bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A VIPA spectrograph with ultra-high spectral resolution, ultra-high wavelength calibration accuracy and wide spectral range
Authors: Zhang Zhongnan , Wang Yutao , Zhu Xiaoming , Lin Dong , He Jinping
Published: October 2024

Spectrographs with ultra-high spectral resolution, ultra-high wavelength calibration accuracy, and wide spectral range hold immense potential in broad scientific frontiers, such as precise spectral measurement, femtosecond pulse shaping, and spectral beam combining, etc. In this paper, we have constructed a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) based spectrograph, leveraging a laser frequency comb for precise wavelength calibration. The calibration methods specifically for the broadband VIPA spectrograph are presented. The spectrograph achieves a resolution exceeding 650 000, a wavelength calibration accuracy better than 0.05 pm, and a remarkable bandwidth of over 110 nm. Spectral measurements are conducted with the spectrograph, and the results validate the performance.
Simultaneous measurement of temperature and refractive index based on fiber optic Fabry–Pérot cavity in batteries
Authors: Liu Qinpeng , Yang Di , Wang Danyang , Xing Meihua , Liu Bo , Yan Cheng
Published: October 2024

A Fabry–Pérot (FP) sensor for simultaneous measurement of refractive index and temperature of an all-fiber synchronous liquid based on the Vernier effect is proposed, special application for internal monitoring of lithium-ion battery electrolytes. The theoretical model of high sensitivity cascade Fabry–Pérot interferometer (PFPI) is established, the sensitivity amplification mechanism of PFPI is analyzed in detail, the perfect matching scheme for measuring the refractive index of the electrolyte inside the battery is designed according to the matching conditions of the optical path, and the corresponding sensors for simultaneous measurement of the temperature and the refractive index are fabricated. The experimental results show that the sensor has a maximum refractive index sensitivity of 15 391.5033 nm RIU−1, a good linear fit, and can effectively monitor the refractive index change of the electrolyte by 10−4 orders of magnitude during normal charging and discharging of lithium-ion batteries. Compared to traditional epoxy adhesive bonded or laser processed FP sensors, this all-fibre optic structure not only improves temperature and corrosion resistance, but also significantly reduces temperature cross-sensitivity. Its small size and excellent resistance to high temperature and corrosion ensure the sensor’s excellent response and broad application prospects in monitoring the refractive index of the electrolyte in 18 650 lithium-ion batteries, which provides effective technical support for monitoring the health status of batteries and detecting early safety issues.
Multicomponent Phase Space
Authors: Cantor Brian
Published: October 2024

This chapter introduces the concept of multicomponent phase space and describes and discusses its size, shape and geography. This is important for developing strategies to explore multicomponent phase space and find particular materials with interesting and/or valuable structures and properties. Multicomponent phase space contains large regions of single-phase multicomponent solid solutions, multicomponent amorphous alloys and multicomponent compounds, as well as other large regions with more complex, multiphase structures, formed for instance, by eutectic solidification and/or solid-state precipitation. This chapter sets out definitions of these different kinds of materials to create a clear taxonomy with which to describe the size, shape and occurrence of the different regions of multicomponent phase space.
Lipid metabolism improves salt tolerance of Salicornia europaea
Authors: Yang Lei , Wang Yanzhi , Bai Yang , Yang Jiahui , Gao Yunyan , Hou Chenxue , Gao Mengya , Gu Xinlu , Liu Weizhong
Published: October 2024

Background and Aims

Salicornia europaea L., a succulent euhalophyte plant, has been found to exhibit optimal reproductive capabilities under appropriate salinity concentrations. However, the underlying metabolic changes are not yet fully understood.

Methods

In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis combining transcriptomic and lipidomic techniques to investigate the molecular mechanisms of lipid metabolism in response to different NaCl concentrations (0 and 200 mM).

Results

Transcriptomic data demonstrated that salt treatment mainly affected processes including lipid biosynthesis, phosphatidylinositol signalling and glycerophospholipid metabolism. The expression levels of several key genes involved in salt tolerance, namely SeSOS1, SeNHX1, SeVHA-A, SeVP1 and SePSS, were found to be upregulated upon NaCl treatment. A total of 485 lipid compounds were identified, of which 27 changed in abundance during salt treatment, including the enrichment of phospholipids and sphingolipids. Moreover, the increase in the double-bond index was mainly attributable to phospholipids and sphingolipids. Comparing the acyl chain length showed that the acyl chain length coefficient of sphingosine-1-phosphate decreased significantly in the presence of 200 mM NaCl.

Conclusions

This study suggests that S. europaea adapts to saline environments by altering phospholipids and sphingolipids to improve salt tolerance. The salinity response of S. europaea can provide important insights into the action of lipids and their salt adaptation mechanisms.
Latin America: a hub for agrobiotechnological innovations
Authors: Segretin Maria Eugenia , Soto Gabriela Cynthia , Lorenzo Christian Damian
Published: October 2024

Background

Modern biotechnology is one of the last century’s major advances in human science. Particularly in the agronomical field, the landscape of crop improvement technologies has witnessed a great expansion, driven by the integration of molecular and genetic engineering methodologies into the breeding toolbox. Latin America (LATAM) serves as a pioneering region in incorporating such techniques with several countries swiftly embracing these technologies.

