Focal Areas Research Articles

Gottman's sound relationship house and relational resilience through infertility for couples.

Some couples report that their relationship satisfaction increases through the experience of infertility. Few studies exist which explain how this phenomenon occurs through specific variables. We hypothesized that John Gottman's constructs of friendship and intimacy as well as shared meaning could explain how couples can achieve increased relationship satisfaction. We examined a regression analysis of cross-sectional retrospective individual data for couples who are either experiencing infertility currently or have done so in the recent past. In our nonclinical sample (n = 903), mediation analyses indicated significant influencing pathways for the Gottman shared meaning system, indicating that this construct may explain how couples achieve greater emotional bonding and couple satisfaction through infertility. These findings provide couple therapists with potential areas of focus for couples navigating infertility through the lens of Gottman Method Couple Therapy, including ways to encourage deeper mutual shared meaning amidst the infertility experience.

How Does Chronic Hepatitis B Infection Impact on Severity of COVID-19 Infection?

Background: Studies on COVID-19 infection in patients with hepatitis B have yielded conflicting results. Objectives: Key areas of focus include the impact of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) on the immune system, its interaction with other viruses, and the effectiveness of antiviral treatment in these patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined patients with CHB and healthy individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. The study involved 300 patients referred to the infectious disease clinic on an outpatient basis. The cohort comprised 150 patients with CHB infection [50 carriers and 100 treated with tenofovir (TDF)], and 150 healthy COVID-19-infected patients without a history of underlying disease. Results: The study included 178 female patients (59.4%) and 122 male patients (40.6%). The statistical significance of COVID-19 infection differed between female and male patients in the CHB group (P-value = 0.03). Patients in the control group experienced more severe symptoms and higher hospitalization rates (both P-value < 0.001). For CHB patients, the relationship between TDF use and hospitalization or infection severity was not statistically significant. All patients in the hepatitis group survived, whereas two patients died in the control group. Conclusions: The presence of hepatitis infection appears to mitigate the severity of COVID-19, resulting in fewer hospitalizations and ICU admissions. Chronic hepatitis B may influence the characteristics, transmission, and function of COVID-19 in affected individuals due to its impact on the immune system, its interactions with other viruses, and the effects of antiviral therapy.

A Systematic Review of Meta‐Surface Based Antennas for Thz Applications

AbstractThe growing demand for advanced wireless communication, high‐resolution imaging, and innovative medical applications in the Terahertz (THz) frequency range has driven remarkable developments in meta‐surface‐based antennas. This comprehensive review delves into the cutting‐edge advancements, novel designs, and practical applications of meta‐surfaces in the THz spectrum. The review begins by exploring the materials employed in meta‐surfaces and their crucial role in achieving efficient THz operation. It delves into the realm of polarization diversity, revealing innovative approaches to harnessing the potential of meta‐surfaces for polarization control and conversion. A key area of focus is beam‐steering technology, with a thorough investigation into beam‐steering techniques that have significant implications for enhancing wireless communication, high‐resolution imaging, and the internet of things. The paper highlights the potential of these techniques in addressing real‐world challenges and advancing THz technology. Furthermore, this review provides an in‐depth examination of the innovative antenna designs tailored for THz applications, shedding light on their characteristics and benefits. It also explores the exciting possibilities of THz technology within the medical field, including precise bio sensing and cancer cell detection.

