bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Configuration of Incoterms into Smart Contracts: a View of International Sales Contracts through a Futuristic Periscope
Authors: Audu P. F. , Shabih F.
Published: August 2024

Objective: to identify the prospects of international trade in the light of synchronizing Incoterms with smart contracts.

Methods: the study is based on the general scientific methods of analysis, synthesis, comparison, and formal-legal method necessary to analyze the provisions of Incoterms.

Results: the authors analyzed the provisions of Incoterms and technological innovations in commercial law; showed the connection between the practice of commercial law and technological development due to the inclusion of contractual terms in blockchain. It is noted that the integration of blockchain technology with smart contracts has led to a variety of automated business transactions and the creation of a platform for synthetic assets trading. The authors describe the possibilities of secure and easy transactions in international trade using blockchain. Despite the uniqueness of this technology, its different types are distinguished, namely: public, private, hybrid, and consortium blockchain. It is substantiated that the synchronization of Incoterms with smart contracts can improve the prospects of international trade (especially export-import contracts). It is emphasized that smart contracts based on blockchain can revolutionize the application of Incoterms, consequently increasing the efficiency of transactions between parties to export-import relationships. One of the fundamental changes that smart contracts will bring to these trade transactions is the reduction of errors and misinterpretations of Incoterms. The authors use specific cases to demonstrate disputes arising at the stages of transaction conclusion and execution, which could have been avoided using modern technologies.

Scientific novelty: The paper shows the phenomenon of synchronizing Incoterms with blockchain and how it can affect the form of contracts and facilitate their smooth execution. The proposed approach to analyzing the phenomenon takes into account the revolutionary innovations in crossborder trade, which are compared with the usual ways of applying Incoterms in traditional international trade contracts.

Practical significance: the research provides suggestions and recommendations for further development of innovations in the field of smart contracts, especially export-import trade contracts on a global scale.
Public-Private Partnership Agreement in the Context of the Matrix for Assessing their Legal Parameters and Digitalization
Authors: Molintas D. T.
Published: August 2024

Objective: by reviewing the legal aspects of public-private partnership agreements, to synthesize their main provisions into a common matrix, which, when digitized, can be used to standardize and simplify the formulation of agreement parameters.

Methods: the author relied on comparative-legal analysis of scientific literature, legislation and Internet sources on public-private partnership, supplemented by a review of public-private partnership agreements in various socio-political spheres, which made it possible to create a science-based and practice-oriented matrix that can serve as a tool for drafting publicprivate partnership agreements.

Results: national aspects in the legal regulation of the said relations in different countries were highlighted; a number of peculiarities encountered in public-private partnership agreements were described.

Scientific novelty: taking into account the most important legal peculiarities characteristic of different countries, a matrix for drafting public-private partnership agreements is presented, including eight main parameters: 1 – value received, scope, benefits and risks, 2 – route to market, 3 – restraint of competition, 4 – conflict of interest and procurement issues, 5 – powers, approvals, legal assessment, 6 – liabilities, dispute resolution, 7 – ownership structure, governance and level of autonomy, 8 – exit strategies. Depending on the priorities identified, the matrix can be modified, taking into account that priorities define and shape the specific parameters of each individual partnership.

Practical significance: the matrix obtained can become a planning tool used to analyze and understand the relationships between the eight legal parameters necessary for the formation of relations in the sphere of publicprivate partnership. It may serve as a legal reference point for the formulation of public-private partnership agreements around the world, and will contribute not only to the revitalization of public-private partnerships, but also to a proper understanding of obligations, responsibilities and limitations. The recommendations provided in the study show direction for the evaluation of public-private partnerships, allowing clear conclusions to be drawn about the partnership. Digital accessibility provided, the proposed matrix will be of interest to many organizations that use public-private partnerships in their professional activities.
From the Theory of the African Origin of Humankind to Modern Social, Legal and Technological Innovations: a Brief Analytical Excursion into Anthroposociogenesis
Authors: Traore D.
Published: August 2024

Objective: to trace the evolution of humanity and to identify the role of various social institutions in order to understand the existential role of laws aimed at ensuring the coexistence of society in the context of technological innovations.

Methods: the author used general scientific and special methods of cognition, which allowed tracing the dialectical development of humanity, social transformations and technological innovations.

Results: looking back at the history of humanity, which originated on the African continent (the theory of African descent), the author notes the most important changes in the human way of life and environment, which led to the need to build organized societies and regulate social behavior with the help of legislative norms. Law is seen as part of the evolutionary process that was to emerge in the course of human evolution. The critical importance of law in overcoming the global challenges and existential questions of humanity’s continued coexistence arising in the course of evolution is emphasized. In this regard, the historical significance of the Kurukan Fuga Charter of the Malian Empire is emphasized as one of the oldest constitutions in the world, recognized internationally as an important source of legal and political norms for modern societies, regulating the structure of state power and social behaviour, although preserved largely in oral form. It is argued that social and technological change often served as the impetus for the development of new laws. Humanity has many times intervened in its own biological evolution with the help of technology; now it is an important moment from the viewpoint of law and ethics when technology may interfere in further human evolution. The greatest concern in this regard is the era of rapid development of artificial intelligence, which makes new demands on a human being.

