bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benjamin Britten's Musical Characterization of the Madwoman in Curlew River
Authors: Fink Stanley Ralph
Published: June 2024

This article focuses on the musical depiction of madness in Benjamin Britten's parable for church performance, Curlew River. The article demonstrates that Britten transforms motives by chromatic (modulo-12) transposition and inversion when associating them with the Madwoman, and diatonic (modulo-7) transposition when associating them with the rational, masculine characters of the story. Consequently, he forges familiar associations between chromaticism and madness, on the one hand, and diatonicism and rationality, on the other. Furthermore, Britten marks the Madwoman's music for difference through immobilizing harmonies (i.e., dissonant vertical stacks of notes) and inversional symmetry. Though inversional symmetry in music carries many potential meanings, two pertinent interpretations—coded sexuality and disability—formerly were accompanied with a shared stigmatization. In contrasting the post-tonal relationships present in the Madwoman's music with the, at times, diatonic and stable music of the other characters, the article will show the familiar framing of madness with normal rationality. The article suggests varied methods of pitch organization as a possibility to be considered alongside other means of musical characterization (such as motive and tonal symbolism) in the analysis of twentieth-century dramatic musical works.
Defining an Individualized Functional Range of Motion in Resistance Exercises for the Shoulder
Authors: Landolfi Emilio , Bernardes Rogerio (Roger)
Published: June 2024

Apply It!

By reading this article, the reader will:

• Explore biomechanical and structural/anatomical considerations for resistance training exercises.

• Learn practical examples to avoid resistance-training–related injuries for the shoulder.

• Know safe, optimal options for shoulder press, pulling, and abduction exercises.
Gastrocopta pellucida hordeacella (Eupulmonata: Gastrocoptidae) in the semiarid region of Brazil
Authors: Cosmo Tomaz de Abreu Evandro , Felipe Barbosa Lima Silvio , de Almeida Alves-Júnior Flavio
Published: June 2024

The genus Gastrocopta Wollaston, 1878 includes land microsnails belonging to the family Gastrocoptidae Pilsbry, 1918 that live in a variety of terrestrial ecosystems in tropical and temperate regions. This paper records the land microsnail Gastrocopta pellucida hordeacella (Pilsbry, 1890) in the semiarid region of Brazil, expanding knowledge on the area of occurrence of the taxon in northeastern Brazil. Shells of the gastrocoptid G. pellucida hordeacella were collected in leaf litter bordering and entering the native vegetation in Engenheiro Ávidos Ecological Park. The shells were identified using a stereomicroscope, and photographs were used to aid in measurement. The shells were about 1.6 mm in length. There is a smooth, blunt protoconch with one whorl and an abrupt transition to the teleoconch, which is marked by a tenuous axial edge and has four apertural barriers that do not obstruct the aperture: a large, bifid parietoangular tooth somewhat displaced towards the upper corner of the parietal region, two palatal teeth and a subhorizontal columellar tooth. Knowledge on the diversity of G. pellucida hordeacella and other land microsnails in forest ecosystems is extremely underestimated in Brazil.
A new record of the pond snail Galba prima Yu, Neubauer et Jochum, 2021 (Gastropoda: Lymnaeidae) from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber
Authors: Balashov Igor , Anistratenko Vitaliy
Published: June 2024

The record of third specimen of the recently described freshwater snail Galba prima Yu, Neubauer et Jochum, 2021 from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber is reported. This specimen shows a significant resemblance to the holotype of the species. Unlike the types of Galba prima, our shell is embedded in the amber piece together with numerous specimens of various minute arthropods. The taxonomic composition of these terrestrial arthropods suggests that these specimens as well as snail inhabited edges of a small fluctuating water body nestled within the tropical forest.
A survey of the training experiences and needs on Wellcome Trust PhD programmes
Authors: Fawcett Charlotte , Sandilands Kathryn , Ng'ang'a Rispah , Muasya William , Budriunaite Ieva , Andleeb Humma , Gatua Winfred , de Abreu Nunes Laetitia , Oketch John , Piazza Giulia G.
Published: June 2024

