might prove valuable for the development of biomarkers allowing to stratify tumours for their sensitivity to IFN treatment in the context of patient tailored therapies.
Managing Risks and Crises in the Logistics Sector: A Comprehensive Analysis of Strategies and Prioritization Using AHP Method
Authors: Mızrak Filiz
Published: August 2023

In the fast-paced and intricate landscape of the logistics sector, the emergence of risks and crises presents a critical need for effective management strategies. This research undertakes an analysis of risk and crisis management practices within the logistics industry filling the gap in the literature and aims to identify viable strategies and prioritize them using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Through literature review and insights gathered from interviews with five industry experts, this study unveils the challenges faced by logistics companies and unveils existing risk and crisis management approaches. Employing the AHP method, the research provides a systematic framework for prioritizing these strategies based on their significance and potential impact. The findings contribute to the development of a strategic risk and crisis management toolkit, empowering logistics firms to proactively address challenges, ensure adaptability, and bolster resilience amidst a dynamic business environment. The insights provided by this study will prove invaluable to logistics professionals, scholars, and policymakers, enabling them to take actionable measures that enhance operational efficiency and ensure long-term sustainability within the logistics sector.
EFR-IC: Ensemble Fuzzy association Rule-based classifier for Imbalanced data streams with Concept drift
Authors: Roshanfekr Saeideh , Razzazi Mohammad Reza
Published: August 2023

One of the most contestable problems in online learning is concept drift. In addition, if the data stream has imbalanced data, the detection of concept drift is more difficult, especially, when drift is in minority samples. Ensemble classifiers are also effective for the data stream classification with concept drift. By adjusting the weight to every individual classifier, we can manage the concept drift and misclassification problems. Using association rule mining techniques can help in balancing datasets and detecting concept drift in the early levels. In this article, we propose an Ensemble Fuzzy association Rule-based Classifier for Imbalanced data with Concept drift (EFR-IC) to deal with imbalanced streaming data containing concept drift. EFR-IC has five advantages compared with the existing methods as follows: 1) it does not need the data from previous chunks so in terms of storage space is more economical than similar methods; 2) it is stable in stationary and nonstationary environments; 3) due to the synchronization of all steps of algorithm execution -handling imbalanced data, concept drift detection, classification- execution speed is much better than similar methods; 4) it can be adapted to the new condition when swapping majority class to minority class; 5) it can timely react to multiple kinds of concept drifts. Experiments on both real and synthetic datasets containing concept drift show the effectiveness of EFR-IC in learning nonstationary imbalanced data sets.
Comparison of endoscopic versus CT assessment of stone-free status after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
Authors: Hartung Friedrich Otto , Müller Kim Julia , Herrmann Jonas , Gruene Britta , Michel Maurice Stephan , Rassweiler-Seyfried Marie-Claire
Published: August 2023

Purpose
This study is aimed to determine whether postoperative low dose computed tomography (LDCT) imaging is necessary after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), or the surgeon's intraoperative assessment of residual fragments (RF) is sufficient and avoidance of postoperative imaging with reduction of radiation exposure can be achieved.
Methods
Data of all 610 patients who underwent PCNL in prone position in our institution from February 2009 to September 2020 was collected. Parameters such as age, gender, BMI, ASA-Classification, stone related parameters and the surgeon’s assessment of stone-free status were analyzed. The LDCT performed postoperatively was compared to the intraoperative assessment of the surgeon regarding RF.
Results
The mean age of patients was 52.82 years; the mean BMI was 28.18 kg/m2. In 418 cases, the surgeon made a clear statement about the presence of RF and postoperative LDCT was carried out. The discrepancy between the two methods (surgeon´s assessment vs. LDCT) was significant at p < 0.0001. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of the surgeon when assessing RF were 24.05%, 99.45%, 98.28% and 50%. Stone free rate (SFR) after primary PCNL was 45.57%. The overall SFR at discharge was 96.23%.
Conclusion
Although the surgeon´s assessment of RF was reliable, postoperative LDCT imaging should still be performed if endoscopic stone clearance is suspected due to the high false negative rate and the low negative predictive value. The optimal timing of postoperative imaging following PCNL remains unclear.
Residents Underestimate Their Robotic Performance: Evaluating Resident Robotic Console Participation Time
Authors: Yoder Lauren , Elson Nora , Meister Katherine , Guend Hamza
Published: August 2023

