bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time-varying Correlations between JSE.JO Stock Market and its Partners Using Symmetric DCC Models
Authors: Mohammed Anas , Mwambi Henry , Omolo Bernard
Published: July 2024

The extent of correlation or co-movement among the returns of developed and/or emerging stock markets remains pivotal for efficiently diversifying global portfolios. This correlation is prone to variation over time as a consequence of escalating economic interdependence fostered by international trade and financial markets. In this study, we analyzed the time-varying correlation and co-movement between the JSE.JO stock market of South Africa and its developed and developing stock market partners. The Dynamic Conditional Correlation - Exponential Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (DCC-EGARCH) methodology is employed with different multivariate distributions to explore the time-varying correlation and volatilities between the JSE.JO stock market and its partners. Based on the conditional correlation results, the JSE.JO stock market is integrated and co-moves with its partners, and the conditional correlation for all markets exhibit time-variant behavior. The conditional volatility results show that the JSE.JO stock market behaves differently from other markets, especially after 2015, indicating a positive sign for investors to diversify between JSE.JO and its partners. The highest value of conditional volatility for markets was in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, representing the riskiest period that investors should avoid due to the lack of diversification opportunities during crises.
Statistical Signatures of Abstraction in Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Caputo Carlo Orientale , Marsili Matteo
Published: July 2024

We study how abstract representations emerge in a Deep Belief Network (DBN) trained on benchmark datasets. Our analysis targets the principles of learning in the early stages of information processing, starting from the “primordial soup" of the under-sampling regime. As the data is processed by deeper and deeper layers, features are detected and removed, transferring more and more “context-invariant” information to deeper layers. We show that the representation approaches an universal model – the Hierarchical Feature Model (HFM) – determined by the principle of maximal relevance. Relevance quantifies the uncertainty on the model of the data, thus suggesting that “meaning" – i.e. syntactic information – is that part of the data which is not yet captured by a model. Our analysis shows that shallow layers are well described by pairwise Ising models, which provide a representation of the data in terms of generic, low order features. We also show that plasticity increases with depth, in a similar way as it does in the brain. These findings suggest that DBNs are capable of extracting a hierarchy of features from the data which is consistent with the principle of maximal relevance.
Analysis of Risk Factors Associated with Proximal Junctional Kyphosis Following Long Instrumented Fusion from L1 to Sacrum: Age Itself Does Not Independently Increase The Risk
Authors: Ahn Joonghyun , Kim Young-Hoon , Kim Yong-Chan , Kim Ki-Tack , Kim Sung-Min , Park Jun Bum , Ha Kee-Yong
Published: July 2024

This study is a retrospective analysis aimed to understand the incidence and risk factors of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) following long instrumented spinal fusion from L1 to the sacrum in patients with mild to moderate sagittal imbalance. It recruited consecutive patient undergone instrumented fusion from L1 to the sacrum for degenerative lumbar disease between June 2006 and November 2019 in a single institution. The patients’ preoperative clinical data, muscle status at T12-L1 on magnetic resonance images, and sagittal spinopelvic parameters were analyzed. Univariate analysis was used to compare clinical and radiographic data between PJK and non-PJK patients. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the independent risk factors for PJK. A total of 56 patients were included in the study. The mean age at surgery was 67.3 years and mean follow-up period was 37.3 months. Seven were male and 34 were female. PJK developed in 23 (41.1%) out of 56; of these patients, 20 (87.0%) developed PJK within postoperative 1 year. On univariate analysis between PJK and non-PJK patients, PJK group showed more frequent osteoporosis, lower body mass index, smaller cross-sectional area (CSA) and more fat infiltration (FI) in erector spinae muscle at T12-L1, larger preoperative TLK and PT with statistical significance (p<0.05). On logistic regression analysis, severe (>50%) FI in erector spinae muscle (OR=43.60, CI 4.10-463.06, R2N =0.730, p=0.002) and osteoporosis (OR=20.49, CI 1.58-264.99, R2N =0.730, p=0.021) were statistically significant. Preexisting severe (>50%) fat infiltration in erector spinae muscle and osteoporosis were significant independent risk factors associated with PJK following instrumented fusion from L1 to the sacrum, but age was not a risk factor.
The Role and Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Dental Implant Planning
Authors: Macrì Monica , D’Albis Vincenzo , D’Albis Giuseppe , Forte Marta , Capodiferro Saverio , Favia Gianfranco , Alrashadah Abdulrahman Omar , Flores García Victor Diaz- , Festa Felice
Published: July 2024

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence in Implantology; AI in Dental Implantology; Machine Learning in Dental Implantology; Deep Learning in Implant Dentistry; Robotics in Dental Implantology; AI-Based Implant Planning.
Is Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Associated with Spinal Degenerative Disorders?
Authors: Zou Ming-Xiang , Xia Chao , Wu Peng-Fei , Hu Hai-Hong , Zhu Hong-Xia , Zheng Bo-Wen , Jiang Ling-Xiang , Escobar David , Li Jing , Lü Guo-Hua , Huang Wei , Zhang Tao-Lan , Liu Jiang-Hua
Published: July 2024

Background:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and spinal degenerative disorders (SDD) are common diseases that frequently coexist. However, both traditional observational studies and recent Mendelian randomization (MR) studies have demonstrated conflicting evidence on the association between T2DM and SDD. This comparative study explored and compared the association between T2DM and SDD using observational and MR analyses.

