bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of molecular mechanisms causing skin lesions of cutaneous leishmaniasis using weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA)
Authors: Momeni Kavoos , Ghorbian Saeid , Ahmadpour Ehsan , Sharifi Rasoul
Published: June 2023

Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease, caused by a protozoan parasite. Its most common form is cutaneous leishmaniasis, which leaves scars on exposed body parts from bites by infected female phlebotomine sandflies. Approximately 50% of cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis fail to respond to standard treatments, creating slow-healing wounds which cause permanent scars on the skin. We performed a joint bioinformatics analysis to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in healthy skin biopsies and Leishmania cutaneous wounds. DEGs and WGCNA modules were analyzed based on the Gene Ontology function, and the Cytoscape software. Among almost 16,600 genes that had significant expression changes on the skin surrounding Leishmania wounds, WGCNA determined that one of the modules, with 456 genes, has the strongest correlation with the size of the wounds. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that this module includes three gene groups with significant expression changes. These produce tissue-damaging cytokines or disrupt the production and activation of collagen, fibrin proteins, and the extracellular matrix, causing skin wounds or preventing them from healing. The hub genes of these groups areOAS1, SERPINH1,andFBLN1respectively. This information can provide new ways to deal with unwanted and harmful effects of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Optimal quantum network decongestion strategies
Authors: Perju Verzotti Luca , Ciobanu Bogdan-Călin , Popescu Pantelimon George
Published: June 2023

This study clarifies the problem of decongestion in quantum networks, with a specific focus on the crucial task of entanglement distribution. Entangled particles are a valuable resource in quantum networks, as they are used for most quantum protocols. As such, ensuring that nodes in quantum networks are supplied with entanglement efficiently is mandatory. Many times, parts of a quantum network are contested by multiple entanglement resupply processes and the distribution of entanglement becomes a challenge. The most common network intersection topology, the star-shape and it’s various generalizations, are analyzed, and effective decongestion strategies, in order to achieve optimal entanglement distribution, are proposed. The analysis is comprehensive and relies on rigorous mathematical calculations which aids in selecting the most appropriate strategy for different scenarios optimally.
Stability analysis and control technology of the sump-surrounding rock under a 1200-m-deep goaf: a case study
Authors: Xie Shengrong , Li Hui , Chen Dongdong , Jiang Zaisheng , Cui Junqi , Liu Ruipeng
Published: June 2023

In this study, a sump in the Xingdong coal mine (buried at a depth of over 1200 m) was used to analyze the surrounding rock's stability and control technology. Under the combined influences of various complex conditions, such as the burial depth of over 1200 m, ultra-high ground stress, and location under the goaf, the sump support became extremely difficult, severely restricting the efficient production of the mine. The overall pressure-relief mechanisms and degree of the sump surrounding the rock environment under the goaf were studied, and the rationality of the sump location was verified through numerical simulations and field tests. A more effective support scheme was proposed based on the deformation characteristics and failure mechanisms of the temporary sump-surrounding rock under the supporting conditions. The combined control technology employed the lengthened strong anchor bolts (cables), full-section concrete-filled steel tubular supports, and pouring full-section reinforced concrete and full-section long-hole grouting reinforcement. The field test results showed that after adopting the new support scheme, the sump-surrounding rock tended to be stable after three months. The sump roof subsidence amount, floor heave amount, and convergence of the two sidewalls of the sump were 17.2–19.2 mm, 13.9–16.5 mm, and 23.2–27.9 mm, respectively, thus satisfying the application requirements. This study provides an essential reference for deep-mine roadway support under a complex high-ground-stress environment.
Emergence of a novel sublineage, MYMBD21 under SA-2018 lineage of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus serotype O in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Kazi Alamgir , Anjume Humaira , Alam K. M. Mazharul , Yeamin Ashabul , Akter Salma , Hossain M. Anwar , Sultana Munawar
Published: June 2023

