bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preterm birth, birth weight, infant weight gain and their associations with childhood asthma and spirometry: a cross-sectional observational study in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Meme Helen , Amukoye Evans , Bowyer Cressida , Chakaya Jeremiah , Dobson Ruaraidh , Fuld Jonathan , Gray Cindy M , Kiplimo Richard , Lesosky Maia , Mortimer Kevin , Ndombi Amos , Obasi Angela , Orina Fred , Quint Jennifer K , Semple Sean , West Sarah E , Zurba Lindsey , Devereux Graham
Published: September 2023

Background

In sub-Saharan Africa, the origins of asthma and high prevalence of abnormal lung function remain unclear. In high-income countries (HICs), associations between birth measurements and childhood asthma and lung function highlight the importance of antenatal and early life factors in the aetiology of asthma and abnormal lung function in children. We present here the first study in sub-Saharan Africa to relate birth characteristics to both childhood respiratory symptoms and lung function.

Methods

Children attending schools in two socioeconomically contrasting but geographically close areas of Nairobi, Kenya, were recruited to a cross-sectional study of childhood asthma and lung function. Questionnaires quantified respiratory symptoms and preterm birth; lung function was measured by spirometry; and parents were invited to bring the child’s immunisation booklet containing records of birth weight and serial weights in the first year.

Results

2373 children participated, 52% girls, median age (IQR), 10 years (8–13). Spirometry data were available for 1622. Child immunisation booklets were available for 500 and birth weight and infant weight gain data were available for 323 and 494 children, respectively. In multivariable analyses, preterm birth was associated with the childhood symptoms ‘wheeze in the last 12 months’; OR 1.64, (95% CI 1.03 to 2.62), p=0.038; and ‘trouble breathing’ 3.18 (95% CI 2.27 to 4.45), p<0.001. Birth weight (kg) was associated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s z-score, regression coefficient (β) 0.30 (0.08, 0.52), p=0.008, FVC z-score 0.29 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.51); p=0.008 and restricted spirometry, OR 0.11 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.78), p=0.027.

Conclusion

These associations are in keeping with those in HICs and highlight antenatal factors in the aetiology of asthma and lung function abnormalities in sub-Saharan Africa.
UK and Ireland Joint Advisory Group (JAG) consensus statements for training and certification in diagnostic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
Authors: El Menabawey Tareq , McCrudden Raymond , Shetty Dushyant , Hopper Andrew D , Huggett Matthew T , Bekkali Noor , Carroll Nicholas R , Henry Elaine , Johnson Gavin J , Keane Margaret G , Love Mark , McKay Colin J , Norton Sally , Oppong Kofi , Penman Ian , Ramesh Jayapal , Ryan Barbara , Siau Keith , Nayar Manu
Published: September 2023

Background and aims

International endoscopy societies vary in their approach for credentialing individuals in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to enable independent practice; however, there is no consensus in this or its implementation. In 2019, the Joint Advisory Group on GI Endoscopy (JAG) commissioned a working group to examine the evidence relating to this process for EUS. The aim of this was to develop evidence-based recommendations for EUS training and certification in the UK.

Methods

Under the oversight of the JAG quality assurance team, a modified Delphi process was conducted which included major stakeholders from the UK and Ireland. A formal literature review was made, initial questions for study were proposed and recommendations for training and certification in EUS were formulated after a rigorous assessment using the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool and subjected to electronic voting to identify accepted statements. These were peer reviewed by JAG and relevant stakeholder societies before consensus on the final EUS certification pathway was achieved.

Results

39 initial questions were proposed of which 33 were deemed worthy of assessment and finally formed the key recommendations. The statements covered four key domains, such as: definition of competence (13 statements), acquisition of competence (10), assessment of competence (5) and postcertification mentorship (5). Key recommendations include: (1) minimum of 250 hands-on cases before an assessment for competency can be made, (2) attendance at the JAG basic EUS course, (3) completing a minimum of one formative direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) every 10 cases to allow the learning curve in EUS training to be adequately studied, (4) competent performance in summative DOPS assessments and (5) a period of mentorship over a 12-month period is recommended as minimum to support and mentor new service providers.

Conclusions

An evidence-based certification pathway has been commissioned by JAG to support and quality assure EUS training. This will form the basis to improve quality of training and safety standards in EUS in the UK and Ireland.
Interplay between diet, circulating indolepropionate concentrations and cardiometabolic health in US populations
Authors: Hu Yang , Li Jun , Wang Biqi , Zhu Lu , Li Yanping , Ivey Kerry L , Lee Kyu Ha , Eliassen A Heather , Chan Andrew , Huttenhower Curtis , Hu Frank B , Qi Qibin , Rimm Eric B , Sun Qi
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To identify indolepropionate (IPA)-predicting gut microbiota species, investigate potential diet–microbiota interactions, and examine the prospective associations of circulating IPA concentrations with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in free-living individuals.

Design

We included 287 men from the Men’s Lifestyle Validation Study, a substudy of the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS), who provided up to two pairs of faecal samples and two blood samples. Diet was assessed using 7-day diet records. Associations between plasma concentrations of tryptophan metabolites and T2D CHD risk were examined in 13 032 participants from Nurses’ Health Study (NHS), NHSII and HPFS.

