bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A design method for accurate acoustic impedance matching under coherent coupling of sound-absorbing subunits
Authors: Zhang Xiaowei , Ye Yingrui , Lu Yuxin , Wang Xiaopeng
Published: May 2023

Acoustic metamaterials have garnered significant attention as an effective means to control low-frequency noise. However, the accurate design of complex structures composed of multiple subunits is still a challenge due to local coupling effects. To address this issue, in this work, a new design method is proposed that accurately achieves impedance matching at the target frequency when subunits are coupled in parallel. The method is demonstrated using six Fabry–Pérot (F–P) tubes to achieve perfect sound absorption in the continuous band of 405–445 Hz and the discontinuous bands of 400–410 and 430–440 Hz. Theoretical results show an average absorption coefficient of 99.3% in the target frequency band, which is verified through an impedance tube experiment. In addition, this paper explores the stability of this method under complex design conditions and discusses the mechanism of the influence of subunit parameters on sound-absorption performance from the perspective of impedance matching. Overall, the proposed design method offers a promising approach to achieving broadband sound absorption using multiple coupled subunits. The results of this study provide valuable insights for future research and the design of acoustic metamaterials.
Machine learning quantum-chemical bond scission in thermosets under extreme deformation
Authors: Yu Zheng , Jackson Nicholas E.
Published: May 2023

Despite growing interest in polymers under extreme conditions, most atomistic molecular dynamics simulations cannot describe the bond scission events underlying failure modes in polymer networks undergoing large strains. In this work, we propose a physics-based machine learning approach that can detect and perform bond breaking with near quantum-chemical accuracy on-the-fly in atomistic simulations. Particularly, we demonstrate that by coarse-graining highly correlated neighboring bonds, the prediction accuracy can be dramatically improved. By comparing with existing quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics methods, our approach is approximately two orders of magnitude more efficient and exhibits improved sensitivity toward rare bond breaking events at low strain. The proposed bond breaking molecular dynamics scheme enables fast and accurate modeling of strain hardening and material failure in polymer networks and can accelerate the design of polymeric materials under extreme conditions.
Incorporating structural topic modeling into short text analysis
Authors: Wang Po-Ya Angela , Hsieh Shu-Kai
Published: May 2023

The past few decades have seen the rapid development of topic modeling. So far, research has been more concerned with determining the ideal number of topics or meaningful topic clustering words than with applying topic modeling techniques to evaluate linguistic theories. This study proposes the Structural Topic Model (STM)-led framework to facilitate the interpretation of topic modeling results and standardize text analysis. STM encompasses various model training mechanisms, thereby requiring systematic designs to properly combine language studies. “Structural” in STM refers to the inclusion of metadata structure. Unlike the corpus-based keyness approach, STM can capture contextual cues and meta-information for the interpretation of topical results. Besides, STM can make cross-corpora comparisons via topical contrast, a challenging task for corpus-driven related models such as the Biterm Topic Model (BTM). Stylistic variations in song lyrics are taken as an illustration to show how to use the suggested framework to delve into the linguistic theory proposed by Pennebaker (2013). The topical model and iterable model in the proposed paradigm can clarify how pronouns affect style distinction. We believe the proposed STM-led framework can shed light on text analysis by conducting a reproducible cross-corpora comparison on short texts.
Polar answers
Authors: Pavlidou Theodossia-Soula , Alvanoudi Angeliki
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this paper is to examine the forms and functions of answers to proposals for joint action,
implemented through polar interrogatives, in Greek telephone calls. Our analysis indicates a distinct functional distribution of
three types of accepting answers to such proposals. Particle-type answers do ‘simple’ acceptance of the proposal, i.e. they only
display the respondent’s willingness to take on the proposed action and nothing else, while repetition-type answers display the
speaker’s epistemic/deontic stance towards additional aspects of the proposal. With a third type of responses, speakers accept the proposal in
a mitigated manner. Our findings align with Enfield et al.’s (2019) conclusion that
particles serve as pragmatically unmarked polar answers. They do not, however, evince the prevalence of this type of answer to
proposals to the same extent as to epistemically oriented polar interrogatives.
Physical activity impacts resting skeletal muscle myosin conformation and lowers its ATP consumption
Authors: Lewis Christopher T.A. , Tabrizian Lee , Nielsen Joachim , Laitila Jenni , Beck Thomas N. , Olsen Mathilde S. , Ognjanovic Marija M. , Aagaard Per , Hokken Rune , Laugesen Simon , Ingersen Arthur , Andersen Jesper L. , Soendenbroe Casper , Helge Jørn W. , Dela Flemming , Larsen Steen , Sahl Ronni E. , Rømer Tue , Hansen Mikkel T. , Frandsen Jacob , Suetta Charlotte , Ochala Julien
Published: May 2023

