bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ganguly Purban , Ayub Asif , Majumdar Soumyadeep , Srivastava Smiti Rani , Bhunia Jit , Ghosh Asim Kumar , Guha Soumyajit
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Emergence and subsequent exponential spread of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection during 2020 forced the Government to issue countrywide lockdown from March 2020. Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is one of the debilitating diseases of the eye which requires regular follow-ups and timely intervention to prevent permanent vision loss. The impact of countrywide lockdown on prevalence and progression of DR needs to be evaluated. Aim: To assess the effect of COVID-19 pandemic situation on the prevalence and progression of DR and analyse the possible risk factors for progression of DR in the ongoing pandemic period by comparing retrospective data from immediate prepandemic quarter with post lockdown quarter. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Opthalmology at Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The study was done during the prepandemic period, from November 2019 to February 2020. In the present study, a cohort of 83 diabetic patients with pre-existing DR was selected from past medical records and compared with post lockdown period during November 2020 to February 2021. Data regarding prevalence of various types of DR, mean Central Macular Thickness (CMT), mean Visual Acuity (VA), proportion of patients requiring >3 doses of monthly anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGF) and additional laser therapy or vitrectomy, VA improvement and reduction of mean CMT were gathered and compared between those two quarters. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Results: The prevalence of moderate Non Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) (13% vs 25%), severe NPDR (19% vs 8%), Proliferative DR (PDR) (18% vs 7%), Advanced Diabetic Eye Disease (ADED) (4.8% vs 1%) and Diabetic Macular Oedema (DME) (62% vs 28%) increased several folds during post lockdown quarter in comparison to prepandemic quarter. There was a statistically significant difference (p-value<0.05) in baseline mean LogMar Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) (0.4±0.08 vs 0.9±0.07), mean CMT (386.4±26.8 to 421.8±21.6) positive correlations of some of the possible risk factors for poor visual outcome among the same cohort of patients in the post lockdown period: poor socioeconomic status (35%; Odds Ratio (OR):3.59, Relative Risk (RR):2.68), irregular diabetic medication (52%; OR:3.56, RR:2.23), residence more than 100 km from the hospital (38%; OR:3.03, RR:2.26). Conclusion: The present study, concludes that, the status of DR stage among study subjects in the post lockdown period has deteriorated when compared with the prepandemic period.
Effect of Herbal Perfumes and Synthetic Perfumes on Attention and Cognitive Functions in Young Adults: A Sequential Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Faiyazuddin Talha , Ravella Anitha , Rahman Javeria Amatul , Yasmeen Nikhat , Siddiqui Abdul Raoof Omer
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Focused and sustained attention, executive function, working memory and task switching are important cognitive abilities. Efforts to enhance cognitive abilities, have engaged the scientific community since ages. Human beings are exposed to several fragrances and the perception of the sense of smell, plays an important role in the physiological effects of mood, stress, and working capacity. Perception of olfactory stimuli involves complex brain processing, which can be directly associated with cognition and emotion. Several Electroencephalogram (EEG) studies have revealed that, fragrances significantly modulate the activities of different brain waves and are responsible for various states of the brain. Aim: To objectively demonstrate the effect of olfactory stimulation with herbal (rose) perfume on attention and executive functions. Materials and Methods: This sequential cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology at Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The duration of the study was one month, from 16th August 2021 to 16th September 2021. Study included 40 healthy participants (15 males and 25 females), aged between 18-30 years to olfactory stimulation by herbal (rose) extract perfume and synthetic (rose) perfume, and the effects are assessed, using the psychophysiological tests viz., Rapid Serial Visual Presentation task (RSVP), Trail Making Tests (TMT) A&B, Ruff Figural Fluency Test (RFT), and compared with the baseline scores, which are then analysed using Paired t-test. The data was analysed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. Results: Olfactory stimulation with herbal rose perfume enhances the attention and speed of processing, as shown by the nearly significant improvement in the performance of the TMT-A (p-value=0.05433), with decreased time taken to perform the test, whereas, the synthetic rose perfume enhanced the attention, speed, switching between tasks, cognitive fluency, and flexibility. This is evident by the significant improvement in the performance of the TMT-A (p-value=0.00326) and TMT-B (p-value=0.0001693), with decreased time taken to perform the tests. The derived index TMT (B-A), which removes the speed component and is a purer index of executive functions, also showed significant results (p-value=0.002092). Conclusion: The effects of herbal and synthetic rose olfactory stimulation have shown positive influence on the attention and cognitive functions and this finding can be applied to create student friendly learning environments, by providing pleasant stimuli through means of aromatic sprays delivering the odorant in a pulsatile manner at a frequency to overcome the ensuing olfactory adaptation.
Antimicrobial and Mechanical Properties of GIC Incorporated with Silver Vanadate Nanoparticles: An In-vitro Study
Authors: Pooja Yalamanchili , Chaitanya Penmatsa , Vinay C , Uloopi KS , Alla Rama Krishna , Ahalya Penmetsa
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) is a widely used restorative material, but its anti-bacterial property is not sustained overtime. The addition of nanosized silver vanadate (AgVO3) is an attempt to enhance the anti-bacterial property of GIC without affecting its mechanical properties. Aim: To evaluate the anti-microbial property, Flexural Strength (FS) and Surface Micro Hardness (SMH) of GIC added with silver vanadate (AgVO3) nanoparticles. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro study was conducted in the Department of Pedodontics, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, India from June 2020 to July 2021. The AgVO3 nanoparticles were proportionally added to Type II GIC (Group-1) powder at the concentrations of 0.5% (Group-2), 1.0% (Group-3) and 2.0% w/w (Group-4). A total of 56 specimens were prepared to evaluate the test parameters. Anti-microbial property was evaluated using disk diffusion method. FS was determined using a universal testing machine and SMH using Vicker's Microhardness (VHN) tester. The obtained data was analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey’s test and unpaired t-test. Results: The GIC with AgVO3 nanoparticles exhibited higher anti-microbial property compared to un-modified GIC (Group-1). Group-4 exhibited highest anti-microbial property, followed by Group-3 and Group-2. Group-4 exhibited highest FS with a mean value of 26.90 MPa (p=0.002) and SMH with a mean value of 61.29 VHN (p=0.001) than Group-1. Conclusion: Addition of 2.0% w/w AgVo3 nanoparticles to Type II GIC shown to have higher anti-bacterial property, and also displayed higher FS and SMH.
Content Validity and Test-retest Reliability Section of Self-reported Questionnaire Assessing Knowledge and Perception of SMS Thumb: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Naik Shreeraksha L , Srivastava Saumya
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Continuous texting is associated with more stress on the thumb, which may cause the onset of a variety of wrist and thumb conditions. Today’s youth spend the majority of their time on smartphones, which might cause texting thumb symptoms to occur. As there is a lack of a questionnaire that can evaluate their awareness and views, this was the first study that develops as well as evaluates the validity and reliability of a self-designed questionnaire. Aim: To assess the validity and reliability of a self-designed questionnaire that measured knowledge and perception of Short Message Service (SMS) Thumb. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional pilot survey was conducted in Mangalore, Karnataka, India from June 2022 to July 2022. Validity and reliability were performed in two sections. A panel of four experts reviewed the questionnaire’s content validity to determine its Content Validity Index (CVI), while reliability was performed by using test-retest reliability method which was carried out through an online survey among 31 young individuals with the inclusion criteria of non medical students aged between 18 to 25 years. CVI was used to analyse the questionnaire’s validity. Test-retest statistical analysis was performed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Inc; Chicago, IL), Version 26.0 and internal consistency were used to assess the reliability. Pearson correlation was used to perform the reliability. Results: The item Content Validity Index (i-CVI) of the questionnaire was 1.00 for 20 of the 25 questions, while the average scale CVI of the questionnaire was 0.95. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency were both evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and Pearson’s correlation ratio, respectively. The questionnaire was significantly reliable with a p-value <0.05. Conclusion: The questionnaire showed acceptable test-retest reliability and content validity which can be a useful tool for measuring awareness and attitude about SMS Thumb.
Index Development Perspective and Farmer’s Perception of Market-led Extension and Advisory Services by Producers Organization in India
Authors: Ragunath S. , Goudappa S. B. , Shashidhar K. K. , Tulasiram J. , Reddy B. S. , Wali V. B.
Published: June 2023

