bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FPM image enhancement with bi-modal deep learning
Authors: Bouchama Lyes , Dorizzi Bernadette , Klossa Jacques , THELLIER Marc , Gottesman Yaneck
Published: March 2023

Digital pathology based on whole slide imaging system is about to permit major breakthrough in automated diagnosis for a rapid and highly sensitive disease detection. High-resolution FPM (Fourier Ptychographic Microscopy) slide scanners delivering rich information on biological samples are becoming available. They allow new effective data exploitation for efficient automated diagnosis.

However, when the sample thickness becomes comparable or greater than the microscope depth of field, we report observation of undesirable contrast change of sub-cellular compartments in phase images around optimal focal plane, reducing their usability. In this article, a bi-modal
U-Net artificial neural network (i.e. a two channels U-Net fed with intensity and phase images) is trained to reinforce specifically targeted sub-cellular compartments contrast for both intensity and phase images. The procedure used to construct a reference database is detailed. It is obtained exploiting FPM reconstruction algorithm to explore images around optimal focal plane with virtual Z-stacking calculations and selecting those with adequate contrast and focus.

By construction and once trained, the U-Net is able to simultaneously reinforce targeted cell compartments visibility and to compensate any focus imprecision. It is efficient over a large field of view at high resolution. The interest of the approach is illustrated considering the use-case of Plasmodium falciparum detection in blood smear where improvement in the detection sensitivity is demonstrated without degradation of the specificity.

Post-reconstruction FPM image processing with such U-Net and its training procedure is general and applicable to demanding biological screening applications.
Reconfigurable Broadband Metasurface with Switchable Functionalities in the Visible Range
Authors: Karim Ehsanul , Choudhury Sajid
Published: March 2023

In this article, we propose a broadband reconfigurable multifunctional meta-structure for the first time in the visible range. This device can be reconfigured between an achromatic metalens and a broadband absorber by switching the state of the phase change material (VO₂). Our designed VO₂ based novel multistage meta-atoms helped us overcome the inherent limitation of small optical contrast between PCM states in the visible regime, which hinders the realization of reconfigurable multifunctional devices in this band. We have used the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique to characterize the designed multifunctional device. The structure showed a maximum switching ratio of 21.1dB between the on and off states, the highest among previously reported broadband metalens-absorber systems in any design band. A small focal length shift within $\pm5\%$ in the on state within the 678nm to 795nm band verifies the achromatic focusing characteristics. Our device proves the feasibility of reconfigurable metasurfaces with switchable functionalities in the visible band and has the prospects to bring about a revolution in next-generation integrated photonic platforms.
Universal mask for hard X rays
Authors: Ceddia David , Aminzadeh Alaleh , Cook Philip , Pelliccia Daniele , Kingston Andrew , Paganin David
Published: March 2023

Multiple exposures, of a single illuminated non-configurable mask that is transversely displaced to a number of specified positions, can be used to create any desired distribution of radiant exposure. An experimental proof-of-concept is given for this idea, employing hard X rays. The method is termed "ghost projection'', since it may be viewed as a reversed form of classical ghost imaging. The written pattern is arbitrary, up to a tunable constant offset, together with a limiting spatial resolution that is governed by the finest features present in the illuminated mask. The method, which is immune to both proximity-correction and aspect-ratio issues, can be used to make a universal lithographic mask in the hard-X-ray regime. Ghost projection may also be used as a dynamically-configurable beam-shaping element, namely the hard-X-ray equivalent of a spatial light modulator. The idea may be applied to other forms of radiation and matter waves, such as gamma rays, neutrons, electrons, muons, and atomic beams.
TXNIP loss expands Myc-dependent transcriptional programs by increasing Myc genomic binding
Authors: Lim Tian-Yeh , Wilde Blake R. , Thomas Mallory L. , Murphy Kristin E. , Vahrenkamp Jeffery M. , Conway Megan E. , Varley Katherine E. , Gertz Jason , Ayer Donald E.
Published: March 2023

The c-Myc protooncogene places a demand on glucose uptake to drive glucose-dependent biosynthetic pathways. To meet this demand, c-Myc protein (Myc henceforth) drives the expression of glucose transporters, glycolytic enzymes, and represses the expression of thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), which is a potent negative regulator of glucose uptake. A Mychigh/TXNIPlow gene signature is clinically significant as it correlates with poor clinical prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) but not in other subtypes of breast cancer, suggesting a functional relationship between Myc and TXNIP. To better understand how TXNIP contributes to the aggressive behavior of TNBC, we generated TXNIP null MDA-MB-231 (231:TKO) cells for our study. We show that TXNIP loss drives a transcriptional program that resembles those driven by Myc and increases global Myc genome occupancy. TXNIP loss allows Myc to invade the promoters and enhancers of target genes that are potentially relevant to cell transformation. Together, these findings suggest that TXNIP is a broad repressor of Myc genomic binding. The increase in Myc genomic binding in the 231:TKO cells expands the Myc-dependent transcriptome we identified in parental MDA-MB-231 cells. This expansion of Myc-dependent transcription following TXNIP loss occurs without an apparent increase in Myc’s intrinsic capacity to activate transcription and without increasing Myc levels. Together, our findings suggest that TXNIP loss mimics Myc overexpression, connecting Myc genomic binding and transcriptional programs to the nutrient and progrowth signals that control TXNIP expression.
CMPK2 is a host restriction factor that inhibits infection of multiple coronaviruses in a cell-intrinsic manner
Authors: Zhu Mingjun , Lv Jiahuang , Wang Wei , Guo Rongli , Zhong Chunyan , Antia Avan , Zeng Qiru , Li Jizong , Liu Qingtao , Zhou Jinzhu , Zhu Xuejiao , Fan Baochao , Ding Siyuan , Li Bin
Published: March 2023