Objective
Lack of formal national robotic curriculum results in a void of knowledge regarding appropriate progression of autonomy in robotic general surgery training. One midwestern academic surgical training program has demonstrated that residents expect to independently operate more on the robotic console than they perceive themselves to do. As such, our study sought to evaluate expectations of residents and faculty regarding resident participation versus actual console participation time (CPT) at a community general surgery training program.
Design
We surveyed residents and faculty in two phases. Initially, participants were asked to reflect on their perceptions and expectations from the previous six months. The second phase included surveys (collected over six months) after individual cases with subjective estimation of participation versus CPT calculated by the Intuitive Surgical, Inc. MyIntuitive application. Using Mann-Whitney U-Test, we compared resident perceptions of CPT to actual CPT by case complexity and post-graduate year (PGY).
Results
Faculty (n = 7) estimated they allowed residents to complete a median of 26–50% of simple and 0–25% of complex cases in the six months prior to the study. They expected senior residents (PGY-4 and PGY-5) to complete more: 51–75% of simple and 26–50% of complex cases. Residents (n = 13), PGY-2 through PGY-5, estimated they completed less than faculty perceived (0–25% of simple and 0–25% of complex cases). Sixty-six post-case (after partial colectomy, abdominoperoneal resection, low anterior resection, cholecystectomy, inguinal/ventral hernia repair, and others) surveys were completed. Residents estimated after any case that they had completed 26–50% of the case. However, once examining their MyIntuitive report, they actually completed 51–75% of the case (median).
Conclusions
Residents, especially PGY-4 and 5, completed a higher percentage than estimated of robotic cases. Our study confirms that residents can and should complete more of (and increasingly complex) robotic cases throughout training, like the transition of autonomy in open and laparoscopic surgery.
Comparison of temperature and renal tissue thermal damage by Holmium laser with different energy parameters during lithotripsy: in vitro porcine kidney model
Authors: Wei Wei , Chen Ming , Xie Le , Mai Yuan , Zhu Huacai , Xu Zhanping
Published: August 2023

OBJECTIVE
The holmium laser percutaneous nephrolithotripsy was simulated by porcine kidney calculus model in vitro to investigate the thermal damage of renal tissue by holmium laser with different energy parameters.
METHODS
We placed human kidney calculus specimen in a fresh vitro porcine kidney, then insert thermocouple temperature probes into the submucosa of the renal pelvis and rewarmed in a 37°C water bath. The renal parenchyma was penetrated with a percutaneous nephrological sheath through moderate irrigation rate of 30 ml/s in 18℃, and the Holmium laser was used to fragment the stone under the nephroscope and record the temperature.
RESULTS
The four independent models were lithotripsy with 30W and 60W laser for 5 and 10 minutes, respectively; the mean temperature of 30W vs. 60W within 5 minutes was 36.06°C vs. 39.21°C (t = 5.36, P = 0.00) and the highest temperature was 43.60°C vs. 46.60°C; the mean temperature of 30W vs. 60W within 10 minutes was 37.91°C vs. 40.13 ℃ (t = 5.28, P = 0.00), maximum temperature 46.80℃ vs. 49.20℃. Pathologically, each kidney was observed to have different degrees of thermal injury lesions, and the higher the power and longer the time the more severe the injury, but the injury was mainly limited to the uroepithelial and subepithelial tissues, with rare damage to the renal tubules, etc.
Conclusion
The higher power and longer time of holmium laser excitation will raise the intrarenal temperature significantly and cause a certain degree of thermal damage to the kidney tissue, but overall it is safe and reliable, and urologists can avoid more side damage through surgical experience skills.
Robotic pyeloplasty learning curve for a pediatric surgeon without previous laparoscopic pyeloplasty experience
Authors: Planchamp Thibault , Bento Lucas , Mouttalib Sofia , Belbahri Ichrak , Coustets Bernard , Aissa Dalinda Ait , Abbo Olivier
Published: August 2023

INTRODUCTION: Robotic pyeloplasty has become a technique of choice for pyelo-ureteral junction syndrome treatment in children. Less invasive than open surgery, robotic pyeloplasty also has a lower learning curve than laparoscopic pyeloplasty. This is how a new generation of surgeons without previous laparoscopic pyeloplasty experience has begun training in robotics.
PURPOSE: To assess the robotic-assisted pyeloplasty learning curve for a pediatric surgeon only trained in open pyeloplasty, and to investigate if that mode of practice is safe and effective.
METHODS: Data was collected from all children operated on for pyelo-ureteral junction syndrome by the same surgeon in our center between 2015 and 2021. Cases were divided into 4 groups of 14 consecutive procedures to analyze the learning curve.
RESULTS: 56 patients were operated on, with a median (IQR) age, weight and hospital stay of 9 years and 1 month old (3.5), 29 kg (17.3), and 3 days (2) respectively. The mean ± SD operative times were 146.5 ± 39.3, 123.2 ± 48.1, 103.1 ± 29.5, and 141.7 ± 25.0 minutes, with a unique significant difference between groups 1 and 3 (p=0.007**). Only two intraoperative and nine postoperative complications were observed. The surgery was successful in 98% cases.
CONCLUSION: Our study shows that a significant improvement in surgical time could be achieved in the first 30 cases, safely and efficiently even without previous laparoscopic pyeloplasty experience.
Modelling & Analysis of Interfacial Crack of Bimaterial Plate by NURBS Aided Extended Finite Element Method
Authors: Sinha Gourav Prasad , Kumar Bipin
Published: August 2023