Scope

This review aims to give a comprehensive overview of the elements that influenced agrobiotech acceptance in LATAM countries and how such cases could provide support for upcoming technologies to be considered worldwide.

Conclusions

Nearly 50 years of biotech breakthroughs have provided humankind with an impressive portfolio of tools already integrated into several life-science areas. The agronomical field has greatly progressed thanks to technologies derived from genetically modified organisms and great promises are being made to also incorporate genome-editing products. LATAM provides a prime example of how early introduction of novelties in the crop production chain can result in improved yields, paving the way for future developments to be easily integrated into the technological ecosystem of a region. The example set by LATAM can also be useful for the present gene-editing regulatory scenario. With several countries presently on the path to approving these methods in their current crop systems, basing their next steps on the example of LATAM could represent a safe and practical pathway towards a new agronomical revolution.
Revealing Cultural Dynamics in WAIS-IV Performance: a Comparative Analysis of Age Cohorts in Taiwanese and U.S. Populations
Authors: Chang Yu-Ling , Cheng Wen-Yu
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study examined the relationship between culture and cognitive abilities by comparing WAIS-IV subtests, index scores, and Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) scores across various age groups in the Taiwanese and U.S. populations.

Method

The Taiwanese and U.S. versions of WAIS-IV are comprehensively compared, examining subtest items, psychometrics, and sample characteristics. Scaled scores are compared by extracting raw scores with a scaled score of 10 from each subtest scale in the Taiwanese version and applying U.S. age norms to acquire U.S. scaled scores.

Results

Despite the mean FSIQ score closely aligning with the U.S. sample, notable discrepancies are evident in the Taiwanese Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) score, potentially influenced by cultural fairness of the tests. Significant variations are observed among age cohorts in the Taiwanese sample, with younger individuals excelling in Processing Speed Index, Working Memory Index, Perceptual Reasoning Index, and FSIQ, while maintaining comparable VCI scores to their U.S. counterparts. Conversely, older cohorts demonstrate lower performance across various domains, except for visuospatial reasoning and organizational skills, compared to their U.S. counterparts. These subtest variations robustly correlate with educational disparities between the Taiwanese and U.S. samples.

Conclusions

Despite the similarity in factor structures between the Taiwanese and U.S. versions of WAIS-IV, this study reveals cultural bias in both verbal and non-verbal subtests. The study highlights the intricate interplay among cognitive processing styles, cultural influences, and educational factors contributing to performance disparities.
Cultural Considerations in Intelligence Test Adaptations: a Critical Review of the WAIS-IV India and Its U.K. and U.S. Counterparts
Authors: A P Porrselvi , Irani Farzin , Shah Urvashi , Sunderaraman Preeti
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study critically examined the adaptation and normative processes of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV)India.

Method

WAIS-IV U.K. Edition Administration and Scoring Manual, WAIS-IVIndia Administration and Scoring Manual, and WAIS-IV Administration and Scoring Manual and Technical and Interpretive Manuals were used to extract test development and adaptation process data. The analyses were descriptive and qualitative.

Results

A review of the manuals showed that the normative sample were fluent English speakers with high education levels, which is not representative of India's multilingual and educational diversity. The study identified minimal cultural and linguistic adaptations in subtests, which raised concern about potential biases in the test adaptation process across cultures. The lack of clarity in item selection, demographic data, sample selection, and psychometric properties raised questions about the test's reliability and validity. Issues related to education, age, gender, and regional distribution are discussed, emphasizing the test's limitations in capturing the diverse characteristics of the heterogeneous Indian population.

Conclusions

WAIS-IV India may not adequately represent India's population. More careful consideration of socioecological and psychometric factors when adapting intelligence (IQ) tests and use of advanced data harmonization methods can provide robust cross-national statistical harmonization in the future along with more ecologically valid local test development efforts. This can allow consideration of social determinants of health and other factors that can inform a more nuanced approach to IQ test development in non-western contexts.
Artificial intelligence reading digital mammogram: enhancing detection and differentiation of suspicious microcalcifications
Authors: Mansour Sahar , Mokhtar Omnia , Abd El Galil Mennat-Allah Samir Mohammed , Taha Sherif Nasser , Shetat Ola Magdy Mohamed
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To investigate the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on enhancing the sensitivity of digital mammograms in the detection and specification of grouped microcalcifications.

Methods

The study is a retrospective analysis of grouped microcalcifications for 447 patients. Grouped microcalcifications detected were correlated with AI, which was applied to the initial mammograms. AI provided a heat map, demarcation, and quantitative evaluation for abnormalities according to the degree of suspicion of malignancy. Histopathology was the standard for confirmation of malignancy.

