bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Black and white: how good are clinicians at diagnosing elbow injuries from paediatric elbow radiographs alone?
Authors: Dann Lisa , Edwards Sarah , Hall Dani , Davis Tessa , Roland Damian , Barrett Michael
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Paediatric trauma elbow radiographs are difficult to interpret and there is a potential for harm if misdiagnosed. The primary goal of this study was to assess the ability of healthcare professionals internationally to interpret paediatric trauma elbow radiographs from the radiograph alone by formulating the correct diagnosis.

Methods

This prospective international study was conducted online via the Free Open Access Medical Education platform, Don’t Forget the Bubbles (DFTB, ISSN 2754-5407). Participants were recruited via the DFTB social media accounts between 17 August and 14 September 2021. Submissions that were incomplete or from participants who do not interpret paediatric elbow radiographs in their clinical practice were excluded. Participants completed an online survey of demographic data followed by interpreting 10 trauma-indicated elbow radiographs, by selecting multiple-choice options. The primary outcome was correct diagnosis.

Results

Participant responses from 18 countries were analysed, with most responses from the UK, Australia and Ireland. Participants had backgrounds in emergency medicine (EM), paediatric emergency medicine (PEM), general practice (GP) and paediatrics, with over 70% having 6+ years of postgraduate experience. 3180 radiographs were interpreted by 318 healthcare professionals. Only nine (2.8%) participants correctly diagnosed all 10. The mean number of radiographs correctly interpreted was 5.44 (SD 2.3). The mean number for those with 6+ years of experience was 6.02 (SD 2.2). On reviewing the normal radiograph, 158 (49.7%) overcalled injuries. Participants with EM or PEM background were equally likely to have more correct answers than those from paediatric or GP backgrounds.

Conclusion

Globally, healthcare professional’s success in correctly diagnosing paediatric elbow injuries from radiographs was suboptimal in this non-clinical exercise, despite capturing quite an experienced cohort of clinicians. This study has provided us with detailed baseline data to accurately assess the impact of interventions aimed at improving clinicians’ interpretation of paediatric elbow radiographs in future studies.
“Find Your Y”: histological differences in early stage (pT) and post-treatment (ypT) oesophageal adenocarcinoma with implications for salvage endoscopic resection
Authors: Pacheco Richard R , Lee Goo , Yang Zhaohai , Lin Jingmei , Patil Deepa T , Youssef Mariam , Zhang Qingzhao , Alkashash Ahmad Mahmoud , Li Jingwei , Lee Hwajeong
Published: August 2024

Aims

Current guidelines offer limited strategies for managing recurrent/persistent oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Salvage endoscopic mucosal/submucosal resection (ER) shows promise in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, however its success in EAC is limited. We aimed to elucidate histological characteristics influencing salvage ER success in patients with low-stage, pretreated EAC.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 272 EAC tumours postoesophagectomy from five US centres and collected clinicopathological data including discontinuous growth (DG), defined as separate tumour foci ≥2 mm from the main tumour. We selected 101 patients with low-stage disease and divided them into treatment-naïve (n=70) and neoadjuvant therapy (n=31) groups. We compared the two groups and differences in clinical, histological and outcome characteristics were identified.

Results

In the entire cohort (n=272), DGs were identified in 22% of cases. Multivariate analysis revealed DGs as an independent prognostic factor for recurrence and positive oesophagectomy margins. Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and background intestinal metaplasia predicted DG presence and absence, respectively. Compared with the treatment-naïve low T-stage subgroup, the pretreated subgroup exhibited higher incidence of poorly differentiated carcinoma (16% vs 46%, p=0.007), larger tumours (14 vs 30 mm, p<0.001), higher tumour, node, metastases stage (7% vs 30%, p=0.004), more nodal disease (7% vs 36%, p<0.001) and frequent DGs (1% vs 13%, p=0.030).

Conclusions

In treated low T-stage EACs, DGs may contribute to suboptimal outcomes following salvage ER. Presence of LVI (as a surrogate for DGs) and poor differentiation in the absence of intestinal metaplasia in biopsy samples may serve as histological poor prognosticators in treated patients with EAC being considered for salvage ER.
Frailty index is an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in Eastern Europe: a multicentre cohort study
Authors: Court Tatyana , Capkova Nadezda , Pająk Andrzej , Tamosiunas Abdonas , Bobák Martin , Pikhart Hynek
Published: August 2024

Background

This study investigates the association between frailty and mortality in Eastern European populations, which remains largely unexplored compared with Western Europe. The aim is to assess the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality associated with varying levels of frailty.

Methods

A prospective multicentre cohort study was conducted, involving random population samples from the Czech Republic, Poland and Lithuania. The baseline survey (2002–2005) included 26 746 individuals aged 45–69 years, with an average follow-up of 13 years. Frailty was measured using a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA)-based Frailty Index (FI), calculating the number of deficits in each domain. Cox proportional regression models and inverse probability weighting (IPW) were employed to account for risk factor differences among the frailty groups: robust, prefrail, mild, moderate and severe.