Coronaviruses (CoVs) comprise a group of important human and animal pathogens. Despite extensive research in the past 3 years, the host innate immune defense mechanisms against CoVs remain incompletely understood, limiting the development of effective antivirals and non-antibody-based therapeutics. Here, we performed an integrated transcriptomic analysis of porcine jejunal epithelial cells infected with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and identified cytidine/uridine monophosphate kinase 2 (CMPK2) as a potential host restriction factor. CMPK2 exhibited modest antiviral activity against PEDV infection in multiple cell types. CMPK2 transcription was regulated by interferon-dependent and interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1)-dependent pathways post-PEDV infection. We demonstrated that 3′-deoxy-3′,4′-didehydro-cytidine triphosphate (ddhCTP) catalysis by Viperin, another interferon-stimulated protein, was essential for CMPK2’s antiviral activity. Both the classical catalytic domain and the newly identified antiviral key domain of CMPK2 played crucial roles in this process. Together, CMPK2, viperin, and ddhCTP suppressed the replication of several other CoVs of different genera through inhibition of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activities. Our results revealed a previously unknown function of CMPK2 as a restriction factor for CoVs, implying that CMPK2 might be an alternative target of interfering with the viral polymerase activity.
ProInfer: An interpretable protein inference tool leveraging on biological networks
Authors: Peng Hui , Wong Limsoon , Goh Wilson Wen Bin
Published: March 2023

In mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics, protein inference from identified peptides (protein fragments) is a critical step. We present ProInfer (Protein Inference), a novel protein assembly method that takes advantage of information in biological networks. ProInfer assists recovery of proteins supported only by ambiguous peptides (a peptide which maps to more than one candidate protein) and enhances the statistical confidence for proteins supported by both unique and ambiguous peptides. Consequently, ProInfer rescues weakly supported proteins thereby improving proteome coverage. Evaluated across THP1 cell line, lung cancer and RAW267.4 datasets, ProInfer always infers the most numbers of true positives, in comparison to mainstream protein inference tools Fido, EPIFANY and PIA. ProInfer is also adept at retrieving differentially expressed proteins, signifying its usefulness for functional analysis and phenotype profiling. Source codes of ProInfer are available athttps://github.com/PennHui2016/ProInfer.
Vector mapping and bloodmeal metabarcoding demonstrate risk of urban Chagas disease transmission in Caracas, Venezuela
Authors: Segovia Maikell , Schwabl Philipp , Sueto Salem , Nakad Candy Cherine , Londoño Juan Carlos , Rodriguez Marlenes , Paiva Manuel , Llewellyn Martin Stephen , Carrasco Hernán José
Published: March 2023

Chagas disease is a significant public health risk in rural and semi-rural areas of Venezuela. Triatomine infection by the aetiological agent Trypanosoma cruzi is also observed in the Metropolitan District of Caracas (MDC), where foodborne T. cruzi outbreaks occasionally occur but active vector-to-human transmission (infection during triatomine bloodmeal) is considered absent. Citizen science-based domiciliary triatomine collection carried out between 2007 and 2013 in the MDC has advanced understanding of urban T. cruzi prevalence patterns and represents an important public awareness-building tool. The present study reports on the extension of this triatomine collection program from 2014 to 2019 and uses mitochondrial metabarcoding to assess feeding behavior in a subset of specimens. The combined, thirteen-year dataset (n = 4872) shows a high rate of T. cruzi infection (75.2%) and a predominance of Panstrongylus geniculatus (99.01%) among triatomines collected in domiciliary areas by MDC inhabitants. Collection also involved nymphal stages of P. geniculatus in 18 of 32 MDC parishes. Other collected species included Triatoma nigromaculata, Triatoma maculata, Rhodnius prolixus, and Panstrongylus rufotuberculatus. Liquid intestinal content indicative of bloodmeal was observed in 53.4% of analyzed specimens. Dissection pools representing 108 such visually blooded P. geniculatus specimens predominantly tested positive for human cytochrome b DNA (22 of 24 pools). Additional bloodmeal sources detected via metabarcoding analysis included key sylvatic T. cruzi reservoirs (opossum and armadillo), rodents, and various other synanthropic and domesticated animals. Results suggest a porous sylvatic-domiciliary transmission interface and ongoing adaptation of P. geniculatus to the urban ecotope. Although P. geniculatus defecation traits greatly limit the possibility of active T. cruzi transmission for any individual biting event, the cumulation of this low risk across a vast metropolitan population warrants further investigation. Efforts to prevent triatomine contact with human food sources also clearly require greater attention to protect Venezuela’s capital from Chagas disease.
One versus two doses of ivermectin-based mass drug administration for the control of scabies: A cluster randomised non-inferiority trial
Authors: Lake Susanna J. , Engelman Daniel , Zinihite Julie , Sokana Oliver , Boara Dickson , Nasi Titus , Gorae Christina , Osti Millicent H. , Phelan Sophie , Parnaby Matthew , Grobler Anneke C. , Schuster Tibor , Andrews Ross , Whitfeld Margot J. , Marks Michael , Romani Lucia , Steer Andrew C. , Kaldor John M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Mass drug administration (MDA) based on two doses of ivermectin, one week apart, substantially reduces prevalence of both scabies and impetigo. The Regimens of Ivermectin for Scabies Elimination (RISE) trial assessed whether one-dose ivermectin-based MDA would be as effective.

