bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrocardiographic tracking of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertension: incidence and prognostic outcomes from the SPRINT trial
Authors: Zhang Zhuxin , Li Le , Zhang Zhenhao , Hu Zhao , Xiong Yulong , Zhou Likun , Yao Yan
Published: July 2024

Background

This study explores the impact of intensive blood pressure (BP) control on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) incidence and evaluates the prognostic implications of LVH status (pre-existing/new-onset/persistent/regression) using Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) Electrocardiogram Data.

Methods

Poisson regression was used to assess new-onset LVH and LVH regression rates. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models determined the risk of adverse cardiovascular events (ACE), a composite of myocardial infarction (MI), non-MI acute coronary syndrome, stroke, heart failure, or cardiovascular death, alongside safety adverse events.

Results

In 8,016 participants, intensive BP control significantly reduced new-onset LVH (8.27 vs. 14.79 per 1000-person years; adjusted p<0.001) and increased LVH regression (14.89 vs. 11.89 per 1000-person years; adjusted p<0.001). Elevated ACE risk was notable in participants with pre-existing LVH [adjusted HR: 1.94 (95% CI: 1.25–2.99); p = 0.003], new-onset LVH [adjusted 1.74 (95% CI: 1.16–2.60); p = 0.007], and persistent LVH[adjusted HR: 1.96 (95% CI: 1.11–3.46); p = 0.020], compared to those without LVH. Intriguingly, LVH regression attenuated this risk increment [adjusted HR: 1.57 (95% CI: 0.98–2.53); p = 0.062]. Achieving a BP target of < 120/80 mmHg nullified the increased ACE risk in those with pre-existing LVH.

Conclusions

Intensive BP control is instrumental in both reducing the emergence of LVH and fostering its regression. Pre-existing, new-onset LVH and persistent LV remain a predictor of adverse cardiovascular prognosis, whereas LVH regression and achieving on-treatment BP < 120/80 mmHg in pre-existing LVH individuals may further mitigate residual cardiovascular risk.

Clinical trial registration

URL: ClinicalTrials.gov Unique Identifier: NCT01206062.
An in-silico approach towards multivariate acceptable ranges in biopharmaceutical manufacturing
Authors: Kunzelmann Marco , Thoma Judith , Laibacher Sabrina , Studts Joey M. , Presser Beate , Spitz Julia
Published: July 2024

Multivariate interactions between process parameters can heavily impact product quality and process performance in biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes. Thus, multivariate interactions should be identified and appropriately controlled. This article describes an in-silico approach to establish multivariate acceptable ranges; these ranges help to illustrate the combined impact of multiple input variables on product quality and process performance. Additionally, this article includes a case study for a monoclonal antibody polishing application.

Proven acceptable ranges are set by changing only one input parameter at a time while keeping all others constant to understand the impact of process variability on product quality or process performance, but the impact of synergistic variables are not evaluated. Within multivariate acceptable ranges, any combination of input parameters of a unit operation yields the desired product quality and process performance. The layered approach applied in this article is based on risk assessment and statistical models to leverage prior knowledge and existing data. The risk assessment is specific for a manufacturing facility but is applicable to multiple products manufactured in the same facility. No additional wet-lab experiments are required for building the statistical models when development and process characterization are executed using a design of experiments approach, compared to a univariate evaluation of data. The established multivariate acceptable range justifies revised normal operating ranges to ensure process control. Further, the determination of multivariate acceptable ranges adds to overall process knowledge, ultimately supporting the implementation of a more effective control strategy.
Reproducibility of semi-quantitative assessment of aortic valve calcification and valve motion on echocardiography: a small-scale study
Authors: Balian D. , Koethe B. , Mohanty S. , Daaboul Y. , Mahrokhian S. H. , Frankel J. , Li J. , Kherlopian A. , Downey B. C. , Wessler B.
Published: July 2024

Background

Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common degenerative valve disease in high income countries. While hemodynamic metrics are commonly used to assess severity of stenosis, they are impacted by loading conditions and stroke volume and are often discordant. Anatomic valve assessments such as aortic valve calcification (AVC) and valve motion (VM) during transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) can offer clues to disease severity. The reliability of these semi-quantitatively assessed anatomic imaging parameters is unknown.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of semi-quantitative assessment of AVC and valve VM on TTE. TTEs representing a range of AS severities were identified. The degree of calcification of the aortic valve and the degree of restricted VM were assessed in standard fashion. AVC scores and valve motion were assessed by readers with varied training levels blinded to the severity of AS. Correlation and inter-reader reliability between readers were assessed.

Results

420 assessments (210 each for AVC and VM) were collected for 35 TTEs. Correlation of AVC for imaging trainees (fellows and students, respectively), ranged from 0.49 (95% CI 0.18–0.70) to 0.62 (95% CI 0.36–0.79) and 0.58 (95% CI 0.30–0.76) to 0.54 (95% CI 0.25–0.74) for VM. Correlation of anatomic assessments between echocardiographer-assigned AVC grades was r = 0.76 (95% CI 0.57–0.87)). The correlation between echocardiographer-assigned assessment of VM was r = 0.73 (95% CI 0.53–0.86), p < 0.00001 for both. For echocardiographer AVC assessment, weighted kappa was 0.52 (0.32–0.72), valve motion weighted kappa was 0.60 (0.42–0.78).

