bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-year outcomes of traumatic injuries among survivors in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study on the employment outcomes and functioning state
Authors: Ahmed Ansha Nega , Lysaght Rosemary , Addissie Adamu , Zewdie Ayalew , Finlayson Marcia
Published: April 2024

Background

Traumatic injury is one of the top public health challenges globally. Injury survivors often experience poor health and functioning and restricted participation in employment. In Ethiopia, there is a paucity of evidence about the long-term consequences of injuries, particularly about their employment outcomes and disability status. This study characterizes injury survivors by their preinjury status, injury characteristics, postinjury employment outcomes and disability status 1 year post injury.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on injury survivors who received services from a large public hospital in Addis Ababa. Medical records of all emergency room patients who visited the hospital within a 3-month period were reviewed to identify those who were eligible. A structured questionnaire was completed using a telephone interview. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the outcomes.

Results

Of the 254 participants, 78% were men, 48% were young adults (age 25–39 years), 41% were injured by road traffic collision, 52% were admitted to the hospital for up to a week and only 16% received compensation for the injury. Before the injury, 87% were working in manual labor. One-year after the injury, the total return to work (RTW) rate was 59%; 61% of participants experienced some level of disability, 33% had at least one type of chronic illness and 56% reported challenges of physical stressors when attempting to RTW. Among the 150 who returned to work, 46% returned within 12 weeks, 78% to the same employer and most received support from multiple sources, including community-level institutions (88%) and families/friends (67%).

Conclusion

Traumatic injury substantially impacted the employment outcomes of survivors and contributed to increased disability in Ethiopia. This study lays a foundation for future research and contributes crucial evidence for advocacy to improve injury prevention and trauma rehabilitation in low and middle-income contexts.

Level of evidence

II.
The infiltration characteristics of expansive soil subjected to drying–wetting cycles under surcharge
Authors: Gao Zhiao , Kong Lingwei , Wang Shuangjiao , Wang Gang , Yan Junbiao
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the infiltration characteristics of expansive soil subjected to drying–wetting cycles under surcharge. Infiltration tests are conducted on undisturbed expansive soil over four drying–wetting cycles. Additionally, the permeability coefficient under loading is determined prior to any drying–wetting cycles. Within the context of this study, the sample heights after drying and after wetting are monitored to determine the natural swelling and shrinkage deformations. Experimental results show that the infiltration rate decreases as the pressure increases. The sample’s swelling–shrinkage deformation decreases with each progressive drying–wetting cycle, whereas the infiltration rate consistently increases. The infiltration curve under the drying–wetting cycle can be divided into three stages according to the infiltration characteristics, which is significantly different from the infiltration curve of the sample without the drying–wetting cycle. Moreover, the proposed model can fit the infiltration curves well, and its fitting parameters are described using dimensionless pressure and the number of drying–wetting cycles. The drying of the expansive soil produces cracks that are advantageous for infiltration. Additionally, the microscopic connection between aggregates reflects changes in the internal structure of the soil during successive drying–wetting cycles. As the number of drying–wetting cycle increases, small particles aggregate into large aggregates, and the contact relationship between the aggregate changes from face–face to point–point contact, reducing the swelling potential and increasing the porosity and infiltration capacity of the soil.
Theoretical prediction of hexagonal ternary phase Mo2Ga2C and its evolution to layered carbide Mo2C
Authors: Cui Shouxin , Ma Biao , Feng Wenxia , Li Jun
Published: April 2024

The stable structure of Mo2Ga2C was determined by using a combination of crystal structure searching technique and first-principles calculations. Mo2Ga2C crystallizes a hexagonal layered structure of space group P63/ m m c (No. 194), which is the typical structure of conventional M n+1AX n phases. The dynamical and mechanical stability of the predicted structure is confirmed by the phonon dispersion and elastic constants, respectively. The structural stability of Mo2Ga2C is investigated by analyzing the stability of chemical bonds under tensile and shear deformations. Layered structural stability of Mo2Ga2C is determined by the strength of covalent Mo–Ga bond under tensile and shear strains. The stress–strain relationships of Mo2Ga2C are evaluated and compared with Mo2GaC. Two-dimensional layered Mo2C can be obtained by the selective removal of Ga atoms from Mo2Ga2C. Theoretical prediction of monolayer Mo2C is metallic, and has potential application as anode and thermoelectric material.
Multi-objective optimization design for the table of a CNC machine tool based on bionic structures
Authors: Liu Shihao , Yang Chenglong , Chen Ganxing , Lin Mao , Qin Jiayi , Li Mei
Published: April 2024