The stress intensity factor (SIF) of bimaterial is computed by implying XIGA (Extended IsoGeometric Approach) is discussed in research work. The cracks in the plates are varied in their angular orientation to recognize the influence of variation on the slope of cracks. The NURBS-based isogeometric approach simulates the problem of crack & interface under the partition of unity method. The jump at the interface between two materials is represented by the level set function whereas the strong interval at a fracture i.e. crack is represented by asymptotic enrichment & Heaviside function. The method of interaction integral is applied to evaluate the SIF which is validated by results obtained by Pathak [60].
The investigation on properties of Ti- 5Si and Ti- 5Nb implant alloys coated by bioactive based composite coating
Authors: Jabbar Shahad Abduladheem , Abdulkader Niveen Jamal , Ahmed Payman Sahbah
Published: August 2023

Ti alloys are extensively used in orthopaedic applications due to their good mechanical and biocompatibility properties. It is required to improve their overall properties, corrosion resistance, and ion release. To mix Si and Nb alloying components with CP-Ti, powder metallurgy was used. Multiple torch fires were used to coat Ti- 5Nb and Ti- 5Si alloys with two distinct types of Nanocoatings HAP+25%SiC (type-A), and Zeolite+25%ZrO2 (type-B). The Nb and Si were introduced as alloying elements of 5%Wt. in two samples. Different characterisation techniques, including (FESEM) and (EDS), XRD, AFM, Hardness, Ultimate tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and AAS, are used. Coatings (types A and B) improved the hardness and ultimate strength of Ti alloys, particularly Ti- 5Si coated by HAP+25%SiC, according to the findings. Because a permanent oxide layer (TiO2 and SiO2) is generated when Ti alloys, particularly Ti- 5Si, are coated with Zeolite ZSM5+25%ZrO2, they corrode at a lesser rate than other samples. Ti- 5Nb has a significant ion release, whereas Ti-5Si coated zeolite+25%ZrO2 has a comparatively modest Ti ion release.
Unpacking Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation using simulations and relating current flow to reported motions: Comparison across common and specialized electrode placements
Authors: Truong Dennis Q. , Thomas Chris , Ira Sanjidah , Valter Yishai , Clark Torin , Datta Abhishek
Published: August 2023

Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation is a non-invasive electrical stimulation technique that is typically used to probe the vestibular system. While commonly delivered using two electrodes, additional electrode placements have been employed. Our objective was to systematically evaluate all known placements, compare induced current flow, and how it relates to the archetypal virtual and sway motions. The ultimate goal is to help users in having a better understanding of the effects of different configurations. We simulated seven placements using an ultra-high-resolution model. Induced electric field (EF) patterns at the cortical and the location of vestibular organs were determined. As expected, current flow patterns are electrode placement specific. Placements with two electrodes generally result in higher EF magnitude. Placements with four electrodes result in lower percentage of current entering the cranial cavity. Symmetric placements do not result in similar EF values in the left and the right organs highlighting inherent anatomical asymmetry. Asymmetric placements may result in as much as ~ 3-fold higher EF in one organ over the other. The percentage of current entering the cranial cavity varies between ~ 15–40% depending on the placement. Detailed analysis such as this may be used to help understand mechanism of action, guide stimulation strategy, ultimately resulting in quantitatively informed rational / optimal choices.
On the quantum simulation of complex networks
Authors: Magano Duarte , Moutinho João , Coutinho Bruno
Published: August 2023

Quantum walks provide a natural framework to approach graph problems with quantum computers, exhibiting speedups over their classical counterparts for tasks such as the search for marked nodes or the prediction of missing links. Continuous-time quantum walk algorithms assume that we can simulate the dynamics of quantum systems where the Hamiltonian is given by the adjacency matrix of the graph. It is known that such can be simulated efficiently if the underlying graph is row-sparse and efficiently row-computable. While this is sufficient for many applications, it limits the applicability for this class of algorithms to study real world complex networks, which, among other properties, are characterized by the existence of a few densely connected nodes, called hubs. In other words, complex networks are typically not row-sparse, even though the average connectivity over all nodes can be very small. In this work, we extend the state-of-the-art results on quantum simulation to graphs that contain a small number of hubs, but that are otherwise sparse. Hopefully, our results may lead to new applications of quantum computing to network science.
Effect of Subtitles on Gaze Behavior during Shot Changes: An Eye-tracking Study
Authors: Padakannaya Prakash , Joy Jeril
Published: August 2023

