bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination as defense against SARS-CoV-2 (BADAS): a randomized controlled trial to protect healthcare workers in the USA by enhanced trained immune responses
Authors: DiNardo Andrew R. , Arditi Moshe , Kamat Ashish M. , Koster Kent J. , Carrero Santiago , Nishiguchi Tomoki , Lebedev Maxim , Benjamin Aaron B. , Avalos Pablo , Lozano Marisa , Moule Madeleine G. , McCune Brittany , Herron Baysia , Ladki Malik , Sheikh Daanish , Spears Matthew , Herrejon Ivan A. , Dodge Courtney , Kumar Sathish , Hutchison Robert W. , Ofili Theresa U. , Opperman Lynne A. , Bernard Jessica A. , Lerner Seth P. , Udeani George , Neal Gabriel , Netea Mihai G. , Cirillo Jeffrey D.
Published: October 2023

Background

A large epidemic, such as that observed with SARS-CoV-2, seriously challenges available hospital capacity, and this would be augmented by infection of healthcare workers (HCW). Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is a vaccine against tuberculosis, with protective non-specific effects against other respiratory tract infections in vitro and in vivo. Preliminary analyses suggest that regions of the world with existing BCG vaccination programs have lower incidence and mortality from COVID-19. We hypothesize that BCG vaccination can reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease severity.

Methods

This will be a placebo-controlled adaptive multi-center randomized controlled trial. A total of 1800 individuals considered to be at high risk, including those with comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, obesity, reactive airway disease, smokers), racial and ethnic minorities, elderly, teachers, police, restaurant wait-staff, delivery personnel, health care workers who are defined as personnel working in a healthcare setting, at a hospital, medical center or clinic (veterinary, dental, ophthalmology), and first responders (paramedics, firefighters, or law enforcement), will be randomly assigned to two treatment groups. The treatment groups will receive intradermal administration of BCG vaccine or placebo (saline) with groups at a 1:1 ratio. Individuals will be tracked for evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and severity as well as obtaining whole blood to track immunological markers, and a sub-study will include cognitive function and brain imaging. The majority of individuals will be followed for 6 months, with an option to extend for another 6 months, and the cognitive sub-study duration is 2 years. We will plot Kaplan-Meier curves that will be plotted comparing groups and hazard ratios and p-values reported using Cox proportional hazard models.

Discussion

It is expected this trial will allow evaluation of the effects of BCG vaccination at a population level in high-risk healthcare individuals through a mitigated clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 infection and inform policy making during the ongoing epidemic.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04348370. Registered on April 16, 2020.
First record of Anopheles (Anopheles) hyrcanus (Pallas 1771) (Diptera: Culicidae) in Poland
Authors: Lühken Renke , Becker Norbert , Dyczko Dagmara , Sauer Felix G. , Kliemke Konstantin , Schmidt-Chanasit Jonas , Rydzanicz Katarzyna
Published: October 2023

The spatial distribution of mosquito species in the course of globalization and climate warming is highly dynamic. Different studies have demonstrated the spread and establishment of thermophilic mosquito species, potentially increasing the prevalence of ‘nuisance’ mosquitoes and the local transmission of pathogens. Here we report the first recorded sampling of Anopheles hyrcanus in Wrocław, southwest Poland. This is the most northern detection of this species to date in Europe. Future spread and population development of this potential vector of malaria parasites, viruses or zoonotic helminths, such as Dirofilaria spp., must be monitored carefully. Potential factors underlying the spread of this species are discussed.

Graphical Abstract
The application of epiphenotyping approaches to DNA methylation array studies of the human placenta
Authors: Khan A. , Inkster A. M. , Peñaherrera M. S. , King S. , Kildea S. , Oberlander T. F. , Olson D. M. , Vaillancourt C. , Brain U. , Beraldo E. O. , Beristain A. G. , Clifton V. L. , Del Gobbo G. F. , Lam W. L. , Metz G. A. S. , Ng J. W. Y. , Price E. M. , Schuetz J. M. , Yuan V. , Portales-Casamar É. , Robinson W. P.
Published: October 2023

Background

Genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAme) profiling of the placenta with Illumina Infinium Methylation bead arrays is often used to explore the connections between in utero exposures, placental pathology, and fetal development. However, many technical and biological factors can lead to signals of DNAme variation between samples and between cohorts, and understanding and accounting for these factors is essential to ensure meaningful and replicable data analysis. Recently, “epiphenotyping” approaches have been developed whereby DNAme data can be used to impute information about phenotypic variables such as gestational age, sex, cell composition, and ancestry. These epiphenotypes offer avenues to compare phenotypic data across cohorts, and to understand how phenotypic variables relate to DNAme variability. However, the relationships between placental epiphenotyping variables and other technical and biological variables, and their application to downstream epigenome analyses, have not been well studied.

Results

Using DNAme data from 204 placentas across three cohorts, we applied the PlaNET R package to estimate epiphenotypes gestational age, ancestry, and cell composition in these samples. PlaNET ancestry estimates were highly correlated with independent polymorphic ancestry-informative markers, and epigenetic gestational age, on average, was estimated within 4 days of reported gestational age, underscoring the accuracy of these tools. Cell composition estimates varied both within and between cohorts, as well as over very long placental processing times. Interestingly, the ratio of cytotrophoblast to syncytiotrophoblast proportion decreased with increasing gestational age, and differed slightly by both maternal ethnicity (lower in white vs. non-white) and genetic ancestry (lower in higher probability European ancestry). The cohort of origin and cytotrophoblast proportion were the largest drivers of DNAme variation in this dataset, based on their associations with the first principal component.