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) hinders the growth of the livestock industry in endemic countries like Bangladesh. The management and prevention of FMD are severely impacted by the high mutation rate and subsequent frequent generation of newer genotypes of the causative agent, Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV). The current study was conducted in nine districts of Bangladesh during 2019–21 to characterize the circulating FMDV strains based on the VP1 sequence analysis, the major antigenic recognition site providing serotype specificity and high variability of FMDV. This study detected the first emergence of the SA-2018 lineage in Bangladesh along with the predominance of Ind-2001e (or Ind-2001BD1) sublineage of ME-SA topotype under serotype O during 2019–21. The mutational spectrum, evolutionary divergence analysis and multidimensional plotting confirmed the isolates collected from Mymensingh districts, designated as MYMBD21 as a novel sublineage under the SA-2018 lineage. Analysis of the amino acid sequence revealed several changes in the G-H loop, B-C loop and C-terminal region of VP1, revealing a 12–13% divergence from the existing vaccine strains and a 95% VP1 protein homology, with most of the mutations potentially considerable as vaccine escape mutations, evidenced by three-dimensional structural analysis. This is the first report on the emergence of the SA-2018 lineage of ME-SA topotype of FMDV serotype O in Bangladesh, as well as a possible mutational trend towards the emergence of a distinct sublineage under SA-2018 lineage, which calls for in-depth genome-wide analysis and monitoring of the FMD situation in the country to implement a strategic vaccination and effective FMD control program.
Ready vascular permeability of a near-infrared fluorescent agent ASP5354 for intraoperative ureteral identification enables imaging of carcinoma tissues
Authors: Teranishi Katsunori
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the ability of a near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging agent, ASP5354, for in vivo fluorescence imaging of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues. The ability of ASP5354 was evaluated using a single dose of ASP5354 or indocyanine green (ICG), which was intravenously administered to a KYSE850 human ESCC xenograft mouse model. Subsequently, in vivo NIRF images of the mouse were obtained using a clinically available camera system. ASP5354-specific NIRF signals were strongly detectable in KYSE850 carcinoma tissues immediately (30 s) following ASP5354 administration compared with normal tissues. Meanwhile, ICG could not distinguish between normal and carcinomatous tissues. To elucidate the associated imaging mechanisms, the vascular permeability of ASP5354 and ICG was investigated in rat back dermis treated with saline or histamine, which enhances vascular permeability, using in vivo NIRF imaging. ASP5354 exhibited higher vascular permeability in histamine-treated skin than in normal skin. KYSE850 carcinoma tissues can be distinguished from normal tissues based on the measurement of ASP5354-specific NIRF signals, and the mechanism that enables imaging relies on the specific and rapid leakage of ASP5354 from the capillaries into the stroma of carcinoma tissues.
A novel combined intelligent algorithm prediction model for the tunnel surface settlement
Authors: Wang You , Dai Fang , Jia Ruxue , Wang Rui , Sharifi Habibullah , Wang Zhenyu
Published: June 2023

To ensure the safety and stability of the shield tunnel construction process, the ground settlement induced by the shield construction needs to be effectively predicted. In this paper, a prediction method combining empirical mode decomposition (EMD), chaotic adaptive sparrow search algorithm (CASSA), and extreme learning machine (ELM) is proposed. First, the EMD is used to decompose the settlement sequence into trend vectors and fluctuation vectors to fully extract the effective information of the sequence; Second, the sparrow search algorithm is improved by introducing Cubic chaotic mapping to initialize the population and adaptive factor to optimize the searcher’s position formula, and the chaotic adaptive sparrow search algorithm is proposed; Finally, the CASSA-ELM prediction model is constructed by using CASSA to find the optimal values of weights and thresholds in the extreme learning machine. The fluctuation components and trend components decomposed by EMD are predicted one by one, and the prediction results are superimposed and reconstructed to obtain the predicted final settlement. Taking a shield interval in Jiangsu, China as an example, the meta-heuristic algorithm-optimized ELM model improves the prediction accuracy by 10.70% compared with the traditional ELM model. The combined EMD-CASSA-ELM prediction model can greatly improve the accuracy and speed of surface settlement prediction, and provide a new means for safety monitoring in shield tunnel construction. Intelligent prediction methods can predict surface subsidence more automatically and quickly, becoming a new development trend.
Modified stochastic medium prediction model for the deformation response of concealed underground stations under existing pipelines
Authors: Zhang Junru , Pan Tong , Ma Kaimeng , Xu Qiang , Kong Chao
Published: June 2023

The underground pipeline network in the city is so intertwined that the concealed excavation of a metro station inevitably leads to a series of underground pipelines, causing settlement deformation and further risk of leakage. The existing theoretical methods for analysing settlement deformation are mostly for circular chambers, whereas metro stations have a nearly square cross-sectional form and different construction methods are very different, which have a greater impact on the deformation of the overlying pipelines. In this paper, based on the random medium theory and Peck's formula, the improved random medium model for predicting ground deformation is modified, the correction coefficients λ and η for the influence of different construction methods are proposed, the prediction model of underground pipeline deformation under different construction methods is obtained, and the numerical models of four work methods commonly used in urban tunnel construction: pillar hole method, side hole method, middle hole method and Pile-Beam-Arch (PBA) method are constructed through simulation, and the mathematical analysis software was used to fit the results to the model and obtain the range of correction coefficients λ and η for each of the four methods, and the accuracy and applicability of the theoretical model was verified by combining with actual engineering cases. The influence on the overlying pipes is in descending order: side hole method, pillar hole method, middle hole method and PBA method. The theoretical model provided in this paper for predicting the deformation of pipes in any overlying strata of the tunnel is well suited to the actual project and has a high degree of correlation with the measured results.
Variational quantum non-orthogonal optimization
Authors: Bermejo Pablo , Orús Román
Published: June 2023