Conclusion

There was good inter-reader correlation between TTE-based semi-quantitative assessment of AVC and VM when assessed by board certified echocardiographers. There was modest inter-reader reliability of semi-quantitative assessments of AVC and VM between board certified echocardiographers. Inter-reader correlation and reliability between imaging trainees was lower. More reliable methods to assess TTE based anatomic assessments are needed in order to accurately track disease progression.

Clinical Trial Number

STUDY00003100.
Estimated global and regional economic burden of genital herpes simplex virus infection among 15–49 year-olds in 2016
Authors: Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn , Lee Shaun Wen Huey , Kulchaitanaroaj Puttarin , Rayanakorn Ajaree , Lee Haeseon , Looker Katharine Jane , Hutubessy Raymond , Gottlieb Sami L.
Published: July 2024

Background

Globally, herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2 and -1 infections contribute to a large disease burden, but their full economic consequences remain unclear. This study aims to estimate the global economic impact of genital HSV-2 and HSV-1 infection and its consequences for people with genital ulcer disease, neonatal herpes, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection attributable to HSV-2.

Methods

Using a societal perspective, the economic burden was calculated at the country level and presented by World Health Organization (WHO) regions and World-Bank income levels. The disease burden was obtained from previously published global disease burden studies in 2016 and disaggregated for 194 countries. Estimates of healthcare resource utilisation were sourced from a literature review, and online interviews were conducted with 20 experts from all 6 WHO regions. Relevant costs were obtained from the literature and estimated in 2016 international dollars (I$).

Results

Both genital HSV-2 (I$31·2 billion) and HSV-1 (I$4·0 billion) infections and their consequences were estimated to cost I$35·3 billion globally in 2016. The major economic burden was from the Americas and Western Pacific regions combined, accounting for almost two-thirds of the global burden (I$20·8 billion). High- and upper-middle-income countries bore a large proportion of the economic burden (76·6% or I$27·0 billion). Costs were driven by the large number of HSV-2 recurrences; however, even assuming conservatively that people with symptomatic herpes have on average only one episode a year, global costs were estimated at I$16·5 billion.

Conclusions

The global costs of genital HSV infection and its consequences are substantial. HSV prevention interventions have the potential to avert a large economic burden in addition to disease burden; thus, efforts to accelerate HSV vaccine development are crucial.
President's Page: Emerging CO2 removal options require geoscience skills
Authors: Usadi Adam , Higgins Meytal , Mignone Bryan
Published: July 2024

Global economic growth, underpinned by the world's growing population and increasing standards of living, is driving increasing demand for scalable and sustainable energy. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production and use is a key element of sustainability.
A dataset of the ecological security patterns in the peripheral region of Poyang Lake from 2000 to 2020
Authors:   chool of Geography and Environment, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China, GONG Daohong , HUANG Min ,   School of Geography and Environment, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China, ZHU Yanjun ,   Ningbo Alatu Digital Technology Co., Ltd., Ningbo 315043, P.R. China
Published: July 2024

With the continuous expansion of human activities, the habitats of many species are confronted with serious destruction and threats, leading to increasingly prominent ecological security issues. Therefore, it is crucial to establish an ecological security pattern that takes species habitats into consideration, so as to protect biodiversity and maintain ecological balance. Poyang Lake, as a paradise for wildlife, serves as the habitat and breeding ground for many bird species, fish, and other aquatic organisms. Taking the research scope of the peripheral region of Poyang Lake as an example, we produced the land use data for the years 2000, 2010, and 2020 on the basis of the Google Earth Engine platform and the random forest classification method. By integrating morphological spatial pattern analysis, landscape pattern indices, landscape connectivity indices, circuit theory, and long-term land use data, we developed a long-term ecological security pattern for the peripheral region of Poyang Lake from 2000 to 2020, which takes into accounts habitats for various species including fish and birds. This dataset contains various types of data, including innovative elements. In terms of data quality control and evaluation, strict quality control and evaluation processes were conducted on the data used and the predicted results, ensuring the accuracy and credibility of the data and providing effective data support and references for relevant research. The dataset not only comprises indicator data for constructing an ecological security pattern to protect species habitats but also includes historical and predicted ecological security pattern data for the peripheral region of Poyang Lake. It can provide important scientific data support and serve as references for future research on species protection and ecological security patterns in the peripheral region of the Poyang Lake.
Regional Adiposity and Insulin Sensitivity—Interactions With Menopause and HIV in Middle-Aged Black African Women
Authors: Masemola Maphoko , Mendham Amy E , Micklesfield Lisa K , Pheiffer Carmen , Hawley James , Kengne Andre Pascal , Chikowore Tinashe , Kufe Clement Nyuyki , Crowther Nigel J , Norris Shane , Storbeck Karl-Heinz , Olsson Tommy , Karpe Fredrik , Goedecke Julia H
Published: July 2024

Objective

To explore depot-specific functional aspects of adipose tissue, examining the putative role for menopause and HIV status on insulin sensitivity (SI) and beta-cell function in Black South African women.