Conclusions

This work confirms that cohort, array (technical) batch, cell type proportion, self-reported ethnicity, genetic ancestry, and biological sex are important variables to consider in any analyses of Illumina DNAme data. We further demonstrate the specific utility of epiphenotyping tools developed for use with placental DNAme data, and show that these variables (i) provide an independent check of clinically obtained data and (ii) provide a robust approach to compare variables across different datasets. Finally, we present a general framework for the processing and analysis of placental DNAme data, integrating the epiphenotype variables discussed here.
ScaffoldGVAE: scaffold generation and hopping of drug molecules via a variational autoencoder based on multi-view graph neural networks
Authors: Hu Chao , Li Song , Yang Chenxing , Chen Jun , Xiong Yi , Fan Guisheng , Liu Hao , Hong Liang
Published: October 2023

In recent years, drug design has been revolutionized by the application of deep learning techniques, and molecule generation is a crucial aspect of this transformation. However, most of the current deep learning approaches do not explicitly consider and apply scaffold hopping strategy when performing molecular generation. In this work, we propose ScaffoldGVAE, a variational autoencoder based on multi-view graph neural networks, for scaffold generation and scaffold hopping of drug molecules. The model integrates several important components, such as node-central and edge-central message passing, side-chain embedding, and Gaussian mixture distribution of scaffolds. To assess the efficacy of our model, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation and comparison with baseline models based on seven general generative model evaluation metrics and four scaffold hopping generative model evaluation metrics. The results demonstrate that ScaffoldGVAE can explore the unseen chemical space and generate novel molecules distinct from known compounds. Especially, the scaffold hopped molecules generated by our model are validated by the evaluation of GraphDTA, LeDock, and MM/GBSA. The case study of generating inhibitors of LRRK2 for the treatment of PD further demonstrates the effectiveness of ScaffoldGVAE in generating novel compounds through scaffold hopping. This novel approach can also be applied to other protein targets of various diseases, thereby contributing to the future development of new drugs. Source codes and data are available at https://github.com/ecust-hc/ScaffoldGVAE.
Computing Dirichlet eigenvalues of the Schrödinger operator with a PT-symmetric optical potential
Authors: Nur Cemile
Published: October 2023

We provide estimates for the eigenvalues of non-self-adjoint Sturm–Liouville operators with Dirichlet boundary conditions for a shift of the special potential $4\cos ^{2}x+4iV\sin 2x$
4

cos
2

x
+
4
i
V
sin
2
x
that is a PT-symmetric optical potential, especially when $|c|=|\sqrt{1-4V^{2}}|<2$
|
c
|
=
|

1
−
4

V
2

|
<
2
or correspondingly $0\leq V<\sqrt {5}/2$
0
≤
V
<

5

/
2
. We obtain some useful equations for calculating Dirichlet eigenvalues also for $|c|\geq 2$
|
c
|
≥
2
or equally $V\geq \sqrt{5}/2$
V
≥

5

/
2
. We discuss our results by comparing them with the periodic and antiperiodic eigenvalues of the Schrödinger operator. We even approximate complex eigenvalues by the roots of some polynomials derived from some iteration formulas. Moreover, we give a numerical example with error analysis.
Immunology in COPD and the use of combustible cigarettes and heated tobacco products
Authors: Błach Justyna , Siedliński Mateusz , Sydor Wojciech
Published: October 2023

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases, characterised by high morbidity and mortality. COPD is characterised by a progressive decline of lung function caused by chronic inflammatory reactions in the lung tissue due to continual exposure to harmful molecules by inhalation. As prevention plays a very important role in COPD, quitting smoking is the most important factor in reducing the decline in lung function. Unfortunately, many people are unable to break their nicotine addiction. This paper summarises current knowledge about combustible cigarettes (CSs) and alternative tobacco products such as heated tobacco products (HTPs) in COPD. The paper focuses on the immunological aspects of COPD and the influence of tobacco products on lung tissue immunology. There are differences in research results between HTPs and CSs in favour of HTPs. More long-term studies are needed to look at the effects of HTPs, especially in COPD. However, there is no doubt that it would be best for patients to give up their nicotine addiction completely.
Variability and accuracy of multiple saliva pepsin measurements in laryngopharyngeal reflux patients
Authors: Lechien Jerome R. , Bobin Francois
Published: October 2023

Objective

To study the variability and diagnostic value of multiple salivary pepsin measurements in the detection of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

Methods

Patients with LPR symptoms were consecutively recruited from December 2019 to Augustus 2022. Twenty-one asymptomatic individuals completed the study. The diagnostic was confirmed with hypopharyngeal–esophageal impedance-pH monitoring (HEMII-pH). Patients collected three saliva samples during the 24-h testing period. Symptoms and findings were studied with reflux symptom score-12 and reflux sign assessment. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values of pepsin measurements were calculated considering morning, post-lunch and post-dinner samples. The consistency and relationship between HEMII-pH, pepsin measurements, and clinical features were investigated.

Results

Morning, post-lunch and post-dinner saliva pepsin concentrations were measured in 42 patients. Pepsin measurements were 64.9%, 59.5%, and 59.0% sensitive for morning, post-lunch and post-dinner collections at cutoff ≥ 16 ng/mL. Considering the highest concentration of the three pepsin saliva collections, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and PPV were 70.5%, 73.0%; 66.7% and 78.9%, respectively. Morning pepsin measurements reported higher consistency, sensitivity, and specificity than post-dinner and post-lunch pepsin measurements.