Results

AI showed a high correlation percentage of 67.5% between the red colour of the colour hue bar and malignant microcalcifications (P-value <.001). The scoring of probable cancer was suggested (ie, more than 50% abnormality scoring) in 39.5% of true cancer lesions. The diagnostic performance of mammography for grouped microcalcifications revealed a sensitivity of 94.7% and a negative predictive value of 82.1%. False negatives were only 12 out of 228 that proved malignant calcifications. The agreement of cancer probability between standard mammograms and examinations read by AI presented a Kappa value of −0.094 and a P-value of <.001.

Conclusions

The used AI system enhanced the sensitivity of mammograms in detecting suspicious microcalcifications, yet an expert human reader is required for proper specification.

Advances in knowledge

Grouped calcifications could be early breast cancer on a mammogram. The morphology and distribution are correlated with the nature of breast diseases. AI is a potential decision support for the detection and classification of grouped microcalcifications and thus positively affects the control of breast cancer.
Cortical development in the structural model and free energy minimization
Authors: Wright James , Bourke Paul
Published: October 2024

A model of neocortical development invoking Friston’s Free Energy Principle is applied within the Structural Model of Barbas et al. and the associated functional interpretation advanced by Tucker and Luu. Evolution of a neural field with Hebbian and anti-Hebbian plasticity, maximizing synchrony and minimizing axonal length by apoptotic selection, leads to paired connection systems with mirror symmetry, interacting via Markov blankets along their line of reflection. Applied to development along the radial lines of development in the Structural Model, a primary Markov blanket emerges between the centrifugal synaptic flux in layers 2,3 and 5,6, versus the centripetal flow in layer 4, and axonal orientations in layer 4 give rise to the differing shape and movement sensitivities characteristic of neurons of dorsal and ventral neocortex. Prediction error minimization along the primary blanket integrates limbic and subcortical networks with the neocortex. Synaptic flux bypassing the blanket triggers the arousal response to surprising stimuli, enabling subsequent adaptation. As development progresses ubiquitous mirror systems separated by Markov blankets and enclosed blankets-within-blankets arise throughout neocortex, creating the typical order and response characteristics of columnar and noncolumnar cortex.
The potential benefits of regionally differentiated Covid-19 policies
Authors: Thissen Mark , van Oort Frank , Weterings Anet
Published: October 2024

While many countries introduced regionally differentiated policy measures for Covid-19, such as social distancing, lockdowns and working from home, the Netherlands opted for national binding policies already in the early stages of the pandemic. Using detailed data on the impacts of the first lockdown on consumers’ and producers’ behaviour, as well as scenarios varying on intensities of measures, we show that regional differentiated policies could have mitigated a significant part of the losses in production resulting from the Covid-19 measures. The self-organizing capacities of the regional economic system fuel this mitigation, with regional variation in policies being a sufficient precondition. Coordinated and explicitly planned policies aimed at supporting specific region-industry clusters may further mitigate impacts but are difficult to achieve due to the number (wickedness) of possible policy options. It would also assume full information and coordination capacities in governance that are not present. The results of our analysis hold important implications for future mitigation strategies for pandemics or other regional shocks.
Queer, Migrant Non-Parenthood in Désorientale by Négar Djavadi and Gabrielle by Agnès Vannouvong
Authors: Cooper Jasmine
Published: October 2024

Désorientale (2016) by Franco-Iranian author Négar Djavadi and Gabrielle (2015) by Franco-Lao-Thai author Agnès Vannouvong both emerge at a moment when queer people have some rights (marriage and adoption) but no access to assisted reproductive technology (ART). They take up the issue of what I term “political infertility,” rebuking the notion of queerness as an unproductive sexuality. These novels’ queer (migrant) characters experience compounded forms of exclusion, along the lines of race, gender, sexuality, and cultural difference. I explore how the queer (migrant) nonparent speaks to a particular precarity within a system of power, revealing the complex way in which the nonparent is entrapped by competing modes of legitimatization, visibility, and access to full and fulfilled subjecthood.
(Dis)empowering native speakers? Teachers’ perceptions in Malta
Authors: Block Josianne , Xerri Daniel
Published: October 2024

The article explores the perceptions of English language teachers in Malta with respect to native English-speaking teachers. It discusses the results of a small-scale study involving interviews with teachers working in a boutique English language school. Although the participants acknowledge English’s global significance, the idea of NS supremacy persists. Malta’s colonial heritage reinforces the authority belonging to the NS and influences teachers’ perceptions, with those participants hailing from former colonies struggling with how the NS/NNS dichotomy affected their self-perception. The study discusses the enduring power of the standard varieties possessing prestige, and how British colonialism still impacts teachers’ perceptions. It emphasizes the duty to oppose native-speakerism and promote teachers’ cultural diversity. Finally, the article underscores the necessity for further teacher professional development tailored to the changing Maltese multilingual context amid English’s transformation from the language of power to a lingua franca.
Social listening applied to tailor communication on immunization in the Republic of Moldova
Authors: Timotin Alina , Paladi Adriana , Mita Valentin , Chihai Valeria , Lozan Oleg
Published: October 2024