Methods

Women (n = 92) from the Middle-Aged Soweto Cohort, including premenopausal HIV-negative women (n = 21); premenopausal women living with HIV (LWH; n = 11); postmenopausal HIV-negative women (n = 42); and postmenopausal women LWH (n = 18) underwent the following tests: body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry); fasting bloods for sex hormones, inflammation, and adipokines; frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test for SI and beta-cell function (disposition index, DI); abdominal (aSAT) and gluteal subcutaneous adipose tissue (gSAT) biopsies for cell size, and mRNA expression of adipokines, inflammation, and estrogen receptors (ER).

Results

Depot-specific associations between gene expression and insulin parameters did not differ by HIV or menopause status. Pooled analysis showed significant models for SI (P = .002) and DI (P = .003). Higher SI was associated with lower leptin and CD11c expression in aSAT and higher adiponectin in gSAT. Higher DI was associated with higher aSAT and gSAT expression of adiponectin, lipoprotein lipase, ERα, and PPARγ, and lower leptin in aSAT. Women LWH had higher expression of adiponectin and lower expression of leptin in both aSAT (P = .002 and P = .005) and gSAT (P = .004 and P = .002), respectively, and a larger proportion of smaller cells in aSAT (P < .001).

Conclusion

Insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function were distinctively associated with aSAT and gSAT. While menopause did not influence these relationships, HIV had a significant effect on adipose tissue, characterized by variations in cell size distribution and transcript levels within the depots.
NHANES 2011–2014: Objective Physical Activity Is the Strongest Predictor of All-Cause Mortality
Authors: LEROUX ANDREW , CUI ERJIA , SMIRNOVA EKATERINA , MUSCHELLI JOHN , SCHRACK JENNIFER A. , CRAINICEANU CIPRIAN M.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Objectively measured physical activity (PA) is a modifiable risk factor for mortality. Understanding the predictive performance of PA is essential to establish potential targets for early intervention to reduce mortality among older adults.

Methods

The study used a subset of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014 data consisting of participants 50 to 80 yr old (n = 3653, 24297.5 person-years of follow-up, 416 deaths). Eight accelerometry-derived features and 14 traditional predictors of all-cause mortality were compared and ranked in terms of their individual and combined predictive performance using the 10-fold cross-validated concordance (C) from Cox regression.

Results

The top 3 predictors of mortality in univariate analysis were PA related: average Monitor-Independent Movement Summary (MIMS) in the 10 most active hours (C = 0.697), total MIMS per day (C = 0.686), and average log-transformed MIMS in the most 10 active hours of the day (C = 0.684), outperforming age (C = 0.676) and other traditional predictors of mortality. In multivariate regression, adding objectively measured PA to the top performing model without PA variables increased concordance from C = 0.776 to C = 0.790 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

These findings highlight the importance of PA as a risk marker of mortality and are consistent with prior studies, confirming the importance of accelerometer-derived activity measures beyond total volume.
Associations between Sleep and Physical Activity Behavior Clusters and Epigenetic Age Acceleration in Mexican Adolescents
Authors: BANKER MARGARET , JANSEN ERICA C. , GOODRICH JACLYN M. , ENGLISH LINDSEY , DOLINOY DANA C. , SONG PETER X. K. , MITCHELL JONATHAN A. , TÉLLEZ-ROJO MARTHA MARÍA , CANTORAL ALEJANDRA , PETERSON KAREN E.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Epigenetic aging, a marker of biological aging measured by DNA methylation, may be affected by behaviors, including sleep and physical activity. However, investigations of physical activity and sleep with epigenetic aging among pediatric populations are scant and have not accounted for correlated behaviors.

Methods

The study population included 472 Mexico City adolescents (52% female). Blood collection and 7-d wrist actigraphy (Actigraph GTX-BT) occurred during a follow-up visit when participants were 14.5 (2.09) yr. Leukocyte DNA methylation was measured with the Infinium MethylationEPIC array after bisulfite conversion, and nine epigenetic clocks were calculated. Sleep versus wake time was identified through a pruned dynamic programing algorithm, and physical activity was processed with Chandler cutoffs. Kmeans clustering was used to select actigraphy-assessed physical activity and sleep behavior clusters. Linear regression analyses were used to evaluate adjusted associations between the clusters and epigenetic aging.

Results

There were three unique clusters: “Short sleep/high sedentary behavior,” “Adequate sleep duration and late sleep timing/low moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA),” and “Adequate sleep duration/high MVPA.” Compared with the “Adequate duration/high MVPA,” adolescents with “Adequate duration and late sleep timing/low MVPA” had more accelerated aging for the GrimAge clock (β = 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.07–1.19). In pubertal-stratified analyses, more mature adolescents in the “Adequate sleep duration and late sleep timing/low MVPA group” had accelerated epigenetic aging. In contrast, females in the “Short sleep/high sedentary” group had decelerated epigenetic aging for the Wu pediatric clock.