Methods:

For observational analyses, cross-sectional studies (44,972 participants with T2DM and 403,095 participants without T2DM), case-control studies (38,234 participants with SDD and 409,833 participants without SDD), and prospective studies (35,550 participants with T2DM and 392,046 participants without T2DM with follow-up information until 2022) were performed to test the relationship between T2DM and SDD using individual-level data from the U.K. Biobank from 2006 to 2022. For MR analyses, the associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms with SDD susceptibility obtained using participant data from the U.K. Biobank, which had 407,938 participants from 2006 to 2022, and the FinnGen Consortium, which had 227,388 participants from 2017 to 2022, and genetic predisposition to T2DM obtained using summary statistics from a pooled genome-wide association study involving 1,407,282 individuals were examined. The onset and severity of T2DM are not available in the databases being used.

Results:

Participants with T2DM were more likely to have SDD than their counterparts. Logistic regression analysis identified T2DM as an independent risk factor for SDD, which was confirmed by the Cox proportional hazard model results. However, using single-nucleotide polymorphisms as instruments, the MR analyses demonstrated no causal relationship between T2DM and SDD. The lack of such an association was robust in the sensitivity analysis, and no pleiotropy was seen.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that the association between T2DM and SDD may be method-dependent. Researchers and clinicians should be cautious in interpreting the association, especially the causal association, between T2DM and SDD. Our findings provide fresh insights into the association between T2DM and SDD by various analysis methods and guide future research and clinical efforts in the effective prevention and management of T2DM and SDD.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Evolution of Medical Students' Interest in Orthopaedic Surgery Careers from Matriculation to Graduation
Authors: Gerull Katherine M. , Pérez Maria , Cipriano Cara A. , Jeffe Donna B.
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

Little is known about risk factors for changes in students' interest in orthopaedics during medical school. We aimed to identify variables associated with diminished (vs. sustained) and emerging (vs. no) plans to become board certified in orthopaedic surgery.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective national-cohort study of students who matriculated in US MD-granting medical schools in academic years 1993 to 1994 through 2000 to 2001. The outcome measure was the evolution of students' board-certification plans in orthopaedic surgery from matriculation to graduation using responses on the Association of American Medical Colleges' Matriculating Student Questionnaire and Graduation Questionnaire. Covariates included demographic, attitudinal, experiential, and career intention variables.

Results:

Of 53,560 graduates with complete data, 2,765 students reported diminished interest in becoming board certified in orthopaedics, 1,345 reported emerging interest, and 1,327 reported sustained interest. In multivariable logistic regression models, students who were female (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43-2.34), Asian (aOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.18-1.82), reported greater importance of social responsibility (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02-1.33) and prestige (aOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.10-1.30) in choosing a medicine career, and planned full-time university faculty careers (aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.33-1.89) at graduation were independently more likely to have diminished (vs. sustained) interest. Students who participated in research and/or authorship electives (aOR 3.50, 95% CI 3.00-4.07) and who attended private institutions (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.10-1.39) were more likely to have emerging (vs. no) interest.

Conclusions:

Twice as many students lost interest than gained interest in orthopaedics during medical school, and the cohort of students interested in orthopaedics became less diverse over the course of medical school. Several risk factors amenable to change were identified. Interventions that target these risk factors are warranted to increase the diversity of the orthopaedic surgery workforce.
School Well-Being Boosts Student Motivation in Indonesia
Authors: Priambadi Braniodi Shandy , Nastiti Dwi
Published: July 2024

This study examines the relationship between school well-being and learning motivation among Islamic Vocational High School students in Tulangan, Sidoarjo. Using a quantitative correlational method, 222 students were selected from a population of 497 through stratified random sampling. Validated scales measured school well-being and learning motivation, with data analyzed using Pearson product-moment correlation via JASP software. Results showed a significant positive correlation (r=0.432, p<0.001), indicating that higher school well-being is associated with increased learning motivation. These findings suggest that improving school infrastructure and resources can enhance student motivation, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to boost educational quality.
 
Highlight:

Positive correlation between school well-being and learning motivation identified.
Enhanced infrastructure boosts student motivation.
Collaboration with parents and institutions crucial for educational quality.