The study provides a comprehensive picture of the effect of subtitles on the gaze behavior of the participants while watching continuity editing and discontinuity editing style cinema. Three video clips (with English subtitles and without subtitles) of continuity editing and discontinuity editing styles were presented to participants. The video clips came from English movies and the participants were not native English speakers. Entry time, dwell time, first fixation time, scan path, and average fixation duration were taken as dependent variables in this within-group study. The eye-tracking data gathered were subjected to repeated measures of two-way ANOVA and paired t-test. Results revealed that the appearance of subtitles at the bottom of the screen changed the eye movement pattern of the participants during the shot changes. Timing of the subtitle starting point (before the cut or after the cut) also affected the gaze behavior. The editing style, however, did not make any difference in the gaze behavior of participants while watching subtitled video clips. Further, participants preferred reading subtitles to seeing visual images even if the subtitles were presented during the shot changes.
A Bioecological Approach to the Life of a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: AYDİLEK ÇİFTÇİ Münire , HASSAMANCIOĞLU Uğur , VADİ Demet , UZUN İsmail Berat
Published: August 2023

Introduction: The aim of this study was to examine the lives of children with autism spectrum disorder from the perspective of the bioecological theory.
Method: The research was designed as a descriptive phenomenological study focusing on the participants' descriptions and experiences of living with autism spectrum disorder. The starting point of descriptive phenomenology involves concrete descriptions of the events experienced by the participants from the perspective of their everyday life. Seventeen caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder participated in the study. Semi-structured interview technique was used to collect the data.
Findings: As a result of data analysis, the following sub-themes emerged: caregiver and child, other family members and child, immediate environment and child, teacher and child, the school in the microsystem; social field ties in the mesosystem; parent and teacher in the exosystem; the education system, support, community, laws, and communication tools in the macrosystem; and time and participation in the chronosystem.
Discussion: When a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, the interactions of family members within themselves and with other people in society differ. Many factors such as the level of acceptance of the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder by other individuals including parents and siblings, personality traits, and their opinions about autism spectrum disorder may have been determinant in interpersonal communication. The views on the teachers' approach can be explained by the education and personality traits of the teachers. In addition, variables such as the resources of the school or the level of acceptance of disability by the school staff may also have been effective in the results.
Conclusion and Recommendations: Mothers were the primary caregivers of children, that the socioeconomic characteristics of parents and the personality traits of teachers affected children's development and education, and that the society was prejudiced and distant towards children due to lack of knowledge about children and the subject. It was expected that the quality and quantity of social awareness-raising activities would be improved. Parents who did not have sufficient financial income stated that they could not provide their children with the care and education they needed. It is believed that non-governmental organizations can help children with autism spectrum disorder access training and support in different disciplines such as sensory integration, sports activities, psychology, and nutrition.
The resilience of Islamic banking efficiency in the face of the Covid-19 epidemic
Authors: Mubarok Faizul , Nugraha Deni Pandu , Al Arif Muhammad Nur Rianto
Published: August 2023

Purpose - Since 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has harmed the Efficiency Islamic banking industry. This study examines the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on 33 Islamic stock-traded banks in Asia.Method - This study includes public financial statements and stock prices of Islamic banks in Asia. This study compares peer-to-peer of how the Covid-19 pandemic affect 33 Islamic financial institutions in 2019 and 2020. A dummy-covid separated pre-pandemic and post-pandemic periods and bank efficiency was a dependent variable. Least-squares panel data regression, fixed-effects, and random-effects models determine model parameters.Result - This panel regression analysis shows that Islamic banking's usefulness changed after the Covid-19 pandemic. Islamic financial institutions performed better than usual during the pandemic. The analysis results show this clearly.Implication - Islamic banking appears relatively unaffected by the current economic downturn. The Islamic banking sector, which differs from its conventional counterpart in that it is based on the principle of profit sharing, will fare better during economic contractions, according to these findings.Originality - This is the first study to use a cross-country sample of Islamic banks in Asia to analyze the efficiency of Islamic banking during COVID-19.
Experimental study on the hydraulic performance of the horizontal main drain of building drainage systems with solid waste
Authors: Xu Ping , Fu Bin , Song Yilin
Published: August 2023

Water–air two-phase flow has been the theoretical basis of traditional building drainage systems. However, with the popularization of water saving devices, more research investigations need to be performed on the impact of solid waste on drainage systems. Through experiments under the solid waste scenario, the effects of drainage volume, diameter, and slope of the pipeline on the hydraulic performances of the horizontal main drain were investigated. The results showed that the drainage volume, diameter, and slope of the pipeline did not affect the location of the hydraulic jump on the horizontal main drain. The heights of the hydraulic jump were proportional to the discharge volumes and diameters of the pipeline, but inversely proportional to the slopes of the pipeline. The depth ratio was mainly responsible for the change of positive pressure value in the horizontal main drain. The depth ratios were proportional to the drainage volumes and inversely proportional to the diameters and slopes of the pipeline. The final deposition distances of solid wastes in the horizontal main drain were proportional to the discharge volumes and the pipeline slopes. The self-cleaning lengths of the clear water were 1.2∼1.6 times of the real final deposition distances of solid wastes.
Effect of Kangen and reverse osmosis water on dental plaque, salivary pH and salivary Streptococcus mutans counts: a randomized-controlled trial (A preliminary study)
Authors: Kusumakar Ananta , Akram Zainab , Khairnar Mahesh Ravindra , Jadhav Sachin Kumar , Sabharwal Harloveen , Priyadarsini S Savitha , PG Naveen Kumar
Published: August 2023