Farmers Producers Organization (FPO) are those collectives of primary producers of agriculture and allied sector. The motto of FPO was to mobilize the small and marginal farmers into producer groups so they could gain appropriate and real time market intelligence. The intelligence gained is expected to enhance their forward and backward market linkage and guide them to identify and utilize their space in the agricultural values chain. Herewith, the producers can get maximum possible returns for their produce subsequently, enhancing their farm income, and at the same time, boosts their ability to participate in the commercial markets. The FPOs could achieve this goal through balanced delivery of Market-led Extension and Advisory Services (MLE and AS) which include activities from delivery of production technologies to finding place in the global market. All these are possible through effective participation of FPO members at all stages and activities of FPO; leading the FPO to highly progressive and prosperous growth. For that to happen, it is important to have a measuring instrument for the perception of FPO members about Market-led Extension & Advisory Services (MLE and AS). In this study, a perception index of the FPO members (PIFM) was developed using the standardized procedures with nine dimensions: availability of products and services; appropriateness of products and services; adequacy of products and services; quality of products and services; timeliness of products and services; cost of products and services; responsiveness of the staffs in offering the products and services; usefulness of advisory services; and the content of advisory services consisting a total of 33 items. The validity of PIFM was validated using face and content validity. Consequently, reliability of the PIFM was also verified using Cronbach's Alpha. Thus the study found that the PIFM reliability was 0.846(α).
Method Validation for Simultaneous Determination of Pyriproxyfen and Fenpropathrin in Okra Matrices
Authors: Pooja  , Ahlawat Sushil , Ashu
Published: June 2023