Methods

RISE was a cluster-randomised trial in Solomon Islands. We assigned 20 villages in a 1:1 ratio to one- or two-dose ivermectin-based MDA. We planned to test whether the impact of one dose on scabies prevalence at 12 and 24 months was non-inferior to two, at a 5% non-inferiority margin.

Results

We deferred endpoint assessment to 21 months due to COVID-19. We enrolled 5239 participants in 20 villages at baseline and 3369 at 21 months from an estimated population of 5500. At baseline scabies prevalence was similar in the two arms (one-dose 17·2%; two-dose 13·2%). At 21 months, there was no reduction in scabies prevalence (one-dose 18·7%; two-dose 13·4%), and the confidence interval around the difference included values substantially greater than 5%. There was however a reduction in prevalence among those who had been present at the baseline assessment (one-dose 15·9%; two-dose 10·8%). Additionally, we found a reduction in both scabies severity and impetigo prevalence in both arms, to a similar degree.

Conclusions

There was no indication of an overall decline in scabies prevalence in either arm. The reduction in scabies prevalence in those present at baseline suggests that the unexpectedly high influx of people into the trial villages, likely related to the COVID-19 pandemic, may have compromised the effectiveness of the MDA. Despite the lack of effect there are important lessons to be learnt from this trial about conducting MDA for scabies in high prevalence settings.

Trial registration

Registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618001086257.
Validation of a stereological method for estimating particle size and density from 2D projections with high accuracy
Authors: Rothman Jason Seth , Borges-Merjane Carolina , Holderith Noemi , Jonas Peter , Silver R. Angus
Published: March 2023

Stereological methods for estimating the 3D particle size and density from 2D projections are essential to many research fields. These methods are, however, prone to errors arising from undetected particle profiles due to sectioning and limited resolution, known as ‘lost caps’. A potential solution developed by Keiding, Jensen, and Ranek in 1972, which we refer to as the Keiding model, accounts for lost caps by quantifying the smallest detectable profile in terms of its limiting ‘cap angle’ (ϕ), a size-independent measure of a particle’s distance from the section surface. However, this simple solution has not been widely adopted nor tested. Rather, model-independent design-based stereological methods, which do not explicitly account for lost caps, have come to the fore. Here, we provide the first experimental validation of the Keiding model by comparing the size and density of particles estimated from 2D projections with direct measurement from 3D EM reconstructions of the same tissue. We applied the Keiding model to estimate the size and density of somata, nuclei and vesicles in the cerebellum of mice and rats, where high packing density can be problematic for design-based methods. Our analysis reveals a Gaussian distribution for ϕ rather than a single value. Nevertheless, curve fits of the Keiding model to the 2D diameter distribution accurately estimate the mean ϕ and 3D diameter distribution. While systematic testing using simulations revealed an upper limit to determining ϕ, our analysis shows that estimated ϕ can be used to determine the 3D particle density from the 2D density under a wide range of conditions, and this method is potentially more accurate than minimum-size-based lost-cap corrections and disector methods. Our results show the Keiding model provides an efficient means of accurately estimating the size and density of particles from 2D projections even under conditions of a high density.
Which clinical research questions are the most important? Development and preliminary validation of the Australia & New Zealand Musculoskeletal (ANZMUSC) Clinical Trials Network Research Question Importance Tool (ANZMUSC-RQIT)
Authors: Taylor William J. , Willink Robin , O’Connor Denise A. , Patel Vinay , Bourne Allison , Harris Ian A. , Whittle Samuel L. , Richards Bethan , Clavisi Ornella , Green Sally , Hinman Rana S. , Maher Chris G. , Cahill Ainslie , McPherson Annie , Hewson Charlotte , May Suzie E. , Walker Bruce , Robinson Philip C. , Ghersi Davina , Fitzpatrick Jane , Winzenberg Tania , Fallon Kieran , Glasziou Paul , Billot Laurent , Buchbinder Rachelle
Published: March 2023

Background and aims

High quality clinical research that addresses important questions requires significant resources. In resource-constrained environments, projects will therefore need to be prioritized. The Australia and New Zealand Musculoskeletal (ANZMUSC) Clinical Trials Network aimed to develop a stakeholder-based, transparent, easily implementable tool that provides a score for the ‘importance’ of a research question which could be used to rank research projects in order of importance.