 
 
Keyword:  School well-being, learning motivation, Islamic vocational students, quantitative study, Pearson correlation
Mitigating Lecturers’ Communication Uncertainty in Using SWVC During Online Lectures
Authors: Palupi Palupi , Primandaru Danendra Aflihandito
Published: July 2024

This study investigates at the communication uncertainty undergraduate lecturers face when delivering lectures through synchronous web video conferencing (SWVC) during online lectures. Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT) is employed to understand how lecturers use communication techniques to reduce uncertainty in online lecture. Undergraduate lecturers at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta who have ever conducted teaching online were interviewed in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis is performed, with a particular focus on the methods that lecturers use to communicate with their students in order to build relationships and reduce uncertainty. The study identifies a number of important areas of uncertainty, such as technical challenges, the development of useful learning materials, evaluation of comprehension, student involvement, and conduct during online sessions. This study shows how lecturers use active, passive, and interactive strategy to reduce uncertainty. These results underline how crucial it is to deal with technology challenges, advance interactive teaching strategies, raise student participation, and establish effective communication in order to guarantee successful online education in the face of uncertainty.
Investment, ZIS Funds, Mudharabah Financing and Economic Growth in Indonesia
Authors: Hamidi Ichsan , Farhan Muhammad , Apriani Deassy
Published: July 2024

This study conducted to investigate the effect of investment, ZIS funds, and mudharabah financing towards Indonesia's economic growth during the period 2011-2021. This study uses a quantitative approach with multiple linear regression analysis of monthly time series data. The results showed that investment realization has a positive and significant effect on economic growth, in accordance with Schumpeter's theory which highlights the role of investment in encouraging economic activity. Meanwhile, the distribution of ZIS funds has a positive but insignificant effect on economic growth with  0,7127 p-value, due to a lack of public trust in zakat amil institutions in Indonesia, That caused lack of ZIS funds to be distributed in encouraging economic growth. Mudharabah financing also has a positive but insignificant effect on economic growth with 0,5224 p-value, due to a small value of financing and low public interest in applying for mudharabah financing. It is hoped that the results of this study can become a basis for strengthening the role of Islamic economics, especially ZIS and mudharabah towards economic growth in Indonesia and improving people's welfare.
Clinical and molecular genetic analysis further delineates the phenotypic variability of POMT2-related limb girdle muscular dystrophy type R14
Authors: Yang Guiguan , Lv Xiaoqing , Wu Wenjing , Wang Guangyu , Yang Mengqi , Feng Yifei , Yan Chuanzhu , Liu Meirong , Lin Pengfei
Published: July 2024

Background
The POMT2 gene, which encodes protein O-mannosyltransferase 2, is crucial for the initial stage of α-dystroglycan glycosylation. Mutations in POMT2 are responsible for severe congenital muscular dystrophies, such as Walker-Warburg syndrome, muscle-eye-brain disease, and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy R14 (LGMDR14). This article retrospectively analyzed the clinical, pathological and genetic data of three patients diagnosed with LGMDR14. Aberrant mRNA processing analysis was subsequently conducted to investigate the pathogenic mechanism of the mutation. We employed innovative bioinformatic techniques of molecular dynamics to assess the impact of identified POMT2 mutations on protein structure and function and sought to establish a connection between these variants and their phenotypic manifestations.
Results
Three LGMDR14 patients from unrelated Chinese families were recruited. Adult onset age and proximal muscle weakness were common in our patients. They all showed myopathic lesions on electromyography and decreased α-dystroglycan expression on muscle biopsy. One patient was found to have severe cardiomyopathy and mild cognitive impairment, highlighting the importance of monitoring both the heart and brain activity. Genetic sequencing revealed that patient 1 harbored compound heterozygous c.1006+1G>A and c.295C>T variants of the POMT2 gene, patient 2 harbored c.1261C>T and c.700_701insCT variants, and patient 3 harbored c.812C>T and c.170G>A variants. Among these mutations, the variants c.700_701insCT, c.812C>T and c.170G>A have never been reported before. RNA sequencing revealed that the c.1006+1G>A mutation could cause retention of the first 26 bp of intron 8 by inducing recognition of new donor splice sites. Pyrosequencing revealed that both the frameshift mutation c.700_701insCT and the splicing mutation c.1006+1G>A triggered nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Molecular dynamics indicated that the c.1006+1G>A, c.700_701insCT and c.170G>A variants could generate truncated protein structures and change the stability and function of the POMT2 protein.
Conclusions
Our study summarizes the clinical and genetic characteristics of three newly diagnosed adult-onset LGMDR14 patients, expanding the genetic spectrum of POMT2mutations. Moreover, this study also broadens the understanding of the anomalous mRNA regulation of POMT2 caused by splicing mutations and introduces a new bionformatic method for predicting the effect of POMT2variants on protein structure using molecular dynamics.
Layered gel emulsion-templated Janus porous composites for emulsified oil separation
Authors: Zuo Shixiang , Wang Chunyu , Alshammari Nawaa Ali Husaykan , El-Bahy Salah Mohamad , Xu Rong , Li Saijie , Wang Lei , Yao Chao , El-Bahy Zeinhom Mohamad , Gui Haoguan
Published: July 2024