Although the Republic of Moldova had good vaccination rates, anti-vax messages have recently begun to spread, eroding the population’s confidence. Vaccination coverage against measles, mumps, and rubella at the target age of 12 months decreased from 95% in 2008 to 83% in 2021. The recent measles outbreak in Romania and three confirmed cases in Moldova, combined with the refugee crisis, have highlighted the importance of vaccination and sparked online conversations on this subject. A mixed-methods study was conducted, involving social listening activities on immunization using the Talkwalker software and qualitative analysis of the identified narratives. Out of 450 identified comments, 30 were selected for further analysis. Over 5 months, a total of 865 results were obtained, with an engagement rate of 6300. The peak in results occurred between 11 and 18 December, driven by the recent measles outbreak in Romania, which saw several confirmed cases and one death, as well as the first cases of measles in Moldova after 3 years. However, no significant increase in the engagement rate was recorded. Comments on immunization tended to reflect distrust in authorities and doctors, political and ideological views, and a lack of knowledge about the risks of vaccine-preventable diseases. The analysed conversations are assessed as having a low risk of spreading, though some employ techniques to influence or manipulate behaviours. The topic of vaccination is used to promote political ideologies through messages issued by the mass media. The information vacuum must be filled with messages designed to produce attitude change regarding vaccination.
Economic Disadvantage During Childhood, Obesity, and Diabetes Across Three Birth Cohorts of Older Mexicans
Authors: Zazueta-Borboa Jesús-Daniel , Samper-Ternent Rafael , Wong Rebeca , Mehta Neil
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Diabetes prevalence has increased markedly in Mexico. We examined the individual and joint contributions of economic disadvantage during childhood (EDDC) and elevated body weight on diabetes prevalence in 3 cohorts of Mexican adults.

Methods

Data on those 60–69 years old from the 1930–1939, 1940–1949, and 1950–1959 birth cohorts in Waves 1 (2001), 3 (2012), and 5 (2018) of the Mexican Health and Aging Study were used. EDDC was defined as the absence of a toilet in the household before age 10. Body mass status was defined using self-reported perceived body image at age 50. Diabetes was based on respondent reports. Supplementary analyses using HbA1c as a criterion for diabetes were conducted. A regression-decomposition approach was implemented. Logistic regression models included adjustments for sociodemographic characteristics and access to medical care.

Results

Diabetes prevalence was 23% overall and 11%, 25%, and 26% in the 1930–1939, 1940–1949, and 1950–1959 cohorts, respectively. EDDC declined across successive cohorts, whereas the prevalence of overweight/obesity at age 50 increased. EDDC and overweight/obesity were associated with higher odds of reporting diabetes. A scenario that eliminates disadvantaged EDDC reduced diabetes prevalence by 11% in a pooled sample, while eliminating overweight/obesity reduced it by 30%. Overweight/obesity explained 42% of the rise in diabetes prevalence between the 1930–1939 and 1950–1959 cohorts. Improvement in EDDC explained 18% of the rise in diabetes prevalence between 1930–1939 and 1950–1959 cohorts.

Discussion

High body weight across Mexican birth cohorts seemed to offset the potential benefits from improvements in childhood conditions on adult diabetes risk.
Kinlessness at older ages: Prevalence and heterogeneity in 27 countries
Authors: Pittavino Marta , Arpino Bruno , Pirani Elena
Published: October 2024

Objectives

We provide recent and detailed estimates of the prevalence of kinlessness (i.e., people lacking [close] kin) among older individuals in 27 countries. We add to the literature by considering a broad range of kinship ties and examining within-country variabilities by age, sex, education, and rurality of the residential area.

Methods

Using data from Wave 8 (2019-2020) of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), we estimated the prevalence of kinlessness among individuals aged 65 and over in 26 European countries and Israel. We considered different definitions of kinlessness, from a less restrictive (based on the absence of both a partner and children) to a more restrictive one (absence of partner, children, grandchildren, parents, and siblings).

Results

Kinlessness varied considerably across countries. The percentage of people aged 65 and over who lacked a partner and children ranged between 2-3.5% in the Czech Republic, Romania, Israel, and Bulgaria to more than 8% in Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, and Malta. The percentage of older people lacking all close kin considered (partner, children, grandchildren, parents, and siblings) ranged from 0.1 to 4.1%. In addition, there was substantial heterogeneity in kinlessness in some countries by age, sex, and rurality of the residential area, whereas, except for a few cases, we did not find significant differences by education.

Discussion

Understanding the prevalence of kinless older adults is critical for policymakers and healthcare providers to design appropriate support systems for this potentially vulnerable group of people.
The official career of Sir Christopher Hales, attorney general and master of the rolls under Henry VIII
Authors: McGovern Jonathan
Published: October 2024

This article is the first study of the official career of Sir Christopher Hales. It casts new light on the workload and responsibilities of an early Tudor lawyer-administrator at the highest levels of government. It is structured around the principal stages in Hales’s career: undersheriff of Kent (1507–8), solicitor general (1525–9), attorney general (1529–36) and master of the rolls (1536–41). Its chief contribution to scholarship is that it provides a detailed discussion of the office of attorney general in the early Tudor period.
Los terceros interesados ante la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos: una inclusión necesariaInterested third-parties before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights: a necessary inclusion
Authors: Candia Falcón Gonzalo
Published: October 2024