Scientific novelty: the article shows the role of the African continent in the origin and development of humanity and socio-legal institutions in the light of modern transformations and the construction of a new social reality.

Practical significance: the conducted research creates prerequisites for further development of the theory of anthroposociogenesis and in-depth conceptual historical and legal study of the role of the African continent in the development of humanity and its social institutions.
Research on Accessibility and Coordination of Urban Public Fitness Facilities:A Case Study of the 15-Minute Fitness Circle in Central Guangzhou
Authors: Zhao Pengxu , Chen Hong
Published: August 2024

Employing the Gaussian two-step moving search method,this study accurately measured the accessibility of residents in the central urban area of Guangzhou to different types of fitness facilities,and analyzed the coordination issues in the distribution of fitness facilities in this central urban area.The research discovered that there is a distinct pattern of disparity in the accessibility of public fitness facilities in the central urban area of Guangzhou,with variations both among different regions and different types of facilities.Additionally,the study identified a structural distortion in the supply-demand mismatch of public fitness facilities in the central urban area of Guangzhou,characterized by an oversupply in sparsely populated urban fringe communities and a shortage in central urban communities.The policy suggestion for the future planning and layout of public fitness facilities in Guangzhou is to implement a strategy of"expansion and coordination.""Expansion"refers to focusing on the construction of residential and community-level public fitness facilities,with the aim of continuously expanding the coverage area of the 15-minute community fitness circle."Coordination"involves precisely identifying the spatial distribution of the population and promoting the alignment of newly built public fitness facilities with this population distribution.
SIRT6 regulates Tryptophan catabolism preventing metabolite imbalance and neurodegeneration
Authors: Toiber Debra , Kopatch Shai Kaluski- , Stein Daniel , Venzor Alfredo Garcia , Campos Ana Margarida Ferreira , Planque Melanie , Goldstein Bareket , De Allende-Becerra Estefanía , Smirnov Dmitri , Zaretsky Adam , Eremenko Ekaterina , Portillo Miguel , Einav Monica , Krejci Alena Bruce , Abdu Uri , Khrameeva Ekaterina , Gitler Daniel , Fendt Sarah-Maria
Published: August 2024

In the brain, tryptophan byproducts are involved in the biosynthesis of proteins, energy-rich molecules (e.g., NAD+), and neurotransmitters (serotonin and melatonin). Impaired tryptophan catabolism, seen in aging, neurodegeneration and psychiatric diseases affects mood, learning, and sleep; however, the reasons for those impairments remain unknown. Our results from cellular, drosophila melanogaster, and mouse models indicate that SIRT6 regulates tryptophan catabolism by balancing its usage. Mechanistically, SIRT6 regulates tryptophan and sleep quality through changes in gene expression of key genes (e.g., TDO2, AANAT), which elevates the concentration of neurotoxic metabolites at the expense of serotonin and melatonin production. Such neurotoxic metabolites are AhR ligands. Downstream, SIRT6 influences aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) function by altering its expression, recruitment to chromatin, and by affecting its ligands from tryptophan metabolites. However, by redirecting tryptophan through TDO2 inhibition in our new SIRT6-KO Drosophila model, the impairments in neuromotor behavior and parameters of neurodegeneration could be significantly reversed.
Premature mortality analysis of 53,000 deceased cats and dogs exposes socioeconomic disparities
Authors: Farrell Sean , Anderson Katharine , Noble Peter-John Mäntylä , Al-Moubayed Noura
Published: August 2024

Monitoring mortality rates provides essential insights into public health, revealing the hidden impacts of diseases, enabling the identification of trends, allocating resources, and guiding effective policy decisions. Here, we explore premature mortality in dogs and cats across the United Kingdom (UK); we leverage a novel methodology that examines data from 28,562 deceased dogs and 24,460 deceased cats. We utilise an automated large language model-based ICD-11 syndromic classifier and reveal the impact of behavioural conditions on premature euthanasia in dogs, particularly as the leading cause of years of lost life in ages one to six. Examining cephalic index variations, our study highlights a 36\% increase in premature mortality risk among Brachycephalic dog breeds, underscoring critical animal welfare concerns compared to their Mesaticephalic counterparts. Importantly, our study establishes a significant correlation between premature mortality and socioeconomic status, highlighting the persisting inequalities within the UK's veterinary field. Lower index of multiple deprivation (IMD) scores are significantly associated with reduced premature mortality in both cats (0.52, p<0.001) and dogs (0.53, p<0.001). This research underscores the necessity of examining the socioeconomic disparities affecting animal health outcomes. By addressing these inequities, we can better safeguard the well-being of our companion animals.
RETRACTED: Scoping Review of Vicarious Post-traumatic Growth among Nurses: Current Knowledge and Research Gaps
Authors: Cai Yitong , Liu Ming , Qu Chaoran , Zhang Jingping , Luo Weixiang
Published: August 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Tree planting strongly attenuates storm runoff response on the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Kirchner James , Liu Shaozhen , Wang Yunqiang , Seybold Hansjoerg , Meerveld Ilja
Published: August 2024

