bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social-ecological features of set nets small-scale fisheries in the context of Mediterranean marine protected areas
Authors: CALÒ ANTONIO , DI FRANCO ANTONIO , DIMITRIADIS CHARALAMPOS , PIACENTINI LEA , VENTURA PATRICIA , PEY ALEXIS , GARCÍA-CHARTON JOSÉ ANTONIO , CHARBONNEL ERIC , DECUGIS VICTOR , DE FRANCO FRANCESCO , FOURNARI-KONSTANTINIDOU IVONI , GRBIN JOSIPA , KASTELIC LUKA , MEROTTO LORENZO , RINAUDO ILARIA , MARIE-CATHERINE MARIE-CATHERINE , SOBRADO-LLOMPART FRANCISCO , TRUJILLO-ALARCON MARIA , QUATTROCCHI FEDERICO , MILAZZO MARCO , GUIDETTI PAOLO
Published: September 2023

The small-scale fisheries (SSF) sector has attracted considerable attention over the last decade due to its major importance in sustaining the livelihoods of coastal communities worldwide, poverty alleviation, food security, social wealth and traditions. Despite this importance, quantitative and qualitative information on SSF is still largely lacking and when available, it tends to be scattered or very localized. SSF are also among the very few professional extractive activities generally allowed within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and are therefore expected to acquire further momentum in the near future in light of the projected increase of protected marine surface area due to international commitments. However, SSF associated with areas including MPAs may differ from those operating in unprotected contexts with regard to a range of socio-ecological aspects, thus potentially making management strategies currently in force unsuitable, and requiring the development of ad hoc local and regional policies. Here, we assessed the socio-ecological dimension of SSF operating within and around 11 Mediterranean MPAs, in six EU countries, with the aim of identifying relevant patterns that could inform policy and management relative to this fishing sector in view of the forthcoming increase of the marine surface area under protection. To do so, we have adopted a collaborative approach with fishers and combined a photo-sampling survey of 1,292 set net (mainly trammel-nets) fishing operations at landing with 149 semi-structured interviews with fishers, to gather information on features and catches of SSF fleets (e.g. vessel characteristics, gears, catch composition, catch and revenue per unit of effort). Overall, results highlighted: 1) multiple shared features emerging at regional level (i.e. among the 11 study areas), such as the predominant use of set nets, the major contribution of a limited number of species to the overall catch and revenue, the occurrence in the catch of threatened species and/or undersized individuals; 2) a variety of distinctive socio-ecological features differentiating local SSF communities such as the species mainly contributing to catch and revenue, species size distribution and fleet characteristics. In addition to presenting elements to inform common policies and strategies for SSF management in the context of MPAs, our study provides guidance for the development of a standard methodology for the full documentation of SSF in the Mediterranean Sea.
Barriers to and facilitators for the creation, dissemination, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of oral health policies in the WHO Africa region: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Carrasco-Labra Alonso , Verdugo-Paiva Francisca , Matanhire-Zihanzu Cleopatra N. , Booth Emmett , Kohler Iliana V. , Urquhart Olivia , Makino Yuka , Glick Michael
Published: September 2023

Background: Evidence-informed oral health policies (OHP) can be instrumental in ending the neglect of oral health globally. When appropriately developed and implemented, OHP can improve the efficiency of healthcare systems and the quality of health outcomes. However, more than half of the countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) African region did not have an oral health policy or even the existence of a policy in need of additional and more national-specific OHP as part of non-communicable diseases and universal health coverage agendas. The objective of this protocol’s study is to determine the barriers to and facilitators for the creation, dissemination, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of OHP in the WHO Africa region.

Methods: We will conduct a systematic search in Global Health, Embase, PubMed, PAIS, ABI/Inform, Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, Scopus, databases that index gray literature, and the WHO policy repositories. We will include qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research studies and OHP documents published since January 1, 2002, which address stakeholders' perceptions and experiences regarding barriers to and facilitators for the creation, dissemination, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of OHP in countries part of the WHO African region. We will produce descriptive statistics (frequencies and proportions) for quantitative data and conduct descriptive content analysis for qualitative data.

Discussion: To effectively establish evidence-based OHP in the WHO African region, it is crucial to recognize existing challenges and opportunities for progress. The findings of this review will be relevant for Chief Dental Officers at ministries of health, administrators of dental schools, or academic institutions in the WHO African region and will inform a stakeholder dialogue meeting in Kenya in November of 2023.

Registration: Open Science Framework: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/9KMWR
Effect of atorvastatin on subclinical atherosclerosis in virally-suppressed HIV-infected patients with CMV seropositivity: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Yunihastuti Evy , Rusdi Lusiani , Syahrir Azizi Muhammad , Estiasari Riwanti , Jasirwan Chyntia Olivia Maurine , Wulandari Endah Ayu T. , Purnamasari Dyah , Shinta Noviar Mutiara , Aman Nasution Sally
Published: September 2023

Background: Persistent immune activation and inflammation in HIV-infection are linked to excess cardiovascular risk and other non-communicable diseases. Periodic asymptomatic CMV-reactivity in HIV infected patients over a lifetime may contribute to non-AIDS defining morbidity. Despite undetectable levels of HIV and CMV, these patients continue to have increased levels of biomarkers and immune activations. Statin administration is thought to reduce subclinical atherosclerosis by decreasing LDL-C levels. It may also add beneficial effects against CMV infection.