Results

The study included 14 287 people, among whom 891 were frail, with a total of 2402 deaths.

Compared with non-frail persons, those with mild (IPW HR 2.06, 95% CI 1.60 to 2.66) and severe (IPW HR 2.71, 95% CI 1.45 to 5.07) frailty had more than twofold elevated risk of all-cause mortality. For cardiovascular mortality, the corresponding HRs were (IPW HR 3.05, 95% CI 2.14 to 4.35) and (IPW HR 3.88, 95% CI 1.95 to 7.74). Men exhibited a higher mortality risk at all frailty levels only in unweighted analysis. Country-specific differences were not significant.

Conclusions

A CGA-based FI is an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, with even mild frailty increasing the risk. Implementing frailty assessments can improve health risk prediction in older adults from Eastern Europe.
Assessing total mortality following seabird wrecks given variable data quantity and quality: the Cassin’s auklet die-off
Authors: Jones Timothy , Parrish Julia K. , MacCready Parker , Ballance Lisa T. , Bradley David W. , Burgess Hillary K. , Dolliver Jane E. , Harvey James T. , Joyce Trevor , Lindquist Kirsten , Lindsey Jacqueline , Nevins Hannahrose M. , Roletto Jan , Wilson Laurie , Wright Charlie
Published: August 2024

Mass mortality events (MMEs) of seabirds are becoming more frequent as the global climate warms. Often documented via beached bird surveys, methods for estimating event-wide mortality are needed that can accommodate regional differences in carcass deposition and data quality/quantity. We develop a framework for estimating mortality from beached bird counts, extending existing approaches through the novel application of ocean circulation modeling to assess beaching likelihood. We applied our framework to the 2014/15 Cassin’s auklet ( Ptychoramphus aleuticus) MME, which spread across three regions (central California, northern California-through-Washington, British Columbia) with varying data quality/quantity. Our best mortality estimate of ∼400 000 (estimates ranged from 265 000 to 700 000 depending on model uncertainty and extent) places this seabird MME as one of the largest on record. However, we caution that much uncertainty exists surrounding model parameterization and deposition in British Columbia where beached bird data were sparse. We suggest that the application of ocean circulation models, combined with process-based modeling of carcass persistence and detection, can improve estimates of MME magnitude.
Deadline and Period Assignment for Guaranteeing Timely Response of the Cyber-Physical System
Authors: Zhou Quan , Cai Si , Li Jianjun , Gao Yi , Qu Zhi , Jin Tao
Published: August 2024

Cyber-physical systems (CPSs) need to respond to each change of each monitored object in time. The entire response process can be divided into two stages: the update stage and the control stage. Tasks in CPSs can thus be divided into two kinds: update tasks and control tasks. Assigning deadlines and periods for tasks to ensure a timely response to each change of each monitored object is an important problem in CPS research. Existing methods can ensure that all changes of all objects can receive timely responses if tasks are schedulable. However, these methods have not made efforts to ensure the schedulability of tasks. Therefore, some tasks that can actually receive services cannot be serviced under these methods. In this article, we study the problem of assigning deadlines and periods for tasks while ensuring timely responses and maximizing the schedulability of tasks. Specifically, we find that the delayed deadline assignment for update tasks is the main factor that causes the low scheduling capability of existing methods. A new deadline and period assignment method is proposed based on an optimized deadline calculation scheme and an advanced deadline determination mechanism. Theoretical analysis proves the correctness and superiority of the proposed method. Experimental results show that the new method can improve 30.02% acceptance ratio and save 98.48% runtime on average, as compared to the state-of-the-art deadline and period assignment method.
SLEXNet: Adaptive Inference Using Slimmable Early Exit Neural Networks
Authors: Kutukcu Basar , Baidya Sabur , Dey Sujit
Published: August 2024

Deep learning is a proven method in many applications. However, it requires high computation resources and usually has a constant architecture. Mobile systems are good candidates to benefit from deep learning applications since they are closely integrated in people’s life. However, mobile systems experience varying conditions for the same reason. Constant deep learning architectures against varying resources cannot satisfy the requirements of the applications, so dynamic deep learning architectures are needed. In this work, we propose SLEXNet, a slimmable early exit neural network architecture. SLEXNet combines dynamic depth and width architectures to adapt to varying time and power conditions. Moreover, we propose a runtime scheduling algorithm that can estimate inference time and power consumption of SLEXNet variations on runtime. We train SLEXNet on real aerial drone images and implement the runtime on NVIDIA Jetson Orin. We show that our approach achieves significantly better responses to time and power requirements in varying conditions than baseline dynamic depth and width techniques in a wide range of experiments.
Layer-Wise Learning Rate Optimization for Task-Dependent Fine-Tuning of Pre-Trained Models: An Evolutionary Approach
Authors: Bu Chenyang , Liu Yuxin , Huang Manzong , Shao Jianxuan , Ji Shengwei , Luo Wenjian , Wu Xindong
Published: August 2024