Tree planting, widely promoted as a climate change mitigation strategy, has been shown to reduce average streamflows. Its effects on storm runoff, however, remain unclear. In the early 2000's, China’s “Grain for Green Program” almost doubled vegetation cover on the Loess Plateau. Here we show that this tree planting reduced peak runoff responses by up to 86%, proportional to the percentage growth in Leaf Area Index, across five mesoscale basins with different degrees of afforestation. Surprisingly, this effect was larger during higher-intensity rainfall, implying that it cannot arise primarily from increased canopy interception or soil moisture depletion, which would have relatively larger effects during low-intensity precipitation. Instead, we hypothesize that the main mechanisms are reductions in runoff-generating areas and increases in infiltration rates. Consistent with this hypothesis, afforestation increased low flows up to 25%. These substantial and persistent hydrological consequences of tree planting can inform future climate change mitigation projects.
Scalable multi-agent reinforcement learning based on battlefield situation transfer and curriculum learning
Authors: Wang Yihuan , Ma Yaofei , wang Jiangyun , Feng Xutao
Published: August 2024

Due to its potential application value, multi-UAV air combat missions have become a hot topic in the current military research field at home and abroad. With the rise of artificial intelligence and intelligent warfare, a series of UAV air combat decision-making methods based on deep reinforcement learning have been proposed by various countries. However, when the number of agents increases and the type of aircraft changes, the action space and state space of reinforcement learning will change, which will face the problem of poor stability of the training process and is extremely sensitive to hyperparameters (such as learning rate). Therefore, based on the traditional multi-agent reinforcement learning based on AC decision network, this paper improves the decision network, introduces curriculum learning and transfer learning, and proposes a multi-agent reinforcement learning decision framework that can converge quickly and improve training robustness.
Cigarette Filters: A Benchmarking Investigation of Thermal and Chemical Attributes
Authors: Wilkinson Eric , Stack Margaret , Hoh Eunha , Poletti Sarah , Mladenov Natalie , Youssef George
Published: August 2024

Cellulose acetate (CA) has been extensively studied with minimal regard to end-of-life analysis. Cigarette filters predominantly comprise CA fibers and chemical additives for filtration and manufacturing, altering their physicochemical and thermal properties, and influencing their interactions with the environment upon disposal. This research employed multifaceted analyses to determine the physicochemical and thermal properties of cellulose acetate sourced from unsmoked cigarette filters and pristine CA powder, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). FTIR analysis ascertained the structure of CA by resolving spectral peaks, while pointing out the effects of additives, processing conditions, and the degree of substitution. An increase in the latter indicates reduced biodegradability and potentially longer persistence after disposal. The morphology was examined using electron and optical microscopies, revealing insights into FTIR results. TGA elucidated the decomposition response, evidencing moisture and volatile retention in the CA fibers extracted from unsmoked cigarette filters, suggesting unique decomposition behavior due to the reactivity of the additives with the surrounding environment. The thermal decomposition of unsmoked cigarette filters is insensitive to inter- and intra-filter variability. DSC analysis identified the thermal transitions of the CA fibers and powder, accentuating the effects of morphology, entanglements, and plasticizers on the structural stability of cellulose acetate. Our research establishes a baseline characterization of cigarette filters, laying the scientific foundations for further investigation into this pervasive pollutant.
The association of oxidized abnormal lipids oxLDL and oxHDL with comorbidity of type 2 diabetes and pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Gui Jing , Wang Feng , Hong Chuang-Yue , Fu Yu , Yang Hui , Cai Yu-Mao
Published: August 2024

