bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Xa inhibitor edoxaban ameliorates hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury via PAR-2–ERK 1/2 pathway
Authors: Maeda Koki , Kuriyama Naohisa , Noguchi Daisuke , Ito Takahiro , Gyoten Kazuyuki , Hayasaki Aoi , Fujii Takehiro , Iizawa Yusuke , Murata Yasuhiro , Tanemura Akihiro , Kishiwada Masashi , Mizuno Shugo
Published: May 2024

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury causes liver damage during surgery. In hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, the blood coagulation cascade is activated, causing microcirculatory incompetence and cellular injury. Coagulation factor Xa (FXa)- protease-activated receptor (PAR)-2 signaling activates inflammatory reactions and the cytoprotective effect of FXa inhibitor in several organs. However, no studies have elucidated the significance of FXa inhibition on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. The present study elucidated the treatment effect of an FXa inhibitor, edoxaban, on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, focusing on FXa-PAR-2 signaling. A 60 min hepatic partial-warm ischemia-reperfusion injury mouse model and a hypoxia-reoxygenation model of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells were used. Ischemia-reperfusion injury mice and hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells were treated and pretreated, respectively with or without edoxaban. They were incubated during hypoxia/reoxygenation in vitro. Cell signaling was evaluated using the PAR-2 knockdown model. In ischemia-reperfusion injury mice, edoxaban treatment significantly attenuated fibrin deposition in the sinusoids and liver histological damage and resulted in both anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects. Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury upregulated PAR-2 generation and enhanced extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2) activation; however, edoxaban treatment reduced PAR-2 generation and suppressed ERK 1/2 activation in vivo. In the hypoxia/reoxygenation model of sinusoidal endothelial cells, hypoxia/reoxygenation stress increased FXa generation and induced cytotoxic effects. Edoxaban protected sinusoidal endothelial cells from hypoxia/reoxygenation stress and reduced ERK 1/2 activation. PAR-2 knockdown in the sinusoidal endothelial cells ameliorated hypoxia/reoxygenation stress-induced cytotoxicity and suppressed ERK 1/2 phosphorylation. Thus, edoxaban ameliorated hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice by protecting against micro-thrombosis in sinusoids and suppressing FXa-PAR-2-induced inflammation in the sinusoidal endothelial cells.
Visual statistical learning in preverbal infants at a higher likelihood of autism and its association with later social communication skills
Authors: Bettoni Roberta , Cantiani Chiara , Riboldi Elena Maria , Molteni Massimo , Bulf Hermann , Riva Valentina
Published: May 2024

Visual statistical Learning (SL) allows infants to extract the statistical relationships embedded in a sequence of elements. SL plays a crucial role in language and communication competencies and has been found to be impacted in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study aims to investigate visual SL in infants at higher likelihood of developing ASD (HL-ASD) and its predictive value on autistic-related traits at 24–36 months. At 6 months of age, SL was tested using a visual habituation task in HL-ASD and neurotypical (NT) infants. All infants were habituated to a visual sequence of shapes containing statistically predictable patterns. In the test phase, infants viewed the statistically structured, familiar sequence in alternation with a novel sequence that did not contain any statistical information. HL-ASD infants were then evaluated at 24–36 months to investigate the associations between visual SL and ASD-related traits. Our results showed that NT infants were able to learn the statistical structure embedded in the visual sequences, while HL-ASD infants showed different learning patterns. A regression analysis revealed that SL ability in 6-month-old HL-ASD infants was related to social communication and interaction abilities at 24–36 months of age. These findings indicate that early differences in learning visual statistical patterns might contribute to later social communication skills.
In silico model development and optimization of in vitro lung cell population growth
Authors: Mostofinejad Amirmahdi , Romero David A. , Brinson Dana , Marin-Araujo Alba E. , Bazylak Aimy , Waddell Thomas K. , Haykal Siba , Karoubi Golnaz , Amon Cristina H.
Published: May 2024

Tissue engineering predominantly relies on trial and error in vitro and ex vivo experiments to develop protocols and bioreactors to generate functional tissues. As an alternative, in silico methods have the potential to significantly reduce the timelines and costs of experimental programs for tissue engineering. In this paper, we propose a methodology to formulate, select, calibrate, and test mathematical models to predict cell population growth as a function of the biochemical environment and to design optimal experimental protocols for model inference of in silico model parameters. We systematically combine methods from the experimental design, mathematical statistics, and optimization literature to develop unique and explainable mathematical models for cell population dynamics. The proposed methodology is applied to the development of this first published model for a population of the airway-relevant bronchio-alveolar epithelial (BEAS-2B) cell line as a function of the concentration of metabolic-related biochemical substrates. The resulting model is a system of ordinary differential equations that predict the temporal dynamics of BEAS-2B cell populations as a function of the initial seeded cell population and the glucose, oxygen, and lactate concentrations in the growth media, using seven parameters rigorously inferred from optimally designed in vitro experiments.
Users’ continuance intention towards an AI painting application: An extended expectation confirmation model
Authors: Yu Xiaofan , Yang Yi , Li Shuang
Published: May 2024