Methods: We are conducting a double-blind placebo-controlled trial in which patients are randomized to receive either atorvastatin or placebo with a ratio of 1:1. This trial aims to study the effect of atorvastatin in statin-naive virally-suppressed HIV-infected patients with stable ART and CMV seropositivity on carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), tool that evaluates subclinical atherosclerosis. The study recruits 80 patients at HIV integrated care unit of Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital. All eligible subjects have CIMT evaluation as primary outcome, along with flow mediated vasodilatation (FMD), liver fibrosis and steatosis evaluation, fasting lipid, neurocognitive test, community periodontal index (CPI), and residual immune activation as secondary outcomes in 48 weeks.

Ethics and dissemination: This study has received an ethical approval from Health Research Ethics Commitee–Universitas Indonesia and Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital. Before joining the study, all participants fill in an informed consent form. At the end of study analysis, the trial results will be published and disseminated in peer-reviewed journals.

Discussion: The main purpose of our study is to evaluate the effect of atorvastatin administration on CIMT changes in statin naïve virally suppressed HIV-infected patients with stable ART and CMV seropositivity

Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT04101136; registered on 24 September 2019.
Fluorescent reporter of Caenorhabditis elegans Parkin: Regulators of its abundance and role in autophagy-lysosomal dynamics
Authors: Vozdek Roman , Wang Bingying , Li Kathy H. , Pramstaller Peter P. , Hicks Andrew A. , Ma Dengke K.
Published: September 2023

Background: Parkin, which when mutated leads to early-onset Parkinson’s disease, acts as an E3 ubiquitin ligase. How Parkin is regulated for selective protein and organelle targeting is not well understood. Here, we used protein interactor and genetic screens in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) to identify new regulators of Parkin abundance and showed their impact on autophagy-lysosomal dynamics and alpha-Synuclein processing.

Methods: We generated a transgene encoding mCherry-tagged C. elegans Parkin – Parkinson’s Disease Related 1 (PDR-1). We performed protein interactor screen using Co-immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry analysis to identify putative interacting partners of PDR-1. Ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) screen and an unbiased mutagenesis screen were used to identify genes regulating PDR-1 abundance. Confocal microscopy was used for the identification of the subcellular localization of PDR-1 and alpha-Synuclein processing.

Results: We show that the mCherry::pdr-1 transgene rescues the mitochondrial phenotype of pdr-1 mutants and that the expressed PDR-1 reporter is localized in the cytosol with enriched compartmentalization in the autophagy-lysosomal system. We determined that the transgenic overexpression of the PDR-1 reporter, due to inactivated small interfering RNA (siRNA) generation pathway, disrupts autophagy-lysosomal dynamics. From the RNAi screen of putative PDR-1 interactors we found that the inactivated Adenine Nucleotide Translocator ant-1.1/hANT, or hybrid ubiquitin genes ubq-2/hUBA52 and ubl-1/hRPS27A encoding a single copy of ubiquitin fused to the ribosomal proteins L40 and S27a, respectively, induced PDR-1 abundance and affected lysosomal dynamics. In addition, we demonstrate that the abundant PDR-1 plays a role in alpha-Synuclein processing.

Conclusions: These data show that the abundant reporter of C. elegans Parkin affects the autophagy-lysosomal system together with alpha-Synuclein processing which can help in understanding the pathology in Parkin-related diseases.
Statistical analysis plan for the Petal trial: the effects of parental touch on relieving acute procedural pain in neonates
Authors: Baxter Luke , Hauck Annalisa G.V. , Bhatt Aomesh , Cobo Maria M. , Hartley Caroline , Marchant Simon , Poorun Ravi , van der Vaart Marianne , Slater Rebeccah
Published: September 2023

Background: Infants undergo multiple clinically-required painful procedures during their time in hospital, and there is an increasing desire from both parents and clinical staff to have parents directly involved in their newborn’s pain relief. The Petal trial is a multicentre randomised controlled trial to investigate the effect of parental touch prior to a clinically-required heel lance on neonatal pain responses and parental anxiety. To avoid biases due to selective analysis and reporting, a clinical trial’s statistical analysis plan (SAP) should be finalised and registered prior to dataset lock and unblinding. Here, we outline the SAP for the Petal trial, which was registered on the ISRCTN registry prior to dataset lock and unblinding. The SAP is written in line with best practice guidelines to provide sufficient detail for reproducibility.

Methods: The primary outcome is the neonate’s brain activity recorded using electroencephalography (EEG) in response to a heel lance blood sampling procedure. In this superiority trial, the primary objective is to investigate the potential efficacy of a parent-led non-pharmacological analgesic intervention on reducing the magnitude of neonates’ noxious stimulus-evoked brain activity. Secondary outcomes include neonatal clinical pain scores and tachycardia, and parental anxiety.