Extraction and quantification of pesticide residue from the okra matrix at or below the established maximum residue limit (MRL) is a challenging task for both analytical chemists and regulatory institutions to take corrective actions for human health and safety. to develop a simple rapid and less expensive extraction and cleanup method for simultaneous analysis of pyriproxyfen and fenpropathrin residue in okra two methods:  QuEChERS and Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE) were tested. Both methods produce reliable results, QuEChERS method was chosen for the present research due to its superior efficiency, low cost as well as reduced risk of exposure to solvents in comparison to Liquid-Liquid Partitioning. The residues of both pesticides were confirmed and quantified by hyphenated gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer (GC-MS/MS). The effect of spiking concentration, matrix effect (ME), measurement of inter- and intra-assay repeatability, reproducibility of recovery, and trueness of the results were investigated to validate the effectiveness of the method. Limit of determination (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) for both the analytes were 0.005 and 0.01 mg/kg. The % recovery of both pesticides ranged between 85.9 to 97.9 % with RSD ≤ 7.19 %. The method fulfilled all the SANTE guidelines (SANTE, 2021) and thus can be extended for routine analysis of multiclass pesticide residue in the okra matrix.
Spotlight on Sturge-Weber Syndrome: Unraveling the Enigma of a Rare Neurocutaneous Disorder in Infants-An Overview
Authors: Raju Nithya , Mathew Renu Elezabeth , Sandhya V. , Shalni G. , Shanmathi M. , Harish N. Amritha , Anjana A. G. , Aghasi Kimia
Published: June 2023

This article aims to provide a concise overview of the existing literature on Sturge-Weber syndrome in infants. This comprehensive review presents key information regarding the prevalence, clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods, and available treatments based on recent global research. Sturge-Weber syndrome is a rare congenital neurocutaneous disorder, affecting approximately 1 in 20,000 to 50,000 new-born, and is caused by a somatic mutation in the GNAQ gene. Its defining features include leptomeningeal angiomatosis, glaucoma, and a facial birthmark known as a port-wine stain. Seizures are the most common neurological symptom, typically appearing within the first few months of life. Glaucoma can either manifest at birth or emerge during later stages of life. The severity of symptoms associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome can vary. Common treatments include anticonvulsants, laser therapy for the port-wine stain, and medication and surgery for glaucoma. This article also discusses potential causes, contributing factors, and possible solutions for Sturge-Weber syndrome.
Unraveling Size‐Dependent Ion‐Migration for Stable Mixed‐Halide Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Jiang Yuanzhi , Wei Keyu , Sun Changjiu , Feng Yanxing , Zhang Li , Cui Minghuan , Li Saisai , Li Wen‐Di , Kim Ji Tae , Qin Chaochao , Yuan Mingjian
Published: June 2023

Mixed‐halide perovskites show tunable emission wavelength across the visible‐light range, with optimum control of the light color. However, color stability remains limited due to the notorious halide segregation under illumination or an electric field. Here, a versatile path toward high‐quality mixed‐halide perovskites with high emission properties and resistance to halide segregation is presented. Through systematic in and ex situ characterizations, key features for this advancement are proposed: a slowed and controllable crystallization process can promote achievement of halide homogeneity, which in turn ensures thermodynamic stability; meanwhile, downsizing perovskite nanoparticle to nanometer‐scale dimensions can enhance their resistance to external stimuli, strengthening the phase stability. Leveraging this strategy, devices are developed based on CsPbCl1.5Br1.5 perovskite that achieves a champion external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 9.8% at 464 nm, making it one of the most efficient deep‐blue mixed‐halide perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) to date. Particularly, the device demonstrates excellent spectral stability, maintaining a constant emission profile and position for over 60 min of continuous operation. The versatility of this approach with CsPbBr1.5I1.5 PeLEDs is further showcased, achieving an impressive EQE of 12.7% at 576 nm.
Infective endocarditis after transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair for severe mitral regurgitation; a case report and a systematic review
Authors: Yokoyama Hiroaki , Ochiai Tomoki , Saito Shigeru
Published: June 2023

Transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair (TEER) is used extensively in patients with symptomatic severe mitral regurgitation and high surgical risk. While prosthetic valve endocarditis is well documented, infective endocarditis (IE) after TEER is a rare occurrence. To date, no study has been conducted on this complication. We report the case of an 85‐year‐old man who developed IE 3 months after undergoing TEER, and we systematically review 26 previously published cases of this complication. Our review findings indicate that discussion within the heart team is essential for the decision‐making process and treatment strategy determination.
Immune response to COVID‐19 vaccination in patients with Waldenström macroglobulinaemia who pause their BTKi therapy
Authors: Rankin Katherine , Hastak Priyanka , Wong Alexander , Sasson Sarah C. , Beaton Brendan , Yeola Avani , Warden Andrew , Turville Stuart , Kelleher Anthony D. , Brilot Fabienne , Trotman Judith
Published: June 2023

Patients with Waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM) are at increased risk of severe COVID‐19 infection and have poor immune responses to COVID‐19 vaccination. This study assessed whether a closely monitored pause in Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor (BTKi) therapy might result in an improved humoral response to a 3rd COVID‐19 vaccine dose. Improved response was observed in WM patients who paused their BTKi, compared to a group who did not pause their BTKi. However, the response was attenuated after BTKi recommencement. This data contributes to our understanding of vaccination strategies in this patient group and may help inform consensus approaches in the future.
Modular flavour symmetry and orbifolds
Authors: de Anda Francisco J. , King Stephen F.
Published: June 2023