With the rapid advancement of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) painting has emerged as a leading intelligence service. This study aims to empirically investigate users’ continuance intention toward AI painting applications by utilizing and expanding the Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and the Flow Theory. A comprehensive research model is proposed. A total of 443 questionnaires were distributed to users with AI painting experiences for data collection. The hypotheses were tested through structural equation modeling. The primary conclusions drawn from this research include: 1) Confirmation plays a crucial role, significantly and positively predicting satisfaction and social impact. 2) Personal innovativeness has a significant effect on confirmation. 3) Satisfaction, flow experience, and social influence directly and positively predict intention, with social influence showing the most significant impact, while perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment, and performance expectancy show no significant impact on intention. 4) Habit plays a negative moderating role in the association between social influence and continued intention to use. These findings offer valuable insights and inspiration for users seeking to understand the appropriate utilization of AI painting and provide actionable directions for the development of AI painting.
The molecular interaction of six single-stranded DNA aptamers to cardiac troponin I revealed by docking and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Ropii Bejo , Bethasari Maulidwina , Anshori Isa , Koesoema Allya Paramita , Shalannanda Wervyan , Satriawan Ardianto , Setianingsih Casi , Akbar Mohammad Rizki , Aditama Reza , Fahmi Fahmi , Sutanto Erwin , Yazid Muhammad , Aziz Muhammad
Published: May 2024

Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a cardiac biomarker for diagnosing ischemic heart disease and acute myocardial infarction. Current biochemical assays use antibodies (Abs) due to their high specificity and sensitivity. However, there are some limitations, such as the high-cost production of Abs due to complex instruments, reagents, and steps; the variability of Abs quality from batch to batch; the low stability at high temperatures; and the difficulty of chemical modification. Aptamer overcomes the limitations of antibodies, such as relatively lower cost, high reproducibility, high stability, and ease of being chemically modified. Aptamers are three-dimensional architectures of single-stranded RNA or DNA that bind to targets such as proteins. Six aptamers (Tro1-Tro6) with higher binding affinity than an antibody have been identified, but the molecular interaction has not been studied. In this study, six DNA aptamers were modeled and docked to cTnI protein. Molecular docking revealed that the interaction between all aptamer and cTnI happened in the similar cTnI region. The interaction between aptamer and cTnI involved hydrophobic interaction, hydrogen bonds, π-cation interactions, π-stack interactions, and salt-bridge formation. The calculated binding energy of all complexes was negative, which means that the complex formation was thermodynamically favorable. The electrostatic energy term was the main driving force of the interaction between all aptamer and cTnI. This study could be used to predict the behavior of further modified aptamer to improve aptamer performance.
Quality in care homes: How wearable devices and social network analysis might help
Authors: Thompson Carl , Gordon Adam , Khaliq Kishwer , Daffu-O’Reilly Amrit , Willis Thomas , Noakes Catherine , Spilsbury Karen
Published: May 2024

Social network analysis can support quality improvement in care homes but traditional approaches to social network analysis are not always feasible in care homes. Recalling contacts and movements in a home is difficult for residents and staff and documentary and other sources of individual contacts can be unreliable. Bluetooth enabled wearable devices are a potential means of generating reliable, trustworthy, social network data in care home communities. In this paper, we explore the empirical, theoretical and real-world potential and difficulties in using Bluetooth enabled wearables with residents and staff in care homes for quality improvement. We demonstrate, for the first time, that a relatively simple system built around the Internet of Things, Bluetooth enabled wearables for residents and staff and passive location devices (the CONTACT intervention) can capture social networks and data in homes, enabling social network analysis, measures, statistics and visualisations. Unexpected variations in social network measures and patterns are surfaced, alongside “uncomfortable” information concerning staff time spent with residents. We show how technology might also help identify those most in need of social contact in a home. The possibilities of technology-enabled social network analysis must be balanced against the implementation-related challenges associated with introducing innovations in complex social systems such as care homes. Behavioural challenges notwithstanding, we argue that armed with social network information, care home staff could better tailor, plan and evaluate the effects of quality improvement with the sub-communities that make up a care home community.
Psychiatric morbidity among patients on treatment for tuberculosis at a tertiary referral hospital in Western Kenya
Authors: Momanyi Robina Kerubo , Kwobah Edith Kamaru , Owiti Philip , Nyamogoba Henry , Atwoli Lukoye
Published: May 2024

Background

Mental disorders account for nine percent of the overall global burden of disease and are among the top ten leading causes of disability. Mental illness and tuberculosis share risk factors including poverty, overcrowding, stigma, poor nutrition, substance use and retro-viral disease co-infection. Presence of mental illness in tuberculosis delays health-seeking, affects drug adherence, increases cost of treatment, prolongs disease duration, lowers quality of life, and increases mortality. Early diagnosis, linkage, and treatment of psychiatric morbidity among patients with tuberculosis would improve outcomes for both. This study thus aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with psychiatric morbidity among patients on treatment for tuberculosis at a low- middle- income country.

Methods

A cross-sectional study carried out at the tuberculosis clinic at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Eldoret, Kenya. 367 participants on TB treatment were interviewed using Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) tool. The key outcome was presence of psychiatric illness. Pearson’s Chi-square and logistic regression were used to assess relationships at bivariate and multivariate level respectively.

