Reference Criteria Research Articles

Adaptation and Validation of the MapMe Body Image Scales in Spanish Parents of Schoolchildren.

Childhood overweight and obesity is a worldwide problem and to treat it parents' detection has to be improved. The MapMe Body Image Scales (BIS) are a visual tool developed to improve parental perception of child weight in the United Kingdon (UK) based on British growth reference criteria. The aim of this study was to make a transcultural adaptation and validation of the MapMe BIS in Spain based on International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cut offs A descriptive cross-sectional study was done. First, a translation and cultural adaptation was carried out. A total of 155 10-11-year-old children and their parents participated in this study. Children were measured to calculate their weight status, Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Fat Percentage (BFP) and Waist Circumference (WC), and their parents completed a purpose designed questionnaire about their perception and satisfaction of child's body weight status using the adapted BIS. Test-retest reliability, criterion validity and concurrent validity of the adapted BIS were analyzed. This study shows that the adapted MapMe BIS has good psychometric properties and is a suitable visual scale to assess parental perception of weight status in 10 and 11-year-old children in Spain.

Comparison of the relative diagnostic performance of 68Ga-DOTA-IBA and 18F-NaF for the detection of bone metastasis.

We aimed to compare the relative diagnostic efficacy of 68Ga-Labeled DOTA-ibandronic acid (68Ga-DOTA-IBA) to that of18F-NaF PET/CT as a mean of detecting bone metastases in patients with a range of cancer types. This study retrospectively enrolled patients with bone metastases associated with various underlying malignancies. All patients underwent both 68Ga-DOTA-IBA and 18F-NaF PET/CT scans. Histopathology and follow-up CT or MRI imaging results were used as reference criteria, with a minimum follow-up period of 3 months. The maximum Standardized Uptake Value (SUVmax) and number of bone metastases were recorded. The Target-Background Ratio (TBR) was calculated along with the detection rate, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of 68Ga-DOTA-IBA and 18F-NaF PET/CT imaging for overall and partial primary solid tumor bone metastases. Pearson chi-square test, McNemar test, and Kappa test was conducted to assess the correlation and consistency of diagnostic efficiency between the two imaging agents. Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC curve) was performed to compare diagnostic performance and the area under the curve of the two imaging agents, determining optimal critical values for SUVmax and TBR in diagnosing bone metastasis. Differences in SUVmax and TBR values between the two imaging agents for detecting bone metastases were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The difference was statistically significant when P < 0.05. A total of 24 patients (13 women and 11 men) were included in this study, with a mean age of 52 (interquartile range, 49-64 years). The detection rate, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, accuracy, and AUC of 68Ga-DOTA-IBA and 18F-NaF PET/CT for bone metastases were 81%, 90%, 62%, 95%, 43%, 88%, 0.763, and 89%, 99%, 59%, 95%, 89%, 95%, 0.789, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two imaging methods (P < 0.01), and there was a significant correlation (X2=168.43, P < 0.001) and a strong consistency (Kappa=0.774,P < 0.001) between the diagnostic results of the two imaging agents. The SUVmax values of lesions measured by 68Ga-DOTA-IBA and 18F-NaF imaging in 22 patients with bone metastasis were 5.1 ± 5.4 and 19.6 ± 15.1, respectively, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). The TBR values of the two imaging methods were 5.0 ± 5.0 and 6.7 ± 6.4, respectively, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). The AUC of the SUVmax of 68Ga-DOTA-IBA and 18F-NaF curves were 0.824 and 0.862, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P=0.490). No significant difference was found in the AUC of the TBR of 68Ga-DOTA-IBA and 18F-NaF (0.832 vs 0.890; P=0.248). Subgroup analysis showed significant correlation between the two imaging agents in the diagnosis of bone metastases in lung cancer and breast cancer, with consistent diagnostic results. However, in the diagnosis of bone metastases in prostate cancer, there was a significant difference (P<0.001) and lack of consistency (P=0.109). The diagnostic efficacy of 68Ga-DOTA-IBA for bone metastasis lesions is comparable to that of 18F-NaF. This finding holds significant clinical importance in terms of diagnosis of bone metastasis and selecting treatment plans for patients with malignant tumors.