Current universal quantum computers have a limited number of noisy qubits. Because of this, it is difficult to use them to solve large-scale complex optimization problems. In this paper we tackle this issue by proposing a quantum optimization scheme where discrete classical variables are encoded in non-orthogonal states of the quantum system. We develop the case of non-orthogonal qubit states, with individual qubits on the quantum computer handling more than one bit classical variable. Combining this idea with Variational Quantum Eigensolvers (VQE) and quantum state tomography, we show that it is possible to significantly reduce the number of qubits required by quantum hardware to solve complex optimization problems. We benchmark our algorithm by successfully optimizing a polynomial of degree 8 and 15 variables using only 15 qubits. Our proposal opens the path towards solving real-life useful optimization problems in today’s limited quantum hardware.
Importance of internal variability for climate model assessment
Authors: Jain Shipra , Scaife Adam A. , Shepherd Theodore G. , Deser Clara , Dunstone Nick , Schmidt Gavin A. , Trenberth Kevin E. , Turkington Thea
Published: June 2023

Benchmarking climate model simulations against observations of the climate is core to the process of building realistic climate models and developing accurate future projections. However, in many cases, models do not match historical observations, particularly on regional scales. If there is a mismatch between modeled and observed climate features, should we necessarily conclude that our models are deficient? Using several illustrative examples, we emphasize that internal variability can easily lead to marked differences between the basic features of the model and observed climate, even when decades of model and observed data are available. This can appear as an apparent failure of models to capture regional trends or changes in global teleconnections, or simulation of extreme events. Despite a large body of literature on the impact of internal variability on climate, this acknowledgment has not yet penetrated many model evaluation activities, particularly for regional climate. We emphasize that using a single or small ensemble of simulations to conclude that a climate model is in error can lead to premature conclusions on model fidelity. A large ensemble of multidecadal simulations is therefore needed to properly sample internal climate variability in order to robustly identify model deficiencies and convincingly demonstrate progress between generations of climate models.
New formation and fate of Isoprene SOA markers revealed by field data-constrained modeling
Authors: Zhang Jie , Liu Junyi , Ding Xiang , He Xiao , Zhang Tianle , Zheng Mei , Choi Minsu , Isaacman-VanWertz Gabriel , Yee Lindsay , Zhang Haofei , Misztal Pawel , Goldstein Allen H. , Guenther Alex B. , Budisulistiorini Sri Hapsari , Surratt Jason D. , Stone Elizabeth A. , Shrivastava Manish , Wu Dui , Yu Jian Zhen , Ying Qi
Published: June 2023

Particulate 2-methyltetrols (2-MT) and 2-methylglyceric acid (2-MG) are typically used to indicate the abundance of isoprene-derived secondary organic aerosols (SOA). However, their formation and fate are not fully understood. In this study, we showed that particulate 2-MT and 2-MG collected at multiple monitoring sites under a wide range of atmospheric and emission conditions, with concentrations spanning six orders of magnitudes, are well reproduced with an expanded isoprene-SOA scheme implemented into the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. The scheme considers their three-phase (gas-aqueous-organic phase) partitioning, formation from acid-driven multiphase reactions, and degradation by OH radicals in the gas and aqueous phases. The model results reveal that a non-aqueous formation pathway or direct biogenic emission is needed to supplement the commonly assumed acid-driven multiphase reaction process to explain the observed 2-MT concentrations. This missing pathway contributes to 20–40% of 2-MT in areas with aerosol pH<2 and more than 70% under less acidic conditions (pH~2–5), such as those encountered in the western US and China. The typical summertime gas-phase photochemical lifetimes of 2-MT and 2-MG are estimated to be 4–6 and 20–30 h, respectively, and their aqueous lifetimes are approximately 20–40 h. Our simulations show that predicted 2-MT is mainly influenced by its aqueous phase loss to OH, but 2-MG is more sensitive to gas phase OH loss due to the preferential partitioning of the two tracers in the aqueous and gas phases, respectively.
Non-invasive chronic kidney disease risk stratification tool derived from retina-based deep learning and clinical factors
Authors: Joo Young Su , Rim Tyler Hyungtaek , Koh Hee Byung , Yi Joseph , Kim Hyeonmin , Lee Geunyoung , Kim Young Ah , Kang Shin-Wook , Kim Sung Soo , Park Jung Tak
Published: June 2023

Despite the importance of preventing chronic kidney disease (CKD), predicting high-risk patients who require active intervention is challenging, especially in people with preserved kidney function. In this study, a predictive risk score for CKD (Reti-CKD score) was derived from a deep learning algorithm using retinal photographs. The performance of the Reti-CKD score was verified using two longitudinal cohorts of the UK Biobank and Korean Diabetic Cohort. Validation was done in people with preserved kidney function, excluding individuals with eGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m2 or proteinuria at baseline. In the UK Biobank, 720/30,477 (2.4%) participants had CKD events during the 10.8-year follow-up period. In the Korean Diabetic Cohort, 206/5014 (4.1%) had CKD events during the 6.1-year follow-up period. When the validation cohorts were divided into quartiles of Reti-CKD score, the hazard ratios for CKD development were 3.68 (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 2.88–4.41) in the UK Biobank and 9.36 (5.26–16.67) in the Korean Diabetic Cohort in the highest quartile compared to the lowest. The Reti-CKD score, compared to eGFR based methods, showed a superior concordance index for predicting CKD incidence, with a delta of 0.020 (95% CI, 0.011–0.029) in the UK Biobank and 0.024 (95% CI, 0.002–0.046) in the Korean Diabetic Cohort. In people with preserved kidney function, the Reti-CKD score effectively stratifies future CKD risk with greater performance than conventional eGFR-based methods.
Phosphine-functionalized amidinate ligated rare-earth metal complexes for highly 3,4-selective living polymerization of 1,3-conjugated dienes
Authors: You Fen , Wang Jixing , Liu Hui , Kang Xiaohui , Shi Xiaochao
Published: June 2023