Mapping the future of banking crisis research: Key contributors and emerging areas

Banking crises, marked by catastrophic loan losses and systemic collapse, wield unparalleled influence over economic stability and societal well-being. Despite extensive research efforts on investigations related to banking crises, the current literature lacks a systemic analysis of scholarly published articles. The present study aims to bridge this gap by analyzing scholarly literature on banking crises using bibliometric data from Scopus from 1969 to June 2024. Using the bibliometric toolbox's performance and science mapping techniques, we map the research landscape, highlighting key contributors and trends in banking crisis research. The contributors are the United States, the International Monetary Fund, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the Journal of Banking and Finance from Elsevier publishers. Furthermore, we identify the focal areas of research in banking crises. Finally, we anticipate that future research in banking crises should focus on the applications of machine learning, banking regulations, bank supervision, random forest, risk perception, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, democracy, corruption, financialization, fiscal consolidation, and the role of institutions such as Silicon Valley Bank. The findings of the study support regulators, researchers, policymakers, and research funding institutions in fostering collaboration and prioritizing research areas.

Aptamer-guided Selective Delivery of Therapeutics to Breast Cancer Cells Expressing Specific Biomarkers

Abstract: Cancer biomarkers or tumor-associated antigens (TAA) are the focus area of current research in cancer biology for diagnosis, prognosis, screening, and targeted treatments. Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer, affecting women more than men. Conventional methods and antibody-targeted therapies are less effective and suffer systemic cytotoxicity, poor tissue sensitivity, low penetration capacity, and reduced accumulation of the drug in tumor cells that limit its application and sometimes result in treatment failure. Opting for aptamer-mediated targeted delivery of various anti-cancer agents (drugs, siRNA, miRNA, shRNA and peptides) could possibly overcome these limitations by utilizing aptamer as a targeting ligand. The purpose of this article is to review the novel indicative biomarkers of breast cancer and also describe current applications of aptamer-guided active targeting systems in breast cancer therapy in vivo and in vitro.

Evaluating perceived value and expected value gaps based on patient experience during outpatient encounters: An empirical study in China

BackgroundImproving the quality of care relies on understanding patients' perceptions and expectations based on their experiences. The study aimed to determine the gaps between patients’ perceived value and expected value, and to identify critical areas for outpatient service improvement. MethodThis cross-sectional study was conducted in China from November 2020 to February 2021. A sample of 572 outpatients, randomly selected from a comprehensive tertiary public hospital, was surveyed using a validated patient perceived value questionnaire. Importance-performance analysis was used to evaluate the differences between patients' perceived and expected value. ResultsThe scores of patients’ expected value for outpatient services were significantly higher than their perceived value in all 29 items and 8 dimensions. The items with the highest and lowest gaps were “short waiting time” (−1.52) and “hospital reputation and popularity” (−0.24) respectively, and the dimensions of price and efficiency (functional value) were located in the quadrant of high expectation and low perception. ConclusionOur findings are useful for hospital administrators and policymakers to identify strategic focus areas and allocate resources rationally and effectively. We suggest healthcare providers should take measures to narrow the gaps, especially in terms of service efficiency and price.

Strategic Resilience and Financial Analysis of Merck & Co., Inc.: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in the Pharmaceutical Industry

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK), a prominent player in the global pharmaceutical industry, known for its significant contributions to healthcare through the development of innovative drugs and vaccines. Merck's core focus areas include pharmaceuticals, vaccines, animal health, and healthcare services, with its flagship oncology drug Keytruda being a major revenue contributor. The company faces challenges such as regulatory changes in drug pricing and competition from biosimilars and generics. To mitigate these challenges, Merck has initiated restructuring plans, including the 2024 Restructuring Plan, to optimize operational efficiency and achieve significant cost savings. The paper also presents a comparison of Merck's financial performance with industry peers - Johnson & Johnson, AbbVie and Bristol-Myers Squibb - and evaluates liquidity, solvency and profitability metrics. Despite certain challenges, Merck's robust market positioning, strategic acquisitions, and active involvement in the development of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics underscore its potential for sustainable growth. Overall, the study concludes that Merck's strategic investments, coupled with its strong financial position and proactive restructuring efforts, make it an attractive investment prospect, particularly in its core therapeutic areas of oncology and immunology. This paper suggests that future research could delve deeper into the long-term impact of R&D investments, the intricacies of restructuring plans, and evolving market trends to provide a more nuanced understanding of Merck's strategic planning.