It has recently been established that myosin, the molecular motor protein, is able to exist in two conformations in relaxed skeletal muscle. These conformations are known as the super-relaxed (SRX) and disordered-relaxed (DRX) states and are finely balanced to optimize ATP consumption and skeletal muscle metabolism. Indeed, SRX myosins are thought to have a 5- to 10-fold reduction in ATP turnover compared with DRX myosins. Here, we investigated whether chronic physical activity in humans would be associated with changes in the proportions of SRX and DRX skeletal myosins. For that, we isolated muscle fibers from young men of various physical activity levels (sedentary, moderately physically active, endurance-trained, and strength-trained athletes) and ran a loaded Mant-ATP chase protocol. We observed that in moderately physically active individuals, the amount of myosin molecules in the SRX state in type II muscle fibers was significantly greater than in age-matched sedentary individuals. In parallel, we did not find any difference in the proportions of SRX and DRX myosins in myofibers between highly endurance- and strength-trained athletes. We did however observe changes in their ATP turnover time. Altogether, these results indicate that physical activity level and training type can influence the resting skeletal muscle myosin dynamics. Our findings also emphasize that environmental stimuli such as exercise have the potential to rewire the molecular metabolism of human skeletal muscle through myosin.
Silicon spin qubits from laboratory to industry
Authors: De Michielis Marco , Ferraro Elena , Prati Enrico , Hutin Louis , Bertrand Benoit , Charbon Edoardo , Ibberson David J , Fernando Gonzalez-Zalba Miguel
Published: May 2023

Quantum computation (QC) is one of the most challenging quantum technologies that promise to revolutionize data computation in the long-term by outperforming the classical supercomputers in specific applications. Errors will hamper this quantum revolution if not sufficiently limited and corrected by quantum error correction codes thus avoiding quantum algorithm failures. In particular millions of highly-coherent qubits arranged in a two-dimensional array are required to implement the surface code, one of the most promising codes for quantum error correction. One of the most attractive technologies to fabricate such large number of almost identical high-quality devices is the well known metal-oxide-semiconductor technology. Silicon quantum processor manufacturing can leverage the technological developments achieved in the last 50 years in the semiconductor industry. Here, we review modeling, fabrication aspects and experimental figures of merit of qubits defined in the spin degree of freedom of charge carriers confined in quantum dots and donors in silicon devices along with classical electronics innovations for qubit control and readout. Furthermore, we discuss potential applications of the technology and finally we review the role of start-ups and companies in the silicon-based QC era.
The µ–τ reflection symmetry of Majorana neutrinos
*
Authors: Xing Zhi-zhong
Published: May 2023

The observed pattern of lepton flavor mixing and CP violation strongly indicates the possible existence of a simple flavor symmetry in the neutrino sector—the effective Majorana neutrino mass term keeps invariant when the three left-handed neutrino fields transform as

ν

e

L

→
(

ν

e

L

)
c

,

ν

μ

L

→
(

ν

τ

L

)
c

and

ν

τ

L

→
(

ν

μ

L

)
c

. A direct application of such a µ–τ reflection symmetry to the canonical seesaw mechanism can help a lot to constrain the flavor textures of active and sterile Majorana neutrinos. The present article is intended to summarize the latest progress made in exploring the properties of this minimal flavor symmetry, its translational and rotational extensions, its soft breaking effects via radiative corrections from a superhigh energy scale to the electroweak scale, and its various phenomenological implications.
Cyclic behavior and seismic control performance of SMA friction damper
Authors: Han Meng , Chang Zhaoqun , Xing Guohua , Peng Pingze , Liu Boquan
Published: May 2023

Using superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) bars and non-asbestos organic friction material, this study developed an innovative self-centering friction damper (SCFD). This hybrid passive control device consists of the self-centering device using SMA bars and the friction energy dissipation device which can provide excellent self-centering ability and energy-absorbing ability to meet the requirements of civil engineering applications. To explore the feasibility and hysteretic properties of the SCFD, experimental tests under cyclic loading were conducted. According to the experimental results, the proposed SCFD exhibited a stable and repeatable flag-shaped hysteretic response, which can achieve the recovered displacement of 76.07% and dissipated energy of 6.04 kJ at 42 mm. The finite element model of the SCFD using ABAQUS software was established and validated by experimental results. And a series of numerical simulations with different parameters were performed, which enables a more in-depth interpretation of the SCFD. Additionally, a system-level nonlinear time-history analysis was performed on a three-story steel frame equipped with and without SCFDs. The dynamic analysis results indicated that the SCFDs could effectively reduce structural damage and enhance post-earthquake recoverability under rare earthquakes.
A method to evaluate the inductance properties of REBCO excitation process based on magnetic energy density and T–A formula
Authors: Hong Wenzhe , Hu Libiao , Wu Yongsheng , Miao Pengcheng , Liu Huajun , Liu Fang , Yi Shi
Published: May 2023

The REBCO high-temperature superconducting tape has a pronounced electromagnetic anisotropy. The critical current is strongly dependent on the value of the magnetic field, the magnetic field direction, the temperature, and the stress, and has a significant nonlinear relationship. It is also important to note that screening current effects in superconducting magnets at elevated temperatures lead to a non-uniform distribution of current densities, and thus the inductance of superconducting magnets at high-temperatures is calculated differently from that of normal magnets. This is essential for the design of superconducting energy storage magnets at high-temperatures, especially for the accurate evaluation of the inductance values. To further analyze the variation of the inductance value due to the REBCO screening current, the T–A formulation combined with the magnetic energy density is considered to evaluate the energy storage and inductance values during the excitation of the superconducting coil. The effect of excitation rate, operating temperature, and excitation current on the inductance value is analyzed based on the design of a 5 T insulating superconducting coil. The mathematical relation between excitation voltage, contact resistance, and inductance in the magnetic excitation experiment is presented, and the accuracy of the calculated method is verified by comparison with simulation results.
First-principles studies of charged defect states in intrinsic ferromagnetic semiconductors: the case of monolayer CrI3
Authors: Zhu Guo-Jun , Xu Yong-Gang , Fang Yi-Bin , Yang Ji-Hui , Gong Xin-Gao
Published: May 2023