Development of Field Tests for Cardiovascular Fitness Assessment in Wheelchair.

It is essential to consider both physique and physical fitness factors to minimize the risk of injuries and optimize athletic performance among elite athletes. Athletes with disabilities face limitations in fitness assessments compared to their healthy counterparts. The aim of this study was to revalidate established cardiovascular fitness assessment methods and develop field tests for wheelchair athletes. As representatives registered at the Korea Paralympic Committee's Athletes Training Center in Icheon, athletes with physical disabilities participating in para ice hockey (n = 14), who were capable of wheelchair control, were volunteered. Prior to cardiovascular fitness assessments using an ergometer and a shuttle run, demographic characteristics were surveyed, and physical measurements and muscle strength (grip strength) were recorded. All the participants performed one ergometer test based on cardiovascular fitness criteria, and for shuttle run validation, two trials were conducted using existing audio cues (National Physical Fitness 100, 20 m shuttle run). For the development of the shuttle run, considering wheelchair turning, signal-to-sound intervals were increased by 1 s and 1.5 s, respectively, in two trials. An analysis of the correlation with the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in comparison to the reference criterion, an ergometer, demonstrated high correlations in the first trial (r = 0.738) and the second trial (r = 0.780). Similarly, significant correlations were observed with the maximum heart rate (HRmax) in the first trial (r = 0.689) and the second trial (r = 0.896). Thus, the 15 m shuttle run is validated as a field test for assessing cardiovascular fitness in athletes with disabilities. Correlation analysis with maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) compared to the reference criterion, an ergometer, revealed a correlation of 0.815 with a 1 s interval audio cue and 0.355 with a 1.5 s interval audio cue. A high correlation was observed with the 1 s interval audio cue. Regarding the maximum heart rate (HRmax), the correlations were 0.665 with a 1 s interval audio cue. Once again, a high correlation was noted with the 1 s interval audio cue. The field test selected for measuring cardiovascular fitness in wheelchair athletes involved performing a 15 m shuttle run while in the wheelchair. The test utilized an audio cue with a 1 s increased interval between the signal sounds.

A comparison of keratoconus progression following collagen cross-linkage using standard or personalised keratometry thresholds.

To define how estimates of keratoconus progression following collagen cross-linking (CXL) vary according to the parameter selected to measure corneal shape. We estimated progression following CXL in 1677 eyes. We compared standard definitions of keratoconus progression based on published thresholds for Kmax, front K2, or back K2, or progression of any two of these three parameters, with the option of an increased threshold for Kmax values ≥ 55D. As corneal thickness reduces unpredictably after CXL, it was excluded from the principal analysis. We then repeated the analysis using novel adaptive estimates of progression for Kmax, front K2, or back K2, developed separately using 6463 paired readings from keratoconus eyes, with a variation of the Bland-Altman method to determine the 95% regression-based limits of agreement (LoA). We created Kaplan-Meier survival plots for both standard and adaptive thresholds. The primary outcome was progression five years after a baseline visit 9-15 months following CXL. Progression rates were 8% with a standard (≥ 1.5D) threshold for K2 or 6% with the static multi-parameter definition. With a ≥ 1D threshold for Kmax, the progression was significantly higher at 29%. With adaptive Kmax or K2, the progression rates were similar (20%) but less than with the adaptive multi-parameter method (22%). Estimates of keratoconus progression following CXL vary widely according to the reference criteria. Using adaptive thresholds (LoA) to define the repeatability of keratometry gives estimates for progression that are markedly higher than with the standard multi-parameter method.