Conclusions

Associations between behavior clusters and epigenetic aging varied by pubertal status and sex. Contrary results in the Wu clock suggest the need for future research on pediatric-specific clocks.
Preparedness and Response in the Century of Disasters: Overview of Information Systems Research Frontiers
Authors: Abbasi Ahmed , Dillon Robin , Rao H. Raghav , Liu Sheng Olivia R.
Published: July 2024

“The Century of Disasters” refers to the increased frequency, complexity, and magnitude of natural and man-made disasters witnessed in the 21st century: the impact of such disasters is exacerbated by infrastructure vulnerabilities, population growth/urbanization, and a challenging policy landscape. Technology-enabled disaster management (TDM) has an important role to play in the Century of Disasters. We highlight four important trends related to TDM, smart technologies and resilience, digital humanitarianism, integrated decision-support and agility, and artificial intelligence–enabled early warning systems, and how the confluence of these trends lead to four research frontiers for information systems researchers. We describe these frontiers, namely the technology-preparedness paradox, socio-technical crisis communication, predicting and prescribing under uncertainty, and fair pipelines, and discuss how the eight articles in the special section are helping us learn about these frontiers.

History: Senior editor, Suprateek Sarker.

Funding: This study was funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) [Grants 2240347 and IIS-2039915]. H. R. Rao is also supported in part by the NSF [Grant 2020252]. The usual disclaimer applies.
Transformational Processes of Logistics Activities of Corporate Enterprises in Integration with the Digital Economy
Authors: Hutsaliuk O. ,   Private Higher Education Institution ", Bondar Iu. , Kravchenko M. ,   Rauf Ablyazov East European University",   Flight Academy of the National Aviation University,   Priazovsky State Technical University
Published: July 2024

The article is devoted to defining the transformational processes of logistics activities of corporate enterprises. The financial and economic factors of increasing the investment attractiveness of transport and logistics enterprises of corporate associations are determined. The approach to evaluating the effectiveness of innovative activities in transport is substantiated, the use of which made it possible to establish the state of regulatory processes in this area, the system of support for decision-making and goal setting, institutional support, and the development of international transport and logistics infrastructure is proposed. The state of transport security in the regions is determined, the organizational model of the National Innovative Transport Hub and an approach to assessing its functioning are proposed. Proposals are provided for diagnosing the investment attractiveness of transport infrastructure objects, selecting priority projects for state funding and forming public-private partnership models for the innovative development of transport infrastructure. An investment strategy is being developed, which is developed on the basis of the formed investment policy of the enterprise, the essence and direction of which is to choose the most rational ways of preserving and expanding the production potential. It should be noted that the investment strategy of transport enterprises is one of the most important components of strategic management and consists in the development of a system of measures coordinated in terms of time, resources and performers and aimed at obtaining profit by investing in the most promising, from the point of view of the market situation, spheres of activity of transport enterprises and is a tool for solving the economic problems of domestic transport enterprises is the introduction of innovations and investments. It was determined that the implementation of such sustainability of innovations and investments will improve the economic status of corporate associations of the transport industry, both high-tech and low-tech, providing potential opportunities for increasing economic indicators.
Open Source: the Case of Channels
Authors: Cherevetskyi D. ,   Institute of Industrial Economics of the NAS of Ukraine, Lypnytskyi D. , Myshanov A. ,   Institute of Industrial Economics of the NAS of Ukraine,   Institute of Industrial Economics of the NAS of Ukraine, Schneider Electric Ukraine13-V lit. ”A”
Published: July 2024

In global practice, the Open Source phenomenon is usually associated with software. But in reality, the concept of open source code is much broader. There are even examples of open source beer, etc. The study is devoted to the case study of the sea canals (Panama, Suez) in the context of demonstrating the features characteristic of the Open Source phenomenon. Against the background of the requirements for ensuring sustainable development, the Open Source approach can become decisive in terms of industrial development, infrastructure restructuring, and reduction of the environmental footprint in general. The work was carried out by the method of theoretical research, in particular, using the methods of abstraction, analysis, synthesis, case study.
Use of the Therapy Outcome Measure in community intermediate care: results of a service evaluation
Authors: Cross Andrea , Chetter Christine , Rajai Azita , Krishnamoorthy Bhuvaneswari
Published: July 2024

Background/Aims

Outcome measures are essential in clinical practice to demonstrate patient improvement and secure funding for services. The purpose of this service evaluation was to explore levels of patient improvement as measured by the Therapy Outcome Measure in a community intermediate care team.

