bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Pareto Dominance Principle for Data-Driven Optimization
Authors: Sutter Tobias , Van Parys Bart P. G. , Kuhn Daniel
Published: January 2024

Our paper proposes an effective way to make decisions based on data for uncertain situations. In simple terms, a data-driven decision is just a choice we make by looking at the available data. We express this choice as the best one according to a model we create from the data. The quality of this decision is judged by how well it performs in situations not seen during training. We also consider how often it disappoints in those situations. The challenge is that we do not know the exact probability of generating the data. An ideal data-driven decision should work well for any possible probability. However, such ideal decisions are usually not possible. Therefore, we look for decisions that work well on unseen data, considering the chances of disappointment. We prove that such effective decisions exist under certain conditions, allowing for practical applications. This approach holds regardless of whether the original problem is simple or complex, and it works even when the data are not uniformly collected. Our study also uncovers how the characteristics of the data-generating process influence the optimal decision-making model.
CULTURA, CRISTIANISMO E MODERNIDADE NO ROMANCE MUEDA: NOS LABIRINTOS DOS RITOS DE INICIAÇÃO DE CARLOS PARADONA RUFINO ROQUE
Authors: Vitangui Chissingui Nachivango Pessoa , Mafalda Leite Ana
Published: January 2024

O tema “Cultura, Cristianismo e modernidade no romance ‘Mueda: nos labirintos dos ritos de iniciação’ de Carlos Paradona Rufino Roque” foca-se nos ritos de iniciação da cultura moçambicana no encontro com o cristianismo e a modernidade. Palco do romance, Mueda é uma vila moçambicana na província de Cabo Delgado e capital cultural do povo Makonde. O objectivo do artigo é comparar os elementos constitutivos dos ritos de iniciação em Mueda com os do mito clássico. Temperando história e ficção, o romance revela-nos os mistérios da liturgia iniciática e o ambiente sincrético dos habitantes de Mueda, alvo da crítica do autor. A procura pela jovem mais linda através dos ritos de iniciação atrai os jovens para Mueda. O objectivo dos rituais de iniciação é habilitar-se para conquistar a mulher mais bela, o que inscreve o romance no mesmo nível dos mitos clássicos como o de Páris e Helena ou Hipómenes e Atalanta.
Scholastic Context of Tarka
Authors: Lee Gilsan
Published: January 2024

This paper delves into the genealogy of the concept of "tarka" in the Indian Buddhist tradition with the aim of exploring the notion of "contentious meditation." While "tarka" is commonly associated with the characteristics of intellectual rivals engaging in troublesome, noisy, and often meaningless debates, Vasubandhu employs this term to delineate his own limitations in Viṃśikā, necessitating a more comprehensive explanation. The prevailing interpretation, advocated by Hyodo Kazuo, perceives it as an expression of the author's humility. However, this perspective falls short, given that Vasubandhu himself created the aforementioned practice. Instead, a thorough examination and analysis of Vasubandhu's intended message is required. Drawing insights from subsequent commentators such as Kuiji and Sthiramati, Vasubandhu's discourse appears to reflect the complexities of contemporary scholarly considerations.
A study on intergenerational communication using medication: focused on intuition and deductive reasoning
Authors: Hwang Taisung
Published: January 2024

