bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microfluidic biosensors for biomarker detection in body fluids: a key approach for early cancer diagnosis
Authors: Liu Zhiting , Zhou Yingyu , Lu Jia , Gong Ting , Ibáñez Elena , Cifuentes Alejandro , Lu Weihong
Published: December 2024

Early detection of cancer significantly improves patient outcomes, with biomarkers offering a promising avenue for earlier and more precise diagnoses. Microfluidic biosensors have emerged as a powerful tool for detecting these biomarkers in body fluids, providing enhanced sensitivity, specificity, and rapid analysis. This review focuses on recent advances in microfluidic biosensors from 2018 to 2024, detailing their operational principles, fabrication techniques, and integration with nanotechnology for cancer biomarker detection. Additionally, we have reviewed recent innovations in several aspects of microfluidic biosensors, such as novel detection technologies, nanomaterials and novel microfluidic chip structures, which significantly enhance detection capabilities. We highlight key biomarkers pertinent to early cancer detection and explore how these innovations in biosensor technology contribute to the evolving landscape of personalized medicine. We further explore how these technologies could be incorporated into clinical cancer diagnostic workflows to improve early detection and treatment outcomes. These innovations could help enable more precise and personalized cancer diagnostics. In addition, this review addresses several important issues such as enhancing the scalability and sensitivity of these biosensors in clinical settings and points out future possibilities of combining artificial intelligence diagnostics with microfluidic biosensors to optimize their practical applications. This overview aims to guide future research and clinical applications by addressing current challenges and identifying opportunities for further development in the field of biomarker research.
Auspice and other policy-related variations in preschool practice in the United States: have public preschool programs been more academic?
Authors: Barnett W. Steven , Jung Kwanghee
Published: December 2024

We investigated the extent to which practices considered developmentally appropriate and inappropriate varied by preschool program auspice (private, public school, and Head Start). Survey data from a 2010 national sample of 2,664 teachers of 4-year-olds provided teacher reports on the frequency of seven practices (e.g., offering children choices of play activities, using flashcards and math worksheets), approach to teaching subject matter, and time spent in whole group activities. More than 90 percent of teachers in all auspices reported high frequencies of some developmentally appropriate practices (DAP). Yet, private program teachers reported less DAP, more use of flashcards and worksheets, and more whole group time per day than teachers in the two public sectors. Some but not all differences by auspice could be explained by differences in teacher and classroom characteristics by auspice. In the context of other studies indicating little change in practice since 2010, our results suggest that increased public provision of preschool education does not lead to “academization.” We identify several other issues related to curriculum and “instruction” in preschool education requiring increased attention from researchers and policymakers.
Insurgent Pathways
Authors: Keith Kerry
Published: December 2024

This article unpacks the material publication process of George Jackson's Soledad Brother. While much has been written on the enduring political and intellectual significance of this work, cultural materialist analysis can unpack how this book reached publication and why its material channels of communication are important for spatial thinking on prisons. The social networks, clandestine maneuvers, and legal loopholes that led to the book's publication all signal how the prison bears creative insurgent pathways within its architecture of racist incapacitation. Jackson's publication process highlights the disordering ruptures, incorrigibility, and out-of-sync moments that people incarcerated produce under the constraints of carceral control. Cultural materialist analysis of Soledad Brother not only is instructive for comprehending the politics, culture, and geography of California prisons in the early 1970s but also illuminates the everyday Black radical pulse of carceral resistance that produces space under some of the harshest conditions of carceral duress. The article ends by highlighting Jackson's continued influence in shaping prison resistance movements, at large and small scales.
CNS-CLIP: Transforming a Neurosurgical Journal Into a Multimodal Medical Model
Authors: Alyakin Anton , Kurland David , Alber Daniel Alexander , Sangwon Karl L. , Li Danxun , Tsirigos Aristotelis , Leuthardt Eric , Kondziolka Douglas , Oermann Eric Karl
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Classical biomedical data science models are trained on a single modality and aimed at one specific task. However, the exponential increase in the size and capabilities of the foundation models inside and outside medicine shows a shift toward task-agnostic models using large-scale, often internet-based, data. Recent research into smaller foundation models trained on specific literature, such as programming textbooks, demonstrated that they can display capabilities similar to or superior to large generalist models, suggesting a potential middle ground between small task-specific and large foundation models. This study attempts to introduce a domain-specific multimodal model, Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS)-Contrastive Language-Image Pretraining (CLIP), developed for neurosurgical applications, leveraging data exclusively from Neurosurgery Publications.

METHODS:

We constructed a multimodal data set of articles from Neurosurgery Publications through PDF data collection and figure-caption extraction using an artificial intelligence pipeline for quality control. Our final data set included 24 021 figure-caption pairs. We then developed a fine-tuning protocol for the OpenAI CLIP model. The model was evaluated on tasks including neurosurgical information retrieval, computed tomography imaging classification, and zero-shot ImageNet classification.