Methods

Using a mixed-methods, multi-stage approach that included a Delphi survey, consensus workshop, inter-rater reliability testing, validity testing and calibration using a discrete-choice methodology, the Research Question Importance Tool (ANZMUSC-RQIT) was developed. The tool incorporated broad stakeholder opinion, including consumers, at each stage and is designed for scoring by committee consensus.

Results

The ANZMUSC-RQIT tool consists of 5 dimensions (compared to 6 dimensions for an earlier version of RQIT): (1) extent of stakeholder consensus, (2) social burden of health condition, (3) patient burden of health condition, (4) anticipated effectiveness of proposed intervention, and (5) extent to which health equity is addressed by the research. Each dimension is assessed by defining ordered levels of a relevant attribute and by assigning a score to each level. The scores for the dimensions are then summed to obtain an overall ANZMUSC-RQIT score, which represents the importance of the research question. The result is a score on an interval scale with an arbitrary unit, ranging from 0 (minimal importance) to 1000. The ANZMUSC-RQIT dimensions can be reliably ordered by committee consensus (ICC 0.73–0.93) and the overall score is positively associated with citation count (standardised regression coefficient 0.33, p<0.001) and journal impact factor group (OR 6.78, 95% CI 3.17 to 14.50 for 3rd tertile compared to 1st tertile of ANZMUSC-RQIT scores) for 200 published musculoskeletal clinical trials.

Conclusion

We propose that the ANZMUSC-RQIT is a useful tool for prioritising the importance of a research question.
Public attitudes towards sexual behavior–Results of the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD)
Authors: Ludwig Julia , Brunner Franziska , Wiessner Christian , Briken Peer , Gerlich Miriam G. , von dem Knesebeck Olaf
Published: March 2023

Population-level data on predictors for attitudes towards sexual behavior are missing for Germany. The current study investigated sexual attitudes in the German population with regard to sociodemographic and sociocultural factors. Data originated from the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD; N = 4,955) carried out from October 2018 to September 2019. Computer-assisted face to face interviews were conducted with a large self-administered component due to the sensitive topics of the survey. Public acceptance towards several aspects of sexual behavior (extramarital sex, abortion, same sex sexual activities, sex work, promiscuity, sex without love) was investigated. Age, gender, education, religious aspects and migration background were introduced as predictors into logistic regression analyses. Overall, respondents rather rejected promiscuity (61%) and extramarital sex (81%) and rather supported same sex sexual activities (63–70%). Male respondents more likely rejected same sex sexual activities and abortion. Higher education was associated with more acceptance towards the sexual behaviors whereas first generation migrants, Muslim faith and religious devoutness were associated with less acceptance. Results indicate that gender is relevant in terms of sexual attitudes with male respondents tending to have more traditional and heteronormative gender role values. Furthermore, education, culture and religion play an important role concerning the liberality towards sexual behaviors. Acculturation processes of second generation migrants may lead to an adaptation of values. Comprehensive and culturally sensitive sex education may focus on differences concerning sexuality-related norms and values.
Cost-effectiveness of expanded hepatitis A vaccination among adults with diagnosed HIV, United States
Authors: Abimbola Taiwo O. , Van Handel Michelle , Tie Yunfeng , Ouyang Lijing , Nelson Noele , Weiser John
Published: March 2023

Hepatitis A virus can cause severe and prolonged illness in persons with HIV (PWH). In July 2020, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) expanded its recommendation for hepatitis A vaccination to include all PWH aged ≥1 year. We used a decision analytic model to estimate the value of vaccinating a cohort of adult PWH aged ≥20 years with diagnosed HIV in the United States using a limited societal perspective. The model compared 3 scenarios over an analytic horizon of 1 year: no vaccination, current vaccine coverage, and full vaccination. We incorporated the direct medical costs and nonmedical costs (i.e., public health costs and productivity loss). We estimated the total number of infections averted, cost to vaccinate, and incremental cost per case averted. Full implementation of the ACIP recommendation resulted in 775 to 812 fewer adult cases of hepatitis A in 1 year compared with the observed vaccination coverage. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for the full vaccination scenario was $48,000 for the 2-dose single-antigen hepatitis A vaccine and $130,000 for the 3-dose combination hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine per case averted, compared with the observed vaccination scenario. Depending on type of vaccine, full hepatitis A vaccination of PWH could lead to ≥80% reduction in the number of cases and $48,000 to $130,000 in additional cost per case averted. Data on hepatitis A health outcomes and costs specific to PWH are needed to better understand the longer-term costs and benefits of the 2020 ACIP recommendation.
Psychometric properties of an innovative smartphone application to investigate the daily impact of hypoglycemia in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes: The Hypo-METRICS app
Authors: Søholm Uffe , Broadley Melanie , Zaremba Natalie , Divilly Patrick , Nefs Giesje , Carlton Jill , Mader Julia K. , Baumann Petra Martina , Gomes Mikel , Martine-Edith Gilberte , Pollard Daniel J. , Rath Dajana , Heller Simon , Pedersen-Bjergaard Ulrik , McCrimmon Rory J. , Renard Eric , Evans Mark , de Galan Bastiaan , Forkmann Thomas , Amiel Stephanie A. , Hendrieckx Christel , Speight Jane , Choudhary Pratik , Pouwer Frans ,   on behalf of the Hypo-RESOLVE consortium
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine the acceptability and psychometric properties of the Hypo-METRICS (Hypoglycemia MEasurement, ThResholds and ImpaCtS) application (app): a novel tool designed to assess the direct impact of symptomatic and asymptomatic hypoglycemia on daily functioning in people with insulin-treated diabetes.