Empowering Research With the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines Registries Through Integration of a Database and Research Tools.

The American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines (GWTG) has emerged as a vital resource in advancing the standards and practices of inpatient care across stroke, heart failure, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and resuscitation focus areas. The GWTG registry data have also created new opportunities for secondary use of real-world clinical data in biomedical research. Our goal was to implement a scalable database with an integrated user interface (UI) to improve GWTG data management and accessibility. The curation of registry data begins by going through a data processing and quality control pipeline programmed in Python. This pipeline includes data cleaning and record exclusion, variable derivation and unit harmonization, limited data set preparation, and documentation generation of the registry data. The database was built using PostgreSQL, and integrations between the database and the UI were built using the Django Web Framework in Python. Smaller subsets of data were created using SQLite database files for distribution purposes. Use cases of these tools are provided in the article. We implemented an automated data curation pipeline, centralized database, and UI application for the American Heart Association GWTG registry data. The database and the UI are accessible through a Precision Medicine Platform workspace. As of March 2024, the database contains over 13.2 million cleaned GWTG patient records. The SQLite subsets benefit researchers by optimizing data extraction and manipulation using Structured Query Language. The UI improves accessibility for nontechnical researchers by presenting data in a user-friendly tabular format with intuitive filtering options. With the implementation of the GWTG database and UI application, we addressed data management and accessibility concerns despite its growing scale. We have launched tools to provide streamlined access and accessibility of GWTG registry data to all researchers, regardless of familiarity or experience in coding.

Sound Field Visualization of Specified Frequency by Combining Scanning System with Lock-in Amplifier

Abstract Sound field visualization of specified frequency is an essential method for acoustic studies, especially in nonlinear acoustics. In this paper, we designed a sound field visualization system of specified frequency (SVSF). By combining the traditional sound field scanning system with the lock-in amplifier (LIA), the SVSF can visualize the amplitude distribution of multiple arbitrary specified frequencies with only one-time sound field scanning. Further, depending on the SVSF, we analysed the nonlinear acoustic effects around the focus of a spherical coronal ultrasonic transducer array. The excitation signal is a sinusoidal signal at 40 kHz. The results show that the acoustic waves at the focus contain fundamental frequencies at 40 kHz and harmonic frequencies at 80 kHz, 120 kHz, and 160 kHz. Comparing the amplitude distribution of those frequencies, we found that higher harmonics own smaller focus areas as well as lower amplitude, which conforms to the nonlinear acoustic theory. The system is convenient for those similar studies involving the multi-frequency amplitude field comparison.

Unlocking the potential: Responsibly embracing artificial intelligence to advance the use of health data and analytics at the Canadian Institute for Health Information.

Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) is looking to modernize and adopt new ways of working. This incudes the use of new technology, including the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI). To begin in a purposeful manner, the organization developed an AI strategy which was informed through feedback from key stakeholders and partners, from its staff and from a review of international research. The research informed several ways AI could add value to CIHI's internal operations and to the external role CIHI could play in advancing responsible AI adoption in health systems across Canada. This article describes the strategy development process and the areas of focus within the strategy.

Exploring TSGA10 Function: A Crosstalk or Controlling Mechanism in the Signaling Pathway of Carcinogenesis?

Cancer-specific antigens have been a significant area of focus in cancer treatment since their discovery in the mid-twentieth century. Cancer germline antigens are a class of antigens specifically overexpressed in germline tissues and cancer cells. Among these, TSGA10 (testis-specific gene antigen 10) is of great interest because of its crucial impact on cancer progression. Early studies explored TSGA10 expression in a variety of cancer types. More recent studies revealed that TSGA10 can suppress tumor progression by blocking cancer cell metabolism, angiogenesis, and metastasis. An open question regarding the TSGA10 is why cancer cells must express a protein that prevents their progression. To answer this question, we conducted a comprehensive review to engage the TSGA10 in the context of the current understanding of "malignant transformation". This review demonstrated that TSGA10 expression level in cancer cells depends on the cancer stage across malignant transformation. In addition, we evaluated how TSGA10 expression can prevent the "cancer hallmarks". Given this information, TSGA10 can be of great interest in developing effective targeted anti-cancer therapies.