RESULTS:

CNS-CLIP demonstrated superior performance in neurosurgical information retrieval with a Top-1 accuracy of 24.56%, compared with 8.61% for the baseline. The average area under receiver operating characteristic across 6 neuroradiology tasks achieved by CNS-CLIP was 0.95, slightly superior to OpenAI's Contrastive Language-Image Pretraining at 0.94 and significantly outperforming a vanilla vision transformer at 0.62. In generalist classification, CNS-CLIP reached a Top-1 accuracy of 47.55%, a decrease from the baseline of 52.37%, demonstrating a catastrophic forgetting phenomenon.

CONCLUSION:

This study presents a pioneering effort in building a domain-specific multimodal model using data from a medical society publication. The results indicate that domain-specific models, while less globally versatile, can offer advantages in specialized contexts. This emphasizes the importance of using tailored data and domain-focused development in training foundation models in neurosurgery and general medicine.
The VEntriculostomy-Related Infection Score: An Antibiotic Stewardship Tool in Ventriculostomy-Related Infections
Authors: Repplinger Sébastien , Jacquier Hervé , Verret Alexandre , Berçot Béatrice , Munier Anne-Lise , Le Dorze Matthieu , Sonneville Romain , Chousterman Benjamin , Mebazaa Alexandre , Deniau Benjamin
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Diagnosing ventriculostomy-related infection (VRI), a common complication after external ventricular drainage (EVD), is challenging and often associated with delayed initiation of antibiotic therapy. We aimed to develop a stewardship score to help in the decision of antibiotic therapy initiation when VRI is suspected.

METHODS:

This retrospective, single-center cohort study included patients admitted to the intensive care unit after EVD placement who were suspected of having healthcare-associated ventriculitis and/or meningitis between January 1, 2012, and August 31, 2022. A multiple logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with the development of healthcare-associated meningitis or ventriculitis after EVD placement.

RESULTS:

A total of 331 patients were included. Eighty-one (23%) patients developed VRI between January 1, 2012, and August 31, 2022, whereas 250 (77%) did not (from January 1, 2018, to August 31, 2022). VRI-associated factors were EVD count >1 (odds ratio [OR] 3.69, P < .001), EVD duration >8 days (OR 6.71, P < .001), immunosuppression (OR 3.45, P = .028), recent neurosurgery (OR 7.74, P < .001), cerebrospinal fluid leak (OR 6.08, P < .001), and prophylactic antimicrobials (OR 0.26, P < .001). The VEntriculostomy-Related Infection score (VERI) score categorized VRI risk into 4 levels, with an area under the curve of 0.84.

CONCLUSION:

The VERI score is a robust, predictive tool for assessing the risk of VRI in patients with EVD, potentially guiding more judicious use of antibiotic therapy in the intensive care unit setting.
When Nations Can't Default: A History of War Reparations and Sovereign Debt
Authors: Chatterjee Satyajit
Published: December 2024

Satyajit Chatterjee of Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia reviews “When Nations Can't Default: A History of War Reparations and Sovereign Debt” by Simon Hinrichson. The Econlit abstract of this book begins: “Promotes the argument that war reparations are unlike other sovereign debt because the repayment is enforced by military and political force, exploring how debtor countries end up in suboptimal economic situations that do not occur during normal sovereign debt management.”
Sleep Quality and Immune Function: Implications for Overall Health – A Literature Review
Authors: Żerek Marta , Sitarek Gracjan
Published: December 2024

IntroductionSleep quality is increasingly acknowledged as critical for immune function and overall health. Poor sleep can disrupt immune response, elevating inflammation and susceptibility to infection and chronic diseases. Given the prevalence of sleep disturbances across populations, understanding their impact on immune health and overall wellness is essential.
Purpose of WorkThis review aims to examine the relationship between sleep quality and immune function by synthesizing findings on how poor sleep contributes to immune suppression, heightened inflammation, and mental health disturbances, particularly in vulnerable populations. This review also explores possible interventions to mitigate these effects.
Material and MethodsA literature search was conducted on databases including PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on studies from 2012 to 2023. Articles assessing sleep quality, immune markers, and the mediating roles of stress and depression were reviewed. Criteria included studies with both subjective and objective assessments of sleep, immune function, and relevant mental health markers.
SummaryFindings indicate that poor sleep quality negatively impacts immune health, primarily through increased systemic inflammation and decreased immune cell functionality. Depression and stress further exacerbate these effects, particularly in populations with chronic illnesses or high psychological distress. Targeted interventions that improve sleep quality and manage stress may bolster immune resilience and overall health. Future research should continue to address these interactions across diverse populations to develop targeted interventions.
movimentos e efeitos da palavra: uma reflexão sobre as narrativas de/sobre crianças no contexto escolar
Authors: seixas silva Conceição firmina , Guedes cavalcante Erika xavier
Published: December 2024

