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PURPOSE: Defining prostate cancer contours is a complex task, undermining the efficacy of interventions such as focal therapy. A multireader multicase study compared physicians' performance using artificial intelligence (AI) vs standard-of-care methods for tumor delineation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases were interpreted by 7 urologists and 3 radiologists from 5 institutions with 2 to 23 years of experience. Each reader evaluated 50 prostatectomy cases retrospectively eligible for focal therapy. Each case included a T2-weighted MRI, contours of the prostate and region(s) of interest suspicious for cancer, and a biopsy report. First, readers defined cancer contours cognitively, manually delineating tumor boundaries to encapsulate all clinically significant disease. Then, after ≥ 4 weeks, readers contoured the same cases using AI software. Using tumor boundaries on whole-mount histopathology slides as ground truth, AI-assisted, cognitively-defined, and hemigland cancer contours were evaluated. Primary outcome measures were the accuracy and negative margin rate of cancer contours. All statistical analyses were performed using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: The balanced accuracy (mean of voxel-wise sensitivity and specificity) of AI-assisted cancer contours (84.7%) was superior to cognitively-defined (67.2%) and hemigland contours (75.9%; P < .0001). Cognitively-defined cancer contours systematically underestimated cancer extent, with a negative margin rate of 1.6% compared to 72.8% for AI-assisted cancer contours (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: AI-assisted cancer contours reduce underestimation of prostate cancer extent, significantly improving contouring accuracy and negative margin rate achieved by physicians. This technology can potentially improve outcomes, as accurate contouring informs patient management strategy and underpins the oncologic efficacy of treatment.

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a global epidemic challenging global public health authorities while imposing a heavy burden on healthcare systems and economies. Aim: To explore and compare the prevalence of NCDs in South Asia, the Caribbean, and non-sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to identify both commonalities and differences contributing to the NCD epidemic in these areas while investigating potential recommendations addressing the NCD epidemic. Method: A comprehensive search of relevant literature was carried out to identify and appraise published articles systematically using the Cochrane Library, Ovid, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science search engines between 2010 and 2023. A total of 50 articles fell within the inclusion criteria. Results: Numerous geographical variables, such as lifestyle factors, socio-economic issues, social awareness, and the calibre of the local healthcare system, influence both the prevalence and treatment of NCDs. The NCDs contributors in the Caribbean include physical inactivity, poor fruit and vegetable intake, a sedentary lifestyle, and smoking, among others. While for South Asia, these were: insufficient societal awareness of NCDs, poverty, urbanization, industrialization, and inadequate regulation implementation in South Asia. Malnutrition, inactivity, alcohol misuse, lack of medical care, and low budgets are responsible for increasing NCD cases in Africa. Conclusion: Premature mortality from NCDs can be avoided using efficient treatments that reduce risk factor exposure for individuals and populations. Proper planning, implementation, monitoring, training, and research on risk factors and challenges of NCDs would significantly combat the situation in these regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: The study aimed to estimate bladder cancer burden and its attributable risk factors in China, Japan, South Korea, North Korea and Mongolia from 1990 to 2019, to discuss the potential causes of the disparities. Methods: Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC) were calculated by Joinpoint analysis, and the independent age, period and cohort effects were estimated by age-period-cohort analysis. Results: In 2019, the highest incidence (7.70 per 100,000) and prevalence (51.09 per 100,000) rates of bladder cancer were in Japan, while the highest mortality (2.31 per 100,000) and DALY rates (41.88 per 100,000) were in South Korea and China, respectively. From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized incidence and prevalence rates increased in China, Japan and South Korea (AAPC > 0) and decreased in Mongolia (AAPC < 0), while mortality and DALY rates decreased in all five countries (AAPC < 0). Age effects showed increasing trends for incidence, mortality and DALY rates, while the prevalence rates increased first and then decreased in older groups. The cohort effects showed downward trends from 1914–1918 to 2004–2008. Smoking was the greatest contributor and males had the higher burden than females. Conclusion: Bladder cancer was still a major public health problem in East Asia. Male and older population suffered from higher risk, and smoking played an important role. It is recommended that more efficient preventions and interventions should be operated among high-risk populations, thereby reduce bladder cancer burden in East Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study systematically organized and categorized eight accounts by Western scholars, conducting an in- depth analysis of the content concerning Naxi ethnic costumes within these records, while also integrating and verifying against local historical materials about Naxi costumes. Utilizing comparative literature imagology and dual-process theory, the study conducted a thorough comparative analysis of the costume images in Western accounts and Chinese local documents. The results show that Western researchers often imply personal and cultural self-image associations and emotional expressions when recording the image of Naxi costumes. Such emotional expressions tend to provide immediate and rich descriptions, emphasizing the connection between the costumes and their living environment and social background. In their accounts, they focus more on expressing the significance of Naxi costumes within their environmental and social contexts through emotional tones, reflecting a unique psychological and emotional tendency in cross-cultural exchange. Chinese local chronicles, however, place greater emphasis on documenting the structure and cultural attributes of costumes, focusing on systematically recording the details and historical cultural backgrounds of the costumes, and presenting the profound historical significance contained within through deep cultural connotations and historical investigations. This recording method not only focuses on tracing the evolution of costumes but also emphasizes the interpretation of their cultural connotations, thus reflecting a rich historical and cultural heritage. Through the comparison of Chinese and Western literature, the study reveals significant differences in the focus of observation and interpretation of images between the two. Western documents, characterized by "heuristic processes", provide intuitive descriptions and emotional colors, while Chinese local documents, characterized by "analytical processes", offer more systematic and comprehensive records. These differences stem not only from the cultural backgrounds and knowledge systems of the recorders but also reflect different cultural understandings and evaluations of the importance of costumes. In the context of cultural differences, it also shows different perspectives of observers; Western literature focuses more on individual feelings and emotional portrayals, whereas Chinese local literature emphasizes rational analysis and holistic grasp. This cross-cultural comparison reveals the