Test of CP Symmetry in Hyperon to Neutron Decays

The quantum entangled J/ψ→Σ^{+}Σ[over ¯]^{-} pairs from (1.0087±0.0044)×10^{10}  J/ψ events taken by the BESIII detector are used to study the nonleptonic two-body weak decays Σ^{+}→nπ^{+} and Σ[over ¯]^{-}→n[over ¯]π^{-}. The CP-odd weak decay parameters of the decays Σ^{+}→nπ^{+} (α_{+}) and Σ[over ¯]^{-}→n[over ¯]π^{-} (α[over ¯]_{-}) are determined to be 0.0481±0.0031_{stat}±0.0019_{syst} and -0.0565±0.0047_{stat}±0.0022_{syst}, respectively. The decay parameter α[over ¯]_{-} is measured for the first time, and the accuracy of α_{+} is improved by a factor of 4 compared to the previous results. The simultaneously determined decay parameters allow the first precision CP symmetry test for any hyperon decay with a neutron in the final state with the measurement of A_{CP}=(α_{+}+α[over ¯]_{-})/(α_{+}-α[over ¯]_{-})=-0.080±0.052_{stat}±0.028_{syst}. Assuming CP conservation, the average decay parameter is determined as ⟨α_{+}⟩=(α_{+}-α[over ¯]_{-})/2=-0.0506±0.0026_{stat}±0.0019_{syst}, while the ratios α_{+}/α_{0} and α[over ¯]_{-}/α[over ¯]_{0} are -0.0490±0.0032_{stat}±0.0021_{syst} and -0.0571±0.0053_{stat}±0.0032_{syst}, where α_{0} and α[over ¯]_{0} are the decay parameters of the decays Σ^{+}→pπ^{0} and Σ[over ¯]^{-}→p[over ¯]π^{0}, respectively.

Measurement of Energy-Dependent Pair-Production Cross Section and Electromagnetic Form Factors of a Charmed Baryon

We study the process e^{+}e^{-}→Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} at twelve center-of-mass energies from 4.6119 to 4.9509 GeV using data samples collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The Born cross sections and effective form factors (|G_{eff}|) are determined with unprecedented precision after combining the single and double-tag methods based on the decay process Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+}. Flat cross sections around 4.63 GeV are obtained and no indication of the resonant structure Y(4630), as reported by Belle, is found. In addition, no oscillatory behavior is discerned in the |G_{eff}| energy dependence of Λ_{c}^{+}, in contrast to what is seen for the proton and neutron cases. Analyzing the cross section together with the polar-angle distribution of the Λ_{c}^{+} baryon at each energy point, the moduli of electric and magnetic form factors (|G_{E}| and |G_{M}|) are extracted and separated. For the first time, the energy dependence of the form factor ratio |G_{E}/G_{M}| is observed, which can be well described by an oscillatory function.

Determination of Spin-Parity Quantum Numbers for the Narrow Structure near the pΛ[over ¯] Threshold in e^{+}e^{-}→pK^{-}Λ[over ¯]+c.c

A narrow structure in the pΛ[over ¯] system near the mass threshold, named as X(2085), is observed in the process e^{+}e^{-}→pK^{-}Λ[over ¯] with a statistical significance greater than 20σ. Its spin and parity are determined for the first time to be J^{P}=1^{+} in an amplitude analysis, with a statistical significance greater than 5σ over other quantum numbers (0^{-},1^{-} and 2^{+}). The pole positions of X(2085) are measured to be M_{pole}=(2084_{-2}^{+4}±9)  MeV and Γ_{pole}=(58_{-3}^{+4}±25)  MeV, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second ones are systematic. The analysis is based on the study of the process e^{+}e^{-}→pK^{-}Λ[over ¯] and uses the data samples collected with the BESIII detector at the center-of-mass energies sqrt[s]=4.008, 4.178, 4.226, 4.258, 4.416, and 4.682 GeV with a total integrated luminosity of 8.35  fb^{-1}.