Defects play significant roles in spin-current-related physical processes in intrinsic ferromagnetic semiconductors (FMSs), which are great promise for spintronics applications. However, current defect calculation methods cannot be used to investigate charged defects in FMSs due to the spin polarization of both the charged defect states and ionized carriers, which is not well treated in current defect calculation methods. In order to solve this problem, we propose a spin-distinguishable charge correction (SDCC) method that uses spin-polarized band edge charge density instead of spin-unpolarized uniform background charge density as the compensating charge for charged defects. We apply our method to study the defect properties of CrI3 monolayer and find it can be doped n-type under the Cr-rich growth condition but difficult to be doped p-type. The SDCC method proposed here is generally suitable for all FMSs, which will be useful for the studies of defect properties of magnetic semiconductors.
Control of the vortex lattice formation in coupled atom-molecular Bose–Einstein condensate in a double well potential: role of atom-molecule coupling, trap rotation frequency and detuning parameter
Authors: Gupta Moumita , Dastidar Krishna Rai
Published: May 2023

We study the vortex formation in coupled atomic and molecular condensates in a rotating double well trap by numerically solving the coupled Gross–Pitaevskii like equations. Starting with the atomic condensate in the double well potential we considered two-photon Raman photo-association for coherent conversion of atoms to molecules. It is shown that the competition between atom-molecule coupling strength and repulsive atom-molecule interaction controls the spacings between atomic and molecular vortices and the rotation frequency of the trap is the key player for controlling the number of visible atomic and molecular vortices. Whereas the Raman detuning controls the spacing between atomic and molecular vortices as well as the number of atomic and molecular vortices in the trap. We have shown by considering the molecular lattices the distance between two molecular vortices can be controlled by varying the Raman detuning. In addition we have found that the Feynman rule relating the total number of vortices and average angular momentum both for atoms and molecules can be satisfied by considering the atomic and molecular vortices those are hidden in density distribution and seen as singularities in phase distribution of the coupled system except for the lattice structure where molecular vortices are overlapped with each other. It is found that although the number of visible/core vortices in atomic and molecular vortex lattices depends significantly on the system parameters the number of atomic and molecular hidden vortices remains constant in most of the cases.
Finesse measurement for high-power optical enhancement cavity
Authors: Lu 陆 Xin-Yi 心怡 , Liu 柳 Xing 兴 , Tian 田 Qi-Li 其立 , Wang 王 Huan 焕 , Wang 汪 Jia-Jun 嘉俊 , Yan 颜 Li-Xin 立新
Published: May 2023

Finesse is a critical parameter for describing the characteristics of an optical enhancement cavity (OEC). This paper first presents a review of finesse measurement techniques, including a comparative analysis of the advantages, disadvantages, and potential limitations of several main methods from both theoretical and practical perspectives. A variant of the existing method called the free spectral range (FSR) modulation method is proposed and compared with three other finesse measurement methods, i.e., the fast-switching cavity ring-down (CRD) method, the rapidly swept-frequency (SF) CRD method, and the ringing effect method. A high-power OEC platform with a high finesse of approximately 16000 is built and measured with the four methods. The performance of these methods is compared, and the results show that the FSR modulation method and the fast-switching CRD method are more suitable and accurate than the other two methods for high-finesse OEC measurements. The CRD method and the ringing effect method can be implemented in open loop using simple equipment and are easy to perform. Additionally, recommendations for selecting finesse measurement methods under different conditions are proposed, which benefit the development of OEC and its applications.
Improvement of the microstructure and magnetic properties of (La,Ce)–Fe–B nanocrystalline ribbons
Authors: Lian Li-Yu , Zhang Xiao-Wei , Liu Ying , Li Jun , Wang Ren-Quan
Published: May 2023

The obstacles of inferior microstructure and poor magnetic properties of (La,Ce)–Fe–B type magnets stand in the way of expanding their applications. In this work, (La,Ce)–Fe–B melt-spun ribbons were prepared with different La/Ce ratios and rare earth contents. The microstructure and magnetic properties of these ribbons were investigated. With the La/Ce ratio increased, the fraction of the CeFe2 phase decreased and the β-La phase segregated among matrix grains, which deteriorated the coercivity of the ribbons. Reducing the rare earth content effectively suppressed the β-La phase and improved the proportion of the matrix phase in the ribbons. Here, the optimal alloy composite (La15Ce85)14Fe80B6 has been obtained with modified microstructure and inhibited secondary phases. Good ribbon performance was tested, with H
cj = 4.51 kOe, B
r = 6.29 kG and (BH)max = 6.81 MGOe.
Manipulating charge density wave state in kagome compound RbV3Sb5
Authors: Meng 孟 Yu-Xin 雨欣 , Xue 薛 Cheng-Long 成龙 , Dou 窦 Li-Guo 立国 , Zhao 赵 Wei-Min 伟民 , Wang 汪 Qi-Wei 琪玮 , Xu 徐 Yong-Jie 永杰 , Liu 刘 Xiangqi 祥麒 , Xia 夏 Wei 威 , Guo 郭 Yanfeng 艳峰 , Li 李 Shao-Chun 绍春
Published: May 2023

