bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Service Operations With Price- and Density-Dependent Demand: A Copula-Based Approach
Authors: Frazelle Andrew E , Rasulov Toghrul , Wang Shouqiang
Published: November 2024

Exclusivity is a key component of certain service offerings such as elite members-only social or country clubs. Indeed, such services may only appeal to customers if they limit the crowd density, that is, the maximal number of customers granted access to the service. We consider a service provider, who sets its crowd density cap in addition to its price. Customers are heterogeneous in both their willingness to pay (WTP) for the service and their density tolerance. Each customer purchases the service only if the price is below her WTP and the density is below her tolerance. Importantly, customers’ WTP and density tolerance may be statistically dependent, and we develop a novel, copula-based framework to model the dependence structure of these two dimensions of heterogeneity. We analytically characterize the provider’s optimal price and density decisions. As long as the customer population is not too severely sensitive to density: (i) the provider optimally serves all segments of the market and sets the price and density so that the price, not the density, is the determining factor for customers (from a particular subpopulation) on the margin between purchasing and not and (ii) as customers’ valuations and density tolerances become more positively dependent, the provider earns higher revenue and optimally increases its service density. By contrast, the optimal price is quasi-convex but not necessarily increasing. On the other hand, with severely density-sensitive customers, it may be optimal to partially cover the market and to make density the determining factor in customer decisions. Our findings offer prescriptive guidelines for service operations in the presence of density-sensitive demand and also provide an explanation for the failed versus successful practices of prominent private clubs.
Impact of Unreliable Supplier on a Supply Chain with Demand-Generating Marketing
Authors: Jiang Baojun , Zhang Jiahua , Xu Yifan
Published: November 2024

A firm often has multiple sourcing options for its product. Some suppliers may have longer lead times but offer lower prices, whereas reliable suppliers with quick-response capabilities may have higher prices. Purchasing from a cheaper, less reliable supplier can help a firm lower its inventory cost but will expose itself to potential risks. This paper analyzes a supply chain in which a manufacturer can source from a cheaper, less reliable supplier with a long lead time and/or a reliable quick-response supplier. The manufacturer also has to make demand-generating marketing investments before the selling season. Our analysis shows that if the unreliable supplier’s reliability is low, the reliable supplier will charge a low wholesale price; otherwise, it will choose a high wholesale price. As the unreliable supplier’s reliability improves, the manufacturer is inclined to increase its marketing investment, but there is a drop at some critical threshold. Interestingly, the existence of an unreliable supplier can lead to a win–win outcome for the reliable supplier and the manufacturer. The unreliable supplier’s reliability has nonmonotonic effects on the equilibrium profits of the reliable supplier and the manufacturer.
Factors Influencing Immunotherapy Outcomes in Cancer: Sarcopenia and Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Ucgul Enes , Guven Deniz Can , Ucgul Aybala Nur , Ozbay Yakup , Onur Mehmet Ruhi , Akin Serkan
Published: November 2024

Background

Immunotherapy has shown promise in treating various subtypes of metastatic cancers, but many patients are frail and may have compromised immune systems, which can influence treatment outcomes. Sarcopenia, a condition characterized by loss of muscle mass and systemic inflammation, is a potential factor that may negatively impact the response to immunotherapy. However, more data must be collected on the extent of its influence. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of sarcopenia, systemic inflammation, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) on the response to immunotherapy.

Methods

We enrolled 100 patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors between 2015 and 2021 who underwent computed tomography of the abdomen before the first immunotherapy dose. This study was conducted retrospectively. Gender-specific thresholds were used for the diagnosis of sarcopenia. C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), albumin, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were used as markers of systemic inflammation. Systemic inflammatory markers and sarcopenia were assessed using univariable and multivariable analyses for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

Sarcopenia was found to be a significant prognostic factor associated with poor PFS (HR, 2.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45-3.74; P < 0.001). In addition, hypoalbuminemia was identified as a significant prognostic factor for predicting OS (HR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.21-3.66; P = 0.008).

Conclusions

Closer monitoring and prevention of sarcopenia may enhance both OS and PFS. Additionally, our composite model may assist oncologists in predicting responses to immunotherapy more accurately. However, further prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.
Effects of Authenticity in Organizational Advocacy for Polarizing Issues
Authors: Lee Ejae , Yang Sung-Un
Published: November 2024