Molecular subtype identification and prognosis stratification by a immunogenic cell death-related gene expression signature in colorectal cancer

ABSTRACT Objectives This study intended to develop a new immunogenic cell death (ICD)-related prognostic signature for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Research design and methods The Non-Negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) algorithm was adopted to cluster tumor samples based on ICD gene expression to obtain ICD-related subtypes. Survival analysis and immune microenvironment analysis were conducted among different subtypes. Regression analysis was used to construct the model. Based on riskscore median, cancer patients were classified into high and low risk groups, and independent prognostic ability of the model was analyzed. The CIBERSORT algorithm was adopted to determine the immune infiltration level of both groups. Results We analyzed the differential genes between cluster 4 and cluster 1–3 and obtained 12 genes with the best prognostic features finally (NLGN1, SLC30A3, C3orf20, ADAD2, ATOH1, ATP6V1B1, KCNQ2, MUCL3, RGCC, CLEC17A, COL6A5, and INSL4). In addition, patients with lower risk had higher levels of infiltration of most immune cells, lower Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) level and higher immunophenscore (IPS) level than those with higher risk. Conclusions This study constructed and validated the ICD feature signature predicting CRC prognosis and provide a reference criteria for guiding the prognosis and immunotherapy of CRC cancer patients.

SISTEM PENDUKUNG KEPUTUSAN PEMBERIAN PENGHARGAAN KARYAWAN MENGGUNAKAN METODE MULTI-ATTRIBUTE UTILITY THEORY (MAUT) DI PT NIKOMAS GEMILANG

Giving awards is done to increase the morale and motivation of employees. The problem faced by PT Nikomas Gemilang regarding awarding is that it still uses the conventional method, namely in the form of a lottery, so it is considered ineffective and on target by employees who have high work motivation. Decision Support System (SPK) is a system that is used for problem-solving in decision-making, especially awarding at PT Nikomas Gemilang. Making decisions using this system will assist management in determining which employees are eligible to receive awards based on predetermined criteria and to avoid intervention. The method used is Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) which solves a problem based on calculations with calculation reference criteria namely attendance, performance, ethics, and discipline. Implementation of this system is expected to facilitate the process of awarding and assist management in making the right decisions and is expected to be able to provide motivation and increase work competition in the corporate environment. The Decision Support System was built using the PHP programming language, Laravel framework, MySQL database, using the Unified Modeling Language (UML) design model, and the Waterfall methodology. The results of this study are expected to increase efficiency and accuracy in awarding and provide a form of transparency in awarding employees at PT Nikomas Gemilang to create justice for all company employees

PROMIS-29 in rheumatoid arthritis patients who screen positive or negative for fibromyalgia on MDHAQ FAST4 (fibromyalgia assessment screening tool) or 2011 fibromyalgia criteria

BackgroundPROMIS-29 T-scores query health-related quality of life (HRQL) in 7 domains, physical function, pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and social participation, to establish population norms. An MDHAQ (multidimensional health assessment questionnaire) scores these 7 domains and includes medical information such as a FAST4 (fibromyalgia assessment screening tool) index. We analyzed PROMIS-29 T-scores in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients vs population norms and for positive vs negative fibromyalgia (FM) screens, and compared PROMIS-29 T-scores to MDHAQ scores to assess HRQL. MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed at one routine visit of 213 RA patients, who completed MDHAQ, PROMIS-29, and reference 2011 FM Criteria. PROMIS-29 T-scores were compared in RA vs population norms and in FM+ vs FM- RA patients, based on MDHAQ/FAST4 and reference criteria. Possible associations between PROMIS-29 T-scores and corresponding MDHAQ scores were analyzed using Spearman correlations and multiple regressions. ResultsMedian PROMIS-29 T-scores indicated clinically and statistically significantly poorer status in 25-27% FM+ vs FM- RA patients, with larger differences than in RA patients vs population norms for 6/7 domains. MDHAQ scores were correlated significantly with each of 7 corresponding PROMIS-29 domains (|rho|≥0.62, p<0.001). Linear regressions explained 55-73% of PROMIS-29 T-score variation by MDHAQ scores and 56%-71% of MDHAQ score variation by PROMIS-29 T-scores. ConclusionsScores for 7 PROMIS-29 domains and MDHAQ were highly correlated. The MDHAQ is effective to assess HRQL and offers incremental medical information, including FAST4 screening. The results indicate the importance of assessing comorbidities such as fibromyalgia screening in interpreting PROMIS-29 T-scores.