Owing to the unique electronic structure, kagome materials AV3Sb5 (A = K, Rb, Cs) provide a fertile platform of quantum phenomena such as the strongly correlated state and topological Dirac band. It is well known that RbV3Sb5 exhibits a 2 × 2 unconventional charge density wave (CDW) state at low temperature, and the mechanism is controversial. Here, by using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS), we successfully manipulated the CDW state in the Sb plane of RbV3Sb5, and realized a new

3

×

3

modulation together with the ubiquitous 2 × 2 period in the CDW state of RbV3Sb5. This work provides a new understanding of the collective quantum ground states in the kagome materials.
On the role of antecedent meteorological conditions on flash drought initialization in Europe
Authors: Shah Jignesh , Kumar Rohini , Samaniego Luis , Markonis Yannis , Hanel Martin , Attinger Sabine , Hari Vittal , Rakovec Oldrich
Published: May 2023

The fast depletion of soil moisture in the top soil layers characterizes flash drought events. Due to their rapid onset and intensification, flash droughts severely impact ecosystem productivity. Thus understanding their initialization mechanisms is essential for improving the skill of drought forecasting systems. Here, we examine the role of antecedent meteorological conditions that lead to flash droughts across Europe over the last 70 years (1950–2019) using ERA5 dataset. We find two major flash-drought types based on a sequence of development of antecedent hydro-meteorological conditions. The first type is characterized by a joint occurrence of two mechanisms, a decline of precipitation in conjunction with an increase of the evaporative demand, both occurring before the onset of a flash drought event. The second type, on the contrary, is characterized by high precipitation preceding the event’s start, followed by a sudden precipitation deficit combined with an increase in evaporative demand at the onset of the drought. Both drought types showed increased occurrence and higher spatial coverage over the last 70 years; the second drought type has increased at a much faster rate compared to the first one specifically, over Central Europe and the Mediterranean region. Overall our study highlights the differences between the two types of flash droughts, related to varying antecedent meteorological conditions, and their changes under recent climate warming.
West-warming East-cooling trend over Antarctica reversed since early 21st century driven by large-scale circulation variation
Authors: Xin Meijiao , Clem Kyle R , Turner John , Stammerjohn Sharon E , Zhu Jiang , Cai Wenju , Li Xichen
Published: May 2023

Antarctic climate changes prior to 2000 were characterized by a strong zonally asymmetric pattern. Over 90% of the land ice mass loss occurred around a limited area in West Antarctica, accompanied by a rapid surface warming rate about three times the global mean. In contrast, surface warming and glacier mass loss around East Antarctica are not significant, until the decades since 2000 when several individual stations show that the temperature trends might have reversed. The asymmetric climate changes between East- and West-Antarctica are largely attributable to the inter-decadal variabilities over the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans through tropical–polar teleconnections, leaving open the question of whether the post-2000 phase shift of the lower-latitude decadal variability causes a flip of the asymmetric Antarctic changes. Here, by synthesizing 26 in-situ observations and 6 reanalysis datasets using a statistical method and integrating the results with a series of climate model experiments, we find that the West-warming, East-cooling trend over Antarctica has systematically reversed in austral spring since the early 21st century, largely due to the atmospheric circulation anomaly over the Antarctic Peninsula–Weddell Sea region, which is associated to the teleconnection with Pacific and atmospheric internal variability. This reversal of the temperature seesaw suggests that substantial decadal-scale fluctuations of the Antarctic climate system exist, including for sea-ice and land-ice systems, superimposed on and modifying longer term changes.
The Role of Farmers in Overcoming Scarcity and Increasing Cooking Oil Prices in Malang Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Prasetyo Hendro , Utomo Medea Rahmadhani , Kusuma Bayu Adi , Fauzi Nida Asasah , Mutiarani Bella Amelia , Zein Sterrivan Ramadhan , Faiz Muhammad , Linda Prihardani
Published: May 2023

The high price of cooking oil in Indonesia has been in the spotlight from the fourth quarter of 2021 until the beginning of the first quarter of 2022. The scarcity and very high spike in oil prices of course attract the attention of almost all countries in the world. world, both oil-producing (exporting) countries and consuming (importing) countries. From these problems, farmers need to play an important role in overcoming the scarcity and rising prices of cooking oil through the use of coconut oil. This research activity aims to 1) explore the creativity and innovation of farmers to make coconut-processed products, 2) find out farmers’ understanding of VCO processing that can provide economic and health impacts- 3) Describe the role of farmers in making Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) using technology and technology. local potential in overcoming scarcity and rising cooking oil prices. The manufacture of virgin coconut oil has many advantages. It does not require expensive costs because raw materials are easily obtained at low prices. Processing is simple and not too complicated. Nutrients are maintained, especially the fatty acids in the oil. When compared to cooking oil (copra coconut oil), pure coconut oil has better quality.
A preliminary study on determining factors of sustainable tourism based on residents’ attitudes towards biosphere reserve areas
Authors: Aprilia Anisa , Aini Edlyn Khurotul , Kumalasari Kartika Putri , Fajar Yusri
Published: May 2023