Conclusion

The collection of several saliva pepsin samples improves the detection rate of LPR. In case of high clinical LPR suspicion and negative pepsin test, a HEMII-pH study could provide further diagnostic information.
Frequency-dependent Q simulation and viscoacoustic reverse time migration based on the fractional Zener model
Authors: Zhang Yabing , Zhu Hejun , Liu Yang , Chen Tongjun
Published: October 2023

Seismic attenuation is a basic physical property of the earth, which significantly affects the characteristics of seismic wavefields. Accurately simulating wave propagation in the earth is essential to image subsurface structures. Some prevailing methods (e.g., the standard linear solid and fractional Laplacian equation) to describe seismic wave propagation in attenuating media are mainly based on the constant- Q model (CQM), which is valid at room temperature and pressure. However, laboratory measurements suggest that the quality factor Q is a function of frequencies in some regions. To simulate the frequency-dependent Q effect, we derive a viscoacoustic wave equation from the stress-strain relationship of the fractional Zener model (FZM) with variable fractional orders. During the implementation, we separate the real and imaginary parts of the modulus and introduce a low-rank decomposition method to solve the FZM equation. Because the amplitude dissipation and phase dispersion are decoupled, we establish a compensated reverse time migration ( Q-RTM) algorithm to mitigate adverse effects caused by seismic attenuation and improve the quality of seismic migration in frequency-dependent attenuating media. A two-layer model and the BP gas chimney model are used to perform Q-RTM tests. A low-pass filter with a Tukey window function is applied to suppress numerical instability during the compensation. Numerical results demonstrate that our FZM Q-RTM approach can produce high-resolution images with corrected reflector positions and amplitudes. Because the CQM equation ignores the frequency dependence of Q, it may lead to overcompensation in Q-RTM.
Quantum thermodynamics of an
Reissner-Nordström black hole
Authors: Pourhassan Behnam , Sakallı İzzet , Shi Xiaoping , Faizal Mir , Wani Salman Sajad
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we will go beyond equilibrium description to properly investigate the evaporation of a Reissner-Nordström black hole. Thus, we will explicitly apply techniques of non-equilibrium quantum thermodynamics to this black hole. As the non-equilibrium effects would become important at the quantum scale, we will incorporate the quantum gravitational corrections by using an

Reissner-Nordström black hole. We will start by developing a novel

first law. Then we will investigate the quantum gravitational corrections to the Parikh-Wilczek formalism, and introduce Kullback-Leibler divergence to quantify the effects of corrections. Furthermore, we will demonstrate that the non-thermal nature of radiation in the Parikh-Wilczek formalism can be directly related to the average quantum work done on the emitted particles using non-equilibrium quantum thermodynamics. This is because the average quantum work done is a unitary process in non-equilibrium quantum thermodynamics. We will use the Ramsey scheme for emitted particles to calculate this quantum work distribution for the emitted particles.
Increased Levels of Urine Volatile Organic Compounds Are Associated With Diabetes Risk and Impaired Glucose Homeostasis
Authors: Duan Xiaoxia , Chen Zhenhua , Xia Congying , Zhong Rong , Liu Li , Long Lu
Published: October 2023

Context

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are pervasive environmental pollutants that have been linked to various adverse health effects. However, the effect of ambient VOCs, whether individually or in mixtures, on diabetes remains uncertain and requires further investigation.

Objective

This study investigates the effects of ambient VOCs exposure, whether single or mixed, on diabetes mellitus and glucose homeostasis in the general population.

Methods

Urinary concentrations of VOC metabolites were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Survey-weighted logistic regression and generalized linear regression were used to explore the associations between individual VOC exposure and diabetes risk and glucose homeostasis indicators, respectively. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression models were applied to assess the combined effects of VOC mixtures.

Results

Out of 8468 participants, 1504 had diabetes mellitus. Eight VOC metabolites showed positive associations with diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.15-1.43; all P < .05), insulin resistance (IR) (OR, 1.02-1.06; P < .05), and other glucose homeostasis indicators (β, 0.04-2.32; all P < .05). Mixed VOC models revealed positive correlations between the WQS indices and diabetes risk (OR = 1.52; 95% CI, 1.29-1.81), IR (OR = 1.36; 95% CI, 1.14-1.62), and other glucose homeostasis indicators (β, 0.17-2.22; all P < .05).

Conclusion

Urinary metabolites of ambient VOCs are significantly associated with an increased diabetes risk and impaired glucose homeostasis. Thus, primary prevention policies aimed at reducing ambient VOCs could attenuate diabetes burden.
Gut Microecology May Be Involved in the Pathogenesis of Hashimoto Thyroiditis by Reducing Production of Hydrogen Sulfide
Authors: Zhang Shangqing , Zhao Xue , Wang Xiuli , Jin Hongfang , Chen Lei , Ma Yuanyuan , Chi Yan , Zhang Jixin , Zhang Junqing , Gao Ying
Published: October 2023

Context

Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is related to intestinal microbiota alteration, but the causal relationship remains unclear. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a microbiota-derived metabolite. We speculated that abnormal intestinal microbiota might limit H2S production capacity, promoting HT pathogenesis.

Objective

This work aimed to illustrate that the intestinal microbiota plays important roles in HT pathogenesis via microbiota-derived H2S levels.