In contemporary Korean society, which contains diverse thoughts, ideologies, and philosophies, the intuition-first principle needs to be reconsidered. Korean society has already shifted from a collective agricultural society to an individualistic commercial society. People over their 60s tend to suppress personal independence while encouraging dependency inside the group. However, those under their 50s emphasize one’s independence and self-control, and encourage individuals to make their own choices. Particularly, younger generation under 30s, who shows strong individualistic tendencies, are familiar with the concept of deductive reasoning. They tend to understand and judge based on realistic proof, and are not persuaded by intuitive, implicit logics, especially if the explanation for essence and reality is not guaranteed enough. Korean Buddhism, which places enlightenment through intuition at the center of its practice system, needs to contemplate the spirit of the times. The concern about losing its persuasiveness to deduction-familiar generations is based on this point. The Indian epistemology of deductive reasoning has disappeared in Chinese Buddhism, while idealizing intuitive enlightenment is crucial in modern Korean Buddhism. This paper focuses on the comparison between deductive and intuitive reasoning and concludes that the exclusion of discrimination has resulted in Korean Buddhism being perceived mystical religion among young generations. The emphasis on intuitive enlightenment will fortify the compressive image of force-feeding the faith for those aged under 40s. This is a problem that modern Korean Buddhism must address in terms of its religious philosophy. This study presents some limitations. Future research will be devoted to discovering Gyohak of Tang Dynasty in China and the sprit of Seon, which encompasses diverse practice systems. The early first and second Seon masters of Korean Seon schools, who brought Seon practice to Korea, emphasized that two concepts are not seperated but integrated and are in complementary relation. Also, this study was originally intended to but failed to conduct a deep study on the comparison between the meditation practices of Indian Buddhism and the Seon practices of China and Korea. This is because “Sati,” the core of the logical system of meditation, is translated superficially only as "mind" in Chinese. This seems to be a limitation of China's intuitive reasoning logic system and needs further research. Finally, I would like to firmly insist upon Korean Buddhism as a Korean Buddhist. With narrow and closed perspective only inside Korean buddhism while not trying to look beyond boundaries, Korean Buddhism will fail to solve any problem. An optimistic perspective that lacks critical awareness will not be able to provide any significant solution to crumbling Korean Buddhism.
Qualitative study on experiences of participating in “Diamond Sutra Prayer”
Authors: Choi Yeongim
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine in detail the contents of the prayers that participants in ‘Diamond Sutra Prayer’ wished for in their prayers, and to explore the impact of Diamond Sutra Prayer on individual lives. For this purpose, a survey was conducted through in-depth interviews with 30 participants in the Diamond Sutra prayer. The survey was collected by directly collecting questionnaires between May and June 2023, and the collected data were analyzed according to a modified consensus qualitative method. As a result of the analysis, 3 areas, 9 subareas, and 28 subcategories were derived according to the research question. First, four sub-areas were derived from the content of the prayers of ‘Diamond Sutra Prayer’ participants: prayers for ‘me’, prayers for ‘family’, and prayers for ‘acquaintances’. A prayer, and a prayer for ‘all living beings’. Second, three sub-areas were derived from the changes through ‘Diamond Sutra Prayer’ targeting participants in ‘Diamond Sutra Prayer’: internal change, change in relationships with people around them, and efforts related to Diamond Sutra prayer. Third, in terms of what the ‘Diamond Prayer’ participants were doing for their neighbors, two sub-areas were derived: what they were doing for their neighbors at an internal level and what they were doing directly to others for their neighbors. The results of this study are expected to provide information on practical experiences in temple-based Diamond Sutra prayers and provide basic data on factors to be considered in future planning.
Susceptibility to Neurodegenerative Disorders: Insights from Paleogenomic Data
Authors: Toncheva Draga , Karachanak-Yankova Sena , Marinova Maria , Borovska Plamenka , Serbezov Dimitar
Published: January 2024

abstract: Ancient human genome data accumulated in recent years can be employed to establish the spatiotemporal trajectories of genetic variants associated with human diseases. Such knowledge might illuminate if and how past adaptations impact contemporary human health and medicine. Scarcely any studies have yet attempted to evaluate genetic susceptibility to neurodegenerative disorders in ancient human communities. Using publicly available ancient human genome-wide data, this study evaluated the molecular predisposition to neurodegenerative disorders in ancient human communities. Ancient genome-wide data was screened for the presence of variants unequivocally associated with neuro-degenerative disorders in modern populations, identifying two rare variants in the LRRK2 gene associated with Mendelian Parkinson’s disease, a pathogenic variant in the CRH gene associated with an uncommon form of epilepsy, and a rare variant in the TREM2 gene that is a possible risk modifier associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Their historical and geographic prevalence was also assessed, indicating differing spatiotemporal frequency dynamics for these clinically significant variants. Neurodegenerative disorders often have poorly understood pathogenesis that might be elucidated by studying the interaction of past genetic variability with ecological and evolutionary factors such as adverse environmental conditions, specific selective pressures, periods of population isolation, and admixture processes. Data on molecular predisposition to neurodegenerative disorders in ancient genomes is instructive to modern medical diagnostic and therapeutic practices.
Doing Critical Race Theory in Perilous Times: Engaging Critical Race Legal Scholarship for Higher Education and Beyond
Authors: Tichavakunda Antar A.
Published: January 2024

Abstract: Misinterpretations and caricatures of Critical Race Theory (CRT) abound in popular media and in higher education scholarship. Given the confusion surrounding what CRT is and is not, I write this conceptual essay as an invitation to engage seriously with CRT’s legal foundations. I offer four guideposts to aid scholars in engaging the legal roots of CRT on a deeper level: thinking with and beyond tenets, leveraging the scope of CRT work by legal scholars, understanding the CRT critique of Critical Legal Studies, and appreciating CRT’s theoretical depth and complexity. Further, I highlight characteristics of CRT legal scholarship that are not always explicit in higher education research. Specifically, I describe CRT as an anti-subordination project, a materialist project, a critical intellectual project, and an activist project. Through engaging with CRT’s legal scholarship, I demonstrate how higher education scholars’ understanding and employment of CRT will be enriched.
Multifunctional adaptive optics optical coherence tomography allows cellular scale reflectometry, polarimetry, and angiography in the living human eye
Authors: Kurokawa Kazuhiro , Nemeth Morgan
Published: January 2024