The superior performance of large-scale pre-trained models, such as Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) and Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT), has received increasing attention in both academic and industrial research and has become one of the current research hotspots. A pre-trained model refers to a model trained on large-scale unlabeled data, whose purpose is to learn general language representation or features for fine-tuning or transfer learning in subsequent tasks. After pre-training is complete, a small amount of labeled data can be used to fine-tune the model for a specific task or domain. This two-stage method of “pre-training+fine-tuning” has achieved advanced results in natural language processing (NLP) tasks. Despite widespread adoption, existing fixed fine-tuning schemes that adapt well to one NLP task may perform inconsistently on other NLP tasks given that different tasks have different latent semantic structures. In this article, we explore the effectiveness of automatic fine-tuning pattern search for layer-wise learning rates from an evolutionary optimization perspective. Our goal is to use evolutionary algorithms to search for better task-dependent fine-tuning patterns for specific NLP tasks than typical fixed fine-tuning patterns. Experimental results on two real-world language benchmarks and three advanced pre-training language models show the effectiveness and generality of the proposed framework.
Exploring Unique Extracellular Vesicles Associated Signatures: Prognostic Insights, Immune Microenvironment Dynamics, and Therapeutic Responses in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nan Kai , Zhang Ming , Geng Zilong , Zhang Yuankai , Liu Lin , Yang Zhi , Xu Peng
Published: August 2024

Extracellular vesicles play an important role in the progression of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) through the transfer of proteins, mRNAs, and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). However, the intricate interplay between extracellular vesicles‐related lncRNAs and the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains poorly elucidated. Consequently, our investigation aimed to delineate the association between extracellular vesicles‐related lncRNAs and the PAAD microenvironment. Initially, we identified differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype‐Tissue Expression (GTEx) project datasets. Subsequently, we validated the expression of these DELs within extracellular vesicles and assessed their prognostic implications in PAAD using the GSE133684 and TCGA datasets. Multiomics data were analyzed comprehensively, including genomic landscape, functional annotation, immune profiles, and therapeutic responses. Differential expression of selected lncRNAs in both cellular and exosomal fractions of PAAD was further confirmed through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Eight DELs were identified from TCGA and GTEx datasets, and two exosomal lncRNAs exhibited a significant correlation with overall survival, warranting further investigation. Specifically, elevated expression of LINC00996 correlated positively with immune infiltration and enhanced response to immunotherapy. Conversely, heightened expression of TRHED‐AS1 was associated with compromised immune cell infiltration and diminished responsiveness to immunotherapy. Our study establishes a compelling link between two extracellular vesicles‐related gene signatures, prognosis, and immune infiltration in PAAD. Notably, these signatures serve as robust prognostic indicators for PAAD patients, offering valuable insights for the strategic selection of immunotherapeutic interventions.
Global, Regional, and National Epidemiology of Depression in Working‐Age Individuals, 1990–2019
Authors: Yang Jin-shuai , Zhang Lu-yu , Yang Cheng-hao , Li Xin-yu , Li Zhi-qiang
Published: August 2024

Background. Depression is a disorder that can have a serious impact on functioning and quality of life. Understanding the global, regional, and national epidemiology of depression in working‐age populations (15–49 years) is important for informing mental health policies and services. However, up‐to‐date data have been lacking, especially in developing regions. Methods. This study delved into the prevalence of depression among individuals in the working‐age group, specifically those between 15 and 49 years, by analyzing data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD). The comprehensive analysis aimed to determine the age‐standardized prevalence, incidence, and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with depression across diverse groups. It considered factors such as geographical regions, age brackets, genders, and sociodemographic indices, spanning a time frame from 1990 to 2019. Results. Globally, the estimated prevalent cases, incident cases, and DALYs for depression increased from 1990 to 2019. Regionally, certain regions like Central Latin America saw rapid increases in age‐standardized prevalence and incidence rates over time. By sociodemographic regions, all tiers witnessed rises in incident cases, with high sociodemographic index (SDI) areas having the greatest burden in 2019. Nationally, countries such as India, China, and the United States had the highest total prevalence and incidence in 2019, while nations like Yemen and Angola reported exceptionally high age‐standardized rates (ASRs). Peak prevalence risk occurred in the mid‐to‐late 40s age range. Period effects showed declining risks over time. Earlier birth cohorts, especially before the mid‐1960s, faced higher risks than more recent generations. Population growth rather than epidemiological changes appeared to drive increases in disease burden. Conclusion. From 1990 to 2019, the overall trend of depression burden in working‐age individuals presents regional and national variations and differs by age, sex, period, and cohort.
Association between Vegetarian Diet Consumption and Academic Performance, Sleep Quality, and Health‐Related Quality of Life among Female Undergraduate College Students
Authors: Obeidat Rana F. , Almadhaani Aisha S. , Almemari Amal K. , Alyammahi Ghareibah M. , Alabdouli Hamdah E. , Alhmoudi Maryam M.
Published: August 2024