This study focuses on the impact of authenticity in organizational advocacy for polarizing sociopolitical issues. The study examined how individual publics’ perceptions of authenticity influence the quality of the relationship between an organization and the public, as well as the level of support for the organization. The study also compared these effects across different polarizing sociopolitical issues. Through an online survey ( N = 387), findings revealed a positive association between authenticity in organizational advocacy and the quality of an organization’s relationship with individuals, which led to increased support. Furthermore, the multigroup analysis highlighted the heightened importance of authenticity when organizations advocate for more polarizing issues.
Electro-hyperelasticity with phase field for electric breakdown modeling
Authors: Zipunova Elizaveta , Savenkov Evgeny
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we systematically derive the phase field model for electric breakdown channel propagation. The model includes electric charge, mass, momentum and energy conservation equations as well as Allen–Cahn type equation which governs the phase field evolution. The medium motion is described by the Godunov–Romenski type hyperelastic model. Electromagnetic part of the model consists of Maxwell’s equations in quasi(electro)stationary approximation including electric charge conservation law. Derivation of the model is based on the Coleman–Noll procedure and Gurtin’s microforces and microstress framework.
The interaction between a piezoelectric screw dislocation and collinear rigid lines in one-dimensional hexagonal quasicrystals
Authors: Zhou Yan-Bin , Huang Shu-Ning
Published: November 2024

The interaction between a piezoelectric screw dislocation and collinear rigid lines in one-dimensional (1D) hexagonal quasicrystals (QCs) under anti-plane mechanical and in-plane electrical loading is analysed. Two idealized electrical assumptions, namely electrically conductive and dielectric, are considered. By using Muskhelishvilid’s complex transformation method, the explicit expressions for the field variables, the singularity of the field variables at the line tip and the force on the dislocation are obtained for a single rigid line. Based on the generalized Peach–Koehler formula, the generalized stress intensity factors and image force on dislocations in piezoelectric quasicrystal (PQC) are obtained. It is evident that the existence of phason field has an effect on image force.
Where Is Capitalism? Unmasking Its Hidden Role in Psychology
Authors: Bettache Karim
Published: November 2024

This article critically examines the pervasive yet often-neglected influence of capitalism on psychological processes and human behavior. While capitalist ideologies like neoliberalism have entered the mainstream in psychology, there remains a lack of deeper engagement with the foundations of capitalism. The article argues that capitalism generates distinct cultural syndromes that emerged from the unique historical experiences of Western societies and are deeply rooted in the core principles of capitalism: profit motive, market competition, and private property ownership. The article then argues that these principles manifest as capitalist cultural syndromes termed the “gain primacy,” “zero-sum rivalry,” and “ownership” syndromes, which collectively drive a self-enhancement agenda resulting in an overarching “individualist syndrome.” It then explores how these syndromes maintain and reproduce social inequalities. By adopting a critical-historical approach, this article situates its analysis within a broader critique of capitalism, aiming to illuminate its impact on human thought, behavior, and well-being.

Public Abstract

Our thoughts, behaviors, and well-being are deeply influenced by the economic system we live in—capitalism. While psychologists have explored capitalist ideologies like neoliberalism, they often overlook capitalism’s core foundations driving inequality. This work argues that capitalism, rooted in Western colonial history, generates powerful cultural narratives prioritizing profit, competition, and private ownership. These capitalist principles manifest as pervasive societal mindsets obsessed with personal gain, viewing life as a zero-sum rivalry, and deriving self-worth from possessions. Collectively, they breed an individualistic syndrome of selfish striving at the expense of community. By understanding how these capitalist cultural forces psychologically shape us, maintaining oppressive societal hierarchies, we can reimagine economic systems that truly uplift the human spirit across all peoples and the planet we share. Unveiling capitalism’s influence is crucial to recover from its alienating effects and envision liberating alternatives.
National Trends in Healthcare Expenditures for the Management of Skin Cancer in the United States
Authors: Ma Bryan , James Matthew T. , Chan An-Wen , Mydlarski P. Régine
Published: November 2024

Background:

Malignant melanoma and keratinocyte carcinomas account for a substantial proportion of healthcare expenditures in the United States.

Objective:

To estimate trends in the economic burden of skin cancer in the United States between 1996 and 2016.

Methods:

The Disease Expenditure Project and Global Burden of Disease databases were used to estimate annual total costs and population-standardized rates of change for skin cancer-related healthcare spending.

Results:

Skin cancer expenditures totaled $23.4 billion in 2016, of which $1.4 billion (95% CI: $1.3-$1.6 billion) was melanoma-related and $22 billion (95% CI: $18-$28 billion) was keratinocyte carcinoma-related. Most spending on skin cancer management occurred in ambulatory care settings [60.7% (95% CI: 57.7%-64.3%) for melanoma and 87.8% (95% CI: 87.2%-88.2%) for keratinocyte carcinoma]. Pharmaceutical costs for melanoma have increased since 2010 to $365 million (95% CI: $327-$416 million), which represents 26.1% (95% CI: 22.6%-29.3%) of total melanoma expenditure.