Clinicians are unable to detect glaucoma until substantial loss or dysfunction of retinal ganglion cells occurs. To this end, novel measures are needed. We have developed an optical imaging solution based on adaptive optics optical coherence tomography (AO-OCT) to discern key clinical features of glaucoma and other neurodegenerative diseases at the cellular scale in the living eye. Here, we test the feasibility of measuring AO-OCT-based reflectance, retardance, optic axis orientation, and angiogram at specifically targeted locations in the living human retina and optic nerve head. Multifunctional imaging, combined with focus stacking and global image registration algorithms, allows us to visualize cellular details of retinal nerve fiber bundles, ganglion cell layer somas, glial septa, superior vascular complex capillaries, and connective tissues. These are key histologic features of neurodegenerative diseases, including glaucoma, that are now measurable in vivo with excellent repeatability and reproducibility. Incorporating this noninvasive cellular-scale imaging with objective measurements will significantly enhance existing clinical assessments, which is pivotal in facilitating the early detection of eye disease and understanding the mechanisms of neurodegeneration.
Near-field directionality governed by asymmetric dipole–matter interactions
Authors: Zhong Yuhan , Wang Chan , Bian Chenxu , Chen Xuhuinan , Chen Jialin , Zhu Xingjian , Hu Hao , Low Tony , Chen Hongsheng , Zhang Baile , Lin Xiao
Published: January 2024

Directionally molding the near-field and far-field radiation lies at the heart of nanophotonics and is crucial for applications such as on-chip information processing and chiral quantum networks. The most fundamental model for radiating structures is a dipolar source located inside homogeneous matter. However, the influence of matter on the directionality of dipolar radiation is oftentimes overlooked, especially for the near-field radiation. As background, the dipole–matter interaction is intrinsically asymmetric and does not fulfill the duality principle, originating from the inherent asymmetry of Maxwell’s equations, i.e., electric charge and current density are ubiquitous but their magnetic counterparts are non-existent to elusive. We find that the asymmetric dipole–matter interaction could offer an enticing route to reshape the directionality of not only the near-field radiation but also the far-field radiation. As an example, both the near-field and far-field radiation directionality of the Huygens dipole (located close to a dielectric–metal interface) would be reversed if the dipolar position is changed from the dielectric region to the metal region.
Time-resolved diagnostic measurements of sub-atmospheric laser-induced air plasmas using the OI 777 nm emission
Authors: Rao Ashwin P. , Nawar Noshin , Annesley Christopher J.
Published: January 2024

Stark broadening of spectral lines in laser-produced plasmas is highly sensitive to changes in ambient pressure. This paper presents a novel time-resolved Stark broadening measurements of the O
I
emission at 777 nm in air plasmas from atmospheric pressure down to 200 Torr. The electron density is calculated from the measured Stark width, varying between 0.11-1.87×1017 m−3; the data demonstrate that decreasing ambient pressure directly decreases the electron density at a given gate delay. N
II
emissions are used to determine electron temperature via the Boltzmann method, which is found to range from 1.6-3 eV. The calculated temperature is higher in lower pressure air plasmas due to the absence of collisional cooling effects. The tabulated Stark broadening measurements of the O
I
777 nm line will be of great use in further studies performing diagnostic calculations in low-pressure, high-temperature environments, such as high-speed aerodynamic flows.
Comparison of commercially available, rapid, point-of-care C-reactive protein assays among children with febrile illness in southwestern Uganda
Authors: Cassidy Caitlin A. , Kabugho Lydiah , Kibaba Georget , Lin Bradley , Hollingsworth Brandon , Baguma Emmanuel , Juliano Jonathan J. , Mulogo Edgar M. , Boyce Ross M. , Ciccone Emily J.
Published: January 2024

In Uganda, children with febrile illness are often treated with antibiotics even though most have self-limiting, likely viral, infections. C-reactive protein (CRP) measurement can help identify those who are more likely to have a bacterial infection and therefore need antibiotic treatment. Implementation of a CRP rapid diagnostic test (RDT) at the point-of-care in resource-constrained settings with minimal laboratory infrastructure could reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. In this study, we evaluated the performance of three semi-quantitative CRP RDTs (Actim, BTNX, Duo) against a reference CRP assay requiring an electrically powered analyzer (Afinion). While both tests demonstrated substantial agreement with Afinion, Actim had slightly higher agreement than BTNX. The sensitivity was higher for the BTNX test, whereas the Actim test had a higher specificity, at cut-offs of 40 mg/L and 80 mg/L. At a cut-off of 20 mg/L, Duo demonstrated substantial agreement with the Afinion test as well. Our results demonstrate the reliability of CRP RDTs when compared to a reference standard. CRP RDTs without the need for a laboratory-based analyzer are promising tools for optimizing antibiotic use in low-resource settings.
An updated end-to-end ecosystem model of the Northern California Current reflecting ecosystem changes due to recent marine heatwaves
Authors: Gomes Dylan G. E. , Ruzicka James J. , Crozier Lisa G. , Huff David D. , Phillips Elizabeth M. , Hernvann Pierre-Yves , Morgan Cheryl A. , Brodeur Richard D. , Zamon Jen E. , Daly Elizabeth A. , Bizzarro Joseph J. , Fisher Jennifer L. , Auth Toby D.
Published: January 2024

