bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cerebral oxygenation and perfusion kinetics monitoring of military aircrew at high G using novel fNIRS wearable system
Authors: Roumengous Thibault , Boutwell R. Casey , Strohmaier Jason , Allen Jared , Goldbach Brett , Marotta Nicholas , Songkakul Tanner , Critcher Shelby , Morse Bria G. , Beer Jeremy M. A. , Sherman Paul M. 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionReal-time physiological episode (PE) detection and management in aircrew operating high-performance aircraft (HPA) is crucial for the US Military. This paper addresses the unique challenges posed by high acceleration (G-force) in HPA aircrew and explores the potential of a novel wearable functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system, named NIRSense Aerie, to continuously monitor cerebral oxygenation during high G-force exposure.MethodsThe NIRSense Aerie system is a flight-optimized, wearable fNIRS device designed to monitor tissue oxygenation 13–20 mm below the skin's surface. The system includes an optical frontend adhered to the forehead, an electronics module behind the earcup of aircrew helmets, and a custom adhesive for secure attachment. The fNIRS optical layout incorporates near-distance, middle-distance, and far-distance infrared emitters, a photodetector, and an accelerometer for motion measurements. Data processing involves the modified Beer-Lambert law for computing relative chromophore concentration changes. A human evaluation of the NIRSense Aerie was conducted on six subjects exposed to G-forces up to +9 Gz in an Aerospace Environmental Protection Laboratory centrifuge. fNIRS data, pulse oximetry, and electrocardiography (HR) were collected to analyze cerebral and superficial tissue oxygenation kinetics during G-loading and recovery.ResultsThe NIRSense Aerie successfully captured cerebral deoxygenation responses during high G-force exposure, demonstrating its potential for continuous monitoring in challenging operational environments. Pulse oximetry was compromised during G-loading, emphasizing the system's advantage in uninterrupted cerebrovascular monitoring. Significant changes in oxygenation metrics were observed across G-loading levels, with distinct responses in Deoxy-Hb and Oxy-Hb concentrations. HR increased during G-loading, reflecting physiological stress and the anti-G straining maneuver.DiscussionThe NIRSense Aerie shows promise for real-time monitoring of aircrew physiological responses during high G-force exposure. Despite challenges, the system provides valuable insights into cerebral oxygenation kinetics. Future developments aim for miniaturization and optimization for enhanced aircrew comfort and wearability. This technology has potential for improving anti-G straining maneuver learning and retention through real-time cerebral oxygenation feedback during centrifuge training.
Survival and morbidity in very preterm infants in Shenzhen: a multi-center study
Authors: Li Tingting , Zhang Guofei , Li Rui , He Shengnan , Zhang Fangshi , Yan Xudong , Yu Zhangbin , Xie Yingmei ,   Shenzhen Neonatal Data Network
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTo analyze survival and morbidity among very preterm infants (VPIs) in Shenzhen and explore factors associated with survival without major morbidity.MethodsBetween January 2022 and December 2022, 797 infants were admitted to 25 neonatal intensive care units in Shenzhen with gestational age (GA) &lt; 32 weeks, excluded discharged against medical advice, insufficient information, and congenital malformation, 742 VPIs were included. Comparison of maternal and neonate characteristics, morbidities, survival, and survival without major morbidities between groups used Mann Whitney U test and X2 test, multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze of risk factors of survival without major morbidities.ResultsThe median GA was 29.86 weeks (interquartile range [IQR], 28.0–31.04), and the median birth weight was 1,250 g (IQR, 900–1,500). Of the 797 VPIs, 721 (90.46%) survived, 53.52% (38 of 71) at 25 weeks’ or less GA, 86.78% (105 of 121) at 26 to 27 weeks' GA, 91.34% (211 of 230) at 28 to 29 weeks' GA, 97.86% (367 of 375) at 30 to 31 weeks' GA. The incidences of the major morbidities were moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia,16.52% (113 of 671); severe intraventricular hemorrhage and/or periventricular leukomalacia, 2.49% (17 of 671); severe necrotizing enterocolitis, 2.63% (18 of 671); sepsis, 2.34% (16 of 671); and severe retinopathy of prematurity, 4.55% (27 of 593), 65.79% (450 of 671) survived without major morbidities. After adjustment for GA, birth weight, and 5-min Apgar score, antenatal steroid administration (OR = 2.397), antenatal magnesium sulfate administration (OR =  1.554) were the positivity factors to survival without major morbidity of VPIs, however, surfactant therapy (OR = 0.684,), and delivery room resuscitation (OR = 0.626) that were the negativity factors.ConclusionsThe present results indicate that survival and the incidence of survival without major morbidities increased with GA. Further, antenatal administration of steroids and magnesium sulfate, surfactant therapy, and delivery room resuscitation were pronounced determinants of survival without morbidities.
Association between left ventricular remodeling and lipid profiles in obese children: an observational study
Authors: Tang Ying , Yang Guang-bin , Chen Jun , Chen Ye , Hua Li-chun 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveChildhood obesity has become a prominent issue in the society, which can lead to left ventricular remodeling and severe cardiovascular complications in adulthood. It is beneficial to identify the causes of left ventricular remodeling so that targeted measures can be taken to prevent the cardiovascular disease. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationship between left ventricular remodeling and changes in blood lipid indexes in obese children.MethodsThis study was conducted on 40 healthy non-obese children and 140 obese children diagnosed in the pediatric health department of our hospital. Clinical data collected from the two groups were compared. Echocardiography was performed to examine left ventricular configuration and cardiac function. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to assess the independent effects of blood lipid levels on echocardiographic parameters. Blood lipid indicators among different left ventricular structural patterns which were classified according to left ventricular mass indexes and relative wall thickness were compared.ResultsObese children exhibited significantly increased height, weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP), blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol, left ventricular internal diameter (LVIDd), interventricular septum (IVSd), left ventricular posterior wall diastolic thickness (LVPWd), myocardial mass (LVM) and relative wall thickness (RWT), as well as lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) compared to the non-obese children (P &lt; 0.05). Multiple linear correlation analysis showed LVM had a significantly positive correlation with BMI (r = 3.21, P = 0.002) and SBP (r = 2.61, P = 0.01); LVMI had a significantly negative correlation with HDL-C (r = −2.45, P = 0.015); RWT had a significantly positive correlation with SBP (r = 2.50, P = 0.013) but a significantly negative correlation with HDL-C (r = −2.35, P = 0.02). Furthermore, there were significant differences in HDL-C values among children with different ventricular configurations (P &lt; 0.05), with the lowest HDL-C value recorded in the concentric hypertrophy group.ConclusionObese children will develop left ventricular remodeling. The left ventricular configuration indexes are most significantly associated with serum HDL-C. Lower HDL-C level contributes to severer left ventricular hypertrophy, indicating a concentric hypertrophy pattern.
Clinical characteristics of 4,520 paediatric patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant, in Xi'an, China
Authors: Yue Jingwei , Cao Jin , Liu Lin , Yin Li , Li Mingyue 
Published: February 2024