Results

Majority of the respondents were male (61.3%) and overall median age was 33 years. About half of participants (48.5%) had at least one psychiatric illness. Common disorders were alcohol use disorder (30.3%), depression (23.4%), substance use disorder (12.8%) and suicidality (8.2%). Odds of ‘any psychiatric illness’ were increased by being male (aOR = 1.92; P = 0.04), being separated or divorced (aOR = 6.86; P = 0.002), using alcohol (aOR = 3.2; P<0.001), having been previously treated for tuberculosis (aOR = 2.76; P = 0.01), having other medical comorbidities (aOR = 4.2; P = 0.004) and family history of mental illness (aOR = 2.4; P = 0.049).

Conclusion

Almost half of the patients on treatment for tuberculosis had at least one psychiatric illness. Introduction of protocols for screening for mental illness and integration of mental health services with tuberculosis care would aid prompt diagnosis, referral, and quality of care.
Vitamin D regulates COVID-19 associated severity by suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway
Authors: Khalil Bariaa , Sharif-Askari Narjes Saheb , Hafezi Shirin , Sharif-Askari Fatemeh Saheb , Al Anouti Fatme , Hamid Qutayba , Halwani Rabih
Published: May 2024

Background

The role of vitamin D3 (VitD3) in modulating innate and adaptive immunity has been reported in different disease contexts. Since the start of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the role of VitD3 has been highlighted in many correlational and observational studies. However, the exact mechanisms of action are not well identified. One of the mechanisms via which VitD3 modulates innate immunity is by regulating the NLRP3-inflammasome pathway, being a main underlying cause of SARS-CoV-2-induced hyperinflammation.

Aims and main methods

Blood specimens of severe COVID-19 patients with or without VitD3 treatment were collected during their stay in the intensive care unit and patients were followed up for 29 days. qPCR, western blot, and ELISA were done to investigate the mechanism of action of VitD3 on the NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Key findings

We here report the ability of VitD3 to downregulate the NLRP3-inflammsome pathway in severe COVID-19 patients. Lower inflammasome pathway activation was observed with significantly lower gene and protein expression of NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, ASC and IL-1β among severe COVID-19 patients treated with VitD3. The reduction of the inflammasome pathway was associated with a reduction in disease severity markers and enhancement of type I IFN pathway.

Significance

Our data reveals an important anti-inflammatory effect of VitD3 during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further investigations are warranted to better characterize the ability of VitD3 to control disease pathogenesis and prevent progression to severe states. This will allow for a more efficient use of a low cost and accessible treatment like VitD3.
How the ecological structure affects the aesthetic atmosphere of the landscape: Evaluation of the landscape Beauty of Xingqing Palace Park in Xi’an
Authors: Jin Weiwei , Miao Wenyu
Published: May 2024

In landscape appreciation, what tourists directly perceive is the atmosphere of the landscape. This paper introduces the concept of “Ecological Structure” from Gernot Böhme’s theory of atmospheric aesthetics into the assessment of landscapes, utilizing atmosphere as a bridge between horticultural ecology, aesthetics, and culture. It examines the relationship between the objective environment and subjective perception. This study conducted a field survey of Xingqing Palace Park and selected the waterside plant landscape that directly reflects the atmosphere of the royal garden as the research object. In the first stage of this study, Scenic Beauty Estimation was used to evaluate the overall beauty of 32 landscape units; in the second stage, the Delphi method and Analytic Hierarchy Process were used to evaluate the ecological structures that affect the garden landscape atmosphere; in the third stage, the two evaluation results of the Kendall’s W concord coefficient test Analytic Hierarchy Process and Scenic Beauty Estimation have high consistency, which shows that the atmosphere is great value to the beauty of the landscape. This study provides designers with a means to create a garden atmosphere using ecological structures and provides new ideas for landscape design.
Predictive value of anthropometric measurements in survival and free walking ability of geriatric hip fractures after surgery
Authors: Wang Liqiang , Zhao Zhibang , Fan Wenliang , Yao Yuan , Chu Qingbo
Published: May 2024

Background

We aimed to explore the predictive value of anthropometric measurements in survival and free walking ability of geriatric hip fractures after surgery.

Methods

Eight common anthropometric measurements, including arm circumference (AC), waist circumference (WC), thigh circumference (TC), calf circumference (CC), biceps skinfold (BS), triceps skinfold (TS), suprailiac skinfold (SIS), and subscapular skinfold (SSS), were included to identify their predictive value in survival and free walking ability of geriatric hip fractures. The results of anthropometric measurements were compared between patients with different outcomes. Cox and logistics models were established to further identify the predictive value of anthropometric measurements.

Results

Comparison among groups indicated that individuals with different outcomes may have significantly different anthropometric measurements. In the Cox analyses based on all individuals, all models proved that the patients with higher AC, as well as CC and BS, may have a lower risk of 1-year mortality. Similarly, in the logistics analysis, AC, CC, and BS were proven to have strong predictive ability for 6-month and 1-year mortality in females and overall individuals. However, the predictive value of the eight common anthropometric measurements in free walking ability is not significant.