Background Training for PhD researchers was previously identified by the Wellcome Trust funded Emerging Research Cultures project as an area for further investigation to ensure an inclusive culture which enables PhD students to become well-rounded researchers. Methods The Taskforce on Training conducted a survey of 35 Wellcome Trust-funded PhD students and 10 programme administrators to evaluate the provision of training in eight key areas. This survey examined a number of issues, such as availability and knowledge of training, potential gaps in training, and the perceived usefulness of training. Results PhD students reported that training was generally useful and viewed as important; technical training in particular was highly valued. However, the survey identified that students desired additional training in project management and personal development. A survey of programme administrators highlighted the wide variety in training availability for students across several Wellcome Trust programmes currently run in the UK. Conclusion In response to these findings, a number of recommendations were made. These included: promotion of peer mentoring for PhD students, and alternative methods for delivery of well-being training. However, this report only explores the views of a limited number of Wellcome Trust funded PhD students and would benefit from further research into the experiences of PhD students, programme administrators, and PhD supervisors.
The genome sequence of the yellow-legged black legionnaire, Beris chalybata (Forster, 1771)
Authors: Crowley Liam M. , Akinmusola Ruth Y. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: June 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Beris chalybata (the yellow-legged black legionnaire; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Stratiomyidae). The genome sequence is 541.9 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 6 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X and Y sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.8 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 17,511 protein coding genes.
The genome sequence of the Beaded Chestnut moth, Agrochola lychnidis (Denis & Schiffermüller) 1775
Authors: Crowley Liam M. , Holland Peter W.H. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: June 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Agrochola lychnidis (the Beaded Chestnut; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence is 799.2 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z and W sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.49 kilobases in length.
Assessment of sustainability and health promotion of three public parks in Poland’s Pomerania Region
Authors: Trojanowska Monika
Published: June 2024

The new tendency in Urban Green Spaces (UGS) design is to establish sustainable and health-promoting public parks – often described as the new (second) generation of public parks. The possibilities of wider implementation of the new generation of public parks are presented as an example of a recently constructed or revitalized park in the Pomerania region. This paper discusses three public parks in the Pomerania region – Public Municipal Parks in Rumia, Reda and Wejherowo. In this study, the main research question was whether the selected parks promote the well-being of inhabitants as well as sustainability. The parks were assessed using a standardized tool – the universal standard of health-promoting urban places. All three parks are places for physical, mental and social restoration of neighborhood communities, as well as ecological education. Thus, they can be regarded as health-affirming urban places
Treatment Methods for Varicose Veins of the Lower Limbs
Authors: Wąs Marcin , Latała Aleksandra , Zozula Natalia , Rykucka Aleksandra , Kiełbasa Justyna , Kowalczyk Agata , Bil Katarzyna , Ślesicka Iga , Tomczewska Zuzanna , Przestrzelska Magda
Published: June 2024

Introduction and Purpose: Varicose veins in the lower limbs are common, particularly among those with prolonged standing occupations, contributing to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). CVI affects about 60% of adults, with varicose veins present in 25–33% of women and 10–20% of men, increasing with age. Understanding and addressing this condition is crucial as it impacts daily life and raises the risk of thrombosis. Effective treatments are essential to alleviate these health issues.
State of Knowledge: Varicose veins result from a mix of genetic, hemodynamic, and vein wall factors. Family history plays a significant role, increasing susceptibility. Hemodynamic issues include malfunctioning venous valves and elevated venous pressure. Vein wall changes and thrombotic activity also contribute. Symptoms range from cosmetic concerns to pain and complications like venous ulcers. Understanding these factors is key for effective management.
Conclusions: Surgical treatments like high ligation and stripping are standard but have drawbacks such as scarring and long recovery. Valvuloplasty addresses deep venous valve issues but is limited. Minimally invasive options, such as endovenous laser therapy and sclerotherapy, offer promising alternatives but with some recurrence risk. Compression therapies, including elastic stockings and pneumatic compression, aid recovery and symptom relief. Elastic bandage therapy is effective but requires precise application to avoid complications. Each method has pros and cons, underscoring the need for tailored treatment approaches.
Exploring the efficacy of cannabinoids in the management of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Rykucka Aleksandra , Zozula Natalia , Wąs Marcin , Kiełbasa Justyna , Kowalczyk Agata , Bil Katarzyna , Ślesicka Iga , Latała Aleksandra , Tomczewska Zuzanna , Przestrzelska Magda
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, marked by inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration. It severely impacts quality of life with symptoms like spasticity, pain, and cognitive impairment. Conventional treatments often fail, necessitating alternative therapies.
Purpose: This review evaluates the efficacy and safety of cannabis extracts in treating MS, enhancing understanding of their benefits and limitations.
State of knowledge: Studies suggest that cannabinoids may alleviate MS symptoms, particularly spasticity and pain. Clinical trials have shown significant reductions in muscle stiffness and pain, along with improved sleep quality. Meta-analyses, by Whiting et al. and Cochrane, support these findings but highlight the risk of side effects, which may limit long-term use. Additionally, research on animal models and in vitro studies indicate that cannabinoids may have neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties, potentially reducing neuroinflammation and demyelination.
Conclusion: Cannabinoids exhibit potential as a complementary therapy for managing MS symptoms, especially spasticity and pain. However, evidence is mixed, with some studies showing limited efficacy and considerable risk of side effects. More long-term, high-quality studies are needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential and safety profile of cannabinoids in MS treatment. Despite the challenges, the growing availability and changing legal status of medical cannabis suggest it could be a viable option for some patients, provided its use is carefully monitored and adapted to individual needs.
Unintended Consequences of Unemployment Insurance Benefits: The Role of Banks
Authors: Arslan Yavuz , Degerli Ahmet , Kabas Gazi
Published: June 2024