Methods

We collected feces from HT patients and healthy donors for fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Thirty-six female CBA/J mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups: experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) group, EAT + Healthy group, EAT + HT group, and EAT + HT + H2S group. 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing was performed to examine gut microbiota alterations and the H2S production pathway. Serum TgAb and H2S levels were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and H2S-selective sensors, respectively. T-cell subpopulations in the spleen were detected by flow cytometry.

Results

The gut microbiota was different after FMT among the EAT, EAT + Healthy, and EAT + HT groups. The thyroiditis score assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining was higher in the EAT + HT group than that in the EAT and EAT + HT + H2S groups. Helper T (Th1) and Th17 cell differentiation ratios were increased in the EAT + HT group compared to the other 3 groups. Serum H2S levels were decreased and the dissimilatory sulfate reduction (DSR) pathway was attenuated in the EAT + HT group compared to the EAT + Healthy group.

Conclusion

H2S alleviated thyroiditis severity and related immune disorders, which were aggravated by the FMT from HT patients. The attenuated DSR pathway in the gut microbiota from HT patients might be involved in thyroiditis pathogenesis.
Development, regeneration and aging: a bizarre love triangle
Authors: Cochella Luisa , Chaker Zayna
Published: October 2023

The Jacques Monod Conference on ‘Growth and regeneration during development and aging’ was organized by Claude Desplan and Allison Bardin in May 2023. The conference took place in Roscoff, France, where participants shared recent conceptual advances under the general motto that developmental processes do not end with embryogenesis. The meeting covered various aspects of how development relates to fitness, regeneration and aging across a refreshing diversity of evolutionarily distant organisms.
Bank Supervision and Corporate Credit Supply
Authors: Ivanov Ivan T. , Wang James Z.
Published: October 2023

We exploit the quasi-random assignment of federal bank examiners to syndicated loans to study the effect of supervision on corporate lending. Following supervisory rating downgrades, banks decrease credit commitments and downgrade internal risk assessments. Borrowers face larger commitment reductions whenever banks have low ex ante screening and monitoring incentives or whenever examiners’ assessments contain more information than banks’ assessments, suggesting that examinations complement bank monitoring. Although public firms can offset the loss of bank credit by tapping external capital markets, smaller and more opaque private firms draw on internal cash balances instead and reduce investment and sales growth.

This paper was accepted by Victoria Ivashina, finance.

Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4854 .
Age-related macular degeneration: care of the patient in the community setting
Authors: Stanford Penelope
Published: October 2023

The aim of this article is to explain age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and how it impacts on the wellbeing of patients in the community setting. It explores the anatomy and physiology associated with AMD, its symptoms and treatment, and goes on to discuss related nursing care.
A brief overview of obstetric brachial plexus palsy
Authors: Swift Amy
Published: October 2023

Obstetric brachial plexus palsy is an injury in newborn babies that is often associated with increased force on the neck during passage through the birth canal. This puts excessive strain on the brachial plexus and causes nerve injury. Obstetric brachial plexus palsy results from injury to the cervical roots C5–C8 and thoracic root T1. Although it has been known for patients to make a spontaneous recovery, there is a large subset who do not recover and require primary or secondary surgical intervention. This article discusses classification of the differing injuries within obstetric brachial plexus palsy, its prevalence and its aetiology. It also discusses the impact that the injury can have on individuals and the role of healthcare professionals involved in the diagnostic phases.
First detection of FAdV serotype 8b associated with Inclusion Body Hepatitis in broiler flocks in the southern part of Iraq during, 2022-2023
Authors:   Department of Basic Sciences, College of Nursing, University of Misan, Maysan 62001, Iraq., Kraidi Qayssar Ali , Almayahi Waleed Majeed ,   Department of Pathology and poultry diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Basra, Basra 61001, Iraq., Najem Harith Abdulla ,   Department of Pathology and poultry diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Basra, Basra 61001, Iraq.
Published: October 2023

Field observations reported many outbreaks of IBH infection in poultry flocks in different regions of Basra province leading to high economic losses, and the diagnosis of the disease is based on clinical signs and gross pathological lesions. Little information on FAdV recently circulating in the southern part of Iraq; thus, partial sequencing of hexon gene of four FAdV has been detected in the present study during the period between mid-2022 to the beginning of 2023 from various FAdV outbreaks in commercial broiler farms in southern parts of Iraq. The results showed the four Iraqi field strains of FAdV were closely related and shared a high identity of 100% to each other and to previous Iraqi strains from the northern part of Iraq. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the four viruses obtained from this study and two additional viruses from Ninawa province are classified as serotype 8b of FAdV group E, as a predominant serotype related to inclusion body hepatitis, and clustered along with the same 8b serotype of FAdV circulating in Indonesia, Turkey, and Israel. The results provided useful genetic information on FAdV that recently reemerged in Iraq in 2022 and 2023 and might assist in the production of a local vaccine for FAdV serotype 8b.
Supplementation of different sources of selenium on laying performance, egg quality traits, and shell calcification expressions in 50 weeks Lohmann Brown layer hen reproductive tract
Authors:   Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia, Hemly Nur Izzah Mohd , Zainuddin Nurafiqah Najwa ,   Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia, Muhammad Aliyu Ibrahim ,   Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State 720223, Nigeria, Chwen Loh Teck ,   Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia, Samsudin Anjas Asmara ,   Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia
Published: October 2023