The rapid influx of tourists to the biosphere reserve is feared to cause major environmental problems. In the meantime, one of the most important parts of the sustainable growth of tourism in biosphere reserves is the acceptance and tolerance of tourists shown by residents. This study attempts to assess and validate the local residents’ attitude towards the sustainable tourism development in Alas Purwo National Park’s Biosphere Reserve Area using a sustainable tourism attitude scale. This park is located in Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia, a popular tourist destination designated as a biosphere reserve area by UNESCO. This survey has been completed by a total of 142 local residents in the surrounding area of this biosphere reserve. Through exploratory factor analysis, the dimension of sustainable tourism was determined. The sustainable tourism attitude scale is a valid and reliable for examining residents’ attitudes toward of sustainable tourism development. It also demonstrates that locals have an optimistic outlook on the growth of sustainable tourism, even in places like Indonesia where it is still growing. By understanding how locals feel about sustainable tourism development, policymakers, developers, and tourist managers will be able to establish strategies and manage tourism development effectively, particularly in biosphere reserves.
Response to the IP rice 400 policy in terms of planting seasons and farm income (a case study in the Downstream part of Grompol Watershed, Masaran District, Sragen Regency)
Authors: Irawan E , Nurhidayati I , Sutrisno J , Khairiyakh R , Ulfa A N , Agustono  , Fajarningsih R U
Published: May 2023

The government has launched a policy to ensure the sovereign availability of national rice. One breakthrough is the rice cropping pattern with a cropping index (IP) of 400. It means rice fields are used for planting and harvesting four times a year. This cropping pattern can be made in several potential areas, including the Grompol Hilir Watershed, Masaran District, Sragen Regency. This study aims to (1) determine the pattern of rice planting- and (2) analyze the comparative income of rice farming. Respondents in this study were obtained by purposive sampling in four villages in the Grompol Hilir watershed area. In-depth interview was used to know the rice cropping pattern, and income analysis was used to see the farmer’s income. The results showed that 46 harvested rice 3 times and 14 farmers 4 times a year. The results also show that in one growing season, the average income of IP300 farmers is Rp14,148,195, where this value is higher than farmers who apply IP400, which is Rp9,036,693. Therefore, it can be concluded that IP400 can be implemented with more support from the government regarding facilities and infrastructure.
Building Partnership for Social Innovation in Rural Development: Case Studies in Coastal Villages in Indonesia
Authors: Suryanto J , Rahmayanti AZ , Purwanto P , Nadjib M
Published: May 2023

As an archipelagic country, Indonesia has the potential for marine resources that can guarantee the welfare of the community. Coastal villages face infrastructure limitations that hinder the development of marine resource-based potential businesses. This paper elaborates on the importance of partnership to increase the coastal community’s participation in creating social innovation. It is argued that a solid and collaborative action can boost the acceleration of coastal development among community members. This paper was developed from a qualitative study in several West Java and Gorontalo province’s coastal villages. Data collected from interviews and discussions with coastal village community groups were collected in 2021. The result shows that community partnerships can be proposed to create more social innovation in optimizing marine resources. The result implies that social innovation can be developed by a close partnership between community members and the village government in development planning and its implementation. Community partnerships with the government and private businesses designed in village development programs can encourage social innovation so that marine resources can be managed economically. Furthermore, social innovation can become capital for developing local businesses to increase community marine economic activities’ capacity.
Strategic Behavior of Small-Scale Farmers toward Sustainability of Rice Farming: A study of Entrepreneurial skill to Farming Performance
Authors: Sujarwo  , Suciati Luh Putu , Haryati Novi , Meitasari Deny , Zainuddin Ahmad , Murtisari Rini , Lasitya Daffa Sandi , Irwandi Putra , Putri Rosita Widya , Aulia Balqis Mufti
Published: May 2023

Farm households are the most basic socio-economic and decision-making unit in rural areas. Their livelihood strategies will determine how they exploit natural resources and the efficiency of their use. In general, on-farm and off-farm activities are essential components of livelihood strategies that farmers often adopt to increase their incomes. This research aims to understand the most striking factors related to farmers’ entrepreneurship. The study was conducted with a quantitative approach and the location was in Wuluhan Village, Jember Regency Indonesia. Consisting of 50 respondents, this research used Structural Equation Modeling based on WARP-PLS 7.0 to analyze the prominent traits that lead to the best farming performance. While the findings show that most of the variables were significant, it can be clearly seen that initiative was the best trait that describes the farmers in the research area. Thus, in the future, dynamics, leadership and collective bargaining can be developed more in shaping their readiness to face the challenges in sustainable rice farming.
The Women’s Role in the Resilience of Farmers’ Households during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Gubugklakah Village, Poncokusumo District, Malang Regency
Authors: Hidayat K , Hanim F
Published: May 2023