Abstract

We develop a bottom-up approach to flavour models which combine modular symmetry with orbifold constructions. We first consider a 6d orbifold 𝕋2/ℤN, with a single torus defined by one complex coordinate z and a single modulus field τ, playing the role of a flavon transforming under a finite modular symmetry. We then consider 10d orbifolds with three factorizable tori, each defined by one complex coordinate zi and involving the three moduli fields τ1, τ2, τ3 transforming under three finite modular groups. Assuming supersymmetry, consistent with the holomorphicity requirement, we consider all 10d orbifolds of the form (𝕋2)3/(ℤN × ℤM), and list those which have fixed values of the moduli fields (up to an integer). The key advantage of such 10d orbifold models over 4d models is that the values of the moduli are not completely free but are constrained by geometry and symmetry. To illustrate the approach we discuss a 10d modular seesaw model with $$ {S}_4^3 $$

S
4
3

modular symmetry based on (𝕋2)3/(ℤ4× ℤ2) where τ1 = i, τ2 = i + 2 are constrained by the orbifold, while τ3 = ω is determined by imposing a further remnant S4 flavour symmetry, leading to a highly predictive example in the class CSD(n) with n = 1 −$$ \sqrt{6} $$

6

.
Edge Behavior of Higher Complex-Dimensional Determinantal Point Processes
Authors: Molag L. D.
Published: June 2023

As recently proved in generality by Hedenmalm and Wennman, it is a universal behavior of complex random normal matrix models that one finds a complementary error function behavior at the boundary (also called edge) of the droplet as the matrix size increases. Such behavior is seen both in the density of the eigenvalues and the correlation kernel, where the Faddeeva plasma kernel emerges. These results are neatly expressed with the help of the outward unit normal vector on the edge. We prove that such universal behaviors transcend this class of random normal matrices, being also valid in a specific “elliptic” class of determinantal point processes defined on $$\mathbb C^d$$

C
d

, which are higher dimensional generalizations of the determinantal point processes describing the eigenvalues of the complex Ginibre ensemble and the complex elliptic Ginibre ensemble. These models describe a system of particles in $$\mathbb C^d$$

C
d

with mutual repulsion, that are confined to the origin by an external field $${\mathscr {V}}(z) = |z|^2 - \tau {\text {Re}}(z_1^2+\ldots +z_d^2)$$

V

(
z
)

=

|
z
|

2

-
τ
Re

(

z
1
2

+
…
+

z
d
2

)

, where $$0\le \tau <1$$

0
≤
τ
<
1

. Their average density of particles converges to a uniform law on a 2d-dimensional ellipsoidal region. It is on the hyperellipsoid bounding this region that we find a complementary error function behavior and the Faddeeva plasma kernel. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first instance of the Faddeeva plasma kernel emerging in a higher dimensional model. The results provide evidence for a possible edge universality theorem for determinantal point processes on $$\mathbb C^d$$

C
d

.
The Australian Trauma Registry (ATR): a leading clinical quality registry
Authors: Fischer Angela , Fitzgerald Mark , Curtis Kate , Balogh Zsolt J.
Published: June 2023

Operating since 2012 under the auspices of the Australian Trauma Quality Improvement Program (AusTQIP), the Australian Trauma Registry (ATR) has established itself as a leading clinical quality registry (CQR). Initially developed as a national program for improved safety and quality trauma care across Australian trauma centers, it has since expanded to include New Zealand, becoming one of the few bi-national trauma registries. The registry has recorded close to 100,000 episodes of care for severely injured patients since its inception, with 10.7% growth in annual inclusions. The ATR, administered by the National Trauma Research Institute (NTRI), monitors the continuum of trauma care from pre-hospital settings, to discharge from definitive care. Collection and analysis of data about severely injured trauma patients, their injuries, management and outcomes, aims to inform future improvements to health service provision and reduce preventable morbidity and mortality.
Eurasian beavers in Central Italy: perceptions in the local community
Authors: Viviano Andrea , Auster Roger E. , Mazza Giuseppe , Lagrotteria Alessandro , Pucci Chiara , Senserini Davide , Campbell-Palmer Roisin , Needham Robert , Curci Davide , Mori Emiliano
Published: June 2023

According to the IUCN guidelines, wildlife reintroduction should consider any impacts on humans within feasibility assessments. Eurasian beavers Castor fiber are recovering across their native range, due to protection laws and reintroductions. In Central Italy, a self-sustaining, naturalised population of Eurasian beavers has been identified in the last five years. A questionnaire to measure whether and how citizens in the local area perceive the presence of the beaver was administered to 1114 respondents. We observed a comprehensive awareness of the presence of the beaver in Italy and a high ability to distinguish it from non-native coypus Myocastor coypus (92.3%). We also recorded a general high knowledge of issues related to the presence of the beaver (i.e., potential effects on indigenous biodiversity). The majority (65.5%) of the surveyed population was in favour of reintroducing the beaver in Central Italy, and only 1.2% was firmly against it. The majority of interviewed people was against the removal of beavers from Central Italy (65.8%), whereas only 3.7% was in favor, citing fears of perceived impacts on the river, crops, and fish populations.
Möglichkeiten der künstlichen Intelligenz im Strahlenschutz
Authors: Pashazadeh Ali , Hoeschen Christoph
Published: June 2023

Klinisch-methodisches Problem

Die Bildgebung von Strukturen im Körperinneren erfordert oft den Einsatz ionisierender Strahlung, die grundsätzlich ein Gesundheitsrisiko darstellt. Eine Reduktion der Strahlendosis kann zu verrauschten Bildern führen, die klinisch weniger aussagekräftig sind.