Purpose. This cross‐sectional survey study aimed to examine the association between vegetarian diet consumption and sleep quality, academic performance, and health‐related quality of life among female undergraduate college students. Method. A sample of 158 undergraduate female college students was recruited using a convenience sampling approach. Data collection utilized reliable and validated English‐language instruments including the Vegetarian Quality of Life Questionnaire (VEGQOL), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and health‐related quality of life scale (HRQoL). The data were analyzed using one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and appropriate descriptive statistics. Results. Vegetarians exhibited a significantly lower BMI compared to nonvegetarians (F (1, 156) = [6.09], p = 0.015). Those strictly adhering to a vegan diet (48.79 ± 9.41) had the lowest vegetarian quality of life among all participants following various forms of a vegetarian diet (F (3, 68) = [2.78], p = 0.04). The majority of female college students reported good to excellent general health (91.7%), with 53.2% perceiving their sleep quality as fairly good. However, the mean PSQI global score of 8.04 (±3.35) indicated poor sleep quality. No significant association was found between diet type (vegetarian vs. nonvegetarian) and academic performance (cGPA) (χ2 (4, N = 158) = 2.92, p = 0.57). There was no significant relationship between diet types and academic performance, HRQoL, and sleep quality. Conclusion. Despite a significant association between vegetarian diet and lower BMI, surprisingly, no substantial relationships were identified between diet type and academic performance, HRQoL, and sleep quality. These findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on the potential impacts of a vegetarian diet on various facets of female college students’ well‐being and highlight the need for further exploration in this field.
A Data and Knowledge Fusion‐Driven Early Fault Warning Method for Traction Control Systems
Authors: Shan Nanliang , Xu Xinghua , Bao Xianqiang , Cheng Fei , Liao Tao , Qiu Shaohua
Published: August 2024

While high‐speed maglev trains offer convenient travel options, they also pose challenging issues for fault detection and early warning in critical components. This study proposes a Temporal‐Knowledge fusion Spatiotemporal Graph Convolutional Network (TK‐STGCN) for early warning of faults in the traction control system (TCS). Compared with the existing literature that leverages the spatiotemporal characteristics of big data for fault feature discovery, TK‐STGCN focuses on integrating prior knowledge to capture correlations between data and fault mechanisms, thereby improving data processing efficiency. This requires our method not only to extract spatiotemporal features from time series but also to efficiently integrate knowledge representations with time series as inputs to the model. Specifically, structural analysis (SA) is first employed to construct the predefined structural graph for the TK‐STGCN backbone network. Subsequently, a knowledge fusion unit is used to integrate the knowledge graph representation with monitoring time series data as input for the TK‐STGCN model. Finally, the TK‐STGCN method is applied to provide early warnings for six common faults in TCS. Analysis based on 21,498 hardware‐in‐the‐loop experiments reveals that this method can achieve a fault warning rate of over 90%. This demonstrates that the proposed method can effectively predict faults before they occur, preventing excessive equipment damage and even catastrophic consequences.
A Case of Autoimmune Neutropenia in a Patient Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery
Authors: Adachi Mio , Oda Goshi , Hara Masatake , Kumaki Yuichi , Fujioka Tomoyuki , Ishiba Toshiyuki , Tateishi Ukihide
Published: August 2024

Autoimmune neutropenia (AIN) is an extremely rare condition, and there is no effective treatment option for this disorder. AIN can cause major complications in patients with perioperative infection. Herein, we present a 56‐year‐old female patient who was scheduled for breast cancer surgery. However, she was unexpectedly diagnosed with AIN. Thus, the surgery was postponed, and endocrine therapy was started. After 7 months of treatment, the surgery was performed. Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor was administered before the surgery, but the patient’s neutrophil count did not increase. Thus, levofloxacin was administered during the surgery. The patient had fever (38.6°C) 1 day after the surgery. Her surgical wound did not present with redness, and there were no other signs of infection. The fever subsided on the second day after the surgery. Nevertheless, antibiotics were administered for 5 days. The patient was discharged on the sixth day after the surgery.
Low Temperature Synthesis of Hexagonal Bi2Te3 Nanoplates Using an Open Reactor and Its Effect on Their Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Reyes-Verdugo Laura A. , Martinez-Carreon Maria de J. , Gutierrez-Lazos C. D. , Solis-Pomar Francisco J. , Quiñones-Galvan Jose G. , Perez-Tijerina Eduardo
Published: August 2024