The Northern California Current is a highly productive marine upwelling ecosystem that is economically and ecologically important. It is home to both commercially harvested species and those that are federally listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Recently, there has been a global shift from single-species fisheries management to ecosystem-based fisheries management, which acknowledges that more complex dynamics can reverberate through a food web. Here, we have integrated new research into an end-to-end ecosystem model (i.e., physics to fisheries) using data from long-term ocean surveys, phytoplankton satellite imagery paired with a vertically generalized production model, a recently assembled diet database, fishery catch information, species distribution models, and existing literature. This spatially-explicit model includes 90 living and detrital functional groups ranging from phytoplankton, krill, and forage fish to salmon, seabirds, and marine mammals, and nine fisheries that occur off the coast of Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. This model was updated from previous regional models to account for more recent changes in the Northern California Current (e.g., increases in market squid and some gelatinous zooplankton such as pyrosomes and salps), to expand the previous domain to increase the spatial resolution, to include data from previously unincorporated surveys, and to add improved characterization of endangered species, such as Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and southern resident killer whales (Orcinus orca). Our model is mass-balanced, ecologically plausible, without extinctions, and stable over 150-year simulations. Ammonium and nitrate availability, total primary production rates, and model-derived phytoplankton time series are within realistic ranges. As we move towards holistic ecosystem-based fisheries management, we must continue to openly and collaboratively integrate our disparate datasets and collective knowledge to solve the intricate problems we face. As a tool for future research, we provide the data and code to use our ecosystem model.
Mental health status and related factors influencing healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Jia , Huang Zhu-Tang , Sun Xin-Ce , Chen Ting-Ting , Wu Xiao-Tian
Published: January 2024

Background

The mental health of healthcare workers during the coronavirus-2019 pandemic was seriously affected, and the risk of mental health problems was high. The present study sought to systematically evaluate the mental health problems of healthcare workers worldwide during the pandemic and to determine the latest global frequency of COVID-19 associated mental health problems.

Methods

Data in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), EMBASE, Elsevier, MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO and the Web of Science before November 11, 2022, were systematically searched. Cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies were included. The meta-analysis used a random effects model to synthesize the comprehensive prevalence rate of mental health problems. Subgroup analyses were performed based on time of data collection; whether the country was or was not developed; continent; doctors and nurses; doctors/nurses vs. other healthcare workers; and psychological evaluation scale.

Results

A total of 161 studies were included, including 341,014 healthcare workers worldwide, with women accounting for 82.8%. Occupationally, 16.2% of the healthcare workers were doctors, 63.6% were nurses and 13.3% were other medical staff. During the pandemic, 47% (95% confidence interval [CI], 35–60%) of healthcare workers reported job burnout, 38% (95% CI, 35–41%) experienced anxiety, 34% (95% CI 30–38%) reported depression, 30% (95% CI, 29–31%) had acute stress disorder, and 26% (95% CI, 21–31%) had post-traumatic stress disorder.

Conclusions

The study found that there were common mental health problems among health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most common was job burnout, followed by anxiety, depression, acute stress and post-traumatic stress disorder. Although the global pandemic has been brought under control, its long-term impact on the mental health of healthcare workers cannot be ignored. Additional research is required to develop measures to prevent, monitor and treat psychological disorders among healthcare workers.
Does darkness increase the risk of certain types of crime? A registered report protocol
Authors: Uttley Jim , Canwell Rosie , Smith Jamie , Falconer Sarah , Mao Yichong , Fotios Steve A.
Published: January 2024

Evidence about the relationship between lighting and crime is mixed. Although a review of evidence found that improved road / street lighting was associated with reductions in crime, these reductions occurred in daylight as well as after dark, suggesting any effect was not due only to changes in visual conditions. One limitation of previous studies is that crime data are reported in aggregate and thus previous analyses were required to make simplifications concerning types of crimes or locations. We will overcome that by working with a UK police force to access records of individual crimes. We will use these data to determine whether the risk of crime at a specific time of day is greater after dark than during daylight. If no difference is found, this would suggest improvements to visual conditions after dark through lighting would have no effect. If however the risk of crime occurring after dark was greater than during daylight, quantifying this effect would provide a measure to assess the potential effectiveness of lighting in reducing crime risk after dark. We will use a case and control approach to analyse ten years of crime data. We will compare counts of crimes in ‘case’ hours, that are in daylight and darkness at different times of the year, and ‘control’ hours, that are in daylight throughout the year. From these counts we will calculate odds ratios as a measure of the effect of darkness on risk of crime, using these to answer three questions: 1) Is the risk of overall crime occurring greater after dark than during daylight? 2) Does the risk of crime occurring after dark vary depending on the category of crime? 3) Does the risk of crime occurring after dark vary depending on the geographical area?
Understanding the bias of mobile location data across spatial scales and over time: A comprehensive analysis of SafeGraph data in the United States
Authors: Li Zhenlong , Ning Huan , Jing Fengrui , Lessani M. Naser
Published: January 2024