A series of rare-earth metal bis(alkyl)complexes have been prepared via protonolysis reactions of tris(aminobenzyl) complexes (Ln(CH2C6H4N(Me)2-o)3) with phosphine-functionalized amidinated ligands (DippNCN(CH2)nPPh2, n = 2 (L1-H) and n = 3 (L2-H)).
Effect of lard plus soybean oil on blood pressure and other cardiometabolic risk factors in healthy subjects: a randomized controlled-feeding trial
Authors: Liu Zhiyuan , Yuan Jihong , Wen Ping , Guo Xiaofei , Wen Haichao , Guo Yanjun , Li Duo
Published: June 2023

Blend oil (50% lard plus 50% soybean oil) reduces blood pressure compared with soybean oil and lard in healthy subjects.
Recent advances of triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion in solvent-free solid materials
Authors: Wei Lingling , Yang Cheng , Wu Wanhua
Published: June 2023

This review summarized the outstanding solid-state TTA-UC materials developed recently, including matrix-free UC films, sensitizer-doped annihilator crystals and MOFs, UC components doped polymer films and organic–inorganic hybrid nanomaterials.
Dynamic display of cell targeting motifs via natural glycopeptide recognition for cancer cell isolation
Authors: He Wenbo , Yao Zhaoyang , Diao Youlu , Wang Miao , Pan Guoqing
Published: June 2023

Reversible binding of cell-targeting motifs by natural glycopeptide recognition technology to achieve cell-specific capture and isolation is of significant importance in the field of single-cell analysis.
Recent advances in hydrogen production through proton exchange membrane water electrolysis – a review
Authors: Kumar S. Shiva , Lim Hankwon
Published: June 2023

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis is recognized as the most promising technology for the sustainable production of green hydrogen from water and intermittent renewable energy sources.
Effects of crystal deformation on spin-valley interplay and topological phase transition: a case study on VSi2X4 (X = N or P) monolayers
Authors: Sun Zhenning , Li Xinru , Zhao Zhuojun , Zeng Yaojie , Wei Yadong , Wang Jian
Published: June 2023

This article demonstrates the effects of crystal deformation on the spin-valley interplay in VSi2X4 (X = N or P) systems, and the insights into physical mechanisms are also revealed by first principles calculations combined with the spin Hamiltonian model.
Out‐of‐distribution detection based on multi‐classifiers
Authors: Jiang Weijie , Yu Yuanlong
Published: June 2023

Existing out‐of‐distribution detection models rely on the prediction of a single classifier and are sensitive to classifier bias, making it difficult to discriminate similar feature out‐of‐distribution data. This article proposed a multi‐classifier‐based model and two strategies to enhance the performance of the model. The model first trains several different base classifiers and obtains the predictions of the test data on each base classifier, then uses cross‐entropy to calculate the dispersion between these predictions, and finally uses the dispersion as a metric to identify the out‐of‐distribution data. A large scatter implies inconsistency in the predictions of the base classifier, and the greater the probability of belonging to the out‐of‐distribution data. The first strategy is applied in the training process of the model to increase the difference between base classifiers by using various scales of Label smoothing regularisation. The second strategy is applied to the inference process of the model by changing the mean and variance of the activations in the neural network to perturb the inference results of the test data. These two strategies can effectively amplify the discrepancy in the dispersion of the in‐distribution and out‐of‐distribution data. The experimental results show that the method in this article can effectively improve the performance of the model in the detection of different types of out‐of‐distribution data, improve the robustness of deep neural networks (DNN) in the face of unknown classes, and promote the application of DNN in systems and engineering with high security requirements.
Adaptive dynamic programming discrete‐time LQR control on electromagnetic levitation system
Authors: Abdollahzadeh Mohammad
Published: June 2023

In this paper, an adaptive dynamic programming discrete‐time linear quadratic Riccati (ADP‐DTLQR) control is designed for an electromagnetic levitation system (EMS) to track the reference trajectories and preserve stability in severe situations efficiently. The EMS system has a strongly nonlinear and unstable dynamic in nature. The ADP‐DTLQR approach is a novel method based on the Q‐learning algorithm for unknown discrete‐time systems in a causal manner. The ADP‐DTLQR can determine the online gains of the controller in different conditions as a model‐free structure, which can minimize the combination of state errors and control efforts of the systems. Moreover, the DTLQR controller and linear matrix inequality controller on the EMS system are designed and compared with the present strategy in different scenarios in the simulation section to verify the robustness and strongness of the proposed method. The evaluation of simulation results demonstrates that the proposed control scheme is suitable not only for preserving the levitated object stability but also for compensating the disturbances and uncertainties in the EMS structure.
Control of a transformerless static synchronous series compensator for unbalanced voltage compensation
Authors: Pan Xuejiao , Zhang Li
Published: June 2023