Precise Measurement of the e^{+}e^{-}→D_{s}^{*+}D_{s}^{*-} Cross Sections at Center-of-Mass Energies from Threshold to 4.95 GeV

The process e^{+}e^{-}→D_{s}^{*+}D_{s}^{*-} is studied with a semi-inclusive method using data samples at center-of-mass energies from threshold to 4.95 GeV collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider. The Born cross sections of the process are measured for the first time with high precision in this energy region. Two resonance structures are observed in the energy-dependent cross sections around 4.2 and 4.4 GeV. By fitting the cross sections with a coherent sum of three Breit-Wigner amplitudes and one phase-space amplitude, the two significant structures are assigned masses of (4186.8±8.7±30) and (4414.6±3.4±6.1)  MeV/c^{2}, widths of (55±15±53) and (122.5±7.5±8.1)  MeV, where the first errors are statistical and the second ones are systematic. The inclusion of a third Breit-Wigner amplitude is necessary to describe a structure around 4.79 GeV.

First Experimental Study of the Purely Leptonic Decay D_{s}^{*+}→e^{+}ν_{e}

Using 7.33  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data taken with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we report the first experimental study of the purely leptonic decay D_{s}^{*+}→e^{+}ν_{e}. Our data contain a signal of this decay with a statistical significance of 2.9σ. The branching fraction of D_{s}^{*+}→e^{+}ν_{e} is measured to be (2.1_{-0.9_{stat}}^{+1.2}±0.2_{syst})×10^{-5}, corresponding to an upper limit of 4.0×10^{-5} at the 90% confidence level. Taking the total width of the D_{s}^{*+} [(0.070±0.028)  keV] predicted with the radiative D_{s}^{*+} decay from the lattice QCD calculation as input, the decay constant of the D_{s}^{*+} is determined to be f_{D_{s}^{*+}}=(214_{-46_{stat}}^{+61}±44_{syst})  MeV, corresponding to an upper limit of 354 MeV at the 90% confidence level.

Synthetic effect of supports in Cu-Mn-doped oxide catalysts for promoting ozone decomposition under humid environment

The escalating levels of surface ozone concentration pose detrimental effects on public health and the environment. Catalytic decomposition presents an optimal solution for surface ozone removal. Nevertheless, catalyst still encounters challenges such as poisoning and deactivation in the high humidity environment. The influence of support on catalytic ozone decomposition was examined at a gas hourly space velocity of 300 L·g-1·h-1 and 85% relative humidity under ambient temperature using Cu-Mn-doped oxide catalysts synthesized via a straightforward coprecipitation method. Notably, the Cu-Mn/SiO2 catalyst exhibited remarkable performance on ozone decomposition, achieving 98% ozone conversion and stability for 10 h. Further characterization analysis indicated that the catalyst's enhanced water resistance and activity could be attributed to factors such as an increased number of active sites, a large surface area, abundant active oxygen species, and a lower Mn oxidation state. The catalytic environment created by mixed oxides can offer a clearer understanding of their synergistic effects on catalytic ozone decomposition, providing significant insights into the development of water-resistant catalysts with superior performance.

Fabrication, performance, and potential environmental impacts of polysaccharide-based food packaging materials incorporated with phytochemicals: A review

Although food packaging preserves food's quality, it unfortunately contributes to global climate change since the considerable carbon emissions associated with its entire life cycle. Polysaccharide-based packaging materials (PPMs) are promising options to preserve foods, potentially helping the food industry reduce its carbon footprint. PPMs incorporated with phytochemicals hold promise to address this critical issue, keep food fresh and prolong the shelf life. However, phytochemicals' health benefits are impacted by their distinct chemical structures thus the phytochemicals-incorporated PPMs generally exhibit differential performances. PPMs must be thoughtfully formulated to possess adequate physicochemical properties to meet commercial standards. Given this, this review first-time provides a comprehensive review of recent advances in the fabrication of phytochemicals incorporated PPMs. The application performances of phytochemicals-incorporated PPMs for preserving foods, as well as the intelligent monitoring of food quality, are thoroughly introduced. The possible associated environmental impacts and scalability challenges for the commercial application of these PPMs are also methodically assessed. This review seeks to provide comprehensive insights into exploring new avenues to achieve a greener and safer food industry via innovative food packaging materials. This is paramount to preserve not only food shelf life but also the environment, facilitating the eco-friendly development of the food industry.