Results

We identified 17 microbial species whose abundance was significantly associated with plasma IPA concentrations. A significant association between higher tryptophan intake and higher IPA concentrations was only observed among men who had higher fibre intake and a higher microbial species score consisting of the 17 species (p-interaction<0.01). Dietary and plasma concentrations of tryptophan and most kynurenine pathway metabolites were positively associated with T2D risk (HRQ5 vs Q1ranged from 1.17 to 1.46) while a significant inverse association was found for IPA (HRQ5 vs Q1(95% CI) 0.70 (0.56 to 0.88)). No associations were found in CHD for any plasma tryptophan metabolites.

Conclusions

Specific microbial species and dietary fibre jointly predicted significantly higher circulating IPA concentrations at higher tryptophan intake. Dietary and plasma tryptophan, as well as its kynurenine pathway metabolites, demonstrated divergent associations from those for IPA, which was significantly predictive of lower risk of T2D.
Unravelling interobserver variability in gastrointestinal glandular neoplasia: a contemporary study of US and Korean pathologists
Authors: Pacheco Richard R , Kim Hyunki , Choi Won-Tak , Kook Myeong-Cherl , Cho Mee-Yon , Karamchandani Dipti M , Lee Michael J , Kim Baek-Hui , Lee Sung-Hak , Yang Zhaohai , Kim Jihun , Lagana Stephen M , Lee Hwajeong
Published: September 2023

Aims

Interobserver variability in the assessment of gastric neoplasia biopsies between most Western and Eastern (predominantly represented by Japanese in the literature) pathologists has been documented. It is unknown if such variability exists between the US and Korean pathologists in the current era.

Methods

Ten gastrointestinal (GI) pathologists from the USA (n=5) and South Korea (n=5) evaluated 100 scanned images of gastric (n=50) and colorectal (n=50) neoplasia biopsies and answered multiple questionnaires. Consensus was defined as the answer chosen by the majority. Cohen’s (κc) and Fleiss’ kappa (κf) values were calculated between the consensus of the two groups and among the raters, respectively.

Results

Both groups reached a consensus in the majority of cases (74%–100%) with slight to perfect intergroup (κc=0.049–1.000) and no to substantial intragroup (κf=−0.083 to 0.660) agreements. For gastric neoplasia, Korean pathologists relied heavily on cytoarchitectural atypia, whereas the US pathologists focused on stromal invasion when diagnosing adenocarcinoma. For colorectal neoplasia, the Korean pathologists identified concurrent intramucosal carcinoma when diagnosing invasive adenocarcinoma, while the presence of desmoplasia was a prerequisite for the diagnosis of invasive adenocarcinoma for the US pathologists.

Conclusions

For GI neoplasia biopsy interpretation, the diagnostic approach of Korean pathologists is similar to that of Eastern/Japanese pathologists. Consensus outperformed kappa statistics in capturing the magnitude of inter-rater and intergroup reliability, highlighting the potential benefit of consensus meetings to decrease the gap between Western and Eastern diagnostic approaches.
‘We are in for a culture change’: continuing professional development leaders’ perspectives on COVID-19, burn-out and structural inequities
Authors: Soklaridis Sophie , Zaheer Rabia , Scully Michelle , Shier Rowen , Williams Betsy , Dang Linda , Daniel Sam J , Sockalingam Sanjeev , Tremblay Martin
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic positioned healthcare systems in North America at the epicentre of the crisis, placing inordinate stress on clinicians. Concurrently, discussions about structural racism, social justice and health inequities permeated the field of medicine, and society more broadly. The confluence of these phenomena required rapid action from continuing professional development (CPD) leaders to respond to emerging needs and challenges.

Methods

In this qualitative study, researchers conducted 23 virtual semistructured interviews with CPD leaders in Canada and the USA. Interview audiorecordings were transcribed, deidentified and thematically analysed.

Results

This study revealed that the CPD leaders attributed the pandemic as illuminating and exacerbating problems related to clinician wellness; equity, diversity and inclusion; and health inequities already prevalent in the healthcare system and within CPD. Analysis generated two themes: (1) From heroes to humans: the shifting view of clinicians and (2) Melding of crises: an opportunity for systemic change in CPD.

Discussion

The COVID-19 pandemic increased recognition of burn-out and health inequities creating momentum in the field to prioritise and restrategise to address these converging public health crises. There is an urgent need for CPD to move beyond mere discourse on these topics towards holistic and sustainable actionable measures.
HLA-B27 status and inflammatory MRI lesions of the sacroiliac joints: a post hoc analysis in patients without axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Ulas Sevtap Tugce , Proft Fabian , Diekhoff Torsten , Rios Rodriguez Valeria , Rademacher Judith , Poddubnyy Denis , Ziegeler Katharina
Published: September 2023

Objective

The assessment of inflammatory and structural lesions in the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is crucial in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). HLA-B27 status plays an important role in axSpA diagnosis and has been linked to MRI lesion burden in the general population. We aimed to investigate the sex-specific influence of HLA-B27 status on inflammatory and structural MRI findings in patients with low back pain of non-inflammatory origin.