A escola é um lugar onde as crianças compartilham o espaço-tempo com seus pares, outros sujeitos que compõem seu cotidiano e, por vezes, pesquisadoras que vão a campo com suas inquietações. Para a produção deste artigo, foi utilizado como material-base o relatório de campo desenvolvido durante uma oficina realizada com crianças do 1º ano do ensino fundamental, matriculadas em uma escola municipal localizada na Zona Norte da cidade do Rio de Janeiro. A partir das falas, não falas e outras formas de expressão protagonizadas por estudantes, professora e pesquisadoras, buscamos entender o lugar da palavra na elaboração de narrativas por e sobre as crianças no contexto escolar. Além dos/as autores/as do campo dos estudos da infância, apoiamo-nos em textos literários e poéticos, por fornecerem elementos que nos permitem situarmo-nos no mundo a partir de perspectivas diversas. Como exercício de reflexão sobre os movimentos e efeitos da palavra, traçamos três linhas de análise: a palavra que anseia brecha e escuta; as palavras impostas, mal endereçadas, limitantes; e, por último, as narrativas inventadas que viram de ponta-cabeça. Além de provocar educadores/as a olharem para suas práticas pedagógicas e mediações, desafiamo-nos a pensar se há espaço na escola para a expressão livre e criadora, formadora de leituras de si e da vida.
LAND SUITABILITY EVALUATION FOR OKRA (Abelmoschus Esculentus L.) IN NAGARI NANGGALO, KOTO XI TARUSAN DISTRICT, PESISIR SELATAN REGENCY, INDONESIA USING GIS-AHP TECHNIQUE
Authors: Sefano Muhammad Aknil , Juniarti  , Gusnidar
Published: December 2024

Land suitability analysis is a beneficial activity in land resource planning and management. This study aimed to evaluate land suitability for okra cultivation in Nagari Nanggalo, Koto XI Tarusan District, Pesisir Selatan Regency, Indonesia, by integrating the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Topographic factors, climate, and soil characteristics were considered in this suitability assessment. Based on the research, it was concluded that in the land evaluation for okra cultivation, soil factors played the most significant role, with a weight of 53.9% according to the AHP analysis, followed by climate factors at 29.7% and topographic factors at 16.4%. The land suitability analysis results indicated that 87.05% (321 ha) of the area was highly suitable (S1), and 12.95% (47.80 ha) of the area was moderately suitable (S2) for okra cultivation. This research demonstrated that the area had the potential for okra production. However, it should be noted that proper soil management, as well as soil and water conservation measures, should be considered to enhance the current land suitability and improve crop yield. The soil map for land suitability designed in this study is useful for management decision-making.
Small-period DUV plasmonic Al nanohole arrays fabricated by wet colloidal template/substrate and the interface and hole size-dependent E-field enhancement effect
Authors: Hu Jinlian , Huang Shaoze , Dai Zhengfei , Gao Chuang , Wang Xiangdong , Liu Dilong , Li Yue
Published: December 2024

The fabrication of a uniform small-period Al nanohole array with pronounced deep-ultraviolet (DUV) plasmon is highly valuable in enhancing the intrinsic fluorescence of biochemical molecules for label-free detection. Since metal nanohole arrays have distinct optical transmission properties, it is often questioned whether the maximum electric field (E-field) enhancement effect coincides with the transmission peaks or transmission troughs. We efficiently fabricated uniform DUV plasmonic Al nanohole arrays with small periods by using a wet colloidal template/substrate in a facile and low-cost way. Further, theoretical simulation demonstrates that such an Al nanohole array exhibits interface and hole size-dependent multi-band E-field enhancement effects. We have analyzed the maximum E-field enhancement effect as well as the corresponding exciting wavelength λAl−air,Emax (or λAl−SiO2,Emax). At the metal–air interface, λAl−air,Emax is close to the transmission peak wavelength when the metal hole diameter is relatively small compared to the period, while λAl−air,Emax approaches the transmission trough wavelength when the hole diameter is relatively large. At the metal–SiO2 interface, the results are more complicated. The research will provide a reference for the simple synthesis of uniform and small-period Al nanohole arrays and promote the fundamental understanding of the E-field enhancement of the nanohole array. The multi-band E-field enhancement extended to the DUV region will be important for label-free optical detection of multiple biochemical molecules.
Common-mode phase noise suppression with an open-loop differential phasemeter
Authors: Dey Anneshwa , Sibley Paul G. , Wong Justin , Gray Malcolm B. , Bandutunga Chathura P.
Published: December 2024

We present direct differential phase recovery-an open-loop phasemeter topology for differential optical interferometric measurements. The technique aims to remove common mode signal dynamics prior to phase-tracking, which reduces the dynamic range requirements of the phasemeter tracking optical phase differences. A phase difference measurement is experimentally demonstrated with this technique, achieving a phase sensitivity of 1 × 10−6 rad/Hz with a common-mode noise rejection of 141 dB. We demonstrate this performance whilst individual channels are subject to numerous cycle slips and unable to track phase.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV healthcare delivery for females in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review
Authors: Kothari Reeya , Baran Rachel Victoria , Rudziak Paulina , Shah Vishva , Nouvet Elysée
Published: December 2024