Efficient separation of emulsified oil is urgently needed to repair the ecological environment, given the explosive development in modern industrial civilization. Herein, Janus porous composites were constructed using two different paraffin oil-in-dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) gel emulsions. One of the gel emulsions contained graphene oxide (GO) within the DMSO phase, while the other continuous phase was dissolved with triarm hydroxyl-terminated poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL-triol). To create Janus porous composites, the gel emulsions were overlaid and solidified with poly[(phenyl isocyanate)-co-formaldehyde] through step-growth polymerization. The resultant GO/PCL Janus porous composites exhibited an asymmetric double-layer structure with a tightly bonded interface. GO/PCL Janus porous composites displayed asymmetric surface wettability, functioning as a liquid diode, and enabling effective separation of oil-in-water (O/W) miniemulsion. The separation efficiency could be further improved under simulated solar irradiation, due to heat-induced viscosity reduction and phase separation caused by the photothermal conversion effect of the GO-based layer. These Janus porous composites demonstrated excellent performance in oil-water separation, making them an ideal candidate for such applications.
Parent-child Relationship Quality Predicts Higher Subjective Wellbeing in Adulthood Across a Diverse Group of Countries
Authors: Rothwell Jonathan , Davoodi Telli
Published: July 2024

Theoretically and empirically, parenting is closely related to the psychological health of offspring, but long-term effects are not well established and international variation unknown. In a pre-registered multilevel modelling analysis, we test whether retrospective parent-child relationship quality (PCRQ) predicts adult wellbeing in a representative sample of 202,898 adults living in 22 countries. Our findings indicate a substantial effect size for PCRQ on an index of flourishing (std mean effect = 0.21, 95% CI 0.19–0.23) and internalized mental health (std mean effect = 0.18, 95% CI 0.17–0.20). We find a positive effect of PCRQ on flourishing in all 22 countries (significant in all but one). Parental religiosity positively predicts PCRQ (std mean effect = 0.09, 95% CI 0.06–0.11). In higher-income and more secular countries, PCRQ is lower but the wellbeing benefits of PCRQ are higher. The positive effect of parental religiosity on PCRQ is found in every country in the sample.
Real-world impact of physical activity reward-driven digital App use on cardiometabolic and cardiovascular disease incidence
Authors: Senderey Adi Berliner , Mushkat Tom , Hadas Ofer , Carmeli Dafna , Hayek Samah , Charpingnon Marie-Laura , Jacobson Eyal , Balicer Ran
Published: July 2024

The lack of effective tools available to health providers for enhancing patient physical activity prompts this study to examine the real-world impact of a physical activity reward-driven app on health outcomes, utilizing Electronic Health Records (EHR) data from Israel’s largest healthcare organization. Conducting a retrospective cohort study, we matched app-users to non-users based on demographic and clinical characteristics. App-users showed significant reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (HR 0.95), stroke (HR 0.91), and type 2 diabetes (HR 0.82) compared to non-app users. Moreover, vigorous physical activity among app-users significantly lowered incidence rates of cardiovascular disease (HR 0.88), stroke (HR 0.84), and type 2 diabetes (HR 0.75) compared with non-app user. However, engagement in mild physical activity did not differ from controls in incidence of either outcome. These findings highlight the potential of app-based interventions, particularly in promoting higher levels of physical activity, to mitigate major vascular and metabolic illnesses.
Structural level Implementation of Different Symmetrical Multilevel Inverter for Power Quality (PQ) Applications
Authors: D Shyam , A Nazar Ali , K Premkumar
Published: July 2024

An inverter is a solution for power back-up which provides services when normal power is cut off. One of the major concerns in the present-day scenario towards power quality applications is harmonics which creates a lot of problem in designing medium and high-power applications because of its capability in compensation of reactive power. Presently reducing the harmonics with better switching pattern is the need of the hour. The conventional method of inverters focuses on two-level topologies with complications primarily based on THD and switching losses compared to Multilevel inverter. Multi-level inverters are rapidly moving towards future dominance in the field of inverter technology because of its surpassing performance towards newer configuration and topological techniques. Its presence has created an opportunity to propose new techniques to reduce switching losses, THD level and switching circuit tremendously. This proposed paper focuses on structured topology for N-level symmetrical multilevel inverter (NL-SMLI) and also presents the comparative analysis of different PWM techniques such as sinusoidal PWM, third- harmonic PWM, random PWM. Modified Sinusoidal Reference Pulse Width Modulation (MSR-PWM) techniques have been introduced to Hybrid multi-level inverter with new topology to reduce the THD level with the minimum number of switches possible.
Barriers to Sustainable Construction: An In-Depth Analysis of the Nigerian Construction Industry
Authors: Unegbu H. C. O. , Yawas D. S. , Dan-asabe B. , Alabi A. A.
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the factors hindering the adoption of sustainable construction practices in Nigeria, with a focus on organizational culture, availability of technology and expertise, stakeholder practices, financial implications, and government policies and regulations. Through a mixed-methods approach incorporating literature review, survey questionnaire development, and data analysis, the research provides comprehensive insights into the complexities of sustainable development within the Nigerian construction industry. The data collected from 237 respondents was analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Correlation Analysis in LISREL. Findings reveal the critical role of government policies and regulations in driving sustainability initiatives, alongside the influence of organizational culture, technological capabilities, financial considerations, and stakeholder dynamics. The study underscores the need for supportive regulatory frameworks, organizational commitment, stakeholder collaboration, and investment in sustainable technologies to overcome barriers and advance sustainability agendas. These findings contribute to the scholarly discourse on sustainable construction practices in Nigeria and offer practical implications for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers striving to promote sustainable development and resilience in the Nigerian construction sector.
Surgical outcomes and co-morbidities among all-cause paediatric hydrocephalus patients in Eastern Denmark
Authors: Duc Anna , Dokhi Marveh , Guldberg Frederikke , Østergaard Elsebet , Larsen Carl , Juhler Marianne , Munch Tina Nørgaard
Published: July 2024