To improve the static and dynamic performance of CNC machine tool tables, a multi-objective optimization design method based on bionic structures is proposed, which involves bionic design and size optimization design. Based on the bionics, four types of bionic structure tables for the original XK5032 machine tool were designed, namely bamboo cross-section bionic structure table, spider web bionic structure table, honeycomb bionic structure table, and prairie rushes bionic structure table. Static and modal analysis of the original and four types of bionic tables were conducted using finite element simulation methods validated through modal experiments. The results show that the overall mechanics of the four bionic tables have been improved compared to the original table. Using the entropy weight TOPSIS method, the prairie rushes bionic structure table was selected from four types of bionic tables. Conducting multi-objective optimization design on the prairie rushes bionic structure table, three optimization candidate schemes were obtained. The entropy-weighted TOPSIS method was used again to select the optimal solution from these three schemes, resulting in a 0.8% reduction in mass, an increase in first-order natural frequency by 2.8%, a decrease in maximum displacement by 3.2%, and a significant 21.6% reduction in maximum equivalent stress compared to the original table.
Creation of bound half-fermion pairs by solitons
Authors: Karki Sapan , Altschul Brett
Published: April 2024

In the presence of topologically nontrivial bosonic field configurations, the fermion number operator may take on fractional eigenvalues, because of the existence of zero-energy fermion modes. The simplest examples of this occur in $$1+1$$

1
+
1

dimensions, with zero modes attached to kink-type solitons. In the presence of a kink-antikink pair, the two associated zero modes bifurcate into positive and negative energy levels with energies $$\pm ge^{-g\Delta }$$

±
g

e

-
g
Δ

, in terms of the Yukawa coupling $$g\ll 1$$

g
≪
1

and the distance $$\Delta $$
Δ
between the kink and antikink centers. When the kink and antikink are moving, it seems that there could be Landau–Zener-like transitions between these two fermionic modes, which would be interpretable as the creation or annihilation of fermion-antifermion pairs; however, with only two solitons in relative motion, this does not occur. If a third solitary wave is introduced farther away to perturb the kink-antikink system, a movement of the faraway kink can induce transitions between the discrete fermion modes bound to the solitons. These state changes can be interpreted globally as creation or destruction of a novel type of pair: a half-fermion and a half-antifermion. The production of the half-integral pairs will dominate over other particle production channels as long as the solitary waves remain well separated, so that there is a manifold of discrete fermion states whose energies are either zero or exponentially close to zero.
Weak cosmic censorship conjecture by overspinning the Kerr–Newman–Kasuya black hole
Authors: Ahmed Ayyesha K. , Siddiqui Azad A.
Published: April 2024

We study the weak cosmic censorship conjecture by overspinning the Kerr–Newman–Kasuya black hole with test particle. We consider the geodesic equation of motion and find the certain conditions on the angular momentum of the black hole. We find the expression of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and then check whether the inequality satisfies or not. The results suggest that the Kerr–Newman–Kasuya black hole can be overspun showing the violation of cosmic censorship conjecture.
Ab initio spectroscopic studies of AlF and AlCl molecules
Authors: Bala R. , Prasannaa V. S. , Chakravarti D. , Mukherjee D. , Das B. P.
Published: April 2024