Conclusion

AC, CC, and BS may have strong predictive ability for 6-month and 1-year mortality in all individuals and females.
A shifting terrain: Understanding the perspectives of walk-in physicians on their roles amid worsening primary care access in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Terpou Braeden A. , Lapointe-Shaw Lauren , Wang Ruoxi , Martin Danielle , Tadrous Mina , Bhatia Sacha , Shuldiner Jennifer , Berthelot Simon , Thakkar Niels , McBrien Kerry , Salahub Christine , Kiran Tara , Ivers Noah , Desveaux Laura
Published: May 2024

Background

High-quality primary care is associated with better health outcomes and more efficient and equitable health system performance. However, the rate of primary care attachment is falling, and timely access to primary care is worsening, driving many patients to use walk-in clinics for their comprehensive primary care needs. This study sought to explore the experiences and perceived roles and responsibilities of walk-in physicians in this current climate. Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with nineteen physicians currently providing walk-in care in Ontario, Canada between May and December 2022.

Results

Limited capacity for continuity and comprehensiveness of care were identified as major sources of professional tension for walk-in physicians. Divergent perspectives on their roles were anchored in how physicians viewed their professional identity. Some saw providing continuous and comprehensive care as an infringement on their professional role; others saw their professional role as more flexible and responsive to population needs. Regardless of their professional identity, participants reported feeling ill-equipped to manage the swell of unattached patients, citing a lack of time, resources, connectivity to the system, and remuneration flexibility. Conclusions: As practice demands of walk-in clinics change, an evolution in the professional roles and responsibilities of walk-in physicians follows. However, the resources, structure, and incentives of walk-in care have not evolved to reflect this, leaving physicians to set their own professional boundaries with patients. This results in increasing variations in care and confusion across the primary care sector around who is responsible for what, when, and how.
Using low volume eDNA methods to sample pelagic marine animal assemblages
Authors: Dan Michelle E. , Portner Elan J. , Bowman Jeff S. , Semmens Brice X. , Owens Sarah M. , Greenwald Stephanie M. , Choy C. Anela
Published: May 2024

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an increasingly useful method for detecting pelagic animals in the ocean but typically requires large water volumes to sample diverse assemblages. Ship-based pelagic sampling programs that could implement eDNA methods generally have restrictive water budgets. Studies that quantify how eDNA methods perform on low water volumes in the ocean are limited, especially in deep-sea habitats with low animal biomass and poorly described species assemblages. Using 12S rRNA and COI gene primers, we quantified assemblages comprised of micronekton, coastal forage fishes, and zooplankton from low volume eDNA seawater samples (n = 436, 380–1800 mL) collected at depths of 0–2200 m in the southern California Current. We compared diversity in eDNA samples to concurrently collected pelagic trawl samples (n = 27), detecting a higher diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate groups in the eDNA samples. Differences in assemblage composition could be explained by variability in size-selectivity among methods and DNA primer suitability across taxonomic groups. The number of reads and amplicon sequences variants (ASVs) did not vary substantially among shallow (<200 m) and deep samples (>600 m), but the proportion of invertebrate ASVs that could be assigned a species-level identification decreased with sampling depth. Using hierarchical clustering, we resolved horizontal and vertical variability in marine animal assemblages from samples characterized by a relatively low diversity of ecologically important species. Low volume eDNA samples will quantify greater taxonomic diversity as reference libraries, especially for deep-dwelling invertebrate species, continue to expand.
The perceived catchiness of music affects the experience of groove
Authors: Bechtold Toni Amadeus , Curry Ben , Witek Maria
Published: May 2024

Catchiness and groove are common phenomena when listening to popular music. Catchiness may be a potential factor for experiencing groove but quantitative evidence for such a relationship is missing. To examine whether and how catchiness influences a key component of groove–the pleasurable urge to move to music (PLUMM)–we conducted a listening experiment with 450 participants and 240 short popular music clips of drum patterns, bass lines or keys/guitar parts. We found four main results: (1) catchiness as measured in a recognition task was only weakly associated with participants’ perceived catchiness of music. We showed that perceived catchiness is multi-dimensional, subjective, and strongly associated with pleasure. (2) We found a sizeable positive relationship between PLUMM and perceived catchiness. (3) However, the relationship is complex, as further analysis showed that pleasure suppresses perceived catchiness’ effect on the urge to move. (4) We compared common factors that promote perceived catchiness and PLUMM and found that listener-related variables contributed similarly, while the effects of musical content diverged. Overall, our data suggests music perceived as catchy is likely to foster groove experiences.
Determination of hematological and biochemical values blood parameters for European bison (Bison bonasus)
Authors: Didkowska Anna , Klich Daniel , Anusz Krzysztof , Wojciechowska Marlena , Kloch Marta , Perlińska-Teresiak Magdalena , Bielecki Wojciech , Olech Wanda
Published: May 2024

Hematological and biochemical blood parameters are important tools for evaluating animals’ health. They might be crucial in assessing the health of entire populations of wild animals, such as European bison (Bison bonasus). The aim of this study was to establish hematological and biochemical values for healthy European bison and to determine whether there were significant relations with age and sex. Blood samples were collected from 79 animals and tested according to generally accepted standards and the results were subjected to statistical analysis. Most of the age and gender-related correlations found in our study were predictable based on previous reports. Due to bone growth, juvenile animals have typically higher ALP and P concentrations relative to adults. Several age-related dependencies were surprising, like higher Na concentration in younger European bison. Determination of hematological and biochemical blood parameters of healthy European bison may significantly contribute to the further restitution of this endangered species.
Therapeutic potentials of nonpeptidic V2R agonists for partial cNDI-causing V2R mutants
Authors: Kuramoto Ritsuki , Kise Ryoji , Kanno Mayu , Kawakami Kouki , Ikuta Tatsuya , Makita Noriko , Inoue Asuka
Published: May 2024