Throughout sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), females are disproportionately impacted by HIV and face generalized but also gendered social and economic barriers to accessing HIV healthcare and services. At the outset of the pandemic, many anticipated COVID-19 would represent a major set-back for HIV care in the region. The impact of COVID-19 on HIV health services and HIV-affected populations has been reported in specific populations but has not been synthesized for females in the SSA region. The objective of this scoping review is to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on HIV healthcare delivery and services for females in SSA. Four databases were searched to identify relevant studies. Studies included were limited to English primary research articles reporting on the interactions between COVID-19 and HIV healthcare delivery and services amongst females in SSA. Two pairs of reviewers each screened 1390 articles via abstract and full-text screening, and data extraction was facilitated with a standardized protocol. A total of 39 studies were included in this review. Through thematic analysis of the articles, we identified five major themes—accessibility, availability, affordability, clinical barriers, and psychosocial barriers—which complicated the provision of HIV care during the COVID-19 pandemic and facilitators of HIV care during the pandemic. The literature highlighted two special populations, female sex workers and pregnant females, as having unique challenges in accessing HIV care due to societal stigma and their personalized health needs. Reviewed articles indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic introduced and exacerbated barriers to the accessibility, availability, and affordability of HIV healthcare and services for females in SSA. This review should be used by healthcare workers, healthcare administrators, policymakers, and the government to better understand the current gaps in HIV service provision to females during the COVID-19 pandemic, which can support the delivery of HIV care to females for future public health emergencies.
Advancing the application of pXRF for animal samples
Authors: Brandis Kate J. , Francis Roxane J. , Zawada Kyle J. A. , Hasselerharm Chris D. , Ramp Daniel
Published: December 2024

Portable x-ray fluorescent (pXRF) technology provides significant opportunities for rapid, non-destructive data collection in a range of fields of study. However, there are sources of variation and sample assumptions that may influence the data obtained, particularly in animal samples. We used representative species for four taxa (fish, mammals, birds, reptiles) to test the precision of replicate scans, and the impact of sample thickness, sample state, scan location and scan time on data obtained from a pXRF. We detected some significant differences in concentration data due to sample state, scanning time and scanning location for all taxa. Infinite thickness assumptions were met for fish, reptile and mammal representatives at all body locations. Infinite thickness was not met for feathers. Scan time results found in most cases the 40, 60 and 80 second beam scan times were equivalent but significantly different to 20 second beam scan times. Concentration data across replicate scans were highly correlated. The opportunities for the use of pXRF in biological studies are wide-ranging. These findings highlight the considerations required when scanning biological samples to ensure the required data are suitably collected and standardised while reducing radiation exposure to live animals.
Ultrasonographic and pathological correlation of asymmetric retroareolar density on mammogram
Authors: Jha Anamika , Chaudhary Ranjit Kumar , Shrivastav Shreya , Khanal Umesh
Published: December 2024

Background

Retroareolar region refers to the region within two centimeters from the nipple and/or involves the nipple-areolar complex on mammogram. In this study, we graded asymmetric retroareolar density on mammography and determined the underlying cause.

Objectives

To identify and grade retroareolar densities and evaluate characteristics of lesion using ultrasonography and histopathology.

Methods

Mammograms with asymmetric retroareolar density done in our tertiary care hospital were included. Retroareolar density was categorized into three grades based on morphological appearance in mammography. Sonography was performed in all patients and tissue diagnosis was obtained for suspicious lesions.

Results

Of the 100 patients included in the study, most of the patients with mammographic grade 1, grade 2 and 3 retroareolar asymmetry had normal sonography, pathologically proven mastitis and invasive ductal carcinoma, respectively. Presenting indication usually was diagnostic (n = 87), lump being most common. Benign (58%) diagnosis was more often present, with equal number of normal studies and malignancies (21%). Frequently pathologically proven malignant lesions (n = 17) had grade 3 asymmetry and none were grade 1. Invasive ductal carcinoma was the most common malignancy while mastitis the most common benign disease.

Conclusions

Grade I retroareolar asymmetric density on mammography was normal or had a benign etiology while grade 2 or 3 asymmetric density had underlying pathology, often malignancy.

