bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of natural hazards on early childhood development: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Doma Hemavarni , Tran Thach , Romero Lorena , Makleff Shelly , Krishna Revathi Nuggehalli , Varshney Karan , Fisher Jane
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Natural hazards are damaging environmental events, such as fires, droughts and floods, which have negative impacts on human lives, livelihoods and health. Natural hazards are increasing in intensity and severity, and may potentially have harmful effects on the health and development of children who experience them. There are few syntheses of the evidence about the effects of natural hazards on the early development of children aged from birth to 5 years old. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the impact of natural hazards on the cognitive, motor, language, social and emotional development of children from birth to 5 years old.

Methods and analysis

Comprehensive searches will be conducted in five bibliographic databases: Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid PsycInfo, CINAHL Plus, Scopus and Ovid EMBASE, using predefined search terms to identify the relevant studies. The review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eligible studies will be included if they report on the association between exposure to natural hazards and at least one indicator of early childhood development (ECD). Extracted data will include: main study findings, characteristics of the study design, measures of natural hazards and ECD indicators. Observational studies with cross-sectional, case–control, prospective or retrospective cohort designs will be included in this review. Case descriptions and qualitative studies will be excluded. Study quality will be assessed using the Joanna Brigg’s Institute critical appraisal tools. We will conduct a meta-analysis if the reviewed studies are sufficiently homogeneous according to research design, exposure, participants and outcome measures. The meta-analysis will include subgroup analyses (eg, length of exposure to natural hazard, type of natural hazard, ECD indicator).

Ethics and dissemination

The findings will be disseminated through a peer-review publication, policy brief, technical report and report published on institutional stakeholder websites.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022331621.
Guiding principles for effective collaborative implementation strategies for multisite hospital improvement initiatives: a mixed-method realist evaluation of collaborative strategies used in four multisite initiatives at public hospitals in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Long Janet C , Sarkies Mitchell N , Francis-Auton Emilie , Roberts Natalie , Hardwick Rebecca , Nguyen Hoa Mi , Levesque Jean-Frederic , Watson Diane E , Westbrook Johanna , Hibbert Peter D , Rapport Frances , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: June 2023

Objective

Large-scale, multisite hospital improvement initiatives can advance high-quality care for patients. Implementation support is key to adoption of change in this context. Strategies that foster collaboration within local teams, across sites and between initiative developers and users are important. However not all implementation strategies are successful in all settings, sometimes realising poor or unintended outcomes. Our objective here is to develop guiding principles for effective collaborative implementation strategies for multi-site hospital initiatives.

Design

Mixed-method realist evaluation. Realist studies aim to examine the underlying theories that explain differing outcomes, identifying mechanisms and contextual factors that may trigger them.

Setting

We report on collaborative strategies used in four multi-site initiatives conducted in all public hospitals in New South Wales, Australia (n>100).

Participants

Using an iterative process, information was gathered on collaborative implementation strategies used, then initial programme theories hypothesised to underlie the strategies’ outcomes were surfaced using a realist dialogic approach. A realist interview schedule was developed to elicit evidence for the posited initial programme theories. Fourteen participants from 20 key informants invited participated. Interviews were conducted via Zoom, transcribed and analysed. From these data, guiding principles of fostering collaboration were developed.

Results

Six guiding principles were distilled: (1) structure opportunities for collaboration across sites; (2) facilitate meetings to foster learning and problem-solving across sites; (3) broker useful long-term relationships; (4) enable support agencies to assist implementers by giving legitimacy to their efforts in the eyes of senior management; (5) consider investment in collaboration as effective well beyond the current projects; (6) promote a shared vision and build momentum for change by ensuring inclusive networks where everyone has a voice.

Conclusion

Structuring and supporting collaboration in large-scale initiatives is a powerful implementation strategy if contexts described in the guiding principles are present.
Rationale and design of a prospective, clinical study of kidney biopsies in people with type 2 diabetes and severely increased albuminuria (the PRIMETIME 2 study)
Authors: Møller Marie , Borg Rikke , Bressendorff Iain , Fink Lisbeth N , Gravesen Eva , Jensen Karina Haar , Hansen Torben , Krustrup Dorrit , Persson Frederik , Rossing Peter , Sembach Frederikke E , Thuesen Anne C B , Hansen Ditte
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Diabetic kidney disease is a severe complication of diabetes. The diagnosis is based on clinical characteristics such as persistently elevated albuminuria, hypertension and decline in kidney function, although this definition is not specific to kidney disease caused by diabetes. The only way to establish an accurate diagnosis—diabetic nephropathy—is by performing a kidney biopsy. The histological presentation of diabetic nephropathy can be associated with a heterogeneous range of histological features with many pathophysiological factors involved demonstrating the complexity of the condition. Current treatment strategies aim to slow disease progression and are not specific to the underlying pathological processes.