What Motivates University Students to Counter Fake News? : Examining Situational Perceptions, Referent Criterion, and New Media Literacy

Fake news identification has been widely studied in the past, but research on motivating individuals, particularly university students, to fact-check news and disseminate corrective information to counter fake news is lacking. Grounded on the situational theory of problem solving (STOPS), this study aims to examine the situational perceptions and referent criterion that motivate university students to counter fake news through communicative action and examine the influence of new media literacy on the situational perceptions and referent criterion. Based on 528 responses from an online survey, new media literacy is related to all STOPS factors in countering fake news. Situational perceptions are significantly related to situational motivation in countering fake news, while situational motivation and referent criterion significantly influence communicative action. The findings extend the existing literature on countering fake news and are expected to contribute to strategic planning in future anti-fake news intervention campaigns.

Utilization of pineapple peels, rice-washed water, and local microorganisms derived from golden snails in biodrying process of yard waste

Comestoarra.com developed Teknologi Olah Sampah di Sumber (TOSS), an on-site solid waste processing method, which efficiently converted yard waste, specifically leaves and twigs, into biomass pellets through three steps: shredding, biodrying, and pelletization. During biodrying, bioactivators expedited moisture reduction. A comparative study was conducted between Comestoarra’s AR124 bioactivator and an alternative, MOL, derived from pineapple peels, rice-washed water, and golden snails, with the first two being waste materials and the latter a rice field pest. To assess their performance in converting yard waste into refuse-derived fuel (RDF), various parameters were analyzed: moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, fixed carbon content, and calorific value. The Indonesian Standard SNI 8966:2021 for RDF in power plants served as reference criteria. Both bioactivators met these standards. AR124-produced RDF had 8.0±0.0% moisture, 65.0±1.0% volatile matter, 13.7±4.9% ash, 13.3±4.2% fixed carbon, and calorific value of 14.74±1.3MJ/kg (3,523±310.7 kcal/kg). MOL bioactivator resulted in RDF with 5.0±0.0% moisture, 65.0±1.0% volatile matter, 16.7±4.2% ash, 13.3±4.2% fixed carbon, and calorific value of 13.89±1.1MJ/kg (3,320±262.9 kcal/kg). These findings suggest that MOL holds promise as a bioactivator for improving the biodrying process in RDF production.

Multi-master event waveform stacking microseismic location method based on time-frequency transformation

Waveform stacking is frequently employed in the analysis of microseismic data due to its adaptability, effectiveness, and noise immunity. However, the low signal-to-noise ratio and inaccurate velocity model have a considerable negative impact on the waveform stacking location method's performance. A time-frequency transform-based characteristic function and the addition of a multi-master event method to waveform stacking location are presented as solutions to the aforementioned issues. In this paper, non-smooth statistical features of characteristic function are extracted and enhanced using time-frequency transform. Based on the two-pair double-difference method, multi-master events are introduced and a reference criterion for selecting the master events is proposed. Experiments with simulated and actual microseismic data show that the conversion of time-domain signals into time-frequency signals by wavelet transform can enhance the peak capacity of the signal and reduce the background noise, enhancing the imaging resolution. The introduction of multi-master events not only reduces the sensitivity of the waveform stacking method to velocity error but also improves the clustering effect of the master event method.

Metagenomic next generation sequencing of bronchoalveolar lavage samples for the diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundLower respiratory tract infections (LRTI)are known to be diagnosed late or inaccurately. This has fueled the unscrupulous use of antibiotics, as they are often used empirically and clinically, leading to antibiotic abuse and multidrug resistance in patients. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), now widely used in clinical studies, could be a potential intervention to revolutionize microbiology by rapidly identifying unknown species. MethodsThis review and meta-analysis were conducted on eligible studies with respect to metagenomic sequencing on clinical LRTI diagnostics up to May 01, 2022. QUADAS-2 was employed to assess the methodological bias as well as applicability. After that, a meta-analysis was conducted to analyze the accuracy of mNGS, compared with the composite reference standard (CRS), among the enrolled studies. ResultsThis work collected 1248 samples in 13/21 qualified articles to factor in the accuracy of the diagnostic test. Typically, methods like molecular testing, culture, composite measures, and clinical decision-making were adopted as the reference criteria. With regard to Bronchoalveolar Lavage Samples, their sensitivity was 89% (82–93%) while their specificity was 90% (66–98%), with obvious heterogeneities in these two factors as demonstrated by different studies. The summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was plotted for mNGS as a function of LRTI, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.94. A Funnel plot with a p-value greater than 0.05 indicated the absence of publication bias. Positive and negative likelihood ratios (PLR and NLR) were >10 and > 0.1, respectively. In this pre-test probability-post-probability-likelihood ratio relationship graph, the values were Prior prob (%) = 20, Post-prob-Pos (%) = 77 and Post-prob-Neg (%) = 4. ConclusionThe AUC value of SROC suggested a high accuracy of mNGS in diagnosis, with no publication bias and high reliability. The application of mNGS exhibits notable diagnostic efficacy in discerning pathogens present in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) among patients afflicted with LRTI. However, mNGS is more meaningful for the definitive diagnosis of the disease rather than the exclusion of the disease. This post-test probability is significantly higher than the pre-test probability.