Understanding How Indigenous Knowledge Contributes to Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience: A Systematic Literature Review

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today threatening societies and the future of the planet. The impacts of climate change are more severe in poor and marginalised populations like Indigenous communities where people rely heavily on their Indigenous Knowledge (IK) to adapt to the changing environment. Climate change adaptation and resilience are critical for the survival of Indigenous communities under the threat of climate change. This systematic literature review seeks to understand how IK contributes to climate change adaptation and resilience. A total of 71 papers from Scopus were analysed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method. It investigated three research questions: (i) How is IK understood in climate change studies? (ii) What kind of IK is used to address climate change and enhance adaptation and resilience? and finally, (iii) What could be done to maximise the use of IK towards enhancing climate adaptation and resilience? The study found that Indigenous people use IK to predict extreme climatic conditions, prepare for it, and live through it making use of Indigenous adaptation strategies in multiple manifestations. The solutions to maximise the benefits of IK promote two dominant themes requiring more research on IK and climate change with diverse focus areas and the need to bridge it with scientific knowledge. This review provides a starting point for such research that will draw upon IK to enhance climate adaptation and resilience towards meaningful sustainable development.

Water proofing performance assessment of hydrophobic agent-based Portland cement concrete: A multi-dimensional experiment approach

Heavy rainfall led to excessive water infiltration and saturation in the concrete surfaces, resulting the dampness. This can adversely affect the aesthetical view, durability and strength of the concrete over time. However, hydrophobic cement is a specialized type of cement that has been developed to exhibit resistance to water penetration in the cement composite, which enhance the durability of concrete structure. In this research, hydrophobic Portland cement concrete (HPCC) specimens were assessed considering the mechanical strength properties, water absorption by different methods, and microscopic observations of hydration products. It was revealed that the compressive strength (CS) of HPCC concrete achieved around 28.7 MPa and 35.6 MPa at 7d and 28d, respectively having water to cement (W/C) proportion 0.45. The splitting tensile strength of HPCC samples having W/C 0.45 also found around 1.98 MPa and 2.43 MPa at 7d and 28d, respectively which values were higher as compared to control OPC specimens. In addition, HPCC concrete specimens showed capillary water absorption at 90d for 1D, 4D and 6D about 0.25 %, 0.36 %, and 0.39 %, respectively which was lower than that of PCC concrete samples. Moreover, the HPCC concrete plate specimens shown significantly lower water penetration by static vertical water pressure, for example concrete plate having 100 mm thickness presented around 2.6 mm water absorption depth at 90days. Furthermore, very few micro-pores were observed by SEM (scanning electron microscopy) in the microstructures of HPCC, whereas micro-cracks were not visible in the focus area. However, the findings might be applied in the construction sectors to protect the exterior building walls, roof floor slabs and plastering the concrete surfaces from dampness.