Methods

This post hoc analysis included 139 non-axSpA patients (90 women) with chronic low back pain. Two readers scored MRIs of the SIJ for the presence of sclerosis, erosion, fat metaplasia, bone marrow oedema (BMO) and ankylosis. Frequencies and extent of lesions were compared regarding the HLA-B27 status using χ2tests and t-tests. Regression models to assess the sex-dependent influence of HLA-B27 on lesion burden were computed.

Results

HLA-B27 was positive in 33 women (36.7%) and 23 men (46.9%). The overall occurrence of all SIJ lesions did not differ in HLA-B27 negative and positive individuals. There were no significant differences in the extent of lesions considering the HLA-B27 positivity, for erosion (mean sum score (MSS) of 0.91 vs 0.48; p=0.144), sclerosis (MSS 1.65 vs 1.88; p=0.576), fat metaplasia (MSS 0.56 vs 0.27; p=0.425), BMO (MSS 0.75 vs 0.59; p=0.460) and ankylosis (MSS 0.06 vs 0.04; p=0.659).

Conclusion

HLA-B27 status has no significant influence on the occurrence and extent of SIJ lesions in patients with low back pain of non-inflammatory origin in either men or women.
Circuit complexity for coherent-thermal states in bosonic string theory
Authors: Shabir Arshid , Dey Sanjib , Wani Salman Sajad , Lone Suhail , Rubab Seemin , Faizal Mir
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we first construct thermofield double states for bosonic string theory in the light-cone gauge. We then obtain a coherent-thermal string state and a thermal-coherent string state. We use the covariance matrix approach to calculate the circuit complexity of coherent-thermal string states. In this approach, we generate the optimal geodesics by a horizontal string generator, and then obtain the circuit complexity using the length of the minimal geodesics in the group manifold.
The decay τ→3πντ and axial-vector meson a1 in the NJL model
Authors: Volkov Mikhail K. , Nurlan Kanat , Pivovarov Aleksey A.
Published: September 2023

The branching fractions of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are calculated within the chiral NJL model. Features of the axial-vector [Formula: see text] meson which play an important role in describing the [Formula: see text] decays are discussed. Permissible values for the mass and width of the [Formula: see text] meson are considered in accordance with the latest experiments.
A MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR NIPAH VIRUS DISEASE BY USING PIECEWISE FRACTIONAL ORDER CAPUTO DERIVATIVE
Authors: SHAH KAMAL , KHAN AZIZ , ABDALLA BAHAAELDIN , ABDELJAWAD THABET , KHAN KHALID ALI
Published: September 2023

In the Caputo sense, the goal of this paper is to develop a thorough analysis for the Nipah virus sickness under piecewise equations with fractional order derivative. Here, we take into account a SIRD-type model with classes for susceptible, infected, recovered, and dead individuals. We evaluate the solution’s viability using the notion of fractional order derivative. The fundamental reproduction number is also calculated. Here, we offer sufficient requirements for the Ulam–Hyers (UH) stability and the existence theory of the solution. We also give some numerical simulations for several compartments using the RK4 approach. In order to deepen our investigation, we therefore investigate the aforementioned disease’s transmission process using some novel fractional calculus notions.
Barbershop Computing
Authors: Kuyenga Madison C. Allen , Gladney Eleanor R. Glover , Lachney Michael , McKnight Marwin , Ransaw Theodore S. , Sanders Dominick , Yadav Aman
Published: September 2023

Moving education beyond computer science pipelines.
Low-Code Programming Models
Authors: Hirzel Martin
Published: September 2023

Low-code has the potential to empower more people to automate tasks by creating computer programs.
It Is Time to Let Go of 'Virtual Reality'
Authors: Skarbez Rick , Smith Missie , Whitton Mary
Published: September 2023

Advocating standardized terminology and reporting guidelines for mixed reality research.
The Fight to Repair
Authors: Kugler Logan
Published: September 2023

How the battle over the right to repair is tipping in favor of consumers.
Tidy Towers
Authors: Shasha Dennis
Published: September 2023

A tale of two towers.
Leveraging Social Media to Buy Fake Reviews
Authors: He Sherry , Hollenbeck Brett , Proserpio Davide
Published: September 2023

We study the market for fake product reviews on Amazon.com. Reviews are purchased in large private groups on Facebook and other sites. We hand collect data on these markets and then collect a panel of data on these products' ratings and reviews on Amazon, as well as their sales rank, advertising, and pricing policies. We find that a wide array of products purchase fake reviews, including products with many reviews and high average ratings. Buying fake reviews on Facebook is associated with a significant but short-term increase in average rating and number of reviews. We exploit a sharp but temporary policy shift by Amazon to show that rating manipulation has a large causal effect on sales. Finally, we examine whether rating manipulation harms consumers or whether it is mainly used by high-quality in a manner like advertising or by new products trying to solve the cold-start problem. We find that after firms stop buying fake reviews, their average ratings fall and the share of one-star reviews increases significantly, particularly for young products, indicating rating manipulation is mostly used by low-quality products.
Certification of Safety-Critical Systems
Authors: Leveson Nancy G. , Thomas John P.
Published: September 2023

Seeking new approaches toward ensuring the safety of software-intensive systems.
Unified Fair Allocation of Goods and Chores via Copies
Authors: Gafni Yotam , Huang Xin , Lavi Ron , Talgam-Cohen Inbal
Published: September 2023