Purpose The aim of this study was to provide granular descriptions of aetiologies of hydrocephalus and concurrent conditions. Furthermore, to describe the short-term effect of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) on preoperative symptoms and to estimate the risks of shunt revision, conversion of ETV to shunt, and the risks of complications. Methods A retrospective, single-centre study was performed among children who underwent shunt insertion or ETV for hydrocephalus between December 1st, 2016 and December 31st, 2021. Information regarding course of disease, surgical treatments, and comorbidities were registered from the digital patient records. The risks of conversion of treatment modality and shunt revision were estimated as cumulative incidences (CI’s) after 30-days, 3-, and 12 months. Results A total of 89 children with either obstructive (OH) (65%) or communicating (CH) (35%) hydrocephalus were surgically treated with VPS or ETV. Neurological disorders (CH 29%, OH 26%) and genetic conditions (CH 36%, OH 16%) were frequent concurrent conditions. Increased head size (74%) and symptoms of elevated intracranial pressure (57%) were the most common preoperative symptoms. Treatment with VPS entailed a 13.7% failure rate for OH and 9.7% for CH, whereas ETV displayed 14.3% failure rate, all reflecting failure of alleviating the preoperative clinical symptoms. The cumulative 1-year risk of shunt revision was 67%, most often due to valve dysfunction (28%), disconnection (14%), and shunt displacements (12%). Conclusion The considerable risks of treatment failure and complications call for improvements in treatment based on a better understanding of the heterogenic mechanisms of disease.
Urban residents adapt to extreme heat through food delivery service in China
Authors: Li Yong , Zhang Yunke , Wang Daoping , Liu Yu , He Pan
Published: July 2024

More frequent heat events globally prompt behavioral adaptations such as reducing outdoor activities to relieve potential distress. The emergence of innovative daily life services in cities offers new avenues for implementing such adaptive strategies. Here we investigate whether urban residents augment food delivery consumption as an immediate response to heat in China. Analyzing extensive individual-level food delivery data from a major platform across 100 Chinese cities from 2017 to 2023, we observe a significant surge in lunchtime orders, exceeding 10%, as temperatures escalate from 20°C to 35°C, and reaching 20% at 40°C. These increments, coupled with reduced heat exposure via food delivery, are more pronounced among female, high-income, and older individuals, signifying varying degrees of benefit among specific vulnerable groups. Projections under the RCP8.5 global warming scenario indicate a persistent rise in food delivery demand and the associated mitigation of heat exposure by mid-century. Our findings underscore significant policy implications for climate change adaptation and highlight the pivotal role of urban daily life services in alleviating heat-related challenges for urban sustainability.
Climate risk perception and adaptation strategies of smallholder farmers in The Gambia
Authors: Lambarraa-Lehnhardt Fatima , Ceesay Sheriff , Ndiaye Mohamed Ben Omar , Thiaw Diatou , Sawaneh Mamma
Published: July 2024

Adaptation efforts will be ineffective unless farmers' perspectives of climate change are understood. The objectives are to examine farmers' perceptions of climate risk, identify major livelihood adaptation measures utilized by farmers, examine the variables that impact farmers' decision to adopt, and the factors that influence adaptation strategies utilized. Data were collected from 420 farmers in 12 districts of rural Gambia. The findings revealed that most of the farmers perceived an increase in drought, flood, and high temperature. Low crop yield, decline in crop production, and shortage of water are the major impacts of climate change perceived by farmers, resulting in increased vulnerability. The empirical result of the binary logistic model showed that land tenure, access to government support, access to marketing, witness to an expected weather event, and climate change perception influenced farmers' choice to implement climate risk adaptation measures. The findings indicate that female farmers are less likely to adopt climate risk adaptation measures. However, the multivariate probit model revealed that age, education, availability of extension services, membership of farm groups, and perception of climate change are the main determinants of strategies implemented at the farm level. Off-farm strategies such as petty business are mainly influenced by being female, middle age, and primary education. Government, stakeholders, and donor agencies should explore gender-disaggregated initiatives.
Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis in adults: A retrospective case series from a nephrology center in Tunisia and literature review
Authors: Mrabet Sanda , Achour Nermine Ben , Boukadida Raja , Abdessaied Nihed , Fradi Asma , Sahtout Wissal , Azzabi Awatef , Aicha Narjess Ben , Thabet Nesrine , Zellama Dorsaf , Mokni Moncef
Published: July 2024