Mobile location data has emerged as a valuable data source for studying human mobility patterns in various contexts, including virus spreading, urban planning, and hazard evacuation. However, these data are often anonymized overviews derived from a panel of traced mobile devices, and the representativeness of these panels is not well documented. Without a clear understanding of the data representativeness, the interpretations of research based on mobile location data may be questionable. This article presents a comprehensive examination of the potential biases associated with mobile location data using SafeGraph Patterns data in the United States as a case study. The research rigorously scrutinizes and documents the bias from multiple dimensions, including spatial, temporal, urbanization, demographic, and socioeconomic, over a five-year period from 2018 to 2022 across diverse geographic levels, including state, county, census tract, and census block group. Our analysis of the SafeGraph Patterns dataset revealed an average sampling rate of 7.5% with notable temporal dynamics, geographic disparities, and urban-rural differences. The number of sampled devices was strongly correlated with the census population at the county level over the five years for both urban (r > 0.97) and rural counties (r > 0.91), but less so at the census tract and block group levels. We observed minor sampling biases among groups such as gender, age, and moderate-income, with biases typically ranging from -0.05 to +0.05. However, minority groups such as Hispanic populations, low-income households, and individuals with low levels of education generally exhibited higher levels of underrepresentation bias that varied over space, time, urbanization, and across geographic levels. These findings provide important insights for future studies that utilize SafeGraph data or other mobile location datasets, highlighting the need to thoroughly evaluate the spatiotemporal dynamics of the bias across spatial scales when employing such data sources.
Developing climate-resilient rice varieties (BRRI dhan97 and BRRI dhan99) suitable for salt-stress environments in Bangladesh
Authors: Debsharma Sanjoy K. , Rahman M. Akhlasur , Khatun Mahmuda , Disha Ribed F. , Jahan Nusrat , Quddus Md. Ruhul , Khatun Hasina , Dipti Sharifa S. , Ibrahim Md. , Iftekharuddaula K. M. , Kabir Md. Shahjahan
Published: January 2024

Salinity variations are the main reason for rice yield fluctuations in salt-prone regions throughout the dry season (Boroseason). Plant breeders must produce new rice varieties that are more productive, salt tolerant, and stable across a variety of settings to ensure Bangladesh’s food sustainability. To assess the yield and stability, we used fifteen rice genotypes containing two tolerant checks BRRI dhan67, Binadhan-10 and the popularBororice variety BRRI dhan28 in different salinity “hotspot” in three successive years followed by additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model utilizing a randomized complete block (RCB) design with two replications. Parents selection was done based on estimated breeding values (EBVs). Eight parents with high EBVs (IR83484-3-B-7-1-1-1, IR87870-6-1-1-1-1-B, BR8992-B-18-2-26, HHZ5-DT20-DT2-DT1, HHZ12-SAL2-Y3-Y2, BR8980-B-1-3-5, BRRI dhan67, and Binadhan-10) might be used to develop new segregating breeding materials. Based on farmer preferences and grain acceptability, three genotypes (IR83484-3-B-7-1-1-1, HHZ5-DT20-DT2-DT1, and HHZ12-SAL2-Y3-Y2) were the winning and best ones. The above three genotypes in the proposed variety trial showed significantly higher yields than the respective check varieties, high salinity tolerance ability, and good grain quality parameters. Among them, HHZ5-DT20-DT2-DT1 and IR83484-3-B-7-1-1-1 harbored eight and four QTL/genes that regulate the valuable traits revealed through 20 SNP genotyping. Finally, two genotypes IR83484-3-B-7-1-1-1 and HHZ5-DT20-DT2-DT1 were released as high salinity-tolerant rice varieties BRRI dhan97 and BRRI dhan99, respectively in Bangladesh for commercial cultivation for sustaining food security and sustainability.
Study on Bingham fractional damage model of backfill material under different moisture content conditions
Authors: Wang Junguang , Yang Song , Qi Yanming , Cong Yiran
Published: January 2024

Filling mining technology is an important representative technology to realize green and low-carbon mining. The backfill materials have distinct rheological characteristics under the long-term action of formation loads and groundwater seepage. In order to study the creep characteristics of backfill materials under different moisture contents and reveal their aging-mechanical properties, based on the Riemann-Liouville fractional calculus and damage mechanics theory, the fractional element and damage variables are introduced to improve the traditional Bingham model, and the fractional Bingham creep damage model is proposed. Based on the experimental data of gangue cemented backfill under different moisture content, the parameters of the creep model are obtained by using user-defined function fitting and the least square method. The results show that the improved Bingham fractional creep damage model can describe the whole creep process of backfill materials under different moisture contents, and the rationality of the model is verified. Compared with the traditional Bingham model, the fitting degree of the Bingham fractional creep damage model is higher, which solves the problem that the traditional Bingham model cannot describe the nonlinear creep stage. Model parameter α and ξ increase with the increase of axial stress and moisture content. Under the same moisture content, η gradually increases with the increase of axial stress. This work has a certain reference significance for studying the mechanical properties and creep constitutive model of backfill materials containing water.
Stochastic model of Alzheimer’s disease progression using two-state Markov chains
Authors: Parks Meaghan Elizabeth
Published: January 2024