This paper explores a transformerless static synchronous series compensator (TL‐SSSC) for mitigating voltage distortion in a power distribution line with renewable generations. A novel deadbeat current control scheme with time delay compensation is proposed which models the a‐b‐c three phase line with TL‐SSSC plus its LC filters and predicts the compensating voltages to be injected by the TL‐SSSC. Without resolving measured voltages and currents into positive and negative sequences, the scheme is computationally efficient and effective in mitigating voltage distortion due to faults occurring at different locations along the distribution line. It also eliminates the problem of inaccurate compensation voltage caused by inverter filter choking voltage drop. The paper also analyses the power controllable ranges for a TL‐SSSC under different unbalanced voltage ratios. The proposed TL‐SSSC and control scheme is validated using Typhoon Hardware‐In –Loop (HIL) device. Experimental results on mitigation unbalanced voltages of a 11kV transmission line confirm the effectiveness and high performance.
Charging load forecasting of electric vehicles based on sparrow search algorithm‐improved random forest regression model
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Ge Yuan , Cao Jin , Lin Qiyou , Chen Renfeng
Published: June 2023

In order to solve the problem that the current charging load forecasting accuracy is not high, it is difficult to simulate the actual charging load distribution of Electric Vehicles (EVs), and it is impossible to reasonably predict the future load, a charging load forecasting model based on Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA) improved Random Forest Regression (RFR) is proposed. The SSA is used to enhance the ability of global optimization and local exploration. Combined with the advantages of the RFR model, such as low generalization error, fast convergence speed, and few adjustment parameters, the SSA was used to optimize the parameters of the decision tree number and the number of split nodes in the RFR, and the optimal value of the parameters is obtained, so as to obtain the optimal performance of the RFR. Firstly, based on the concept of travel chain and conditional probability distribution, the user's travel habits are described. Monte Carlo simulation method was used to simulate the driving, parking, and charging behaviours of a large number of EVs in different regions, so as to obtain the charging load of EVs in different regions. Then, a charging load forecasting model based on SSA improved RFR is established. Monte Carlo simulation results are used as sample data to predict the charging load of EVs in different regions. Finally, taking a certain area as an example, the experimental results show that the charging load prediction model based on Sparrow Search Algorithm improved Random Forest Regression (SSA‐RFR) can accurately predict the charging load of EVs in different regions, and the charging load of different regional types is obviously different. Compared with the RFR model and other literature models, the SSA‐RFR model has better prediction accuracy, which verifies the feasibility and superiority of SSA‐RFR model in EVs charging load prediction.
Searching for Milky Way twins: Radial abundance distribution as a strict criterion
Authors: Pilyugin L. S. , Tautvaišienė G. , Lara-López M. A.
Published: June 2023

We search for Milky Way-like galaxies among a sample of approximately 500 galaxies. The characteristics we considered of the candidate galaxies are the following: stellar mass M⋆, optical radius R25, rotation velocity Vrot, central oxygen abundance (O/H)0, and abundance at the optical radius (O/H)R25. If the values of R25 and M⋆ of the galaxy were close to that of the Milky Way, then the galaxy was referred to as a structural Milky Way analogue (sMWA). The oxygen abundance at a given radius of a galaxy is defined by the evolution of that region (astration level, that is, the fraction of gas converted into stars, as well as gas exchange with the surroundings), and we then assumed that the similarity of (O/H)0 and (O/H)R25 in two galaxies suggests a similarity in their (chemical) evolution. If the values of (O/H)0 and (O/H)R25 in the galaxy were close to that of the Milky Way, then the galaxy was referred to as an evolutionary Milky Way analogue (eMWA). If the galaxy was simultaneously an eMWA and sMWA, then the galaxy was considered a Milky Way twin. We find that the position of the Milky Way on the (O/H)0–(O/H)R25 diagram shows a large deviation from the general trend in the sense that the (O/H)R25 in the Milky Way is appreciably lower than in other galaxies of similar (O/H)0. This feature of the Milky Way evidences that its (chemical) evolution is not typical. We identify four galaxies (NGC 3521, NGC 4651, NGC 2903, and MaNGA galaxy M-8341-09101) that are simultaneously sMWA and eMWA and can therefore be considered as Milky Way twins. In previous studies, Milky Way-like galaxies were selected using structural and morphological characteristics, that is, sMWAs were selected. We find that the abundances at the centre and at the optical radius (evolutionary characteristics) provide a stricter criterion for selecting real Milky Way twins.
Systematic meta-analysis of research on AI tools to deal with misinformation on social media during natural and anthropogenic hazards and disasters
Authors: Vicari Rosa , Komendatova Nadejda
Published: June 2023