Materials and methods

100 adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM, n = 64) or insulin-treated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM, n = 36) completed three daily ‘check-ins’ (morning, afternoon and evening) via the Hypo-METRICs app across 10 weeks, to respond to 29 unique questions about their subjective daily functioning. Questions addressed sleep quality, energy level, mood, affect, cognitive functioning, fear of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, social functioning, and work/productivity. Completion rates, structural validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability were explored. App responses were correlated with validated person-reported outcome measures to investigate convergent (rs>±0.3) and divergent (rs<±0.3) validity.

Results

Participants’ mean±SD age was 54±16 years, diabetes duration was 23±13 years, and most recent HbA1c was 56.6±9.8 mmol/mol. Participants submitted mean±SD 191±16 out of 210 possible ‘check-ins’ (91%). Structural validity was confirmed with multi-level confirmatory factor analysis showing good model fit on the adjusted model (Comparative Fit Index >0.95, Root-Mean-Square Error of Approximation <0.06, Standardized Root-Mean-square Residual<0.08). Scales had satisfactory internal consistency (all ω≥0.5), and high test-retest reliability (rs≥0.7). Convergent and divergent validity were demonstrated for most scales.

Conclusion

High completion rates and satisfactory psychometric properties demonstrated that the Hypo-METRICS app is acceptable to adults with T1DM and T2DM, and a reliable and valid tool to explore the daily impact of hypoglycemia.
Influence of artificial intelligence in education on adolescents’ social adaptability: The mediatory role of social support
Authors: Lai Tinghong , Xie Chuyin , Ruan Minhua , Wang Zheng , Lu Hong , Fu Shimin
Published: March 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) is widely used in the field of education at present, but people know little about its possible impacts, especially on the physical and mental development of the educated. It is important to explore the possible impacts of the application of artificial intelligence in education (AIEd) in order to avoid the possible adverse effects. Prior research has focused on theory to the exclusion of the psychological impact of AIEd, and the empirical research was relatively lacking. This study aimed to identify the influence of AIEd on adolescents’ social adaptability via social support. A total of 1332 students were recruited using random sampling from 13 Artificial Intelligence Curriculum Reform Experimental Schools in Guangzhou, Southern China, completed the survey. There were 342 primary school students (Meanage = 10.6), 351 junior high school students (Meanage = 13.1), and 639 senior high school students (Meanage = 15.8). Results showed that AIEd has a negative impact on adolescents’ social adaptability, and is significantly negatively correlated with social adaptability and family support, but there is no significant correlation with school support. AIEd could not only affect social adaptability directly, but also could affected it through the family support.
Statistical injury prediction for professional sumo wrestlers: Modeling and perspectives
Authors: Ota Shuhei , Kimura Mitsuhiro
Published: March 2023

In sumo wrestling, a traditional sport in Japan, many wrestlers suffer from injuries through bouts. In 2019, an average of 5.2 out of 42 wrestlers in the top division of professional sumo wrestling were absent in each grand sumo tournament due to injury. As the number of injury occurrences increases, professional sumo wrestling becomes less interesting for sumo fans, requiring systems to prevent future occurrences. Statistical injury prediction is a useful way to communicate the risk of injuries for wrestlers and their coaches. However, the existing statistical methods of injury prediction are not always accurate because they do not consider the long-term effects of injuries. Here, we propose a statistical model of injury occurrences for sumo wrestlers. The proposed model provides the estimated probability of the next potential injury occurrence for a wrestler. In addition, it can support making a risk-based injury prevention scenario for wrestlers. While a previous study modeled injury occurrences by using the Poisson process, we model it by using the Hawkes process to consider the long-term effect of injuries. The proposed model can also be applied to injury prediction for athletes of other sports.
Driving anger dimensions and their relationship with aberrant driver behavior in Lebanon: Results from a national self-reported survey
Authors: Youssef Dalal , Salameh Pascale , Abou-Abbas Linda , Salmi Louis-Rachid
Published: March 2023