Conclusions: Paediatric pain trials have been highlighted by regulatory bodies as an important and challenging topic, with interest increasing in brain imaging outcomes. The Petal trial, to which this SAP relates, is part of a larger effort of establishing a brain-based EEG outcome measure of infant pain for use in clinical trials. This SAP is thus likely to be of interest to those in academia, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory bodies. We hope this SAP will help establish a foundation for the use of brain imaging outcomes in neonatal pain clinical trials, on which best practices can be built.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04901611, 25/05/2021; ISRCTN: ISRCTN14135962, 23/08/2021).
Liaisons fructueuses : théories des sémioticiens français comme source d’inspiration pour les chercheurs polonais en traduction intersémiotique
Authors: Stodolna Aleksandra
Published: September 2023

FRUCTUOUS LIAISONS: THEORIES OF FRENCH SEMIOTICIANS AS A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION FOR POLISH RESEARCHERS IN INTERSEMIOTIC TRANSLATION

Today, reflection on film adaptation and intersemiotic translation oscillates between two extremes: “one-off” analyses of concrete works on the one hand, and global reflection on the multimodal nature of new media, on the other. From this perspective, intersemioticity is conceived as a quality “hidden” in every text, including those with no other codes than the verbal code; in such cases, adapting the text to other media “reveals” its intrinsic intersemiotic potential. But in following this new path, scholars have moved away from the original aim of the French Semiotics: to prove that Jakobson was right in declaring that intersemiotic translation is a process that can be compared to interlinguistic translation, that the former is subject to the same rules as the latter and, consequently, that transmutation can be analyzed using the methods and tools originally created for interlinguistic translation. There is, however, a group of Polish researchers who have carried out, and continue to carry out, in-depth research into the problem of “adaptation-as-translation”. In this article, I shall attempt to outline the impact that French theory (first filmological, then semiotic and semiological) has had on intersemiotic translation research (by authors publishing both in French and in Polish); my second aim is to familiarize French-speaking readers with the “Polish school’s” theories of adaptation-as-translation, especially those of Seweryna Wysłouch, and their potential to promote and deepen reflection on the language of film and intersemiotic translation.
Eliciting Informative Priors by Modeling Expert Decision Making
Authors: Falconer Julia R. , Frank Eibe , Polaschek Devon L. L. , Joshi Chaitanya
Published: September 2023

There are significant limitations to current methods for eliciting the prior beliefs of experts. To combat some of these limitations, this paper proposes an alternative approach that infers an expert’s prior beliefs about an uncertain event, A, from the expert’s past decisions. We show that an analyst can use past information on an expert’s decision-making task, contingent on an expert’s prior of A, to model the decision-making process and infer an approximation of the prior for A. This concept is illustrated by an application to recidivism. We conclude this work by highlighting important directions for future research.

Funding: J. R. Falconer’s research is funded through the University of Waikato Doctoral Scholarship.
Code and Data Repository for Exact Matrix Factorization Updates for Nonlinear Programming
Authors: Escobedo Adolfo R.
Published: September 2023

This archive is distributed in association with the INFORMS Journal on Computing under the MIT License. The software and data in this repository are a snapshot of the software and data associated with the paper "Exact Matrix Factorization Updates for Nonlinear Programming", by Adolfo R. Escobedo. The snapshot is based on this SHA in the development repository. Important: This code is being periodically updated to add more features at https://github.com/adolfoescobedo/REF-ROU. Please go there if you would like to get a more recent version
Managing Carbon Foot Prints in Supply Chain for Imperfect Quality Items
Authors: Bhardwaj Sahil , Mittal Mandeep , Chaudhary Riju
Published: September 2023

Producing 100% high-quality items is a challenging task in today’s era, which often results in the delivery of defective products. Therefore, inspecting the lot becomes a necessity. This paper investigates the impact of environmental concerns on the inventory model by incorporating fuel costs and emission taxes. The objective of the study is to minimize the expected total cost and determine the optimal order quantity. The study includes a numerical example with sensitivity analysis to determine the model’s robustness. The findings of the study indicate that minimizing emissions also reduces the expected total cost. The paper highlights the significance of considering environmental concerns in inventory management. The study highlights the importance of addressing environmental issues in inventory management and provides a framework for minimizing costs while considering the impact on the environment.
Coherent Fourier scatterometry: a holistic tool for inspection of isolated particles or defects on gratings
Authors: Paul Anubhav , Kolenov Dmytro , Scholte Thomas , Pereira Silvania F.
Published: September 2023

Detecting defects on diffraction gratings is crucial for ensuring their performance and reliability. Practical detection of these defects poses challenges due to their subtle nature. We perform numerical investigations and demonstrate experimentally the capability of coherent Fourier scatterometry (CFS) to detect particles as small as 100 nm and also other irregularities that are encountered usually on diffraction gratings. Our findings indicate that CFS is a viable tool for inspection of diffraction gratings.
Phantoms for evaluating the impact of skin pigmentation on photoacoustic imaging and oximetry performance
Authors: Vogt William C. , Wear Keith A. , Pfefer T. Joshua
Published: September 2023