This study will investigate the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and severely elevated albuminuria. The deep molecular characterisation of the kidney biopsy and biological specimens may pave the way for improved diagnostic accuracy and a better understanding of the pathological processes involved and may also reveal new targets for individualised treatment.

Methods and analysis

In the PRecIsion MEdicine based on kidney TIssue Molecular interrogation in diabetic nEphropathy 2 study, research kidney biopsies will be performed in 300 participants with T2D, urine albumin/creatinine ratio ≥700 mg/g and estimated glomerular filtration ratio >30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Cutting-edge molecular technologies will be applied to the kidney, blood, urine, faeces and saliva samples for comprehensive multi-omics profiling. The associated disease course and clinical outcomes will be assessed by annual follow-up for 20 years.

Ethics and dissemination

The Danish Regional Committee on Health Research Ethics and the Knowledge Center on Data Protection (in the Capital Region of Denmark) have granted approval for the study. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT04916132.
Clinical and economic impact of adverse drug reactions in hospitalised patients: prospective matched nested case–control study in Ethiopia
Authors: Sendekie Ashenafi Kibret , Kasahun Asmamaw Emagn , Limenh Liknaw Workie , Dagnaw Abera Dessie , Belachew Eyayaw Ashete
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and economic impact of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) among patients admitted to the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (UoGCSH).

Design and setting

A prospective nested case–control study was conducted at the UoGCSH among admitted adult patients with (cases) and without ADRs (controls) between May and October 2022.

Participants

All eligible adult patients admitted in the medical ward of the UoGCSH during the study period were included in this study.

Main outcome measures

The outcome variables were the clinical and economic outcomes. Length of hospital stay, visits to intensive care units (ICU) and in-hospital mortality were used to measure and compare clinical outcomes in patients with and without ADRs. The economic outcome was also assessed using direct medical-related costs and compared for the two groups. Paired samples t-test and McNemar tests were used to compare measurable outcomes between the two groups. A p value <0.05 at the 95% CI was considered statistically significant.

Results

Out of a total of 214 eligible enrolled patients, 206 (103 with and 103 without ADRs) with a 96.3% response rate were included in the cohort. The length of hospital stay was much longer in patients with ADRs than without ADRs (19.8 vs 15.2 days, p<0.001). Similarly, ICU visits (11.2% vs 6.8%, p<0.001) and in-hospital mortality (4.4% vs 1.9%, p=0.012) were significantly higher in patients with ADRs compared with those without ADRs. Patients with ADRs were significantly charged with higher direct medical costs compared with those without ADRs (6237.2 vs 5256.3 Ethiopian birr; p<0.001).

Conclusion

This study concluded that ADRs had a significant impact on patients’ clinical and medical costs. Healthcare providers should strictly follow the patients to minimise ADR-related clinical and economic adverse outcomes.
Protocol for WeExPAnd: a prospective, mixed-methods pilot demonstration study to increase access to pre-exposure prophylaxis among women vulnerable to HIV infection in the Southern USA
Authors: Psaros Christina , Goodman Georgia R , McDonald Victoria Wright , Ott Corilyn , Blyler Abigail , Rivas Alexa , Shan Liang , Campbell Marquetta , Underwood Eric , Krakower Douglas , Elopre Latesha , Kudroff Kachina , Sherr Kenneth H , Kempf Mirjam-Colette
Published: June 2023

Introduction

African American women (AA), particularly those living in the Southeastern USA, experience disproportionately high rates of HIV infection. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective HIV prevention tool that may circumvent barriers to traditional HIV prevention tools, such as condom use; however, very little is known about how to improve PrEP access and uptake among AA women who may benefit from PrEP use. This project aims to understand how to increase PrEP access among AA women in the rural Southern USA, which may ultimately affect HIV incidence in this population.

Methods and analysis

The goal of the current study is to systematically adapt a patient–provider communication tool to increase PrEP uptake among AA women receiving care at a federally qualified health centre in Alabama. We will use an iterative implementation process, by assessing the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary impact of the tool on PrEP uptake, using a pilot preintervention/postintervention design (N=125). We will evaluate women’s reasons for declining a referral to a PrEP provider, reasons for incomplete referrals, reasons for not initiating PrEP after a successful referral and ongoing PrEP use at 3 and 12 months after PrEP initiation among our sample. The proposed work will significantly contribute to our understanding of factors impacting PrEP uptake and use among AA women, particularly in underserved areas in the Deep South that are heavily impacted by the HIV epidemic and experience worse HIV-related health outcomes relative to other areas in the USA.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol has been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at University of Alabama at Birmingham (Birmingham, AL; protocol 300004276). All participants will review a detailed informed consent form approved by the IRB and will provide written or verbal informed consent prior to enrolment. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed manuscripts, reports, and local, national and international presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT04373551.
Association between the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes and bystander resuscitation efforts for working-age individuals in Japan: a nationwide observational and epidemiological analysis
Authors: Ushimoto Tomoyuki , Yao Shintaro , Nunokawa Chika , Murasaka Kenshi , Inaba Hideo
Published: June 2023

Background

Improving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) prognosis within the working-age population is important, but no studies have investigated the effects of COVID-19 pandemic specifically on the working-age population with OHCAs. We aimed to determine the association between the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and OHCA outcomes and bystander resuscitation efforts among the working-age population.