diverse expressions of costumes in different contexts, providing useful reference for deepening interregional communication and understanding. Comparative literature imagology reveals how the images of "others" and "self" are constructed in literature, while dual-process theory explains the differences in cognitive processes and modes of thinking used during the recording process by both Western and Chinese observers. Finally, the study integrates the descriptions of Western investigators and local Chinese literature during the same period, and roughly restores the clothing and life scenes of Naxi men and women. By conducting an in-depth comparative study of historical materials on Naxi costumes from modern domestic and international literature, the research not only gains a deeper understanding of Naxi costume culture but also provides a new comparative perspective and methodology for costume culture research. Furthermore, through comparative research, it promotes awareness and respect for cultural diversity, fostering cross-cultural exchange and integration, and helps to enhance understanding and communication between different cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Transvaginal mesh surgery for pelvic organ prolapse has been widely performed in Japan, but polypropylene mesh has not been used in Japan since the ban on TVM using polypropylene mesh in the United States. Currently, polytetrafluoroethylene mesh ORIHIME® is the only mesh available for TVM in Japan. Although polytetrafluoroethylene is a safe material, its low coefficient of friction and insufficient adhesion to the surrounding tissue make it difficult to maintain the mesh position when it is used in the transvaginal mesh surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of TVM‐A2 using ORIHIME®. Methods: One hundred cases of TVM‐A2 were included in the study. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the ORIHIME® group (Group O) and the PolyformTM group (Group P). With 50 patients in each group, the complications and recurrences up to the fourth year were compared. Surgeries were performed using the TVM‐A2 method. Statistical analysis was performed using EZR. Results: There were no significant differences in baseline parameters between the two groups. We observed no perioperative complications, and saw one case of postoperative abscess formation in Group O, which resolved successfully after incision and drainage. The 4‐year recurrence rate was significantly higher in Group O. Conclusion: As the recurrence rate was significantly higher in Group O, we conclude that TVM‐A2 using ORIHIME® which is the same procedure as TVM‐A2 using polypropylene mesh is not feasible in repairing the pelvic organ prolapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have been conducted to investigate the ethical perspectives of in‐service teachers on assessment issues cross‐culturally. The purpose of the study was to investigate the ethical judgment by in‐service teachers in the United States and China on twenty scenarios of student assessment practices. In the spring of 2020, 130 American teachers and 161 Chinese teachers completed a survey questionnaire on these assessment scenarios. The quantitative and qualitative results indicated that respondents had different ethical decisions in 9 out of 20 scenarios. Further analysis indicated that there was a high degree of similarities in ethical reasoning, and 10 scenarios with mixed reasoning indicated that certain sub‐themes were different. This study reveals that cultural differences are likely reflected in their ethical judgment when presented with certain assessment scenarios. The awareness of such differences should be raised by considering assessment, teaching, and learning together. Practitioner points: Educators should acknowledge the influence of cultural differences and engage in collaborative efforts with culturally diverse colleagues to enhance ethical decision‐making about assessment practices for students.Engaging in discussion about ethical judgments can enhance awareness and understanding of cultural differences that influence assessment practices.This study highlights the need for ongoing discussions about ethics in assessment coupled with instructional decisions about student assessment practice across multiple cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ACS symptom knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs were suboptimal in this sample of hispanic and Latina/o/x/e individuals. • No differences in ACS symptom knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs were seen based on language proficiency. • Stronger knowledge and attitude scores were observed for participants endorsing previous exposure to symptom information. • The spanish version of the ACS response index showed favorable internal consistency, though more research is needed. Little attention has been placed on language proficiency as a potential variable affecting ACS symptom knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. To compare the ACS symptom knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of Hispanic and Latina/o/x/e individuals proficient in English and in those only proficient in Spanish. Secondary aims were to determine if there were differences in ACS symptom knowledge, attitudes, or beliefs based on participants' previous exposure to ACS symptom information and to evaluate instrument characteristics of the new Spanish version of the ACS Response Index. This cross-sectional, comparative study included participants (N = 99) from a community-based clinic in Illinois. Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs related to ACS symptoms were measured using the ACS Response Index. The average participant was 39.8 (SD 15.6) years of age, female (n = 56, 56.6 %), and had a high school education or less (n = 61, 61.6 %). Participants correctly classified a mean 57.5 % (SD 12.8) of symptoms and had mean attitude and belief scores of 12.1 (SD 3.3) and 17.5 (SD 2.9), respectively. There were no significant differences in knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs based on language proficiency. However, there were some statistically significant differences for knowledge and attitude scores based on exposure to ACS symptom information. The ACS Response Index (Spanish Version) also demonstrated favorable internal consistency. Overall knowledge, attitude, and belief scores were modest in this sample. Higher knowledge and attitude scores were observed for some types of ACS information exposure, supporting the importance of future educational efforts in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Findings Conclusion Health and education are interrelated and influence social, economic and lifestyle perspectives. Children with chronic illnesses experience barriers in the educational system regarding school attendance and social isolation. Gaining knowledge of compulsory education and how children with chronic illnesses are supported is crucial for the implications of future education policy and legislation in Scandinavia. This study compares Scandinavian legislation frameworks on compulsory education, chronic illness and school absence to form the basis of future research on education for children with chronic illness.The study uses a comparative approach to explore the support of children with chronic illnesses in compulsory education across Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The documents included are 3 education acts and 15 secondary documents, which are notes and guidelines for the education acts. The data were analysed using a manifest content analysis.We found four categories and six subcategories: (1) school obligation and rights; (2) chronic illness; (3) school absence: (a) categorisation of absence; (b) registration of absence; and (c) sanction; and (4) education support: (a) Hospital school support; (b) Home instruction support; and (c) technological support.This study's