Recent reports have raised concerns of potential racial disparities in performance of optical oximetry technologies. To investigate how variable epidermal melanin content affects performance of photoacoustic imaging (PAI) devices, we developed plastisol phantoms combining swappable skin-mimicking layers with a breast phantom containing either India ink or blood adjusted to 50–100% SO2 using sodium dithionite. Increasing skin pigmentation decreased maximum imaging depth by up to 25%, enhanced image clutter, and increased root-mean-square error in SO2 from 8.0 to 17.6% due to signal attenuation and spectral coloring effects. This phantom tool can aid in evaluating PAI device robustness to ensure high performance in all patients.
Dirac semimetal-assisted near-field radiative thermal rectifier and thermostat based on phase transition of vanadium dioxide
Authors: Wen Shuang , Zhang Yuhang , Ma Yicheng , Sun Zhiqiang
Published: September 2023

The near-field thermal radiation has broad application prospects in micro-nano-scale thermal management technology. In this paper, we report the Dirac semimetal-assisted (AlCuFe quasicrystal) near-field radiative thermal rectifier (DSTR) and thermostat (DST), respectively. The DSTR is made of a Dirac semimetal-covered vanadium dioxide (VO2) plate and silicon dioxide (SiO2) plate separated by a vacuum gap. The left and right sides of DST are consisted of the SiO2 covered with Dirac semimetal, and the intermediate plate is the VO2. The strong coupling of the surface electromagnetic modes between the Dirac semimetal, SiO2, and insulating VO2 leads to enhance near-field radiative transfer. In the DSTR, the net radiative heat flux of VO2 in the insulating state is much larger than that in metallic state. When the vacuum gap distance d=100 nm, Fermi level EF=0.20 eV, and film thickness t=12 nm, the global rectification factor of DSTR is 3.5, which is 50% higher than that of structure without Dirac semimetal. In the DST, the equilibrium temperature of the VO2 can be controlled accurately to achieve the switching between the metallic and insulating state of VO2. When the vacuum gap distance d=60 nm, intermediate plate thickness δ=30 nm, and film thickness t=2 nm, with the modulation of Fermi level between 0.05-0.15 eV, the equilibrium temperature of VO2 can be controlled between 325-371 K. In brief, when the crystalline state of VO2 changes between the insulating and metallic state with temperature, the active regulation of near-field thermal radiation can be realized in both two-body and three-body parallel plate structure. This work will pave a way to further improve performance of near-field radiative thermal management and modulation.
azyx-1 is a new gene that overlaps with zyxin and affects its translation in C. elegans, impacting muscular integrity and locomotion
Authors: Parmar Bhavesh S. , Kieswetter Amanda , Geens Ellen , Vandewyer Elke , Ludwig Christina , Temmerman Liesbet
Published: September 2023

Overlapping genes are widely prevalent; however, their expression and consequences are poorly understood. Here, we describe and functionally characterize a novel zyx-1 overlapping gene, azyx-1, with distinct regulatory functions in Caenorhabditis elegans. We observed conservation of alternative open reading frames (ORFs) overlapping the 5′ region of zyxin family members in several animal species, and find shared sites of azyx-1 and zyxin proteoform expression in C. elegans. In line with a standard ribosome scanning model, our results support cis regulation of zyx-1 long isoform(s) by upstream initiating azyx-1a. Moreover, we report on a rare observation of trans regulation of zyx-1 by azyx-1, with evidence of increased ZYX-1 upon azyx-1 overexpression. Our results suggest a dual role for azyx-1 in influencing zyx-1 proteoform heterogeneity and highlight its impact on C. elegans muscular integrity and locomotion.
A new polymodal gating model of the proton-activated chloride channel
Authors: Zhao Piao , Tang Cheng , Yang Yuqin , Xiao Zhen , Perez-Miller Samantha , Zhang Heng , Luo Guoqing , Liu Hao , Li Yaqi , Liao Qingyi , Yang Fan , Dong Hao , Khanna Rajesh , Liu Zhonghua
Published: September 2023

The proton–activated chloride (PAC) channel plays critical roles in ischemic neuron death, but its activation mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we investigated the gating of PAC channels using its novel bifunctional modulator C77304. C77304 acted as a weak activator of the PAC channel, causing moderate activation by acting on its proton gating. However, at higher concentrations, C77304 acted as a weak inhibitor, suppressing channel activity. This dual function was achieved by interacting with 2 modulatory sites of the channel, each with different affinities and dependencies on the channel’s state. Moreover, we discovered a protonation–independent voltage activation of the PAC channel that appears to operate through an ion–flux gating mechanism. Through scanning–mutagenesis and molecular dynamics simulation, we confirmed that E181, E257, and E261 in the human PAC channel serve as primary proton sensors, as their alanine mutations eliminated the channel’s proton gating while sparing the voltage–dependent gating. This proton–sensing mechanism was conserved among orthologous PAC channels from different species. Collectively, our data unveils the polymodal gating and proton–sensing mechanisms in the PAC channel that may inspire potential drug development.
Examining knowledge and epistemic justice in the design of nature-based solutions for water management
Authors: Arango-Quiroga Johan , Kinol Alaina , Kuhl Laura
Published: September 2023