Conclusions:

Skin cancer management in the United States is costly. Expenditures have increased substantially since 1996 without signs of plateauing in recent years.
Tourism challenges within a high cost of living crisis
Authors: Yang Eunjung , Kim Myung Ja , Hall C Michael
Published: November 2024

Living costs have been increasing at an unprecedented rate compared to average trends over the last decade due to increasing uncertainty from various global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. Previous research indicates that people prioritize essential consumption over leisure and tourism activities during high cost-of-living crises. However, prior studies have overlooked the spatially heterogeneous resilience of local tourism demand to the crisis, which differs by region with each possessing unique characteristics. This study aims to explore how the resilience of tourism demand shifted during the high cost-of-living crisis over space and time. Findings reveal spatially and temporally varied resilience in domestic and international tourism demand across regions. These findings offer crucial insights for developing localized tourism management policies amid high costs of living.
The role of collaborative governance in translating national cancer programs into network-based practices: A longitudinal case study in Canada
Authors: Tremblay Dominique , Usher Susan , Bilodeau Karine , Touati Nassera
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Networks (multiple organizations or actors coordinating their activities towards a common goal) have been promoted in the cancer programs of a number of countries. But there is little empirical evidence on whether and how they overcome the siloed functioning endemic in specialized domains. This study examines how collaborative governance takes shape to support integrated network-based practices within a prescribed national cancer program.

Methods

A longitudinal qualitative single-case study was conducted of the Quebec cancer network in Canada. Data were collected in 2018-2020 through semi-structured interviews with stakeholders ( n = 37) involved in regional and/or national cancer network structures and a review of documents ( n = 45) generated at national and regional level. Abductive thematic analysis during and post-field work was based on Emerson’s collaborative governance framework. It aimed to identify how collaborative governance mechanisms (principled engagement, shared motivation and capacity for joint action) were activated in the network, and their contribution to translating a national cancer program into network-based practices at the point of care.

Results

Principled engagement was driven through interdisciplinary committees at national and regional level, communities of practice and trajectory-development efforts. These mandated structures supported knowledge exchange and contributed to the recognition of interdependencies, distribution of leadership and development of mutual understanding and trust. Shared motivation benefitted from a vision of patient-centred care but was hindered by top-down communication vehicles that did not allow regional priorities to filter upwards to central level. Between care providers in different settings, trust and candidacy were identified as mechanisms important to shared motivation, though network actions did not sufficiently support trust across care settings, or even between members of the same profession. Candidacy issues hindered family physician participation in cancer network structures that mirrored ongoing difficulties to including them in cancer care practice. Institutional arrangements were important drivers of capacity for joint action in the network. Common indicators were recognized as important to generating efforts towards common goals; however, questions around their validity reduced their contribution to capacities for joint action.

Conclusions

Despite favorable starting conditions from the national cancer program and its central leadership promoting collaborative governance, tensions that emerge through the pursuit of network integration limit the transition to a more collaborative practice. Taking the time to work out these tensions as integration proceeds in waves appears essential to arrive at a governance model that is appropriate and acceptable for all network members.
‘Project Monster’: Exploring Projects of Monstrification in Bodybuilding Communities
Authors: Underwood Mair , Sellberg Karin
Published: November 2024

Categories such as ‘monster’ and ‘freak’ are used to define what is not normal in a community. However, the ‘mass monsters’ of the 1990s heralded an era in which monstrosity became normalised in bodybuilding. The mass monsters also brought with them aspects of monstrosity that were considered ‘too monstrous’ for mainstream bodybuilding. Efforts were made to contain these. But sometimes bodybuilding monstrosity cannot be contained. Sometimes the process of monstrification takes on a life of its own, and becomes monstrous in itself. We have termed this ‘unhinged monstrosity’: monstrosity that is disordered, wild, unbalanced, and set apart from the world of mainstream bodybuilding. Employing a somatechnics critical framework to analyse online ethnographic data, this article unpacks how the intra-action of body and techné led to the ‘unhinging’ of three bodybuilders, Rich Piana, Dave Crosland and Gregg Valentino, who lost control over their processes of monstrification, and permanently impaired themselves.
Stage directions: Evidence-based professional development in improvisational drama for foreign language teachers
Authors: Goodnight Kristina , van Beuningen Catherine , de Graaff Rick
Published: November 2024