We use disaggregated U.S. data and a border discontinuity design to show that more generous unemployment insurance (UI) policies lower bank deposits. We test several channels that could explain this decline and find evidence consistent with households lowering their deposit holdings due to reduced precautionary savings. Because deposits are the largest and most stable source of funding for banks, the decrease in deposits affects bank lending. Banks that raise deposits in states with generous UI policies reduce their loan supply to small businesses. Furthermore, counties that are served by these banks experience a higher unemployment rate and lower wage growth.

This paper was accepted by Lukas Schmid, finance.

Funding: G. Kabas acknowledges financial support from the European Research Council [ERC ADG 2016-GA 740272 lending].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.03217 .
Zambia: a ‘beacon of critical care’
Authors: Rajagopalan Upasana
Published: June 2024

Upasana Rajagopalan looks at a project to improve the training of nurses in this African country
A Civil War of Universities: Harvard and the “Harvard of the South” in William Faulkner
Authors: Virtue Jordan
Published: June 2024

Abstract: This article uncovers the significance of Harvard College and the University of Mississippi in William Faulkner’s novels, arguing that Faulkner stages a civil war of universities between these two, dueling institutions. Faulkner was a college dropout, yet the university is a pivotal— and seriously understudied—setting in his writing. For Faulkner, these two universities rise above all others, with the University of Mississippi often seen as the “Harvard of the South.” Faulkner sets these universities in dialectical opposition, building a generative sectional rivalry into some of his greatest modernist works. In The Sound and the Fury , Faulkner imprints the Civil War onto the geography of Harvard and Cambridge, fueling Quentin Compson’s suicidal ideations. Absalom, Absalom! , meanwhile, establishes the University of Mississippi as the site where destructive Civil War history happens, while Harvard emerges as a source of storytelling power, where history is written. Faulkner identifies the university not only as a literal battlefield or figurative battleground of Civil War memory, but as a potential site for national renewal. This literary feat unexpectedly puts Faulkner at the vanguard of efforts to better understand the relationship between universities, the Civil War, and the enduring legacies of slavery and racial discrimination in America.
Labor Suply and Rainfall Shocks in Rural Ethiopia
Authors: Falaris Evangelos M.
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT: This study investigates how labor supply of working-age individuals in rural Ethiopia changes in response to the shock of a deviation in rainfall during the past year from its long-term average. The study focuses on time allocation to three work activities and to two household production activities and on differences in labor supply responses by gender. The method used is nonparametric regression that is less restrictive than the parametric models commonly used in the previous literature. Parametric models rely on functional forms that may be unrealistic characterizations of the data. The nonparametric regressions, in contrast, may be a superior characterization of the data. The study uses information on individuals' time allocation and characteristics from the 2015-2016 Ethiopian Socioeconomic Survey. Time allocation during the past week in early 2016 at the extensive (participation) and intensive (hours) margins is related to the difference in the logarithm of average rainfall in 2015 and the logarithm of average rainfall in 2001-2015 at a household's geolocation. According to the findings, a positive rainfall shock is associated with an increased probability that men participate in work activity overall and in household agricultural work. Men's hours of work, overall and in household agriculture, are unaffected by a positive rainfall shock. Therefore, men who already worked reduce their hours of work. For women, a positive rainfall shock is associated with reduced hours of work overall, in household agriculture and in household nonagricultural business work. A positive rainfall shock is associated with an increased probability that women participate in wage work for others. This finding is consistent with a reduction in income risk for households in which women join the wage labor force. Following a positive rainfall shock all genders are more likely to take secondary jobs in addition to working in household agriculture. Taking a secondary job is a way of reducing income risk and potentially helping to smooth consumption. A positive rainfall shock is associated with a modest increase in the probability that women will collect water but also a modest reduction, for all genders, in the time spent collecting water.
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code: Policy Implications on Asset Quality, Bank Stability and Bank Performance
Authors: Gupta Pankaj , Paul Nabendu , Antony Anu
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this paper is to analyse the policy implications of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code ( IBC ) 2016, which was enacted in India as part of banking sector reforms. The study aims to answer the question: Has the policy helped banks enhance their asset quality, stability, and performance?" To determine the effect of IBC on these research variables, we used a difference-in-difference ( DID ) regression technique. We collected a sample of 924 bank year observations for three categories of banks – public, private and foreign ownership banks for the period during 2010 to 2021. We first analysed the ownership-wise impact of IBC on asset quality, stability and performance. Then, we further investigated the policy's implications by dividing banks into unhealthy and healthy categories based on their Z scores. In our findings, bank stability and asset quality for three ownership banks (private, public and foreign banks) is significantly different from each other. For overall sample observations, the relationship between asset quality and banks stability is negative and significant. This suggests that a deterioration in asset quality leads to less change in bank stability, i.e. the result confirms banks' loan evergreening problem during the reform period. The results estimating the impact of IBC on stability of public sector banks was insufficient, except for risk capital. Our findings show that public sector banks have tightened their lending standards in anticipation of potential asset quality deterioration. However, our analysis of the IBC 's impact on unhealthy banks' asset quality, stability and performance did not align with the policy's objectives. While the IBC policy in itself is passing through several changes in recent, the study's results can aid policymakers in better assessing the impact of banking policies in India and can be used a reference for future policy formulation. A few related areas where the study results will aid to help are insolvency resolution, developing liquidation and cross-board insolvency framework. This paper is the first effort to estimate the impact of IBC separately on asset quality, bank stability, and performance of banks in India.
Adapting Monetary Policy to New Challenges After the Tunisian Revolution: Implications for Economic Growth
Authors: Ouhibi Saoussen
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT: This objective of this paper is to analyze the impact of monetary policy on economic growth in Tunisian. After a revolution or significant political changes, countries may reassess and adjust their economic policies, including monetary policy, to address new challenges and align with the evolving economic and political landscape. Central banks often play a crucial role in maintaining economic stability, and changes in leadership or government can lead to shifts in monetary policy objectives and strategies. Using an ARDL model applied to monthly data over the 2011/2021 period, the results revealed that money supply has a positive long-run impact on economic growth in Tunisian after revolution. On the other hand; other instruments such as the interest rate, exchange rate have a significant negative relationship with economic growth. In fact, when interest rates are high, it becomes more expensive to borrow money, so people and businesses are less likely to invest and spend. Findings also depict that increase in Domestic Credit to Private Sector hurts the economic growth. A negative effect on domestic credit could lead a central bank to consider lowering interest rates or implementing other measures to stimulate credit growth and support economic activity. Besides, inflation was shown to play an indirect role by increasing the impact of economic growth. Due to the effect of the revolution, the political instability and high international food and fuel prices negatively affected the domestic prices; Tunisia reached an inflation rate of 4.8% in 2021. Findings of the study have important implications that may discuss the need to adapt monetary policy to ensure economic stability in the aftermath of the Tunisian revolution. This could involve addressing challenges such as inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, and overall economic uncertainty. There might be recommendations for adjustments to monetary policy tools and strategies. This could include changes in interest rates, currency management, and liquidity measures to support economic recovery and growth. The implications might involve collaboration between monetary authorities and the government to implement coordinated fiscal and monetary policies. This synergy is often necessary to address broader economic challenges and promote sustainable growth.
Filamin protects myofibrils from contractile damage through changes in its mechanosensory region
Authors: Fisher Lucas A. B. , Carriquí-Madroñal Belén , Mulder Tiara , Huelsmann Sven , Schöck Frieder , González-Morales Nicanor
Published: June 2024