Loss-of-function mutations in the type 2 vasopressin receptor (V2R) are a major cause of congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (cNDI). In the context of partial cNDI, the response to desmopressin (dDAVP) is partially, but not entirely, diminished. For those with the partial cNDI, restoration of V2R function would offer a prospective therapeutic approach. In this study, we revealed that OPC-51803 (OPC5) and its structurally related V2R agonists could functionally restore V2R mutants causing partial cNDI by inducing prolonged signal activation. The OPC5-related agonists exhibited functional selectivity by inducing signaling through the Gs-cAMP pathway while not recruiting β-arrestin1/2. We found that six cNDI-related V2R partial mutants (V882.53M, Y1283.41S, L1614.47P, T2736.37M, S3298.47R and S3338.51del) displayed varying degrees of plasma membrane expression levels and exhibited moderately impaired signaling function. Several OPC5-related agonists induced higher cAMP responses than AVP at V2R mutants after prolonged agonist stimulation, suggesting their potential effectiveness in compensating impaired V2R-mediated function. Furthermore, docking analysis revealed that the differential interaction of agonists with L3127.40 caused altered coordination of TM7, potentially contributing to the functional selectivity of signaling. These findings suggest that nonpeptide V2R agonists could hold promise as potential drug candidates for addressing partial cNDI.
A time-adjusted control chart for monitoring surgical outcome variations
Authors: Cordier Quentin , Le Thien My-Anh , Polazzi Stéphanie , Chollet François , Carty Matthew J. , Lifante Jean-Christophe , Duclos Antoine
Published: May 2024

Background

Statistical Process Control (SPC) tools providing feedback to surgical teams can improve patient outcomes over time. However, the quality of routinely available hospital data used to build these tools does not permit full capture of the influence of patient case-mix. We aimed to demonstrate the value of considering time-related variables in addition to patient case-mix for detection of special cause variations when monitoring surgical outcomes with control charts.

Methods

A retrospective analysis from the French nationwide hospital database of 151,588 patients aged 18 and older admitted for colorectal surgery between January 1st, 2014, and December 31st, 2018. GEE multilevel logistic regression models were fitted from the training dataset to predict surgical outcomes (in-patient mortality, intensive care stay and reoperation within 30-day of procedure) and applied on the testing dataset to build control charts. Surgical outcomes were adjusted on patient case-mix only for the classical chart, and additionally on secular (yearly) and seasonal (quarterly) trends for the enhanced control chart. The detection of special cause variations was compared between those charts using the Cohen’s Kappa agreement statistic, as well as sensitivity and positive predictive value with the enhanced chart as the reference.

Results

Within the 5-years monitoring period, 18.9% (28/148) of hospitals detected at least one special cause variation using the classical chart and 19.6% (29/148) using the enhanced chart. 59 special cause variations were detected overall, among which 19 (32.2%) discordances were observed between classical and enhanced charts. The observed Kappa agreement between those charts was 0.89 (95% Confidence Interval [95% CI], 0.78 to 1.00) for detecting mortality variations, 0.83 (95% CI, 0.70 to 0.96) for intensive care stay and 0.67 (95% CI, 0.46 to 0.87) for reoperation. Depending on surgical outcomes, the sensitivity of classical versus enhanced charts in detecting special causes variations ranged from 0.75 to 0.89 and the positive predictive value from 0.60 to 0.89.

Conclusion

Seasonal and secular trends can be controlled as potential confounders to improve signal detection in surgical outcomes monitoring over time.
Novel approach to HER2 quantification using phosphor-integrated dots in human breast invasive cancer microarray
Authors: Saito Naoya , Matsuo Tsukasa , Tsuda Hitoshi , Yokota Hiroyuki , Okada Hisatake
Published: May 2024

HER2 expression in breast cancer is evaluated to select patients for anti-HER2 therapy. With the advent of newly approved HER2-targeted drugs for low HER2 expression breast cancer, more solid evidence on the whole spectrum of HER2 expression is needed. In this study, we quantitatively assessed HER2 expression from the whole core by combining high-intensity phosphor-integrated dot (PID) immunostaining and whole slide imaging (WSI) analysis. Two types of staining were performed using a 170-core tissue microarray of invasive breast cancer. First, HER2 was stained by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and IHC scores were determined by two practicing pathologists according to the ASCO/CAP HER2 guideline. Second, HER2 was stained with PID, and tentative PID scores were determined by quantitative analysis. The results show that PID can numerically classify HER2 expression status into scores 3+, 2+, 1+, and 0. The HER2 value quantified by PID strongly correlated with the 3, 3’-diaminobenzidine (DAB) IHC score determined by pathologists (R2 = 0.93). PID IHC score 1+ cases included both DAB IHC score 1+ and 0 cases, and low HER2 expression cases appeared to be often evaluated as DAB IHC score 0. Therefore, digital image analysis by PID and WSI can help stratify HER2 IHC. It may also help classify low HER2 expression.
Multi-strategy modified sparrow search algorithm for hyperparameter optimization in arbitrage prediction models
Authors: Cheng Shenjie , Qin Panke , Lu Baoyun , Yu Jinxia , Tang Yongli , Zeng Zeliang , Tu Sensen , Qi Haoran , Ye Bo , Cai Zhongqi
Published: May 2024