A significant body of research supports the affective benefits of drama activities in foreign language (FL) learning, yet little is known about how to train teachers to implement such activities. In this study, we tested a professional development program (PDP) aimed at galvanizing FL teachers to integrate improvisational drama techniques (IDTs) into their repertoire. IDTs are defined here as activities which place pupils in a fictional situation and stimulate spoken interaction. Nineteen Dutch secondary school FL teachers participated in the PDP. The goal of this research was to discover the extent to which (1) teachers implement IDTs according to the study’s definition, (2) the techniques become integrated into the teacher’s repertoire, and (3) teachers develop the self-efficacy to execute IDTs. All three areas were met with positive results as evidenced through questionnaires, logbooks, observations and interviews. Teachers demonstrated that they could inspire the fictional artistry of drama while simultaneously stimulating FL speaking. Frequency of implementation also increased after the training. Self-efficacy furthermore improved widely, both in implementing IDTs and speaking activities in general.
Autism disproportionality in racially and ethnically minoritized and girl students in schools
Authors: Beckman Parker S , Brunson McClain Maryellen , Harris Bryn , Brownell Alexa , Beauchesne Britany M , Davis Gwendolyn , Bera Jac’lyn , Shahid Rabbiya
Published: November 2024

Special education services are crucial for enhancing outcomes and well-being among autistic students. Unfortunately, many racially and ethnically minoritized and girl autistic youth face challenges in timely and accurate identification. National-level data reveal autism prevalence rates differ across student gender, race, and ethnicity hindering access to services and appropriate education. As research focusing on autism disproportionality in schools is limited, we investigate autism identification disparities specific to racially and ethnically minoritized and girl students at the national and state levels in schools. State-level data from the 2019–2020 academic year were obtained from the United States Department of Education and analyzed to assess prevalence rate, relative risk, and systemic-level predictors of autism identification disparities. Girls were under-identified with autism in schools compared to their boy peers. The disproportionality risk of racially and ethnically minoritized students compared to White students had decreased in reference to prior reports, with the least improvement for Latine students. School locale proved significant in predicting the risk of autism identification for girl and Latine students. These findings can inform policy change, raise the collective consciousness, and encourage practitioners to seek out continued education regarding autism identification and girl students to reduce or eliminate these disparities.

Lay abstract

Special education services are important for helping autistic students succeed, but many racially and ethnically minoritized and girl students face difficulties in getting support because they are not identified appropriately in schools. This study looks at the identification of autism in racially and ethnically minoritized and girl students across schools in the United States during the 2019–2020 school year. We found that girls are less likely to be identified compared to boys, which means they might not get the help they need. The gap between racially and ethnically minoritized students and White students in autism identification has improved slightly, but Latinx students still face challenges. We also found that where students live (their locale) affects their chances of being identified, especially for girls and Latinx students. These findings show that there are disparities in school autism identification, and understanding them can help policymakers, educators, and communities make changes to ensure all autistic students get the support they need.
Hip-hop music producers’ labour in the digital music economy: Self-promotion, social media and platform gatekeeping
Authors: Ng Jason , Gamble Steven
Published: November 2024

There has been much debate concerning the changing nature of cultural production and distribution in the digital creative economy. Music production work has been especially affected by promotional conventions established by social media and music streaming platforms. This article critically builds atop perspectives on the platformisation of cultural production to investigate how independent hip-hop music producers develop their careers in the era of digital media platforms. It examines how traditional media and digital platform gatekeepers affect producers’ abilities to professionalise, promote creative work to audiences and manage precarious conditions for their labour. Insights from interviews with 15 producers from 8 countries are analysed and discussed to provide a nuanced view of the conditions for music production careers in the platform era of the digital creative industries.
An on-road experimental emissions evaluation of a diesel engine fueled with pyrolysis oil from waste plastics, pure and blended with biodiesel-A Mexican case
Authors: de la Rosa-Urbalejo Daniel , Reyes-Ramírez Brandon , Riesco-Ávila José M , Vera-Rozo James R , de la Garza Oscar A , Martínez-Martínez Simón
Published: November 2024

Pyrolysis of plastic waste generates alternative fuels that are useful for thermal devices. However, it is the subsequent fractionation process that truly distinguishes itself, refining these fuels to a quality comparable to petroleum derivatives such as diesel and gasoline, thereby making them suitable for direct use in internal combustion engines. This study evaluated the effect on emissions of an internal combustion engine fueled with waste plastic oil diesel-like fuel and its blend with biodiesel. The tests were conducted on-road using a typical light-duty diesel vehicle for passenger or courier transportation. Three tests were carried out, the first one with petroleum diesel (D100) as the reference fuel, the second one with waste plastic oil diesel-like fuel (WPO-DL), and the last with a blend of 80% WPO-DL and 20% biodiesel obtained from waste cooking oil (WPO-DL80WCO20). The main findings were a reduction in the generation of NOx when using WPO-DL. However, using WPO-DL increased the production of CO and HC, attributed to the presence of more heavy hydrocarbons compared to that of D100. Additionally, for the WPO-DL80WCO20 blend under acceleration conditions HC decreased under all acceleration conditions. These findings demonstrate that the distilled fuel obtained from the pyrolytic oil product of non-recyclable plastic waste by conventional methods would contribute to the global energy transition and reduce the presence of tons of non-recyclable plastic waste by traditional methods.
A roadmap for the future: Teaching humanities in unexpected places
Authors: Schrum Kelly , Abbot Sophia , Loughry Allie , Fay Erin
Published: November 2024