Background
Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is a leading cause of acute kidney injury that shows variability in incidence and etiology based on geography. In recent years, there have been significant changes in its diagnostic and therapeutic approach.
The study aimed to offer an understanding of the characteristics and root causes of AIN, its diagnosis methods, treatment strategies, and results within a Tunisian population.
Method
We retrospectively gathered data on biopsy proven AIN from a Nephrology center over a 16-year period. The collected data consisted of demographic information, initial clinical and biochemical findings, renal biopsy results, treatment approaches, and follow-up details.
Results
We gathered 36 confirmed cases of biopsy proven AIN with an annual incidence rate of 2.5 cases. The average age of the patients was 50.58 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 0.71. The predominant clinical signs were fatigue (58%) and fever (22%). The mean levels of creatinine and eosinophils were 691.58 µmol/l and 481.66 10^9/L, respectively. On kidney biopsy, interstitial infiltrate was significant in 52.77% of cases, with eosinophils present in only 5.55% of cases and fibrosis noted in 27.77% of cases. Drug-related causes accounted for 46.66% of AIN cases, while infections and systemic diseases were responsible for 16.66% and 11.11% of cases, respectively. We have identified two exceptional causes of AIN, one associated with treatment with Rituximab and the other with a triple parasitic infection. AIN associated with malignancies were seen in 2.77% of cases, with some cases (25%) lacking an identifiable cause. Corticosteroid treatment was recommended for 93.33% of cases presenting with immune allergic AIN and those associated with systemic diseases. The median follow-up duration was 2.2 years. Seven patients required hemodialysis during the acute phase, and 71.42% showed recovery in renal function. The presence of interstitial fibrosis correlated with the progression to chronic kidney disease.
Conclusion
Acute Interstitial Nephritis (AIN) is a leading cause of acute kidney injury that can progress to chronicity. Interstitial fibrosis is associated with the progression to chronic kidney failure. The primary etiology is drug intake, and some causes are yet to be identified.
Projected changes in the global precipitation area by CMIP6 models
Authors: Dobler Andreas , Benestad Rasmus , Lussana Cristian , Landgren Oskar
Published: July 2024

Reanalysis and satellite data indicate a decreasing precipitation area in recent decades, affecting local water resources and precipitation intensities. We have used CMIP6 simulations to test the hypothesis of a shrinking precipitation area in a warming climate. Our analyses reveal that SSP5-8.5 projections show a robust decrease in the precipitation area towards the end of the 21st century. The decrease is most pronounced between 50 °S and 50 °N. We find a poleward shift of precipitation, increasing the daily precipitation area in the Arctic from 18 % to 28 %.
The new findings support the observed relationship, although to a lesser extent than earlier found for reanalysis and satellite data. An explanation is provided by the expansion of low relative humidity zones in the lower-to-mid troposphere poleward of the subtropics. The expansion locally decreases the occurrence of precipitation and pushes precipitation events poleward, ultimately leading to a reduced global precipitation area.
Nigerians' outlook on pandemic preparedness – gaps and mitigations
Authors: Odetokun Ismail Ayoade , Oniyanda Oluwatobi , Raza Ali , Akpabio Uduak , Musawa Aliyu Ibrahim , Hambali Idris Umar , Adamu Shuaibu Gidado , Oyafajo Lateefah , Alhaji Nma Bida , Fasina Folorunso Oludayo
Published: July 2024

Introduction
Pandemics are global health crises that have caused millions of deaths, enormous socio-economic disruptions, and considerable public and global health security consequences. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Nigerians regarding preparedness for the next pandemic.
Methods
A cross-sectional questionnaire-based national survey was conducted among 1276 respondents in Nigeria to determine public knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of preparedness for future pandemics. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analyses.
Results
Of the 1276 respondents to this survey, > 50% had not heard of the Spanish flu or Zika disease. Approximately half (594) of the respondents did not consider antimicrobial resistance a possible cause of future pandemics. Over an average proportion of respondents reported unsatisfactory knowledge (655, 51.3%) and poor perception (695, 54.5%) about pandemic preparedness. The respondents' good knowledge and satisfactory attitudes toward pandemic preparedness decreased with increasing age. The respondents' education, age, and state of residence were significantly associated with good knowledge, satisfactory attitudes, and positive perceptions of pandemic preparedness with respondents with tertiary education levels being at least 2× more likely to have these positive outcomes.
Conclusion
This study revealed serious gaps in Nigerians' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of their readiness for upcoming pandemics. To protect Nigerians' health, emphasis should be placed on these issues.
Localized Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in a malnourished, non-HIV- infected man in the absence of any established or diagnosed immunosuppressive condition: a case report
Authors: Fallahi Mohammad Javad , Kouhi Pariya , Sadrzadeh Seyed Amir , Shokripour Mansoureh , Hosseinzadeh Massood
Published: July 2024