Deep learning models struggle to effectively capture data features and make accurate predictions because of the strong non-linear characteristics of arbitrage data. Therefore, to fully exploit the model performance, researchers have focused on network structure and hyperparameter selection using various swarm intelligence algorithms for optimization. Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA), a classic heuristic method that simulates the sparrows’ foraging and anti-predatory behavior, has demonstrated excellent performance in various optimization problems. Hence, in this study, the Multi-Strategy Modified Sparrow Search Algorithm (MSMSSA) is applied to the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network to construct an arbitrage spread prediction model (MSMSSA-LSTM). In the modified algorithm, the good point set theory, the proportion-adaptive strategy, and the improved location update method are introduced to further enhance the spatial exploration capability of the sparrow. The proposed model was evaluated using the real spread data of rebar and hot coil futures in the Chinese futures market. The obtained results showed that the mean absolute percentage error, root mean square error, and mean absolute error of the proposed model had decreased by a maximum of 58.5%, 65.2%, and 67.6% compared to several classical models. The model has high accuracy in predicting arbitrage spreads, which can provide some reference for investors.
Geochemical Insights into Environmental Studies
Authors: Abbasi Samira , Pourmorad Saeid
Published: May 2024

Environmental pollutions are considered a significant challenge in all human societies. Heavy metals, recognized as fundamental environmental pollutants, enter the environment through human activities and can pose various environmental hazards. In this study, a comprehensive investigation of environmental pollutions in Aligudarz County is considered as a strategic point in Iran and serves as a model for similar studies worldwide. The research utilizes geochemical, mineralogical, and statistical approaches to examine pollutions, providing innovative and quantitative insights into understanding the geochemistry of the environment and the relationship between pollutions and environmental factors. The results indicate that the study area is subject to moderate to severe pollution from toxic elements, including molybdenum, lead, cadmium, and copper. These pollutions are correlated with the geochemical, mineralogical, and environmental analysis of the region, and the information derived from this study contributes to environmental management and protection. Considering the research findings, this research model can serve as a global template for environmental studies, playing a crucial role in enhancing understanding of pollutions and advancing knowledge in this field. Therefore, the current research has a broad impact on fostering innovations and advancing knowledge in pollution management and environmental conservation.
Uso desnecessário do anglicismo tidal em alguma literatura científica portuguesa
Authors: Campar de Almeida António
Published: May 2024

A presente nota destinava-se inicialmente ao livro de homenagem à professora Doutora Maria Assunção Araújo. Dado o protelamento sine die da publicação do livro resolvi propô-lo para os Cadernos de Geografia. O texto iniciava-se com o seguinte parágrafo: “Quando na década de 80 do último século, e depois de discutida a dissertação de mestrado, me foi proposto estudar uma área do litoral da Figueira da Foz com a finalidade de elaborar a minha tese de doutoramento, uma das primeiras pessoas com quem fui falar foi a Professora Assunção Araújo, então em fase bem mais adiantada da sua tese de doutoramento, precisamente sobre o litoral da região do Porto. As perspetivas de abordagem das respetivas investigações eram diferentes, mas há sempre algo que se cruza ou sobrepõe e, tendo sido já pensado, ajuda sempre a rasgar os primeiros trilhos a quem se inicia e assim aconteceu. Muito lhe agradeço essa conversa inicial e a abertura de espírito que sempre mostrou ao longo da sua vida.”
Online learning acceptance in higher education – Do we know everything?
Authors: Halász Ágnes , Kenesei Zsófia
Published: May 2024

Research on the acceptance of educational technologies in higher education has become a high priority in recent years, particularly in the context of COVID-19. Numerous articles have been published on the subject, building on basic technology adoption models to investigate the impact of a wide range of factors on adoption. The proliferation of variables frequently makes it challenging to interpret results and may generate confusion. In order to synthetize and organize this knowledge, the authors collected 143 variables from 47 systematically selected studies. Based on the results of an in-depth analysis of the content and effects of each variable, they developed a framework that helps provide insights into state-of-the-art research on technology acceptance in higher education. The results of their study not only summarize what they know so far but also point to gaps where new findings in the field are expected.
Análise de Custos e Proposta de um Modelo de Formação do Preço de Venda para Produtos do Setor de Hortifrúti
Authors: Dias Glaucus Humbertus Vilarinho , Oliveira Carlos Eduardo de , Jacques Kelly Aparecida Silva , Dias Érika Monteiro de Souza Alves
Published: May 2024