We consider fair allocation of indivisible items in a model with goods, chores, and copies, as a unified framework for studying: (1) the existence of EFX and other solution concepts for goods with copies; (2) the existence of EFX and other solution concepts for chores. We establish a tight relation between these issues via two conceptual contributions: First, a refinement of envy-based fairness notions that we term envy
without commons
(denoted EFX
WC
when applied to EFX). Second, a formal
duality theorem
relating the existence of a host of (refined) fair allocation concepts for copies to their existence for chores. We demonstrate the usefulness of our duality result by using it to characterize the existence of EFX for chores through the dual environment, as well as to prove EFX existence in the special case of leveled preferences over the chores. We further study the hierarchy among envy-freeness notions without commons and their α-MMS guarantees, showing, for example, that any EFX
WC
allocation guarantees at least

\(\frac{4}{11}\)

-MMS for goods with copies.
“Do This Instead”—Robots That Adequately Respond to Corrected Instructions
Authors: Thierauf Christopher , Thielstrom Ravenna , Oosterveld Bradley , Becker Will , Scheutz Matthias
Published: September 2023

Natural language instructions are effective at tasking autonomous robots and for teaching them new knowledge quickly. Yet, human instructors are not perfect and are likely to make mistakes at times and will correct themselves when they notice errors in their own instructions. In this article, we introduce a complete system for robot behaviors to handle such corrections, during both task instruction and action execution. We then demonstrate its operation in an integrated cognitive robotic architecture through spoken language in two tasks: a navigation and retrieval task and a meal assembly task. Verbal corrections occur before, during, and after verbally taught sequences of tasks, demonstrating that the proposed methods enable fast corrections not only of the semantics generated from the instructions but also of overt robot behavior in a manner shown to be reasonable when compared to human behavior and expectations.
Fluid Dynamics of Squirmers and Ciliated Microorganisms
Authors: Ishikawa Takuji
Published: September 2023

The fluid dynamics of microswimmers has received attention from the fields of microbiology, microrobotics, and active matter. Microorganisms have evolved organelles termed cilia for propulsion through liquids. Each cilium periodically performs effective and recovery strokes, creating a metachronal wave as a whole and developing a propulsive force. One well-established mathematical model of ciliary swimming is the squirmer model, which focuses on surface squirming velocities. This model is also useful when studying active colloids and droplets. The squirmer model has been recently used to investigate the behaviors of microswimmers in complex environments, their collective dynamics, and the characteristics of active fluids. Efforts have also been made to broaden the range of applications beyond the assortment permitted by the squirmer model, which was established to specifically represent ciliary flow and incorporate biological features. The stress swimmer model imposes stresses above the cell body surface that enforce the no-slip condition. The ciliated swimmer model precisely reproduces the behaviors of each cilium that engages in mutual hydrodynamic interactions. Mathematical models have improved our understanding of various microbial phenomena, including cell–cell and cell–wall interactions and energetics. Here, I review recent advances in the hydrodynamics of ciliary swimming and then discuss future challenges.
Music Training and Nonmusical Abilities
Authors: Schellenberg E. Glenn , Lima César F.
Published: September 2023

Music training is generally assumed to improve perceptual and cognitive abilities. Although correlational data highlight positive associations, experimental results are inconclusive, raising questions about causality. Does music training have far-transfer effects, or do preexisting factors determine who takes music lessons? All behavior reflects genetic and environmental influences, but differences in emphasis—nature versus nurture—have been a source of tension throughout the history of psychology. After reviewing the recent literature, we conclude that the evidence that music training causes nonmusical benefits is weak or nonexistent, and that researchers routinely overemphasize contributions from experience while neglecting those from nature. The literature is also largely exploratory rather than theory driven. It fails to explain mechanistically how music-training effects could occur and ignores evidence that far transfer is rare. Instead of focusing on elusive perceptual or cognitive benefits, we argue that it is more fruitful to examine the social-emotional effects of engaging with music, particularly in groups, and that music-based interventions may be effective mainly for clinical or atypical populations.
Enhancing the Electrochemical Performance of Li2-xMnO3 via Dual Strategies: Using MOF-Derived Manganese Oxide Precursor and Tuning Li Content
Authors: Xu Yanping , Hou Junming , Fang Zixuan , Zhou Haiping , Wu Mengqiang
Published: September 2023

Cathode materials play a crucial role in determining the electrochemical properties and fabrication cost of Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Li2MnO3 has garnered increasing attentions due to its high theoretical capacity, but it suffers from severe issues, such as structural deterioration and irreversible capacity loss. In this paper, we propose a novel strategy to synthesize Li2-xMnO3 cathodes using MOF-derived manganese oxide via a simple solid-state reaction. When used as cathodes for LIBs, the MOF-Li2MnO3 exhibits a high reversible capacity of 92.5 mAh g−1 after 120 cycles at 25 mA g−1, as compared to pristine Li2MnO3 (31.7 mAh g−1). Additionally, hybrid phases including orthorhombic-LiMnO2 and cubic LiMn2O4 are introduced into Li-deficient materials, which exhibit different electrochemical behaviors from MOF-Li2MnO3. The MOF-Li1.75MnO3 delivers an unprecedented capacity of 151.9 mAh g−1 after 120 cycles at 25 mA g−1. Overall, the synergistic effect of adopting MOF-derived precursor and inducing multiphase by tuning Li content is conducive to enhancing the electrochemical performance of Li2MnO3 cathode.
Factors Governing the Failure of Subsea Critical Connector Bolts
Authors: Medlinsky Ofer , Eliezer Amir , Hadjistassou Constantinos
Published: September 2023

Impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems are commonly used to shield offshore drilling rigs, pipelines, and subsea equipment in the oil and gas industry. In underwater service conditions, water temperature, salinity and velocity play a major role in the longevity of subsea applications. Interactions between the preceding factors can induce catastrophic failure to critical systems while the underlying cause is unclear. This paper proposes an approach for elucidating the corrosion process accompanying underwater applications. The service conditions of underwater application are simulated in a multidisciplinary system that records various parameters such as water temperature, reference-electrode potential, and electric current at five-minute intervals during the 21 d of the experiment. This novel, experimental, and inexpensive ICCP system was developed on an “Arduino” microcontroller and applied to an actual ASTM A193 B7 bolt tightened on an ASTM A105 flange at different torque levels. Experimental results indicate a direct relationship between the water day-night temperature profile and the cathodic protection performance. Specifically, the ICCP performance declines with increasing temperature. When the ICCP system was activated, gas bubbles are generated on the metal surface. Presumably these bubbles could induce hydrogen embrittlement cracks which were observed in scanning electron microscope images of the bolt cross-sections.
Screening and Stability Analysis of Reference Genes for Gene Expression Normalization in Hybrid Yellow Catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco ♀ × Pelteobagrus vachelli ♂) Fed Diets Containing Different Soybean Meal Levels
Authors: Guo Chaohui , Zhang Zihao , Zhang Meina , Guo Guojun , Yu Guangqing , Zhao Daoquan , Li Ming , Li Guoxi , Liu Bianzhi
Published: September 2023

In this study, we screened the expression stability of six reference genes (18S rRNA, β-actin, GAPDH, EF1a, B2M, and HPRT1) in hybrid yellow catfish (n = 6), considering the SBM levels, sampling time points, and different tissues. Four different statistical programs, BestKeeper, NormFinder, Genorm, and Delta Ct, combined with a method that comprehensively considered all results, were used to evaluate the expression stability of these reference genes systematically. The results showed that SBM levels significantly impacted the expression stability of most of the reference genes studied and that this impact was time-, dose-, and tissue-dependent. The expression stability of these six reference genes varied depending on tissue, sampling time point, and SBM dosage. Additionally, more variations were found among different tissues than among different SBM levels or sampling time points. Due to its high expression, 18S rRNA was excluded from the list of candidate reference genes. β-actin and GAPDH in the liver and β-actin, HPRT1 and EF1a in the intestine were the most stable reference genes when SBM levels were considered. HPRT1, and EF1a in tissues sampled at 2 W and EF1a and β-actin in tissues sampled at 4 and 6 W were proposed as two stable reference genes when different tissues were considered. When the sampling time points were considered, β-actin, EF1a, and HPRT1 were the top three stable reference genes in the intestine. In contrast, β-actin and B2M are the most stable reference genes in the liver. In summary, β-actin, EF1a, and HPRT1 were the more stable reference genes in this study. The stability of reference genes depends on the tissues, sampling time points, and SBM diet levels in hybrid yellow catfish. Therefore, attention should be paid to these factors before selecting suitable reference genes for normalizing the target genes.
Pancreas Imaging of Children with Type 1 Diabetes Reveals New Patterns and Correlations with Pancreatic Functions
Authors: Pollé Olivier G. , Delfosse Antoine , Michoux Nicolas , Peeters Frank , Duchêne Gaetan , Louis Jacques , Van Nieuwenhuyse Brieuc , Clapuyt Philippe , Lysy Philippe A.
Published: September 2023

Context. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a heterogeneous disease affecting the islets and the exocrine pancreas. How the topographical distribution of the involved tissue lesions correlates with the patient phenotype and pancreas functions is uncertain. Objective. To perform a longitudinal characterization of the pancreas in patients with new-onset T1D and investigate the correlations between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters and pancreatic functions during the first year postdiagnosis. Methods. Thirty-one pediatric patients with new-onset T1D and 29 retrospective age-, body mass index-, and sex-matched controls were included in the study. Following hypotheses were investigated: (H1) the value of pancreas volume (PV) parameters in T1D and in controls, (H2) the association between MRI parameters and markers of pancreatic functions, (H3) the ability of MRI parameters to predict glucose homeostasis, (H4) the longitudinal evolution of MRI parameters and glucose homeostasis, per-organ (whole pancreas) and per-subregion (head, body, and tail). Results. Patients with new-onset T1D demonstrated a significant decrease of PV at diagnosis compared to controls (−45%), with prepubertal patients having increased pancreas atrophy (+25%) (H1). PV parameters were correlated with C-peptide, and trypsinogen (PVTail and PVHead, respectively). Biparametric regression models including MRI parameters predicted pancreas functions during the first year postdiagnosis (H3). Longitudinal evolution of PV parameters at 1 year postdiagnosis was correlated with PV at diagnosis (R = −0.72) but not with markers of glucose homeostasis (H4). Conclusion. Our study shows that longitudinal analysis of pancreases of children with T1D using multiparametric MRI improve the understanding of T1D heterogeneity both in the context of its onset and its evolution.
Hybrid Social Grouping Algorithm-Perturb and Observe Power Tracking Scheme for Partially Shaded Photovoltaic Array
Authors: Vadivel Srinivasan , Ramasamy Sridhar , Mikkili Suresh , Ahsan Mominul , Haider Julfikar , Islam Md. Minarul , Ustun Taha Selim
Published: September 2023