Objectives Dyslipidemia has been shown to have a significant impact on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), atherosclerosis, and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), the pathological mechanisms underlying abnormal lipid profiles of these three disease categories remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the correlation between oxidized lipoproteins, specifically oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and oxidized high-density lipoprotein (oxHDL), and the comorbidity of T2DM and PTB（T2DM+PTB.
Methods A total of 360 cases were prospectively included from June 2022 to June 2023, including 60 cases of the simple hyperlipidemia group, 100 cases of the PTB group, 100 cases of the T2DM group, and 100 cases of the T2DM+PTB group from the outpatient department of our center. Among them, the PTB group, T2DM group, and T2DM+PTB group were further divided into subgroups of normal blood lipids (40 cases) and hyperlipidemia (60 cases). Sixty healthy individuals were included as the control group. The age range of the participants was 35 to 70 years old. Venous blood was collected from each group to detect HbA1c, INS, FSG, CHOL, TG, HDL, LDL, ApoA I, and Apo B, and oxLDL levels were measured using ELISA. The differences in levels between groups were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis assessed the association between oxLDL and oxHDL levels with PTB and T2DM+PTB.
Results Patients with T2DM hyperlipidemia subgroup and T2DM+PTB hyperlipidemia subgroup showed oxLDL levels more than twice as high and oxHDL levels more than four times higher than those in the control group. A simple hyperlipidemia group also exhibited oxLDL levels significantly higher than the control group. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive linear correlations between TG and LDL with oxLDL in both subgroups, while CHOL and LDL showed significant positive correlations with oxLDL in the PTB hyperlipidemia subgroup. TG levels were significantly positively correlated with oxHDL in all three hyperlipidemia subgroups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed oxLDL levels exceeding twice those of the control group to be independent risk factors for PTB and T2DM+PTB, while oxHDL levels exceeding four times those of the control group were independent risk factors for PTB.
Conclusion There are higher levels of oxLDL and oxHDL which may increase the risk of having both T2DM and PTB. It is suggested that we should clinically evaluate the significance of oxLDL levels that are more than twice the levels of the control group and oxHDL levels that are more than four times the levels of the control group. This will help us identify a threshold that can be used for further assessment of a pathological condition.
Psychological outpatient follow-up after hospitalization for adolescent acute alcohol intoxication
Authors: Pigeaud Louise , de Veld Loes , Blitterswijk Amy van , Lely Nico van der
Published: August 2024

Introduction:
Alcohol-related emergency department attendance in adolescents should be considered as a valuable opportunity to address and mitigate future alcohol consumption. Therefore, a paediatric department of a major district hospital in the Netherlands developed an outpatient preventive program targeting adolescents admitted for acute alcohol intoxication. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate how adolescent drinking patterns participating in the preventive program developed over time.
Methods
This retrospective observational study was conducted in the Reinier de Graaf hospital, Delft, the Netherlands. The outpatient preventive program consists of three main components: an initial intervention, subsequent an extended counselling session and psychological interventions. The alcohol consumption was compared at three time points: before the admission for acute alcohol intoxication(T = 0), 4–6 weeks after hospital admission(T = 1) and 6–12 months after the hospital admission(T = 2). Moreover, sociodemographic variables, adolescent risk-taking behaviour and family and pedagogical factors were included in secondary analysis.
Results
In total, 310 patients underwent the outpatient preventive program from 2014–2022. Adolescents who experienced an alcohol intoxication hospital admittance exhibited more adolescent risk-taking behaviour compared to the Dutch average. Initially, these adolescents had significantly higher rates of alcohol consumption and drunkenness. Alcohol use decreased significantly in the month following intoxication, even below the Dutch average. Though, 6–12 months later, their alcohol consumption increased but remained statistically lower and involved less binge drinking than the Dutch average.
Conclusions
The findings of this study demonstrate that a preventive program following acute alcohol intoxication contributes to the reduction of adolescent alcohol use and associated risk-taking behaviours.
Polarization Insensitivity Research of the Three-layer Silicon-based Symmetric Cascade Optical Sensor
Authors: Wei Zhiqiang , Huang Yafei , He Lijun , Qian Fei
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a symmetric all-dielectric two-dimensional grating with high transmittance and high figure of merit (FOM) based on cylindrical nanoarrays as a liquid sensing structure with small volume and high sensitivity. The device is optimized using the finite element method to calculate the transmissivity under TE/TM polarization. When the incident angle is 4 degrees, the transmissivity of the grating is nearly 1 with a full width at half maximum of 0.0158 nm and a sensitivity of 256.196 nm/RIU. The FOM is 16214.937. The sensor characteristics of the incident angle on the device are analyzed, and the normalized electric field distribution indicates that the change of the incident angle has a significant modulation ability for the resonance energy distribution. The proposed sensor is independent of polarization state, easy to control and integrate, and has broad application prospects in fields such as liquid solution detection, ocean surveys, and position sensing.
Anti-inflammatory potential of bromelain complexed with cashew leaf polyphenol
Authors: Placambo Reymark A. , Basilio Antonio , Llagas Ma. Cristina Las
Published: August 2024