The cause of rural changes, in terms of demographic, technological developments, climate changes, and the Covid-19 pandemic potential to cause vulnerabilities, especially for women as individuals in household members. These must be responded with livelihood resilience by involving the women’s role to contribute in the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. This study aims to (1) describe the vulnerabilities of farmers’ households and (2) analyze women’s role in household resilience through the use of livelihood assets during the Covid-19 pandemic. This research was conducted in Gubugklakah village, Malang regency as a tourist village affected by the closure of TNBTS tourist visits due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This research used the simple random sampling technique, with total sample of 64 women farmers. Data were analyzed using WarpPLS software. The results showed that farmers’ households experienced several vulnerabilities by that the households’ livelihood assets: natural, physic, human, social and financial capital can be optimized to achieve a degree of resilience. The women’s role in resilience efforts is as the core of the household, because all financial cycles involve housewives’ role, such as reducing consumption expenditures, selling jewelry assets, taking savings, involving in farm worker, and others.
Yellowish papules and plaques in the periocular area
Authors: Wang Wei-Yao , Su Yue-Chiu , Yang Ting-Ting , Lan Cheng-Che E , Sun Yng
Published: May 2023

We report a case of a 63-year-old man with concomitant periocular yellowish papules and plaques with symmetric weakness and paraesthesia of the distal limbs.
Cholesterol Contributes to Risk, Severity, and Machine Learning-Driven Diagnosis of Lyme Disease
Authors: Forrest Iain S , O’Neal Anya J , Pedra Joao H F , Do Ron
Published: May 2023

Background

Lyme disease is the most prevalent vector-borne disease in the US, yet its host factors are poorly understood and diagnostic tests are limited. We evaluated patients in a large health system to uncover cholesterol's role in the susceptibility, severity, and machine learning–based diagnosis of Lyme disease.

Methods

A longitudinal health system cohort comprised 1 019 175 individuals with electronic health record data and 50 329 with linked genetic data. Associations of blood cholesterol level, cholesterol genetic scores comprising common genetic variants, and burden of rare loss-of-function (LoF) variants in cholesterol metabolism genes with Lyme disease were investigated. A portable machine learning model was constructed and tested to predict Lyme disease using routine lipid and clinical measurements.

Results

There were 3832 cases of Lyme disease. Increasing cholesterol was associated with greater risk of Lyme disease and hypercholesterolemia was more prevalent in Lyme disease cases than in controls. Cholesterol genetic scores and rare LoF variants in CD36 and LDLR were associated with Lyme disease risk. Serological profiling of cases revealed parallel trajectories of rising cholesterol and immunoglobulin levels over the disease course, including marked increases in individuals with LoF variants and high cholesterol genetic scores. The machine learning model predicted Lyme disease solely using routine lipid panel, blood count, and metabolic measurements.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the value of large-scale genetic and clinical data to reveal host factors underlying infectious disease biology, risk, and prognosis and the potential for their clinical translation to machine learning diagnostics that do not need specialized assays.
Single High Dose of Liposomal Amphotericin B in Human Immunodeficiency Virus/AIDS-Related Disseminated Histoplasmosis: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Pasqualotto Alessandro C , Lana Daiane Dalla , Godoy Cassia S M , Leitão Terezinha do Menino Jesus Silva , Bay Monica B , Damasceno Lisandra Serra , Soares Renata B A , Kist Roger , Silva Larissa R , Wiltgen Denusa , Melo Marineide , Guimarães Taiguara F , Guimarães Marilia R , Vechi Hareton T , de Mesquita Jacó R L , Monteiro Gloria Regina de G , Adenis Antoine , Bahr Nathan C , Spec Andrej , Boulware David R , Israelski Dennis , Chiller Tom , Falci Diego R
Published: May 2023

Background

Histoplasmosis is a major AIDS-defining illness in Latin America. Liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) is the drug of choice for treatment, but access is restricted due to the high drug and hospitalization costs of the conventional long regimens.

Methods

Prospective randomized multicenter open-label trial of 1- or 2-dose induction therapy with L-AmB versus control for disseminated histoplasmosis in AIDS, followed by oral itraconazole therapy. We randomized subjects to: (i) single dose 10 mg/kg of L-AmB; (ii) 10 mg/kg of L-AmB on D1, and 5 mg/kg of L-AmB on D3; (iii) 3 mg/kg of L-AmB daily for 2 weeks (control). The primary outcome was clinical response (resolution of fever and signs/symptoms attributable to histoplasmosis) at day 14.

Results

A total of 118 subjects were randomized, and median CD4+ counts, and clinical presentations were similar between arms. Infusion-related toxicity, kidney toxicity at multiple time-points, and frequency of anemia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and liver toxicity were similar. Day 14 clinical response was 84% for single-dose L-AmB, 69% 2-dose L-AmB, and 74% for control arm (P = .69). Overall survival on D14 was 89.0% (34/38) for single-dose L-AmB, 78.0% (29/37) for 2-dose L-AmB, and 92.1% (35/38) for control arm (P = .82).