This research work emphasizes proposing a hybrid social grouping algorithm (SGA) and perturb and observe (P&O) scheme for tracking the global power peak in a partially shaded photovoltaic (PV) array. PV panels getting shaded, even partially, exhibits multiple power peaks, and hence conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms fail in tracking the maximum power peak as it gets deceived by local maxima. Most of the prevailing global search algorithms suffer in performance due to the stochastic search which consumes time even after nearing the global power peak. Therefore, a hybridization of the global search algorithm and the conventional algorithm will be a prudent solution. SGA, a global search algorithm based on individual and group cognizant behaviour, has been hybridized with a well-entrenched P&O algorithm that complements each other in achieving the global power peak swiftly. The hybridized algorithm achieves the global power peak in 0.4 seconds faster than the stand-alone SGA algorithm during complex shading conditions. The proposed scheme has been implemented for an 800 W PV array in a MATLAB simulation and validated experimentally in a hardware setup using a SAS1000L solar array simulator-programmable source, a DC-DC converter, and a dSPACE 1104 controller. The simulation and experimental results reveal that the proposed search scheme is very competent in converging towards the global maximum through SGA first and achieving the peak point through P&O. The proposed scheme has also been tested for a dynamic shading pattern, and it is evident that the proposed scheme outperforms its counterparts in terms of convergence time.
TABLE 1 from Marijuana and Cannabidiol Use Prevalence and Symptom Management Among Patients with Cancer
Authors: Brasky Theodore M. , Newton Alison M. , Conroy Sara , Adib Anita , Adley Neema C. , Strassels Scott A. , Hays John L. , Cooper Ziva D. , Wagener Theodore L. , Stevens Erin , Plascak Jesse J. , Krok-Schoen Jessica L.
Published: September 2023

Prior studies of cannabis use among active patients with cancer and cancer survivors in the United States. Only two prior reports (highlighted) have examined cannabis prevalence among active general oncology populations
The Effects of Charter High Schools on Academic Achievement and College Enrollment: Evidence from Los Angeles
Authors: Reber Sarah J. , Rünger Dennis , Wong Mitchell D.
Published: September 2023

This paper estimates the causal effects of enrollment in one of five oversubscribed high-quality Los Angeles charter schools using a lottery design. Enrolling in a charter school increased eleventh-grade standardized test scores and enrollment and persistence in four-year colleges substantially, but had no effect on high school GPA. Charter students took more advanced coursework, were less likely to skip class, were more likely to apply to a four-year college, and reported more teacher support for college-going. The increase in four-year persistence appears to be driven by more enrollment and persistence in University of California campuses, which have higher graduation rates than the likely alternatives. This suggests that the effects of charter schools could depend on the availability of high graduation rate colleges.
School District Borrowing and Capital Spending: The Effectiveness of State Credit Enhancement
Authors: Yang Lang (Kate)
Published: September 2023

School districts in the United States often borrow on the municipal bond market to pay for capital projects. Districts serving economically disadvantaged communities tend to receive lower credit ratings and pay higher interest rates. To remedy this problem, twenty-four states have established credit enhancement programs that promise to repay district debt when a district cannot do so, thereby enhancing the district's credit rating. With a generalized difference-in-differences approach, I rely on cross- and within-district variations to estimate the effect of state enhancement on district bond interest rate, per-pupil capital spending, and student performance. State enhancement reduces district bond interest rates by 6 percent and increases per-student capital spending by 2 percent to 7 percent. It also reduces the disparity in the interest rate and capital spending across districts serving lower- and higher-income families, with no discernible effect on test scores. I find no evidence that the amount of enhanced school debt is associated with significant changes in interest rates paid by state governments. Districts in states without such programs could have achieved cost savings in the range of $383 million to $1 billion from 2009 to 2019 had the states adopted similar programs.
Hidden in Plain Sight: Saul’s Male Trauma Narrative in 1 Samuel
Authors: Thiede Barbara
Published: September 2023

King Saul’s story is not simply a tool for justifying Yhwh’s decision to promote David in his place; it is a narrative of trauma that demonstrates how biblical hegemonic masculinity normalizes sexual violence perpetrated by men against men. Saul is the victim of repeated and sexualized assault by a controlling, coercive deity. After such attacks Saul loses control over his speech, his mind, and his body. He experiences dissociation, helplessness, terror, and rage. In abusing Saul, Yhwh is aided and abetted by Samuel and by David. The sexualized violence Saul experiences marks him and silences him; just before he dies, he a makes a single allusion to the trauma he long endured by invoking the rape he fears at the hands of the Philistines. In fact, after his death, Saul is metaphorically raped, his body stripped, decapitated, impaled, and displayed. He is no trauma survivor, but its victim.
Do Electronic Services Improve Students’ Satisfaction among Public Sector Organizations? The Case of Tanzanian Higher Learning Institutions
Authors: John Yuslida
Published: September 2023