Validiation of EPInfant scale in children: Estimation and production paradigms, using VO2 as reference criteria

to determine the criterion validity of the EPInfant scale in children in the estimation and production paradigm considering oxygen consumption (VO2) as the reference standard. Twenty healthy boys, aged 9.8 ± 1.5 years, were selected. They all performed an incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT) followed by a perceptual regulated-exercise test (PRET). VO2 and heart rate (HR) were recorded during both exercise tests. Average VO2 and HR values were considered as a perceptual reproduction test (PRT). EPInfant's validity in estimating the exercise intensity was evaluated by regression analysis between VO2, HR, and PE during ISWT and PRET. All regression analysis models showed a robust positive relationship between PE and benchmarks (r2 > 0.90). The intraclass correlation coefficient for VO2 and HR was 0.89 (0.70 to 0.96) and 0.64 (0.08 to 0.86), respectively. Low mean discordance for VO2 and HR was observed in the Bland-Altman analysis. The EPInfant scale presented adequate criterion validity for estimating and regulating running exercise intensity in boys between 8 and 12 years.

The Underlying Mechanisms of Active and Passive Cancer Information Behaviors: A Comparative Study Between Hong Kong and the United States

ABSTRACT Although increasingly popular, theoretical frameworks describing complex and multidimensional cancer information behaviors remain limited. In response, this study developed a context-specific model by integrating cancer worry into the situational theory of problem solving (STOPS) to explain individuals’ active and passive information behaviors. An online survey conducted in Hong Kong (N = 593) and the United States (N = 625) revealed that STOPS factors play different roles in explaining active and passive information behaviors, with the referent criterion and situation motivation being the dominant factors of active and passive information behaviors, respectively. Cancer worry partly mediated the relationship between such behaviors and situational motivation. While the effect of STOPS factors can be generally replicated across Hong Kong and U.S. contexts, the effects of cancer worry cannot. Altogether, our study has answered the call for research on the boundary conditions of STOPS and a more systematic understanding of cancer information behaviors.

Adaptation and Validation of the Standardized Swallowing Assessment Tool for Patients With Moderate-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury and Cervical Spinal Cord Injury.