In 2016, Hao and Friedman developed a deterministic model of Alzheimer’s disease progression using a system of partial differential equations. This model describes the general behavior of the disease, however, it does not incorporate the molecular and cellular stochasticity intrinsic to the underlying disease processes. Here we extend the Hao and Friedman model by modeling each event in disease progression as a stochastic Markov process. This model identifies stochasticity in disease progression, as well as changes to the mean dynamics of key agents. We find that the pace of neuron death increases whereas the production of the two key measures of progression, Tau and Amyloid beta proteins, decelerates when stochasticity is incorporated into the model. These results suggest that the non-constant reactions and time-steps have a significant effect on the overall progression of the disease.
Insect-based fish feed in decoupled aquaponic systems: Effect on lettuce production and resource use
Authors: Pinho Sara , Leal Margarida Meneses , Shaw Christopher , Baganz Daniela , Baganz Gösta , Staaks Georg , Kloas Werner , Körner Oliver , Monsees Hendrik
Published: January 2024

The utilisation of insect meal-based fish feed as a substitute for conventional fish meal-based fish feed is considered as a promising innovative alternative to boost circularity in aquaculture and aquaponics. Basic research on its use in aquaponics is limited. So far, no reports on the effects of fish waste water, derived from a recirculating aquaculture system using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) meal-based diets, were available on the growth performance of lettuce. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effect of reusing fish waste water from tilapia culture (as a base for the nutrient solution) fed with a fish meal-based diet (FM) and a BSF meal-based diet on resource use and lettuce growth in decoupled aquaponic systems. A conventional hydroponics nutrient solution (HP) served as control, and inorganic fertilisers were added to all nutrient solutions to reach comparable target concentrations. The experiment was conducted in a controlled climate chamber in nine separate hydroponics units, three per treatment. Lettuce fresh and dry weight, number of leaves, relative leaf chlorophyll concentration, water consumption, and the usage of inorganic fertilisers were measured. Micro- and macronutrients in the nutrient solutions were monitored in time series. Similar lettuce yield was seen in all treatments, with no significant effects on fresh and dry weight, the number of leaves, and relative chlorophyll values. Water use per plant was also similar between treatments, while the amount of total inorganic fertiliser required was 32% lower in FM and BSF compared to HP. Higher sodium concentrations were found in the FM nutrient solutions compared to BSF and HP. The results confirm that BSF-based diet is a promising alternative to FM-based diet in aquaponics with no negative effects on lettuce growth. Additionally, BSF-based diet might be beneficial in intensive, professional aquaponics applications due to the lower sodium concentration in the nutrient solution.
Causal relationship between COVID-19 and chronic pain: A mendelian randomization study
Authors: Fan Yuchao , Liang Xiao
Published: January 2024

Objective

COVID-19 is a highly transmissible disease that can result in long-term symptoms, including chronic pain. However, the mechanisms behind the persistence of long-COVID pain are not yet fully elucidated, highlighting the need for further research to establish causality. Mendelian randomization (MR), a statistical technique for determining a causal relationship between exposure and outcome, has been employed in this study to investigate the association between COVID-19 and chronic pain.

Material and methods

The IVW, MR Egger, and weighted median methods were employed. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran’s Q statistic. MR Egger intercept and MR-PRESSO tests were performed to detect pleiotropy. The Bonferroni method was employed for the correction of multiple testing. R software was used for all statistical analyses.

Result

Based on the IVW method, hospitalized COVID-19 patients exhibit a higher risk of experiencing lower leg joint pain compared to the normal population. Meanwhile, the associations between COVID-19 hospitalization and back pain, headache, and pain all over the body were suggestive. Additionally, COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization were found to have a suggestive higher risk of experiencing neck or shoulder pain and pain all over the body compared to those who did not require hospitalization. Patients with severe respiratory-confirmed COVID-19 showed a suggestive increased risk of experiencing pain all over the body compared to the normal population.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the link between COVID-19 severity and pain in different body regions, with implications for targeted interventions to reduce COVID-19 induced chronic pain burden.
Measuring the effects of a nurse-led intervention on frailty status of older people living in the community in Ethiopia: A protocol for a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Kasa Ayele Semachew , Drury Peta , Chang Hui-Chen (Rita) , Lee Shu-Chun , Traynor Victoria
Published: January 2024

Background

The recent recognition of the multidimensional features of frailty has emphasised the need for individualised multicomponent interventions. In the context of sub-Saharan Africa, few studies have examined: a) the frailty status of the older population; b) the level of frailty and its health implications and; c) the impact of a nurse-led intervention to reduce frailty.

Objectives

This study aims to design, implement, and evaluate a nurse-led intervention to reduce frailty and associated health consequences among older people living in Ethiopia.