Unlike the European and African systems, the Inter-American human rights system entirely excludes the participation of interested third parties in proceedings before its judicial body, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. This article argues that the reasons typically given to justify this exclusion are insufficient —at least on their own— to fully justify the exclusion of third-party interventions. Furthermore, the article contends that this exclusion poses challenges to both due process and the institutional capacities of the Court, particularly in a context where the Court is tasked with addressing highly polycentric problems. The article suggests re-evaluating the exclusion of interested third parties, which should lead to a reform of the Court’s Rules of Procedure. Finally, it explains that this proposal is consistent with certain trends developed by the Court in recent years.
Welfare and performance benefits of shade provision during summer for feedlot cattle in a temperate climatic zone
Authors: Miller David W , Barnes Anne L , Collins Teresa , Pannier Liselotte , Aleri Joshua , Maloney Shane K , Anderson Fiona
Published: October 2024

There is increasing interest from cattle lot-feeders in the use of shade to mitigate the effects of a potential heat-stress event, though it is unclear whether the reported benefits of shade in previous studies conducted in more high-risk heat-stress zones are pertinent in cooler temperate zones. The objectives of this study were to measure the welfare and performance benefits of shade provision for lot-fed cattle at a commercial feedlot located in a mild heat-stress risk zone in Western Australia. Six blocks of black Angus (Bos taurus) steers were inducted into the feedlot over 6 time windows across a southern hemisphere summer, with 80 cattle per block housed in a partially shaded pen (providing 3.125 m2 of shade per animal) and 80 in an unshaded pen. Parameters assessed in 960 cattle over the first 70 d in the feedlot included weight gain, feed intake, and physiological and behavioral indices of overall health and welfare. Over the months of October to May in which the experiment was conducted, shaded cattle demonstrated a modest 0.13 kg overall increase in average daily gain across the 70-d feedlot period (P = 0.13). There was no difference in dry matter intake between any block or treatment. The physiological and behavioral markers of health and welfare revealed that, even during to the hottest times of the experiment, the cattle were quite able to thermoregulate, via increased panting and seeking shade (if available), to maintain physiological homeostasis. In addition, we measured the effect of heat stress and shade provision on the affective state of the cattle. Qualitative behavioral assessment was used to indicate that the cattle in the “no stress” temperature humidity index (THI) category and the shaded cattle in the “moderate stress” THI category displayed the most positive demeanor (P < 0.05), being described as more “settled and sociable”, while the unshaded cattle in the “moderate stress” THI category and all cattle in the “severe stress” THI category were described as more “agitated/anxious” (P < 0.05). Overall, the findings from the present study suggest that there are definite welfare and modest performance benefits associated with providing cattle with shade in summer in a feedlot situated in a temperate climatic zone.
Romosozumab versus bisphosphonates for preventing subsequent vertebral fractures after balloon kyphoplasty: comparison using data from two prospective multicenter studies
Authors: Inose Hiroyuki , Takahashi Shinji , Teraguchi Masatoshi , Kato Tsuyoshi , Yamada Kentaro , Yasuda Hiroyuki , Terakawa Masaki , Minetama Masakazu , Tomori Masaki , Nakagawa Yukihiro , Yoshii Toshitaka
Published: October 2024

Preventing subsequent fractures after vertebral augmentation is a critical clinical concern. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of romosozumab and bisphosphonate administration on the occurrence of subsequent vertebral fractures after balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) and to identify factors associated with the occurrence of subsequent vertebral fractures. The study compared 24 patients who underwent BKP and received romosozumab with 58 control patients who underwent BKP and received bisphosphonates, all within 2 months of acute osteoporotic vertebral fracture and showing unfavorable magnetic resonance imaging prognostic factors. The primary outcome was the occurrence of subsequent fracture, and the secondary outcomes were improvement in back pain visual analog scale (VAS) score. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis was conducted to adjust for confounding factors and assess the effect of osteoporosis treatment type on subsequent vertebral fractures following BKP. Subsequent vertebral fractures occurred in 16 patients in the bisphosphonate group and in 1 patient in the romosozumab group (p = .02). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in VAS scores and their change from preoperatively to 6 months after surgery. The multivariable logistic regression analysis identified the type of osteoporosis treatment as an independent factor associated with the occurrence of subsequent vertebral fractures (Odds ratio, 18.30, p = .02). This prospective, multicenter study demonstrates that romosozumab is more effective than bisphosphonates in preventing subsequent vertebral fractures within 6 months after BKP. Romosozumab’s superior efficacy in reducing subsequent vertebral fractures may lead to improved long-term outcomes and quality of life, potentially making it a preferred treatment option over bisphosphonates for patients undergoing BKP.
Economic Growth in a Cooperative Economy
Authors: Brzustowski Thomas , Caselli Francesco
Published: October 2024