Methods

A total of 232 patients who completed a course of therapy treatment with a community intermediate care team between December 2021 and February 2023 were scored on admission and at discharge using the Therapy Outcome Measure. Changes in scores from admission to discharge were summarised as percentages or median (interquartile range). The authors assessed if receiving input from intermediate care support workers had an impact on the improvement. Additionally, the authors explored if there was a relationship between change in scores and the number of therapy sessions.

Results

Across the four Therapy Outcome Measure domains (impairment, activity, participation and wellbeing) the proportion of patients exhibiting a 0.5-point or more increase in scores ranged between 43.5% and 52.2%. Between 0.9% and 3% of patients showed a deterioration in scores and between 47.0% and 54.3% experienced no change in score. Regarding intermediate care support worker input vs no intermediate care support worker input, the proportion of patients that improved by 0.5 points or more was significantly different between the two groups in the impairment domain (67.2% and 43.9% respectively, P=0.003). There were very weak correlations found between the number of therapy sessions and the level of improvement.

Conclusions

The Therapy Outcome Measure may be a useful tool for community teams to assess patient outcome measures. More studies are required in other community therapy teams to allow for comparison between services.

Implications for practice

The results of this service evaluation may assist allied health professionals in selecting an appropriate outcome measure to use with their patients and the data may also be useful for benchmarking purposes.
Decompression alone or decompression with fusion for lumbar spinal stenosis: five-year clinical results from a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Karlsson Thomas , Försth Peter , Öhagen Patrik , Michaëlsson Karl , Sandén Bengt
Published: July 2024

Aims

We compared decompression alone to decompression with fusion surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis, with or without degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS). The aim was to evaluate if five-year outcomes differed between the groups. The two-year results from the same trial revealed no differences.

Methods

The Swedish Spinal Stenosis Study was a multicentre randomized controlled trial with recruitment from September 2006 to February 2012. A total of 247 patients with one- or two-level central lumbar spinal stenosis, stratified by the presence of DS, were randomized to decompression alone or decompression with fusion. The five-year Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D), visual analogue scales for back and leg pain, and patient-reported satisfaction, decreased pain, and increased walking distance. The reoperation rate was recorded.

Results

Five-year follow-up was completed by 213 (95%) of the eligible patients (mean age 67 years; 155 female (67%)). After five years, ODI was similar irrespective of treatment, with a mean of 25 (SD 18) for decompression alone and 28 (SD 22) for decompression with fusion (p = 0.226). Mean EQ-5D was higher for decompression alone than for fusion (0.69 (SD 0.28) vs 0.59 (SD 0.34); p = 0.027). In the no-DS subset, fewer patients reported decreased leg pain after fusion (58%) than with decompression alone (80%) (relative risk (RR) 0.71 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53 to 0.97). The frequency of subsequent spinal surgery was 24% for decompression with fusion and 22% for decompression alone (RR 1.1 (95% CI 0.69 to 1.8)).

Conclusion

Adding fusion to decompression in spinal stenosis surgery, with or without spondylolisthesis, does not improve the five-year ODI, which is consistent with our two-year report. Three secondary outcomes that did not differ at two years favoured decompression alone at five years. Our results support decompression alone as the preferred method for operating on spinal stenosis.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(7):705–712.
Visible goods, personality traits and preferences for status
Authors: Leites Martín , Salas Gonzalo , Vigorito Andrea
Published: July 2024

The identification of positional goods is crucial for understanding how social interactions motivate consumption decisions. Drawing on micro-data from the Estudio Longitudinal del Bienestar en Uruguay (ELBU), we identify a list of visible goods and assess whether their visibility varies according to respondents’ characteristics. We find that expenditure on automobiles, jewelry and watches, clothing, and personal care rank at the top of the scale. The expenditure visibility index does not significantly vary across socio-economic groups but exhibits a positive and significant association with conscientiousness. Individuals who report a higher propensity to compare themselves with others are more likely to notice third parties’ expenditures on visible goods. Preferences for status and personality traits also provide complementary information about expenditure visibility, with considerably greater effects in the former case. Our findings may contribute to explaining a substantial portion of the observed heterogeneity in consumer choices.
Identification of chili varieties (Capsicum annum) tolerance to root cutting based on stress selection indices and morphological traits planted in lowland area
Authors: KUSUMANINGRUM SARLIN , SULISTYANINGSIH ENDANG , HARIMURTI RUDI , DEWI KUMALA
Published: July 2024