Background
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is an opportunistic infection that mostly affects patients with immunosuppressive conditions like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or medications, like corticosteroids. This study reports a rare case of PJP infection in a patient with no diagnosed immunosuppressive disease which presented with uncommon radiological findings.
Case presentation
A 46-year-old man with a malnourished appearance and a history of opium addiction presented with dry cough, dyspnea, and weight loss to the hospital. There was no evidence of an immunocompromised condition or use of any immunosuppressive medication in the history of the patient. A lung high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan revealed a crazy-paving appearance and localized infiltration. Methenamine silver staining and the histopathological findings in the transbronchial lung biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of PJP. Antibiotics and bronchodilators were administrated and the patient was discharged after 6 days of hospitalization. HIV testing and immunoglobulin levels were normal in the hospital course as well as his follow-up visits. After a 2-month follow-up, the patient was in good condition despite of mild remaining infiltration in his lung.
Conclusions
PJP typically affects HIV-infected patients, but due to excessive use of immunosuppressive medications, its prevalence is increasing in non-HIV-infected patients. Malnutrition may predispose the patients to PJP, even in the absence of immunosuppressive conditions
The striking influence of solubility on the nuclearity of cobalt NCN pincer complexes
Authors: Pecak Jan , Käfer Matthias G. , Stöger Berthold , Kirchner Karl Anton
Published: July 2024

The synthesis and characterization of two Co(II) complexes stabilized by NCN pincer ligands is described. The paramagnetic Co(II) complex [Co(κ3NCN-NCNCH2-iPr)Br] (1) is obtained via a transmetalation protocol from CoBr2 and NC(C-Br)NCH2-iPr in THF. Surprisingly, the dinuclear complex [Co2(κ3NCN-µ2-NCNCH2-iPr)(µ-Cl)(Cl)2] (2) was synthesized following the same synthetic protocol but using an ultrasonicated CoCl2 suspension instead of CoBr2 in the same solvent. Both complexes are paramagnetic species exhibiting solution magnetic moments of 1.9(1) and 5.8(3) µB, respectively. This corresponds to low-spin and high-spin d7 configurations featuring one and three unpaired electrons at the metal centers. X-ray structures of both complexes are presented.
Evaluation of Barley Varieties and Processing Methods on Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant Capacity in Barley-Based Foods
Authors: Negeyie Shelema N. , Tola Yetenayet B. , Ibrahim Ali M. , Kuyu Chala G.
Published: July 2024

The study aimed to assess the effect of barley varieties and processing methods on barley-based foods' nutritional composition and antioxidant properties. Three barley varieties (Bellami, BH1307, and Diribe) and four processing methods (whole, dehulled, porridge, and roasting) were examined. Results revealed that the interaction between barley variety and processing method affected barley foods' proximate composition and bioactive components. BH1307 had the highest bioactive compounds among the varieties, while whole barley exhibited the highest from processing methods. Notably, dehulling and porridge making led to a more significant reduction in nutritional and bioactive compounds in barley varieties compared to the whole barley grain, highlighting the effectiveness of the BH1307 variety with roasting as the best treatment among those evaluated for both proximate compositions and bioactive compounds.
Expression profiling of juvenile hormone and ecdysteroid biosynthesis genes during the development and reproduction of Phytoseiulus persimilis
Authors: Lina Fan , Endong Wang , Bo Zhang , Xuenong Xu , Guiting Li
Published: July 2024

Juvenile hormone (JH) and ecdysteroids play a vital role in arthropods growth and development. Significant progress has been made in recent years regarding the roles and molecular mechanisms of juvenile hormones and molting steroids in regulating insect metamorphosis and developmental. However, the related genes and regulatory mechanisms in Acari remain unclear. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis by screening genomic and transcriptomic data to identify three genes associated with the biosynthesis of juvenile hormone and five genes related to ecdysteroid biosynthesis in the predatory mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis. We analyzed the spatial-temporal expression patterns of each gene at different developmental stages by Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). The expression levels of juvenile hormone signaling factors PpJHAMT and PpKr-h1 and ecdysteroid biosynthesis signaling factors PpSad and PpShd were the highest during the larval stage. In addition, the ecdysteroid biosynthesis related Halloween gene PpSpo exhibited a serrated expression pattern in the immature stages. Similarly, PpDib was expressed throughout each immature developemental stage, with early expression always higher than the late one. The expression of the ecdysone receptor gene PpEcR was found to be consistently low during the immature stage. However, after fertilization of female adults, the expression of PpEcR increased significantly, reaching a level approximately 4.28 times higher than the average expression level. Upon verification of the gene function through RNAi (RNA interference), it was observed that the total egg production of pre-mating and post-mating female adults treated with dsKr-h1 (double-stranded RNA targeting Kr-h1) decrease by 8.73% and 13.30%, respectively. In the case of nymphs treated with dsEcR (double-stranded RNA targeting EcR), molting failure was observed, accompanied by severe dorsum crumpling and death. The expression pattern and RNAi functional verification of two hormone biosynthesis-related genes in P. persimilis offer a preliminary understanding in regulating the growth and development of predatory mites.
Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Study of the Chinese Miao Medicine LiuYueHuanYang in the Treatment Of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Yang XinXin , Wang Yan , Zhang KaiWei
Published: July 2024