Methods

The study will be conducted on 68 older persons using a pre-, post-, and follow-up single-group quasi-experimental design. Residents of Ethiopia, ≥60 years and living in the community will be invited to participate in a 24-week program designed to decrease frailty and associated health consequences. Data will be collected at three-time points: baseline, immediately after the intervention, and 12 weeks post-intervention. To determine the effect of the intervention, changes in frailty, nutritional status, activities of daily living, depression and quality of life scores will be measured. To measure the effect of a nurse-led intervention on the level of frailty among older people a generalised linear model (GLM) using repeated measures ANOVA will be used. Statistical significances will be set at p-values < 0.05.

Discussion

The results of this study will determine the impact of a nurse-led intervention to reduce frailty amongst community-dwelling older people living in Ethiopia. The results of this study will inform the development of future interventions designed to reduce frailty in lower-income countries.

Trial registration

The trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier of NCT05754398.
Evaluation of masticatory muscles in temporomandibular joint disorder patients using quantitative MRI fat fraction analysis—Could it be a biomarker?
Authors: Jeon Kug Jin , Choi Yoon Joo , Lee Chena , Kim Hak-Sun , Han Sang-Sun
Published: January 2024

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) are closely related to the masticatory muscles, but objective and quantitative methods to evaluate muscle are lacking. IDEAL-IQ, a type of chemical shift-encoded magnetic resonance imaging (CSE-MRI), can quantify the fat fraction (FF). The purpose of this study was to develop an MR IDEAL-IQ-based method for quantitative muscle diagnosis in TMD patients. A total of 65 patients who underwent 3 T MRI scans, including CSE-MRI sequences, were retrospectively included. MRI diagnoses and clinical data were reviewed. There were 19 patients in the normal group and 46 patients in the TMD group with unilateral disc displacement. The TMD group was subdivided into those with and without clenching. The right and left FF values of the masseter, medial, and lateral pterygoid muscles were measured twice by two oral radiologists on CSE-MRI, and the average value was used. FF measurements using CSE-MRI showed excellent intra- and inter-observer agreement (ICC > 0.889 for both). There were no statistically significant differences between the right and left FF values in the masseter, medial pterygoid, and lateral pterygoid of the normal group (p > 0.05). A statistically significant difference was found in the TMD group without clenching, in which the masseter muscle had a statistically significantly lower FF value on the disc displacement side (3.94 ± 1.61) than on the normal side (4.52 ± 2.24) (p < 0.05). CSE-MRI, which can reproducibly quantify muscle FF values, is expected to be a biomarker for objective muscle evaluation in TMD patients. The masseter muscle is expected to be particularly useful compared to other masticatory muscles, but further research is needed.
An empirical comparison of some missing data treatments in PLS-SEM
Authors: Amusa Lateef Babatunde , Hossana Twinomurinzi
Published: January 2024

PLS-SEM is frequently used in applied studies as an excellent tool for examining causal-predictive associations of models for theory development and testing. Missing data are a common problem in empirical analysis, and PLS-SEM is no exception. A comprehensive review of the PLS-SEM literature reveals a high preference for the listwise deletion and mean imputation methods in dealing with missing values. PLS-SEM researchers often disregard strategies for addressing missing data, such as regression imputation and imputation based on the Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm. In this study, we investigate the utility of these underutilized techniques for dealing with missing values in PLS-SEM and compare them with mean imputation and listwise deletion. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted based on two prominent social science models: the European Customer Satisfaction Index (ECSI) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Our simulation experiments reveal the outperformance of the regression imputation against the other alternatives in the recovery of model parameters and precision of parameter estimates. Hence, regression imputation merit more widespread adoption for treating missing values when analyzing PLS-SEM studies.
A PSO-based energy-efficient data collection optimization algorithm for UAV mission planning
Authors: Lin Lianhai , Wang Zhigang , Tian Liqin , Wu Junyi , Wu Wenxing
Published: January 2024

With the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), the use of UAV-based data collection systems has become a very popular research topic. This paper focuses on the energy consumption problem of this system. Genetic algorithms and swarm algorithms are effective approaches for solving this problem. However, optimizing UAV energy consumption remains a challenging task due to the inherent characteristics of these algorithms, which make it difficult to achieve the optimum solution. In this paper, a novel particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm called Double Self-Limiting PSO (DSLPSO) is proposed to minimize the energy consumption of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). DSLPSO refers to the operational principle of PSO and incorporates two new mechanisms. The first mechanism is to restrict the particle movement, improving the local search capability of the algorithm. The second mechanism dynamically adjusts the search range, which improves the algorithm’s global search capability. DSLPSO employs a variable population strategy that treats the entire population as a single mission plan for the UAV and dynamically adjusts the number of stopping points. In addition, the proposed algorithm was also simulated using public and random datasets. The effectiveness of the proposed DSLPSO and the two new mechanisms has been verified through experiments. The DSLPSO algorithm can effectively improve the lifetime of the UAV, and the two newly proposed mechanisms have potential for optimization work.
Priorities for developing stroke care in Ireland from the perspectives of stroke survivors, family carers and professionals involved in stroke care: A mixed methods study
Authors: Sexton Eithne , Fowler Karen , Hickey Anne , Williams David J. , Horgan Frances , Byrne Elaine , Macey Chris , Cuffe Padraic , Timmons Suzanne , Bennett Kathleen
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Increasing numbers of people are living with stroke, due to population ageing and improved survival, leading to a need for evidence to inform future policy decision-making. This study aimed to engage with stakeholders in Ireland to identify priorities for stroke services development.