Massive consumption and exportation of eggs in Malaysia are possible by maintaining and improving layer productive performances and egg quality through antioxidant supplementation such as selenium. The bioavailability of organic selenium in tissues resulted in a preference for organic selenium in poultry diets. The present study assesses the effects of feeding 50 weeks layer hens with sodium selenite, selenised yeast, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, ADS18 as a source of selenium and vitamin E on laying integrity, egg qualities, and reproductive gene expressions. The four different treatments (diets) used in the experiment were tagged as follows: Control: a basal diet containing 100 mg/kg vitamin E, SS: basal diet plus 0.3 mg/kg sodium selenite, Se-yeast: basal diet plus 0.3 mg/kg selenised yeast, and VADS18: basal diet plus 0.3 mg/kg ADS18. Productive performances were analysed throughout a 90-days of production. Eggs were collected biweekly, and egg qualities were measured. The uterine and magnum tissues were examined for the genes ovocleidin and ovocalyxin; OCX32, OCX36, OC17 and OC116. The results showed that Se-yeast significantly (P < 0.05) increased laying integrity, while VADS18 supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) increased egg weight. Supplementation of different selenium sources significantly (P < 0.05) improved egg production and quality. Additionally, uterine gene expression was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by VADS18 supplementation. Therefore, adding organic selenium to the diet maintained various laying performance indicators, egg qualities, and upregulated gene expression. Further evaluations are required to determine the optimum inclusion level of ADS18 poultry.
Morphometric and Meristic Variations of Mystus albolineatus Roberts, 1994 in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Authors:   Department of Biology, School of Education, Can Tho University, Xuan Khanh ward, Ninh Kieu district, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam, Nguyen Ton Huu Duc , Dinh Quang ,   Department of Biology, School of Education, Can Tho University, Xuan Khanh ward, Ninh Kieu district, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam
Published: October 2023

This study contributed to investigating the changes in morphometric and meristic variations in Mystus albolineatus at two different sites in the Mekong Delta (VMD). This is a high economic-value fish species in the region. The study was conducted for 12 months (03/2022 - 02/2023) at two sites along the Hau River (a branch of the Mekong River) with different environmental characteristics, including a freshwater site year-round at Cai Rang (Can Tho City) and a site affected by saltwater intrusion during the dry season at Long Phu (Soc Trang province). Fish samples were collected using different fishing gear of various sizes. The results obtained 825 individuals (443 females and 382 males) at both sites (408 at Cai Rang and 417 at Long Phu). Through the analysis process, it was found that the total length (TL) and weight (W) of this fish species were significantly influenced by gender and season. Both parameters were significantly higher in females (TL:11.13±0.09 SE cm; W: 10.17±0.06 SE g) than in males (TL: 10.68±0.10 SE cm; W: 9.95±0.07 SE g). Meanwhile, during the dry season (TL: 10.15±0.10 SE cm; W: 9.58±0.08 SE g), the fish had lower length and weight compared to the wet season (TL: 11.42±0.08 SE cm; W: 10.39±0.05 SE g). The interaction between gender and season also significantly affected the TL of Mystus albolineatus. In addition, eye diameter (ED), eye distance (DE), body height (BH), head length (HL), ED/HL, DE/HL, BH/TL, and HL/TL all showed significant differences by gender and season. The results of this study on the morphological characteristics of this fish species indicate that it adapts well to the environment at both research sites. The findings of this study provide basic data on the variation in morphological characteristics of Mystus albolineatus in the VMD region.
Genetic and Non-Genetic Factors Affecting Test Day Milk Yield and Milk Composition Traits in Crossbred Dairy Cattle in Ethiopia
Authors:   Department of Animal Sciences, college of Agriculture, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia, Bekele Rekik , Taye Mestawet ,   School of Animal and Range Sciences, College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, Hawassa, P.O. Box 05, Ethiopia, Abebe Girma ,   School of Animal and Range Sciences, College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, Hawassa, P.O. Box 05, Ethiopia, Meseret Selam ,   Livestock Genetics, International Livestock Research Institute, Addis Ababa, P.O. Box 5689, Ethiopia
Published: October 2023

This study evaluated the effects of genotype, parity, days in milk (DIM), calving season (CS), and calving year (CY) on the milk yield and composition traits of four hundred twenty lactating crossbred dairy cows in 13 districts in Ethiopia. Test day milk yield (TMY), protein (P), fat (F), lactose (L), solid not fat (SNF), density (D), total solids (TS), total protein (TP), casein (CN), whey (W), salts (S), and freezing point (FP) were determined using standard procedures. The data were analyzed using generalized linear models (GLM) using R software. Cows in the genetic group ≥ 87.5%, at 101–200 days, calved in the rainy season, in 2022, and at second parity all had the highest value of TMY. F, SNF, and TS were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by genotype, DIM, CS, CY, and parity. F was higher in cows with ≤ 50% genetic group, in early and late lactation, in the dry season, in 2020, in primiparous and above parity three cows than their counterparts. Proteins (P, TP, CN, and W) were affected by genotype, DIM, and CY but not by CS and parity (P<0.05). All milk proteins had a higher value in cows with ≤ 50% genetic group, and in early lactation. In this study, milk yield and composition were affected by genetic and non-genetic factors, providing an opportunity for crossbreeding programs to balance the quality and quantity of milk by manipulating the level of the exotic gene found in cows, choosing the best agro-climatic conditions, and improving the level of management.
Should Iceland engage in policy dialogue with developing countries?
Authors: Hilmarsson Hilmar Þór
Published: October 2023