Background and objectiveSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has broad tissue tropism and high transmission, which are likely to perpetuate the pandemic. The study aim to analyze the clinicopathogenic characteristics in paediatric patients.MethodsIn this single-centre study, we retrospectively included all confirmed cases infected by SARS-CoV-2 infection at Xi’an Children's Hospital, China, from 1 December to 31 December 2022. The demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological features of the patients were analysed.ResultsA total of 4,520 paediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant infections were included. Of these, 3,861 (85.36%) were outpatients, 659 (14.64%) were hospitalised patients, and nine patients (0.20%) died. Of the nine patients who died, five were diagnosed with acute necrotising encephalopathy (ANE). The most common symptoms were fever in 4,275 (94.59%) patients, cough in 1,320 (29.20%) patients, convulsions in 610 (13.50%) patients, vomiting in 410 (9.07%) patients, runny nose/coryza in 277 (6.13%) patients, hoarseness of voice in 273 (6.04%) patients. A blood cell analysis showed a slight elevation of monocytes (mean: 11.14 ± 0.07%). The main diagnoses for both outpatients and inpatients were respiratory infection with multisystem manifestations.ConclusionsA high incidence of convulsions is a typical characteristic of children infected with SARS-CoV-2. Five of the nine COVID-19 fatalities were associated with ANE. This indicates that nervous system damage in children with SARS-CoV-2 infection is more significant.
Factors associated with sleep disorders among university students in Jiangsu Province: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hu Bin , Wu Qi , Wang Yue , Zhou Haitao , Yin Dehui 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveThis study aims to establish the precise prevalence of sleep disorders among university students in Jiangsu Province. Utilizing a representative sample of students, we measured their sleep quality based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Our objective is to quantitatively assess the magnitude of sleep quality and identify key factors. By detailed analysis of these relationships, our study seeks to provide actionable insights for the development of targeted interventions to enhance sleep quality within this population.MethodsFrom October to November 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey in Jiangsu Province, China. Using convenient cluster sampling in each college, a total of 8457 participants were selected. The PSQI was applied to assess sleep quality among university students. Data collected included sociodemographic details, scores from the Mobile Phone Dependence Index (MPAI) and psychological resilience measured by the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC).ResultsThe overall prevalence of poor sleep quality among the participants was 39.30%. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that higher physical activity (OR = 0.921; 95% CI: 0.779-1.090), earlier roommate bedtimes (OR = 0.799; 95% CI: 0.718-0.888), quieter dormitories (OR = 0.732; 95% CI: 0.647-0.828) and higher psychological resilience (OR = 0.982; 95% CI, 0.979-0.984) were protective factors linked to lower risk of poor sleep quality. Conversely, being a female student (OR = 1.238; 95% CI: 1.109-1.382), being a senior (OR = 1.582; 95% CI: 1.344-1.863), single-child status (OR = 1.195; 95% CI: 1.077-1.326), regular smoking (OR = 1.833; 95% CI: 1.181-2.847), regular alcohol consumption (OR = 1.737; 95% CI: 1.065-2.833), high academic stress (OR = 1.326; 95% CI: 1.012-1.736), high employment stress (OR = 1.352; 95% CI: 1.156-1.582), dissatisfaction with dormitory hygiene (OR = 1.140; 95% CI: 1.028-1.265), poor self-rated physical health (OR = 1.969; 95% CI: 1.533-2.529), poor self-rated mental health (OR = 2.924; 95% CI: 2.309-3.702) and higher mobile phone dependency were risk factors associated with an increased likelihood of poor sleep quality.ConclusionThe sleep quality among university students should attract immediate attention. The development of public services and mental health education initiatives is crucial in enhancing the sleep health of this population.
Model-based impact evaluation of new tuberculosis vaccines in aging populations under different modeling scenarios: the case of China
Authors: Tovar Mario , Sanz Joaquín , Moreno Yamir 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThe slow descent in TB burden, the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the rise of multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, seriously threaten TB control and the goals of the End TB strategy. To fight back, several vaccine candidates are under development, with some of them undergoing the phases 2B and 3 of the development pipeline. The impact of these vaccines on the general population needs to be addressed using disease-transmission models, and, in a country like China, which last year ranked third in number of cases worldwide, and where the population is aging at a fast pace, the impact of TB vaccination campaigns may depend heavily upon the age of targeted populations, the mechanistic descriptions of the TB vaccines and the coupling between TB dynamics and demographic evolution.MethodsIn this work, we studied the potential impact of a new TB vaccine in China targeting adolescents (15–19 y.o.) or older adults (60–64 y.o.), according to varying vaccine descriptions that represent reasonable mechanisms of action leading to prevention of disease, or prevention of recurrence, each of them targetting specific routes to TB disease. To measure the influence of the description of the coupling between transmission dynamics and aging in TB transmission models, we explored two different approaches to compute the evolution of the contact matrices, which relate to the spreading among different age strata.ResultsOur findings highlight the dependence of model-based impact estimates on vaccine profiles and the chosen modeling approach for describing the evolution of contact matrices. Our results also show, in line with previous modeling works, that older adult vaccination is a suitable option in China to reduce the incidence of TB as long as the vaccine is able to protect already exposed individuals.DiscussionThis study underscores the importance of considering vaccine characteristics and demographic dynamics in shaping TB control strategies. In this sense, older adult vaccination emerges as a promising avenue for mitigating TB transmission in China but also remarks the need for tailored intervention strategies aligned with demographic trends.
Quantum Nonlocality: How Does Nature Do It?
Authors: Kupczynski Marian 
Published: February 2024