Search for Λ[over ¯]-Λ Baryon-Number-Violating Oscillations in the Decay J/ψ→pK^{-}Λ[over ¯]+c.c

We report on the first search for Λ[over ¯]-Λ oscillations in the decay J/ψ→pK^{-}Λ[over ¯]+c.c. by analyzing 1.31×10^{9}  J/ψ events accumulated with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The J/ψ events are produced using e^{+}e^{-} collisions at a center of mass energy sqrt[s]=3.097  GeV. No evidence for hyperon oscillations is observed. The upper limit for the oscillation rate of Λ[over ¯] to Λ hyperons is determined to be P(Λ)=[B(J/ψ→pK^{-}Λ+c.c.)/B(J/ψ→pK^{-}Λ[over ¯]+c.c.)]<4.4×10^{-6} corresponding to an oscillation parameter δm_{ΛΛ[over ¯]} of less than 3.8×10^{-18}  GeV at the 90% confidence level.

Estimating the Multidimensional Generalized Graded Unfolding Model with Covariates Using a Bayesian Approach

Noncognitive constructs are commonly assessed in educational and organizational research. They are often measured by summing scores across items, which implicitly assumes a dominance item response process. However, research has shown that the unfolding response process may better characterize how people respond to noncognitive items. The Generalized Graded Unfolding Model (GGUM) representing the unfolding response process has therefore become increasingly popular. However, the current implementation of the GGUM is limited to unidimensional cases, while most noncognitive constructs are multidimensional. Fitting a unidimensional GGUM separately for each dimension and ignoring the multidimensional nature of noncognitive data may result in suboptimal parameter estimation. Recently, an R package bmggum was developed that enables the estimation of the Multidimensional Generalized Graded Unfolding Model (MGGUM) with covariates using a Bayesian algorithm. However, no simulation evidence is available to support the accuracy of the Bayesian algorithm implemented in bmggum. In this research, two simulation studies were conducted to examine the performance of bmggum. Results showed that bmggum can estimate MGGUM parameters accurately, and that multidimensional estimation and incorporating relevant covariates into the estimation process improved estimation accuracy. The effectiveness of two Bayesian model selection indices, WAIC and LOO, were also investigated and found to be satisfactory for model selection. Empirical data were used to demonstrate the use of bmggum and its performance was compared with three other GGUM software programs: GGUM2004, GGUM, and mirt.

How well can an AI chatbot infer personality? Examining psychometric properties of machine-inferred personality scores

The present study explores the plausibility of measuring personality indirectly through an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot. This chatbot mines various textual features from users' free text responses collected during an online conversation/interview and then uses machine learning algorithms to infer personality scores. We comprehensively examine the psychometric properties of the machine-inferred personality scores, including reliability (internal consistency, split-half, and test-retest), factorial validity, convergent and discriminant validity, and criterion-related validity. Participants were undergraduate students (n = 1,444) enrolled in a large southeastern public university in the United States who completed a self-report Big Five personality measure (IPIP-300) and engaged with an AI chatbot for approximately 20-30 min. In a subsample (n = 407), we obtained participants' cumulative grade point averages from the University Registrar and had their peers rate their college adjustment. In an additional sample (n = 61), we obtained test-retest data. Results indicated that machine-inferred personality scores (a) had overall acceptable reliability at both the domain and facet levels, (b) yielded a comparable factor structure to self-reported questionnaire-derived personality scores, (c) displayed good convergent validity but relatively poor discriminant validity (averaged convergent correlations = .48 vs. averaged machine-score correlations = .35 in the test sample), (d) showed low criterion-related validity, and (e) exhibited incremental validity over self-reported questionnaire-derived personality scores in some analyses. In addition, there was strong evidence for cross-sample generalizability of psychometric properties of machine scores. Theoretical implications, future research directions, and practical considerations are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

First Study of Reaction Ξ^{0}n→Ξ^{-}p Using Ξ^{0}-Nucleus Scattering at an Electron-Positron Collider

Using (1.0087±0.0044)×10^{10}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring, the process Ξ^{0}n→Ξ^{-}p is studied, where the Ξ^{0} baryon is produced in the process J/ψ→Ξ^{0}Ξ[over ¯]^{0} and the neutron is a component of the ^{9}Be, ^{12}C, and ^{197}Au nuclei in the beam pipe. A clear signal is observed with a statistical significance of 7.1σ. The cross section of the reaction Ξ^{0}+^{9}Be→Ξ^{-}+p+^{8}Be is determined to be σ(Ξ^{0}+^{9}Be→Ξ^{-}+p+^{8}Be)=(22.1±5.3_{stat}±4.5_{sys})  mb at the Ξ^{0} momentum of 0.818  GeV/c, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. No significant H-dibaryon signal is observed in the Ξ^{-}p final state. This is the first study of hyperon-nucleon interactions in electron-positron collisions and opens up a new direction for such research.