Methods

Prospectively collected nationwide, population-based records concerning 166 538 working-age individuals (men, 20–68 years; women, 20–62 years) with OHCA between 2017 and 2020 were assessed. We compared characteristics and outcome differences of the arrests between three prepandemic years (2017–2019) and the pandemic year 2020. The primary outcome was neurologically favourable 1-month survival (cerebral performance category 1 or 2). Secondary outcomes were bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BCPR), dispatcher-assisted instruction for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DAI-CPR), bystander-provided defibrillation (public access defibrillation (PAD)) and 1-month survival. We examined variations in bystander resuscitation efforts and outcomes among pandemic phase and regional classifications.

Results

Among 149 300 OHCA cases, 1-month survival (2020, 11.2%; 2017–2019, 11.1% (crude OR (cOR) 1.00, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.05)) and 1-month neurologically favourable survival (7.3%–7.3% (cOR 1.00, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.05)) were unchanged; however, the neurologically favourable 1-month survival rate decreased in 12 of the most COVID-19-affected prefectures (7.2%–7.8% (cOR 0.90, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.96)), whereas it increased in 35 other prefectures (7.5%–6.6% (cOR 1.15, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.23)). Favourable outcomes decreased for OHCAs of presumed cardiac aetiology (10.3%–10.9% (cOR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90 to 0.99)) but increased for OHCAs of non-cardiac aetiology (2.5%–2.0% (cOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.44)). BCPR provision increased from 50.7% of arrests prepandemic to 52.3% (crude OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.09). Compared with 2017–2019, home-based OHCAs in 2020 increased (64.8% vs 62.3% (crude OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.14)), along with DAI-CPR attempts (59.5% vs 56.6% (cOR 1.13, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.15)) and multiple calls to determine a destination hospital (16.4% vs 14.5% (cOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.20)). PAD use decreased from 4.0% to 3.7% but only during the state of emergency period (7 April–24 May 2020) and in prefectures significantly affected by COVID-19.

Conclusions

Reviewing automated external defibrillator (AED) locations and increasing BCPR through DAI-CPR may help prevent pandemic-associated decreases in survival rates for patients with cardiac OHCAs.
Seasonal variation of serum potassium and related prescription pattern: an ecological time series
Authors: Thayakaran Rasiah , Hotham Richard , Gokhale Krishna M , Adderley Nicola J , Chandan Joht Singh , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah
Published: June 2023

Aims

To assess if ambient temperature-related effects on serum potassium levels impact clinical decision-making.

Methods

This study is an ecological time series consisiting of 1 218 453 adult patients with at least one ACE inhibitor (ACEI) prescription who participate in a large UK primary care dataset.

Descriptive statistics and a quasi-Poisson regression model using time series data at regular time intervals (monthly) were undertaken to examine the association between potassium measurements and ACEI/potassium supplement prescriptions.

Results

It is noted that correlating with lower ambient temperature, serum potassium values follow a seasonal pattern; peaks in winter months and troughs in summer. During summer months, there are clear annual spikes in the number of potassium prescriptions suggesting a change in prescribing practice during periods of potentially spurious hyperkalaemia. The converse pattern is seen in the ACEI prescription proportion which spikes annually during the winter period with lower average ambient temperatures. Our time series modelling demonstrated that each one unit increase in potassium is associated with a 33% increased rate of ACEI prescriptions (risk ratio, RR 1.33; 95% CI 1.12 to 1.59) and 63% decreased rate of potassium supplements (RR 0.37; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.43).

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the seasonal pattern in serum potassium and we observe a corresponding alteration in prescribing practice for potassium sensitive medications. These findings demonstrate the importance of educating clinicians on the presence of seasonal potassium variability in addition to standard measurement error, and its potential impact on their prescribing activity.
Ethics of antibiotic allergy
Authors: Xiang Yu Yi , Heriot George S , Jamrozik Euzebiusz
Published: June 2023