Over the last decade, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for water management have gained traction as triple-win options for climate action due to their ability to address social, economic, and environmental challenges. Recent developments in the literature of NbS have resulted in a body of work addressing questions about knowledge and justice. In line with these developments, this paper proposes the Knowledge and Epistemic Injustice in NbS for Water Framework (KEIN Framework) to identify the production of epistemic injustices in the design of NbS for water management. The KEIN framework draws on questions about knowledge and power raised by Avelino and five mechanisms that lead to epistemic injustice based on work by Fricker and Byskov. We apply the framework to examine a proposal presented to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) that included both NbS for water management and Indigenous People in South America. Rather than being an analysis of the project or the GCF per se, the goal of this analysis is to demonstrate the utility of the framework to analyze proposals during the design stage. We argue that proposals submitted to the GCF are reflective of a broadly held international environmental logic. We also identify indications that knowledge was organized and treated in a way that favored external actors at the expense of local actors. Our analysis also revealed prejudices against people’s epistemic capacities, with potential implications for how the generation of local knowledge is adopted on the ground. The framework illustrates how the design of NbS may minimally disrupt power relations due to the influential role of some actors in generating knowledge. This study contributes to the operationalization of epistemic justice in designing NbS. Through the application of the proposed framework, the study contributes to future work advancing the construction of epistemically just NbS.
The relationship between smartphone addiction and sleep among medical students: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Leow Mabel Qi He , Chiang Joelle , Chua Tiffany Jia Xuan , Wang Sean , Tan Ngiap Chuan
Published: September 2023

Objectives

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the association between smartphone addiction and sleep in medical students. The secondary outcomes included the prevalence of smartphone addiction, duration and purpose of its use, prevalence of poor sleep, duration and quality of sleep.

Methods

The authors searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL databases, from inception of each database to October 2022. Quantitative studies in the English language on smartphone addiction and sleep in students studying Western Medicine were included. The Rayyan application was used for title-abstract screening, and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist to assess the risk of bias. Heterogeneity tests and meta-synthesis of data were performed using the meta-package in R software. Data on the activities used on the smartphone was synthesized qualitatively

Results

A total of 298 abstracts were initially assessed for inclusion eligibility: 16 of them were eventually appraised, covering 9466 medical students comprising 3781 (39.9%) males and 5161 (54.5%) females. Meta-correlation between the Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version (SAS-SV) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was 0.30 (95%CI = 0.24–0.36), and 0.27 (95% CI = 0.18–0.36) for SAS-SV and sleep duration. The meta-analytic estimation of smartphone addiction prevalence was 39% (95%CI = 0.30–0.50), and score using SAS-SV was 31.11 (95%CI = 29.50–32.72). The mean duration of smartphone daily used was 4.90 hours (95%CI = 3.72–6.08). The meta-analytic estimation on prevalence of poor sleep was 57% (95%CI = 0.48–0.66), and the meta-mean of PSQI and duration of sleep was 5.95 (95%CI = 4.90–7.00) and 5.62h (95%CI = 4.87–6.36) respectively. Medical students used their smartphones mostly for text messaging, followed by photo-sharing or social networking. Its usage for medical education remains unclear.

Conclusion

The prevalence of poor sleep and smartphone addiction in medical students was 57% and 39% respectively, with a correlation index of 0.30. Medical students commonly used the smartphone for text-messaging, photo-sharing or social networking, averaging 4.9 hours daily.
Enhanced performance of mixed HWMA-CUSUM charts using auxiliary information
Authors: Zubair Faiza , Ahmad Khan Sherwani Rehan , Abid Muhammad
Published: September 2023

Quality control (QC) is a systematic approach to ensuring that products and services meet customer requirements. It is an essential part of manufacturing and industry, as it helps to improve product quality, customer satisfaction, and profitability. Quality practitioners generally apply control charts to monitor the industrial process, among many other statistical process control tools, and to detect changes. New developments in control charting schemes for high-quality monitoring are the need of the hour. In this paper, we have enhanced the performance of the mixed homogeneously weighted moving average (HWMA)-cumulative sum (CUSUM) control chart by using the auxiliary information-based (AIB) regression estimator and named it MHCAIB. The proposed MHCAIB chart provided an unbiased and more efficient estimator of the process location. The various measures of the run length are used to judge the performance of the proposed MHCAIB and to compare it with existing AIB charts like CUSUMAIB, EWMAAIB, MECAIB (mixed AIB EWMA-CUSUM), and HWMAAIB. The Run length (RL) based performance comparisons indicate that the MHCAIB chart performs relatively better in monitoring small to moderate shifts over its competitor’s charts. It is shown that the chart’s performance improves with the increase in correlation between the study variable and the auxiliary variable. An illustrative application of the proposed MHCAIB chart is also provided to show its implementation in practical situations.
A phase I clinical trial of oncolytic adenovirus mediated suicide and interleukin-12 gene therapy in patients with recurrent localized prostate adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nyati Shyam , Stricker Hans , Barton Kenneth N. , Li Pin , Elshaikh Mohamed , Ali Haythem , Brown Stephen L. , Hwang Clara , Peabody James , Freytag Svend O. , Movsas Benjamin , Siddiqui Farzan
Published: September 2023