Measurements of Normalized Differential Cross Sections of Inclusive π^{0} and K_{S}^{0} Production in e^{+}e^{-} Annihilation at Energies from 2.2324 to 3.6710 GeV

Based on electron positron collision data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage rings, the differential cross sections of inclusive π^{0} and K_{S}^{0} production as a function of hadron momentum, normalized by the total cross section of the e^{+}e^{-}→hadrons process, are measured at six center-of-mass energies from 2.2324 to 3.6710 GeV. Our results, which cover a relative hadron energy range from 0.1 to 0.9, significantly deviate from several theoretical calculations based on existing fragmentation functions.

Molecular mechanisms of melatonin-induced alleviation of synaptic dysfunction and neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease: a review

This review focuses on melatonin's role in advancing Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis by inhibiting synaptic dysfunction and neuroinflammation. The early pathological changes in PD, caused by SNCA/PARK1 and LRRK2/PARK8-mediated synaptic vesicle endocytosis during the early pathogenesis of PD, are briefly reviewed. The pathological changes related to synaptic plasticity and dendrites caused by synaptic dysfunction in neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and 1-methl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin (MPTP)-induced PD models are also discussed. The molecular mechanisms of pathological changes in PD, caused by the activation of microglia, astrocytes, and inflammatory vesicles, are discussed. The effectiveness of melatonin (MLT) in the restoration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SNc) has been established. MLT can upregulate dendritic numbers and restore synaptic plasticity by inhibiting alpha-synuclein aggregation and neurotoxicity. These functions of MLT improve sleep patterns in PD patients and suppresses synaptic dysfunction by inhibiting the overactivation of the PKA/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. MLT can maintain the typical transport and release of neurotransmitters. MLT also reduces neuroinflammation by promoting microglia 2 (M2) polarization, which reduces the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, MLT stimulates the activation of the retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor α (RORα) ligand and inhibits the activation of the Recombinant Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)-dependent pathway, the NLR family pyridine structure domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. By integrating the latest advances in synaptic dysfunction and neuroinflammation-related PD, researchers can develop clinical interventions for treating PD and further explore the pathological hallmarks of prodromal PD.

Precision Measurement of the Decay Σ^{+}→pγ in the Process J/ψ→Σ^{+}Σ[over ¯]^{-}

Using (10 087±44)×10^{6} J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, the radiative hyperon decay Σ^{+}→pγ is studied at an electron-positron collider experiment for the first time. The absolute branching fraction is measured to be (0.996±0.021_{stat}±0.018_{syst})×10^{-3}, which is lower than its world average value by 4.2 standard deviations. Its decay asymmetry parameter is determined to be -0.652±0.056_{stat}±0.020_{syst}. The branching fraction and decay asymmetry parameter are the most precise to date, and the accuracies are improved by 78% and 34%, respectively.

Measurements of the Electric and Magnetic Form Factors of the Neutron for Timelike Momentum Transfer

We present the first measurements of the electric and magnetic form factors of the neutron in the timelike (positive q^{2}) region as function of four-momentum transfer. We explored the differential cross sections of the reaction e^{+}e^{-}→n[over ¯]n with data collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII accelerator, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 354.6  pb^{-1} in total at twelve center-of-mass energies between sqrt[s]=2.0-2.95  GeV. A relative uncertainty of 18% and 12% for the electric and magnetic form factors, respectively, is achieved at sqrt[s]=2.3935  GeV. Our results are comparable in accuracy to those from electron scattering in the comparable spacelike region of four-momentum transfer. The electromagnetic form factor ratio R_{em}≡|G_{E}|/|G_{M}| is within the uncertainties close to unity. We compare our result on |G_{E}| and |G_{M}| to recent model predictions, and the measurements in the spacelike region to test the analyticity of electromagnetic form factors.

Observation of a New X(3872) Production Process e^{+}e^{-}→ωX(3872)

Using 4.7  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data at center-of-mass energies from 4.661 to 4.951 GeV collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we observe the X(3872) production process e^{+}e^{-}→ωX(3872) for the first time. The significance is 7.8σ, including both the statistical and systematic uncertainties. The e^{+}e^{-}→ωX(3872) Born cross section and the corresponding upper limit at 90% confidence level at each energy point are reported. The line shape of the cross section indicates that the ωX(3872) signals may be from the decays of some nontrivial structures.