Purpose
To examine the potential therapeutic targets of the Chinese Miao medicine formula LiuYueHuanYang (LYHY) in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), we analyzed the active compounds of LYHY and the key targets of OA and investigated the interacting pathways using network pharmacological approaches and molecular docking analysis.
Methods
Network pharmacology was adopted to detect four active components of Hmong medicine LYHY. The key targets and signaling pathways in the treatment of OA were predicted, and the key components and targets were screened for molecular docking.
In this study, we retrieved the four active ingredients of the Hmong medicine LYHY from the literature, namely kaempferol, arbutin, glucosyringic acid and guajavarin, and predicted the corresponding targets of the active ingredients by Swiss Target Prediction; and screened the targets related to OA by the databases GeneCard ( https://www.genecards.org/), Genemap ((https://www.omim.org/search/advanced/geneMap ), Drugbank (https://go.drugbank.com/about ) and OMIM (https://www.omim.org/) to screen the targets related to OA.The PPI network was then constructed and the results showed that AKT1, EGFR, MMP9, SRC, MMP2, ABCB1 and CYP19A1 were the key targets of LYHY for the treatment of OA.GO enrichment analysis showed that cellular response to lipids, cellular response to reactive oxygen species, and inflammatory response were closely related to the mechanism of June Redux for the treatment of OA; KEGG pathway analysis showed that EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance、ErbB signaling pathway、ErbB signaling pathway、VEGF signaling pathway、Rap1 signaling pathway、Estrogen signaling pathway and Ras signaling pathway were associated with the intervention of LYHY in OA.Molecular docking showed that the active components had a good affinity with EGFR and SRC.
Real-time non-invasive monitoring of pulmonary embolism based on dynamic EIT technology: a new method
Authors: Li Junyao , Zhu Mingxu , Li Weichen , Guo Yitong , Wang Yu , Wang Weice , Liu Yang , Ji Zhenyu , Shi Xuetao
Published: July 2024

Background
The assessment and monitoring of pulmonary embolism is a key factor in guiding the treatment of critically ill patients. To date, bedside methods used clinically to estimate the physiological correlates of pulmonary embolism (pulmonary blood flow perfusion) are often unreliable or require invasive testing. The aim of this study was to explore a new method for assessing pulmonary embolism detection and non-invasive real-time monitoring based on a high-performance electrical impedance tomography system that acquires imaging of pulmonary blood flow pulsation signals.
Methods
An anaesthetised porcine model (N = 12) was selected for a before-and-after self-control experiment, and the pulmonary perfusion changes induced before and after pulmonary embolism (artificially induced) were continuously monitored by the vascular pulsatility method (VPM), from which the amplitude, maximal slope (both positive and negative), and waveform area were extracted as indicators for assessing the status of the local pulmonary perfusion. In addition, the degree of ventilation-perfusion matching of the lungs was assessed in conjunction with the analysis of lung ventilation areas. A conventional invasive hypertonic saline (5 ml of 10% NaCl) imaging technique was used as a control to assess the actual pulmonary embolism.
Results
Areas of perfusion defects before and after embolisation by the vascular pulsatile method showed a high degree of concordance with hypertonic saline in terms of images and indices. All pulmonary blood flow pulsatility indices were significantly reduced in the embolised region relative to the pre-embolisation period, with the most significant changes in waveform area and amplitude during the end-expiratory pause (P < 0.001). Ventilation blood flow matching indices extracted in combination with regional ventilation also showed significant differences, with the most significant changes in ventilation blood flow matching% and deadspace ventilation fraction% (P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Vascular beat-based EIT imaging methods can be used to assess characteristic changes in pulmonary perfusion before and after embolisation, and this approach is expected to provide new ideas for non-invasive bedside monitoring of pulmonary embolism.
Intense pulsed light rejuvenates UVB-induced photo-aging in human keratinocytes and guinea pig skin by inhibition of ERK-AP1-MMP pathway
Authors: Liu Congcong , Hu Wenzhi , Bai Qingsong , Lu Mingmin , Xiang Jiayi , Tan Lina , Tao Ye , Ma Kui , Zhang Lixia , Gu Weijie
Published: July 2024

Skin photo-aging is mainly caused by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a widely used nonablative treatment for photo-aging, while the mechanism is unclear. Here, we investigate the anti-photoaging effects of IPL and the underlying mechanism. This study demonstrated that UV-triggered extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) together with c-jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) while IPL suppressed ERK but activated JNK in human skin keratinocytes (hKCs). The different ERK / JNK expression patterns induced by UV and IPL resulted in different c-fos / c-jun(AP-1) phosphorylation, CyclinD1, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) expression. Furtherly, treatment of hKCs with ERK inhibitor (PD98059) revealed that a certain dose of IPL at 17 Jcm2 (IPL17) significantly promoted c-fos / c-jun phosphorylation by inhibiting the ERK pathway. IPL17 inhibited MMPs expression in guinea pig skin and promoted c-fos / c-jun phosphorylation, epidermal proliferation, and collagen remodeling in vivo. These findings indicated that ERK was involved in IPL rejuvenation by regulating c-fos / c-jun / CyclinD1 / MMPs, providing a potential target for skin rejuvenation.