Oropharyngeal dysphagia is common in moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) patients and can have serious consequences. Delaying feeding in these patients can also be detrimental. Nonetheless, the psychometric properties of screening tools that can promptly identify dysphagia have never been tested in these neurotrauma populations. This study aimed to: (1) adapt, translate, and validate the content of the French-Canadian version of the the Standardized Swallowing Assessment (SSA) tool to meet the needs of moderate-severe TBI and cervical SCI patients, (2) examine its inter-rater reliability and criterion-concurrent validation, and (3) evaluate its clinical utility from the perspectives of critical care nurses. The SSA tool was adapted and translated using an integrated method for the cultural adaptation and translation of tools. Eleven experts participated in the adaptation of the SSA tool, which led to the clarification of one item, as well as a new step and instructions for the screening procedure. Content validation (i.e., item and scale relevance) was evaluated by multidisciplinary team members (n = 17). The mean content validity index (CVI) score was 0.97 for the entire scale, while the mean CVI scores for individual items ranged from 0.82 to 1.0. A total of 60 neurotrauma patients were enrolled for inter-rater reliability and criterion-concurrent validation. Interrater reliability was determined by comparing two scores: one score from nurses responsible for the care of enrolled patients and one score from the research nurse. The weighted kappa coefficients for inter-rater reliability were 0.86 for moderate-severe TBI patients (n = 30) and 0.73 for cervical SCI patients (n = 30). A speech language therapist (SLT) also assessed dysphagia and results were used as the standard clinical reference criterion to determine concurrent validity (sensibility and specificity) of the adapted SSA tool. The sensitivity and specificity were 92% and 50% for moderate-severe TBI, and 77% and 75% for cervical SCI, respectively. The positive predictive value (PPV) and the negative predictive value (NPV) were 65% and 87% in TBI patients, and 75% and 76% in SCI patients. Test accuracy was 71% and 77% for these same groups. The clinical utility of the tool was evaluated according to the following domains: appropriateness, accessibility of the required material, applicability, perceived effectiveness, and acceptability. Acceptability was the only domain with a level of agreement <80% (74%) among trauma critical care nurses (n = 49). Findings support the content validation and inter-rater reliability of the adapted French-Canadian version of the SSA tool in moderate-severe TBI and cervical SCI patients. Sensitivity was acceptable in both groups, but the specificity was lower, especially in moderate-severe TBI patients. Further validation of the adapted French-Canadian version of the SSA tool is needed in neurotrauma patients to confirm these results and to ensure safe dysphagia screening while avoiding oral feeding deferrals.

IMPLEMENTASI PEMBELAJARAN PENDIDIKAN AGAMA ISLAM DALAM MENANAMKAN NILAI RELIGIUS HASIL BELAJAR SISWA

This research aims to analyze the implementation of PAI learning in instilling the habit of religious values and student learning outcomes at SMPIT Al 'Imaroh, the learning outcomes of implementing PAI learning in instilling the habit of religious values and student learning outcomes and knowing the supporting and inhibiting factors in the learning implementation process PAI in instilling religious values and student learning outcomes. The research method uses a qualitative descriptive analysis approach. Data was collected through documentation, observation and interview techniques. Data analysis applies the data triangulation method to check the validity of the data. The research results show the implementation of Islamic education learning in instilling religious values and student learning outcomes through planning aspects in the form of syllabus and lesson plans, implementation through intracurricular and extracurricular activities, and evaluation through authentic assessment, assessment of reference criteria, and reporting of learning outcomes. Learning outcomes in instilling religious values and student learning outcomes are cognitive aspects, affective aspects and psychomotor aspects. The supporting factors for the implementation of PAI learning in instilling the habit of religious values and student learning outcomes at SMPIT Al 'Imaroh are the role of the principal and all teachers of SMPIT Al 'Imaroh, the habit of 3S for students, the habit of praying in congregation and other Islamic activities, loudspeakers in schools, classrooms equipped with projectors and Al-Qur'an, libraries, prayer rooms and periodic evaluations. The inhibiting factors include the diversity of student and parent backgrounds as well as supervision of students outside of school.

Research on investment incorporating both environmental performance and long (short) term financial performance of firms

Firstly, with the rapid popularisation of the ESG concept and the deepening of the conception of green and low-carbon development, the performance of a firm in protecting and improving the ecological environment and the level of green technology investment has gradually become the reference criteria for judging whether the firm has social value and sustainability in development. Secondly, to pursue short-term survival and long-term development, the firm will also vigorously strive for short-term profit creation and long-term capital accumulation. Thirdly, due to the existence of information asymmetry, the principal-agent parties in a firm may generate agency conflicts in the pursuit of maximising their own interests, which may lead to losses or even bankruptcy. Therefore, making rational short-term, long-term, and green technology investment decisions that consider both characteristics of firm and agency conflicts is essential for the survival and sustainable development of the firm. From the perspective of contract theory, this paper considers the design of an optimal dynamic financial contract that considers the environment's improvement and the achievement of the firm's long- and short-term financial performance while satisfying incentive compatibility. On this basis, we explore how the optimal investment strategies vary with firm characteristics. The results of the study suggest that the decisions of green technology investment, short-term investment, and long-term capital investment should be appropriately adjusted according to the level of financial slack and the effect of different market shocks to facilitate the achievement of the dual objectives of long- and short-term profitability and environmental improvement.