Purpose: The present randomized-controlled trial was conducted to assess the effect of Kangen water and reverse osmosis (RO) water on dental plaque, salivary pH and salivary Streptococcus mutans count. Materials and methods: This randomized control trial was conducted for 14 days on 24 randomly selected participants from the pool of undergraduate dental students. Participants were randomly divided into two groups of 12 each: the Kangen water (pH 9) group and the RO water group. Participants in each group were asked to drink allocated water for 7 days. Dental plaque, salivary pH and microbial colony-forming units (CFUs) were assessed after 7 and 14 days. Results: Intragroup comparison showed that all three outcomes showed a significant improvement in the Kangen water group after 14 days, whereas no difference was seen in the RO water group. Intergroup comparison showed a significant difference in plaque score and CFU among the two groups after 7 and 14 days, whereas pH between the two groups did not show a significant difference. Conclusions: Regular drinking of alkaline Kangen water with pH 9 was found to be effective in reducing plaque and salivary Streptococcus mutans count when compared to RO water.
Pertinencia cultural del currículo en escuelas de la trifrontera norte de Chile: dilemas y desafíos
Authors: Zapata-Sepúlveda Pamela , Mora-Olate María Loreto , Valle-Kendall Rodolfo Bastián , Valle-Barrera Andrés
Published: August 2023

Se analizan contenidos alusivos a migración, respeto hacia la diversidad cultural, nacionalismo y chilenidad en currículos de las asignaturas historia, geografía y ciencias sociales y lenguaje y comunicación/lengua y literatura, implementados en escuelas urbanas y rurales de la región trifronteriza de Arica y Parinacota (norte de Chile) con mayor concentración de estudiantes de origen andino o afro e hijos nacidos en Chile de padres inmigrantes. A través del análisis de contenido temático, con el programa QSR-Nvivo 12, se examina el corpus de programas de estudio y textos escolares utilizados en siete niveles educativos, desde sexto año de enseñanza básica hasta cuarto año de enseñanza media, entre 2018 y 2020. Los resultados revelan la escasez de contenidos sobre migración y diversidad cultural; los contenidos sobre chilenidad y nacionalismo remiten a tensiones y disputas políticas ─presentes y pasadas─ entre Chile y los países vecinos, donde predomina una posición nacionalista de soberanía. Se concluye que los currículos no presentan pertinencia cultural para la región trifronteriza.
Effect of Welding Methods on Mechanical Properties of Domex 700MC Steel
Authors: NOVÝ F.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. Recent years have seen a lot of research on modern steels with higher yield strengths. The study investigates the microstructure and mechanical properties of two different welding techniques - gas metal arc (GMA) and laser beam (LB). The result of this study showed a significant softening effect in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) for both welding techniques, the GMA and LB, resulting from formation of a coarse-grained microstructure during welding. The findings of this study increased understanding and added to the body of knowledge in the rapidly growing field of GMA and LB welding processes of HSLA steels.
Use of Selected Tools of Quality Improvement in a Company Producing Parts for the Automotive Industry – Case Study
Authors: KNOP K.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. The article is a case study on the use of selected quality management tools in a company from the automotive industry for the purpose of improving the basic production process carried - the assembly process. Quality tools such as Pareto-Lorenz diagram, Ishikawa diagram, and 5WHY method were used. The analyses carried out with the use of quality tools made it possible to identify non-conformities that most often occurred during the assembly process of the tested products, indicate the causes of these non-conformities, and develop suggestions for improvement. The most frequently found non-compliance of products was the disconnection of an element during assembly, due to damage to materials in the warehouse. The root cause turned out to be the lack of control of the state of materials available in the warehouse according to the control plans in force at the plant. The need to introduce changes in the organization of warehouse work, in particular, to increase supervision over the control of the condition of materials and to introduce 100% control of products manufactured in the plant, was indicated as improvement measures.
Ergonomics of Organizational and Technical Space in the Educational Process of Children in Kindergarten
Authors: NICIEJEWSKA M.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. Ergonomics is an interdisciplinary science that applies to various aspects of our lives, extending beyond the workplace. Ergonomics enhances work, education, and leisure activities for lifelong well-being. This article presents the ergonomic principles of the preschool child's world that influence the correct psychophysical development of the child. A quantitative study was conducted in seven non-public kindergartens in the Silesian voivodeship, using direct interviews and elements of overt observation. The study aimed to identify strengths and weaknesses in the ergonomics of kindergartens' organizational and technical spaces, specifically focusing on legal requirements for safe and ergonomic working conditions for children up to the age of 6. The results highlight the challenges faced by designers and kindergarten directors in creating an ergonomic environment for children, revealing numerous difficulties in this area. There is increasing recognition of the importance of ergonomic and safe organizational and technical conditions in early childhood education. The obtained research results are a valuable contribution to a larger study on ergonomics and safety in Polish pre-schools, scheduled for the coming years.
Saliency-Enhanced Content-Based Image Retrieval for Diagnosis Support in Dermatology Consultation: Reader Study
Authors: Gassner Mathias , Barranco Garcia Javier , Tanadini-Lang Stephanie , Bertoldo Fabio , Fröhlich Fabienne , Guckenberger Matthias , Haueis Silvia , Pelzer Christin , Reyes Mauricio , Schmithausen Patrick , Simic Dario , Staeger Ramon , Verardi Fabio , Andratschke Nicolaus , Adelmann Andreas , Braun Ralph P
Published: August 2023