Conclusions

One day induction therapy with 10 mg/kg of L-AmB in AIDS-related histoplasmosis was safe. Although clinical response may be non-inferior to standard L-AmB therapy, a confirmatory phase III clinical trial is needed. A single induction dose would markedly reduce drug-acquisition costs (>4-fold) and markedly shorten and simplify treatment, which are key points in terms of increased access.
Utilizing Mass Spectrometry to Detect and Isotype Monoclonal Proteins in Urine: Comparison to Electrophoretic Methods
Authors: Moonen Danelle H , Kohlhagen Mindy , Dasari Surendra , Willrich Maria A , Kourelis Taxiarchis , Dispenzieri Angela , Murray David L
Published: May 2023

Background

Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry coupled to immune enrichment (MASS-FIX) as an alternative to serum immunofixation electrophoresis has demonstrated increased sensitivity in monoclonal protein (MP) detection with improved laboratory workflow. This study explored similar replacement of urine immunofixation electrophoresis (u-IFE) with urine MASS-FIX (u-MASS-FIX) by method comparison.

Methods

Residual urine (n = 1008) from Mayo Clinic patients with a known plasma cell disease were assayed neat by u-MASS-FIX analysis. Each sample was paired with the following: u-IFE, urine total protein, urine protein electrophoresis, serum κ/λ free light chain (LC) ratio (rFLC), and serum MASS-FIX (s-MASS-FIX). Analytical sensitivities were measured in pooled urine spiked with daratumumab.

Results

u-IFE and u-MASS-FIX had 91% agreement in determining the presence/absence of MPs (Cohen kappa = 0.8200). In discrepant cases, serum rFLC statistically aligned more closely with positive u-MASS-FIX cases than u-IFE. Patients positive by both s-MASS-FIX and u-MASS-FIX had matching MP masses (±20 daltons) in 94% of cases. The u-MASS-FIX spectra further identified κ/λ LC fragments and glycosylated LCs not appreciated on u-IFE. The unconcentrated u-MASS-FIX limit of detection of 0.156 mg/mL was determined equivalent to 100× concentrated u-IFE.

Conclusion

u-MASS-FIX is a reliable alternative to u-IFE with the added benefits of LC glycosylation detection and MP mass tracking between serum and urine. Furthermore, u-MASS-FIX is performed using neat urine. Eliminating the need to concentrate urine for u-IFE has potential to increase productivity by decreasing labor minutes per test.
Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis: Impact of Combining Toxicology Testing with Field Sobriety Tests
Authors: Fitzgerald Robert L , Umlauf Anya , Hubbard Jacqueline A , Hoffman Melissa A , Sobolesky Philip M , Ellis Shannon E , Grelotti David J , Suhandynata Raymond T , Huestis Marilyn A , Grant Igor , Marcotte Thomas D
Published: May 2023

Background

Cannabis is increasingly used both medically and recreationally. With widespread use, there is growing concern about how to identify cannabis-impaired drivers.

Methods

A placebo-controlled randomized double-blinded protocol was conducted to study the effects of cannabis on driving performance. One hundred ninety-one participants were randomized to smoke ad libitum a cannabis cigarette containing placebo or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (5.9% or 13.4%). Blood, oral fluid (OF), and breath samples were collected along with longitudinal driving performance on a simulator (standard deviation of lateral position [SDLP] and car following [coherence]) over a 5-hour period. Law enforcement officers performed field sobriety tests (FSTs) to determine if participants were impaired.

Results

There was no relationship between THC concentrations measured in blood, OF, or breath and SDLP or coherence at any of the timepoints studied (P > 0.05). FSTs were significant (P < 0.05) for classifying participants into the THC group vs the placebo group up to 188 minutes after smoking. Seventy-one minutes after smoking, FSTs classified 81% of the participants who received active drug as being impaired. However, 49% of participants who smoked placebo (controls) were also deemed impaired at this same timepoint. Combining a 2 ng/mL THC cutoff in OF with positive findings on FSTs reduced the number of controls classified as impaired to zero, 86 minutes after smoking the placebo.

Conclusions

Requiring a positive toxicology result in addition to the FST observations substantially improved the classification accuracy regarding possible driving under the influence of THC by decreasing the percentage of controls classified as impaired.
Image-based ring size prediction for mitral valve repair
Authors: Akansel Serdar , Kofler Markus , Van Praet Karel M , Sündermann Simon H , Kukucka Marian , Jacobs Stephan , Falk Volkmar , Kempfert Jörg
Published: May 2023

OBJECTIVES

Annuloplasty rings are routinely used in mitral valve repair (MVr). However, accurate annuloplasty ring size selection is essential to obtain a favourable outcome. Moreover, ring sizing can be challenging in some patients and is highly influenced by surgeons' experience. This study investigated the utility of three-dimensional mitral valve (3D-MV) reconstruction models to predict annuloplasty ring size for MVr.