Filamins are mechanosensitive actin crosslinking proteins that organize the actin cytoskeleton in a variety of shapes and tissues. In muscles, filamin crosslinks actin filaments from opposing sarcomeres, the smallest contractile units of muscles. This happens at the Z-disc, the actin-organizing center of sarcomeres. In flies and vertebrates, filamin mutations lead to fragile muscles that appear ruptured, suggesting filamin helps counteract muscle rupturing during muscle contractions by providing elastic support and/or through signaling. An elastic region at the C-terminus of filamin is called the mechanosensitive region and has been proposed to sense and counteract contractile damage. Here we use molecularly defined mutants and microscopy analysis of the Drosophila indirect flight muscles to investigate the molecular details by which filamin provides cohesion to the Z-disc. We made novel filamin mutations affecting the C-terminal region to interrogate the mechanosensitive region and detected three Z-disc phenotypes: dissociation of actin filaments, Z-disc rupture, and Z-disc enlargement. We tested a constitutively closed filamin mutant, which prevents the elastic changes in the mechanosensitive region and results in ruptured Z-discs, and a constitutively open mutant which has the opposite elastic effect on the mechanosensitive region and gives rise to enlarged Z-discs. Finally, we show that muscle contraction is required for Z-disc rupture. We propose that filamin senses myofibril damage by elastic changes in its mechanosensory region, stabilizes the Z-disc, and counteracts contractile damage at the Z-disc.
Effect of capitation payment method on health outcomes, healthcare utilization, and referrals in Ghana
Authors: Boachie Micheal Kofi , Amporfu Eugenia
Published: June 2024