This report presents the physicochemical properties of hexagonal Bi2Te3 nanoplates chemically prepared in an open reactor at a lower temperature (140°C) than those reported for controlled condition techniques. The samples were drop‐cast on glass and FTO substrates for subsequent structural, chemical, and thermoelectric analyses. The electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that samples precipitated in highly crystalline hexagonal nanoplates, grown along the [0 1 5] plane of the rhombohedral phase of Bi2Te3. The nanoplates exhibited an extension of up to several hundred nanometers, with thicknesses in the range of 20–40 nm, and with an interplanar spacing of 0.321 nm. A vibrational mode at 120 cm−1 due to the breaking of the symmetry of the Bi2Te3 crystal along the C axis was observed by Raman spectroscopy. XPS results showed that despite the strong reactivity of Te2− ions with ambient oxygen, the crystallization of Bi2Te3 hexagonal nanoplates is feasible without controlled vapor pressure and at a lower temperature than reported in other works. Finally, the measurement of the Seebeck coefficient exhibited a p-type conductivity of Bi2Te3, with a maximum value of 169 μV/K within the temperature range of 300 to 320 K.
Awareness and Satisfaction of Employees on the Corporate Social Respon-sibility Services in Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Philippines
Authors: Rosa Honeylyn R. Dela
Published: August 2024

Hanjin Heavy Industries Construction Philippines Inc. offers CSR services to motivate employees and ensure security. Employees receive free shuttle buses, food allowances, medical and dental missions, schools, and housing loans. However, the infrequent utilization of these services could potentially impact job performance. Employee satisfaction with these services may influence their satisfaction, leading to lower working conditions. This study aimed to assess employee awareness and satisfaction with Hanjin social responsibility services in 2019. The research involved 11 employees (85) and 25 department managers from the Hanjin Subic Shipyard. The study used questionnaires to gather data on employees' profiles and awareness of the company's benefits. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools and gathered through a pilot data-gathering process. The survey shows that all respondents benefit from the company's annual physical examinations, which are both the company's and employees' responsibility. The services include free shuttles, food allowances, medical and dental assistance, housing, and educational assistance. Basic occupational safety and health training was taken by 41.82 percent of respondents. Management training and development was received by 0.91% of employees. Higher awareness contributes to employee satisfaction with Hanjin CSR services. The management of Hanjin raises employee awareness of CSR services by holding a symposium and disseminating various information, for example.
Coffee Consumption and its Perceived Effects on the Study Habits of Higher Education Students
Authors: Viado Milagros P.
Published: August 2024

This study describes coffee consumption and its perceived effects on the study habits of selected higher education students at Cavite State University Imus Campus. A quantitative research design was employed, surveying 208 students via a structured questionnaire. The study analyzed the data using descriptive and inferential statistics. The demographic profile of respondents shows a majority of females (55.77%) and students aged 21 to 24 years (48.07%), with most enrolled in the BSIT program. Results indicate that coffee consumption is a prevalent part of students' daily routines, with 76.44% drinking coffee daily and a significant preference for both hot and cold types (57.21%). One cup per day is the most common consumption level (57.21%).
Students perceived coffee to significantly enhance cognitive functions, energy levels, productivity, and mood during study sessions, aligning with previous research highlighting caffeine's positive effects on memory, alertness, and motor coordination (Lin et al., 2023). However, there are mixed perceptions regarding dependency and withdrawal symptoms, with some negative impacts noted when coffee is not drunk, echoing concerns about tolerance and withdrawal symptoms discussed in the literature (Van De Walle et al., 2019). Findings showed no significant differences in the perceived effects of coffee consumption when the respondents were grouped by age, sex, year level, or degree program.
This research suggests that coffee consumption plays a vital role in the student's academic lives. While consumption enhances cognitive and academic performance, it also presents potential risks related to coffee dependency. Administrators can use the findings of this study to enhance the school environment with a focus on food and health security by providing healthier alternatives and varied coffee options in campus canteens that can support students' academic success.
Maximizing Productivity of Cucumber (Cucumis sativa L) Applied with Bio-Stimulant Solution
Authors: Oñal, Jr. Paulino A , Lapas Patricia S. , Servino Rizzi Ann S. , Andrade Francis E. , Cortez Manuel D. , Baldonebro Jessel Jane G.
Published: August 2024

The study sought to determine the effects of different levels of concentrations of bio-stimulant solution (BSS) in enhancing the growth and maximizing the yield of the cucumber plant. The study was conducted at UNO-R School of Agriculture, Philippines, last January 8, 2024, to March 18, 2024. The study was laid out in (CRD) with four treatments and replicated 4 times. The BSS solution was diluted in the water. It was applied at the base of the vine following the research protocol. Statistical analysis revealed highly significant differences among the treatments in growth and yield parameters such as length of vine and weight of marketable fruits, respectively. Likewise, results showed highly significant differences among treatments on flower initiation, number of leaves, number of fruits, circumference, and diameter of fruits, biomass, and root weight. For the longest vine, greater number of leaves, early flower initiation, great number of fruits, greater length and bigger circumference of fruits, heavier weight of fruits, heavier roots, and biomass accumulation were obtained from plants applied with 400ml BSS, followed by 300ml BSS, and 200ml BSS, respectively. While those who have no BSS had the lowest result in almost all of the parameters mentioned above. Four growth characteristics are strongly correlated with the length of vines, and three for the root weight, respectively.  This study recommends the use of 400ml BSS in enhancing the growth and maximizing the yield of cucumber.
Manyi and Zhen as Seen from the Hujia Caochang Han Manuscripts
Authors: Watanabe Hideyuki
Published: August 2024