Driving anger may vary across countries due to culture. This might affect driver behavior, which, in turn, impacts the driving outcomes. This study aims to investigate the relationship between socio-demographic variables, driving anger, and the self-reported aberrant behavior among Lebanese drivers and to determine which anger dimension is linked to driving behavior. A cross-sectional study was conducted among eligible Lebanese drivers from all Lebanese governorates. Data were collected using an anonymous Arabic self-reported questionnaire that included demographic information, driving-related variables, and two scales: the Driver Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ) and the Driver Anger Scale (DAS). Four hierarchical regressions were performed taking the DBQ subscales as the dependent variable and the DAS subscales as independent variables. Out of 1102 surveyed drivers, 68.4% were males, having a mean age of 34.6 ± 12.3 years and an average driving experience of 13.5 ± 10.8 years. DBQ, DAS, and their subscales showed good reliability. Older age and female gender were negatively associated with the tendency of committing aggressive violations. However, being a professional driver and increasing annual mileage were positively associated with a higher tendency to commit aggressive violations. In addition to these factors, a higher educational level was found associated with a lower risk of driver’s involvement in traffic violations. However, increased driving experience was associated with a higher tendency to commit aggressive violations. Reported driving errors were also found positively associated with older age, increasing mileage, and being a professional driver. However, larger driving experience and higher education were found protectors from erroneous behavior. Hierarchical regression showed that anger prompted by hostile gesture, discourtesy, police presence, traffic obstruction, and slow driving were positively associated with aggressive violations. All the DAS subscales were found to be positively associated with ordinary violations. traffic obstruction was also found associated with a higher tendency of drivers to commit lapses, as well as anger, which originated from police presence and slow driving which were found also positively associated with errors. Driver anger dimensions were found positively associated with aberrant driver behavior. To overcome road anger, there is a need to train drivers on coping strategies to restrain aberrant driving behavior.
Inhibition of hepatic natural killer cell function via the TIGIT receptor in schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis
Authors: Gao Yuan , Zhang Xiaocheng , Jiang Tingting , Zhou Hao , Liu Hua , Hu Yuan , Cao Jianping
Published: March 2023

Schistosomiasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease. Schistosoma japonicum eggs deposited in the liver tissue induce egg granuloma formation and liver fibrosis, seriously threatening human health. Natural killer (NK) cells kill activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) or induce HSC apoptosis and inhibit the progression of liver fibrosis. However, the function of NK cells in liver fibrosis caused by S. japonicum infection is significantly inhibited. The mechanism of this inhibition remains unclear. Twenty mice were percutaneously infected with S. japonicum cercariae. Before infection and 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after infection, five mice were euthanized and dissected at each time point. Hepatic NK cells were isolated and transcriptome sequenced. The sequencing results showed that Tigit expression was high at 4–6 weeks post infection. This phenomenon was verified by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and flow cytometry. NK cells derived from Tigit-/- and wild-type (WT) mice were co-cultured with HSCs. It was found that Tigit-/- NK cells induced apoptosis in a higher proportion of HSCs than WT NK cells. Schistosomiasis infection models of Tigit-/- and WT mice were established. The proportion and killing activity of hepatic NK cells were significantly higher in Tigit-/- mice than in WT mice. The degree of liver fibrosis in Tigit-/- mice was significantly lower than that in WT mice. NK cells were isolated from Tigit-/- and WT mice and injected via the tail vein into WT mice infected with S. japonicum. The degree of liver fibrosis in mice that received NK cell infusion reduced significantly, but there was no significant difference between mice that received NK cells from Tigit-/- and WT mice, respectively. Our findings indicate that Tigit knockout enhanced the function of NK cells and reduced the degree of liver fibrosis in schistosomiasis, thus providing a novel strategy for treating hepatic fibrosis induced by schistosomiasis.
Four economic principles of just sustainability transition
Authors: Dombi Mihály , Fahid Aldebei Faisal Mohammad , Harazin Piroska , Karcagi-Kováts Andrea , Cao Zhi
Published: March 2023

Equitable income distribution is desirable for moral, economic, and social reasons. Recent studies, however, indicate that improved income allocation will result in increased environmental impacts due to our socio-economic system’s current settings. Therefore, we explored the key aspects of a system that can more evenly reallocate natural and economic resources while reducing negative environmental impacts. We found that the capital is extremely important as a means of material flows and stocks. Thus, effective policy interventions should target mechanisms at this very market. Based on a comprehensive literature review and statistical analyses at various levels, we proposed a four-step policy framework that includes 1) reducing and targeted savings, 2) reshaping governments’ spatial decisions and 3) role in the housing market, and 4) changing the rates of depreciation in income tax legislation used globally.
Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella enterica serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium isolated from retail chicken meat in Wasit markets, Iraq
Authors: Kanaan Manal H. G.
Published: March 2023

Background and Aim: Food poisoning caused by Salmonella enterica serovars is the most common type of foodborne illness. Tainted chicken meat is a major vector for spreading these serovars throughout the food supply chain. Salmonella isolates that developed resistance to commonly used antimicrobials pose a noteworthy risk to public health, yet there has been a lack of data on this issue in Iraq. Therefore, it is crucial to address these serious public health challenges with an adequate database on the occurrence and antibiotic resistance of these serovars. This study aimed to determine the frequency of occurrence of Salmonella enterica serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium (S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium), antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and prevalence of multidrug resistance among S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium isolated from poultry meat collected in Wasit Province in Iraq.