Antibiotic allergies are commonly reported among patients, but most do not experience reactions on rechallenge with the same agents. These reported allergies complicate management of infections in patients labelled as having penicillin allergy, including serious infections where penicillin-based antibiotics are the first-line (most effective and least toxic) treatment option. Allergy labels are rarely questioned in clinical practice, with many clinicians opting for inferior second-line antibiotics to avoid a perceived risk of allergy. Reported allergies thereby can have significant impacts on patients and public health, and present major ethical challenges. Antibiotic allergy testing has been described as a strategy to circumvent this dilemma, but it carries limitations that often make it less feasible in patients with acute infections or in community settings that lack access to allergy testing. This article provides an empirically informed ethical analysis of key considerations in this clinical dilemma, usingStaphylococcus aureusbacteraemia in patients with penicillin allergies as a case study. We argue that prescribing first-line penicillin-based antibiotics to patients with reported allergies may often present a more favourable ratio of benefits to risks, and may therefore be more ethically appropriate than using second-line drugs. We recommend changes to policy-making, clinical research and medical education, in order to promote more ethically acceptable responses to antibiotic allergies than the status quo.
Incidence and characteristics of chronic postsurgical pain at 6 months after total mastectomy under pectoserratus and interpectoral plane block combined with general anesthesia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Garcia Vincent , Wallet Jennifer , Leroux-Bromberg Nathalie , Delbrouck Didier , Hannebicque Karine , Ben Oune Fanny , Léguillette Clémence , Le Deley Marie-Cécile , Ahmeidi Abesse
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) occurs in 20%–30% of patients who undergo total mastectomy (TM) performed under general anesthesia alone and significantly affects the quality of life. Pectoserratus and interpectoral plane block have been reportedly combined with general anesthesia to control immediate postoperative pain after TM. Our prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the incidence of CPSP after TM when pectoserratus and interpectoral plane block were combined with general anesthesia.

Methods

We recruited adult women scheduled to undergo TM for breast cancer. Patients planned for TM with flap surgery, those who underwent breast surgery in the past 5 years, or those presenting with residual chronic pain after prior breast surgery were excluded. After general anesthesia induction, an anesthesiologist performed pectoserratus and interpectoral plane block with a ropivacaine (3.75 mg/mL) and clonidine (3.75 µg/mL) in 40 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of CPSP—defined as pain with a Numeric Rating Scale Score of ≥3, either at the breast surgical site and/or at axilla, without other identifiable causes—evaluated during a pain medicine consultation at 6 months post TM.

Results

Overall, 43/164 study participants had CPSP (26.2%; 95% CI: 19.7 to 33.6); of these, 23 had neuropathic type of pain (53.5%), 19 had nociceptive (44.2%), and 1 had mixed (2.3%) type of pain.

Conclusion

Although postoperative analgesia has significantly improved in the last decade, there is still need for improvement to reduce CPSP after oncologic breast surgery.

Trial registration number

NCT03023007.
What measures are needed to achieve a tobacco endgame target? A Singapore-based simulation study
Authors: Zeng Zitong , Cook Alex R , van der Eijk Yvette
Published: June 2023

Background

An increasing number of countries are pursuing a tobacco ‘endgame’. We sought to determine the combination of measures it would take to achieve a tobacco endgame in the city-state of Singapore.

Methods

Using an open-cohort microsimulation model, we estimated the impact of existing measures (quit programmes, tobacco taxes, flavours ban) and more novel measures (very low nicotine cap, tobacco-free generation, raising the minimum legal age to 25 years), and combinations thereof, on smoking prevalence in Singapore over a 50-year horizon. We used Markov Chain Monte Carlo to estimate transition probabilities between the states of never smoker, current smoker and former smoker, updating each individual’s state across each year with prior distributions derived from national survey data.

Results

Without new measures, smoking prevalence is expected to rebound from 12.2% (2020) to 14.8% (2070). The only scenarios to achieve a tobacco endgame target within a decade are those combining a very low nicotine cap with a flavours ban. A nicotine cap or tobacco-free generation alone also achieve endgame targets, but after 20 and 39 years, respectively. Taxes, quit programmes, a flavours ban and minimum legal age increase do augment the impact of other measures, but even when combined are insufficient to achieve a tobacco endgame target within 50 years.

Conclusion

In Singapore, achieving a tobacco endgame within a decade requires a very low nicotine cap coupled with a tobacco flavours ban, although this target can also be achieved in the long term (within 50 years) with a tobacco-free generation.
Accounting for the microstructure for the prediction of unsaturated shear strength of remolded fine-grained soils
Authors: Mpawenayo Régis , Gerard Pierre
Published: June 2023

Predictions of the unsaturated shear strength with generalized effective stress-based approaches disregard the non-uniform microstructure of remolded fine-grained soils. The study aims at investigating the adequacy of microstructurally-based effective stress to predict the unsaturated shear strength of remolded fine-grained soils over a wide range of suctions. For that purpose, shear strength data are acquired on a silty clay soil compacted at two different dry densities through suction-controlled triaxial tests and unconsolidated triaxial tests at constant water content. The microstructure of the soil at the as-compacted state is determined with mercury intrusion porosimetry and is directly incorporated in different expressions of microstructurally-based effective stress available in the literature. The experimental data suggest that compared to the generalized effective stress, microstructurally-based effective stress expressions provide better predictions of the unsaturated shear strength, especially at high suctions. Also, the use of microstructurally-based effective stress is particularly relevant for remolded fine-grained soils compacted at high dry densities, i.e., with a low proportion of macropores.
Nonclassicality versus quantum non-Gaussianity of photon-subtracted displaced Fock state
Authors: Deepak  , Chatterjee Arpita
Published: June 2023