Different provider payment systems generate different incentives for patients, providers, and purchasers. Ghana introduced the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in 2003 and has made reforms to its provider payment methods to create incentives in providers for cost containment. Starting with the fee for service method, it shifted to the Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) method in 2008 to improve cost containment. In 2012 the NHIS began piloting capitation method of payment which has been suspended since 2017 to allow for thorough review. This study uncovers the association between capitation payment system and patient health outcomes, utilization of healthcare services and referral patterns in Ghana based on data collected between November 2012 and January 2013. Using a cross-sectional data on 500 malaria patients who were enrollees of the NHIS from the two payment plans (i.e., capitation and DRG plan), ordered logit, negative binomial and logit regression results showed that patients under capitation were 11.9% less likely to report better health and had 1.583 fewer visits relative to patients under DRG. In relation to referrals, capitated providers were more likely to refer patients than under DRG plans. In the capitated region, better health outcomes were reported by patients of private health facilities. Capitation in Ghana was associated with under-provision of care, hence decreasing any efficiency gain from the reform. Implementors of capitation need to ensure a good monitoring and evaluation system for adequate provision of quantity and quality of care. Some limitations of this study include the use of cross sectional rather that panel data which follows individuals over time and therefore may be more able to provide definite information about cause-and-effect relationships. It also does not account for events before and after the introduction of any payment method. Overall, this study provides valuable information on the implementation policy for reintroducing capitation.
Living with and managing type 1 diabetes in humanitarian settings: A qualitative synthesis of lived experience and stakeholder tacit knowledge
Authors: James Oria , Abbou-Abbas Linda , Vijayasingham Lavanya
Published: June 2024

Humanitarian health actors are beginning to better consider and manage non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, in emergency and protracted crisis settings. However, a focus on the more globally prevalent type 2 diabetes (T2D) dominates. Blind spots prevail in the unmet needs for type 1 diabetes (T1D), a chronic autoimmune condition where individuals are unable to produce insulin, thereby dependent on lifelong insulin therapy and blood glucose management. Although some T1D management requirements overlap with those of T2D, the immediate risk of fatal complications following insulin therapy disruption, the earlier age of onset during childhood, adolescence or young adulthood, and its lower prevalence compared to T2D within communities and local health systems mean that T1D requires nuanced consideration and targeted interventions. Intending to inform program and policy design for people with T1D (PWT1D), we synthesized themes of lived experience from PLWT1D and their caregivers, and the tacit working knowledge of health providers and policymakers in the context of local humanitarian operations. Through a strategic search of health databases (up to July 2023), we identified 11 articles that include interview excerpts from PWT1D, caregivers, healthcare providers and policymakers about T1D management in humanitarian settings. We used reflexive thematic analysis to guide data extraction, coding, and synthesis, resulting in the identification of four overarching themes: food and insulin security, family relations, knowledge translation, and response to diagnosis. The narratives highlight harsh trade-offs made by PWT1D and their families in the face of insulin and food insecurity, as well as the damaging impact of low T1D education in families, communities and health systems. Targeted family and community-based solutions are urgently required, alongside systemic reforms and international collaboration to enable better T1D coping and management in humanitarian settings.
Differences in mental illness stigma by disorder and gender: Population-based vignette randomized experiment in rural Uganda
Authors: Lee Yang Jae , Christ Ryan , Mbabazi Rita , Dabagia Jackson , Prendergast Alison , Wykoff Jason , Dasari Samhitha , Safai Dylan , Nakaweesi Shakira , Aturinde Swaib Rashid , Galvin Michael , Akena Dickens , Ashaba Scholastic , Waiswa Peter , Rosenheck Robert , Tsai Alexander C.
Published: June 2024

Understanding and eliminating mental illness stigma is crucial for improving population mental health. In many settings, this stigma is gendered, from the perspectives of both the stigmatized and the stigmatizers. We aimed to find the differences in the level of stigma across different mental disorders while considering the gender of the study participants as well as the gender of the people depicted in the vignettes. This was a population-based, experimental vignette study conducted in Buyende District of Eastern Uganda in 2023. We created 8 vignettes describing both men and women with alcohol use disorder, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and schizophrenia consistent with DSM-5 criteria. Participants from 20 villages in rural Buyende District of Uganda (N = 379) were first read a randomly selected vignette and administered a survey eliciting their attitudes (Personal Acceptance Scale [PAS] and Broad Acceptance Scale [BAS]) towards the person depicted in the vignette. We used analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni-adjusted, empirical p-values to compare levels of acceptance across disorders and genders. Attitudes towards people with mental illness, as measured by the PAS, varied across different mental disorders (p = 0.002). In pairwise mean comparisons, the greater acceptance of anxiety disorder vs. schizophrenia was statistically significant (Mean [SD] PAS: 2.91 [3.15] vs 1.62 [1.95], p = 0.008). Secondary analyses examining differences in acceptance across gender combinations within mental disorders showed that PAS varied across gender combinations for depression (p = 0.017), suggesting that acceptance is higher for women with depression than men with depression. In this population-based vignette study from rural Uganda, we found that people with schizophrenia were less accepted compared to people with anxiety disorders. We also found that there was greater acceptance of women with depression than men with depression. Anti-stigma initiatives may need to be targeted to specific disorders and genders.