The spread of misinformation on social media has led to the development of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to deal with this phenomenon. These tools are particularly needed when misinformation relates to natural or anthropogenic disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The major research question of our work was as follows: what kind of gatekeepers (i.e. news moderators) do we wish social media algorithms and users to be when misinformation on hazards and disasters is being dealt with? To address this question, we carried out a meta-analysis of studies published in Scopus and Web of Science. We extracted 668 papers that contained keyterms related to the topic of “AI tools to deal with misinformation on social media during hazards and disasters.” The methodology included several steps. First, we selected 13 review papers to identify relevant variables and refine the scope of our meta-analysis. Then we screened the rest of the papers and identified 266 publications as being significant for our research goals. For each eligible paper, we analyzed its objective, sponsor’s location, year of publication, research area, type of hazard, and related topics. As methods of analysis, we applied: descriptive statistics, network representation of keyword co-occurrences, and flow representation of research rationale. Our results show that few studies come from the social sciences (5.8%) and humanities (3.5%), and that most of those papers are dedicated to the COVID-19 risk (92%). Most of the studies deal with the question of detecting misinformation (68%). Few countries are major funders of the development of the topic. These results allow some inferences. Social sciences and humanities seem underrepresented for a topic that is strongly connected to human reasoning. A reflection on the optimum balance between algorithm recommendations and user choices seems to be missing. Research results on the pandemic could be exploited to enhance research advances on other risks.
Demonstration of Dry Magnetic Separation to Upgrade the Mn:Fe Ratio of a Ferromanganese Ore Sample
Authors: Peterson M. J. , Karadkal R. , Nunna V. , Hapugoda S. , Austin P.
Published: June 2023

Sighter Induced Roll Magnetic Separation tests were conducted on a ferromanganese ore sample to determine the potential to significantly upgrade the Mn content and Mn:Fe ratio. The sample had a Mn:Fe ratio of 1.3 and was comprised of hematite, cryptomelane, pyrolusite, quartz, goethite and braunite. Tests at 4.7, 2.3 and 1 mm top sizes revealed better separation of Fe from Mn at the 2.3 and 1 mm top sizes. This reflected the better liberation and separation characteristics of Fe oxides at 2.3 mm and both Fe and Mn oxides at 1 mm. A test on the −2.3 + 0.6 mm size fraction improved the Mn:Fe ratio to 4.6, the Mn content to 41.5 wt% with 69.4% mass recovery and 84.2% Mn recovery. Particle magnetic susceptibility was influenced by particle microporosity, and its effect on apparent density, resulting in some Mn oxides reporting to the magnetic concentrate and Fe oxides to the tails.
Against epistemic accounts of luck
Authors: Hill Jesse
Published: June 2023

Epistemic accounts of luck define luck’s chanciness condition relative to a subject’s epistemic position. This could be put in terms of a subject’s evidence or knowledge about whether the event will occur. I argue that both versions of the epistemic account fail. In §2, I give two types of counterexamples to the evidence-based approach. In §3, I argue—contrary to the knowledge-based view—that an event can be a matter of good or bad luck for a subject even if she knows that it will occur. In §4, I argue that epistemic accounts cannot explain some instances of constitutive luck. Because of these problems, luck’s chanciness condition cannot be adequately defined in epistemic terms.
A-01 Trait Mindfulness Gains Associated with Executive Functioning Improvements Following Physical Exercise in Older Adults
Authors: Agate F T , Sánchez J P , Webber A , Contreras A , Garcia-Barrera M A
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Although there are certain injury risks associated with sports participation (e.g., concussion), there are also neuropsychological benefits relating to physical activity. Evidence suggests that trait mindfulness (TM) may contribute to the neuropsychological benefits of physical activity and exercise, including those pertaining to executive functioning (EF) and mood. The present study aimed to investigate the degree to which changes in TM accounted for changes in neuropsychological functioning following a remote physical exercise training program for older adults. It was hypothesized that increases in TM would predict improvements in self-reported EF and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Methods

As part of a larger RCT, 43 older adults (70% females, 65-81 years-old) from across Canada completed an online assessment measuring TM, EF, and mood before and after engaging in an 8-week remote physical exercise training program.

Results

Linear regression analyses showed that pre-post changes in TM explained a significant proportion of variance in self-reported changes in EF, r2=.18, F(1,24)=5.11, p<.05, but did not for symptoms of depression, r2=.06, F(1,24)= 1.53, p= 23 or anxiety, r2=.04, F(1,24)=1.08, p=.31. More specifically, bivariate correlations demonstrated that gains in TM were significantly associated with increases in reported impulse control, r=.48, p=.01, and empathy, r=.42, p<.05.

Conclusions

These results suggest that for older adults engaging in exercise, gains in trait mindfulness may be associated with benefits to certain aspects of executive functioning. These findings also invite sports neuropsychologists to consider level of mindfulness when evaluating individuals (e.g., athletes) engaged in exercise.
A-03 Preliminary Evidence for Motor Vehicle Accidents and Associated Concussion Response Severity in Older Adults
Authors: Albrecht T , Holland C , French J , Perry C , Kontos A
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To determine if mechanism of injury is associated with differences in initial response to concussion in older adults.