This article provides a brief overview of the current status of Icelandic development cooperation, bilaterally and multilaterally, and argues that it is time for Iceland to become more engaged in policy dialogue with developing countries on issues related to public sector reform and economic policy. Iceland should also in the authors view take more advantages of the extensive knowledge that Icelandic experts possess, and the experience they have gained, both in Iceland and internationally. Iceland should be more active in offering exerts in the public service, in the academia, as well as in the private sector to provide policy advise and technical assistance to developing countries that are implementing complex economic and public sector reforms. A number of those exerts have also gained considerable international experience in implementing policy reform programs. The article then discusses two cases: (i) the case of Latvia where Iceland rushed to recognize its independence, but did little to assist the country in the post independence period, and (ii), the case of Vietnam where a country like Iceland could provide valuable assistance to a country that is achieving remarkable progress in poverty reduction, implementing important public sector reforms and creating a better business environment for foreign investors. This article is based on the authors experience as chairman of the Board of the Icelandic International Development Agency (ICEIDA) and as Special Advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs in Iceland from 1995 to 1999, and as World Bank specialist at the Bank’s Head Quarters in Washington DC from 1990 to 1995, in Latvia from 1999 to 2003 and in Vietnam from 2003 to 2006.
Örugg netföng. Tillaga um þjóðarnetföng á Íslandi
Authors: Arnþórsson Haukur
Published: October 2023

Þjóðarnetföng eru lausn fyrir samskipti á netinu milli almennings annars vegar, þar sem hann kemur fram undir eigin nafni og hins vegar aðila sem þurfa að vita við hvern þeir tala svo sem stjórnvöld og stjórnmálastofnanir, fjölmiðla, fjármálafyrirtæki og viðskiptafyrirtæki. Lausnin breytir ekki möguleikum varðandi nafnleysi netsins. Þjóðarnetföng gætu haft umtalsverð félagsleg áhrif og aukið öryggi netvinnslu innanlands. Þau henta sérstaklega vel fyrir börn og unglinga og eldra fólk og er eðlilegt að skólar taki þau upp í rekstri sínum. Þjóðarnetföng auðvelda úrlausn ýmissa opinberra verkefna og með þeim má nota margar vottanaaðferðir, sem virðist í takt við framtíðarþarfir. Þjóðarnetföng sameina bandarískar leiðir í auðkennanotkun, sem byggja á netföngum og evrópskar, sem byggja á vottunum. Samanlagt mynda þær kerfi sem vísar til framtíðar.
Anthony Shadid: Night Draws Near. Iraq´s People in the Shadow of America´s War
Authors: Sigurðsson Davíð Logi
Published: October 2023

Okkur berast daglega fréttir af manndrápum í Írak, óhætt er að nota orðið blóðbað um þá atburði sem hafa átt sér stað í landinu síðastliðin tvö og hálft ár. Og eftir því sem á hefur liðið hafa þær fréttir líklega hætt að vera til þess fallnar að dýpka skilning okkar á framvindu mála í Írak. Þær eru keimlíkar dag frá degi, upptalning á mannfalli dagsins. Það kemur því vel á vondan að nú hefur bandaríski blaðamaðurinn Anthony Shadid sent frá sér bók, Night Draws Near: Iraq’s People in the Shadow of America´s War, sem veitir einstæða innsýn inn í það hvernig málum vatt fram mánuðina eftir innrás Bandaríkjamanna í mars 2003 og hvernig venjulegir Írakar hafa upplifað atburði þá sem átt hafa sér stað frá því að Bandaríkjastjórn einsetti sér að velta stjórn Saddams Husseins í Írak.
Guðni Th. Jóhannesson: Óvinir ríkisins: Ógnir og innra öryggi í kalda stríðinu á Íslandi
Authors: Stephensen Ólafur Þ.
Published: October 2023

Áhugamenn um sögu kalda stríðsins á Íslandi hafa fengið nóg að lesa á árinu 2006. Umræður og deilur um njósnir og hleranir á þessum viðsjárverðu tímum í Íslandssögunni hafa skipað háan sess í fjölmiðlum, fyrst eftir að Guðni Th. Jóhannesson sagnfræðingur opinberaði í maí að íslenzk stjórnvöld hefðu sex sinnum fengið heimild til að hlera síma sósíalista í kalda stríðinu, síðan í framhaldi af því að Þór Whitehead sagnfræðiprófessor birti í tímaritinu Þjóðmálum ritgerð sína um leynilega öryggisþjónustudeild lögreglunnar í Reykjavík, sem m.a. hélt spjaldskrá yfir kommúnista og fylgismenn þeirra. Umræðurnar um þessi mál bera því glöggt vitni að ekki er enn kulnað í glæðum kalda stríðsins og bergmál umræðna á tímum kalda stríðsins má jafnframt heyra í umræðum um öryggis- og varnarmál Ísland, þótt allar aðstæður séu gjörbreyttar.
Guðni Th. Jóhannesson: Þorskastríðin þrjú - saga landhelgismálsins 1948-1976
Authors: Ágústsson Helgi
Published: October 2023