Inflammation is a tissue reaction in which circulating immune cells and inflammatory mediators are sent to areas of infection and tissue injury. Chronic inflammation is treated using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, which can have negative side effects on the body if used for an extended period. Hence, there is a need to develop effective and safe alternative anti-inflammatory compounds from natural sources to address this problem. Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme derived from pineapple stems and fruits, has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory potential. This study determined the anti-inflammatory potentials of bromelain complexed with cashew leaf polyphenol (BCLP) from the bromelain recovered from pineapple core, pulp, and peel through the egg albumin denaturation assay, human red blood cell membrane stabilization assay, and human IL-8 secretion inhibition through ELISA. The results showed that the BCLP from pineapple core at 1000 µg/mL, 750 µg/mL, 250 µg/mL, and from 750 µg/mL pineapple pulp had a comparable inhibition of protein denaturation with the commercial bromelain at 1000 µg/mL, which may indicate that the BCLP from the pineapple core and pulp may be used as a potential anti-inflammatory compound alternative. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activities of the BCLP from pineapple core, pulp, and peel were due to its complexation with CLP and were not caused by CLP alone. The discovery of the anti-inflammatory potentials of BCLP may elevate the value of pineapple fruit waste from waste products to being pharmaceutically relevant.
A Comparative Analysis of Outpatients’ Knowledge and Perception towards Hypertension Prevention in a Secondary Healthcare facility in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Adegbeyeni¹ Ifedayo O. , Oyerinde Oyewole O.
Published: August 2024

Background
High prevalence rates of prehypertension and hypertension in Nigeria poses a significant public health burden, leading to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Despite the availability of effective treatments, prehypertension and hypertension remain inadequately managed.
Objective
This study compares the knowledge and perception towards hypertension prevention among outpatients with normal blood pressure, prehypertension and hypertension attending secondary health care facility in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Method
A cross-sectional survey was employed on 370 outpatients aged 18–65 years. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 29.
Result
Results showed that respondents with normal blood pressure have higher knowledge about hypertension and better perception than respondents with prehypertension and hypertension. Knowledge and perception had significant differences across blood pressure categories. Pearson correlation and regression analysis showed there was a statistically significant relationship between Knowledge and blood pressure (r = -0.228, r² = 0.052, 95% CI: -0.102 to -0.040). Perception was also statistically significant to blood pressure status.
Conclusion
The study revealed that knowledge and perception played crucial role in influencing blood pressure status. These findings emphasized the importance of health education, improved health literacy and better perception in managing prehypertension and hypertension.
Study on Planting and Mechanical Properties of Clay Modified by Xanthan Gum and Guar Gum
Authors: Wan Juan , Liu Chenyang , Xiao Henglin , Lin Weiqing , Tang Zhonggeng , Jia Yunlong
Published: August 2024

The improvement of clay by using xanthan gum and guar gum was studied, and the combined solidification effect of the two after compounding was investigated. Investigations were conducted on three variants of biopolymer-augmented clays: xanthan gum, guar gum, and their combination. Assessments through plant growth and direct shear experiments elucidated their planting and mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) experiments were conducted to analyze the microstructure of clay before and after modification, and the mechanism of improvement of clay by the two biopolymers was discussed in combination with planting and mechanical tests. The experimental results demonstrated that the planting performance of clay could be significantly enhanced by incorporating appropriate amounts of xanthan gum, guar gum, and composite gum, but was inhibited at excessive dosages. These biopolymers mainly increased the cohesive force of the soil, improving its shear strength while minimally affecting the internal friction angle. Among them, the compounded gum showed the most significant improvement in shear strength of the clay. The cohesive force and shear strength were notably enhanced when biopolymers and plant roots were combined. Specifically, ryegrass roots in biopolymer-modified clay substrates further increased shear strength. The study demonstrates that biopolymers can effectively promote plant growth and improve soil strength under the combined action of plant roots. The research results demonstrate that a synergistic thickening effect is achieved when xanthan gum is combined with guar gum, leading to gel particles aggregating with soil particles to enhance the shear strength of the soil. The relationship between the improvement of shear performance of xanthan gum and guar gum modified clay and the microscopic internal changes, and provide a reference for further exploring the new ecological slope protection substrate of green environmental protection.
The important anatomical significance of the Patent Foramen Ovale by Real-time 3D TEE in Cryptogenic Stroke and Migraine
Authors: Wang Li , Zhou Bingyuan , Sun Haibo , Shen Han
Published: August 2024