Trial registration:The experimental procedures for this study were registered with ClinicalTrials.gov as “Survey Experiment to Estimate Level of Mental Illness Stigma Based on Condition and Gender” (NCT 06279962).
Performance of two rapid antigen tests against SARS-CoV-2 in neighborhoods of socioeconomic vulnerability from a middle-income country
Authors: Zeballos Diana , Magno Laio , Aranha Rossi Thais , Soares Fabiane , Pinto Junior Jony Arrais , Ferreira Orlando , Carvalho dos Santos Carina , Reis Joice Neves , Torres Thiago S. , Veloso Valdilea G. , Dourado Inês
Published: June 2024

Background

As new and improved antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection (Ag-RDT) continue to be developed, assessing their diagnostic performance is necessary to increase test options with accurate and rapid diagnostic capacity especially in resource-constrained settings. This study aimed to assess the performance of two Ag-RDTs in a population-based study.

Methods

We conducted a diagnostic accuracy study in neighborhoods with high socioeconomic vulnerability in Salvador-Brazil, including individuals aged ≥12 years old who attended primary health services, between July and December 2022, with COVID-19 symptoms or who had been in contact with a confirmed case. Two Ag-RDTs were compared in parallel using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as reference standard, the PanbioTM COVID-19 Ag test (Abbott®) and Immuno-Rapid COVID-19 Ag (WAMA Diagnostic®). Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were calculated.

Results

For the Abbott test the sensitivity was 52.7% (95% CI: 44.3% - 61.0%), specificity 100% (95% CI: 98.7% - 100%), PPV 100% (95% CI: 95.4% - 100%) and NPV 80.4% (95% CI: 75.9% - 84.4%). For the WAMA test, the sensitivity was 53.4% (95% CI: 45.0% - 61.6%), specificity 100% (95% CI: 98.7% - 100%), PPV 100% (95% CI: 95.4% - 100%) and NPV 80.7% (95% CI: 76.2% - 84.6%). Sensitivity for the group with Cycle Threshold (CT) <24 was 82.3% (95%CI: 72.1–90.0, n = 83) for PanbioTM COVID-19 Ag test and 87.3% (95%CI: 77.9–93.8, n = 83) for Immuno-Rapid COVID-19 Ag test.

Conclusion

Sensitivity for both Ag-RDT was lower than reported by manufacturers. In the stratified analysis, sensitivity was higher among those with lower CT values <24. Specificity was high for both rapid antigen tests. Both Ag-RDT showed to be useful for rapid diagnostic of potential cases of COVID-19. Negative results must be assessed carefully according to clinical and epidemiological information.
Employee education, labor protection intensity and auditor risk perception
Authors: Shen Xiaotian , Wu Anni , Ding Yi , Sun Qian , Liu Mengge
Published: June 2024

Prior literature finds senior executives can influence auditor decision making. However, few studies have discussed the impact of employee’s personal characteristics. Our research aims to fill the above research gaps by examining the impact of employee level education on audit costs. Taking A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2006 to 2021 as the research object, this paper examines the impact of employee education on audit fees. It is found that highly educated employees can effectively reduce the audit fees borne by the company, but the implementation of the Labor Protection Law weakens this inhibitory effect. In the case of low marketization level and weak Confucian culture intensity, employee education level has a more significant inhibitory effect on audit fees of listed companies. This study provides a basis for empirical research on the impact of employee attributes on auditor decision making, provides a new research perspective on the impact of labor protection law at the corporate micro level, and enriches the theoretical research on corporate governance rooted in traditional Chinese culture. We contribute to the practice that implications for evaluating the effectiveness of adopting labor protection.
Blue and red tides in the Chesapeake Bay watershed: Examining political and environmental framings of collective action during the 2016 and 2020 elections
Authors: Mainzer Stephen , Pakhtigian Emily L.
Published: June 2024

Watersheds require collective care and management at local and regional levels to maintain their ecological health. The Chesapeake Bay’s last several decades of stagnantly poor ecological health presents a distinctive case study for explicating the challenges of motivating collective action across a diverse regional natural resource. Our study uses county- and individual-level descriptive analysis to examine interrelated framings of environmental quality, environmental sentiment, and political action at two critical moments in time—the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. We find that demographic, environmental, and political characteristics vary with distance to the Chesapeake Bay and that linked environmental and political characteristics appeared to become more polarized between 2016 and 2020. We found no evidence that local environmental quality influenced new political actions such as voting; however, people already likely to vote were influenced by their pro-environmental values such as priorities around climate change.
An integrated UAV growth monitoring model of Cinnamomum camphora based on whale optimization algorithm
Authors: Gong Rongxin , Zhang Haina , Lu Xianghui , Wan Haolong , Zhang Yue , Luo Xin , Zhang Jie , Xie Rongxiu
Published: June 2024