Contribution

Grading retroareolar density in mammogram may improve the evaluation of retroareolar region and increase emphasis on higher grades.
Using Glittr.org to find, compare and re-use online materials for training and education
Authors: van Geest Geert , Haefliger Yann , Zahn-Zabal Monique , Palagi Patricia M.
Published: December 2024

A wealth of excellent training and educational materials for the computational life sciences are scattered around the Internet, but they can be hard to find. Many materials reside in public Git repositories that are hosted on platforms such as GitHub and GitLab. Glittr.org is a manually curated database of Git repositories, which enables users to find educational materials that would otherwise be hard to identify. With the application, users can search and compare educational materials based on topic and author, but also on engagement metrics such as stargazers (bookmarks) and recency (days since last commit). Glittr.org currently contains 664 entries, which are assigned to six different categories within the domain of computational life sciences. By analysing the database, we reveal insights in the availability of materials per topic, collaboration patterns of developers, and licensing practices. This knowledge helps to understand in which areas open educational materials are scant, the importance of Git for collaboration on educational materials and how licensing can be improved to enhance sharing and reuse. Taken together, we show that Glittr.org contains a wealth of connected and openly available metadata. Therefore, it enhances adherence to the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles, which benefits learners, teachers and trainers in the entire life sciences community and beyond.
Differential relationship between meditation methods and psychotic-like and mystical experiences
Authors: Palmer Timothy , Kadri Kenza , Fakra Eric , Scholl Jacqueline , Fouragnan Elsa
Published: December 2024

Much work has investigated beneficial effects of mindfulness-based meditation methods, but less work has investigated potential risks and differences across meditation methods. We addressed this in a large pre-registered online survey including 613 mediators where we correlated participants’ experience with fifty meditation techniques to psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) and mystical experiences. We found a positive correlation for both PLEs and mystical experiences with techniques aiming at reducing phenomenological content (‘null-directed’, NDM) or classified as non-dual or less embodied. In contrast, methods aiming at achieving an enhanced cognitive state (CDM), also described as ‘attentional’ or strongly embodied, showed negative correlations with PLEs. Interestingly, participants’ subjectively perceived that all types of meditation techniques were preventative of PLEs but less so for NDM. Participants differed in their reasons for meditating, broadly grouped into associated with spiritual exploration and associated with health. Participants who meditated for spiritual reasons were more likely to choose NDM techniques and more likely to experience PLEs. In contrast, participants who meditated for health-related reasons were more likely to choose CDM techniques. This study provides important information for meditators about the relationship of different techniques with PLEs and the moderating influences of individual traits.
Global analysis of the influence of environmental variables to explain ecological niches and realized thermal niche boundaries of sea snakes
Authors: Patrón-Rivero Carlos , Osorio-Olvera Luis , Rojas-Soto Octavio , Chiappa-Carrara Xavier , Villalobos Fabricio , Bessesen Brooke , López-Reyes Kevin , Yañez-Arenas Carlos
Published: December 2024

Understanding the factors affecting species distributions is a central topic in ecology and biogeography. However, most research on this topic has focused on species inhabiting terrestrial environments. At broad scales, abiotic variables consistently serve as primary determinants of species’ distributions. In this study, we investigated the explanatory power of different abiotic variables in determining the distribution patterns of sea snakes on a global scale. Additionally, as the boundaries of realized thermal niches have significant implications for the ecology of species and their geographic distributions, we evaluated the asymmetry of realized thermal limits (i.e., differences in variances between the upper and lower limits of the realized thermal niche). We obtained 10 marine environmental variables from global databases along with >5000 occurrence records for 51 sea snake species in 4 genera across the group’s entire known geographic range. Using these data, we employed correlative ecological niche modeling to analyze the influence of the individual variables in explaining species’ distributions. To estimate the realized thermal limits of each species, we extracted the mean, minimum, and maximum temperature values at four depths (superficial, mean benthic, minimum benthic, and maximum benthic) for each occurrence record of the species. We then evaluated the asymmetry of the realized thermal niche by measuring and comparing the variances in the upper and lower limits. Both analyses (the importance of variables and realized thermal limit asymmetry) were performed at three taxonomic levels (sea snakes as a lineage of marine-adapted elapids [true sea snakes + sea kraits], subfamily, and genus) and two spatial resolutions. Overall, we found that temperature, silicate, nitrate, salinity, and phosphate concentrations were the most influential factors in explaining the spatial distribution patterns of sea snakes, regardless of taxonomic level or spatial resolution. Similarly, we observed that the realized thermal limits were asymmetric, with a higher variance in the lower limits, and that asymmetry decreased as the taxonomic level and spatial resolution increased.
Integrating weather indices with field performance of novel fungicides for management of late blight of potato (Phytophthora infestans) in North Eastern Himalayan Region of India
Authors: Dey Utpal , Sarkar Shatabhisa , Sehgal Mukesh , Awasthi D. P. , De Biman , Dutta Pranab , Majumdar Saikat , Pal Prasenjit , Chander Subhash , Sharma Ph. Ranjit , Mohanty A. K.
Published: December 2024