Radiologische Standardmethoden

Das Problem tritt bei häufig verwendeten medizinischen Bildgebungsmodalitäten wie Computertomographie (CT), Positronen-Emissions-Tomographie (PET), Einzelphotonen-Emissions-Computertomographie (SPECT), Angiographie, Fluoroskopie und allen Modalitäten auf, bei denen ionisierende Strahlung zur Bildgebung eingesetzt wird.

Methodische Innovationen

Die künstliche Intelligenz (KI) könnte die Qualität von Niedrigdosisbildern verbessern und dazu beitragen, die erforderliche Strahlung zu minimieren. Mögliche Anwendungen werden untersucht, und es erfolgt eine kritische Bewertung der Rahmenbedingungen und Verfahren.

Bewertung

Die Leistung der KI-Modelle variiert. Hochleistungsmodelle könnten in naher Zukunft im klinischen Umfeld eingesetzt werden. Für eine optimale Leistung und eine breite Einführung dieser Technologie in der medizinischen Bildgebung müssen noch einige Herausforderungen (quantitative Genauigkeit, unzureichende Trainingsdaten etc.) angegangen werden.

Praktische Empfehlungen

Um das Potenzial von KI und Deep Learning (DL) in der medizinischen Bildgebung voll auszuschöpfen, müssen Forschung und Entwicklung intensiviert werden. Insbesondere muss die Qualitätskontrolle der KI-Modelle sichergestellt werden, und die Trainings- und Testdaten müssen unkorreliert und qualitätsgesichert sein. Bei hinreichender wissenschaftlicher Absicherung und rigorosem Qualitätsmanagement könnte die KI zu einem sicheren Einsatz von Niedrigdosistechniken in der medizinischen Bildgebung beitragen.
Lithium enrichment in the Salar de Diablillos, Argentina, and the influence of Cenozoic volcanism in a basin dominated by Paleozoic basement
Authors: Sarchi Carisa , Lucassen Friedrich , Meixner Anette , Caffe Pablo J. , Becchio Raúl , Kasemann Simone A.
Published: June 2023

Salars with lithium-rich brines are a characteristic feature of the Central Andes, but knowledge about the main sources of lithium and the mobilization processes of lithium in the salar deposits is still incomplete. This work focuses especially on the Salar de Diablillos (southern Puna) as part of a larger area that includes the neighboring Salar Centenario and Salar de Ratones. Building on the ability of Li as a tracer of silicate weathering, we investigate the Li content and isotope composition of samples from the depocenter and catchment of the Diablillos basin (3-D) and conduct a surface reconnaissance in the Centenario and Ratones depocenters to identify the key metallogenic processes. Radiogenic Sr and Nd isotope compositions are also provided to discriminate the main local Li sources. The isotope data in all three depocenters show that most of the Li in the brines and evaporite deposits are derived from Cenozoic volcanic rocks, despite the dominance of the Paleozoic basement in the catchment. In the Centenario and Ratones depocenters, near-surface chemical weathering appears to be the dominant Li mobilization process. In contrast, hydrothermal mobilization of Li also plays a role in the Salar de Diablillos, possibly related to the presence of a fractured basement with pressure zones and artesian conditions in the aquifer at depth. These fluids also show a larger element contribution from the basement.
Surgical techniques for medial Patellofemoral ligament reconstruction: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of level I and II studies
Authors: Kahlon Harjind , Vivekanantha Prushoth , Blackman Benjamin , Cohen Dan , Mckechnie Tyler , Park Lily , de SA Darren
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To determine the most optimal surgical technique for medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR).

Methods

Three databases MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE were searched from inception to December 13th, 2022, for level I or II studies comparing MPFLR techniques. The authors adhered to the PRISMA and R‐AMSTAR guidelines as well as the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Data on patient‐reported outcome measures were recorded. Quality assessment was carried out using the MINORS and Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tools. Certainty of evidence was carried out with the GRADE assessment tool.