Background:Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) may be a flap valve depending on the pressure change between the left and right atrium to determine whether to open. The transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is the reference standard imaging modality for confirming the presence or absence of the PFO. There is a causal association between PFO and unexplained stroke.3D-TEE has been described to optimize the visualization of PFO.
Methods: A total of 134 consecutive patients with cryptogenic stroke or migraine who had suspected PFO and underwent c-TCD, TTE and c- TEE. RLS grading of PFO at rest and Abdominal compression Valsalva maneuver was detected by c-TEE.
Results: The long diameter of FO (1.74±0.3 VS 1.60±0.4, P=0.039), the short diameter of FO (1.12±0.3 VS 1.00±0.3, P=0.036), perimeter of FO (4.62±0.7 VS 4.22±1.0, P=0.026) and area (1.80±0.8 VS 1.35±0.8, P=0.05) of the FO were significantly larger in the larger RLS group. A larger proportion of Eustachian valve or a Chiari’s network(14.3% VS 3.5%,P=0.036), a larger proportion of in the Left funnelform (55.1% VS 16.3% P<0.001), a longer length of the PFO tunnel( 13.4±4.4 VS 7.8±2.5,P<0.001), a lower IVC-PFO angle (16.4±3.4 VS 20.3±7.7,P=0.001), higher proportion of LA Multiple exits of the tunnel (46.9% VS 14.3% ,P<0.001) .Multivariate regression analysis showed that male(HR:4.026,95%CI:0.883~18.361,P=0.072), age(HR:1.076,95%CI:1.002~1.155,P=0.045), the Left funnelform (HR:7.299,95%CI:1.585~33.618,P=0.011), a longer length of the PFO tunnel tunnel( HR:1.843,95%CI:1.404~2.418,P<0.001) and Multiple exits of the tunnel of LA (HR:8.544,95%CI:1.595~45.754,P=0.012) contributed to the occurrence of cerebral infarction.
Conclusions: The larger the fossa oval, the easier it cause active and cause a large right-to-left shunt. the Left funnelform, a longer length of the PFO tunnel and Multiple exits of the tunnel of LA contribute CS.TEE can carefully observe the specific morphological characteristics of PFO, When these features appear on TEE, there is a strong correlation with CS.
Real-time Detection of Cycle Slips using Ultra-High Rate GNSS Observations in Urban Environments
Authors: Ji Shengyue , Wang Jing , Xu Ying , Weng Duojie , Chen Wu , Luo Huan
Published: August 2024

The use of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for precise navigation and positioning using Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) or Precise Point Positioning (PPP) techniques has gained popularity in urban environments. However, the performance of GNSS in urban areas is significantly affected by cycle slips caused by multipath reflections from high-rise buildings. Detecting cycle slips accurately becomes a primary challenge for achieving reliable RTK or RTPPP solutions in urban settings. Traditional methods for cycle slip detection often fall short due to the detrimental effects of multipath interference. This research aims to detect cycle slips utilizing ultra-high rate GNSS observations. We conducted an analysis of these observations and discovered that they exhibit reduced variation in observation noise and multipath compared to commonly used 1 Hz observations. Leveraging this insight, we propose a novel cycle slip detection method that eliminates coordinate parameters from the geometry-based mathematical model. Instead, it incorporates only a single parameter related to the receiver clock, enhancing its robustness against multipath effects. Our proposed approach leverages the favorable characteristics of ultra-high rate GNSS observations. By excluding coordinate parameters and focusing solely on the receiver clock parameter, our method becomes more resilient to the impacts of multipath interference. This novel methodology offers improved cycle slip detection capabilities compared to traditional methods. To evaluate the effectiveness of our method, we performed numerical experiments using 50 Hz GNSS observations, including scenarios in urban environments. Remarkably, our new method achieved an almost perfect success rate of cycle slip detection, nearing 100%. These results demonstrate the efficacy of our approach, even in challenging urban settings. The findings of this research present a significant advancement in cycle slip detection using ultra-high rate GNSS observations. By reducing the reliance on coordinate parameters and considering the unique characteristics of these observations, our method holds promise for enhancing the reliability and accuracy of GNSS positioning, particularly in urban environments.
A Multilevel Analysis of Factors Associated with Stunting Among Children Under Five Years in Lesotho: A Study of The Lesotho Multiple Cluster Indicator Study Of 2018
Authors: Leseba Nthatisi , Vermaak Kerry , Makatjane Tiisetso , Lebuso Mapitso
Published: August 2024

Background
The growth pattern of a healthy, well-fed child is reflected in positive changes in their height and weight [1]. Globally, complex, and intertwined determinants of stunting have been explored at individual, household, and community level but not in Lesotho. The objective of the study is to investigate the determinants of stunting at individual, household, and community level.
Methods
We conducted a multilevel logistic regression using data from the Lesotho Multiple Cluster Indicator Study of 2018.
Results
In Lesotho a third (33.6%) of children under 5 were stunted in 2018. At individual level, child dietary intake, weight at birth and respiratory infection were determinants of stunting. At the household level, place of residence, household wealth, maternal residential status, maternal educational attainment, drinking water sources, and toilet facilities were also determinants of stunting. Moreover, at community levels, community female and male education, community poverty, sources of drinking water, toilet facilities and maternal media exposure were determinants of stunting in Lesotho in 2018.
Conclusion
There is evidence of variability in the data in relation to stunting at all levels of the study. It also shows that, child dietary intake and health, household care resources, and environments children reside in are important in improving child nutritional status. At the community level, knowledge and information acquisition and sharing are important in fighting child malnutrition. Therefore, strategies and programs to improve child nutritional status should be done in communities.
Development of a low-cost real-time monitoring system for biomass concentration and environmental factors in microalgae Limnospira fusiformis cultivation
Authors: Desalegn Workie , Chowdhary Anupreet Kaur , Sekine Mutsumi , Larry Washburn , Ayirkm Woldie , Kishi Masatoshi , Toda Tatsuki
Published: August 2024