findings demonstrate the similarities and differences in the Scandinavian compulsory education legislation and guidelines regarding chronic illness and school absence. We found similarities across the countries regarding chronic illness and school absence. Still, the findings showed differences in the systematic registration of school absence and requirements for attendance with compulsory education in Norway and Denmark compared with compulsory schooling in Sweden. This knowledge will inform and enlighten future discussions and decisions in education and public health. The results can contribute to awareness of the opportunities for educational support and perspectives about education for children with chronic illnesses. Future research focusing on the experience of children with chronic illness and educational support is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In recent years, the development of drug-eluting embolization beads that can be imaged has become a hot research topic in regard to meeting clinical needs. In our previous study, we successfully developed nano-assembled microspheres (NAMs) for multimodal imaging purposes. NAMs can not only be visualized under CT/MR/Raman imaging but can also load clinically required doses of doxorubicin. It is important to systematically compare the pharmacokinetics of NAMs with those of commercially available DC Beads and CalliSpheres to evaluate the clinical application potential of NAMs. Methods: In our study, we compared NAMs with two types of drug-eluting beads (DEBs) in terms of irinotecan, drug-loading capacity, release profiles, microsphere diameter variation, and morphological characteristics. Results: Our results indicate that NAMs had an irinotecan loading capacity similar to those of DC Beads and CalliSpheres but exhibited better sustained release in vitro. Conclusion: NAMs have great potential for application in transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for the treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stigmatising attitudes among healthcare professionals can hinder access to healthcare, making it important to address this issue. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of stigma related to mental illness among Portuguese healthcare professionals and to compare the results among mental health professionals, General Practitioners (GPs) and other health professionals. Methods: An online cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Portugal using Google Forms® to collect data. The data collection process lasted five months, from September 2023 to January 2024. Participants were recruited from various professional associations and Health Centre Groups, through a purposive sampling. The study used the Portuguese version of the Opening Minds Stigma Scale for Healthcare Providers (OMS-HC) to measure stigma which assesses three dimensions: attitudes towards disclosure and helpseeking, attitudes towards people with mental illness, and attitudes towards social distance. Results: A total of 292 healthcare professionals participated in the study. In Portugal, healthcare professionals displayed low to moderate levels of stigma towards mental illness (M = 22.17, SD = 5.41). Mental health professionals demonstrated significantly lower levels of stigma (M=20.37, SD=5.37) compared to other healthcare professionals (M=24.15, SD=4.71), including GPs (M=23.97, SD=5.03). Additionally, having a close friend or relative with mental illness seemed to be related with lower levels of stigma for the dimension attitudes towards social distance (M=6.93, SD=2.50), compared to not having one (M=7.60, SD=2.56). On the other hand, a personal history of mental illness indicated higher levels of stigma for the dimension disclosure and help-seeking (M=8.95, SD=3.07), compared to having no history of mental illness (M=8.16, SD=2.67). Conclusion: This study indicates that Portuguese healthcare professionals have stigmatising attitudes towards mental illness, although at low to moderate levels. Training and frequent interaction with people with mental illness seem to be associated with lower levels of stigma. Personal experience of mental illness seems to follow the opposite path regarding disclosure and seeking help. Thus, further research is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-stigma measures and deepen the study of the concept of self-stigma in healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers in the 1980s identified strong school-parent relations as a significant potential in the church sector, but this potential has not received enough attention in the European context. However, a serious obstacle to this partnership can be the unpreparedness, overwork, and deficit orientation of teachers, as well as their narrow-mindedness towards parents. Our analysis, based on Epstein’s typology of parental involvement, focuses on the question whether partnership with parents in church-run schools shows any differences from that in state schools. Our qualitative research involved semi-structured interviews with teachers from 32 primary schools. Despite the similarities between school providers, we detected differences between church-run and state schools regarding Epstein’s types of parental involvement. While in the former sector, schools appeared more active in creating a parental community, the latter was characterised by formal and individual ways of parental participation. The practical result of our research is that the parent-school partnership is an area in need of improvement and that different school providers can learn from each other’s good practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel hybrid type-2 fuzzy sliding mode control approach for regulating active and reactive power exchanged with the utility grid by a doubly-fed induction generator in a wind energy conversion system. The main objective of this hybridization is to eliminate the steady-state chattering phenomenon inherent in sliding mode control while improving the transient delays caused by type-2 fuzzy controllers. In addition, the proposed control approach has proven to be successful in coping with varying generator parameters and exhibited good reference tracking. An in-depth comparative study with state-of-the-art advanced control techniques is also the focus of the present paper. The comparative study has three objectives, namely: a qualitative comparative study that aims to compare response times and reference tracking capabilities; a quantitative evaluation that takes into account time-integrated performance criteria; and finally, robustness capabilities. The simulation results, carried out in the Matlab/Simulink environment, have demonstrated the effectiveness and best performance of the proposed hybrid type-2 fuzzy sliding mode control with respect to other advanced techniques included in the comparison study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper applies eight state-of-the-art metaheuristic optimization algorithms to optimize the kernel extreme learning machine (KELM) and compares the mean accuracy and stability of these algorithms in step-like displacement prediction of reservoir landslides. The Baishuihe landslide, Shuping landslide, and Baijiabao landslide were selected as study cases. A new index that can balance the goodness and error of predictions, the combined prediction precision criterion (CPC), was proposed for the evaluation of these algorithms. The results show that the mean prediction accuracy between different algorithms is small, up to only approximately 15%, but the difference between the prediction stabilities varies greatly, up to approximately 70%. All metaheuristic-optimized KELM models have high mean prediction accuracy, among which the horse herd optimization algorithm is better than the other algorithms in terms of both mean prediction accuracy and stability. Our results highlight the importance of ensemble predictions in attenuating