Results

Ten studies comprising 723 patients (723 knees) were included in this review. The weighted mean difference in Kujala, Lysholm, and IKDC scores comparing single‐ and double‐tunnel patellar drilling techniques was 2.66 (95% CI −1.05–6.37, p = 0.16, I2 = 0%) with moderate certainty, 0.78 (95% CI −9.02–10.58, p = 0.88, I2 = 87%) with low certainty, and 1.71 (95% CI −2.43–5.86, p = 0.42, I2 = 0%) with low certainty, respectively. Double‐suture anchor patellar fixation demonstrated greater Kujala scores than transpatellar fixation (87.1 ± 2.8 vs 84.0 ± 3.8, p < 0.001) with moderate certainty. Y‐shaped graft patellar fixation demonstrated superior Kujala scores to C‐shaped graft patellar fixation (95.9 ± 4.7 vs 91.3 ± 9.7, p = 0.001) with moderate certainty. Augmentation of femoral fixation with polyester sutures demonstrated superior Kujala scores (97.8 ± 6.4. vs 88.0 ± 6.3, p < 0.005) with low certainty. Four‐stranded grafts demonstrated greater Kujala scores than two‐stranded grafts (93.5 ± 2.6 vs 91.6 ± 3.5, p = 0.01) with low certainty.

Conclusion

The optimal MPFLR surgical technique is likely to utilize a four‐stranded graft using either endobutton, double‐suture anchor, or transosseous suture patellar fixation with polyester suture augmented interference screw femoral fixation. Orthopedic surgeons can consider employing such a technique to improve patient outcomes by conferring greater graft stability, strength, and function.

Level of evidence Level II.
Analysing medical predictors for the outcome of infertility treatment: a 5-year follow-up survey
Authors: Stein Lea Joana , Rösner Sabine , Lo Giudice Alessandra , Ditzen Beate , Wischmann Tewes
Published: June 2023

Purpose

For many couples, bearing children is a common life goal; however it cannot always be fulfilled. Undergoing infertility treatment does not always guarantee pregnancies and live births. Couples experience miscarriages and even discontinue infertility treatment. Significant medical predictors for the outcome of infertility treatment have yet to be fully identified.

Methods

To further our understanding, a cross-sectional 5-year follow-up survey was undertaken, in which 95 women and 82 men that have been treated at the Women’s Hospital of Heidelberg University participated. Binary logistic regressions, parametric and non-parametric methods were used for our sample to determine the relevance of biological (infertility diagnoses, maternal and paternal age) and lifestyle factors (smoking, drinking, over- and underweight) on the outcome of infertility treatment (clinical pregnancy, live birth, miscarriage, dropout rate). In addition, chi-square tests were used to examine differences in the outcome depending on the number of risk factors being present.

Results

In the binary logistic regression models for clinical pregnancies, live births and drop outs were statistically significant only for the maternal age, whereas the maternal and paternal BMI, smoking, infertility diagnoses and infections showed no significant predicting effect on any of the outcome variables. A correlation between the number of risk factors and the outcome of infertility treatment could not be excluded.

Conclusion

The results confirm that maternal age has an effect on infertility treatment, whereas the relevance of other possible medical predictors remains unclear. Further large-scale studies should be considered to increase our knowledge on their predictive power.
Patient-reported experiences of cancer care related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland
Authors: Colomer-Lahiguera Sara , Canella Claudia , Giacomini Stellio , Van Kim Lê , Pedrazzani Carla , Naegele Matthias , Thouvenin Laure , O’Meara Stern Alix , Condorelli Rosaria , Corbière Tourane , Witt Claudia M. , Eicher Manuela , Ribi Karin
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to describe the experience of Swiss oncological patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A national multi-center study including five hospitals covering the three main language regions of Switzerland was conducted between March and July 2021. Patients with melanoma, breast, lung, or colon cancer receiving active systemic anti-cancer treatment at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic were included. We conducted semi-structured telephone or onsite interviews alongside the administration of distress and resilience-validated questionnaires. Thematic analysis was performed for the qualitative data and descriptive statistics for the quantitative data.

Results

Sixty-two cancer patients with a mean age of 61 (SD=14) (58% female) were interviewed. Based on the interviews, we identified that the experience of having cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic was related to five dimensions: psychological, social, support, healthcare, and vaccination. Three themes transverse the five dimensions: (a) needs, (b) positive changes, and (c) phases of the pandemic. In general, patients did not experience delays or disruptions in their cancer treatment nor felt additionally burdened by the pandemic. Lockdown and isolation were reported as mixed experiences (positive and negative), and access to vaccination reassured patients against the risk of infection and instilled hope to return to normalcy. Additionally, we found low distress levels (M=2.9; SD=2.5) and high resilience scores (M=7; SD=1.3) in these patients.

Conclusion

Swiss patients with cancer did not express major needs or disruptions in their care during this period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results identify the mixed experiences of patients and highlight the high resilience levels.
Assessment and improvement of RegCM 4.6 coupled with CLM4.5 in simulation of land surface temperature in mainland China
Authors: Ren Yulong , Gao Xiaoqing , Liu YuanPu , Li ZhenChao , Liu WeiGang
Published: June 2023