Troubling signs about the state of humanities in higher education are not new, but the steady decline in humanities majors is cause for concern. The humanities, however, play a critical role in society and public life, promoting citizenship and public engagement along with valuable skills. There are untapped opportunities for expanding history, and more broadly humanities, appreciation through cross-disciplinary collaborations and stronger connections with pre-professional programs. History of higher education courses in higher education and student affairs (HESA) programs have the potential to introduce the value of the humanities to a new audience. This article presents the results of the study examining efforts to teach historical thinking skills and appreciation for humanities to future higher education professionals.
Generalized composite multiscale improved diversity entropy and its application to diesel injector fault feature extraction and diagnosis
Authors: Zou Xianyu , Song Enzhe , Song Jiaqiu , Ke Yun , Sun Nannan , Yao Chong
Published: November 2024

The diesel injector is the core component of marine diesel engines, and its health monitoring is one of the keys to ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of diesel engines and even ships. However, extracting effective feature information from nonlinear dynamic signals is the difficulty in realizing intelligent fault diagnosis of diesel fuel injectors. The existing diversity entropy (DE) is an advanced algorithm for extracting fault features. Still, it has the problem of failing to obtain sufficiently effective fault features, thus affecting diagnostic accuracy due to its inherent defects. To solve the above problem, a new generalized composite multiscale improved diversity entropy (GCMIDE) is first proposed, and the comparative advantages of the proposed entropy in terms of consistency, robustness, and computational efficiency are verified with common noise-simulated signals. GCMIDE is further utilized as an excellent means of feature extraction, and a new injector fault diagnosis method, GCMIDE-Relieff-SSA-BP, is proposed to meet the needs of efficiency and practicality in fault diagnosis. Finally, the method is adopted for the diagnostic experiments of diesel fuel injectors with different fault types and different fault degrees for full validation. The experimental results all indicate that, in comparison with six commonly used entropy-based fault diagnosis methods, the proposed method has the best feature extraction performance and fault diagnosis accuracy under a different number of features or different training sample ratios. This provides an effective tool for fault diagnosis of injectors and even intelligent operation and maintenance of diesel engines.
A Systematic Review of Sexual Assault Case Attrition in the United States from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Hoffman Erin E. , Patton Emily , Greeson Megan R.
Published: November 2024

This article systematically reviewed research findings of five sexual assault case outcomes (founding, arrest, referral to prosecution, charging, and conviction) between 2000 and 2020. Records were collected from PsychINFO and ProQuest and had to report at least one quantitative criminal justice outcome, include data from a U.S. sample and involve original research. Thirty-six records (288,066 sexual assault cases) were analyzed. Results were stratified by reported cases, referred cases, charged cases, and victim age. Studies show that 72.09% to 92.66% of sampled cases are founded ( M = 89.21%), 17.73% to 53.42% result in arrest ( M = 27.25%), 13.60% to 69.57% result in referral ( M = 31.36%), 3.28% to 83.16% result in charging ( M = 19.58%), and only 1.86% to 40.31% result in conviction ( M = 8.28%). This considerable variability in case outcomes is related to differences in cases included or excluded (e.g., age criterion, only sampling cases with sexual assault kits); thus, these studies are not reflective of all sexual assault cases. Studies were most likely to report arrest rates, followed by charging, referral, conviction, and founding. Overall, we have a good picture of what attrition looks like in adolescent-adult sexual assault cases from the 1980s to early 2010s in the Midwest and Southern CA. More updated research in the remaining parts of the country is needed, particularly from rural locales. Specific recommendations for more precise measurement and reporting methods are provided to improve our understanding of attrition and strengthen where, how, and with whom interventions are needed.
Peer Learning in a College Student Health and Well-Being Expo: Together Again After Returning From Remote Learning
Authors: Rich Rebecca , Frantz Leah , Baba Zeinab , Edelblute Heather , Trogus Jayme L.
Published: November 2024

Returning to campus after remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us were excited about participating in interactive, hands-on health promotion for students. In response, our Office of Wellness Promotion planned a student health and well-being expo in partnership with the university’s College of Health Sciences (CHS). Faculty were invited to involve their students in the delivery. Student groups were encouraged to deliver health education in an interactive format. The event was open to the campus community, and participants were able to further their knowledge and skills in health and well-being topics. The student health and well-being expo was the first of its kind at the university, where students could learn with and from their peers and share their skills in many dimensions of wellness. The interactive nature of the activities allowed participants to practice health promotion skills and engage a diverse audience. Analysis of program evaluation data yielded overwhelmingly positive results, with most attendees considering the expo an innovative campus activity that fulfilled a need. Specifically, the interactive nature, peer learning, and incentives were aspects of the event students want to see return in future iterations of the expo.
Understanding Placebo and Nocebo Responses Based on a Randomized Sham-Controlled Study on Acupuncture in Integrative Cancer Care
Authors: Efverman Anna
Published: November 2024