To explore an effective analysis model and method for estimating Cinnamomum camphora’s (C. camphora’s) growth using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) multispectral technology, we obtained C. camphora’s canopy spectral reflectance using a UAV-mounted multispectral camera and simultaneously measured four single-growth indicators: Soil and Plant Analyzer Development (SPAD)value, aboveground biomass (AGB), plant height (PH), and leaf area index (LAI). The coefficient of variation and equal weighting methods were used to construct the comprehensive growth monitoring indicators (CGMI) for C. camphora. A multispectral inversion model of integrated C. camphora growth was established using the multiple linear regression (MLR), partial least squares (PLS), support vector regression (SVR), random forest (RF), radial basis function neural network (RBFNN), back propagation neural network (BPNN), and whale optimization algorithm (WOA)-optimized BPNN models. The optimal model was selected based on the coefficient of determination (R2), normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Our findings indicate that apparent differences in the accuracy with different model, and the WOA–BPNN model is the best model to invert the growth potential of C. camphora, the R2 of the model test set was 0.9020, the RMSE was 0.0722, and the MAPE was 7%. The R2 of the WOA–BPNN model improved by 18%, the NRMSE decreased by 33%, and the MAPE decreased by 9% compared with the BPNN model. This study provides technical support for the modern field management of C. camphora essential oil and other dwarf forestry industries.
An extremely fast neural mechanism to detect emotional visual stimuli: A two-experiment study
Authors: Carretié Luis , Fernández-Folgueiras Uxía , Kessel Dominique , Alba Guzmán , Veiga-Zarza Estrella , Tapia Manuel , Álvarez Fátima
Published: June 2024

Defining the brain mechanisms underlying initial emotional evaluation is a key but unexplored clue to understanding affective processing. Event-related potentials (ERPs), especially suited for investigating this issue, were recorded in two experiments (n = 36 and n = 35). We presented emotionally negative (spiders) and neutral (wheels) silhouettes homogenized regarding their visual parameters. In Experiment 1, stimuli appeared at fixation or in the periphery (200 trials per condition and location), the former eliciting a N40 (39 milliseconds) and a P80 (or C1: 80 milliseconds) component, and the latter only a P80. In Experiment 2, stimuli were presented only at fixation (500 trials per condition). Again, an N40 (45 milliseconds) was observed, followed by a P100 (or P1: 105 milliseconds). Analyses revealed significantly greater N40-C1P1 peak-to-peak amplitudes for spiders in both experiments, and ANCOVAs showed that these effects were not explained by C1P1 alone, but that processes underlying N40 significantly contributed. Source analyses pointed to V1 as an N40 focus (more clearly in Experiment 2). Sources for C1P1 included V1 (P80) and V2/LOC (P80 and P100). These results and their timing point to low-order structures (such as visual thalamic nuclei or superior colliculi) or the visual cortex itself, as candidates for initial evaluation structures.
A hybrid human recognition framework using machine learning and deep neural networks
Authors: Sheneamer Abdullah M. , Halawi Malik H. , Al-Qahtani Meshari H.
Published: June 2024

Faces are a crucial environmental trigger. They communicate information about several key features, including identity. However, the 2019 coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) significantly affected how we process faces. To prevent viral spread, many governments ordered citizens to wear masks in public. In this research, we focus on identifying individuals from images or videos by comparing facial features, identifying a person’s biometrics, and reducing the weaknesses of person recognition technology, for example when a person does not look directly at the camera, the lighting is poor, or the person has effectively covered their face. Consequently, we propose a hybrid approach of detecting either a person with or without a mask, a person who covers large parts of their face, and a person based on their gait via deep and machine learning algorithms. The experimental results are excellent compared to the current face and gait detectors. We achieved success of between 97% and 100% in the detection of face and gait based on F1 score, precision, and recall. Compared to the baseline CNN system, our approach achieves extremely high recognition accuracy.
Toto-Cell: A new software to analyze cellular events during video-microscopy
Authors: Renaud Léa-Isabelle , Renaud Christophe , Delepoulle Samuel , Asselin Eric
Published: June 2024