Background

Previous research studies have demonstrated that medical content image retrieval can play an important role by assisting dermatologists in skin lesion diagnosis. However, current state-of-the-art approaches have not been adopted in routine consultation, partly due to the lack of interpretability limiting trust by clinical users.

Objective

This study developed a new image retrieval architecture for polarized or dermoscopic imaging guided by interpretable saliency maps. This approach provides better feature extraction, leading to better quantitative retrieval performance as well as providing interpretability for an eventual real-world implementation.

Methods

Content-based image retrieval (CBIR) algorithms rely on the comparison of image features embedded by convolutional neural network (CNN) against a labeled data set. Saliency maps are computer vision–interpretable methods that highlight the most relevant regions for the prediction made by a neural network. By introducing a fine-tuning stage that includes saliency maps to guide feature extraction, the accuracy of image retrieval is optimized. We refer to this approach as saliency-enhanced CBIR (SE-CBIR). A reader study was designed at the University Hospital Zurich Dermatology Clinic to evaluate SE-CBIR’s retrieval accuracy as well as the impact of the participant’s confidence on the diagnosis.

Results

SE-CBIR improved the retrieval accuracy by 7% (77% vs 84%) when doing single-lesion retrieval against traditional CBIR. The reader study showed an overall increase in classification accuracy of 22% (62% vs 84%) when the participant is provided with SE-CBIR retrieved images. In addition, the overall confidence in the lesion’s diagnosis increased by 24%. Finally, the use of SE-CBIR as a support tool helped the participants reduce the number of nonmelanoma lesions previously diagnosed as melanoma (overdiagnosis) by 53%.

Conclusions

SE-CBIR presents better retrieval accuracy compared to traditional CBIR CNN-based approaches. Furthermore, we have shown how these support tools can help dermatologists and residents improve diagnosis accuracy and confidence. Additionally, by introducing interpretable methods, we should expect increased acceptance and use of these tools in routine consultation.
Moderating Effect of eHealth Literacy on the Associations of Coronaphobia With Loneliness, Irritability, Depression, and Stigma in Chinese Young Adults: Bayesian Structural Equation Model Study
Authors: Xu Richard Huan , Chan Ho Hin , Shi Lushaobo , Li Ting , Wang Dong
Published: August 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in known risk factors for mental health problems. Although medical information available through the internet and smartphones has greatly expanded, people’s ability to seek, eschew, and use reliable web-based medical information and services to promote their mental health remains unknown.

Objective

This study aims to explore the associations between coronaphobia and 4 frequently reported mental health problems, loneliness, irritability, depression, and stigma, during the COVID-19 pandemic and to assess the moderating effects of eHealth literacy (eHL) on the adjustment of these relationships in Chinese young adults.

Methods

The data used in this study were collected from a web-based survey of the general Chinese population, aged between 18 and 30 years, conducted in China between December 2022 and January 2023. A nonprobability snowball sampling method was used for data collection. A Bayesian structural equation model (BSEM) using parameter expansion was used to estimate the moderating effect of eHL on the relationship between coronaphobia and psychological problems. The posterior mean and 95% highest density intervals (HDIs) were estimated.

Results

A total of 4119 participants completed the questionnaire and provided valid responses. Among them, 64.4% (n=2653) were female and 58.7% (n=2417) were rural residents. All measures showed statistically significant but minor-to-moderate associations (correlation coefficients ranged from −0.04 to 0.65). Significant heterogeneity was observed between rural and urban residents at the eHL level, and coronaphobia was observed. The BSEM results demonstrated that eHL was a significant moderator in reducing the negative effects of coronaphobia on loneliness (posterior mean −0.0016, 95% HDI −0.0022 to −0.0011), depression (posterior mean −0.006, 95% HDI −0.0079 to −0.004), stigma (posterior mean −0.0052, 95% HDI −0.0068 to −0.0036), and irritability (posterior mean −0.0037, 95% HDI −0.0052 to −0.0022). The moderating effects of eHL varied across the rural and urban subsamples.