Objective: Since placebo and nocebo-responses during acupuncture therapy are rarely studied in clinical contexts, the objective was to investigate placebo and nocebo-responses in a clinical context through comparing positive and negative side-effects between genuine and sham acupuncture, and to identify factors modifying placebo and nocebo-responses. Methods: Patients reported positive side-effects (non-intended positive effects) or negative side-effects (non-intended negative effects) of genuine (penetrating; n = 109) or sham (telescopic non-penetrating; n = 106) acupuncture during 5 weeks of chemoradiation for cancer. Results: The genuine and the sham acupuncture group reported rather similar frequencies of positive (P-values .223-.800) or negative ( P-values .072-1.0) side-effects: relaxation 59%/57% of the patients, improved mood 46%/38%, improved sleep 38%/38%, pain-reduction 36%/28%, tiredness 42%/42%, feeling cold 37%/31%, sweating 23%/21%, and dizziness 20%/12%. Positive side-effects occurred in 79% of patients who highly believed acupuncture to be effective, compared to in 0% of patients who did not believe. Other factors associated with placebo-response were female sex ( P = .042), anxious mood ( P = .007), depressed mood ( P = .018), and blinding-success ( P = .033). Factors associated with nocebo response were female sex ( P = .049), younger age ( P = .010), and needle-induced pain ( P = .014). Sham-treated patients experiencing positive side-effects experienced better quality of life at the end of the treatment period (mean, m 64 on a scale 0-100 millimetres, Standard Deviation, SD, ±26.1 mm) than those who did not (m 48 ± 25.5 mm), P = .048 (adjusted for other characteristics). Conclusions: Clinically significant levels of placebo and nocebo effects commonly occurred during acupuncture therapy in integrative cancer care and this paper identified factors modifying these responses. This implicates that acupuncture-delivering therapists striving to maximize placebo-responses and minimize nocebo-responses may considering strengthen the patient’s treatment expectations, and offer a pleasant, pain-free, acupuncture treatment.
Impact of Physicians’ Perception of Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) on the Practice of Lifestyle Medicine. Findings From a Family Physicians Survey
Authors: Bharati Rajani , Kovach Kevin A. , Sayess Polina , Polk Elizabeth
Published: November 2024

Lifestyle Medicine emphasizes evidence-based lifestyle changes to address chronic conditions Yet, concerns have emerged regarding its ability to address broader social determinants of health (SDoH). This study examines how family physicians’ perceptions of SDoH relate to their use of lifestyle medicine competencies. This cross-sectional survey was administered to 5770 family physicians. Participants rated the importance of LM core competencies and the impact of community conditions on patient health. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, factor analysis, regression models, and t-tests. This study encompassed 447 responses. The findings revealed that while respondents recognized the effect of certain SDoH, such as access to unhealthy food (89%), alcohol (86%), and tobacco (83%), they showed less awareness of factors like racism and discrimination (53%), and access to parks (56%) or education (60%). Gender and the level of social deprivation in their area were significant factors influencing respondents’ perception of SDoH impact. Additionally, those who valued and used lifestyle medicine core competencies were more likely to acknowledge the influence of SDoH on patient health. Our findings suggest that comprehensive education on SDoH, especially with a focus on community aspects, is crucial across all levels of medical training to address this gap and ensure equitable care.
Propagation behavior of wetting front and its fluctuation characteristics during subcooled jet impingement quenching
Authors: Liu Yang , Wu Xianyang , Mitsutake Yuichi
Published: November 2024

Jet impingement quenching as one of the most effective cooling methods is widely applied in many industrial fields. When a subcooled jet strikes the hot surface, the wetting front propagates outside after the wetting delay accompanied by high-frequency fluctuations. To elucidate the propagation behavior of the wetting front and its fluctuation characteristics, the quenching experiments that an upward water jet with different velocities and subcoolings impacted onto a hot nickel block with an initial temperature of 280°C were conducted. The transient transition boiling associated with the intermittent wet and dry situations around the wetting front was quantitatively analyzed based on the visual observation and fast response surface temperature measurement technique. The liquid-solid contact period near the wetting front, under the late transition boiling regime, spans the range of 494–590 µs. This time interval is comparable to the period of disturbance waves induced by the Plateau-Rayleigh instability of the jet. Furthermore, fluctuation amplitude of the wetting front diminishes from 0.8 to 0.2 mm as it propagates. The order of magnitude and the trend of variation in the fluctuation amplitude with respect to the wetting front radius align with theoretical calculations without considering boiling heat transfer effects.
Discovery of potential FDA-approved SARS-CoV-2 Papain-like protease inhibitors: A multi-phase in silico approach
Authors: Metwaly Ahmed M , Elkaeed Eslam B , Khalifa Mohamed M , Alsfouk Aisha A , Amin Fatma G , Ibrahim Ibrahim M , Eissa Ibrahim H
Published: November 2024