The hemibiotrophic fungus-like oomycete phytopathogen, Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary, causing late blight disease of potato, is one of the most serious foliar diseases of potato. The pathogen spread very rapidly and can infect at any stage of crop growth.The field experiments were carried out during winter (rabi) season of 2020–21 and winter (rabi) season of 2021–22 to find out the correlation between the disease progress and environmental factors and the effective novel fungicides registered under Central Insecticide Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC) against P. infestans. Results revealed that T7: Mandipropamid 23.4% SC @ 0.1% (1.0 ml/L) at 35 & 55 days after sowing (DAS) and Ametoctradin 27% + Dimethomorph 20.27% SC @ 0.1% (1.0 ml/L) at 45 & 65 DAS recorded least average per cent late blight disease incidence (PLBDI) of 13.00 and 9.33, per cent late blight disease severity/index (PLBDS) of 8.81 and 5.96 and maximum tuber yield of 21.58 and 21.86 t/ha with highest benefit cost ratio (BCR) value of 1:1.95 and 1: 1.99 as compared to control during winter (rabi) season of 2020–21 and winter (rabi) season of 2021–22, respectively. T7 exhibited minimum Area under the Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC) value during both the consecutive seasons. The disease is positively correlated with maximum and minimum temperature, morning and evening relative humidity and sunshine hours. Linearity assumption scatter matrix indicates coefficient of determination of 0.916 was calculated using the pooled data.The relative potato tuber yield loss ranged from 7.38 to 19.96% and 7.14 to 19.62% during 2020–21 and 2021–22, respectively. Spray schedule with contact fungicide followed by systemic/translaminar + contact fungicide recorded reduced potato late blight disease with highest BCR value under natural epiphytotic condition.
Trends and determinants of caesarean section in South Asian countries: Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan
Authors: Rana Md Sohel , Mazumder Shrabanti , Khan Md Tareq Ferdous , Khan Md Mobarak Hossain , Rahman Md Mijanur
Published: December 2024

Background

The prevalence of caesarean sections (C-sections) has remarkably increased in the past few decades worldwide, especially in the lower and middle-income countries (LMICs). To our best knowledge, no studies focused on and compared the C-section scenarios of Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan based on the latest demographic and health survey (DHS) data.

Objectives

To assess the trends and factors associated with C-sections in the three South Asian countries.

Study population

Mothers aged 15–49 years participated in DHS 1990 to 2017–2018 and gave birth within three years of each of the surveys in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan.

Materials and methods

This study analyzed data from five recent DHS rounds in Bangladesh and four in Nepal and Pakistan. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between C-sections and sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

The results show that institutional delivery and C-sections have increased throughout the period in all three countries. In Bangladesh, the hospital birth rate increased from 10.0% in 2004 to 49.9% in 2017, and the corresponding figures [S1 Appendix: Figure A1 and Figure A2] for C-sections increased from 3.5% to 32.8%. In Nepal, the hospital birth rate increased from 11.0% in 2001 to 58.6% in 2016, and the C-sections from 0.8% to 11.0%. Pakistan observed a sharp increase from 13.7% to 66.3% and 2.7% to 22.3% in the respective cases from 1990 to 2017. Results from regression reveal that the mother’s age, place of residence, education, partner’s education, wealth status, birth order, number of antenatal care visits, and body mass index are associated with C-section deliveries in all three countries.

Conclusions

Our findings regarding the association of sociodemographic factors with increased C-sections may help identify subgroups of women susceptible to C-sections and offer better support regarding C-sections plans. However, the substantial increase in C-sections across the three countries warrants further investigation to identify the reasons.
Effects of fishing restrictions on the recovery of the endangered Saimaa ringed seal (Pusa hispida saimensis) population
Authors: Jounela Pekka , Auttila Miina , Alakoski Riikka , Niemi Marja , Kunnasranta Mervi
Published: December 2024

Over the past three decades, incidental bycatch has been the single most frequent verified cause of death of the endangered Saimaa ringed seal (Pusa hispida saimensis). Spatial and temporal fishing closures have been enforced to mitigate bycatch, which is mainly caused by the gillnets of recreational fishers. In this study, we employed an array of statistical machine learning methods to recognize patterns of death and to evaluate the impacts of annual fishing closures (15th April–30th June) on the recovery of the Saimaa ringed seal population during 1991–2021. We additionally used the potential biological removal (PBR) procedure to assess bycatch sustainability. The study shows that gillnet restriction areas are reflected in the timing of juvenile bycatch mortality of the Saimaa ringed seal. In the 1990s, peak mortality occurred at the beginning of June, but as the restrictions expanded regionally in the 2000s, the peak shifted to the beginning of July. Longer temporal coverage of annual closures would have improved juvenile survival. The study also shows that estimated bycatch mortality is higher than observed: the estimated bycatch averaged approximately two unobserved bycatches per one observed bycatch. Despite the continuing bycatch mortality, a larger number of juveniles nowadays survive to the age of 15 months due to fishing closures, and the population (some 420 individuals) has increased an average 4% per year between 2017 and 2021. However, human-caused mortality limits (PBR) were exceeded by observed bycatch only, which could lead to population depletion in the long run.
Propagation characteristics of P-wave incident on a single uncoupled joint based on g-λ model
Authors: Fan Zhanfeng , Xie Qiang
Published: December 2024