In this paper, a quantitative investigation of the non-classical and quantum non-Gaussian characters of the photon-subtracted displaced Fock state [Formula: see text], where k is the number of photons subtracted and n is Fock parameter, is performed by using a collection of measures like Wigner logarithmic negativity, linear entropy potential, skew information-based measure, and relative entropy of quantum non-Gaussianity. It is noticed that the number of photons subtracted ( k) changes the nonclassicality and quantum non-Gaussianity in a significant amount in the regime of small values of the displacement parameter, whereas the Fock parameter ( n) presents a notable change in the large regime of the displacement parameter. In this respect, the role of the Fock parameter is found to be stronger as compared to the photon subtraction number. Finally, the Wigner function dynamics considering the effects of photon loss channel is used to show that the Wigner negativity can only be detected by highly efficient detectors.
Dissociation of heavy quarkonium states in a rapidly varying strong magnetic field
Authors: Bagchi Partha , Dutta Nirupam , Adhya Souvik Priyam , Chatterjee Bhaswar
Published: June 2023

Various heavy quarkonium states can be employed as a testing ground for the magnetic field created and later possibly persisted in heavy ion collision (HIC) experiments. In this paper, we have shown the modification in the binding energies, and ionization potentials categorically for different species of quarkonia in the medium in the presence of a magnetic field. For the study, we have considered quarkonium states which are well described by the real-valued effective potential in the thermal medium which is evolving by respecting the hydrodynamical power law. Furthermore while addressing the issue of their survival, we have not ignored the possibility of transitions between various bound-to-bound and bound-to-unbound states for different charmonium and bottomonium states. Our analysis shows that this phenomenon can be considered as a benchmark for understanding the presence, strength and persistence of the magnetic field which is expected to be produced through the high-energy nucleus–nucleus collisions.
Hybrid Optimization-Based Neural Network Classifier for Software Defect Prediction
Authors: Prashanthi M. , Chandra Mohan M.
Published: June 2023

The software is applied in various areas so the quality of the software is very important. The software defect prediction (SDP) is used to solve the software issues and enhance the quality. The robustness and reliability are the major concerns in the existing SDP approaches. Hence, in this paper, the hybrid optimization-based neural network (Optimized NN) is developed for the effective detection of the defects in the software. The two main steps involved in the Optimized NN-based SDP are feature selection and SDP utilizing Optimized NN. The data is fed forwarded to the feature selection module, where relief algorithm selects the significant features relating to the defect and no-defects. The features are fed to the SDP module, and the optimal tuning of NN classifier is obtained by the hybrid optimization developed by the integration of the social spider algorithm (SSA) and gray wolf optimizer (GWO). The comparative analysis of the developed prediction model reveals the effectiveness of the proposed method that attained the maximum accuracy of 93.64%, maximum sensitivity of 95.14%, maximum specificity of 99%, maximum [Formula: see text]-score of 93.53%, and maximum precision of 99% by considering the K-fold.
CLERA: A Unified Model for Joint Cognitive Load and Eye Region Analysis in the Wild
Authors: Ding Li , Terwilliger Jack , Parab Aishni , Wang Meng , Fridman Lex , Mehler Bruce , Reimer Bryan
Published: June 2023

Non-intrusive, real-time analysis of the dynamics of the eye region allows us to monitor humans’ visual attention allocation and estimate their mental state during the performance of real-world tasks, which can potentially benefit a wide range of human-computer interaction (HCI) applications. While commercial eye-tracking devices have been frequently employed, the difficulty of customizing these devices places unnecessary constraints on the exploration of more efficient, end-to-end models of eye dynamics. In this work, we propose CLERA, a unified model for Cognitive Load and Eye Region Analysis, which achieves precise keypoint detection and spatiotemporal tracking in a joint-learning framework. Our method demonstrates significant efficiency and outperforms prior work on tasks including cognitive load estimation, eye landmark detection, and blink estimation. We also introduce a large-scale dataset of 30 k human faces with joint pupil, eye-openness, and landmark annotation, which aims at supporting future HCI research on human factors and eye-related analysis.
The First Stars: Formation, Properties, and Impact
Authors: Klessen Ralf S. , Glover Simon C.O.
Published: June 2023

The first generation of stars, often called Population III (or Pop III), form from metal-free primordial gas at redshifts z ∼ 30 and below. They dominate the cosmic star-formation history until z ∼ 15–20, at which point the formation of metal-enriched Population II stars takes over. We review current theoretical models for the formation, properties, and impact of Pop III stars and discuss existing and future observational constraints. Key takeaways from this review include the following:
▪Primordial gas is highly susceptible to fragmentation and Pop III stars form as members of small clusters with a logarithmically flat mass function.▪Feedback from massive Pop III stars plays a central role in regulating subsequent star formation, but major uncertainties remain regarding its immediate impact.▪In extreme conditions, supermassive Pop III stars can form, reaching masses of several 105M⊙. Their remnants may be the seeds of the supermassive black holes observed in high-redshift quasars.▪Direct observations of Pop III stars in the early Universe remain extremely challenging. Indirect constraints from the global 21-cm signal or gravitational waves are more promising.▪Stellar archeological surveys allow us to constrain both the low-mass and the high-mass ends of the Pop III mass distribution. Observations suggest that most massive Pop III stars end their lives as core-collapse supernovae rather than as pair-instability supernovae.
Police Go to Court: Police Officers as Witnesses/Defendants
Authors: Moran Rachel
Published: June 2023