Video-microscopy is a technology widely used to follow, in a single cell manner, cell behavior. A number of new studies are searching a way to track these behaviors by artificial intelligence; unfortunately some real-time events still have to be track manually. For that reason, we developed a software that helps the experimenter to analyze collected data. Toto-cell is very simple to use and it can be adapted at different type of analyses or treatments. It allows a wide new range of parameters that were nearly impossible to calculate only by hand. We thus developed this new software using HEC-1-A endometrial cell line to track different cellular parameters such as: the number of normal/abnormal mitosis, the ratio per day of death, mitosis, cell fusions or finally the length between two mitosis cycles. We treated our cells with cisplatin, doxorubicin or AZD5363 (an Akt inhibitor) to obtain different cellular events. What emerged is a huge heterogeneity for these analyzed parameters between the cells in a single treatment which is clearly demonstrated by the results provided by Toto-Cell. In conclusion, our software is an important tool to facilitate the analysis of video-microscopy, in a quantifying and qualifying manner. It enables a higher accuracy when compared to manual calculations.
Promoting distributed photovoltaic adoption: An evolutionary game model approach for stakeholder coordination
Authors: Tao Biao , Wang Can
Published: June 2024

Distributed photovoltaic (DPV) is a promising solution to climate change. However, the widespread adoption of DPV faces challenges, such as high upfront costs, regulatory barriers, and market uncertainty. Addressing these barriers requires coordinating the interests of stakeholders in the promotion of DPV. Therefore, this paper constructs a three-party evolutionary game model in a social network with the government, investment companies and residents as the main subjects and examines the influence of different subjects’ behavioral strategies on the promotion of DPV under the social learning mechanism. The results show that: (1) In the game equilibrium, both the government and residents hold a positive attitude towards the promotion of DPV; (2) Companies will obtain most of the subsidies through market power and information differences, resulting in the increase of government subsidies that do not always benefit residents; (3) The increase of energy consumption and pollution prevention costs can promote companies’ investment in DPV; (4) The increase of environmental protection taxes to a certain extent helps companies to take responsibility for promoting DPV, reducing the pressure on the government to promote it and increasing residents’ income. This study provides insights into the sustainable development of DPV.
Survivability and behavior of probiotic bacteria encapsulated by internal gelation in non-dairy matrix and In Vitro GIT conditions
Authors: Nazir Safdar , Afzaal Muhammad , Saeed Farhan , Ahmad Aftab , Ateeq Huda , Ikram Ali , Rasheed Amara , Kiran Faiza , Akram Noor , Ahmed Faiyaz , Asghar Aasma , Khan Mahbubur Rahman
Published: June 2024

The primary objective of this investigation was to assess the viability of free and encapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum probiotics in mango juice and under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Specifically, the probiotics were encapsulated using sodium alginate and alginate-soy protein isolate through the internal gelation method, and the obtained probiotics were characterized for various attributes. Both free and encapsulated probiotics were exposed to challenging conditions, including thermal stress, low temperature, and simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Additionally, both types of probiotics were incorporated into mango juice, and their survival was monitored over a 28-day storage period. Following viability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, the count of free and encapsulated probiotic cells decreased from initial levels of 9.57 log CFU/mL, 9.55 log CFU/mL, and 9.53 log CFU/mL, 9.56 log CFU/mL to final levels of 6.14 log CFU/mL, 8.31 log CFU/mL, and 6.24 log CFU/mL, 8.62 log CFU/mL, respectively. Notably, encapsulated probiotics exhibited a decrease of 1.24 log CFU and 0.94 log CFU, while free cells experienced a reduction of 3.43 log CFU and 6.24 log CFU in mango juice over the storage period. Encapsulated probiotics demonstrated higher viability in mango juice compared to free probiotics throughout the 28-day storage period. These findings suggest that mango juice can be enriched with probiotics to create a health-promoting beverage.
Multifractality approach of a generalized Shannon index in financial time series
Authors: Abril-Bermúdez Felipe S. , Trinidad-Segovia Juan E. , Sánchez-Granero Miguel A. , Quimbay-Herrera Carlos J.
Published: June 2024

Multifractality is a concept that extends locally the usual ideas of fractality in a system. Nevertheless, the multifractal approaches used lack a multifractal dimension tied to an entropy index like the Shannon index. This paper introduces a generalized Shannon index (GSI) and demonstrates its application in understanding system fluctuations. To this end, traditional multifractality approaches are explained. Then, using the temporal Theil scaling and the diffusive trajectory algorithm, the GSI and its partition function are defined. Next, the multifractal exponent of the GSI is derived from the partition function, establishing a connection between the temporal Theil scaling exponent and the generalized Hurst exponent. Finally, this relationship is verified in a fractional Brownian motion and applied to financial time series. In fact, this leads us to proposing an approximation called local fractional Brownian motion approximation, where multifractal systems are viewed as a local superposition of distinct fractional Brownian motions with varying monofractal exponents. Also, we furnish an algorithm for identifying the optimal q-th moment of the probability distribution associated with an empirical time series to enhance the accuracy of generalized Hurst exponent estimation.