Papain-like protease (PLpro) is a crucial enzyme for SARS-CoV-2 replication and immune evasion. Inhibiting PLpro could be a promising strategy to fight against COVID-19. This study aimed to identify potent inhibitors of PLpro among FDA-approved drugs using an in silico approach. The study also aimed to examine and confirm the binding of the selected compounds to the active pocket of PLpro using a multi-phased in silico approach, involving the screening of 3009 FDA-approved drugs to pinpoint the most similar compounds to, TTT, the co-crystallized ligand TTT of PLpro. The selected compounds were subjected to further analysis, including molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, MM-GPSA (molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area), and PLIP (Protein-Ligand Interaction Profiler) studies, to examine and confirm their binding to the active pocket of PLpro. Seven candidates (Vismodegib, Celecoxib, Ketoprofen, Indomethacin, Naphazoline, Valdecoxib, and Eslicarbazepine) showed promising in silico activities against the PLpro. The computational analysis confirmed the binding of Celecoxib to the active pocket of PLpro, suggesting its potential in the fight against COVID-19. This study identified seven FDA-approved drugs as potential inhibitors of PLpro, providing a feasible approach for drug repurposing against COVID-19. The results obtained from the in silico approach hold promise, but further in vitro and in vivo studies are warranted to validate the potential of these compounds.
Impact of edetate sodium on calcium carbonate scaling: Insights from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Jing Xianwu , Zhou Li , Feng Feng , Liu Youquan , Zhang Bojian
Published: November 2024

In order to mitigate calcium carbonate (CaCO3) scaling in oil and gas wells, antiscaling agents are commonly used. This research employed the molecular dynamics method to simulate the crystallization process of a supersaturated CaCO3 solution, with particular emphasis on examining the influence of the antiscalant edetate sodium (EDTA). Analysis of the spatial distribution of Ca2+ in proximity to CO32− revealed that EDTA effectively impedes the interaction between Ca2+ and CO32−, resulting in a reduction in the mean square displacement and diffusion coefficient of CO32−. The examination of intermolecular interaction energies indicates that the binding energy between Ca2+ and CO32− is approximately −516 kcal mol−1, while the binding energy between Ca2+ and EDTA is estimated at −718 kcal mol−1. These findings suggest that EDTA exhibits a higher affinity for binding with Ca2+ compared to CO32−, consequently hindering the formation of CaCO3.
Positioning Sensor Data Mining and Correlation Analysis Based on Multi-mode Radio Frequency Identification
Authors: Zhao Min
Published: November 2024

Real-time positioning and sensor data mining are critical for various Internet of things (IoT) applications, but current approaches face challenges such as limited accuracy, high cost, and energy inefficiency. This paper proposes a novel fusion intelligent structure that combines radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and wireless sensor networks (WSN) to enable accurate and efficient positioning and data mining. The proposed method consists of two key components: an energy heterogeneity strategy for optimizing network energy consumption, and a data association feature analysis technique for mining sensor data. The results demonstrated that the proposed approach achieved superior positioning accuracy compared to other algorithms, with an average error of less than 0.300 under various conditions. The data detection accuracy was also high, with a maximum false detection rate of 3%. Furthermore, the proposed energy heterogeneity strategy significantly improved network energy utilization and stability. Real-world scenario testing validated the practicality of the proposed approach, with an average positioning error of less than 0.500 meters. These results validate the effectiveness of the proposed RFID-WSN fusion structure for real-time positioning and sensor data mining, providing a promising solution for IoT applications.
Everolimus treatment in patients with hormone receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative advanced breast cancer and a predictive model for its efficacy: a multicenter real-world study
Authors: Tan Yujing , Peng Zexi , Jiang Hanfang , Ma Fei , Wang Jiayu , Zhang Pin , Li Qing , Tian Xinzhu , Han Yuhang , Ji Danyang , Xu Binghe , Zhao Weihong , Fan Ying
Published: November 2024

Background:

Everolimus is beneficial for patients with hormone receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER2−) advanced breast cancer (ABC). However, some patients developed drug resistance and the well-established predictor for everolimus efficacy was limited.

Objectives:

The study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of everolimus in different treatment lines and identify several clinicopathological markers to estimate everolimus efficacy in patients with HR+/HER2− ABC.

Design:

This was a retrospective and multicenter study.