Land surface temperature(LST) is an important indicator to study climate change and test the performance of regional climate model simulation. RegCM4.6 is the representative version of regional climate model RegCM, which is coupled with advanced third-generation land surface model NCAR CLM4.5. Currently, RegCM4.6 has become an important tool to study regional climate change in China. However, its ability to simulate land surface temperature in mainland China and the reasons for its deviation have not been systematically studied, and targeted improvement work is lacking. The present study is the first to employ LST data collected from 809 Chinese meteorological stations from the last 30 years to comprehensively assess the ability of CLM4.5 to simulate LST. Sensitivity tests of soil thermal conductivity (STC) were carried out to improve the model. Although the coupled regional climate model could accurately simulate the temporal and spatial variation of LST, a cold bias of 2~8 °C existed for all of mainland China, which was larger in seasons with more precipitation and greater soil moisture than other seasons. Deviation increased from southeast to northwest. which was caused by the incoming long-wave radiation, sensible heat, and latent heat simulated. There was a significant linear relationship between the observed and simulated LSTs, with correlation coefficients for all the stations ranged from 0.75 to 0.9 (P < 0.001). The observed LST increased at a rate of 0.58 °C/decade, but the simulated LST increased at a lower rate. Assessment of three different STC schemes showed that the Lu-Ren scheme was the most suitable for LST simulation in mainland China. Developing a new STC scheme that considers the role of water vapor can effectively improve the model when used in mainland China.
Classification of incunable glyphs and out-of-distribution detection with joint energy-based models
Authors: Kordon Florian , Weichselbaumer Nikolaus , Herz Randall , Mossman Stephen , Potten Edward , Seuret Mathias , Mayr Martin , Christlein Vincent
Published: June 2023

Optical character recognition (OCR) has proved a powerful tool for the digital analysis of printed historical documents. However, its ability to localize and identify individual glyphs is challenged by the tremendous variety in historical type design, the physicality of the printing process, and the state of conservation. We propose to mitigate these problems by a downstream fine-tuning step that corrects for pathological and undesirable extraction results. We implement this idea by using a joint energy-based model which classifies individual glyphs and simultaneously prunes potential out-of-distribution (OOD) samples like rubrications, initials, or ligatures. During model training, we introduce specific margins in the energy spectrum that aid this separation and explore the glyph distribution’s typical set to stabilize the optimization procedure. We observe strong classification at 0.972 AUPRC across 42 lower- and uppercase glyph types on a challenging digital reproduction of Johannes Balbus’ Catholicon, matching the performance of purely discriminative methods. At the same time, we achieve OOD detection rates of 0.989 AUPRC and 0.946 AUPRC for OOD ‘clutter’ and ‘ligatures’ which substantially improves upon recently proposed OOD detection techniques. The proposed approach can be easily integrated into the postprocessing phase of current OCR to aid reproduction and shape analysis research.
Estimating causal effects of community health financing via principal stratification
Authors: Noirjean Silvia , Biggeri Mario , Forastiere Laura , Mealli Fabrizia , Nannini Maria
Published: June 2023

When a treatment cannot be enforced, but only encouraged, noncompliance naturally arises. In applied economics, the common empirical strategy for dealing with noncompliance is to rely on Instrumental Variables methods. When the effects are heterogeneous, these methods allow, under a set of assumptions, to identify the causal effect for Compliers, i.e., the subset of units whose treatment is affected by the encouragement. One of the identification assumptions is the Exclusion Restriction (ER), which essentially rules out the possibility of a causal effect for Never Takers, i.e., those whose treatment is not affected by the encouragement. In this paper, we show the consequences of violations of this assumption in the impact evaluation of an intervention implemented in Uganda, where targeted households were encouraged to join a community health financing (CHF) scheme through activities of sensitization. We conduct the analyses using Bayesian model-based principal stratification, first assuming and then relaxing the ER for Never Takers. This allows showing the positive impact of the intervention on the health costs of both Compliers and Never Takers. While the causal effects for the former could be due to the encouragement but also to the actual participation in the scheme, those for the latter are unequivocally attributable to the encouragement. This indicates that sensitization alone is extremely effective in reducing vulnerability against health costs. This finding is of paramount importance for policy-making, as it is much easier and more cost-effective to implement awareness-raising campaigns than CHF schemes.
Validation of a brief version of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-16) with an older Norwegian population
Authors: Visted Endre , Solbakken O. A. , Mæland S. , Fadnes L. T. , Bjerrum L. B. , Nordhus I. H. , Flo-Groeneboom E.
Published: June 2023

Emotion regulation is proposed to have a salient role in optimal aging. However, currently used measures of emotion regulation have not been validated for older adults. Therefore, we evaluated the psychometric properties of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale—short form (DERS-16) in a large Norwegian sample consisting of individuals between 70 and 95 years (n = 2525). Tests of internal consistency, reliability, assessment of intra-domain correlations, and confirmatory factor analyses were performed. Construct validity was further investigated by assessing concurrent associations between DERS-16 and well-established measures of psychological disorders, psychological health, and well-being (five-item version of Geriatric Depression Scale, Geriatric Anxiety Inventory—short form, and OECD guidelines on measuring subjective well-being). All subscales derived from the instrument showed adequate internal consistency. Furthermore, we obtained a theoretically consistent factor structure, in which a bifactor model combining a general emotion regulation factor and five additional domain-specific facet-factors had superior model fit. As expected, difficulties in emotion regulation correlated positively with symptoms of depression and anxiety, and negatively with psychological health and well-being. Associations were generally of moderate strength. We can thus conclude that the DERS-16 demonstrates excellent psychometric properties when used in samples with older adults and may safely be employed in studies of emotion regulation difficulties in the older segment of our population.
An artificial viscosity augmented physics-informed neural network for incompressible flow
Authors: He Yichuan , Wang Zhicheng , Xiang Hui , Jiang Xiaomo , Tang Dawei
Published: June 2023

Physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) are proved methods that are effective in solving some strongly nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs), e.g., Navier-Stokes equations, with a small amount of boundary or interior data. However, the feasibility of applying PINNs to the flow at moderate or high Reynolds numbers has rarely been reported. The present paper proposes an artificial viscosity (AV)-based PINN for solving the forward and inverse flow problems. Specifically, the AV used in PINNs is inspired by the entropy viscosity method developed in conventional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to stabilize the simulation of flow at high Reynolds numbers. The newly developed PINN is used to solve the forward problem of the two-dimensional steady cavity flow at Re = 1 000 and the inverse problem derived from two-dimensional film boiling. The results show that the AV augmented PINN can solve both problems with good accuracy and substantially reduce the inference errors in the forward problem.
Turbulence Effects on the Statistical Behaviour and Modelling of Flame Surface Density and the Terms of Its Transport Equation in Turbulent Premixed Flames
Authors: Varma Arun Ravi , Ahmed Umair , Chakraborty Nilanjan
Published: June 2023

The influence of the ratio of integral length scale to flame thickness on the statistical behaviours of flame surface density (FSD) and its transport has been analysed using a Direct Numerical Simulation database of three-dimensional statistically planar turbulent premixed flames for different turbulence intensities. It has been found that turbulent burning velocity based on volume-integration of reaction rate and flame surface area increase but the peak magnitudes of the FSD and the terms of the FSD transport term decrease with an increase in length scale ratio for a given turbulence intensity. The flame brush thickness and flame wrinkling increase with an increase in length scale ratio for all turbulence intensities. However, the qualitative behaviours of the unclosed terms in the FSD transport equation remain unaltered by the length scale ratio and in all cases the tangential strain rate term and the curvature term act as leading order source and sink, respectively. A decrease in length scale ratio for a given turbulence intensity leads to a decrease in Damköhler number and an increase in Karlovitz number. This has an implication on the alignment of reactive scalar gradient with local strain rate eigenvectors, which in turn increases positive contribution of the tangential strain rate term with a decrease in length scale ratio. Moreover, an increase in Karlovitz number increases the likelihood of negative contribution of the curvature term. Thus, the magnitude of the negative contribution of the FSD curvature term increases with a decrease in length scale ratio for a given turbulence intensity. The model for the tangential strain rate term, which explicitly considers the scalar gradient alignment with local principal strain rate eigenvectors, has been shown to be more successful than the models that do not account for the scalar gradient alignment characteristics. Moreover, the existing model for the curvature and propagation term needed modification to account for greater likelihood of negative values for higher Karlovitz number. However, the models for the unclosed flux of FSD and the mean reaction rate closure are not significantly affected by the length scale ratio.
Playing in the Team of Five Million: Conformity and Nonconformity to the New Zealand Covid-19 Pandemic Response
Authors: Salman Sara
Published: June 2023

The New Zealand Covid-19 strategy received praise at home and abroad. However, despite the epidemiological success of the strategy, it amplified social inequalities and exclusion, highlighted existing frustration and mistrust of the government, and in turn produced reactionary forms of conformity and noncompliance as well as prosocial forms of resistance. This article focuses on three types of social responses to the pandemic in New Zealand between 2020 and 2022. It looks at hostile conformity exemplified in antipathy against Pacific Island communities dealing with Covid-19 outbreaks, reactionary noncompliance seen in the anti-mandate protests and parliament occupation, and prosocial resistance to the state’s neglect of Indigenous public health seen in the Māori organized effort to protect communities left out of the pandemic preparedness plans. The article presents a critical understanding of the limits of New Zealand’s Covid-19 strategy and the resulting social responses of conformity and nonconformity.
Models and modelling in secondary technology and engineering education
Authors: Norström Per , Hallström Jonas
Published: June 2023

The common purpose of models is to provide simplified representations of other phenomena. Depending on type, they are suitable for communication, documentation, prognostication, problem solving, and more. Various types of models, such as drawings, mock-ups, flow charts, and mathematical formulae, are important tools in engineering work. An introduction to the area of technological modelling is therefore an essential component in secondary technology and engineering education, both to prepare for future studies and work, and to instil a general technological literacy. Models in the form of technical drawings and physical models are mentioned in several international curricula and standards for secondary education, but the nature of models or the modelling process are seldom elaborated upon. The purpose of this article is to investigate the ‘why?’, the ‘what?’, and the ‘how?’ of teaching and learning about models and modelling in secondary technology and engineering education. We discuss the roles of models and modelling and suggest a modelling framework for technology and engineering education consisting of a six-step modelling process that can be used in education with increasing level of complexity: identification, isolation, simplification, validation, verification, and presentation. Examples from Swedish curricula and secondary school textbooks are used to highlight the progress (or lack thereof) concerning model creation and model use. It was found that especially validation and verification are downplayed or missing in these accounts. Special attention needs to be given to the simplification step, where the balance between simplicity and realism often leads to difficult decisions in the modelling process.