METHODS

A total of 150 patients undergoing minimally invasive MVr with annuloplasty ring due to Carpentier type II pathology and who were discharged with none/trace residual mitral regurgitation were included. 3D-MV reconstruction models were created with a semi-automated software package (4D MV Analysis) to quantitate mitral valve geometry. To predict the ring size, univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Between 3D-MV reconstruction values and implanted ring sizes, the highest correlation coefficients were provided by commissural width (CW) (0.839; P < 0.001), intertrigonal distance (ITD) (0.796; P < 0.001), annulus area (0.782; P < 0.001), anterior mitral leaflet area (0.767; P < 0.001), anterior–posterior diameter (0.679; P < 0.001) and anterior mitral leaflet length (0.515; P < 0.001). In multivariable regression analysis, only CW and ITD were found to be independent predictors of annuloplasty ring size (R2 = 0.743; P < 0.001). The highest level of agreement was achieved with CW and ITD, and 76.6% of patients received a ring with no >1 ring size difference from the predicted ring sizes.

CONCLUSIONS

3D-MV reconstruction models can support surgeons in the decision-making process for annuloplasty ring sizing. The present study may be a first step towards accurate annuloplasty ring size prediction using multimodal machine learning decision support.
Racial bias in media coverage: accounting for structural position and public interest
Authors: Shor Eran , van de Rijt Arnout
Published: May 2023

Is media coverage racially biased? Past studies documenting differences in the quantity of coverage are small scale or anecdotal. In this article, we investigate whether Blacks receive less coverage than Whites who have reached similarly prominent positions and enjoy similar public interest. We analysed 200 million newspaper references in English-language media to about 32,000 prominent Black and White individuals, predominantly US born. The results do not support the bias hypothesis: Blacks overall receive systematically more coverage than Whites in comparable structural positions and their coverage is on par with that of select Whites who attract equal public interest.
The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum rescues Paraburkholderia hayleyella, but not P. agricolaris, from interspecific competition
Authors: Medina James M , Queller David C , Strassmann Joan E , Garcia Justine R
Published: May 2023

Bacterial endosymbionts can provide benefits for their eukaryotic hosts, but it is often unclear if endosymbionts benefit from these relationships. The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum associates with three species of Paraburkholderia endosymbionts, including P. agricolaris and P. hayleyella. These endosymbionts can be costly to the host but are beneficial in certain contexts because they allow D. discoideum to carry prey bacteria through the dispersal stage. In experiments where no other species are present, P. hayleyella benefits from D. discoideum while P. agricolaris does not. However, the presence of other species may influence this symbiosis. We tested if P. agricolaris and P. hayleyella benefit from D. discoideum in the context of resource competition with Klebsiella pneumoniae, the typical laboratory prey of D. discoideum. Without D. discoideum, K. pneumoniae depressed the growth of both Paraburkholderia symbionts, consistent with competition. P. hayleyella was more harmed by interspecific competition than P. agricolaris. We found that P. hayleyella was rescued from competition by D. discoideum, while P. agricolaris was not. This may be because P. hayleyella is more specialized as an endosymbiont; it has a highly reduced genome compared to P. agricolaris and may have lost genes relevant for resource competition outside of its host.
Transcription factor fluctuations underlie cell-to-cell variability in a signaling pathway response
Authors: Ramu Avinash , Cohen Barak A
Published: May 2023

Stochastic differences among clonal cells can initiate cell fate decisions in development or cause cell-to-cell differences in the responses to drugs or extracellular ligands. One hypothesis is that some of this phenotypic variability is caused by stochastic fluctuations in the activities of transcription factors (TFs). We tested this hypothesis in NIH3T3-CG cells using the response to Hedgehog signaling as a model cellular response. Here, we present evidence for the existence of distinct fast- and slow-responding substates in NIH3T3-CG cells. These two substates have distinct expression profiles, and fluctuations in the Prrx1 TF underlie some of the differences in expression and responsiveness between fast and slow cells. Our results show that fluctuations in TFs can contribute to cell-to-cell differences in Hedgehog signaling.
eDNA metabarcoding enriches traditional trawl survey data for monitoring biodiversity in the marine environment
Authors: He X , Jeffery N W , Stanley R R E , Hamilton L C , Rubidge E M , Abbott C L
Published: May 2023

Marine Protected Areas require comprehensive monitoring to ensure objectives are achieved; however, monitoring natural ecosystems at scale is challenged by the biodiversity it aims to measure. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding holds promise to address this monitoring challenge. We conducted paired sampling at 54 sites for fish and invertebrate assemblages in the Northwest Atlantic using groundfish trawls and eDNA metabarcoding of benthic seawater using four genetic markers (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, 18S rRNA, and CO1). Compared to trawling, eDNA detected similar patterns of species turnover, larger estimates of gamma diversity, and smaller estimates of alpha diversity. A total of 63.6% (42/66) of fish species captured by trawling were detected by eDNA, along with an additional 26 species. Of the 24 missed detections by eDNA, 12 were inevitable as they lacked reference sequences. Excluding taxa assigned to higher than species level and those without a species name, 23.6% (17/72) of invertebrate species captured by trawling were detected by CO1, which detected an additional 98 species. We demonstrate that eDNA is capable of detecting patterns of community assemblage and species turnover in an offshore environment, emphasizing its strong potential for a non-invasive, comprehensive, and scalable tool for biodiversity monitoring supporting marine conservation programmes.