The Hujia caochang Western Han slip-and-tablet manuscripts include statutes on the manyi 蠻夷 and zhen 真, which contain unprecedented but significant information. From the Qin to the early Han periods, foreign tribes were divided into two categories: the wai manyi 外蠻夷 and the jiaozhong manyi 徼中蠻夷. Delineating them was the “boundary” called jiao 徼 and sai 塞, and the management of these tribes also differed. The Han dynasty ruled the foreign tribes within its border by such means as household registration by dao 道-march officials, provision of farmlands based on their registers, imposition of land tax and corvée service, recognition of the original status of the ruling classes, and control by Han law. However, the jiaozhong manyi maintained their original residential form, which were different from the ordinary junxian 郡縣 residents. The manyi were under the rule of the manyi zhang 蠻夷長 and others, but were also controlled by the law of the Han dynasty. In addition, the Han inherited the Qin legal notion of zhen as the label for naturalized people from abroad. Zhen refers to the “pure” people born abroad, that is, the first generation of naturalized foreigners. Nonetheless, their children born on the land of Han were no longer regarded as zhen, but as complete Han people. As for naturalized zhen, the dynasty partially recognized their original status or identity.
Changes in Skeletal Muscle Volume During Preoperative Chemotherapy Affect the Outcome of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Matsumoto Michinori , Shirai Yoshihiro , Tsunematsu Masashi , Okui Norimitsu , Gocho Takeshi , Onda Shinji , Furukawa Kenei , Haruki Koichiro , Uwagawa Tadashi , Ikegami Toru
Published: August 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate the effects of changes in clinicopathological factors during preoperative chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer, including skeletal muscle volume, on recurrence and prognosis after pancreatectomy.

Methods

Data from 41 patients who underwent resection for pancreatic cancer after preoperative chemotherapy from 2012 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Skeletal muscle volume was substituted for the psoas muscle area (PMA) at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. We investigated the relationship of clinicopathological factors during preoperative chemotherapy with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The association between clinicopathological factors and a decrease in PMA was investigated.

Results

In the multivariate analyses for DFS and OS, the factors associated with recurrence were as follows: decrease in PMA ( P = 0.003) and the absence of adjuvant therapy ( P = 0.03), and the factors associated with poor prognosis were as follows: decrease in PMA ( P = 0.04) and the absence of adjuvant therapy ( P = 0.008), and the resectability of borderline resectable and unresectable-locally advanced tumors ( P = 0.033). All patients with partial response according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (version 1.1) had no decrease in PMA ( P = 0.01). The proportion of patients with Evans classification ≥ II was significantly higher in the group without a decrease in PMA ( P = 0.02). The proportion of patients with an average relative dose intensity of adjuvant therapy ≥0.6 was significantly higher in the group without a decrease in PMA ( P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Changes in preoperative skeletal muscle volume during preoperative chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer is a potential predictor of recurrence and prognosis after pancreatectomy.
Beyond the CSO: How Alternative Attention Carriers Influence the Role of CSOs on CSR
Authors: Korendijk Marloes , Drogendijk Rian
Published: August 2024

More and more firms have a chief sustainability officer (CSO) to support the organizational focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR). Yet, there is much to learn about the boundary conditions that make the presence of CSOs particularly effective for firms’ CSR. Using an attention-based view lens, we investigate the relationship between having a CSO as attention carrier of CSR activities and examine the potential boundary conditions related to the three attention principles (attention selection, represented by board diversity; attention structures, represented by a CSR committee; and situated attention, represented by country-level CSR standards). We test our hypotheses using a global sample of 3,470 firms across 54 countries. Our results show that the influence of the CSO on internal and external CSR is most important in the absence of attention principles that may act as alternative attention carriers of CSR. In other words, attention principles form boundaries to the CSO’s influence on internal and external CSR. Our study contributes to research on the attention-based view, CSOs, and CSR.
Enhancing PV power generation via an adaptive neuro-fuzzy and fast terminal synergetic MPPT approach
Authors: Chnini Khalil , dhifaoui Dalinda , Jouini Houda , Allagui Hatem
Published: August 2024

The distinct characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) generators related to power and current present a complex problem in terms of optimizing their power output. To tackle this, a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) interface is required to extract the full power and increase the efficiency. The purpose of this research is to propose an innovative method that merges the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and the Fast Terminal Synergetic Controller (FTSC) to refine the tracking of the optimal power point and to bolster the PV system’s stability in the face of unpredictable scenarios. Simulations conducted using MATLAB/Simulink demonstrate that the ANFIS-FTSC achieves an impressive efficiency of 99.89%, and exhibits fast, robust, and accurate responses compared to other algorithms like FTSC and conventional P&O.
Fromm-Reichmann’s Wake-Up Call Long Ago on Loneliness
Authors: Hoffman Edward
Published: August 2024