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a mensuração dos custos e precificação dos produtos do setor de hortifrúti, e propor um modelo de mensuração do preço de venda específico para os produtos deste setor. Realizou-se um estudo de caso em empresa do setor supermercadista, onde pode-se observar o modus operandi da composição dos custos e precificação, por meio de observação direta e entrevista com o gestor. Os principais resultados demonstram que os custos fixos são parametrizados pelo sistema de gestão (ERP) considerando a média da relação entre as despesas gerais e o faturamento. Os custos variáveis estão diretamente interligados na entrada na nota fiscal. A precificação considera o peso da competitividade do mercado local e regional. O gestor utiliza, em alguns momentos, a margem líquida nula ou negativa como estratégia. Apresenta-se um modelo de formação do preço de venda. Este estudo aperfeiçoa o campo teórico por adicionar um modelo de precificação específico para o setor de hortifrúti, e sua contribuição está em simplificar e nortear o foco do agente no processo decisório. Espera-se que o modelo tenha utilidade para auxiliar as empresas na mensuração do custo e precificação dos produtos do setor de hortifrúti de forma sistêmica e eficiente.
Influência Da Adoção De Estratégias Durante A Pandemia Da Covid-19 No Desempenho Financeiro De Mpe’s Gerenciadas Por Mulheres
Authors: Almeida de Oliveira Laize , Feitosa Araújo Marcilene , Matos do Carmo Miraci
Published: May 2024

Em um cenário de instabilidade em que mudanças no ambiente de negócio são constantes, pensar e agir estrategicamente pode ajudar a valorar o desempenho e elevar a vantagem competitiva da empresa. No caso das MPE’s, historicamente são mais sensíveis a instabilidade dos mercados, isso porque, a não profissionalização das gestoras, o caráter familiar do negócio e a má gestão por meio da incapacidade da tomada de decisões estratégicas são características enraizadas que dificultam rápidas adaptações. Como objetivo buscou- se analisar como a adoção de estratégias durante a pandemia da Covid-19 influenciou no desempenho financeiro de MPE’s gerenciadas por mulheres no município de Rondon do Pará. Adotou-se um estudo de caráter qualitativo, descritivo e quanto aos procedimentos técnicos o estudo se classifica como ex post facto, pois busca compreender, explicar e descrever fatos passados. Quanto às técnicas de coleta de dados, utilizou-se entrevista, análise documental e observação in loco. As empresárias GF- F1, GF-F6, GF-F9 e GF-F10, informaram que a melhor e mais eficiente estratégia adotada foi o uso das redes sociais. As empresárias destacaram que passaram a adotar as redes sociais ativamente, isto é, diariamente postavam novidades, buscando interagir com o cliente e manter ativa uma rede de contatos. GF-F1, por exemplo, destaca que 85% das vendas da loja hoje acontecem motivadas pelas ações desenvolvidas nas redes sociais da loja. O que se nota é que, apesar do susto inicial, algumas empresárias entenderam a importância da adaptação à mudança.
Editorial V3 N2
Authors: Freire Denilson Aparecida Leite
Published: May 2024

Editorial do volume 3, número 2 de 2022
Earnings Management e Financial Distress: Uma Revisão Sistemática da Literatura pelo Método Proknow-C
Authors: Teodoro Ferreira de Sousa Victor Hugo , Maciel Peixoto Fernanda , Aparecida Cunha Michele
Published: May 2024

O objetivo do artigo é apresentar uma revisão sistemática da literatura sobre a relação entre earnings management e financial distress. O estudo busca compreender os principais achados dessa relação: principais autores; periódicos; amostras e regiões; os proxies para as variáveis e as lacunas a serem exploradas. Para isso foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura, utilizando o método Proknow-C. O banco de artigos bruto (BAB) reportou 1.477 artigos de sete bases de dados, que após seguir os passos do método Proknow-C, com apoio dos softwares Zotero e Excel, chegou-se ao portfólio bibliográfico (PB) de 36 artigos, abrangendo autores dos cinco continentes. O estudo contribui ao permitir a problematização dos conceitos, explorar os resultados apresentados, vieses, observar tendências, métodos mais utilizados nas análises e, com isso, identificar lacunas de pesquisa. Dentre os 36 artigos do PB, o periódico que se destaca na publicação do tema é o Cogent Economics & Finance, o artigo mais citado foi o de Jaggi e Lee (2002); a revista com maior JCI foi International Review of Financial Analysis e a revista com maior H-Index foi a Sustainability. Ademais, apuraram-se os proxies utilizadas para mensurar earnings management e financial distress. O artigo contribui ao identificar as abordagens e resultados de estudos contemporâneos, provenientes de periódicos de alto fator de impacto, e assim, indicar direções futuras para as pesquisas que irão se desenrolar sobre a temática. Gestores, reguladores e instituições financeiras podem utilizar os resultados deste trabalho para aprimorar suas práticas de gestão financeira.
Planterra Foods: Por que a Gigante de Proteínas JBS Decidiu Desistir do Auspicioso Mercado de Proteína Alternativa nos Estados Unidos?
Authors: Gil Andrew , Chmik Paulo
Published: May 2024