In his article in Science, Nicolas Gisin claimed that quantum correlations emerge from outside space–time. We explainthat they are due to space-time symmetries. This paper is a critical review of metaphysical conclusions found in many recent articles. It advocates the importance of contextuality, Einstein -causality and global symmetries. Bell tests allow only rejecting probabilistic coupling provided by a local hidden variable model, but they do not justify metaphysical speculations about quantum nonlocality and objects which know about each other’s state, even when separated by large distances. The violation of Bell inequalities in physics and in cognitive science can be explained using the notion of Bohr- contextuality. If contextual variables, describing varying experimental contexts, are correctly incorporated into a probabilistic model, then the Bell–CHSH inequalities cannot be proven and nonlocal correlations may be explained in an intuitive way. We also elucidate the meaning of statistical independence assumption incorrectly called free choice, measurement independence or no- conspiracy. Since correlation does not imply causation, the violation of statistical independence should be called contextuality; it does not restrict the experimenter’s freedom of choice. Therefore, contrary to what is believed, closing the freedom-of choice loophole does not close the contextuality loophole.
Development of a Novel Approach for Controlling and Predicting Residual Sugars in Wines
Authors: Yaa’ri Ronit , Schneiderman Eitan , Ben Aharon Vicky , Stanevsky Maria , Drori Elyashiv 
Published: February 2024