Published posthumously in 1959, Freida Fromm-Reichmann’s paper Loneliness was a pioneering work on a debilitating psychological condition which many health professionals today view as a global epidemic. Nevertheless, despite Fromm-Reichmann’s high reputation among the founders of humanistic psychology, they ignored both the pernicious impact of loneliness on personal well-being and its wider roots in societal dysfunction: namely, what the political philosopher Hannah Arendt called atomization. This article places this indifference to loneliness within the zeitgeist of post-World War II America, in which the issue of social conformity, rather than the value of interpersonal ties, captured the attention of humanistic social thinkers.
Research on twists in core and sheath layers of staple core-spun yarn produced by coaxial roller with different diameters
Authors: Jiang Wenjie , Guo Mingrui , Gao Weidong
Published: August 2024

A novel method for producing cotton/polyester staple core-spun yarns was introduced in this study to fully exploit the advantages of composite staple yarns. A coaxial roller with different diameters was installed on the ring spinning machine to assist in the production of the staple core-spun yarn. In addition, given the challenge of accurately measuring the twist of the staple core-spun yarn using a traditional twist tester, image technology was employed to measure the twists in the core and sheath layers. Models were established to correlate the process twist (the twist set on the spinning machine) with twists in the core and sheath layers of the staple core-spun yarn. The effects of the core proportion and process twist on the yarn properties were studied and statistically examined using analysis of variance. The results indicated that the twists in the core and sheath layers were linear functions of the process twist. The core exposure ratio of the staple core-spun yarn increased with an increase in the core proportion and first decreased and then increased with an increase in the process twist. The tensile properties, yarn evenness, and hairiness of the staple core-spun yarn improved with an increasing core proportion. The analysis of variance results confirmed that the core proportion and process twist significantly influenced the tensile properties, yarn evenness, and hairiness of the staple core-spun yarn. Furthermore, there were statistically significant differences in the properties of the staple core-spun yarn and ring-spun yarn at the 95% confidence interval.
Firearm Purchaser Licensing Laws and Firearm Deaths Among Adolescents and Emerging Adults
Authors: Crifasi Cassandra K. , Topazian Rachel J. , McCourt Alex D. , Oliphant Stephen N. , Zeoli April M. , Kennedy Katrina S. , Wagner Elizabeth D. , Doucette Mitchell L.
Published: August 2024

Research on firearm purchaser licensing laws has found population level reductions in firearm-related mortality. Limited research has been conducted specifically examining the impact of these laws among adolescents and emerging adults. We obtained death data from the National Center for Health Statistics from 1990 to 2019. We generated state-year rates of homicide and suicide, stratified by firearm involvement, for decedents aged 15 to 24. We stratified by race and ethnicity (white, Black, and Hispanic) to assess for differential policy effects. We used stacked difference-in-difference and augmented synthetic control modeling to estimate law repeal or adoption. Repeal of firearm purchaser licensing laws was associated with significantly higher rates of firearm homicide and suicide among those age 15 to 24. The adoption of these laws was associated with significantly lower rates of firearm homicide and suicide among this group. These laws are a promising supply-side intervention to reduce firearm mortality among those with elevated violence vulnerability.
A novel design of compact elastomer shock absorption system to protect sensitive objects from underwater shock for naval application
Authors: Hipparkar Dattatraya R , Chandel Sunil , Harshe Rahul
Published: August 2024

This research paper proposes a unique way to safeguard delicate systems on submerged platforms from the undesirable effects of underwater explosion shock loads. The underwater detonation of an explosive charge and mines produce devastating underwater shocks against underwater platforms. Shock load developed underwater has been analyzed, and a shock response spectrum (SRS) approach to compute shock peak responses has been adopted. SRS shock absorption frequency satisfies requirements for both shock absorption and delicate systems. The shock load was reduced to 2g by altering the delicate system stiffness and damping properties. The analytical model for a single DOF system was formulated, and simulation was carried out using ANSYS solver. The stiffness has been spread across various points along the length of the delicate system, allowing it to undergo translational oscillations when subjected to shock loads. This research paper presents an innovative design approach for a shock absorption system intended for underwater sensitive objects, emphasizing simplicity, distinctiveness, compactness, reliability, and electromagnetic compatibility. Experimental testing validated the shock absorption design on the prototype. Shock testing determined the absorber’s maximum displacement and sensitive object acceleration.
From PROBE to net zero: A study of soft landings’ contribution
Authors: Mirzaie Sahar
Published: August 2024

This study reviews Soft Landings (SL) implementations, focusing on its role in achieving Low and Net Zero Emission (LZE) buildings and reducing the energy performance gap. With buildings contributing significantly to global carbon emissions, it is crucial to understand the effect of integrating approaches like SL for meeting Net Zero goals. Notably, this research identified that the extended 3-year aftercare phase of SL does not always lead to reduced operational carbon emissions. While SL promotes collaboration and structured delivery, its overall impact on consistently achieving LZE buildings remains unclear, largely due to insufficient in-use performance data. The paper advocates for integrating SL with other performance-based methods, emphasising the need for enhanced industry collaboration and data sharing to augment the understanding and effectiveness of SL in delivering LZE buildings.