A gigante de proteínas animais brasileira JBS decidiu fechar sua startup de proteínas plant-based Planterra, anunciando o fim de sua participação no mercado de carne plant-based nos EUA. A notícia repentina suscitou o estudo em busca de entender o porquê de tal decisão em momento em que este mercado aparecia como crescente. Por intermédio do Modelo OLI, ou paradigma eclético, de Dunning (2000), utilizado na tomada de decisão de internacionalização, e se aplicando a análise de conteúdo. O artigo analisou diversas notícias de variadas fontes procurando trazer hipóteses e indícios da razão da decisão. Os resultados apontaram que o posicionamento estratégico nos Estados Unidos não era compatível ao investimento realizado pela corporação, optando-se por focar em outros países. Ou seja, as vantagens Location (L) do Modelo OLI foram perdidas, preferindo-se dirigir os investimentos ao mercado brasileiro e europeu. As conclusões trazem que o mercado de proteína alternativa precisa ser mais bem compreendido e se põe em dúvida a tendência de seu crescimento nos EUA, cabendo-se mais estudos para entender o caso.
Business Model Canvas: Aplicação da Metodologia em uma Clínica Médica do Distrito Federal
Authors: Cabral Couto Rafael
Published: May 2024

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo analisar o processo de aplicação da ferramenta de diagnóstico de modelo de negócios, Business Model Canvas, bem como os seus resultados em uma clínica médica do Distrito Federal. Quanto ao método, trata-se de uma pesquisa de natureza básica e aplicada de abordagem qualitativa. O procedimento técnico utilizado foi a pesquisa-ação, cujo objetivo é diagnosticar, afeiçoar problemas e encontrar soluções. A ferramenta escolhida foi o Business Model Canvas e a pesquisa foi aplicada em uma clínica médica do Distrito Federal. Os principais resultados apontam que o uso da ferramenta Business Model Canvas é simples, mas requer a ajuda de um especialista. Dessa forma, é necessário que o administrador se prepare para realizar uma explicação prévia para uma aplicação mais fluida da ferramenta. Ou seja, a pesquisa constatou que a aplicação dessa ferramenta se mostra simples e efetiva sob a supervisão de um administrador pois propicia uma reflexão sobre o modelo de negócio que gera proposições de possíveis melhorias sob a perspectiva dos clientes. Por fim, foram feitas algumas sugestões de melhoria no modelo de negócio como aumento da rede de parceiros e mudanças nos processos financeiros e de marketing.
Estudo Qualitativo sobre a Visão das Mulheres a respeito do Intraempreendedorismo e da Liderança Feminina nas Organizações
Authors: Gomes Larissa Moreli , Barros  Neto João Pinheiro de
Published: May 2024

Em todas as sociedades industrializadas contemporâneas, as mulheres permanecem sub-representadas em salas de reuniões e governos. Embora essa diferença de gênero tenha diminuído, os desafios que as mulheres enfrentam para subir a escada corporativa e política permanecem substanciais. Um viés masculino nas mais altas posições de liderança é universal. De fato, em grande parte das sociedades — tanto do passado quanto contemporâneas — as posições formais de liderança política eram, e continuam sendo, quase que exclusivamente ocupadas por homens. Se hoje as mulheres não são formalmente proibidas de ocupar posições de liderança e empreendedorismo, elas ainda são menos numerosas ou menos poderosas que seus colegas homens. É difícil de se justificar o fato de as mulheres serem menos propensas a chegar aos mais altos escalões na política, nos negócios, na ciência e na religião, dado que não há evidências consistentes de que elas sejam líderes ou empreendedoras piores ou melhores que homens em virtude de suas características femininas. A tentativa de explicar a lacuna de gênero na liderança e no empreendedorismo passa pela consideração dos estereótipos de gênero, preconceito, sexismo institucional etc. Este estudo buscou investigar essa lacuna de gênero de maneira exploratória, por meio de uma revisão de literatura e de entrevistas com mulheres líderes e intraempreendedoras.
Assimetrias de gênero: jornada de trabalho, rendimentos e a demanda por qualificação (Brasil, 2012-2019)
Authors: Mudesto Marques Marina , Hermeto Ana
Published: May 2024

Este artigo analisa o comportamento da jornada e dos rendimentos por hora, conectado à demanda de qualificação, nas formas de inserção ocupacional e setorial, a fim de verificar as implicações sobre as assimetrias de gênero.  A análise dos rendimentos por hora pode ser vista como uma proxy para retorno à produtividade. Os resultados apontam que, ao longo da década de 2010, os diferentes padrões da jornada entre os grupos ocupacionais e setoriais são mais evidenciados do que as assimetrias de gênero. Adicionalmente, o estudo indica a tendência de redução da jornada de trabalho concomitante à redução dos rendimentos por hora.
Determinants of Income and Decomposition of Income Inequality by Gender, Ethnicity, and Residence in Pernambuco for the Years 2015 and 2019
Authors: Justo Wellington Ribeiro , Alcantara Medeiros Anderson , Brito Sobreira Diogo
Published: May 2024

This study examines the factors affecting income and income inequality in Pernambuco, Brazil. Using data from the Continuous PNAD, the authors estimate the Mincerian equation for income and the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition with unconditional quantile regression. The results show that education has the greatest impact on earnings, particularly for non-white and female individuals. Unexplained effects, such as discrimination, are the main drivers of income inequality between urban and rural areas. This study provides valuable insights into the distribution of income and highlights the importance of addressing education and discrimination in efforts to reduce inequality.