Residual sugars (RS) in wine are the sugars that remain in a wine after fermentation is complete. In some wine styles, such as semi-dry wines, the accurate measurement of the RS concentration is critical for both qualitative and legislative reasons. Brix, measured by a simple refractometer, can give a good estimation of the RS concentration in the must, but during fermentation, the presence of alcohol leads to inaccurate sugar measurements. In order to measure the RS accurately, other more precise techniques are used, most of which are expensive or require professional skills. Therefore, novel approaches for rapid, easy, and practical measurements for estimating the sugar content have been suggested over the years. However, most of these methods do not supply an actual measurement of RS but rather give brix values, and those that measure RS involve special equipment, which is less relevant for small wineries. This study suggests a novel model for predicting and controlling the wine’s residual sugar. The data the model uses is the initial brix of the must before fermentation and its density during fermentation. The model was created by measuring actual residual sugars during the fermentation of natural and synthetic musts, with various degrees of initial brix levels, while simultaneously measuring their densities and correlating the two measurements. Linear regression between the residual sugar of the wine and its density was obtained for all treatments and repetitions (i.e., different values of must initial brix) with R2 values above 0.97. Using the model, one can calculate (before commencing the fermentation) the density values at which the fermentation will reach a particular desired residual sugar value for a specific initial brix level; the model is applicable for the fermentation conditions used in this work, i.e., brix levels of 18–27 °Bx, Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains (fx-33 and fx-10) in common conditions of fermentation regarding temperature and aeration.
Biodiversity and Spatiotemporal Variations of Mecoptera in Thailand: Influences of Elevation and Climatic Factors
Authors: Dokjan Theerapan , Bicha Wesley J. , Suttiprapan Piyawan , Chuttong Bajaree , Chiu Chun-I. , Aupalee Kittipat , Saeung Atiporn , Sulin Chayanit , Srisuka Wichai 
Published: February 2024