Practical Application: This paper offers a thorough analysis of the Soft Landings (SL) framework in achieving Low and Net Zero Emission (LZE) buildings. It examines barriers at each project lifecycle stage and evaluates SL’s effectiveness through case studies, revealing inconsistencies in reducing operational emissions. The findings emphasise integrating SL with performance-based initiatives and enhancing industry collaboration and data sharing. Built environment professionals can leverage these insights to improve project delivery, optimise building performance, and achieve LZE goals more effectively.
Recognition of the importance of personal demands and resources in employee well-being: Lessons for management at The State Hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic – a critical evaluation of NHS employee perceptions
Authors: Scott Bernadette , Lammie Rhiannon
Published: August 2024

This article provides critical evaluation of the impact of Covid-19 on NHS employee perceptions of workplace well-being at The State Hospital (Scotland) during the global pandemic, focusing on lessons learned for NHS management during times of crisis. An exploratory case study qual→QUAL sequential dependent strategy was adopted, extracting themes from the NHS deployed Staff Well-Being Survey of summer 2020 (227 respondents, 35% of all staff) (qual) to inform thematic progression for 10 in-depth interviews with a range of NHS employees (QUAL). The Job Demands-Resources Model (JD-R Model) was adapted during the study to incorporate personal demands and resources (personal challenges and coping mechanisms at work and in wider life), providing a more holistic and detailed picture of working life during the pandemic for NHS workers. Three recommendations emerged to enhance employee well-being during periods of crisis around management development, workload issues and communication strategies.
Swedish Translation and Cultural Adaptation of the Head and Neck Patient Symptom Checklist: An Instrument to Screen for Nutrition Impact Symptoms in Clinical Practice and Research
Authors: Tiblom Ehrsson Ylva , Einarsson Sandra , Fransson Per , Laurell Göran
Published: August 2024

Background:

The Head and Neck Patient Symptom Checklist (HNSC) is a validated 2-part instrument used to ask patients with head and neck cancer about the nutrition impact symptoms they experience (part 1) and how these interfere with their eating (part 2).

Purpose:

The purpose of this work was to translate and culturally adapt the HNSC into Swedish in accordance with the guidelines of the International Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR).

Methods:

The ISPOR guidelines include 10 steps, and these were thoroughly followed. In step 7, 9 health care professionals from the field of head and neck cancer assessed the perceived relevance (content validity) of each item in the HNSC, as well as the full HNSC. A total of 522 participants with head and neck cancer were included and followed up on 7 occasions using the HNSC to assess internal consistency.

Results:

The HNSC was translated from English into Swedish, ensuring accuracy through forward and backward translation and harmonization in the research team. Content validity for each part of the HNSC was rated excellent (scale content validity index 0.96). Internal consistency demonstrated a good Cronbach’s alpha score (>0.8) across the 7 follow-up time points (from baseline [before the start of treatment] and up to 24 months posttreatment).

Conclusions:

The HNSC has been successfully translated and culturally adapted into Swedish. The HNSC can be used in both clinical practice and research to screen for nutrition impact symptoms and symptoms that interfere with eating in patients with head and neck cancer.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03343236 (date of registration: November 17, 2017)
Assessment of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio and systemic immune-inflammatory index, as diagnostic markers for neonatal sepsis
Authors: Zhu Shanshan , Zhou Qian , Hu Zhonghua , Jiang Junsheng
Published: August 2024

Objective

To assess the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), as diagnostic markers for neonatal sepsis.

Methods

This retrospective study involve neonates with sepsis and healthy neonates as controls. NLR, PLR, and SII were compared between groups.

Result

In total, 60 neonates with sepsis and 60 healthy controls were involved in the study. Compared with controls, the sepsis group had higher values for NLR, PLR and SII. Logistic regression analysis suggested that the NLR, PLR and SII were independent risk factors for neonatal sepsis. In addition, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that the NLR, PLR and SII were reliable predictors of neonatal sepsis and SII had the best predictive value.

Conclusions

NLR, PLR and SII appear to be useful indicators for predicting neonatal sepsis.
Dapagliflozin-induced abnormal uterine bleeding in a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and chronic heart failure: a case report
Authors: Gong Shikun , Zhang Shunan , Ye Yun , Wu Meiling
Published: August 2024

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are extensively used in the management of heart failure because of their cardiovascular benefits. Adverse drug reactions associated with dapagliflozin include diabetic ketoacidosis, fungal infections, and increased blood glucose concentrations. However, abnormal uterine bleeding is not a known side effect of dapagliflozin. We report a 75-year-old Chinese woman with dilated cardiomyopathy and chronic heart failure who experienced abnormal uterine bleeding while taking dapagliflozin. Notably, cessation of dapagliflozin administration resulted in the disappearance of uterine bleeding. These findings suggest that dapagliflozin possesses additional potential mechanisms, but these mechanisms require further investigation. Furthermore, healthcare professionals should remain vigilant regarding the occurrence of uterine bleeding when prescribing dapagliflozin.