In this work, we report the results from our spectroscopic study on AlF and AlCl molecules. We carry out detailed electronic structure calculations in both the molecules, including obtaining the potential energy surfaces of the [Formula: see text] ground electronic state and some of the low-lying excited electronic states belonging to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] symmetries. This is followed by evaluating the spectroscopic constants and molecular properties such as electric dipole moments and electric quadrupole moments. Throughout, we employ the multi-reference configuration interaction method and work with high-quality quadruple zeta basis sets. Further, transition dipole moments between the ground electronic state and singlet excited states are also studied. The relevant vibrational parameters are computed by solving the vibrational Schrödinger equation. Subsequently, the vibrational energy spacings and transition dipole moments between the vibrational levels belonging to the same electronic states are used to evaluate the spontaneous and black-body radiation-induced transition rates, followed by computing the lifetimes. Finally, the energy differences between rotational levels belonging to different vibrational levels and within an electronic state as well as the Einstein coefficients are reported.
CAN PERFORMANCE-BASED REWARDS AND DEVELOPMENTAL PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL DRIVE RADICAL INNOVATION? THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF INNOVATIVE WORK BEHAVIOUR AND AFFECTIVE COMMITMENT
Authors: THNEIBAT MOTASEM M.
Published: April 2024

The aim of this paper is to empirically study the impact of the motivation-enhancing practices of performance-based rewards and developmental performance appraisal on radical innovation. The effect of innovative work behaviour (IWB) is also considered as a mediator in this relationship. The paper also considers the effect of performance-based rewards and developmental performance appraisal on affective commitment and whether this mechanism can drive employees’ IWB. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from employees working in the telecommunications, mining, pharmaceutical, banking and technological industries in Jordan. The final sample comprised 270 valid responses. Research hypotheses were tested via structural equation modelling (SEM) using AMOS v28 and PROCESS by Hayes to test the mediating effects. The paper found that IWB mediates the relationship between performance-based rewards, developmental performance appraisal and radical innovation because the subsequent effect of IWB on radical innovation was significant and positive. This is also confirmed by the mediation analysis. Findings showed support for the positive impact of performance-based rewards and developmental performance appraisal on affective commitment. Additionally, the findings confirmed that affective commitment mediates the relationship between performance-based rewards, developmental performance appraisal and IWB.
Human Intuition and Algorithmic Efficiency Must Be Balanced to Enhance Data Mesh Resilience
Authors: Strelzoff Andrew , Trump Benjamin D. , Cummings Christopher L. , Smith Madison , Galaitsi Stephanie E. , Stoddard Kelsey , Keisler Jeff , Vardi Moshe , Bastian Nathaniel , Kott Alexander , Linkov Igor
Published: April 2024

Improving data governance methodologies.
Modeling Retention Errors of 3D NAND Flash for Optimizing Data Placement
Authors: Tian Huan , Tang Jiewen , Li Jun , Sha Zhibing , Yang Fan , Cai Zhigang , Liao Jianwei
Published: April 2024

Considering 3D NAND flash has a new property of
process variation (PV)
, which causes different raw bit error rates (RBER) among different layers of the flash block. This article builds a mathematical model for estimating the retention errors of flash cells, by considering the factor of
layer-to-layer PV
in 3D NAND flash memory, as well as the factors of program/erase (P/E) cycle and retention time of data. Then, it proposes classifying the layers of flash block in 3D NAND flash memory into profitable and unprofitable categories, according to the error correction overhead. After understanding the retention error variation of different layers in 3D NAND flash, we design a mechanism of data placement, which maps the write data onto a suitable layer of flash block, according to the data hotness and the error correction overhead of layers, to boost read performance of 3D NAND flash. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed retention error estimation model can yield a

R
2

value of
0.966
on average, verifying the accuracy of the model. Based on the estimated retention error rates of layers, the proposed data placement mechanism can noticeably reduce the read latency by
29.8
% on average, compared with state-of-the-art methods against retention errors for 3D NAND flash memory.
Enhancing Lifetime and Performance of MLC NVM Caches Using Embedded Trace Buffers
Authors: Sivakumar S. , Jose John , Narayanan Vijaykrishnan
Published: April 2024