An innovated elastic compression hemostasis technique for extremity excision in patients with extensive burns: A prospective clinical randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To introduce an innovative elastic compression hemostasis technique for extremity excision in extensively burnt patients and investigate its effectiveness.

METHODS

Ten patients were included and divided into 2 groups: the control group (4 patients, 12 extremities) receiving the conventional hemostasis technique and the experimental group (6 patients, 14 extremities) receiving the innovative technique. General data of the patients were collected, excision size measured, hemostasis time recorded, average blood loss per 1% total body surface area of the excised wound calculated, incidence of subcutaneous hematoma and take rate determined.

RESULTS

The 2 groups had no statistical difference in the baseline data. Average blood loss per 1% total body surface area of the excised wound in the upper and the lower extremities was (62.1 ± 11.5) mL and (35.6 ± 11.0) mL in the experimental group, significantly less than (94.3 ± 6.9) mL and (82.3 ± 6.2) mL in the control group; a reduction of 34.1% and 56.8% respectively. Hemostasis time in the upper and the lower extremities were (5.0 ± 0.7) min/1% total body surface area and (2.6 ± 0.3) min/1% total body surface area, respectively, in the experimental group, significantly less than (7.4 ± 0.6) min/1% total body surface area and (4.0 ± 0.9) min/1% total body surface area in the control group; a reduction of 31.8% and 34.9% respectively. The incidences of subcutaneous hematoma were 7.1% and 8.3%, and the take rate (85.9 ± 6.0)% and (86.5 ± 4.8)% in the experimental and the control group, respectively, with no statistically significant differences.

CONCLUSION

The innovative elastic compression hemostasis technique is a reliable new method that significantly reduces blood loss during extremity excision in patients with extensive burns and is worth wider understanding and application.

Influence of ligands within Al-based metal-organic frameworks for selective separation of methane from unconventional natural gas

Efficient CH₄/N₂ separation from unconventional natural gas is vital for both energy recycling and climate change control. Figuring out the reason for the disparity between ligands in the framework and CH₄ is the crucial problem for developing adsorbents in PSA progress. In this study, a series of eco-friendly Al-based MOFs, including Al-CDC, Al-BDC, CAU-10, and MIL-160, were synthesized to investigate the influence of ligands on CH₄ separation through experimental and theoretical analyses. The hydrothermal stability and water affinity of synthetic MOFs were explored through experimental characterization. The active adsorption sites and adsorption mechanisms were investigated via quantum calculation. The results manifested that the interactions between CH₄ and MOFs materials were affected by the synergetic effects of pore structure and ligand polarities, and the disparities of ligands within MOFs determined the separation efficiency of CH₄. Especially, the CH₄ separation performance of Al-CDC with high sorbent selection (68.56), moderate isosteric adsorption heat for CH₄ (26.3 kJ/mol), and low water affinity (0.1 g/g at 40% RH) was superior to most porous adsorbents, which was attributed to its nanosheet structure, proper polarity, reduced local steric hindrance, and extra functional groups. The analysis of active adsorption sites indicated that hydrophilic carboxyl groups and hydrophobic aromatic ring were the dominant CH₄ adsorption sites for liner ligands and bent ligands, respectively. The methylene groups with saturated C-H bonds enhanced the wdV interaction between ligands and CH₄, resulting in the highest binding energy of CH₄ for Al-CDC. The results provided valuable guidance for the design and optimization of high-performance adsorbents for CH₄ separation from unconventional natural gas.

Observation of Three Charmoniumlike States with J^{PC}=1^{--} in e^{+}e^{-}→D^{*0}D^{*-}π^{+}

The Born cross sections of the process e^{+}e^{-}→D^{*0}D^{*-}π^{+} at center-of-mass energies from 4.189 to 4.951 GeV are measured for the first time. The data samples used correspond to an integrated luminosity of 17.9  fb^{-1} and were collected by the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. Three enhancements around 4.20, 4.47, and 4.67 GeV are visible. The resonances have masses of 4209.6±4.7±5.9  MeV/c^{2}, 4469.1±26.2±3.6  MeV/c^{2}, and 4675.3±29.5±3.5  MeV/c^{2} and widths of 81.6±17.8±9.0  MeV, 246.3±36.7±9.4  MeV, and 218.3±72.9±9.3  MeV, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. The first and third resonances are consistent with the ψ(4230) and ψ(4660) states, respectively, while the second one is compatible with the ψ(4500) observed in the e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}K^{-}J/ψ process. These three charmoniumlike ψ states are observed in the e^{+}e^{-}→D^{*0}D^{*-}π^{+} process for the first time.