Police officers regularly serve as government witnesses in criminal cases. In recent years, they have also increasingly found themselves as defendants facing criminal charges, civil lawsuits, or both. This article surveys scholarly literature on police officers as both witnesses and defendants, with a focus on sociological and legal barriers to understanding officer deception, assessing officer testimony, and holding officers accountable for misconduct. With respect to officers as witnesses, these barriers include the prevalence of police officer perjury, judicial deference to officers’ testimony, and laws and policies that prevent defendants from learning about or exposing officer misconduct and unreliability. Charging and suing officers present additional logistical and substantive questions. These questions include who should be responsible for investigating and deciding whether to prosecute police, what protocols should guide those investigations, whether police prosecutions meaningfully improve policing or ensure accountability, and what role the civil legal system should play in addressing police misconduct.
Inferential and Behavioral Implications of Measurement Error in Agricultural Data
Authors: Abay Kibrom A. , Wossen Tesfamicheal , Abate Gashaw T. , Stevenson James R. , Michelson Hope , Barrett Christopher B.
Published: June 2023

An evolving literature evaluates the inferential and behavioral implications of measurement error (ME) in agricultural data. We synthesize findings on the nature and sources of ME and potential remedies. We provide practical guidance for choosing among alternative approaches for detecting, obviating, or correcting for alternative sources of ME, as these have different behavioral and inferential implications. Some ME biases statistical inference and thus may require econometric correction. Other types of ME may affect (and shed light on) farmers’ decision-making processes even if farmers’ responses are objectively incorrect. Where feasible, collecting both self-reported and objectively measured data for the same variable may enrich understanding of policy-relevant agricultural and behavioral phenomena.
Brain energetics and the connectionist concept in cognitive neuroscience
Authors: Arshavsky Yuri I.
Published: June 2023

One of the central paradigms of modern neuroscience is the connectionist concept suggesting that the brain’s cognitive functions are carried out at the level of neural networks through complex interactions among neurons. This concept considers neurons as simple network elements whose function is limited to generating electrical potentials and transmitting signals to other neurons. Here, I focus on the neuroenergetic aspect of cognitive functions and argue that many findings from this field challenge the concept that cognitive functions are performed exclusively at the level of neural circuits. Two of these findings are particularly foretelling. First, activation of the cerebral cortex in humans (sensory stimulation or solving cognitive problems) is not associated with a significant increase in energy demand. Second, the energetic cost of the brain per unit mass in primates, including Homo sapiens, is approximately proportional to the number of cerebral neurons but not to the number of synapses, the complexity of neural networks, or the level of brain’s intellectual abilities. These findings contradict the predictions of the connectionist concept. Rather, they suggest that cognitive functions are generated by intraneuronal mechanisms that do not require much energy. In this context, interactions among neurons would serve to coordinate activities of neurons performing elementary cognitive functions. This function of the network mechanisms also does not require much energy.
The Use of Membranes (ST-100, oXiris, and M60) for Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in a Child with Sepsis
Authors: Ying Jiayun , Cai Xiaodi , Lu Guoping , Chen Weiming
Published: June 2023

Sepsis is a critical condition affecting patients worldwide. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome in sepsis contributes to organ dysfunction and mortality. The oXiris is a recently developed continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) hemofilter indicated for the adsorption of cytokines from the bloodstream. In our study, in a septic child, CRRT with three filters, including the oXiris hemofilter, resulted in a downregulation of inflammatory biomarkers and a reduction of vasopressors. Herein, we described the first report of such usage in septic children.
Interferon-Induced Transmembrane Protein 3 rs34481144 C/T Genotype and Clinical Parameters Related to Progression of COVID-19
Authors: Gholami Melika , Sakhaee Fatemeh , Mirzaei Gheinari Fahimeh , Sotoodehnejadnematalahi Fattah , Ghazanfari Jajin Morteza , Zamani Mohammad Saber , Ahmadi Iraj , Anvari Enayat , Fateh Abolfazl
Published: June 2023

Recent research has associated the interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 gene (IFITM3) with the outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), although the findings are contradictory. This study aimed to determine the relationship between IFITM3 gene rs34481144 polymorphism and clinical parameters with COVID-19 mortality. The tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system–polymerase chain reaction assay was used to analyze IFITM3 rs34481144 polymorphism in 1,149 deceased and 1,342 recovered patients. The clinical parameters were extracted from the patients’ medical records. In this study, the frequency of IFITM3 rs34481144 CT genotypes (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.23–1.76,