Research on the application of radiomics in breast cancer: A bibliometrics and visualization analysis.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer worldwide. Therefore, improved disease detection has emerged as a focal point in clinical studies. At the forefront of innovation, radiomics has the capability to extract comprehensive insights from medical images, ultimately enhancing the accuracy of diagnostic procedures. There has been rapid growth in the field of radiomics research on breast cancer in the past few years. We explored pertinent research articles in the Web of Science Core Collection database to gain a thorough understanding of breast cancer radiomics. We used CiteSpace to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the annual distribution of different nations, institutions, journals, authors, keywords, and references in the field of breast cancer radiomics. GraphPad Prism software was used to examine and graph yearly and country-specific trends and the proportions of publications. The tools utilized for the visualization of science mapping included CiteSpace and VOSviewer. Of the 891 publications, most were original articles (731, 91.09%) and a few were reviews (160, 8.91%). Most academic research has been published in China and the United States. The study centers predominantly consisted of major academic institutions, such as Fudan University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, with some of their members being prominent figures in the field. Pinker, Katja has published the largest number of research papers. The majority of these studies have been published in medical journals focusing on radiology and oncology in recent years. In the realm of cutting-edge medical research, the top two keywords, magnetic resonance imaging and machine learning stand at the forefront as current areas of intense focus. Breast cancer radiomics is advancing rapidly, presenting numerous opportunities and obstacles. Our study of the literature in this academic area aimed to pinpoint the primary themes addressed in the studies and anticipate prospective avenues for research.

Quantitative analysis of peri-intestinal lymph node metastasis using indocyanine green fluorescence imaging technology.

We evaluated the efficacy of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging compared to that of traditional nanocarbon dyes in assessing peri-intestinal lymph node metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer, which is a key prognostic factor. The relationship between indocyanine green fluorescence imaging and histopathological outcomes in patients with colon cancer has also been explored. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 30 patients with colon cancer (from May to October 2023) confirmed by surgical pathology. Tumors were marked with indocyanine green (ICG) or nanocarbon via colonoscopy 16 to 24 hours before surgery. Within 15 minutes after surgery, peri-intestinal lymph node fluorescence imaging and hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to assess the distribution of cancer foci. The correlation between cancer foci distribution, fluorescence intensity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was measured. Among 243 metastatic lymph nodes from 30 patients, 18 were found. After the patients were divided into metastatic and nonmetastatic groups, significant differences in tumor differentiation and stage were noted (P < .001). The fluorescence intensity was strongly correlated with the presence and proportion of metastasis (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.931), whereas nanocarbon staining showed no significant correlation (P = .81). All P values were two-sided, with P < .05 indicating statistical significance. Lymph nodes with malignant intestinal tumor metastasis displayed weaker ICG fluorescence than did nonmetastatic nodes. Combining ICG and nanocarbon staining techniques enhances intraoperative lymph node dissection and postoperative analysis, indicating their potential utility in colorectal cancer surgery.

Evolution of Cloud Computing Research in Information Systems

Cloud computing has become a cornerstone of modern information systems, driving significant advancements across various industries. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis to explore the evolution of cloud computing research within the field of information systems, focusing on key trends, influential publications, and author collaborations. The analysis, based on data from Google Scholar, reveals that security has consistently been a critical area of focus, reflecting the ongoing concern for safeguarding cloud environments. Additionally, the integration of cloud computing with emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data is highlighted as a growing trend, emphasizing the expanding applications of cloud computing. The study also identifies distinct research clusters, suggesting opportunities for enhanced collaboration across different subfields. While the findings offer valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners, the study acknowledges its limitations, including the reliance on a single database and the potential oversimplification of complex research interactions. Future research should consider these limitations and explore new avenues to further understand and enhance cloud computing practices.

Utilization of Cobalt and its Oxide/Hydroxide Mediated by Ionic Liquids/Deep Eutectic Solvents as Catalysts in Water Splitting.