the contingency of single metaheuristic-optimized machine learning (ML) models and improving their stability and demonstrate the impartiality of the CPC index in the comparative evaluation of models. The methodological framework of this article can provide a reference for future research on ML-based landslide displacement prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study is to describe and evaluate how nurses caring for COVID and non‐COVID patients assess changes in their work and in nursing activities during the two waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods: Two cross‐sectional surveys were conducted for Estonian nurses working during the first and second waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic, using The impact of COVID‐19 emergency on nursing care questionnaire. Based on convenience sampling, the data were collected among the members of professional organizations, unions and associations. Responses from the first (n = 162) and second wave (n = 284) were analysed using descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test and McNemar's test. Results: The COVID‐19 pandemic changed the working context during both waves for nurses caring for COVID and non‐COVID patients. Changes were considered to a greater extent during the second wave, when Estonia was severely affected, and by nurses caring for COVID patients. During the second wave, the number and complexity of patients increased, and nurses caring for COVID patients performed fundamental care, nursing techniques and symptom control significantly more frequently compared to nurses caring for non‐COVID patients. Conclusion: Taking care of COVID patients is demanding, requiring nurses to perform more direct patient care. However, the pandemic also increased the frequency of activities not related with direct patient care. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? The COVID‐19 pandemic has influenced the context of care and all dimensions of nurses' work.Despite increasing research on the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on nursing care, little attention has been given to differences between caring for COVID and non‐COVID patients during the different waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic. What this paper adds? Nursing care for COVID patients requires from nurses more direct patient care through fundamental care activities, nursing techniques and symptom control compared to non‐COVID patients.The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on nurses' work reflects the severity and progress of different waves of the pandemic, which needs to be considered in preparing for future pandemics.Nursing care during a pandemic may also lead to an extensive workload due to tasks not related to direct patient care as nurses contribute to the management of the pandemic on all levels of health care. The implications of this paper: The COVID‐19 pandemic has had a significant impact on nursing, where the mitigation of long‐term effects of the pandemic is still ongoing, and thus, knowledge about the details of the resulting changes is required.Study findings enable us to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on nurses and to highlight aspects that need to be taken into account when preparing for future pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Salted hen egg yolks are less oily and less flavorful than salted duck egg yolks. However, hen eggs have a more adequate market supply and have a broader application prospect than duck eggs. In the present study, egg yolks, plasma, and granules were dehydrated by adding 1% NaCl to simulate traditional curing process of salted egg yolk. The changes in the pickling process of hen egg yolks (HEY) and duck egg yolks (DEY) plasma and granules were compared to reveal the gelation mechanism and the underlying causes of quality differences in salted HEY and DEY. Salted HEY can be compared with the changes in DEY during the pickling process to provide a theoretical basis for the quality improvement of salted HEY to salted DEY. RESULTS: The results showed that both plasma and granules were involved in gel formation, but exhibited different aggregation behaviors. Based on the intermolecular forces, the HEY proteins achieved aggregation mainly through hydrophobic interactions and DEY proteins mainly through covalent binding. According to spin–spin relaxation time, HEY gels immobilized a large amount of lipid and interacted strongly with lipids. DEY gels showed much free lipid and had weak interaction with lipid. The microstructure showed that HEY proteins were easily unfolded to form a homogeneous three‐dimensional gel network structure after salting, whereas heterogeneous aggregates were formed to hinder the gel development in DEY. Changes in protein secondary structure content showed that pickling can promote the transformation of the α‐helices to β‐sheets structure in HEY gels, whereas more α‐helices structure was formed in DEY gels. CONCLUSION: The present study has demonstrated that different gelation behaviors of hen and duck egg yolk proteins (especially in plasma) through salting treatment led to the difference in the quality of salted HEY and DEY. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis comparative study, constituting Part B of our extensive investigation into robust optimization (RO) in inventory management, builds on the foundational insights from Part A’s survey. It conducts a thorough analysis of various RO formulations and algorithms, emphasizing their practical application, efficacy, and computational considerations in inventory management contexts. This study is meticulously structured to address the pivotal inquiries identified in Part A, encompassing the effective representation of uncertainty, the selection of optimal decision criteria, the influence of decision rules on inventory management performance, computational challenges, and the adaptability of these methods to evolving technological and market conditions. This research juxtaposes theoretical findings with empirical data, offering a comprehensive evaluation of the strengths, limitations, and practical implications of each robust inventory model discussed in the literature. This investigation not only complements the survey in Part A but also serves as a standalone, in-depth contribution to robust inventory management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The demographic changes affecting Switzerland and other European countries, including population ageing, will continue to challenge policymakers in building accessible, affordable, comprehensive and high-quality long-term care (LTC) systems. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how Switzerland's LTC system compares to other European countries, in order to inform how to respond to the increasing need for LTC. We carried out a descriptive study using secondary data from key national and international organizations. Methods: By comparing the financing, workforce, service delivery and need for LTC in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Norway and the United Kingdom, we described similarities and differences in these five European countries between 2005-2019. Thirty-three indicators within five domains were analysed: (1) Population statistics and health expenditure, (2) Need for LTC, (3) LTC financing, (4) LTC service delivery, and (5) LTC workforce. Results: Switzerland has the highest life expectancy in comparison to the other four high-income countries. However, similarly to other countries, the years lived with disability are increasing in Switzerland. Switzerland's public expenditure on LTC as a share of GDP is lower than that of Norway and Germany, yet out-of-pocket expenditure on LTC is highest in Switzerland. Switzerland has the highest proportion of persons receiving formal LTC both in institutions and at home. Switzerland has had the most pronounced increase in the proportion of