Materials and Methods: A total of 150 raw and frozen poultry meat samples were gathered from retail markets in various locales across the Wasit Governorate in Iraq. Salmonella spp. were successfully cultured and identified using the technique recommended by ISO 6579:2002, with minor modifications. The multiplex polymerase chain reaction approach was used to confirm Salmonella spp. (S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium). A disk diffusion test was performed to determine the susceptibility to particular antimicrobial agents, and 12 different antimicrobial agents were evaluated.

Results: Only 19 of the 150 (12.7%) samples tested positive for Salmonella (16% and 11% were isolated from raw and frozen chicken meat, respectively). S. Enteritidis accounted for 63.2%, whereas S. Typhimurium accounted for 36.8%. Nalidixic acid resistance was the most common (73.7%), followed by sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (63.2%) and tetracycline (63.2%), but gentamicin and ciprofloxacin (up to 15.8%) only had modest resistance. Antibiogram of S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium yield 13 antibiotypes. Among the 19 Salmonella isolates, 12 of 19 (63.2%) established resistance to no less than three categories of antimicrobials.

Conclusion: This study highlighted the necessity of limiting the utilization of antibiotics in animal production by providing vital information regarding the frequency and AMR of Salmonella at markets in Wasit Province. Therefore, risk assessment models could use these data to lessen the amount of Salmonella passed on to humans in Iraq from chicken meat.

Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, chicken, food poisoning, serovars.
Genotypic study of Tunisian Arabian stallions
Authors: Jlassi Mariam , Jemmali Bayrem , Ahmed Hatem Ouled , Lasfer Faten , Gara Aberrahmene Ben
Published: March 2023

Diversity of Arabian stallions distributed throughout the territory of Tunisia has been evaluated. Seventeen microsatellite markers were used for the determination of genetic variation. A total of 95 alleles were detected in the 50 stallions studied. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 9 with an average of 5.6. The observed mean number of genetically diverse alleles (Na) was 5.6 (0.44). The mean number of expected alleles (Ne) was 3.42 (0.28). The average expected and observed heterozygosity was approximately 0.675 (0.026) and 0.593 (0.044), respectively. Principal component analysis showed the presence of 2 subpopulations in the studied sample set. These findings demonstrate the potential of microsatellites as a tool for designing and controlling animal breeds. Results show that the population under study has sufficient levels of genetic variations, which can be used as a foundation for developing plans for species conservation and long-term sustainability.
Identification of different Chrysoperla (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) species collected from Ardabil province (Iran) by using claw shape
Authors: Asadi Mohammad
Published: March 2023

The family Chrysopidae has several genera of which the genus Chrysoperla is more important of them. These lacewings are beneficial insects when they have high potential for predation on harmful aphids which can be used in their biological control programs. Due to high importance of these lacewings in Ardabil province in northwest zone of Iran, identification of their species was done. By examining the collected specimens with morphological features, wing venation, male reproductive organ, and claws shape (as the best way to identify the species) fi nally 4 species were identified including Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens), Chrysoperla kolthoffi Navas, Chrysoperla lucasina Lacroix, and Chrysoperla sillemi Esben-Petresen.
Journal of Safety and Crisis Management Development of Conceptual Prototype Design for Efficient Operation and Management of Disaster Resources
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Kim Joon Ha , Song Tae Jung , Kim Jong Bin
Published: March 2023

This study is to identify cases and status of the system operation in the event of a disaster by investigating the operation and management systems for domestic and overseas disaster resources, and to design a prototype for efficient operation by deriving operation and management improvement measures. In order to analyze the status of systems for disaster resource operation and management, we investigated the system operation cases and status used for the operation and management of disaster resources in the event of a disaster. We then derived improvement measures for the operation and management of disaster resources through several cases in advanced countries. Based on these measures, users should be able to efficiently manage key disaster resources by disaster type. They will also be able to identify the disaster risk level by stage, and inquire organizations capable of support near disaster areas. If a disaster resource management prototype is developed through this study, it may be used in conjunction with the “digital-based integrated management system for disaster resources” project (2020-2022) supported by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. It can be also used as a reference for establishing a disaster resource stockpile plan.
Development of a Suicide Prevention Policies Based on the Busan Metropolitan Injury Surveillance System
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Bae Jeong Yee , Kim Bo Sun
Published: March 2023

Purpose: The purposes of this study was to develop the suicide prevention policy and solutions base on the statistics from the Busan Metropolitan injury surveillance system. Methods: The Annual Statistics on Causes of Deaths from Statistics Korea, Statistics on Unnatural Deaths from the National Police Agency and the National Safety Index of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety were used for analysis. The collected data were statistically analyzed with frequencies and percentages with IBM’s SPSS Window 27.0 program. Results: The high risk factors of suicide were identified as middle age men, elderly people, people with physical or mental health problem and unemployed person. The most common place of suicide was in the home by hanging oneself. Conclusion: Suicide is a comprehensive result of social, economic, psychological, and physical factors. It is necessary to use an injury surveillance system to scientifically analyze suicides with evidence or data. The matrix identified the why, when, who, and where related to suicide, and it was possible to identify intervention measures to solutions. This study will be provide an guideline of a data-based suicide prevention approach.
A Case Study on Living Labs of the Disaster Safety Sector: Police Lab and Firefighting Living Lab
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Hwang Soha , Beak Jeong Mi
Published: March 2023