Methods:

Between 2014 and 2022, more than 2000 patients with tumors who received everolimus were collected from multiple cancer centers in China (National Cancer Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute). A training cohort and two validation cohorts were developed.

Results:

The training cohort included 338 patients. The median progression-free survival (PFS) for everolimus was 5.6 months, with an objective response rate of 25.1% and a clinical benefit rate of 54.4%. PFS was significantly worse from first-line (1L) to second-line (2L) to third-line (3L), with PFS1Lfor 13.5 months, PFS2Lfor 6.1 months, and PFS3Lfor 4.1 months ( p = 2.9e−6, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.61–0.82). The clinicopathological characteristics, including post-1L everolimus treatment, Ki67 index of more than 40%, more than two metastatic sites at first recurrence, and receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, were independent risk factors for PFS. A predictive model for everolimus efficacy was established using these four factors. In the low-risk group, patients achieved a median PFS of 12.6 months, significantly longer compared to 2.7 months for those in the high-risk group ( p = 2.4e−64, HR = 9.41, 95% CI = 7.05–12.56). The area under the curve was 0.96, 0.95, and 0.94 for 6-month, 1-year, and 3-year PFS, respectively. Internal validation cohort (PFS 18.4 vs 3.1 months, p = 3.6e−11, HR = 3.78, 95% CI = 2.49–5.74) and external validation cohort (PFS 13.5 vs 3.1 months, p = 2.9e−10, HR = 11.53, 95% CI = 4.68–28.37) confirmed its power for estimating clinical benefits of everolimus.

Conclusion:

A predictive model was successfully established to predict survival outcomes for everolimus in patients with HR+/HER2− ABC, which may provide references for the management of everolimus in Chinese patients with HR+/HER2− ABC.
Role of repeat transurethral resection in no-muscle-invasive bladder tumour: an umbrella review
Authors: Yu Qing-Xin , Wu Rui-Cheng , Tuo Zhou-Ting , Zhu Wei-Zhen , Wang Jie , Ye Xing , Yoo Koo Han , Wei Wu-Ran , Feng De-Chao , Li Deng-Xiong
Published: November 2024

Background:

Repeat transurethral resection of bladder tumour (reTURB) is a conventional treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) to enhance prognosis. However, the necessity of reTURB in NMIBC remains controversial owing to upstaging of treatments and new evidence.

Objectives:

We performed an umbrella review to determine the need for reTURB in patients with NMIBC.

Design:

We extracted data from meta-analyses that were screened out after a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, the Web of Science and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Methods:

Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation tools were used to assess the quality of each included meta-analysis and outcomes.

Results:

Our study included seven meta-analyses. Two studies assessed the efficiency of reTURB in patients who underwent en bloc resection of bladder tumours (ERBT). Patients who underwent ERBT reported low residual tumour and upstaging rates of 5.9% and 0.3%, respectively. Conversely, patients who underwent conventional transurethral resection for bladder cancer (cTURB) had high residual tumour rates. Patients who underwent cTURB and reTURB had significantly improved 1-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) compared to those who underwent initial cTURB alone. In terms of progression-free survival (PFS), a meta-analysis reported that patients who underwent cTURB and reTURB had significantly improved PFS compared with those who underwent initial cTURB alone. In the subgroup analyses of ERBT, reTURB did not affect the RFS and PFS of patients who received ERBT. Currently, only a limited number of randomised clinical trials have evaluated reTURB, and various factors have influenced its efficacy.

Conclusion:

There was significant variation in survival outcomes among patients undergoing reTURB. The necessity and efficacy of reTURB depend on numerous factors, such as surgical approach, equipment and medication usage. Patients eligible for ERBT may constitute a group that does not require reTURB. Further clinical trials are required to validate these findings.

Registration:

This umbrella review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023439078).
“If you haven’t got trust, they’re not going to come to you with anything:” Qualities of positional leader and early childhood teacher relationships that support agency
Authors: Ciuciu Jessica
Published: November 2024

Leadership is a relational practice that influences early childhood teachers’ (ECTs) capability for agency. Agency contributes to the job satisfaction, wellbeing, and retention of ECTs-which are of pressing importance in a climate of global early childhood workforce sustainability challenges. Empirical insights presented in this paper explore the qualities of supportive relationships between positional leaders and ECTs which afford agency. Findings from a qualitative multiple case study that analysed the relationship between ECT agency and retention are provided. Data were collected from six ECTs, five service leaders, and two policy agents working in Victoria, Australia. Through the theoretical lens of Sen’s Capability Approach and Gramsci’s theory of hegemony, it is argued that positional leaders must cultivate supportive relationships with ECTs despite the neoliberal hegemony that fosters a culture of managerialism. Supportive relationships involve leaders who recognise ECTs’ personhood, cultivate encouragement, trust, and respect, and prioritise emotional and psychological safety.