Methods

Fifty older adults (54% female) aged 50-84 (59.14±6.54) were recruited from a sports medicine concussion clinic at initial appointment. Inclusion criteria included age (50+) and injury date within the last year. Exclusion criteria included prior diagnosis of a neurological disorder and/or brain malformation, psychiatric diagnosis other than anxiety/depression, prior history of moderate or severe brain injury, and/or ongoing litigation. Mechanism of injury in the sample included 22 falls/accidents (44%), 20 MVAs (40%), 2 sport/recreation (4%), 1 assault (2%), and 5 other (10%). Participants were assigned to two independent groups, MVA and Non-MVA. Outcome measures included Vestibular/Ocular-Motor Screening (VOMS), Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT), and Concussion Clinical Profile Screening (CP Screen). Response severity was operationalized by VOMS Total and CP Screen Total. Two-tailed independent t-tests (alpha<.05) examined differences between groups at initial visit.

Results

There were no significant differences between groups in terms of demographics or other common risk factors. There were no differences between groups for response severity. The MVA group reported more severe vestibular complaints t(41) =2.07, p=.044, more severe cognitive complaints, t(44)=3.68, p<.001, and demonstrated worse scores on domains of visual memory, t(43)=-2.16, p=.037, reaction time, t(43)=3.07, p=.004, and visual motor speed, t(43)=-2.85, p=.007.

Conclusions

MVA-related concussions may result in more focal disruption of vestibular and cognitive performance in older adults. Future research is warranted to confirm the findings of this study, to explore potential explanations for these findings, and to further explore how concussion presents in older adults.
A-10 Virginians Report Unequal Access to Appropriate Licensed Healthcare Providers for Concussion
Authors: Blackstone A M , Werner S , McGill C , Hacherl S , Kelshaw P M , Lincoln A E , DeSalvo G , Cook N E , Caswell S V
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Virginia state law requires athletes with suspected concussions to be evaluated and receive written clearance from an appropriately licensed healthcare provider (HCP) before returning to play. This HCP is defined as a physician, physician assistant, athletic trainer (AT), neuropsychologist, physical therapist, or nurse practitioner. However, little is known regarding whether access to HCPs in Virginia differs by locality. We explored stakeholders’ access to HCPs.

Methods

An electronic survey assessed school and community stakeholders’ perceptions of accessibility to HCPs. Results were stratified by locale (National Center for Education Statistics locality classifications). Participants were a convenience sample recruited through collaboration with state professional organizations.

Results

400 respondents (city [n=61, 15%], suburban [n=142, 36%], town [n=67, 17%], and rural [n=130, 33%]) completed the survey. Overall, three out of four (77%) reported having access to community HCPs, though rates were substantially higher among those from cities (92% city, 80% suburban, 80% town). However, only 66% of respondents from rural areas reported access to an HCP. Additionally, when asked about access to an AT, 45% of stakeholders responded that they had no access to an AT. Most respondents with no AT access were from suburban (34%) or rural (39%) locales, and 43% reported traveling >30 minutes to access an HCP.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate access disparities such that rural Virginians report less access to licensed HCPs for concussion clearance. In communities without an AT, it may require considerable travel to reach an HCP. Further investigation is needed into strategies that promote equal access to HCPs.
A-12 The Impact of Injury Mechanism and Skill on Concussion in School and All Star Cheerleaders
Authors: Boucher S J , Datoc A E , Mathew A S , Choi D , Jones C A , Ellis C , Abt J P , Burkhart S O
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Previous research determined that sports-related concussions (SRC) occurred at higher rates in cheerleading club practices compared to school practice. The purpose of the current study was to determine if mechanism of injury and skill during which injury occurred impacted symptom reporting and overall recovery days in school and All Star cheerleaders.

Methods

This study was a retrospective comparison of 101 female cheerleaders (aged 8-18 years) evaluated in a specialty concussion clinic and diagnosed with SRC from 2020-2023. Cheerleaders were stratified based on type of cheer, mechanism of injury, and skill during which they were injured. Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) total score and recovery time in days were compared for each group. Chi square and factorial analyses were used.

Results

Most concussions occurred during stunting incidents (76.2%) with higher rates for school cheerleaders (43.6%) compared to All Star (32.7%). Tumbling incidents accounted for 11.9%, with higher rates for All Star (7.9%) compared to school cheerleaders (4.0%). Head to ground contact (49.5%) and head to body contact (42.6%) were the most reported mechanism of injury, with school cheerleaders having slightly higher rates (28.7%; 21.8%) compared to All Star cheerleaders (20.8%; 20.8%) respectively. School cheerleaders who suffered a SRC through head-to-head contact had significantly higher PCSS scores (P= 0.39) compared to other mechanisms across groups.

Conclusions

A majority of the SRCs in cheer athletes resulted from head to ground and head to body contacts. The results suggest that cheerleaders suffer higher rates of SRC when participating in stunting activities compared to other cheerleading skills. Future research examining the trajectory of recovery following SRC suffered in cheerleading, will identify the need for skill-specific protocols.
A-16 Self-reported balance disturbance and performance-based balance measures in varsity level athletes with and without concussion history
Authors: Butterfield K M , Wilson A , Mochizuki G , Wojtowicz M
Published: June 2023

[Outstanding Trainee Award Winner]

Purpose

Assessment of postural balance in varsity athletes is essential to managing sport-related concussion. The current study characterizes the relationship between subjective and objective measures of balance in varsity athletes.