Ecological analyses of the small and lesser-known insect order Mecoptera in Thailand are presented. Specimens were collected monthly over a period of 12 consecutive months, using both Malaise and pan traps, from 29 sampling sites located in 18 national parks throughout Thailand. A total of 21 species in four genera were identified from 797 specimens, including Panorpa (1 species), Neopanorpa (18 species), Bittacus (1 species), and Terrobittacus (1 species), with the latter genus representing a new genus record to Thailand. Neopanorpa harmandi, N. siamensis, N. byersi, and N. malaisei were the most abundant species, representing 27.4%, 11.3%, 10.3% and 8.8% of the total specimens, respectively. The species with the highest frequency, as indicated by the high percentage of species occurrence (%SO), was N. siamensis (51%), followed by N. byersi (34%), N. harmandi (34%), N. spatulata (27%), and N. inchoata (27%). Eleven species (52%) exhibited specific regional occurrences. N. tuberosa and N. siamensis had the widest distribution, being found in almost all regions except for western and southern regions for the first and second species, respectively. The seasonal species richness of Mecoptera was high during the rainy season in the northern, northeastern, central, eastern, and western regions, with the highest richness observed in July (15 species), followed by the hot (10 species) and cold seasons (7 species), while there was no significant difference in species richness between seasons in the southern region. Multiple regression models revealed a negative association between species richness and abundance of Mecoptera with both elevation and temperature, and a positive association between rainfall and species evenness. It is predicted that climatic changes will have a detrimental effect on the mecopteran community. The results of this study enhance the understanding of the ecological aspects of Mecoptera, offering crucial insights into its biodiversity and distribution, which are vital for conservation and forest management.
An evaluation of the social deprivation practice grant in Irish general practice
Authors: O Shea Muireann , Kiely Bridget , O’Donnell Patrick , Smith Susan M 
Published: February 2024

Background
The inverse care law states that availability of good medical care varies inversely with the need for it in the population served. In 2019, the main medical union and the Department of Health in the Republic of Ireland (RoI), agreed on funding a social deprivation practice grant for general practices in urban deprived areas.

Aim
To examine the implementation and impact of the social deprivation practice grant in participating general practices.

Design & setting
A mixed-methods study with sequential design based in Irish general practice.

Method
Data were collected using a questionnaire and online semi-structured interviews with GPs and practice staff. Data were analysed separately, and the findings compared to examine the extent to which they converged or diverged.

Results
There were 25 survey responses and nine interviews. All practices reported the grant was beneficial and most practices utilised the grant to fund additional doctor hours (17/25). Both surveys and interviews indicated that a small amount of additional funding allowed additional clinical need in areas of deprivation to be addressed, but there were some barriers identified in accessing the grant and implementing planned expenditure.

Conclusion
Delivery of health care in areas of socioeconomic deprivation presents significant challenges. While there were some problems with implementation, the introduction of a small, targeted grant for general practices in areas of social deprivation allowed those practices to enhance their services, with tailored initiatives seeking to meet the needs of their patient populations.
Integrating academic service learning into higher education business curriculum
Authors: Moran Wilfredo 
Published: February 2024

This paper discusses an Academic Service Learning (ASL) approach as a teaching method to combine meaningful service to the community and core academic requirements for learning accounting. The Academic Service-Learning approach offers an opportunity for the students to enhance what they are learning in the classroom and combine it with the benefit of providing a service to the community. This study shows how service learning offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between academic accounting core curriculum requirements and the need of society to have individuals willing to give their time and effort to benefit others in need. This article aims to understand the benefits of High-Impact practices (HIPs) for students in the classroom, particularly, using Academic Service-Learning as a pedagogical tool. The goal is to understand the benefits of using a Service-Learning approach to teach accounting. As part of the course learning requirement, students engaged in a project whereby a not-for-profit organization's income statement was forecasted and evaluated using a vertical analysis. A post-survey was administered, which focused on how the Service-Learning project helped the students connect what they were learning in class with the actual accounting practice meaningfully.