over 65-year-olds receiving LTC at home. Even though more than fourfold more persons receive care at home, Switzerland still has more workforce in LTC institutions than in home-care. In comparison to Germany and the UK, Switzerland has a lower number of informal carers as a proportion of 50-year-olds and over, as well as fewer nationally available services for informal carers compared to Germany, Italy, Norway and the UK. Conclusions: Our comparative study corroborates the importance of improving the affordability of LTC, continuing to support the movement towards home care services, improving the support given to both the professional workforce and informal carers, and improving the amount and quality of LTC data. It also provides a valuable contrast to other European countries to support evidence-informed policymaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present research, after preparing a new generation of SWCNT–Fe3O4–CuO/ethylene glycol (EG)–water ternary hybrid nanofluid (THNF), the thermal conductivity (TC) and its effective factors (solid volume fraction (SVF) and temperature (T)) are studied. Results show that the increase in T and SVF has a very favorable effect on the process of optimizing the TC of THNF. The change in thermal conductivity enhancement (TCE) in this study is 2.9% < TCE < 39.2%. The effect of temperature and SVF is compared with each other. The maximum effect of SVF in this experiment was 28.2%, and the maximum effect of T is 8.10%. Therefore, it can be said that SVF is more effective in increasing TCE. Then, numerical and statistical evaluations of TC performance using statistical investigation are performed. R-squared and adj R-squared values confirm the quality and validity of the model, and the MOD range is − 2 to + 2.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children's preschool years are crucial for the development of computational thinking (CT) skills. However, debate continues regarding whether CT should be developed through plugged-in or unplugged activities. This study investigated the similarities and differences between plugged-in and unplugged activities with similar learning content and assessment methods for cultivating computational thinking (CT) in young children. Twenty-four young children (aged 5–6 years) from a kindergarten in Foshan, China, were randomly assigned to either the plugged-in or unplugged group to participate in a five-week study. In the plugged-in group, Dodobot was used in the classroom, while in the unplugged group, unplugged materials such as paper, pencil and tangram puzzles were used. Research results indicate that 1) both plugged-in and unplugged activities significantly improved the young children's CT skills after a short-term educational intervention, but there were no significant differences between the two groups; 2) the extent to which the plugged-in and unplugged activities promoted subdimensions of CT was different, with the plugged-in group demonstrating significant improvements in hardware, algorithm, and modularity and the unplugged group demonstrating significant improvements in terms of representation; 3) the children from both the plugged-in and unplugged groups showed high motivation; And 4) the children in both the plugged-in and unplugged groups showed cooperative behaviors. The frequency of cooperative behavior was more related to materials, and cooperation quality was more related to teacher guidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an extensive comparative analysis of the experimental results of chemical stabilisation of clayey soil in laboratory conditions by comparing the effects of adding conventional stabilisers (lime, cement binder), stabilisers that can be considered as waste material (fly ash, rock flour), as well as alternative chloride-based materials (ferric chloride, calcium chloride, potassium chloride) on the geomechanical properties of the soil. With the aim of determining the stabiliser optimal content in the mixture with the soil, in the first part of the research, the effects of stabilisation of clayey soil of medium plasticity using the considered stabilisers with different percentage share on the change in uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and pH value of the soil at different time intervals after the treatment were analysed. In the second part of the research, additional tests were conducted on soil samples with optimal content for each of the considered stabilisers by monitoring changes in the physical and mechanical properties of the soil. These include Atterberg's limits (liquid limit and plasticity limit), modulus of compressibility in the oedometer, California bearing ratio (CBR), and swelling potential at different time intervals after the chemical treatment to determine the durability of stabilisation effects. The results of the conducted research reveal that each of the conventional, waste, and alternative materials considered as chemical stabilisers contributes to the improvement of the geomechanical properties of the clayey soil, primarily in terms of increasing the bearing capacity and reducing the swelling of the treated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clustered data are a complex and frequently used type of data. Traditional factor analysis methods are effective for non-clustered data, but they do not adequately capture correlations between multiple observed individuals or variables in clustered data. This paper proposes a Bayesian approach utilizing MCMC and Gibbs sampling algorithms to accurately estimate parameters of interest within the clustered factor analysis model. The mean traversal graph of parameters ensures that the Markov chain converges, and the Bayesian case-deletion model is used to analyze the model's impact and identify outliers in clustered data using Cook's posterior mean distance. The applicability and validity of the principal-component-method-based factor analysis model for clustered data are demonstrated by comparing the parameter estimation of this method with the principal component method, the clustered data with and without internal relationships are compared by example analysis, and the anomalous groups are identified by the Cook's posterior mean distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Recent research has revealed that bilingual and monolingual people differ from each other in various areas, one of which is cognitive ability. This study aims to compare executive functions, selective attention, visual short-term memory, and auditory short-term memory in monolingual (Persian) and bilingual (Azeri Turkish-Persian) children. Methods: The statistical... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of ultrasound (US) in pain medicine has been a rapidly growing field since the 2000s. Musculoskeletal injections, peripheral nerve blocks, and neuraxial injections under US guidance have been acknowledged for managing chronic pain. Although many studies on US-guided pain procedures have been published, there needs to be a classification system to evaluate which image device, the US or fluoroscopy, is clinically and technically better in various pain interventions. Therefore, this narrative review introduces the classification system for the US-guided pain procedures according to their clinical and technical outcomes and designates US-guided pain procedures into one of the four categories by reviewing previous prospective randomized comparative trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: Educational promotion requires improved designing and enhancement of the quality of education. The present study aimed to compare the oral and maxillofacial medicine course in the undergraduate dental curriculum of Iran and some other countries. Material & Methods: In this descriptive comparative study, some dental schools were selected from the United States, Canada, Australia, and Switzerland (one from each country) according to