P
<
0.0001

) in both sexes was significantly higher in deceased patients than in recovered patients. Moreover, IFITM3 rs34481144 TT genotypes (OR 3.38, 95% CI 1.05–10.87,

P
<
0.0001

) in women were significantly associated with COVID-19 mortality. The multivariable logistic regression model results indicated that mean age (

P
<
0.001

), alkaline phosphatase (

P
=
0.005

), alanine aminotransferase (

P
<
0.001

), low-density lipoprotein (

P
<
0.001

), high-density lipoprotein (

P
<
0.001

), fasting blood glucose (

P
=
0.010

), creatinine (

P
<
0.001

), uric acid (

P
<
0.001

), C-reactive protein (

P
=
0.004

), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (

P
<
0.001

), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (

P
<
0.001

), and real-time PCR Ct values (

P
<
0.001

) were linked with increased COVID-19 death rates. In conclusion, IFITM3 rs34481144 gene polymorphism was linked to the mortality of COVID-19, with the rs34481144-T allele being especially important for mortality. Further studies are needed to confirm the results of this study.
PPARβ/δ Agonism with GW501516 Increases Myotube PGC-1α Content and Reduces BCAA Media Content Independent of Changes in BCAA Catabolic Enzyme Expression
Authors: Rivera Caroline N. , Hinkle Jason S. , Watne Rachel M. , Macgowan Trent C. , Wommack Andrew J. , Vaughan Roger A.
Published: June 2023

Background. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by reduced insulin sensitivity, elevated blood metabolites, and reduced mitochondrial metabolism with reduced expression of genes governing metabolism such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α). PGC-1α regulates the expression of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism, and thus, increased circulating BCAA in diabetics may be partially explained by reduced PGC-1α expression. PGC-1α functions in-part through interactions with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ (PPARβ/δ). The present report examined the effects of the PPARβ/δ agonism on cell metabolism and related gene/protein expression of cultured myotubes, with a primary emphasis on determining the effects of GW on BCAA disposal and catabolic enzyme expression. Methods. C2C12 myotubes were treated with GW501516 (GW) for up to 24 hours. Mitochondrial and glycolytic metabolism were measured via oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification rate, respectively. Metabolic gene and protein expression were assessed via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot, respectively. Media BCAA content was assessed via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Results. GW significantly increased PGC-1α protein expression, mitochondrial content, and mitochondrial function. GW also significantly reduced BCAA content within culture media following 24-hour treatment; however, expression of BCAA catabolic enzymes/transporter was unchanged. Conclusion. These data confirm the ability of GW to increase muscle PGC-1α content and decrease BCAA media content without affecting BCAA catabolic enzymes/transporter. These findings suggest heightened BCAA uptake (and possibly metabolism) may occur without substantial changes in the protein levels of related cell machinery.
An Intelligent Fault Detection Framework for FW‐UAV Based on Hybrid Deep Domain Adaptation Networks and the Hampel Filter
Authors: Zhang Yizong , Li Shaobo , He Qiuchen , Zhang Ansi , Li Chuanjiang , Liao Zihao
Published: June 2023

Fixed‐wing unmanned aerial vehicles (FW‐UAVs) play an essential role in many fields, but the faults of FW‐UAV components lead to severe accidents frequently; so, there is a need to continuously explore more intelligent fault detection methods to improve the safety and reliability of FW‐UAVs. Deep learning provides advanced solution ideas for future UAV fault detection, but the current lack of UAV monitoring data limits the advantages of deep learning in UAV fault detection, which are both a challenge and an opportunity. In this paper, we mainly consider the data availability of deep learning under various practical flight conditions of FW‐UAVs and propose a fault detection framework based on hybrid deep domain adaptation BiLSTM networks and the Hampel filter (HDBNH), the main purpose of which is to learn the knowledge of acquired data for detecting FW‐UAV faults in other unknown operating conditions. HDBNH consists of three modules: feature extractor, domain adaptor, and fault detector. The feature extractor is two BiLSTM networks constructed to extract the past and future state features from the time‐series flight data. The discrepancy of feature distribution between different domains is effectively reduced in the domain adaptor by a hybrid adversarial and the maximum mean discrepancy (MMD) domain adaptation method. The fault detector consists of a fault classification module and a Hampel filter. According to the continuous and dynamic characteristics of FW‐UAV state changes, the Hampel filter is used to detect and correct the predicted values of the fault classification module. Meanwhile, a new state sample preparation strategy is proposed to support the work of HDBNH better. Finally, the effectiveness of HDBNH is confirmed by conducting extensive experiments in real FW‐UAV flight data.
Effect of Carrot Juice on the Texture Properties, Rheology, and Microstructure of Yoghurt
Authors: Bo Li-Ying , Pan Zhi-Qin , Sun Tian-Ying , Du Guo-Jun , Zhang Duo , Song Zhi-Qiang , Song Chun-Li , Jian Ren
Published: June 2023