Conclusions

Using BSEM, this study demonstrated that improving eHL can significantly mitigate the negative effects of coronaphobia on 4 COVID-19–related mental health problems in Chinese young adults. Future eHL initiatives should target rural communities to ensure equal access to information and resources that can help protect their mental health during the pandemic.
A Hospital-Wide Open-Label Cluster Crossover Pragmatic Comparative Effectiveness Randomized Trial Comparing Normal Saline to Ringer’s Lactate: Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan of The FLUID Trial
Authors: Shaw Julia F , Ouyang Yongdong , Fergusson Dean A , McArdle Tracy , Martin Claudio , Cook Deborah , Graham Ian D , Hawken Steven , McCartney Colin J L , Menon Kusum , Saginur Raphael , Seely Andrew , Stiell Ian , Fox-Robichaud Alison , English Shane , Marshall John , Thavorn Kednapa , Taljaard Monica , McIntyre Lauralyn A ,   Canadian Critical Care Trials Group
Published: August 2023

Background

Normal saline (NS) and Ringer’s lactate (RL) are the most common crystalloids given to hospitalized patients. Despite concern about possible harm associated with NS (eg, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, impaired kidney function, and death), few large multicenter randomized trials focused on critically ill patients have compared these fluids. Uncertainty exists about the effects of these fluids on clinically important outcomes across all hospitalized patients.

Objective

The FLUID trial is a pragmatic, multicenter, 2×2 cluster crossover comparative effectiveness randomized trial that aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a hospital-wide policy that stocks either NS or RL as the main crystalloid fluid in 16 hospitals across Ontario, Canada.

Methods

All hospitalized adult and pediatric patients (anticipated sample size 144,000 patients) with an incident admission to the hospital over the course of each study period will be included. Either NS or RL will be preferentially stocked throughout the hospital for 12 weeks before crossing to the alternate fluid for the subsequent 12 weeks. The primary outcome is a composite of death and hospital readmission within 90 days of hospitalization. Secondary outcomes include death, hospital readmission, dialysis, reoperation, postoperative reintubation, length of hospital stay, emergency department visits, and discharge to a facility other than home. All outcomes will be obtained from health administrative data, eliminating the need for individual case reports. The primary analysis will use cluster-level summaries to estimate cluster-average treatment effects.

Results

The statistical analysis plan has been prepared “a priori” in advance of receipt of the trial data set from ICES and any analyses.

Conclusions

We describe the protocol and statistical analysis plan for the evaluation of primary and secondary outcomes for the FLUID trial.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04512950; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04512950

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/51783
An insight into non-English major learners’ task engagement from a sociocultural perspective
Authors: Nguyen Thi Khanh Doan , Trinh Quoc Lap , Pham Mai Anh
Published: August 2023

Under the lens of a sociocultural view, this qualitative study was conducted with 83 non-English major learners at a university in the Mekong Delta to examine English learners’ task engagement. Twelve of them were further invited to be interviewed. Data were collected from class observations, learning journals, semi-structured interviews and stimulated recall. The study showed that the same task was performed differently by learners, and that the way learners implemented a given task was shaped by the negotiation between their personal and contextual factors because of their sense of agency in the situated sociocultural learning context. The study has acquired an increased insight into learners’ task engagement regarding their agency in the teaching and learning context of Vietnam from a sociocultural view.
Learning Management System usage: Unwrapping its potentials and drawbacks
Authors: Nolasco Dyanika P. , Hernandez Danisse Mae P.
Published: August 2023

The pandemic has made the role that technology-based instruction, such as the use of Learning Management Systems (LMS), must play even more important. But now that face-to-face classes are resumed, it can assist instruction and the provision of distance learning. This study was founded on the idea that LMS improvement may be made by carefully examining the problems and struggles that students face. A validated and pilot-tested survey instrument and social media interviews were used to collect data for the quantitative and qualitative parts of the study, which involved 1,372 and 10 randomly chosen students, respectively. The Quirino State University’s Excellent, Accessible, Resilient, Adaptive Learning Space (QSU e-ARAL) has considerable value in terms of system, information, interaction, instructional quality, and learning quality, according to the findings, as it offers tools, features, contents, and other components that assist students' efficient and productive learning. Holistic learning has numerous advantages, but its full guarantee cannot be provided by using solely the LMS because of the technical, technological, financial, and engagement problems that students encounter when using it. With this, it is expected that the LMS will be enhanced based on user feedback in order to realize its full potential as a tool for instruction and remote learning.
The impact of personality traits on the ethical leadership, job performance and job satisfaction of public servants – A case study of the Northern public sector of Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Danh Nam , Le Phuong , Le Phuong
Published: August 2023