Abstract. Kusumaningrum S, Sulistyaningsih E, Harimurti R, Dewi K. 2024. Identification of chili varieties (Capsicum annum) tolerance to root cutting based on stress selection indices and morphological traits planted in lowland area. Biodiversitas 25: 2063-2073. Root cutting is a potential technique for inducing root growth to increase chili yield. A set of four lowland chili varieties were evaluated under root cutting to identify tolerant variety. Stress selection indices such as stress tolerant level (TOL), Stress Susceptible Index (SSI), Stress Tolerance Index (STI), Yield Stability Index (YSI) and morphological traits responses were employed in screening of the variety. The research was arranged in randomized complete block design factorial, where the first factor was the lowland chili varieties ('Tanjung', 'Lembang-1', 'Tanjung-2', 'Ungara'), and the second factor was period of root cutting (0, 8, and 0 + 8 weeks after transplanting and no root cutting). The results showed that 'Kencana', 'Lembang-1', 'Ungara' were identified as the tolerant group under root cutting treatment and 'Tanjung-2' was identified as the intolerant group based on chili yield and stress selection indices. The tolerant group had chili yield increment under root cutting (0, and 8 WAT), which related to high root morphological traits (root diameter, root length, root surface area, and root dry weight density). Root cutting at 8 WAT gave the highest chili yield in tolerant group. The increased root growth in the tolerant group was contributed to promote shoot morphological traits (leaf number, leaf area, and plant height). Root cutting treatment in the intolerant group caused chili yield decrement, which was related to no increment of the root and shoot morphological traits. It was concluded that root cutting treatment at 8 WAT on tolerant group ('Kencana', 'Lembang-1', 'Ungara') can be used to increase chili yield in lowland areas.
Housing Financialization and Community Wellbeing: Tenant Resistance in the Liveable City
Authors: Crosby Andrew
Published: July 2024

Tenant movements are increasingly impacting urban governance and the development of housing in Canadian cities. Tenants resisting violent and ‘gentler’ forms of gentrification—through outright expulsion or being priced out of their communities—have demonstrated their unwillingness to allow financialized real estate to determine their housing futures. At the same time, tenants also have to contend with discourses of urban improvement that increasingly dominate the terrain of financialized rental housing (re)development. Community benefits agreements and other similar arrangements emphasizing neighbourhood liveability and wellbeing are increasingly deployed as devices to justify housing (re)development, but also work to facilitate gentrification. Through an examination of a struggle between tenants and a financialized real estate investment firm in Canada’s capital city Ottawa—which aspires to be North America’s most liveable mid-sized city—this article explores the implications of a Community Wellbeing Framework for a neighbourhood redevelopment project forged through tenant resistance efforts.
Methods for the identification of informal carers in the health and care systems: a systematic review
Authors: Giacci Marcus Kristian , Gallego Gisselle
Published: July 2024

Identifying informal carers is a complex task due to the diverse nature of caring roles and relationships. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to explore methods for informal carer identification. Six articles were reviewed. Methods for identification included population surveys, analysis of electronic medical records and a multifaceted approach focused on awareness and education in healthcare settings. There was considerable variability in the identification methods, the definitions of informal carers and the effectiveness of the methods to identify them. The review indicates a lack of consensus on the most effective methods for identifying informal carers.
Adaptive block-matching and 4D denoising scheme for a distributed vibration sensing system
Authors: Wang Chenxu , Cheng Yafeng , Wang Hanyong , Zhang Ju , Zhang Xu , Li Jie , Luo Ming , Jia Bowen , Huang Tianye , Li Xiang
Published: July 2024

A noise reduction method based on the block-matching and 4D (BM4D) scheme is proposed to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in distributed vibration sensing (DVS) systems. In the proposed scheme, the original Rayleigh backscattering (RBS) signal is converted into a three-dimensional image containing Rayleigh trajectory and energy information. The correlation between the time-domain and spatial-domain signals is then used to achieve the denoising operation. An experimental demonstration containing both one and two vibration points is conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed denoising scheme. The experimental results show that the BM4D scheme can provide higher SNR improvement than the current normalized least mean square (NLM), empirical mode decomposition combined with time-frequency peak filtering (EMD-TFPF), and BM3D schemes. Based on the BM4D scheme, the SNR is improved from 1.27 dB to 12.84 dB in the condition of one vibration point and from 6.23 dB to 20.14 dB in the condition of two vibration points. It is also indicated that the high-frequency noise of the vibration waveform after the denoising operation is mitigated by more than 30 dB, showing the potential for applications of accurate waveform characterization in cost-effective DVS systems.
Photofragmentation laser-induced fluorescence imaging of CH3 by structured illumination in a plasma discharge
Authors: Nilsson Sebastian , Ravelid Jonas , Park Jin , Cha Min Suk , Ehn Andreas
Published: July 2024

Methyl is crucial in plasma-assisted hydrocarbon chemistry, making precise in situ imaging essential for understanding various plasma applications. Its importance in methane chemistry arises from its role as a primary byproduct during the initial phase of methane dehydrogenation. Detecting the CH3 radical is challenging due to its high reactivity and the prevalence of strongly pre-dissociative electronically excited states. To address this, photofragmentation planar laser-induced fluorescence (PF-LIF) techniques have been developed. These involve laser-induced photodissociation of the CH3 radical into CH fragments, which are then probed using another laser. This method allows for both temporally and spatially resolved measurements. However, quantifying the signal from photofragmented species is complicated by the overlap with naturally occurring CH fragments. We employ PF-LIF with structured illumination to distinguish photofragmented species from naturally occurring ones using a frequency-sensitive lock-in technique. This methodology is demonstrated in an atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) containing argon and methane, enabling spatially and temporally resolved data acquisition of the CH3 radical. This approach facilitates interference-free PF-LIF measurements of methyl in various applications.
Arbitrary waveform generation system using a quantum dash optical frequency comb source
Authors: Xie Yuxuan , Khalil Mostafa , Erfan Touline , Liu Jiaren , Lu Zhenguo , Poole Philip J. , Weber John , Liu Guocheng , Rahim Mohamed , Chen Lawrence R.
Published: July 2024