With increasing demand for microalgae, there is a need to reduce operational production costs and develop stable growth prediction methods. In this study, we have developed a low-cost and user-friendly monitoring and biomass auto-recovery system using a microcomputer (Raspberry Pi) and a sensor. The microalgal monitoring sensors (turbidity, light, pH, and temperature) designed for real-time measurements and remote monitoring were validated using standard instruments. The monitoring system was implemented in a culture of the filamentous and spiral microalgae Limnospira fusiformis. The turbidity sensor showed a strong correlation with optical density (R2 = 0.943–0.986) and dry weight (R2 = 0.954–0.975). The sensors for light, pH, and temperature demonstrated average percentage errors of 0.50%, 0.58%, and 2.52%, respectively, indicating their accuracy in measuring the intended parameters (p < 0.05). The developed auto-recovery system effectively maintained biomass within the desired threshold range (OD750 = 0.74–0.67). The threshold value for the operating biomass density was adjustable with data available in real time and logged with time stamping on a Google spreadsheet. This cost-effective system, priced at approximately $330, offers a practical solution for the real-time monitoring and control of biomass density in microalgal cultures.
High-Order Linear Model for Stability Analysis of Unsteady Flow in Approach Channels
Authors: Xu Jinchao , Zhao Jun , Zhou Jianxu , Li Yun , Zheng Feidong , An Jianfeng , Chaturvedi Sadashiv
Published: August 2024

Approach channels, vital for hydraulic projects like navigation locks and trench intakes, connect rivers or reservoirs to ship locks or closed gates. Excessive water surface oscillations in these channels can reduce effective water depth, increase mooring forces, decrease ship maneuverability, and elevate tug drag, potentially causing marine accidents. Thus, unsteady flow in approach channels is a crucial area of water conservancy research. While traditional control designs for open channels have been used in irrigation and water supply systems, they are seldom applied to mitigate wave propagation in approach channels. The rise of automated ship lock management has intensified the focus on control design for these channels. Linear models associated with equilibrium regimes are often used for control analysis due to their simplicity. This research introduces a novel linear model based on ordinary differential equations for approach channels, evaluating first-order, second-order, and third-order dispersions. Comprehensive frequency domain, correlation, and time domain analyses using control design methodologies are performed to address unsteady flow issues, which can cause reduced water depth, increased mooring forces, decreased ship maneuverability, and elevated tug drag, potentially leading to marine accidents. The development of a more accurate and manageable model for analyzing and controlling unsteady flows enhances the management and operation of approach channels which can be applied in designing of hydraulic control in related engineering projects. These advancements support automated control systems in ship locks, improving navigation safety and efficiency. Hence, contributing to safer and more effective hydraulic infrastructure, benefiting both water conservancy and marine transportation.
Comparative analysis of the musculoskeletal health in Poland and Spain: a cross-sectional study using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
Authors: Wiśniowska-Szurlej Agnieszka , Sozańska Agnieszka , Barrio Sandra Jiménez , Sozański Bernard , Laita Luis Ceballos , Lázaro Héctor Hernández
Published: August 2024

Background:The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is the framework for describing disability. The aim of the study was to make an ICF-based comparison between musculoskeletal health in Poland and Spain.Methods:A comparative study was conducted to identify cross-cultural differences between Poland and Spain in the prevalence of ICF entities from the brief ICF core set for post-acute musculoskeletal conditions. A total of 840 people were included in the study. Information was recoded into ICF qualifiers to obtain comparable data.Results:Significant differences in functioning were found between the two samples, with a higher prevalence in all the ICF entities for the Spanish sample. Similarities were found in the ICF components ‘Body Functions’ and ‘Environmental Factors’, with the most prevalent ICF entities being ‘b280 Sensation of pain’ and ‘e225 Climate’ respectively. For ‘Activities and Participation’, differences were observed, with ‘d430 Lifting and carrying objects’ being the most common for the Spanish sample and ‘d450 Walking’ for the Polish sample.Conclusions:A theoretical application of the ICF has been empirically tested for the first time, a milestone in the development of this research methodology. Differences in the prevalence of ICF entities showed a better musculoskeletal health in the Polish sample.Trial registration:NCT06283407
Highly efficient large-area ultrathin phosphor-glass composites fabricated by tape-casting for super-bright LED lights
Authors: Tang Fei , Li Chenyang , Zhou Yimin , Ning Jiqiang , Chen Yizhuo , Xu SJ
Published: August 2024