The study aims to explore the impact of personality traits on ethical leadership, job performance and job satisfaction of public servants working in the Northern public sector of Vietnam. A quantitative approach was employed to evaluate the impact of personality traits on ethical leadership, job performance, and job satisfaction. A structured questionnaire was administered to obtain information from public servants. The SPSS 26 was used to conduct the demographic information of public servants and the SmartPLS 3.0 version was used to process the SEM. The research results showed Big Five personality traits have a positive impact on ethical leadership, job performance, and job satisfaction. Additionally, ethical leadership and job performance have a positive correlation with the job satisfaction of public servants. The research results were used to recommend leaders of State Administrative agencies in the Red River Delta to understand the personality traits of public servants to increase job satisfaction and achieve greater job performance.
Theoretical and experimental assessment of the effect of adhesive bond thickness on the flexural capacity of CFRP strengthened beams
Authors: Nwankwo Ebuka , John TrustGod
Published: August 2023

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) is a material of choice in the structural strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) elements. In order to strengthen RC elements, CRFP is bonded externally to RC elements using adhesives.  This paper investigates the effect of varying adhesive bond thickness on the moment capacity of CFRP strengthened RC beams in flexure. Thirty-eight (38) Reinforced concrete beams (1.2m length) were cast in the laboratory and their failure loads and corresponding moment capacities obtained when the adhesive bond thickness between the CFRP wraps and RC beams were varied. This paper examines the comparison between flexural moment capacities obtained experimentally and the predicted moment capacities using a theoretical procedure set out in AC440-2R-17 after structural strengthening with CFRP. It was observed that the adhesive thickness had a significant effect on the flexural capacity of strengthened beams. As the adhesive thickness increased beyond certain thresholds, the flexural capacity of strengthened beams reduced. At the optimum adhesive thickness threshold, the ACI 440-2r-17 procedures could predict to high accuracy the moment capacities of strengthened beams.
Rare Variants in Complement Gene in C3 Glomerulopathy and Immunoglobulin-Mediated Membranoproliferative GN
Authors: Meuleman Marie Sophie , Vieira-Martins Paula , El Sissy Carine , Audard Vincent , Baudouin Véronique , Bertrand Dominique , Bridoux Frank , Louillet Férielle , Dossier Claire , Esnault Vincent , Jourde-Chiche Noémie , Karras Alexandre , Morin Marie-Pascale , Provot François , Remy Philippe , Ribes David , Rousset-Rouviere Caroline , Servais Aude , Thervet Eric , Tricot Leila , Zaidan Mohamad , Wynckel Alain , Zuber Julien , Le Quintrec Moglie , Frémeaux-Bacchi Véronique , Chauvet Sophie
Published: August 2023

Background

C3 glomerulopathy and idiopathic immunoglobulin-mediated membranoproliferative GN (Ig-MPGN) are rare complement-mediated kidney diseases. Inherited forms of C3 glomerulopathy/Ig-MPGN are rarely described.

Methods

Three hundred ninety-eight patients with C3 glomerulopathy (n=296) or Ig-MPGN (n=102) from a national registry were screened for three complement genes: factor H (CFH), factor I (CFI), and C3. Patients with rare variant (minor allele frequency <0.1%) were included. Epidemiologic, clinical, and immunologic data at diagnosis and kidney outcomes of patients were retrospectively collected.

Results

Fifty-three different rare variants, including 30 (57%), 13 (24%), and ten (19%) in CFH, CFI, and C3 variants, were identified in 66/398 (17%) patients. Thirty-eight (72%) variants were classified as pathogenic, including 20/30 (66%) and 11/13 (84%) variants in CFH and CFI, respectively, impairing synthesis of factor H or factor I regulators. Fifteen of 53 (27%) variants were of unknown significance. At diagnosis, 69% of patients were adult (median age of 31 years). With the exception of biologic stigma of thrombotic microangiopathy, which was more frequent in patients with CFI variants (5/14 [36%] versus 1/37 [3%] and 0% in the CFH group and C3 group, respectively, P < 0.001), the clinical and histologic features were similar among the three variants groups. The kidney outcome was poor regardless of the age at onset and treatment received. Sixty-five percent (43/66) of patients with rare variant reach kidney failure after a median delay of 41 (19–104) months, compared with 28% (55/195) after a median delay of 34 (12–143) months in the nonvariant group. Among 36 patients who received a kidney transplant, 2-year recurrence was frequent, occurring in 39% (12/31), without difference between variant groups, and led to graft failure in three cases.

Conclusions

In our cohort, 17% of C3 glomerulopathy/Ig-MPGN cases were associated with rare variants in the CFH, CFI, or C3 genes. In most cases, a quantitative deficiency in factor H or factor I was identified. The presence of a rare variant was associated with poor kidney survival.

Podcast

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