In a phase I dose escalation and safety study (NCT02555397), a replication-competent oncolytic adenovirus expressing yCD, TK and hIL-12 (Ad5-yCD/mutTKSR39rep-hIL-12) was administered in 15 subjects with localized recurrent prostate cancer (T1c-T2) at increasing doses (1 × 1010, to 1 × 1012 viral particles) followed by 7-day treatment of 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) and valganciclovir (vGCV). The primary endpoint was toxicity through day 30 while the secondary and exploratory endpoints were quantitation of IL-12, IFNγ, CXCL10 and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The study maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was not reached indicating 1012 viral particles was safe. Total 115 adverse events were observed, most of which (92%) were grade 1/2 that did not require any treatment. Adenoviral DNA was detected only in two patients. Increase in IL-12, IFNγ, and CXCL10 was observed in 57%, 93%, and 79% patients, respectively. Serum cytokines demonstrated viral dose dependency, especially apparent in the highest-dose cohorts. PBMC analysis revealed immune system activation after gene therapy in cohort 5. The PSA doubling time (PSADT) pre and post treatment has a median of 1.55 years vs 1.18 years. This trial confirmed that replication-competent Ad5-IL-12 adenovirus (Ad5-yCD/mutTKSR39rep-hIL-12) was well tolerated when administered locally to prostate tumors.
Agriculture, bioenergy, and water implications of constrained cereal trade and climate change impacts
Authors: Zhang Ying , Waldhoff Stephanie , Wise Marshall , Edmonds Jae , Patel Pralit
Published: September 2023

International trade increases connections and dependencies between countries, weaving a network of global supply chains. Agricultural commodity trade has implications for crop producers, consumers, crop prices, water and land uses, and other human systems. Interconnections among these systems are not always easy to observe when external impacts penetrate across multiple sectors. To better understand the interactions of non-linear and globally coupled agricultural-bioenergy-water systems under the broader economy, we introduce systematic perturbations in two dimensions, one human (restrictions on agricultural trade) and the other physical (climate impacts on crop yields). We explore these independently and in combination to distinguish the consequences of individual perturbation and interactive effects in long-term projections. We show that most regions experience larger changes in cereal consumption due to cereal import dependency constraints than due to the impacts of climate change on agricultural yields. In the scenario where all regions ensure an import dependency ratio of zero, the global trade of cereals decreases ~50% in 2050 compared to the baseline, with smaller decreases in cereal production and consumption (4%). The changes in trade also impact water and bioenergy: global irrigation water consumption increases 3% and corn ethanol production decreases 7% in 2050. Climate change results in rising domestic prices and declining consumption of cereal crops in general, while the import dependency constraint exacerbates the situation in regions which import more cereals in the baseline. The individual and interactive effects of trade perturbations and climate change vary greatly across regions, which are also affected by the regional ability to increase agricultural production through intensification or extensification.
The use and acceptability of preprints in health and social care settings: A scoping review
Authors: Blatch-Jones Amanda Jane , Recio Saucedo Alejandra , Giddins Beth
Published: September 2023

Background

Preprints are open and accessible scientific manuscript or report that is shared publicly, through a preprint server, before being submitted to a journal. The value and importance of preprints has grown since its contribution during the public health emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funders and publishers are establishing their position on the use of preprints, in grant applications and publishing models. However, the evidence supporting the use and acceptability of preprints varies across funders, publishers, and researchers. The scoping review explored the current evidence on the use and acceptability of preprints in health and social care settings by publishers, funders, and the research community throughout the research lifecycle.

Methods

A scoping review was undertaken with no study or language limits. The search strategy was limited to the last five years (2017–2022) to capture changes influenced by COVID-19 (e.g., accelerated use and role of preprints in research). The review included international literature, including grey literature, and two databases were searched: Scopus and Web of Science (24 August 2022).

Results

379 titles and abstracts and 193 full text articles were assessed for eligibility. Ninety-eight articles met eligibility criteria and were included for full extraction. For barriers and challenges, 26 statements were grouped under four main themes (e.g., volume/growth of publications, quality assurance/trustworthiness, risks associated to credibility, and validation). For benefits and value, 34 statements were grouped under six themes (e.g., openness/transparency, increased visibility/credibility, open review process, open research, democratic process/systems, increased productivity/opportunities).

Conclusions

Preprints provide opportunities for rapid dissemination but there is a need for clear policies and guidance from journals, publishers, and funders. Cautionary measures are needed to maintain the quality and value of preprints, paying particular attention to how findings are translated to the public. More research is needed to address some of the uncertainties addressed in this review.
Association of different microbes and pathogenic factors in cases of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis in cattle from Eastern Kazakhstan
Authors: Kuibagarov Marat , Abdullina Elmira , Ryskeldina Anara , Abdigulov Bolat , Amirgazin Asylulan , Shevtsov Alexandr , Angelos John A.
Published: September 2023

Background and Aim: Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) causes a significant economic loss to cattle industries in many countries, including Kazakhstan. Although Moraxella bovis is recognized as an etiologic agent of IBK, other bacterial and viral agents have been suspected to play a role in the pathogenesis of this disease. This study aimed to evaluate samples collected from the eyes of IBK-affected cattle in Eastern Kazakhstan at different stages of IBK for the presence of Mor. bovis, Moraxella bovoculi, Mycoplasma bovis, Mycoplasma bovoculi, and Bovine Herpes Virus Type 1 (BHV-1) and to characterize Mor. bovoculi pilA gene sequence diversity from Mor. bovoculi positive samples.