Recently, Living Labs that are environments for involving users in innovation and development have been introduced and operated in various fields. This study conducted a case analysis of Police Lab and Firefighting Living Lab, representative Living Labs of disaster safety sector. This study examined the stages of Living Labs, such as preparation and exploration of alternatives, implementation, co-creation, evaluation, and dissemination of achievements, establishing an analytic framework centered on the major issues of each stage, including vision, conditions, participants, governors, experiments, management of performance, and sustainability. Thus, this study compared and analyzed Police Lab and Firefighting Living Lab and derived their characteristics and problems to find implications and improvement plans. According to the results of this study, several factors need to be actively considered for the effective operation of Living Labs in the future, including clarifying the roles of participants, enhancing participants' understanding of the Living Labs, reinforcing the role and function of mediators to mediate conflicts between participants such as users and researchers, improving performance indicators and gender management system, and building and operating the Living Lab platform.
A Systematic Review on Studies School Safety Education in Korea
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Kim Min Seop , Won Jeong-Hun , Shin Seung-Hyeon
Published: March 2023

This study was examined research trends in Korea on school safety education through a systematic literature review method to analyze the tasks and development directions of school safety education. The related literature search was conducted utilizing database from January 1, 2010 to February 1, 2021. By combining school safety-related terms, the final 81 documents were selected through systematic review process of PRISMA. The results showed that the predominant research type on school safety education was the qualitative research (41%). Next research type was quantitative research (33%). It is need to activate quantitative research since it can objectively explain the necessity and direction of school safety education. The research on school safety education has increased rapidly after the Sewol ferry accident. After showing the most activation at 23% in 2017, the research on school safety education declined gradually. The research on school safety education are sensitively linked to social issues such as society's interest in safety and the needs of members of society. It is need to support research reflecting teachers' opinions since there are few studies in which teachers participated.
Preliminary Investigation on the Acculturative Stress Impact on Migrants' Workers
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Nam Ki-Hun , Kawshalya Mailan Arachchige Don Rajitha , Lim Hyung Duk
Published: March 2023

The EPS workers face several health and safety threats during their stay in Korea (Lim, et. al., 2021). Therefore, this study focuses on the workers' acculturative stress and its impact on work-related stress and potential workplace accidents that may cause due to that. The preliminary questionnaire survey was conducted among EPS workers to investigate their accumulative stress. 31 samples were collected, and a basic analysis was conducted. Among the 31 participants, the results show that the married group had a higher score in acculturative stress compared to the unmarried group. Further, this study indicates that migrant workers in the fisheries sector account for higher stress. This study suggested developing an investigation model to examine the migrant workers' acculturative stress level and how it can impact their workplace stress, work efficiency, and workplace accidents. Further, the finding of this preliminary examination can use to understand the migrant workers' psychological issues.
Balloon Occlusion and Pharmomechanical Thrombectomy utilizing the CleanerXT/Cleaner15 Thrombectomy System
Authors: Stibbs Peter , Davis Cliff , Patel Jogi
Published: March 2023

Use of the CleanerXT/Cleaner thrombectomy device (Argon Medical Devices, Plano,Texas) has been described utilizing the placement of retrievable IVCF to prevent catastrophic embolization of macerated thrombus which could result in symptomatic pulmonary embolism as a complication to mechanical

thrombectomy in the lower extremity vasculature¹. The following
describes the performance of the thrombectomy procedure using occlusive balloon placement in the IVC, and/ or, the non thrombosed section of iliac/ femoral vein to prevent embolic migration and to allow for concentration of applied lytics within the thrombus of the effected venous structure while limiting dissolution and systemic lytic exposure.
Solution Focused Brief Therapy for Work Related Stress
Authors: Nyakurerwa Austin Tonderai
Published: March 2023

The poster covered what Zimbabwean universities had been undergoing in the year 2022. All the state institutions had been undergoing a mandatory rationalisation and retrechment exercise and it was established that many employees felt insecure about their jobs. The research looked at the Solufion Focused Brief Therapy as an intervention since the employees required a solution to the problem that they were facing.
Trend Analysis for Black Pod Disease Outbreak in Southwest, Nigeria
Authors: Etaware Peter
Published: March 2023

About 70% of cocoa beans in the global market comes from Africa, majorly from West Africa (Etaware, 2021). The prevalence of BPD in West Africa is greater than anywhere else in the world. Cocoa pod loss due to BPD can be up to 100% (Etaware and Adedeji, 2019), therefore, it is statutory to highlight the trend of BPD outbreak so as to understand the disease dynamics.The prevalence of BPD in Southwest Nigeria was immense in August in Station 1 (30.0%), Station 3 (23.0%), Station 11 (16.0%), Station 4 (9.0%), Station 5 (7.0%), and Station 8 (3.0%) from Fig 1 & 3. Massive cocoa pod loss was recorded in September in Station 1 (100.0%), Station 3 (96.7%), Station 5 (85.7%), Station 11 (84.3%), and Station 4 (70.0%) with the exception of Station 8 (100% in October).The constant menace of BPD in Africa will in due course affect the global cocoa market, if a lasting solution is not proffered.