Stærstu baráttumál sem Íslendingar hafa ætlað sér sigur í eru vafalítið baráttan fyrir sjálfstæði þjóðarinnar og útfærslur fiskveiðilögsögunnar sem byggðust á landgrunnslögunum frá 1948 og miðuðu að því að vernda fiskistofnana kringum landið. Þessi baráttumál voru af sama meiði og vel er orðað í sálmi Jóns Magnússonar, "Föðurland vort hálft er hafið". Þau fleygu orð eru einkunnarorð Landhelgisgæslu Íslands og lýsa í sjálfu sér mikilvægi þess að vernda sjávarauðlindirnar kringum Ísland sem undirstöðu efnahagslífs á Íslandi alla síðustu öld og til framtíðar. Guðni Th. Jóhannesson er höfundur bókarinnar Þorskastríðin þrjú - saga landhelgismálsins 1948-1976, sem Hafréttarstofnun Íslands gaf út árið 2006. Bókin er vönduð að allri gerð og fjallar á lipran og greinargóðan hátt um þessa mikilvægu baráttu. Guðni fléttar hér saman átökum skipstjórnarmanna landhelgisgæslunnar á hafi úti við bresk herskip og dráttarbáta og tvísýnu tafli stjórnmálamanna sem af djörfung tóku ákvarðanir sem kröfðust mikils pólitísks styrks og þolinmæði, ákvarðanir sem eyðilagt gátu ríkisstjórnarsamstarf og pólitíska framtíð þeirra, kostað mannslíf á hafi úti og valdið efnahagslífi þjóðarinnar gríðarlegu tjóni.
Guðjón Friðriksson: Saga af Forseta. Forsetatíð Ólafs Ragnars Grímssonar. Útrás, athafnir og einkamál
Authors: Hermannsson Birgir
Published: October 2023

Í umsögn gagnrýnanda kemur meðal annars eftirfarandi fram:

Gagnrýnin umræða um orð og gerðir forseta Íslands hverju sinni eiga að vera sjálfsagður hluti af almennri umræðu í samfélaginu, en einn af kostunum við bók Guðjóns er að hún leggur grunninn að upplýstri umræðu um forsetatíð Ólafs Ragnars fyrir þá sem áhuga hafa. ... Óhætt er að fullyrða að hún verði ómissandi heimild um forsetatíð Ólafs Ragnars og samtíð hans, sem og alla umræðu um forsetaembættið sem slíkt.
Páll Valsson: Vigdís - kona verður forseti
Authors: Ómarsdóttir Silja Bára
Published: October 2023

Í umsögn gagnrýnanda kemur meðal annars eftirfarandi fram:

[Vigdís] hafði löngu fyrir forsetaframboð sitt valið sér það hlutskipti í lífinu að þjóna landi sínu og þjóð, og sýna menningu hennar og sögu alla þá virðingu sem hún greinilega ber í brjósti. Það skipti eflaust líka miklu að hún hafði sem fyrirmyndir sterkar konur, sem höfðu séð meira af heiminum en flestir Íslendingar höfðu á fyrri hluta síðustu aldar. Bók Páls Valssonar um Vigdísi Finnbogadóttur ætti að vera skyldulesning fyrir alla þá sem vilja öðlast skilning á íslensku samfélagi í dag. Fyrir utan að gefa góða mynd af þessari glæsilegu konu er hún merkileg heimild um íslenskt (og kannski einna helst reykvískt) samfélag á síðustu öld. Þetta er bók sem óhætt er að mæla með.
Björgvin G. Sigurðsson: Stormurinn - reynslusaga ráðherra
Authors: Sigurðsson Davíð Logi
Published: October 2023

Björgvin G. Sigurðsson átti undir högg að sækja sem viðskiptaráðherra í ríkisstjórn Samfylkingar og Sjálfstæðisflokks, a.m.k. ef marka má þá staðreynd að það var aðeins seint og um síðir sem hann var kallaður að borðinu helgina örlagaríku þegar ríkið tók Glitni yfir, í september 2008. Sjálfur vill Björgvin meina að margt gott hafi verið gert í ráðherratíð hans og hann telur fjarri lagi að eðlilegt hefði verið að vísa máli hans fyrir Landsdóm, þar sem hann hefði þurft að svara ákæru um vanrækslu í starfi. Björgvin slapp raunar við þau örlög, þegar Alþingi greiddi atkvæði þar um nú í haust, og bók hans Stormurinn markar viðleitni hans til að minna á sig, í pólitísku tilliti. Því fer hins vegar fjarri að bók hans risti nógu djúpt til að geta talist skyldulesning.
Styrmir Gunnarsson: Í köldu stríði – Vinátta og barátta á átakatímum
Authors: Steinarsson Valur Freyr
Published: October 2023

Í umsögn gagnrýnenda kemur meðal annars eftirfarandi fram:

Að mati þess sem hér rýnir er þörf á því að fara betur ofan í saumana á samskiptum Íslendinga við Bandaríkjamenn á tímum kalda stríðsins. Og verður því að taka undir það með bókarhöfundinn að kannski er núna þegar nokkuð er liðið síðan því lauk loksins kominn tími til þess að skoða kalda stríðið á Íslandi frá öllum hliðum.
Research on the interactive perception of color paper-cutting culture rendering based on AR
Authors: Huang Yuchen , Xu Yulei , Yuan Jiangping , Zan Chaoyuan , Xiao Kaida
Published: October 2023

To address the digital medium preference of the millennial generation, this study utilizes augmented reality (AR) technology for rendering color paper cuttings by developing a mobile terminal based on Unity 3D and 3ds Max to demonstrate digital works scanned by paper-cutting entities. Three subjective scaling experiments are conducted to evaluate the aesthetics, viewership, and impression of four genres of digital color paper cutting. The results show that observers have more preference for warm background with the maximum scaling value at the 7.5 mm/s playback speed and a specific superimposed order. Importantly, current experimental design and interactive evaluation provide a reference for AR display parameters.
Ghost imaging based on Fermat spiral laser array designed for remote sensing
Authors: Lai Wenchang , Lei Guozhong , Meng Qi , Ma Yanxing , Cui Wenda , Shi Dongfeng , Liu Hao , Wang Yan , Han Kai
Published: October 2023