This study examines the influence of e-services on students’ satisfaction in higher learning institutions. Although many studies have investigated e-services in education systems, many of them do not associate satisfactory e-services application in administrative activities in ensuring students’ satisfaction. The surveyed data collected from 257 university students was analyzed by the structural equation method (SEM). The study found students are satisfied with e-service provision when the systems are simple to use, reliable, efficient, secured, time-saving, and reduce costs in the process of registration, payment of tuition fees, and accessing online library services.
Rached Ghannouchi and his Political Discourses between Tunisian and Global Islamism
Authors: Anas Omair
Published: September 2023

Rached Ghannouchi and his Islamic movement Ennahda had received a popular mandate to write a post-revolution constitution for Tunisia. However, Ghannouchi preferred national consensus over using his party’s political strength. Ennahda relinquished power in 2014 and announced to abandon religious activism in 2016. The paper explains Ghannouchi’s politics of Islam, which he now calls, “Muslim Democracy (Ghannouchi, 2016),” and his thoughts on key modern political concepts. Ghannouchi, instead of a Sharia state, advanced the agenda of Dawla Madniya or Civilian State (Zidan, 2014). Ghannouchi, in his pre-uprising writings, has widely discussed ‘state,’ ‘secularism,’ ‘democracy,’ ‘civilization,’ and fundamental human rights. Ghannouchi sought national consensus by sharing a common viewpoint for Tunisia’s transition from dictatorship to a civilian state. The article analyses Ghannouchi’s writings and his opinion on key Islamic issues on which he differs from contemporary Islamic groups of Egypt, Pakistan, Iran, or elsewhere.
Removal of Heavy Metals from Freshwater Using Immobilized Microalgae
Authors: Fan Jing , Xu Xiuli , Zhang Caiyun , Zhang Yiming , Wu Zexiong
Published: September 2023

This study focused on the use of Tetradesmus obliquus, a freshwater microalga, immobilized using sodium alginate and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for removing heavy metals from water. Experiments conducted during the study demonstrated the adsorption efficacy of microalgae beads with respect
to lead, copper, and cadmium, with the adsorption process predominantly facilitated via hydroxyl, carboxyl, and carbonyl groups. Varying the mass of beads between 0.25 and 0.2 g only minimally affected their adsorption capacity for cadmium ions. The highest removal rate was observed for Pb,
followed by Cu and Cd. Maximum removal for all tested metals was achieved at an adsorbent dosage of 2 g. Based on optimal data points, the influence of pH on the removal rate was nonlinear. Analyses based on Freundlich and Langmuir models demonstrated the remarkable adsorption capacity of
Tetradesmus obliquus with respect to heavy metals, particularly Pb, which increased with temperature.
Multivariate Linear Regression Model for Predicting Soil Texture and Plant Degradation in Parks
Authors: Zhuang Shuyao
Published: September 2023

The soil, which makes up the top layer of the Earth’s surface, is crucial for the energy and nutrient flows required for the growth of plants and is, therefore, crucial for the environmental study of parks. Since plants and soil are interdependent, soil degradation affects plant
quality. The soil’s capacity to store water and support germination directly correlates with plant growth, and soil degradation ultimately results in plant death. One of the most crucial elements in preventing soil degradation is maintaining ecological factors and identifying their impact
on plant life through relationships. Therefore, it is essential to simultaneously evaluate and predict the overall condition of plants and soil in designated regions like parks and reserved areas. Hence a model is developed to predict park management practices like Soil Texture (ST) and its
impacts on Plants Degradation (PD) using Multivariate Linear regression (MvLR-STPD) to maintain the park’s ecology. Initially, creating a predictive model that can precisely estimate soil texture and plant degradation in parks based on a collection of predictor variables is the main
goal of the MvLR. Secondly, based on the data and the precise correlations between the predictor factors and the targeted variables, gradient descent optimization is used to adapt and modify its parameters. The model can extract the correct value, identify the basic variances, and determine
the relationship between the impacted variables owing to the optimization method. The model’s performance is validated by prediction metrics like sensitivity analysis and coefficient of determination R2 with loss function, namely, Mean Squared Error (MSE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE),
Prediction accuracy, correlation coefficient, and Mean Absolute Error (MAE).
Effect of Fermentation Time on Antioxidants Activity and Sensory Evaluation of the Kombucha Tea Beverage Prepared with Hibiscus and Tamarind
Authors: Hemdan Dalia I. , Bushnaq Taqwa , Radhi Khadija
Published: September 2023