We develop and formalise an equilibrium concept for a dynamic economy in which production takes place in worker cooperatives. The concept rules out allocations of workers to cooperatives in which a worker in one cooperative could move to a different cooperative and make both herself and the existing workers in the receiving cooperative better off. It also rules out allocations in which workers in a cooperative would be made better off by some of the other workers leaving. We also provide a minimum-information equilibrium-selection criterion, which refines our equilibrium concept. We illustrate the application of our concept and refinement in the context of an overlapping-generation economy with specific preferences and technology. The cooperative economy follows a dynamic path qualitatively similar to the path followed by a capitalist economy, featuring gradual convergence to a steady state with constant output. However, the cooperative economy features a static inefficiency, in that, for a given aggregate capital stock, firm size is smaller than what a social planner would choose. On the other hand, the cooperative economy cannot be dynamically inefficient and could accumulate capital at a rate that is higher or lower than the capitalist economy. As a result, steady-state income per worker could be higher or lower in the cooperative economy. We also present an illustrative calibration, which quantitatively compares steady-state incomes and welfare in a cooperative and in a capitalist economy.
Improved algorithm for fracture-dissolution pore detection in resistivity imaging logging based on dung beetle optimization
Authors: Zhu Zuomin , Guo Jianhong , Gu Baoxiang , Liu Yuhan , Gao Lun , Lv Hengyang , Zhang Zhansong
Published: October 2024

Resistivity imaging logging has become a direct and precise method for visualizing the structural complexities of reservoir fractures and dissolution pores. The current use of Otsu's thresholding for segmentation results in poor segmentation quality and significant noise. Accurate segmentation of sub-images containing fracture and dissolution pore targets is essential for automated structure identification and subsequent parameter calculation. This study leverages the rapid convergence and robust global optimization capabilities of the dung beetle optimizer to develop enhanced image segmentation approaches. Specifically, it introduces a refined K-means algorithm for multi-category image segmentation and an Otsu algorithm for multi-threshold image segmentation, both optimized by the dung beetle optimizer. Compared to conventional binary segmentation algorithms, this new algorithm effectively isolates noise and extracts multi-category information. Using the segmented sub-images, this paper integrates mathematical morphology techniques to compute parameters such as area, perimeter, tortuosity length, and pore shape factor for identified targets. Additionally, principal component analysis is used to derive recognition factors for fractures and dissolution pores. Applications show that this factor can identify matrix, fracture, and dissolution pore targets in complex background images. By combining parameter information of the target area, the method effectively removes false information in resistivity imaging and segments sub-images of fractures and dissolution pores, calculating fracture area ratio, dissolution pore area ratio, and total area ratio.
Antipredator responses of bats during short boreal nights with variable climatic conditions
Authors: Suutari Miina S , Lehikoinen Aleksi , Lehto Harry J , Lilley Thomas M
Published: October 2024

The threat of predation can influence the behavior of animals. To minimize the impact of predation, animals rely on antipredatory responses and effectively balance these responses with other activities to maximize survival. Boreal bats are nocturnal animals that must forage within a narrow time frame during short, light summer nights with unpredictable weather. Despite having no specialized predators, boreal bats are still subject to predation. However, whether they express antipredatory responses has not been established. We studied antipredatory responses and responses to climatic conditions in boreal bats in 2 settings: 1) during roost emergence; and 2) during foraging within Tawny Owl territories and at locations with no Tawny Owl sightings. Acoustic data were collected at 23 roosts and 10 foraging grounds. Two controlled predation threats were used—playbacks of Tawny Owl calls and fledgling calls. Fledgling calls were only played during roost emergence. In both experiments, music and no treatment were used as controls. We also incorporated weather variables in the model. According to our results, bats tend to delay their emergence by 16 min when Tawny Owl calls were played outside the roost, but this effect was not noticeable when weather variables were included. There was no difference in exit time when music or fledgling sounds were played. While foraging, bats reduced their activity in Tawny Owl territories when calls of owls or music were played compared to no treatment. These results suggest that bats might display variable antipredatory responses, but weather influences behavior of bats more than predation risk, highlighting the importance of energy-saving strategies at northerly latitudes.
Relationship between anemia and occupational fall injuries in female part-time employees: an observational study of large supermarket stores in Japan
Authors: Shima Azusa , Kawatsu Yuichiro , Morino Ayumi , Okawara Makoto , Hirashima Keiki , Miyamatsu Naomi , Fujino Yoshihisa
Published: October 2024

Objectives: Occupational fall injuries have recently increased markedly in Japan, together with an increase in later-middle-aged females in the labor market. However, the association between anemia, which is prevalent among Japanese females, and falls is unclear. Here, we investigated the association between anemia and occupational fall injuries.

Methods: Participants were 6780 part-time female employees aged 35-64 working in Japanese supermarket stores of a retail company and who had at least 1 health checkup each year between 2017 and 2022. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin (Hb) <12.0 g/dL (mild: Hb = 11.0-11.9 g/dL, moderate-severe: Hb < 11.0 g/dL). Fall injuries were defined as slips, trips, and falls on the same level, requiring medical attention based on the occupational injury data by the company. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for falls were estimated using multilevel Poisson regression, adjusting for age and body mass index.