Comprehending e-waste limited collection and recycling issues in Europe: A comparison of causes

In today's technological age, the issue of e-waste management is becoming increasingly critical. Although several studies have detected and proposed innovative technologies to both enable and increase e-waste recycling performance, end users often dispose of obsolete products inappropriately. The present work aimed at investigating the criteria that influence user behavior regarding e-waste recycling, starting from seven criteria (i.e., intention to recycle e-waste, awareness of the importance of e-waste recycling, environmental concern, attitudes towards e-waste recycling, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, WTP for e-waste recycling) identified in the literature as most relevant. A questionnaire administered to students, interviews of academic experts, and several analytical techniques (i.e., descriptive statistics, the analytic hierarchy process, econometric regression) were used to identify the most relevant criteria for e-waste recycling. With willingness to pay (WTP) used as a reference criterion, the remaining six criteria were investigated as variables, with the aim of uncovering the relations among them and determining which had the most significant impact on WTP. The results revealed that individuals with strong pro-social attitudes were more aware of the need to recycle e-waste. Furthermore, those who disposed of waste correctly in specialized centers were more aware of the need to recycle. The study highlights the importance of raising awareness at a group level to promote e-waste disposal as a social norm.

Quality recognition method of oyster based on U-net and random forest

Oysters are one of the most important cultivated marine resources globally. The shape of oysters is an essential reference criterion for consumers to judge the quality of oysters. In order to recognize oyster’s shape, the U-Net model and random forest are combined to compose a creative strategy. To be more specific, the U-Net neural network model is firstly developed to segment the image and obtain the contours of oysters, and the shape features of oysters are extracted. Then, a random forest model with shape feature parameters depending on customer preference is created to identify oyster quality. The results indicate that the intersection-over-union of segmentation outcomes achieved by U-Net reaches 99.06%, surpassing the 93.50% obtained by traditional methods. The accuracy of the classification strategy based on the shape features parameters of consumer preference is 94.18%, which further proves the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. This study might provide valuable data and guidelines to oyster product classification based on shell shape within market contexts.

Mechanical properties of CTCs in patients with diagnosed ovarian cancer

The incidence and mortality of gynecologic cancers have been constantly increasing in China over the last 2 decades, which become a major health concern for women. Survival rates of gynecologic cancers are generally not satisfactory and decrease along with the advancing stage, this is mainly due to the lack of a clear prognostic evaluation during the treatment, which brings difficulties to the treatment. Therefore, more accurate prognostic evaluation methods are urgently needed. To solve this problem, this article explores the changes in the biomechanical properties of cells. Changes in the biomechanical properties of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) were explored by nano detection technology. The reference criteria for clinical evaluation of ovarian cancer (Age, FIGO stage, Histologic type, CA-125, Ascites, Single/Double, Residual lesion, and Chemotherapy) were compared and analyzed. The results showed that the average cell height of CTCs was 4.12 ± 0.83 μm before chemotherapy and 4.87 ± 0.71 μm after chemotherapy, with an average increase of 18.203 %. The apparent Young's modulus (E) was 3.884 ± 0.045 kPa before chemotherapy and 4.514 ± 0.025 kPa after chemotherapy, which increased by 0.63 kPa. The ROC analysis of FIGO stage of ovarian cancer patients showed that Young's modulus of cells could better reflect the accuracy of the evaluation of FIGO stage of patients, with the accuracy reaching 76.7 %, which was higher than the detection accuracy of CA-125 (72.6 %). In conclusion, the mechanical properties of CTCs can indicate the FIGO stage and diagnosis of patients and predict the prognostic risk of patients.

Diagnostic validity of MRI for central nervous system tuberculosis: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionCentral nervous system tuberculosis (CNSTB) is a severe condition, sometimes associated with a poor prognosis. Early diagnosis of CNSTB remains challenging, considering that conventional methods lack sensitivity or might lead...