This paper theoretically explores the propagation attenuation of normally incident P-waves on a single uncoupled joint exhibiting nonlinear deformation behavior. The stress-deformation model of the single uncoupled joint (g-λ model with λ ≥ 1) is employed to depict the nonlinearity of uncoupled joints, with a greater value of the parameter λ signifying a lower degree of non-linearity in the joint model curve. By making use of the characteristic line approach in conjunction with the discontinuous displacement model, we have obtained the finite difference expressions which precisely represent the particle velocity and energy transmission coefficient of the transmitted wave. The expressions for the stiffness transmission coefficient and the stiffness reflection coefficient, which can effectively reflect the nonlinear variation in joint stiffness, have been accomplished. Parametric investigations are carried out to examine the impacts of nonlinear joint normal deformation on P-wave transmission. The findings suggest that when λ is respectively equal to 4.19, 8.57, 10, and 12.15, the peak particle velocity (PPV) of the transmitted waves is significantly close to the incident wave amplitude. Furthermore, when λ is fixed, the energy transmission coefficient increases with the incident wave amplitude but decreases with the incident wave frequency. The stiffness transmission coefficient rises while the stiffness reflection coefficient drops with the increasing joint closure. And if the value of λ assumes larger values, the distortion in the shape of the transmitted wave is associated with the plastic deformation in the uncoupled rock mass. These results broaden the application scope of the g-λ model and can be employed to identify fault positions in jointed rock masses during the advanced geological prediction of mountain tunnels.
Classification of glucose-level in deionized water using machine learning models and data pre-processing technique
Authors: Quang Tri Ngo , Nguyen Thanh Tung , Anh Duc Le , Thi Viet Huong Pham , Cong Doanh Sai
Published: December 2024

Accurate monitoring of glucose levels is essential in the field of diabetes detection and prevention to ensure appropriate treatment planning. Conventional blood glucose monitoring methods, although widely used, are intrusive and frequently result in discomfort. This study investigates the use of Raman spectroscopy as a non-invasive method for estimating glucose concentrations. Our proposition entails employing machine learning models to categorize glucose levels by utilizing Raman spectrum data. The collection consists of deionized water samples containing glucose with defined amounts, guaranteeing great purity and little interference. We assess the efficacy of three machine learning models in categorizing glucose levels which including Extra Trees, Random Forest, and Support Vector Machine (SVM). In addition, we employ data pre-processing techniques such as fluorescence background removal and hotspot series extraction to improve the performance of the model. The primary results demonstrate that the utilization of these pre-processing techniques greatly enhances the accuracy of classification. Among these techniques, the Extra Trees model achieves the highest accuracy, reaching 95%. This study showcases the viability of employing machine learning techniques to forecast glucose levels based on Raman spectroscopy data. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of data pre-processing in enhancing the accuracy of the model’s results.
Risk contagion of COVID-19 to oil prices: A Markov switching GARCH and PCA approach
Authors: Siddiqui Nida , Mohamad Hasim Haslifah
Published: December 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on crude oil prices created additional risks throughout the financial industry. To contribute to the ongoing debates, this paper empirically examined the risk contagion of COVID-19 to oil prices by incorporating a Markov-Switching GARCH (MS-GARCH) framework and the multivariate GARCH time series model, BEKK-GARCH model. The study examines data collected between 27 January 2020 and 31 December 2020. Further, we used principal component analysis (PCA) to find principal factors explaining the overall variability of the global economic indicators that contribute to the risk. Finally, to support the risk transmission effects between COVID-19 and oil prices, we conducted regression analysis, while controlling for the factors extracted from the PCA method.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss among the general population in Jordan; A cross-sectional study
Authors: Abutaima Rana , Barakat Muna , Sawan Hana M. , Al Omari Shatha M. , Mhaidat Nizar M.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Obesity has emerged as a global pandemic, with its prevalence notably increasing during the COVID-19 lockdown of 2019. In response, many individuals have turned to pharmacological interventions, including antidiabetic medications, as means of achieving weight loss with minimal effort. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the Jordanian population regarding the use of antidiabetic agents, specifically glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and biguanides, for weight management.

Method

A self-administered validated online questionnaire was developed and disseminated to public utilizing a cross-sectional design. Data were extracted to examine descriptive statistics. Linear regression was performed to evaluate associations with knowledge and attitude. A p-value ≤0.05 was chosen to indicate statistical significance.