Evidence for the Cusp Effect in η' Decays into ηπ^{0}π^{0}

Using a sample of 4.3×10^{5} η^{'}→ηπ^{0}π^{0} events selected from the ten billion J/ψ event dataset collected with the BESIII detector, we study the decay η^{'}→ηπ^{0}π^{0} within the framework of nonrelativistic effective field theory. Evidence for a structure at π^{+}π^{-} mass threshold is observed in the invariant mass spectrum of π^{0}π^{0} with a statistical significance of around 3.5σ, which is consistent with the cusp effect as predicted by the nonrelativistic effective field theory. After introducing the amplitude for describing the cusp effect, the ππ scattering length combination a_{0}-a_{2} is determined to be 0.226±0.060_{stat}±0.013_{syst}, which is in good agreement with theoretical calculation of 0.2644±0.0051.

Characteristics and aetiology of low-temperature burns in Beijing of China

This study was designed to analyse the characteristics and aetiology of low-temperature burns and explore the prevention and treatment strategies. In total, 206 patients hospitalised with low-temperature burns in a major burn center in Beijing from 2017 to 2021 were included. There were 35-49 cases per year, with an average of 41 ± 4.5 cases. The prevalence of low-temperature burns was higher in female than in male and are mainly resulted from two kinds of incidents: unintended burns from heat treatment (50.97%, 105/206) and improper use of heating devices to keep warm (43.69%, 90/206). Most cases occurred in autumn (33.01%, 68/206) and the least in spring (17.96%, 37/206); cases in summer (24.27%, 50/206) and winter (24.76%, 51/206) accounted for nearly a quadrant respectively. Low-temperature burns in summer were mainly unintended burns from heat treatment (80%, 40/50), whereas in autumn were mainly resulted from improper use of heating devices to keep warm (55.88%, 38/68), the difference was statistically significant (χ²  = 42.801, P < .001). Of all the cases, the burn size ranged from 0.2% to 5% TBSA, mostly less than 1% (85.92%, 177/206); third-degree burns accounted for 98.54% (203/206). Patients admitted after 3 weeks post-injury accounted for 42.23% (87/206). All patients were cured, and most of them were by surgeries (70.87%, 146/206). The results of the study show that low-temperature burn injury features a predictable morbidity among different seasons, a higher prevalence in adult women and a frequent occurrence at home. The wounds of low-temperature burns are often small in size but deep in depth, and can be easily misdiagnosed as superficial burns. However, most low-temperature burn wounds require surgical treatment. The study also suggests that based on the characteristics and aetiology of low-temperature burns, targeted prevention and treatment measures should be mapped out.

Small but Nontrivial: A Comparison of Six Strategies to Handle Cross-Loadings in Bifactor Predictive Models

The bifactor model is a promising alternative to traditional modeling techniques for studying the predictive validity of hierarchical constructs. However, no study to date has systematically examined the influence of cross-loadings on the estimation of regression coefficients in bifactor predictive models. Therefore, we present a systematic examination of the statistical performance of six modeling strategies to handle cross-loadings in bifactor predictive models: structural equation modeling (SEM), exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) with target rotation, Bayesian structural equation modeling (BSEM), and each of the three with augmentation. Results revealed four clear patterns: 1) forcing even small cross-loadings to zero was detrimental to empirical identification, estimation bias, power and Type I error rates; 2) the performance of ESEM with target rotation was unexpectedly weak; 3) augmented BSEM had satisfactory performance in an absolute sense and outperformed the other five strategies across most conditions; 4) augmentation improved the performance of ESEM and SEM, although the degree of improvement was not as substantial as that of BSEM. In addition, we also presented an empirical example to show the feasibility of the proposed approach. Overall, these findings can help users of bifactor predictive models design better studies, choose more appropriate analytical strategies, and obtain more reliable results. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.