Large volumes of on-chip and off-chip memory are required by contemporary applications. Emerging non-volatile memory technologies including STT-RAM, PCM, and ReRAM are becoming popular for on-chip and off-chip memories as a result of their desirable properties. Compared to traditional memory technologies such as SRAM and DRAM, they have minimal leakage current and high packing density. Non Volatile Memories (NVM), however, have a low write endurance, a high write latency, and high write energy. Non-volatile Single Level Cell (SLC) memories can store a single bit of data in each memory cell, whereas Multi Level Cells (MLC) can store two or more bits in each memory cell. Although MLC NVMs have substantially higher packing density than SLCs, their lifetime and access speed are key concerns. For a given cache size, MLC caches consume 1.84× less space and 2.62× less leakage power than SLC caches. We propose Trace buffer Assisted Non-volatile Memory Cache (TANC), an approach that increases the lifespan and performance of MLC-based last-level caches using the underutilized Embedded Trace Buffers (ETB). TANC improves the lifetime of MLC LLCs up to 4.36× and decreases average memory access time by 4% compared to SLC NVM LLCs and by 6.41× and 11%, respectively, compared to baseline MLC LLCs.
An Example of Parallel Merkle Tree Traversal: Post-Quantum Leighton-Micali Signature on the GPU
Authors: Wang Ziheng , Dong Xiaoshe , Kang Yan , Chen Heng , Wang Qiang
Published: April 2024

The hash-based signature (HBS) is the most conservative and time-consuming among many post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms. Two HBSs, LMS and XMSS, are the only PQC algorithms standardised by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) now. Existing HBSs are designed based on serial Merkle tree traversal, which is not conducive to taking full advantage of the computing power of parallel architectures such as CPUs and GPUs. We propose a parallel Merkle tree traversal (PMTT), which is tested by implementing LMS on the GPU. This is the first work accelerating LMS on the GPU, which performs well even with over 10,000 cores. Considering different scenarios of algorithmic parallelism and data parallelism, we implement corresponding variants for PMTT. The design of PMTT for algorithmic parallelism mainly considers the execution efficiency of a single task, while that for data parallelism starts with the full utilisation of GPU performance. In addition, we are the first to design a CPU-GPU collaborative processing solution for traversal algorithms to reduce the communication overhead between CPU and GPU. For algorithmic parallelism, our implementation is still 4.48× faster than the ideal time of the state-of-the-art traversal algorithm. For data parallelism, when the number of cores increases from 1 to 8,192, the parallel efficiency is 78.39%. In comparison, our LMS implementation outperforms most existing LMS and XMSS implementations.
ConceptLab: Creative Concept Generation using VLM-Guided Diffusion Prior Constraints
Authors: Richardson Elad , Goldberg Kfir , Alaluf Yuval , Cohen-Or Daniel
Published: April 2024

Recent text-to-image generative models have enabled us to transform our words into vibrant, captivating imagery. The surge of personalization techniques that has followed has also allowed us to imagine unique concepts in new scenes. However, an intriguing question remains: How can we generate a
new
, imaginary concept that has never been seen before? In this article, we present the task of
creative text-to-image generation
, where we seek to generate new members of a broad category (e.g., generating a pet that differs from all existing pets). We leverage the under-studied Diffusion Prior models and show that the creative generation problem can be formulated as an optimization process over the output space of the diffusion prior, resulting in a set of “prior constraints.” To keep our generated concept from converging into existing members, we incorporate a question-answering Vision-Language Model that adaptively adds new constraints to the optimization problem, encouraging the model to discover increasingly more unique creations. Finally, we show that our prior constraints can also serve as a strong mixing mechanism allowing us to create hybrids between generated concepts, introducing even more flexibility into the creative process.
Rank-based Hashing for Effective and Efficient Nearest Neighbor Search for Image Retrieval
Authors: Kawai Vinicius Sato , Valem Lucas Pascotti , Baldassin Alexandro , Borin Edson , Pedronette Daniel Carlos Guimarães , Latecki Longin Jan
Published: April 2024