the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranking. All topics related to oral tissue and systemic diseases with oral manifestations were extracted from the content of the courses offered in the respective dental schools. Additionally, all mentioned topics were gathered from nationwide curricula of dental schools in Iran and the UK. The collected data were analyzed based on Bereday's comparative method in the following four steps: description, interpretation, juxtaposition, and comparison. Results: The collected data from each curriculum (description) were analyzed (interpretation), tabulated (juxtaposition), and compared (comparison) to find the similarities and differences. The highest similarity was found in sequence of offered courses between Iran and Pennsylvania dental schools. Differences were mainly related to the sequence of chapter titles in different courses and method of instruction. The Australia's Queensland dental school had the highest difference with Iran's curriculum since it does not offer an independent course on oral medicine. Additionally, Iran and Australia's Queensland dental schools do not have a free discussion course on clinical scenarios. Conclusion: The method of instruction and diversity of the taught topics are responsible for the differences in educational curricula of different countries regarding the oral medicine course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Higher rates of non-affective psychotic disorders (NAPD) in minority groups have been reported in many countries. However, few studies have explored how rates differ between refugees and other minority groups and none with an international comparative angle. A comparative perspective makes it possible to relate group differences to aspects national context that underpin the social determinants of disease. Methods: We compared the incidence of treated NAPD among youth born in or who immigrated to Denmark/Sweden before turning 18. Youth aged 18–35 during 2006–2018 were included (NDenmark/NSweden = 1,606,423/2,614,721) and were followed until first NAPD treatment (cases [Denmark/Sweden] = 12,193/9,641), 36th birthday, emigration or death. Incidence rates (IR) and ratios (IRR) comparing refugees, non-refugee migrants, descendants of non-refugee migrants and majority youth were obtained through Poisson regression on data aggregated by country, sex and age, contrasted by sex and country. Complementary analyses on individual-level data adjusting for further socio-demographic factors were conducted in each country separately. Results: Incidence rates were higher in all groups compared with the majority group (IRRrange = 1.4–2.9, 95% CI[min, max] = 1.2–3.1). Relative differences between the three minority groups were smaller (IRRrange = 0.7–1.0, 95% CI[min, max] = 0.5–1.2). Although incidence rates were higher in Denmark than Sweden, relative group differences were similar. Conclusion: Exposures shared between young refugees and other minority groups growing up in Denmark and Sweden may be especially important for their excess risk of NAPD. Further studies should investigate the mechanisms behind the elevated rates in minority groups with special paid attention to factors such as discrimination, social exclusion and acculturation stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Media Report Overseas is the property of Edmondson Intercultural Enterprises and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Anyone knowledgeable about Qur'anic Arabic words in general and the Qurʾānic Arabic words of l-faḍli الْفَضْ لِ) in particular, can easily and appropriately deduce that the Holy Qur'an denotes meaning that cannot go along with any level of fulfillment through only one translation. Thus, this paper aimed at identifying the loss and gain in the rendering of the words of l-faḍli الْفَِضْ لِ in Qurʾānic Arabic through the examination of three translations of the Holy Qur'ān by Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall (1930), Muhammad Muhsin Khan and Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali (1996), and Muhammad Abdel Haleem (2004). A qualitative descriptive paradigm was employed coupled with Baker's typology of equivalence between Arabic and English. The study showed that in the context of the loss and gain in the translation of the Qurʾānic Arabic l-faḍliِ اِلْفَضْ لِ into English, the aforementioned translators employed various translation strategies such as balanced translation, explication, free translation, and literal translation. The study found that the Holy Qurʾān in general and the Qurʾānic Arabic l-faḍli الْفَضْ لِ in particular inevitably demand to be rendered in a historical and enlightening language environment and linguistic context for efficient communication and understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the immune responses induced by microwave ablation (MWA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and cryoablation (CRYO) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and identify differences in immune responses and the timing of immune changes. Materials and Methods: A bilateral subcutaneous model was established in C57 mice, and the successfully modeled mice were divided into the microwave (n = 15), radiofrequency (n = 15), CRYO (n = 15), control (n = 9), and blank groups (n = 3). Mice in the control group were dissected before ablation, whereas mice in the three ablation groups underwent ultrasound-guided ablation of one axillary tumor. Three mice were sacrificed and dissected at 1–4 weeks after ablation. After tissue processing, flow cytometry was used to detect the levels of CD8 + T and regulatory T (Treg) cells in the tissue, and western blotting was used to assess the level of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) protein in the tumor tissue. Results: The pattern of immune changes after the three types of ablation was consistent, with immune changes occurring at 3–4 weeks. CRYO induced the most significant increase in the percentage of CD8 + T cells. There were no significant differences in the levels of Treg cells and the level of PD-L1 protein among the three types of ablation (p > 0.05), but the decline in Treg cells and PD-L1 protein level caused by CRYO was the most pronounced. Conclusion: In the HCC mouse model, the immune changes following the three types of ablation were consistent, with immune changes occurring at 3–4 weeks. Among them, CRYO elicited the strongest adaptive immune response, and RFA outperformed MWA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to elucidate the issue of dropping during the flushing of closed suction catheters and to improve awareness of dropping prevention. Simulating a subject equipped with a ventilator, a comparative study on the causes of dropping during flushing was conducted using three different closed catheters widely used in the medical field. The results indicated significant differences in adult catheters based on ventilation volume and mode, with some cases showing significant differences according to PEEP (positive end-expiratory pressure) and angle. In comparisons involving only pediatric catheters and combined comparisons of adult and pediatric catheters, significant differences were observed in the amount of secretions dropped based on ventilation volume and ventilation mode. These differences revealed structural issues with the catheters. Specifically, it was suggested that flow from the ventilator directly affects the catheter tip and that saline buildup in the anti-drop valve can cause dropping. Furthermore, dropping issues were observed depending on the technique of the individual performing the suction. Based on the novel insights gained from this study, there is consideration to form a research team for the development of an improved device in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the effectiveness of ensemble learning techniques, including Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, and