Driven by the demand for super-bright LED lights for cars, buses, and trucks, highly efficient and large-area ultrathin phosphor-glass composites (PGC) with exceptional thermal dissipation capabilities were fabricated by a combined technique of tape-casting + low-temperature cofiring process. Two kinds of ultrathin (100 μm thick) PGC plates uniformly incorporated with YAG:Ce and CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ phosphor particles and with a large size of 1044×45 mm were successfully prepared. At room temperature, photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQY) of 98.6% and 80% were achieved for the former and latter kinds of PGC glasses, respectively. Moreover, color tunable emissions were yielded in the ultrathin PGC by varying the weight ratio of different phosphors. Finally, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) encapsulated with different
ultrathin PGC were demonstrated to exhibit outstanding luminous performance. When exposed to blue laser irradiation, the prepared PGC glasses demonstrated a heightened resistance to laser radiation. These unparalleled ultrathin PGC glasses could offer an unprecedented solution for the commercial applications in preparation of super bright car LED lights.
Generation of human appetite-regulating neurons and tanycytes from stem cells
Authors: Kirkeby Agnete , Abay-Nørgaard Zehra Caldwell , Müller Anika , Hänninen Erno , Rausch Dylan , Piilgaard Louise , Christensen Jens , Peeters Sofie , Schörling Alrik , Salvador Alison , Nikulina Viktoriia , Li Yuan , Kajtez Janko , Pers Tune
Published: August 2024

The balance between energy intake and expenditure is controlled by the hypothalamus, a small brain region characterised by high neuronal diversity. Specifically, the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) are key hypothalamic nuclei controlling appetite through behavioural response to circulating humoral signals. Yet, despite their physiological importance, the cellular and functional characteristics of this highly specialised neural region has been studied mainly in animals due to a lack of human models. Here, we fine-tuned the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells toward the ARC and VMH hypothalamic nuclei and identified key subtype-specific progenitor markers of these subregions. We demonstrate that the timing for initiation and termination of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling is essential for controlling subregional specification of tuberal hypothalamic progenitors along the anterior-posterior axis, balancing VMH versus ARC fates. A particular population of SHH-/NKX2.1+/FGF10high/RAXhigh/TBX3high posterior tuberal progenitors was identified as the source for generation of ARC-associated agouti-related peptide (AGRP) neurons and tanycytes whilst anterior tuberal SHH+/NKX2.1+/FGF10low/RAXlow/TBX3low progenitors generated VMH phenotypes including NR5A1 neurons. Upon maturation in vitro and in xenografts, ARC-patterned progenitors gave rise to key appetite-regulating cell types including those producing AGRP, prepronociceptin (PNOC), growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), as well as tanycyte glial cells. Differentiated ARC cultures showed high transcriptomic similarity to the human ARC and displayed evidence of functionality by AGRP secretion and responsiveness to leptin and fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1). In summary, our work provides insights into the developmental lineages underlying hypothalamic subregional specification and enables access to highly characterised human ARC and VMH cultures, which will provide novel opportunities for investigating the cellular and molecular pathways triggered by obesity-associated genetic variants and weight-regulating stimuli.
A chaperone-assisted mechanism of outer mitochondrial membrane TOM70 insertion protective against diet-induced obesity
Authors: Latorre-Muro Pedro , Vitale Tevis , Ravichandran Matthew , Zhang Katherine , Palozzi Jonathan M. , Bennett Christopher F. , Lamas-Paz Arantza , Sohn Jee Hyung , Jackson Thomas D. , Jedrychowski Mark , Gygi Steven P. , Kajimura Shingo , Schmoker Anna , Jeon Hyesung , Eck Michael J. , Puigserver Pere
Published: August 2024

Outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) proteins communicate with the cytosol and other organelles including the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)1,2. This communication is important in thermogenic adipocytes to increase energy expenditure that controls body temperature and weight3,4. However, the regulatory mechanisms of OMM protein insertion are poorly understood. Herein, stress-induced cytosolic chaperone PPID (peptidyl-prolyl isomerase D/cyclophilin 40/Cyp40) drives OMM insertion of the mitochondrial import receptor TOM70 regulating body temperature and weight in obese mice, and respiratory/thermogenic function in brown adipocytes. PPID PPIase activity and C-terminal tetratricopeptide repeats (TPR), which show specificity towards TOM70 core and C-tail domains, facilitate OMM insertion. Our results provide an unprecedented role for ER-stress-activated chaperones in controlling energy metabolism through a selective OMM protein insertion mechanism with implications in adaptation to cold temperatures and high-calorie diets.