In the present study, carrot juice prepared was added into skimmed milk before fermentation to produce 10% and 20% (w/w) carrot-fortified skim milk. The influence of carrot juice on the lactic acid content, chemical composition, syneresis, texture, rheology property, and microstructure was evaluated along with a potential of carrot juice as an ingredient with rich dietary fiber and a firm structure with interaction of milk protein and a complex matrix under acidification. The results showed that the pH of yoghurt significantly (

P
<
0.01

) reduced with carrot juice addition, minimizing fermentation time by nearly 1 h and brought about an enhanced postacidification during the storage period while titratable acidity increased. Moreover, carrot juice addition had no significant effect on ferric reducing power and phenolic content (

P
>
0.05

). With 10% and 20% level carrot juice added, the total phenolic content (mg GAEkg−1) increased (37.86 and 38.92, respectively) compared with control (36.91) (

P
<
0.05

). Besides, the addition of carrot juice also showed reduced syneresis, increased apparent viscosity and viscoelastic modulus, stable texture, and a refined microstructure. Overall, this study confirmed that carrot juice has a potential as natural and nutrient composition to obtain firm and compact texture and enhance the beneficial quality of yoghurt.
EFL Teachers’ Perceptions and Strategies in Fostering Learner Autonomy during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Salsya Khairani Putri , Amalia Lulu Laela
Published: June 2023

Learner autonomy is required when studying English as a Foreign Language (EFL). In fact, teacher-centered learning is still dominating the learning activity, where the students still depend on the teacher as the source of knowledge in the classroom, including in Indonesian context. Unfortunately, the world is now facing serious pandemic COVID-19 which has caused the teachers not able to do the teaching and learning process conventionally. This research sought two senior high school teachers in Lampung. In this study, questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used as instruments. This qualitative research aimed to describe the EFL teachers’ perceptions and strategies to foster learners’ autonomy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both EFL teachers agreed that autonomy meant that students could choose how they learned and be in charge of their own learning. The EFL teachers fostered learner autonomy by using some strategies such as assigning e-diaries, asking for a presentation based on certain tasks, and allowing students using educational apps as it is one of a tool to reach students’ learner autonomy. The result showed that teachers had positive perspectives and the eagerness to foster learner autonomy. Furthermore, the teachers’ strategies affect positive responses for their students during online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coping with Disruption using Social Media Marketing: A Full Throttle
Authors: Guillen Jr Nelson B.
Published: June 2023

This review expands our insights into how micro, small, and medium enterprises or MSMEs cope with disruption in Metro Manila in the Philippines using social media marketing. COVID-19 accelerated certain processes forcing local businesses to embrace digital marketing transformation. Thus, it enables local businesses to intensify their social media marketing (SMM) efforts to remain relevant due to a series of lockdowns and government-initiated restrictions. Based on the systematic review, the researcher proposes a conceptual framework to answer the question: How can MSMEs cope with disruption through social media marketing to attain positive brand equity? The proposed conceptual framework looked into synonymous themes such as marketing competencies (MC), omnichannel strategies (OC), and brand equity (BE). Within the process, MSMEs can optimize their social media marketing strategies as a springboard to reimagine the new normal with significance on how the business would aggrandize its resources. Moreover, as of October 2021, the entire nation has entered the post-pandemic period, making this study pertinent for local enterprises. Indeed, MSMEs attempt to bounce back from a two-year incubus.
Fast Food Love-themed Ads: Brand Experience in Storytelling
Authors: Vergara Raymond Allan G. , Vergara Kimberly Christie S.
Published: June 2023

This study seeks to understand how the brand experience of Jollibee and McDonald's were co-created through its love-themed ads. Using a case-based approach and a netnographic data collection method, it finds that brand experience may be co-created individually and communally. Brands have many opportunities to engage with and co-create value with their consumers through engaging stories that consumers find relatable.
A Critical Review of Educational Games as a Tool for Strengthening Digital Literacy
Authors: Rohmani Rohmani , Pambudi Nanda
Published: June 2023

The digital era is an era where knowledge can be easily obtained anytime and anywhere as long as it is connected to the internet network. To be able to access knowledge requires a special skill called digital literacy skill. Digital literacy skills can be developed in various ways, one of which is through game-based learning. The purpose of this study is to identify the development of the use of games in education that has been carried out by previous researchers related to strengthening digital literacy. The method used to collect data is by a systematic review, which is a research method by collecting and summarizing all the best available research on a particular question, using a transparent protocol that can be replicated to find, evaluate, and synthesize relevant research evidence. The results of the study obtained data from the scopus.com database with the keywords educational games in digital literacy learning as many as 189 articles and 13 articles that met the inclusion criteria for analysis. The use of educational games to strengthen digital literacy has been carried out in several countries with different types of games with the scope of increasing digital literacy skills, Collaboration and creativity, Finding Information, Critical Thinking, and Social Understanding.