We present an approach for microwave photonic (MWP) arbitrary waveform generation utilizing a quantum dash optical frequency comb source. Leveraging the availability of up to 41 comb lines and incorporating a real-time control feedback loop for precise comb shaping, we design a suite of MWP filters. Through the introduction of an ultra-short RF train, we obtain the impulse responses of the MWP filters, facilitating the construction of a versatile MWP arbitrary waveform generation system. In this study, we showcase the generation of rectangular, triangular, and sine burst waveforms. We can achieve an accuracy exceeding 90% in our generated waveform compared to the target waveform. Additionally, we demonstrate the tunability of the pulse width of rectangular and triangular waveforms, ranging from 0.62 ns to 4.56 ns, along with the adjustability of the triangular waveform slope. By manipulating the delay of the MWP filter, our system can also generate sine bursts, periodic sinusoids, and sinusoids with envelopes, with clock frequencies lower than that of the sinusoid itself.
Proteomics analysis of deep fascia in acute compartment syndrome
Authors: Wang Haofei , Liu Yan , Xu Sujuan , Wang Tao , Chen Xiaojun , Jia Huiyang , Dong Qi , Zhang Heng , Wang Shuai , Ma Huijie , Hou Zhiyong
Published: July 2024

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a syndrome in which local circulation is affected due to increased pressure within the compartment. We previously found in patients with calf fractures, the pressure of fascial compartment could be sharply reduced upon the appearance of tension blisters. Deep fascia, as the important structure for compartment, might play key role in this process. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the differences in gene profile in deep fascia tissue in fracture patients of the calf with or without tension blisters, and to explore the role of fascia in pressure improvement in ACS. Patients with lower leg fracture were enrolled and divided into control group (CON group, n = 10) without tension blister, and tension blister group (TB group, n = 10). Deep fascia tissues were collected and LC-MS/MS label-free quantitative proteomics were performed. Genes involved in fascia structure and fibroblast function were further validated by Western blot. The differentially expressed proteins were found to be mainly enriched in pathways related to protein synthesis and processing, stress fiber assembly, cell-substrate adhesion, leukocyte mediated cytotoxicity, and cellular response to stress. Compared with the CON group, the expression of Peroxidasin homolog (PXDN), which promotes the function of fibroblasts, and Leukocyte differentiation antigen 74 (CD74), which enhances the proliferation of fibroblasts, were significantly upregulated (p all <0.05), while the expression of Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), which is involved in collagen hydrolysis, and Neutrophil elastase (ELANE), which is involved in elastin hydrolysis, were significantly reduced in the TB group (p all <0.05), indicating fascia tissue underwent microenvironment reconstruction during ACS. In summary, the ACS accompanied by blisters is associated with the enhanced function and proliferation of fibroblasts and reduced hydrolysis of collagen and elastin. The adaptive alterations in the stiffness and elasticity of the deep fascia might be crucial for pressure release of ACS.
High prevalence of long-term olfactory disorders in healthcare workers after COVID-19: A case-control study
Authors: Frasnelli Johannes , Tognetti Arnaud , Winter Anja L. , Thunell Evelina , Olsson Mats J. , Greilert Nina , Olofsson Jonas K. , Havervall Sebastian , Thålin Charlotte , Lundström Johan N.
Published: July 2024

Background

More than a year after recovering from COVID-19, a large proportion of individuals, many of whom work in the healthcare sector, still report olfactory dysfunctions. However, olfactory dysfunction was common already before the COVID-19 pandemic, making it necessary to also consider the existing baseline prevalence of olfactory dysfunction. To establish the adjusted prevalence of COVID-19 related olfactory dysfunction, we assessed smell function in healthcare workers who had contracted COVID‐19 during the first wave of the pandemic using psychophysical testing.

Methods

Participants were continuously tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibodies since the beginning of the pandemic. To assess the baseline rate of olfactory dysfunction in the population and to control for the possibility of skewed recruitment of individuals with prior olfactory dysfunction, consistent SARS-CoV‐2 IgG naïve individuals were tested as a control group.

Results

Fifteen months after contracting COVID‐19, 37% of healthcare workers demonstrated a quantitative reduction in their sense of smell, compared to only 20% of the individuals in the control group. Fifty-one percent of COVID‐19‐recovered individuals reported qualitative symptoms, compared to only 5% in the control group. In a follow-up study 2.6 years after COVID-19 diagnosis, 24% of all tested recovered individuals still experienced parosmia.