Materials and Methods: Individual ocular swabs (n = 168) were collected from cattle that had clinical signs of IBK during the summer of 2022 on farms in the Abay region of Kazakhstan. Eye lesion scores (1, 2, and 3) were assigned depending on the degree of ocular damage. Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis-associated organisms were detected using a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. The Mor. bovoculi pilA gene was sequenced from Mor. bovoculi positive samples.

Results: Mycoplasma bovis and BHV-1 were not detected in any of the collected samples. Mycoplasma bovoculi was identified in the majority of samples overall, usually in mixed infection with Moraxella spp. Moraxella bovoculi was detected in 76.2% of animals and predominated in animals with eye lesion scores 2 and 3. Mycoplasma bovoculi was detected only in association with Mor. bovis and/or Mor. bovoculi in animals with eye lesion scores 2 and 3. Moraxella bovis was found in 57.7% of animals and was always identified in association with another organism. Sequencing of the pilA gene in 96 samples from Mor. bovoculi positive samples identified five PilA groups. The majority belonged to PilA group A. However, three new PilA groups were identified and designated PilA groups N, O, and P.

Conclusion: The results indicate a high prevalence of Myc. bovoculi and Mor. bovoculi in eyes of cattle with IBK on livestock farms in Eastern Kazakhstan. Additional novel Mor. bovoculi PilA groups were identified.

Keywords: bovine herpes virus, infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis, Moraxella bovis, Moraxella bovoculi, multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction, Mycoplasma bovis, Mycoplasma bovoculi.
Agricultura urbana como estratégia de enfrentamento da fome e para o desenvolvimento da Cidade Sustentável
Authors: Fraga Lima Tailana , Girotti Sperandio Ana Maria
Published: September 2023

As transformações que moldaram a sociedade moderna deram bases para a formação de uma sociedade de consumo, com a adoção de novos estilos de vida, comportamentos e hábitos alimentares. Nos últimos anos, as condições de vida e saúde da população têm ganhado destaque em âmbito internacional, devido ao aumento da insegurança alimentar no Brasil. Por meio do levantamento bibliográfico e documental com análise de dados secundários e natureza descritiva qualitativa, a pesquisa investiga, de forma sistêmica, os desafios na alimentação da população brasileira com o consumo excessivo de alimentos ultraprocessados.  O estudo discute a relação da agricultura no espaço urbano como elemento de readequação da alimentação e insegurança alimentar no território. Neste contexto, foi observado que a agricultura urbana permite reverberações que colaboram tanto para resolução de problemas de saúde pública, como a fome, quanto para a utilização de espaços urbanos.   A ocupação de locais subutilizados e ociosos na cidade para o desenvolvimento de hortas fomenta a promoção de espaços urbanos integrados com transformações em hábitos e comportamentos alimentares e estão alinhadas ao planejamento urbano para uma cidade saudável.
A conceptual model for enabling sustainable management of soil-sediment-water ecosystems in support of European policy
Authors: Brils Jos , Maring Linda
Published: September 2023

The health of soil-sediment-water ecosystems is under pressure from economic activities and a changing climate. This decreases health and hampers the service provision capacity of these ecosystems and thus impacts human well-being. Protecting and where feasible restoring of ecosystem health has currently become the key European environmental policy objective and for this it is needed to take an entire system approach and engage stakeholders. ‘Entire’ means that soil, sediment and water are regarded as closely interlinked environmental matrices that need to be managed by taking a ‘river (or mountain) to sea’ perspective, crossing spatial, discipline, political and cultural boundaries. This paper presents a conceptual model to support that purpose. Essentially, the conceptual model presents an approach for ecosystem-based management aimed to achieve healthy ecosystems, i.e. soil-sediment-water ecosystems that have the continued capacity to support ecosystem services to the benefit of their users. The model proposes a cyclic (iterative, learning-by-doing) approach and integrates soil-sediment-water, ecosystems, ecosystem services, users (stakeholders), pressures, information, management strategy and program of measures as building blocks. To successfully apply the model, it is above all needed to take an entrepreneurial approach, i.e. leave comfort zones, take an adventurous road, learn together to manage together, be adaptive and consider other than only command-and-control solutions. Furthermore, authorities should become facilitative leaders to engage users in co-creation of an ecosystem-based management strategy. Real live and place-based experimenting with multiple stakeholders, such as in the Living Labs and Lighthouses that are proposed in the EU soil mission, may provide an ideal instrument for such application, i.e. where the conceptual model can be used and support the achievement of European environmental policy objectives.
Efficacy of Pentosan Polysulfate Treatment in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome
Authors: Arıkan Mehmet Gürkan , Cakiroglu Basri
Published: September 2023