With the ever-growing global demand for sustainable energy solutions, hydrogen has garnered significant attention as a clean, efficient, and renewable energy source. In the field of hydrogen production, catalyst research stands out as one of the foremost areas of focus. In recent years, the preparation of electrocatalysts using ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) has attracted widespread attention. ILs and DESs possess unique physicochemical properties and are recognized as green media as well as functional materials. Cobalt-based catalysts have proven to be efficient electrocatalysts for water splitting. Incorporating ILs or DESs into the preparation of cobalt-based catalysts offers a remarkable advantage by allowing precise control over their structural design and composition. This control directly influences the adsorption properties of the catalyst's surface and the stability of reaction intermediates, thereby enabling enhanced control over reaction pathways and product selectivity. Consequently, the catalytic activity and stability of cobalt-based catalysts can be effectively improved. In the process of preparing cobalt-based catalysts, ILs and DESs can serve as solvents and templates. Owing to the good solubility of ILs and DESs, they can efficiently dissolve raw materials and provide a special nucleation and growth environment, obtaining catalysts with novel-structures. The main focus of this review is to provide a detailed introduction to metal cobalt and its oxide/hydroxide derivatives in the field of water splitting, with a particular emphasis on the research progress achieved through the utilization of IL and DES. The aim is to assist readers in designing and synthesizing novel and high-performance electrochemical catalysts.

Enhancing Vendor Management for Successful IT Project Delivery

Effective vendor management plays a critical role in ensuring the successful delivery of IT projects. In today’s complex business environment, organizations often rely on third-party vendors for specialized services, technology, and support. However, the collaboration between organizations and vendors presents challenges related to communication, quality control, cost management, and timely delivery. Enhancing vendor management practices can address these issues and lead to improved project outcomes. This paper explores strategies to optimize vendor management for IT project delivery. Key areas of focus include establishing clear contractual agreements, fostering transparent communication, and aligning vendor performance with project goals. Additionally, it examines the role of relationship building and regular performance evaluations to maintain high standards throughout the project lifecycle. By implementing risk management techniques and utilizing performance metrics, organizations can mitigate potential issues and ensure vendors meet their deliverables on time and within budget. The study also highlights the growing importance of technology in vendor management, such as the use of automated tools for monitoring vendor performance and improving collaboration. In conclusion, strengthening vendor management practices can lead to increased efficiency, reduced project delays, and enhanced overall success in IT projects, making it a crucial aspect for organizations aiming to deliver high-quality outcomes in today’s technology-driven landscape.

Analyzing Real Estate Agency Practices: A comparative study and path ahead

The summary briefly overviews the changes and problems in real estate agency practices in Malaysia from 1981 onwards. It emphasizes ethical issues, technological developments, and regulatory focus areas. The abstract also explains a comparative research study about how real estate is done in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, and Hong Kong to find similarities and areas needing improvement. The study discovers likenesses in controlling frameworks but indicates improvements relating to qualification standards, education levels for practitioners, and, their tactics of enforcement, and monitoring through comparing analysis.

Review on Potential Urban Development Site Selection Using Geospatial-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) Techniques in the Context of Ethiopia

This review paper provides a comprehensive assessment of the opportunities and challenges in leveraging geospatial-based technologies, particularly Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) techniques, to enhance the effectiveness of urban development site selection in Ethiopia. The overarching findings highlight several critical focus areas for improvement. Firstly, the review emphasizes the need to strengthen the availability, quality, and accessibility of geospatial data through the development of robust data infrastructures and innovative data collection methods. Secondly, it recommends adopting a more inclusive and collaborative approach to stakeholder engagement, coupled with targeted capacity-building initiatives to enhance the technical skills and knowledge of urban planners, GIS experts, and local stakeholders. Thirdly, the paper suggests incorporating advanced spatial modeling and simulation techniques to capture the dynamic nature of urban growth patterns, as well as integrating climate change impact assessments and disaster risk analyses into the decision-making framework. Fourthly, it emphasizes the importance of strengthening institutional and organizational frameworks to promote cross-sectoral collaboration, data sharing, and integrated decision-making processes. Finally, the review underscores the significance of designing user-friendly and customizable Spatial Decision Support Systems (SDSS) that cater to the specific needs and constraints of the Ethiopian urban development context. The review concludes that the use of geospatial-based MCDA approaches holds immense potential in addressing Ethiopia&amp;apos;s complex urban development challenges, as it enables a comprehensive evaluation of suitability factors and the exploration of alternative urban development strategies.