Conclusions

In summary, 65% of healthcare workers experienced parosmia/hyposmia 15 months after contracting COVID-19. When compared to a control group, the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in the population increased by 41 percentage points. Parosmia symptoms were still lingering two-and-a half years later in 24% of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals. Given the amount of time between infection and testing, it is possible that the olfactory problems may not be fully reversible in a plurality of individuals.
Navigating subjectivity in AI-generated photography: The quest for ethics and creative agency
Authors: Gortázar Paula
Published: July 2024

This study identifies alternative models for the production of AI-generated images to those currently used by mainstream AI platforms. Based on primitive computational art processes, these systems allow designers to gain greater control over the final visual result while avoiding potential issues with intellectual property theft and breach of privacy. The article starts by analysing the level of artificiality that might be effectively attributed to each part of the creative process involved in the development of AI-generated images. It then moves on to discuss the extent to which individual actors intervene in each of these stages, with the aim of untangling the different subjectivities that would ultimately shape the meaning of AI-generated photographs, and identifying existing AI models that are able to offer practical solutions for every designer to retain creative autonomy over their AI creations.
Synthography: A term for synthetically created photo-realistic images
Authors: Reinhuber Elke
Published: July 2024

With the advent of AI-generated photorealistic images in easily accessible online resources, synthetic imaging suddenly is widely discussed, obscuring the quiet revolution that has transformed image-making in the digital realm over the last decades. ‘The decisive moment’ has been taken out of the photographer’s hands a long time ago and the numerous automatic mechanisms integrated into the apparatus and the editing pipeline question the idea of sole authorship. This reassessment and re-evaluation of photographic images demands for a precise, differentiated description for images that are not produced by optical means. Therefore, the term synthography determines the essence and origin of the photorealistic, artificially created image.
Examining clothing repair practices, core competences, techniques, tools and community structures involved in extending the life of garments
Authors: Hernandez Lucie , Petreca Bruna , Baurley Sharon , Bianchi-Berthouze Nadia , Cho Youngjun
Published: July 2024

The rise of fast fashion as a feature of post-industrial societies has distanced people from many of the habitual practices associated with caring for and valuing clothes. This includes both acquiring and applying the skills to make and mend clothes and understanding fibres and fabrics to develop deeper connections to materials. The principles advocated by a circular economy (CE) require societies to recover these once held values and restore our relationship with materials and practices to keep clothing in use for as long as possible and to reduce consumption. Such CE practices will require our societies to align with current socio-technical developments, where people are increasingly adopting technologies (through e.g. applications, tutorials), to support making and mending practices, and to play and express themselves creatively whilst keeping apparel in use. The study aims to examine self-repair practices and repair services from practitioners’ viewpoints, evaluating available support, and identifying challenges and opportunities to integrate repair practices more widely in society. The results suggest it is critical to develop the skills to mend and customize the garments people own and provide additional support for people to become custodians of clothes. This study is part of a larger project to identify opportunities where technology could intervene in a repair process and facilitate opportunities for people to reconnect with materials and acquire repair skills. To develop this idea, we designed an interview study to investigate practices of clothing repair to determine if and where such support might be welcomed. Researchers conducted interviews with three groups of people – brands, repair practitioners and community initiatives to gather insights into repair practices, core competences, techniques, tools and community structures involved in extending the life of garments. Insights from the findings address some of the underexplored areas of a clothes repair practice across the three settings. We identify the important relationship of material knowledge to repair and the limited attention given to different types of repair tools and their application. As material skills and knowledge diminish across society it can undermine the drive to scale-up the practice of repair. Knowledge from the findings will inform further research to map the repair process and break it down into stages to identify opportunities where digital tools could intervene to help facilitate aspects of the process for people across different settings.
Copyright Protection for AI-Generated Works
Authors: Wang Faye F
Published: July 2024

Since the 2010s, artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly grown from another subset of machine learning (ie deep learning) in particular with recent advances in generative AI, such as ChatGPT. The use of generative AI has gone beyond leisure purposes. It has now been widely used to generate music, news articles and image-based art works. This prompts a regulatory interpretation as to how AI-generated works should be appropriately used to eliminate their potential harm to society, but at the same time how it should be protected to foster human creativity and promote a well-functioning market.
This article is an update from the author’s evidential report and speech on “AI and Intellectual Property Rights: IPR Protection for AI-Created Work” for the evidence meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Artificial Intelligence on 24 January 2022. It considers whether AI technologies should be granted status as copyright or patent owners by looking into existing regulations in the United Kingdom, European Union, United States and China. It further considers how generative AI copyright protection should be managed in the digital society to protect users and strike a fair balance among rightsholders. It argues that it would be beneficial to a well-functioning market if AI-generated works could be subject to collective management of copyright via copyright management organizations within countries. In addition, the article provides mapping of existing legislations in a comparative study and their interpretation for the application of AI-generated works protection and aims to bring together global policymakers and stakeholders to initiate joint efforts to promote international harmonization on intellectual property rights (IPR) protection for AI-generated works.
Keywords: artificial intelligence; generative AI; AI-generated works; collective copyright management; computer-generated work; copyright protection.