We propose a Fermat spiral laser array as illumination source in ghost imaging. Due to the aperiodic structure, the Fermat spiral laser array generates illuminating light field without spatial periodicity on the normalized second-order intensity correlation function. A single-pixel detector is used to receive the signal light from object for image reconstruction. The effects of laser array parameters on the quality of ghost imaging are analyzed comprehensively. Through experimental demonstration, the Fermat spiral laser array successfully achieves ghost imaging with high quality by combining with the compressive sensing reconstruction algorithm. This method is expected to be applied in remote sensing by combining with phased and collimated fiber laser array equipped with the high emitting power and high-speed modulation frequency.
Optimization of sub-relativistic co-propagating accelerating structures
Authors: Palmeri R. , Salerno N. , Mauro G. S. , Rocco D. , Locatelli A. , Torrisi G. , Sorbello G.
Published: October 2023

In this paper, novel optimization methodologies of sub-relativistic guided interaction structures for dielectric laser particle acceleration (DLA) are presented. In particular, we focus on co-propagating geometries based on slot waveguides in continuous wave (CW) operation, where the particle flow and the direction of propagation of the accelerating field are co-linear. Since the velocity of sub-relativistic particles varies along the acceleration path, proper tapering of the waveguide geometry is required to achieve an extended acceleration region, and, thus a large energy gain. The design of an optimal taper ensuring particle-wave synchronicity and maximum energy gain is pursued through a physics-based approach, and these results are compared, for validation, with the outcomes of a downhill simplex method searching algorithm. Additionally, the application of a simplified 2D model of the accelerating slot waveguide is investigated and profitably used to get qualitative results useful for fast structure optimization. Indeed, this approach can hold significant potential for the development of novel accelerating structures, as it enables a thorough and fast exploration of the design space.
Surpassing the limitation of a coherence length in lidar by digital coherence
Authors: Wu Shao-bo , Mo Di , Wang Ran , Ke Chang-Jun , Fan Zhong-Wei
Published: October 2023

In this manuscript, we propose a digital coherent detection method to surpass the limitation of a coherent length on the detection range of a coherent lidar. This method rapidly reconstructs the laser phase noise utilizing the multi-channel delay self-homodyne and the generalized inverse of the system observation matrix. Subsequently, the reconstructed phase noise is utilized to expunge its perturbation onto the target information in the digital domain, thereby effectively surmounting the coherence length limitation. Through experimentation, the proposed method is verified to produce stable and high-quality interference even when the optical path difference between two beams exceeds 1000 times the coherence length. Additionally, the equivalent laser linewidth is compressed by 105 times.
Research on the Tooth-shaped Nanoscale Refractive Index Sensor Structure in Optical Fano Resonance
Authors: Yan Shubin , Li Lei , Liu Feng , Zhang Yi , Cui Yang , Zhu Chuanhui , Wu Taiquan , Zhang Qizhi , Gao Guowang
Published: October 2023

In this paper, the tooth-shaped nanoscale refractive index sensor structure is designed, which consists of a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide and an inner and outer tooth-shaped ring cavity with an embedded single ellipse (IOTRC-ESEE). The performance and structure of the overall nanoscale sensor are comprehensively evaluated by employing the finite element method (FEM) and coupled mode theory (CMT). The impact of various geometric parameters on sensor characteristics was rigorously assessed. The investigation ascertained that the thickness of the dielectric layer significantly influences the optical Fano resonance, emerging as a crucial parameter in its effectuation. The study finally shows that IOTRC-ESEE has a sensitivity of 3060 nm/RIU, a Figure of Merit (FOM) of 60, and possesses high sensitivity and structural complexity.
Metacommunity structure preserves genome diversity in the presence of gene-specific selective sweeps under moderate rates of horizontal gene transfer
Authors: Pompei Simone , Bella Edoardo , Weitz Joshua S. , Grilli Jacopo , Lagomarsino Marco Cosentino
Published: October 2023

The horizontal transfer of genes is fundamental for the eco-evolutionary dynamics of microbial communities, such as oceanic plankton, soil, and the human microbiome. In the case of an acquired beneficial gene, classic population genetics would predict a genome-wide selective sweep, whereby the genome spreads clonally within the community and together with the beneficial gene, removing genome diversity. Instead, several sources of metagenomic data show the existence of “gene-specific sweeps”, whereby a beneficial gene spreads across a bacterial community, maintaining genome diversity. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain this process, including the decreasing gene flow between ecologically distant populations, frequency-dependent selection from linked deleterious allelles, and very high rates of horizontal gene transfer. Here, we propose an additional possible scenario grounded in eco-evolutionary principles. Specifically, we show by a mathematical model and simulations that a metacommunity where species can occupy multiple patches, acting together with a realistic (moderate) HGT rate, helps maintain genome diversity. Assuming a scenario of patches dominated by single species, our model predicts that diversity only decreases moderately upon the arrival of a new beneficial gene, and that losses in diversity can be quickly restored. We explore the generic behaviour of diversity as a function of three key parameters, frequency of insertion of new beneficial genes, migration rates and horizontal transfer rates.Our results provides a testable explanation for how diversity can be maintained by gene-specific sweeps even in the absence of high horizontal gene transfer rates.