Results: The annual rate of occupational fall injuries was 0.7%. The adjusted IRR for occupational fall injuries among participants with anemia was 1.71 (95% CI, 1.12-2.60). When dividing anemia into 2 groups, IRR was 1.46 (95% CI, 0.84-2.53) for mild anemia and 2.13 (95% CI, 1.18-3.84) for moderate-severe anemia (P for trend = .007).

Conclusions: In this observational study of employees of large Japanese supermarket stores, anemia was significantly associated with a higher incidence of occupational falls. Our findings suggest the importance of anemia in the prevention of occupational falls.
Frailty is a risk factor for occupational falls among older workers: an internet-based prospective cohort study
Authors: Matsugaki Ryutaro , Fujino Yoshihisa , Zaitsu Masayoshi , Saeki Satoru , Matsuda Shinya , Ogami Akira
Published: October 2024

Objectives: Occupational falls are a significant concern among older workers. Although recent cross-sectional studies have indicated a potential association between frailty and occupational falls among older workers, the causal relationship remains unclear. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate whether frailty is a risk factor for occupational falls among older workers using a longitudinal design.

Methods: This was an internet-based prospective cohort study. A total of 5000 older workers (aged 60-75 years) were recruited, with 2873 participants meeting the inclusion criteria for the follow-up survey. Frailty was assessed using a frailty screening index based on the Fried phenotype model. Occupational falls were defined as those that occurred during the follow-up period.

Results: Among the participants, 13.9% were frail. The incidence of occupational falls was higher in the frailty group (11.6%) than in the nonfrailty group (4.9%). In the multivariate-adjusted model, frailty was significantly associated with occupational falls (relative risk: 2.10; 95% CI, 1.51-2.94).

Conclusions: Frailty is a significant risk factor for occupational falls among older workers. Employers should consider implementing health-management strategies that focus on frailty to prevent occupational falls in this population.
World-oriented fieldwork in education. The case of writing (about) computers
Authors: Dejans Rembert , Simons Maarten , Masschelein Jan
Published: October 2024

This article examines how the practice of fieldwork can enable researchers to attend to the educational environment of the school in a world-oriented way, rather than take an explanatory or demystifying approach that spirals away from what happens in the world. Finding new ways and new vocabularies to approach educational realities gains a special urgency in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a country whose social fabric is often analysed in terms of a lack: the Congolese state is considered weak or fragile and its education sector is seen as being in a deep learning crisis. Recent studies have successfully used fieldwork methods to explain the remarkable persistence of the DRC’s public education sector by ethnographically accounting for the ways it is governed on a political or bureaucratic level. We propose that fieldwork, understood as a world-oriented research practice, which instils in researchers a curiosity for the world, can also enable researchers to attend to those classroom gestures that safeguard the existence and persistence of Congolese schools on a pedagogical level.
Semiparametric Bayesian modelling of nonstationary joint extremes: How do big tech’s extreme losses behave?
Authors: de Carvalho Miguel , Palacios Ramirez Karla Vianey
Published: October 2024

Motivated by the hype surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big tech stocks, we develop a model for tracking the dynamics of their combined extreme losses over time. Specifically, we propose a novel Bayesian model for inferring about the intensity of observations in the joint tail over time, and for assessing if two stochastic processes are asymptotically dependent. To model the intensity of observations exceeding a high threshold, we develop a Bayesian nonparametric approach that defines a prior on the space of what we define as Extremal Dependence Intensity functions. In addition, a parametric prior is set on the coefficient of tail dependence. An extensive battery of experiments on simulated data show that the proposed method are able to recover the true targets in a variety of scenarios. An application of the proposed methodology to a set of big tech stocks—known as FAANG (Meta’s Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix and Alphabet’s Google)—sheds light on some interesting features on the dynamics of their combined losses over time.
Approach to skin problems in travellers: clinical and epidemiological clues
Authors: Wilder-Smith Annika B , Caumes Eric
Published: October 2024

Rationale for Review

Travel-related skin problems are a common reason for healthcare consultations. We present a clinical approach to diagnosing skin diseases in travellers, emphasizing clinical examination and epidemiological clues such as travel history, incubation time and at-risk behaviours.

Key Findings

Skin problems or manifestations of systemic infections are the third most common health issue encountered by travellers, though their causes and frequency may vary based on the season and destination. The four most frequent skin conditions affecting travellers include arthropod bites, sunburns, hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) and bacterial skin and soft tissue infections. Dengue fever is the leading cause of febrile exanthema in travellers returning from Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, while hookworm-related CLM is the most common cause of creeping dermatitis. Notable travel-related infections associated with pruritus include cercarial dermatitis, scabies, creeping dermatitis and urticaria. Acute schistosomiasis is the most common parasitic cause of acute urticaria in travellers. African tick-bite fever is the most frequently encountered rickettsiosis, typically presenting with single or multiple eschars.