Methods

A sequential mixed methods design was used. Phase 1 (qualitative) was exploratory, involving initial priority gathering via an online qualitative survey and interviews, with stroke survivors, family/main carers, and professionals working in stroke care. Framework analysis was used to generate a long-list of improvements to stroke services. Phase 2 involved a quantitative survey, where stakeholders selected five priority improvements from the long-list. Results were discussed in a stakeholder meeting.

Results

In-depth interviews were completed with 18 survivors, 13 carers and 8 professionals, while 80 professionals took part in a qualitative survey (phase 1). Priority areas of care were identified and a long-list of 45 priority improvements was generated. In phase 2, 34 survivors, 19 family carers and 42 professionals completed a survey. The highest priority improvements (selected by >20% of respondents) were access to specialist neuro-rehabilitation, ongoing support for life after stroke, recruitment/retention of specialist staff, improved information and support for health system navigation, and access to specialist acute care. Stroke survivors/carers prioritised exploring ways to improve access for strokes with atypical presentation, while professionals prioritised specialist inpatient rehabilitation and early supported discharge. Neither group prioritised stroke prevention. Based on discussions in the stakeholder meeting (n = 12), it was decided that support for mental health should also be included as a priority.

Discussion

The development of stroke services benefits from exploring the priorities of those receiving and delivering stroke care. Findings emphasise the need for equitable access to high quality adequately-staffed services, particularly post-discharge, that are easy to navigate, with good communication, and effective information provision.
Neural processing of prototypicality and simplicity of product design in forming design preferences
Authors: Cho Erin , Yoon Shin-Ae , Park Hae-Jeong
Published: January 2024

The current study investigates the neural correlates when processing prototypicality and simplicity—affecting the preference of product design. Despite its significance, not much is known about how our brain processes these visual qualities of design when forming design preferences. We posit that, although fluency is the perceptual judgment accounting for the positive effects of both prototypicality and simplicity on design preference, the neural substrates for the fluency judgment associated with prototypicality would differ from those associated with simplicity. To investigate these issues, we conducted an fMRI study of preference decisions for actual product designs with different levels of prototypicality and simplicity. The results show a significant functional gradient between the preference processing of simplicity and prototypicality–i.e., involvement of the early ventral stream of visual information processing for simplicity evaluation but recruitment of the late ventral stream and parietal-frontal brain regions for prototypicality evaluation. The interaction between the simplicity and prototypicality evaluations was found in the extrastriate cortex in the right hemisphere. The segregated brain involvements suggest that the fluency judgment for prototypicality and simplicity contribute to preference choice in different levels of cognitive hierarchy in the perceptual mechanism of the design preference.
DNA barcoding for the identification and authentication of medicinal deer (Cervus sp.) products in China
Authors: Li Wenlan , Ren Qiqi , Feng Jian , Lee Shiou Yih , Liu Yangyang
Published: January 2024

Deer products from sika deer (Cervus nippon) and red deer (C.elaphus) are considered genuine and used for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) materials in China. Deer has a very high economic and ornamental value, resulting in the formation of a characteristic deer industry in the prescription preparation of traditional Chinese medicine, health food, cosmetics, and other areas of development and utilization. Due to the high demand for deer products, the products are expensive and have limited production, but the legal use of deer is limited to only two species of sika deer and red deer; other wild deer are prohibited from hunting, so there are numerous cases of mixing and adulteration of counterfeit products and so on. There have been many reports that other animal (pig, cow, sheep, etc.) tissues or organs are often used for adulteration and confusion, resulting in poor efficacy of deer traditional medicine and trade fraud in deer products. To authenticate the deer products in a rapid and effective manner, the analysis used 22 deer products (antler, meat, bone, fetus, penis, tail, skin, and wool) that were in the form of blind samples. Total DNA extraction using a modified protocol successfully yielded DNA from the blind samples that was useful for PCR. Three candidate DNA barcoding loci, cox1, Cyt b, and rrn12, were evaluated for their discrimination strength through BLAST and phylogenetic clustering analyses. For the BLAST analysis, the 22 blind samples obtained 100% match identity across the three gene loci tested. It was revealed that 12 blind samples were correctly labeled for their species of origin, while three blind samples that were thought to originate from red deer were identified asC.nippon, and seven blind samples that were thought to originate from sika deer were identified asC.elaphus,Dama dama, andRangifer tarandus. DNA barcoding analysis showed that all three gene loci were able to distinguish the twoCervusspecies and to identify the presence of adulterant species. The DNA barcoding technique was able to provide a useful and sensitive approach in identifying the species of origin in deer products.