A fermented beverage called kombucha is made by fermenting green or black tea with sugar and adding the SCOBY symbiotic bacteria under aerobic conditions. Hibiscus and tamarind drinks are traditional drinks that are distinguished in their functional and sensory characteristics. Therefore,
in this research, work has been done to transform hibiscus and tamarind drinks from traditional and functional drinks into fermented drinks with new functional and therapeutic properties as well as sensory distinctiveness in taste and color. Also, the study estimated the pH, total phenolic
and flavonoid content, as well as DPPH and sensory evaluation in the novel drinks and compared them with traditional kombucha tea. In addition, the study determined the proper fermentation time with incubated yeast (SCOBY). The measurements of day seven and fourteen fermentation were taken
for Kombucha tea, Kombucha tea with hibiscus, and Kombucha tea with tamarind then compared with black tea. Caffeine in black tea was more than in Kombucha tea and others may be due to the black tea contained the highest total phenolic and flavonoids which were 164.53 and 12.91 μg/mL,
respectively. Moreover, the radical scavenging ability of the hibiscus and tamarind seems to point out at act as functional foods. Fermented hibiscus beverage has the best sensory evaluation among all resulting beverages. The juice showed a difference in color according to the drink and the
fermentation period, in addition to the different colors of the SCOBY With different beverages. So, it could be recommended that the fortification of the Kombucha tea beverage with hibiscus and tamarind enhances its nutritional qualities and phytochemical compositions.
Observation of the Curative Effect of Recombinant Human Interferon α2b Gel Combined with LEEP Knife in Cervicitis Caused by IUD and The Effect of Copper/Low-Density Polyethylene Nanocomposite IUD
Authors: Huang Wei , Lu Shanshan , Chen Ling , Lin Ying
Published: September 2023

In this study, we explored the curative effect of recombinant human interferon α2b gel combined with a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) knife to treat cervicitis. We also analyzed the clinical applications of a copper/low-density polyethylene nanocomposite
intrauterine device (IUD). We selected 62 patients with IUD-induced cervicitis admitted to our hospital from March 2020 to December 2022 and divided them into experimental and control groups according to the random number table method (n = 31/group). The control group was treated with
recombinant human interferon α2b gel only, while the experimental group was treated using a combination of the gel and LEEP knife. We compared the total efficacy rate of both treatments by recording the serum inflammatory cytokines levels, hospitalization, and vaginal drainage
times before and after three months of treatment. We selected 50 married women of childbearing age who came to our hospital voluntarily to receive IUDs during the same period and randomly divided them into two groups (n = 25/group). Each group was administered either a copper/low-density
polyethylene (Cu/LDPE) nanocomposite intrauterine device (IUD) or a TCu220C IUD. We conducted follow-ups at three, six, and 12 months after the implantation and analyzed the clinical and side effects. We observed that the total efficacy rate of the cervicitis treatment in the experimental
group was 93%, 72% higher than in the control group. After six months of treatment, the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, and the leukocyte counts of both groups were lower than that before
treatment, with the test group showing lower values than the control group. Simultaneously, the hospitalization and vaginal discharge times of the experimental group were lower than those of the control group. We also followed up on the two different IUD groups after three, six, and 12 months.
Compared with TCu220C IUD, the Cu/LDPE nanocomposite IUD group showed lesser side effects, such as uterine bleeding and abdominal pain. There was no significant difference between the hemoglobin levels of both groups before and after IUD insertion. In conclusion, recombinant human interferon
α2b gel combined with a LEEP knife is effective in treating cervicitis patients and can control the levels of inflammatory factors in the body. This treatment was safer and quicker and shortened the vaginal discharge time. Additionally, the clinical acceptance of Cu/LDPE nanocomposite
IUD for human intrauterine contraception is good due to the low occurrence of adverse reactions, such as uterine bleeding and pain. Therefore, it should be promoted in clinical gynecological practice.
TGFB Induced Factor Homeobox 2 Induces Deterioration of Bladder Carcinoma via Activating CD2 Cytoplasmic Tail Binding Protein 2
Authors: Guo Xiaobo , Li Gang , Zhao Yufeng , Zhao Bo
Published: September 2023

Bladder carcinoma is a complex and aggressive malignancy with limited treatment options. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression pattern of TGIF2 in bladder carcinoma and its clinical significance, as well as its functional role and interaction with CD2BP2 in disease progression.
Through quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis, we found that TGIF2 was highly expressed in bladder carcinoma tissues compared to normal bladder mucosa. Furthermore, elevated TGIF2 levels were associated with advanced tumor stage and larger tumor size,
indicating its potential as a prognostic marker in bladder carcinoma. Using knockdown models in bladder carcinoma cell lines (253j and J82), we observed that the inhibition of TGIF2 resulted in decreased proliferation and migration rates, suggesting a critical role of TGIF2 in promoting these
malignant phenotypes. Additionally, our dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed a direct interaction between TGIF2 and CD2BP2, with CD2BP2 being upregulated in bladder carcinoma tissues and positively correlated with TGIF2 expression. Notably, the overexpression of CD2BP2 reversed the suppressed
malignant phenotypes caused by TGIF2 knockdown. Collectively, our findings highlight the abundant expression of TGIF2 in bladder carcinoma tissues and its association with malignant characteristics. We demonstrate that TGIF2 promotes proliferative and metastatic capacities in bladder carcinoma
by positively regulating CD2BP2. These insights provide a basis for further investigations into the potential of TGIF2 and CD2BP2 as therapeutic targets and prognostic markers in bladder carcinoma management.