Results

Total of 389 responses were analyzed, 65.6% females, 54.2% married, 78.1% living in the center of Jordan, 35.5% overweight and 26.5% have >1000 Jordanian Dinars monthly income. Fifty seven percent of the study participants think that antidiabetics could be used for weight loss. 47.27%, 44.55%, 68.18% recognized glucagon-like peptide-1receptor agonists; (Ozempic®), (Saxenda®), (Mounjaro®) as well as (Glucophage®) use for weight loss, respectively and 12.3% of participants used medications to lose weight. Neutral attitude was observed. Gender and body mass index were significantly affecting the participants knowledge (p<0.001, p = 0.002, respectively).

Conclusion

Use of (Ozempic®), (Saxenda®) and other antidiabetics to lose weight become a common practice. The results of this study suggests supervising prescription and dispensing to avoid misuse, especially, in people who are contraindicated to use them.
Tarantula welfare may be improved with greater environmental complexity: A preliminary behavioral study with Brazilian black tarantulas (Grammastola pulchra)
Authors: Stalter Laura , Dorleus Tayler , Milone Nicholas , Sincage Jamie , Skurski Michelle , Leeds Austin
Published: December 2024

Increased environmental complexity has positive effects on the welfare status of vertebrates living in human care; however, this line of research has received little focus in invertebrates. Here we conducted a preliminary investigation of Brazilian black tarantula (Grammastola pulchra) behavior in relation to environmental complexity. Using a counterbalanced design, we housed tarantulas in both Standard and Complex environments. Complex housing was differentiated from Standard by being approximately six times larger and containing six times as many structural elements. We evaluated (1) how does tarantula behavior differ between these two housing conditions, (2) does housing affect tarantula behavior in a novel environment test, and (3) do tarantulas prefer one housing condition over the other? Activity budgets were approximately equivalent between the two housing conditions with inactivity accounting for nearly all observed behavior. Home ranges and core areas were 77% and 113% larger in the Complex housing condition. When in a novel environment, tarantulas had 150% greater odds of being active after living in the Complex condition. Interestingly, the tarantulas showed no clear preference for either environment in the preference test. Our preliminary results suggest tarantula welfare may be improved with greater environmental complexity as demonstrated through more neophilic response to novelty and greater home range and core area size when living in Complex housing. However, it is worth noting that broad patterns of behavior were similar, no clear preference in housing was identified, and our study sample size was limited. Further research is needed to better understand the behavior and welfare of tarantulas, but this study demonstrates how established methodologies used in the study of vertebrates can be readily applied to invertebrates.
Coordination strategies to improve COVID-19 PCR laboratory testing scale up in Nepal: An analysis
Authors: Bakker Hannah , Govindakarnavar Arunkumar , Krishnan Krishnakumari Parvathy , Gromicho Joaquim , Côté Fannie L. , Lahrichi Nadia , Jha Priya , Shrestha Saugat , Mulmi Rashmi , Bhusal Nirajan , Stapith Deepesh , Jha Runa , Shrestha Lilee , Naidoo Dhamari , Samuel Reuben , del Rio Vilas Victor
Published: December 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nepal rapidly expanded its PCR testing capacity, essential for effective outbreak response. However, many laboratories faced overwhelming test volumes, resulting in delays that may have hindered containment efforts. This study aims to determine whether these challenges stemmed from capacity limitations and/or imbalanced sample distribution due to inadequate coordination. In this retro-perspective simulation of SARS-CoV-2 testing in Nepal during 2021, we evaluate the impact of coordinated sample transfers on reducing laboratory stress and wait times during demand peaks. Our findings reveal that centralized coordination and strategic partnerships for sample transfers significantly enhance diagnostic network performance, even under high demand. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers on implementing effective coordination strategies to strengthen diagnostic networks for future pandemics.
Nonnegative matrix factorization with Wasserstein metric-based regularization for enhanced text embedding
Authors: Li Mingming , Wang Xingjie , Li Chunhua , Zeng Anping
Published: December 2024

Text embedding plays a crucial role in natural language processing (NLP). Among various approaches, nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) is an effective method for this purpose. However, the standard NMF approach, fundamentally based on the bag-of-words model, fails to utilize the contextual information of documents and may result in a significant loss of semantics. To address this issue, we propose a new NMF scheme incorporating a regularization term based on the Wasserstein metric, which quantifies an approximation of a word-context matrix to leverage semantic information. Since the word-context matrix is typically symmetric and positive definite (SPD), the Wasserstein metric used in the regularization is related to a natural SPD manifold structure. We then build upon this manifold structure to integrate an explicit expression of the Wasserstein metric into the NMF framework. Additionally, we introduce modifications to the gradient computation to adapt three fundamental classes of numerical algorithms from ordinary NMF to tackle the Wasserstein-regularized NMF (NMF-WR) problem. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the NMF-WR model and the proposed algorithms, we conduct experiments on popular datasets, focusing on topic modeling and document clustering. The results indicate that the NMF-WR model exhibits superior performance compared to other conventional NMF models in processing text embeddings. These findings suggest that this novel NMF-WR framework not only enhances semantic representation but also underscores a commitment to the model’s reliability and interpretability.