Methods

A total of 208 varsity athletes across 12 sports participated in pre-season testing from June 2019 to January 2020 (no history of concussion= 117; 1+ past concussion= 91). Measures included the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT-5) and the AccuGait force plate. Relationships between objective and subjective balance measures were assessed using correlations, parametric, and non-parametric tests.

Results

Of the total sample, 9.6% (n=20) endorsed subjective balance issues and 5.3% (n=11) reported subjective dizziness. Those with a history of concussion, endorsed greater total number of symptoms at baseline (M=2.95, SD=4.03) than those without (M=1.90, SD=3.07; p=.04; Cohen’s d=.30). However, there were no differences on subjective or objective balance measures (i.e., total balance error on the MBESS or force plate measures; ps>0.05) between athletes with and without a history of concussion. For those with no history of concussion, total balance errors from the Modified Balance Error Scoring system were significantly associated with force plate metrics in the eyes closed condition (ps<0.05) but not the eyes open condition. These associations were not observed in athletes with history of concussion (ps>0.05). Similarly, no associations were found between subjective balance issues and objective balance metrics.

Conclusions

Overall, findings suggest poor alignment between subjective and objective balance measures in varsity athletes, regardless of concussion history. Associations were observed across the objective balance measures in those with no history of injury, but not in athletes with a history of concussion.
A-20 Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Concerns Among Aging Amateur Football and Non-Football players: Preliminary Data from CLEAATS
Authors: Doggett H , Didehbani N , LoBue C , Cullum C M
Published: June 2023

Purpose

We evaluated self-reported concerns about developing 1) chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and 2) “permanent memory or thinking problems” due to head-injury exposure among former football and non-football college-level male athletes 50 or older.

Methods

188 male participants (Mean age=64.4 years, 90% White) completed a comprehensive online survey for the College Level Aging Athlete Study (CLEAATS). Using chi-squared tests, frequency of self-reported concerns between football players and non-football players for two different survey questions were evaluated: 1) concerns for developing CTE, and 2) concerns for developing “permanent memory or thinking problems” related to a history of concussions and/or head impacts. Level of concern was measured on a 5-point scale ranging from 1=Not at all to 5=extremely.

Results

Former football players (n=102) endorsed greater concerns about CTE (X2 [1, N=188]=45.86, p<.001) than non-football players (n=86), with 20.5% (21/102) indicating they were “moderately” or “extremely” concerned, compared to 6.9% (6/86) of non-football players Similarly, former football players (n=102) endorsed greater concerns of developing permanent memory/thinking problems, with 32% (31/102) reporting moderate to extreme concerns, compared to 11.6% (10/86) of non-football players (X2 [1, N=188]=30.3, p<.001).

Conclusions

Preliminary data found that 1/5th of former college football players over age 50 expressed significant concerns of developing CTE. One-third had significant concerns about their long-term cognition. This is despite the unknown prevalence and risk factors for cognitive problems, dementia, or CTE among contact-sports participants. We suggest continued caution when reporting on long-term outcomes in former athletes, given the elevated concerns in the context of currently mixed literature.
A-21 Do Guardian Caps Reduce Concussion Frequency, Symptom Severity, and Time-Loss After Concussion In Football Athletes?
Authors: Donahue C C , Rosenblum D R , Pugh K F , Resch J E
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The Guardian Cap (GC) was designed to mitigate biomechanical forces to football helmets. This pilot study was designed to examine if the use of GCs reduced concussion frequency, total symptom severity (TST), and days-until-symptom-resolution (DUSR) following a SC in collegiate football athletes. We hypothesized the GCs would not decrease SC frequency, TST, or DUSR.

Methods

Participants (N=14) in our cross-sectional study were Division I collegiate football athletes who were diagnosed with a SC (20.0±1.32 years old) who did (GC; n=3) or did not (NoGC; n=11) wear the GC. Only SCs that occurred to athletes required to wear the GC during practice were included in our analyses. As spring practice was cancelled during 2020 due to COVID-19, only fall practices were included in our analyses. The head coach remained consistent during the NoGC and GC study periods. Descriptive statistics were used to examine concussion frequency. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare TST and DUSR between groups. Also, [interquartile range] could not be calculated for the GC group due to the low number of SCs.

Results

On median, the number of SCs decreased from 4 to 1.5 per season from the NoGC to the GC period. On median DUSR decreased from 13.5[11] to 5[n/a] for the NoGC and GC groups, respectively (U=9.50,z=-.93,p=.35). TST also decreased from 16[27] to 6[n/a] in the NoGC and GC groups, respectively (U=5.0,z=-1.79,p=.07).

Conclusions

GCs may potentially reduce concussion frequency, TST, and DUSR, however, future research with a larger sample size is needed to confirm and extend our findings.