Stacking, in improving the accuracy and reliability of stock price predictions. Leveraging a dataset of daily trading data for Amicorp Inc. spanning three years, we conducted a comprehensive analysis to investigate the impact of feature engineering, model performance, robustness, and adaptability to varying market conditions. Our findings reveal that feature engineering significantly enhances model performance, with models incorporating additional financial indicators consistently outperforming those without. Among the ensemble methods evaluated, the Random Forest ensemble emerged as the top performer, demonstrating its superiority with the lowest prediction errors. Furthermore, the model displayed robustness in volatile market conditions and resistance to outliers. Market regime analysis highlighted the adaptability of ensemble methods, with consistent performance across bull, bear, and sideways markets. Practical implications were exemplified through a strategic trading strategy based on Random Forest predictions, achieving favorable risk-adjusted returns. These results contribute valuable insights to researchers and practitioners seeking to employ ensemble learning in stock price prediction, underlining its potential for enhancing forecasting accuracy in real-world financial markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Faced with rising needs for patient support, palliative care is shifting towards a more community-based approach. Yet the profile of volunteers in this field is poorly known. Aim: To explore psychosocial characteristics of palliative care volunteers, by comparing them to two groups, volunteers from the health and social sector without contact with palliative patients, and people from the general population without volunteer activity. Design: Observational comparative study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. Participants: The 3 groups of participants were recruited in France between September 2020 and June 2021. They completed an online survey assessing sociodemographic characteristics and psychological resources (self-efficacy, hope, optimism, resilience, mindfulness, self-compassion, empathy, forgivingness, and gratitude). Results: Data from 559 participants were analyzed. Palliative care volunteers had overall significantly higher levels of psychological resources than control groups. Multivariate analysis revealed, among sociodemographic and psychological characteristics that showed differences between groups at the univariate level, the most efficient predictors of group status. The best criteria to distinguish palliative care volunteers from health and social sector volunteers were older age, having received training, and lower levels of self-compassion. To distinguish palliative care volunteers from people with no volunteer activity, older age and non-active professional status were the best criteria. Conclusions: Palliative care volunteers displayed more psychological resources than controls. However, older age and being trained for volunteering, emerged as stronger factors for distinguishing palliative care volunteers from controls. Pursuing research about these volunteers should facilitate recruitment, training, and retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Spanish Journal of Comparative Education / Revista Española de Educación Comparada is the property of Editorial UNED and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The use of technologies in the classroom has become one of the main allies for university teachers in pedagogical innovation, especially during, and after the pandemic. Therefore, the main objective of this article is to investigate how different types of innovative technologies are most effective in increasing motivation among university students. For this purpose, the level of motivation for learning stimulated by different technologies used as pedagogical support is compared. A motivation focused instructional model was implemented in conjunction with technologies such as machine learning, augmented reality, additive manufacturing, smart mobile devices, Moodle platforms, interactive smart TVs, as well as traditional lectures. The motivation was quantified through an extensively validated questionnaire designed for this purpose. A non-experimental quantitative research approach was applied to collect, process, and analyze the research data. A three-stage experimental design was used. The questionnaire was administered to 540 engineering students. The data extracted showed significant differences between the different technologies studied, highlighting interactive television, machine learning, and augmented reality over other technologies, which serves as input for academic management to direct efforts, funds and teacher training in new tools to support the teaching process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: As a treatment modality for advanced knee osteoarthritis, total knee arthroplasty is well established and has been performed on many patients over time. To improve surgical outcomes, fixed-bearing implant insertion with robotic-assisted TKA has been introduced; however, the insertion of mobile-bearing (MB) implants with the same method is challenging. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term postoperative follow-up outcomes of MB implant insertion using a robotic-assisted TKA system and conventional TKA. Materials and Methods: We investigated functional improvement in the knees of 60 patients who underwent the insertion of MB implants using either robotic-assisted TKA or conventional TKA. Isokinetic muscular function, range of motion, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and Knee Society Score (KSS) were measured 6 months after surgery. The statistical analysis of outcome measurements was performed using the Mann–Whitney U test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Some isokinetic muscular functions, as well as Knee Society Scores (pain and function) and VAS scores, were significantly higher in patients who underwent MB insertion with robotic-assisted TKA than in those who underwent conventional TKA. Conclusions: When an MB implant is inserted using a robotic-assisted TKA system, a better surgical outcome can be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of combination therapy using transarterial chemoembolization with microwave ablation (MWA) therapy vs. MWA monotherapy for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) >3 cm in size. METHODS: This two-arm retrospective observational study included patients with HCCs >3 cm who underwent either combination therapy (29 patients) or MWA monotherapy (35 patients) between 2014 and 2020. The treatment outcomes related to primary treatment efficacy, local tumor progression (LTP), tumor control rate, and overall survival were compared between each cohort. RESULTS: The technical success and primary efficacy were 96.56% and 100.00% in the combination therapy cohort, and 91.42% and 100.00% in the MWA cohort, respectively, over a mean follow-up period of 27.6 months. The 1- and 3-year rates of LTP-free survival were 78.57% and 69.56% in the combination therapy cohort, vs. 72.45% and 35.44% in the MWA cohort, respectively (P = 0.001). The overall progression-free survival was longer in the combination therapy cohort compared with the MWA cohort (median: 56.0 vs. 13.0 months; P = 0.017). With the incorporation of additional locoregional therapy, the overall survival rates were not significantly different, with 1- and 3-year overall survival rates of 100.00% and 88.71% in the combination therapy cohort and rates of 90.15% and 82.76% in the MWA cohort, respectively (P = 0.235). CONCLUSION: The combination therapy provided significantly longer upfront LTP-free survival in HCCs >3 cm when compared with the MWA treatment alone, albeit with similar local tumor control and overall survival rates when accounting for additional locoregional therapies.