Conclusions

Diagnostic approaches emphasize the importance of travel history, at-risk activities during travel and lesion distribution. At-risk activities include sun exposure, walking barefoot, exposure to sea and fresh water, hiking in forested or jungle areas, exposure frequency to mosquitoes and sandflies, poor hygiene and food intake, drug history and sexual behaviour. Morphological characteristics (vesicula, bullae, pustule, papule, nodule, plaque, oedema and ulcer), distinguishing between single and multiple skin lesions, localized or generalized, and whether mucosa, scalp, palmar or plantar surfaces are affected, provide further clinical clues. Systemic signs and symptoms such as fever and pruritus will aid in the differential diagnosis algorithms. With a thorough clinical assessment and knowledge of geographic and exposure-related risk factors, the differential diagnosis of travel-associated skin conditions can be narrowed down allowing for timely clinical management.
WOX1 controls leaf serration development via temporally restricting BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT 1 and CUP SHAPED COTYLEDON 3 expression in Arabidopsis
Authors: Xu Lian , Fang Nimeng , Lu Ting , Tameshige Toshiaki , Nakata Miyuki T , Jiang Yuli , Tan Li , He Hai , Zhang Xuelin , Huang Yimei , Li Caiming , Yang Zhenbiao , Tang Wenxin , Nagawa Shingo
Published: October 2024

Leaves have evolved shape diversity, ranging from simple leaves with a smooth margin to complicated shapes with toothed/serrated, lobed, and dissected leaves with leaflets. In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana with simple leaves producing a serrated margin, boundary regulatory factor genes CUP SHAPED COTYLEDON 2 (CUC2) and CUC3 play important roles in promoting leaf initiation and maintenance of serration. Stem cell-related WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX1 (WOX1) and PRESSED FLOWER (PRS)/WOX3 are also essential for leaf margin morphogenesis, but the role of WOX1 and PRS as well as the relationships between CUCs and WOXs for tooth development are unclear. In this study, we found that WOX1, but not PRS, prevents overproduction of number of teeth and excessive tooth size by limiting CUC3 expression to a moderate level in a temporally regulated manner. We also revealed that BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT 1 (BZR1), a known regulator of plant development including boundary regions, is involved in WOX1 negative regulation of tooth development by repressing CUC3 expression during the initiation/early stage of tooth development. WOX1 parallelly limits BZR1 and CUC3 expression from the late stage of the first two teeth, while it restricts CUC3 activity in a BZR1-dependent manner from the initiation/early stage of subsequently developed teeth. This study uncovers a new mechanism for WOX1 in fine-tuning the leaf margin geometry.
Unveiling host–parasite relationships through conserved MITEs in prokaryote and viral genomes
Authors: Nadal-Molero Francisco , Rosselli Riccardo , Garcia-Juan Silvia , Campos-Lopez Alicia , Martin-Cuadrado Ana-Belen
Published: October 2024

Transposable elements (TEs) play a pivotal role in the evolution of genomes across all life domains. ‘Miniature Inverted-repeat Transposable-Elements’ (MITEs) are non-autonomous TEs mainly located in intergenic regions, relying on external transposases for mobilization. The extent of MITEs’ mobilome was explored across nearly 1700 prokaryotic genera, 183 232 genomes, revealing a broad distribution. MITEs were identified in 56.5% of genomes, totaling over 1.4 million cMITEs (cellular MITEs). Cluster analysis revealed that 97.4% of cMITEs were specific within genera boundaries, with up to 23% being species-specific. Subsequently, this genus-specificity was evaluated as a method to link microbial host to their viruses. A total of 51 655 cMITEs had counterparts in viral sequences, termed vMITEs (viral MITEs), resulting in the identification of 2500 viral sequences with them. Among these, 1501 sequences were positively assigned to a previously known host (41.8% were isolated viruses and 12.3% were assigned through CRISPR data), while 379 new host–virus associations were predicted. Deeper analysis in Neisseria and Bacteroidota groups allowed the association of 242 and 530 new viral sequences, respectively. MITEs are proposed as a novel approach to establishing valid virus–host relationships.
Systematic analysis of the target recognition and repression by the Pumilio proteins
Authors: Farberov Svetlana , Ulitsky Igor
Published: October 2024

RNA binding proteins orchestrate the post-transcriptional fate of RNA molecules, but the principles of their action remain poorly understood. Pumilio (PUM) proteins bind 3′ UTRs of mRNAs and lead to mRNA decay. To comprehensively map the determinants of recognition of sequences by PUM proteins in cells and to study the binding outcomes, we developed a massively parallel RNA assay that profiled thousands of PUM-binding sites in cells undergoing various perturbations or RNA immunoprecipitation. By studying fragments from the NORAD long non-coding RNA, we find two features that antagonize repression by PUM proteins – G/C rich sequences, particularly those upstream of the PUM recognition element, and binding of FAM120A, which limits the repression elicited by PUM-binding sites. We also find that arrays of PUM sites separated by 8–12 bases offer particularly strong repression and use them to develop a particularly sensitive reporter for PUM repression. In contrast, PUM sites separated by shorter linkers, such as some of those found in NORAD, exhibit strong activity interdependence, likely mediated by competition between PUM binding and formation of strong secondary structures. Overall, our findings expand our understanding of the determinants of PUM protein activity in human cells.