Objectives: Pentosan Polysulfate (PPS) is the only oral treatment for interstitial cystitis (IC)-bladder pain syndrome (BPS) approved by the World Health Organization. Self-evaluation scales can provide more objective results on pre- and post-treatment satisfaction. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pentosan polysulfate treatment on symptoms in IC-BPS patients.Methods: This study included 37 adult male and female patients with IC-BPS who reported pain, urinary urgency, polyurea, and nocturia without urinary tract infection for a minimum of six months prior to the study and were taking 300 mg/day oral pentosan polysulfate. Pre- and post-treatment symptoms, Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI) Scores, quality of life (QoL) scores (1‒4), and satisfaction conditions were examined.Results: Following the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, mean age of 37 suitable patients was 46.0±11.9 years and 27% (10 individuals) of the patients were male. Pre-treatment, ICSI scores, and measures of satisfaction degree and QoL increased significantly after the treatment (p<0.001). Adverse reaction was detected in two patients (5.4%) among the patients treated with pentosan polysulfate.Conclusions: Oral pentosan polysulfate for the treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome treatment could achieve recovery in symptoms, increase Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index score and improve quality of life and patient satisfaction.
Infantia 2: guía para padres y cuidadores de niños y niñas de 0-5 años
Authors: Chamorro Coneo Ana María , Molina Palencia Carolina Andrea , Orozco Sayas Leinys , González Garzón Leidy Julieth , Fonseca Beltrán Leodanis , Amar Amar José
Published: September 2023

Esta guía es un componente del proyecto “Fortalecimiento de la capacidad científica” del Centro de Investigaciones en Desarrollo Humano (CIDHUM), para incrementar la competitividad del departamento del Atlántico en el área de salud, con énfasis en las prácticas de cuidado y hábitos de vida saludable. El proyecto se realiza en alianza con el Fondo Nacional de Regalías para la Investigación y la Cooperación de la Secretaría de Salud del Atlántico, Instituto de Bienestar Familiar Regional Atlántico, alcaldías de Luruaco, Repelón, Santa Lucía y Manatí, y organizaciones comunitarias de estos municipios
Sonidos, alquimia y devenir: experiencias sonoras que resuenan en el presente
Authors: Lambuley Néstor
Published: September 2023

El presente artículo hace un recorrido por algunas prácticas musicales relacionadas con deseos presentes y experiencias propias con miras a develar su sentido y aporte al campo de los Estudios Artísticos. Para tal fin, se pretende abordar los aprendizajes adquiridos a lo largo de una “temprana socialización artística”, seguidos de una problematización en torno a los encuentros de saberes que conjugan lo vivido a lo largo de la investigación en músicas regionales colombianas y los conocimientos de la tradición musical académica. Posteriormente, se vinculan las vivencias de los sonidos ancestrales y la medicina tradicional china, para finalizar con las resonancias producidas en el diálogo con compositores que han contribuido de manera significativa a la práctica sonora experimental de su autor.
Performatividad, experiencia y uso de avatares en la danza a través de entornos de realidad virtual
Authors: Gárgoles Navas María
Published: September 2023

Este artículo aborda los procesos sensoriales y experimentales de los usuarios inmersos en entornos de realidad virtual durante experiencias artísticas. A través del avatar en entornos virtuales es posible activar procesos de cognición corporeizada. Esto es relevante para la propuesta de la experiencia corporal, así como para los procesos de interacción y activación. Por medio de varias obras inmersivas contemporáneas se analiza la experiencia sensorial en ellas. La investigación descubre posibilidades performativas a través de entornos completamente virtuales que afectan durante y posteriormente a la experiencia inmersiva. La investigación revela la importancia de los avatares para los procesos experimentales y para la conexión emocional con el entorno y los demás.
Defisiensi Vitamin D sebagai Salah Satu Faktor Risiko Kematian pada Pasien COVID-19: Studi Tinjauan Pustaka
Authors: Nur Syafarudin , Sudaryo Mondastri Korib , Widyasari Nurul Fajri
Published: September 2023

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new infectious disease and to date become a global pandemic. COVID-19 has symptoms varies in severity from mild to severe and can be fatal. Vitamin D deficiency could affect individual's immunity and increase the risk of mortality in COVID-19 patients.Methods: We did a literature review study to describe the association between vitamin D deficiency and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Literature search was done using PubMed database with keyword “COVID-19” AND “Vitamin D Deficiency” AND “Outcome”. Articles published before June 30th 2021 and published in English language were included in this study. Inclusion criteria is case control or cohort study which evaluate association between vitamin D deficiency and mortality in COVID-19 patients.Result: 13 eligible articles which met inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this study. All subjects in included studies were COVID-19 patients confirmed by laboratory RT-PCR. Mean age of the subjects in included studies were range from 55-79 years old, with proportion of male more than female in most of the studies. 25(OH)D level <20 ng/ml was definition of vitamin D deficiency most often used. Vitamin D deficiency were significantly associated with COVID-19 mortality, with OR in 3 studies range from 3,87-6,84 and HR in 3 studies range from 4,15-14,73.Conclusion: This literature review concluded that vitamin D deficiency had the potency to be risk factor for mortality in COVID-19 patients.