Abstract Backgrounds The study aimed to estimate bladder cancer burden and its attributable risk factors in China, Japan, South Korea, North Korea and Mongolia from 1990 to 2019, to discuss the potential causes of the disparities. Methods Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC) were calculated by Joinpoint analysis, and the independent age, period and cohort effects were estimated by age-period-cohort analysis. Results In 2019, the highest incidence (7.70 per 100,000) and prevalence (51.09 per 100,000) rates of bladder cancer were in Japan, while the highest mortality (2.31 per 100,000) and DALY rates (41.88 per 100,000) were in South Korea and China, respectively. From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized incidence and prevalence rates increased in China, Japan and South Korea (AAPC > 0) and decreased in Mongolia (AAPC

Introduction: Postoperative spinal epidural hematoma (PSEH) is a severe complication of spinal surgery that necessitates accurate and timely diagnosis. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of ultrasonography as an alternative diagnostic tool for PSEH after microendoscopic laminotomy (MEL) for lumbar spinal stenosis, comparing it with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: A total of 65 patients who underwent MEL were evaluated using both ultrasound- and MRI-based classifications for PSEH. Intra- and interrater reliabilities were analyzed. Furthermore, ethical standards were strictly followed, with spine surgeons certified by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association performing evaluations. Results: Among the 65 patients, 91 vertebral segments were assessed. The intra- and interrater agreements for PSEH classification were almost perfect for both ultrasound (κ=0.824 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.729-0.918] and κ=0.810 [95% CI 0.712-0.909], respectively) and MRI (κ=0.839 [95% CI 0.748-0.931] and κ=0.853 [95% CI 0.764-0.942], respectively). The results showed high concordance between ultrasound- and MRI-based classifications, validating the reliability of ultrasound in postoperative PSEH evaluation. Conclusions: This study presents a significant advancement by introducing ultrasound as a precise and practical alternative to MRI for PSEH evaluation. The comparable accuracy of ultrasound to MRI, rapid bedside assessments, and radiation-free nature make it valuable for routine postoperative evaluations. Despite the limitations related to specific surgical contexts and clinical outcome assessment, the clinical potential of ultrasound is evident. It offers clinicians a faster, cost-effective, and repeatable diagnostic option, potentially enhancing patient care. This study establishes the utility of ultrasound in evaluating postoperative spinal epidural hematomas after MEL. With high concordance to MRI, ultrasound emerges as a reliable, practical, and innovative tool, promising improved diagnostic efficiency and patient outcomes. Further studies should explore its clinical impact across diverse surgical scenarios.

Abstract Background The demographic changes affecting Switzerland and other European countries, including population ageing, will continue to challenge policymakers in building accessible, affordable, comprehensive and high-quality long-term care (LTC) systems. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how Switzerland’s LTC system compares to other European countries, in order to inform how to respond to the increasing need for LTC. We carried out a descriptive study using secondary data from key national and international organizations. Methods By comparing the financing, workforce, service delivery and need for LTC in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Norway and the United Kingdom, we described similarities and differences in these five European countries between 2005-2019. Thirty-three indicators within five domains were analysed: (1) Population statistics and health expenditure, (2) Need for LTC, (3) LTC financing, (4) LTC service delivery, and (5) LTC workforce. Results Switzerland has the highest life expectancy in comparison to the other four high-income countries. However, similarly to other countries, the years lived with disability are increasing in Switzerland. Switzerland’s public expenditure on LTC as a share of GDP is lower than that of Norway and Germany, yet out-of-pocket expenditure on LTC is highest in Switzerland. Switzerland has the highest proportion of persons receiving formal LTC both in institutions and at home. Switzerland has had the most pronounced increase in the proportion of over 65-year-olds receiving LTC at home. Even though more than fourfold more persons receive care at home, Switzerland still has more workforce in LTC institutions than in home-care. In comparison to Germany and the UK, Switzerland has a lower number of informal carers as a proportion of 50-year-olds and over, as well as fewer nationally available services for informal carers compared to Germany, Italy, Norway and the UK. Conclusions Our comparative study corroborates the importance of improving the affordability of LTC, continuing to support the movement towards home care services, improving the support given to both the professional workforce and informal carers, and improving the amount and quality of LTC data. It also provides a valuable contrast to other European countries to support evidence-informed policymaking.

Background The phenomenon of coronary slow flow (CSF) is characterized by recurrent angina pectoris, which may lead to acute myocardial infarction, fatal arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death, and reduce the quality of life of patients. With the improvement of the safety, feasibility and reliability of coronary angiography (CAG), the detection rate of CSF increased gradually. However, there are few studies on the mechanism of early-onset CSF and clinical characteristics of young patients with CSF. Objective To explore the clinical characteristics in young patients with CSF and compare them with the elderly patients in order to provide its pathogenesis. Methods Continuity analysis from January 2017 to January 2019, 86 young patients (18 years ≤ age