The large and growing amount of digital data creates a pressing need for approaches capable of indexing and retrieving multimedia content. A traditional and fundamental challenge consists of effectively and efficiently performing nearest-neighbor searches. After decades of research, several different methods are available, including trees, hashing, and graph-based approaches. Most of the current methods exploit learning to hash approaches based on deep learning. In spite of effective results and compact codes obtained, such methods often require a significant amount of labeled data for training. Unsupervised approaches also rely on expensive training procedures usually based on a huge amount of data. In this work, we propose an unsupervised data-independent approach for nearest neighbor searches, which can be used with different features, including deep features trained by transfer learning. The method uses a rank-based formulation and exploits a hashing approach for efficient ranked list computation at query time. A comprehensive experimental evaluation was conducted on seven public datasets, considering deep features based on CNNs and Transformers. Both effectiveness and efficiency aspects were evaluated. The proposed approach achieves remarkable results in comparison to traditional and state-of-the-art methods. Hence, it is an attractive and innovative solution, especially when costly training procedures need to be avoided.
A Quality-Aware and Obfuscation-Based Data Collection Scheme for Cyber-Physical Metaverse Systems
Authors: Tang Jianheng , Fan Kejia , Yin Wenjie , Yang Shihao , Huang Yajiang , Liu Anfeng , Xiong Naixue , Dong Mianxiong , Wang Tian , Zhang Shaobo
Published: April 2024

In pursuit of an immersive virtual experience within the Cyber-Physical Metaverse Systems (CPMS), the construction of Avatars often requires a significant amount of real-world data. Mobile Crowd Sensing (MCS) has emerged as an efficient method for collecting data for CPMS. While progress has been made in protecting the privacy of workers, little attention has been given to safeguarding task privacy, potentially exposing the intentions of applications and posing risks to the development of the Metaverse. Additionally, existing privacy protection schemes hinder the exchange of information among entities, inadvertently compromising the quality of the collected data. To this end, we propose a Quality-aware and Obfuscation-based Task Privacy-Preserving (QOTPP) scheme, which protects task privacy and enhances data quality without third-party involvement. The QOTPP scheme initially employs the insight of “showing the fake, and hiding the real” by employing differential privacy techniques to create fake tasks and conceal genuine ones. Additionally, we introduce a two-tier truth discovery mechanism using Deep Matrix Factorization (DMF) to efficiently identify high-quality workers. Furthermore, we propose a Combinatorial Multi-Armed Bandit (CMAB)-based worker incentive and selection mechanism to improve the quality of data collection. Theoretical analysis confirms that our QOTPP scheme satisfies essential properties such as truthfulness, individual rationality, and ε-differential privacy. Extensive simulation experiments validate the state-of-the-art performance achieved by QOTPP.
Physics-Based Continuum Modeling for an Aqueous Rechargeable Zn/MnO2 Battery
Authors: Bernard John C. , Wang Zhongling , Yan Shan , Takeuchi Esther S. , Marschilok Amy C. , Takeuchi Kenneth J. , West Alan C.
Published: April 2024

This study introduces a framework for modeling the aqueous Zn/MnO2 rechargeable battery. A reaction system and a physics-based continuum model are proposed based on two reaction types, one involving insertion and the second related to dissolution and deposition of a solid reaction product. The model, fitted to empirical data, predicts voltage behavior and capacity limitations during cycling, identifying electrolytic zinc depletion as a limiting mechanism, depending on the original cell construction. The research suggests the need for further material characterization and reaction analysis, which will advance our understanding and facilitate the development of grid-scale energy storage solutions.
Study of the Structural and Switching Properties of Ga2Te5 Crystals
Authors: Salwa A. S. , Nassary M. M. , Shaban H. T. , Gerges M. K.
Published: April 2024

The structural parameters of Ga2Te5 crystals grown using the Bridgman method have been studied. X-ray diffaction analysis revealed the crystal structure of Ga2Te5 in the tetragonal phase. In addition, crystalline size, strain, and dislocation density were calculated with the Sherrer model and the Williamson-Hall (W-H) model. The switching effect was achieved for Ga2Te5 crystals. Furthermore, the effect of temperature and light intensity was studied for Ga2Te5 crystals. The results show that temperature and light intensity affect switching characteristics such as threshold current (ith), threshold voltage (Vth), threshold power (Pth), and resistance ratios from a high-resistance OFF state to a low-resistance ON state (ROFF/RON).
Dielectric Behavior Characterization of RE/BaTiO3 Using Time Domain Spectroscopy: Application on High-Performance Dielectric Resonator Antennas
Authors: Chelghoum R. , Messai Z. , Brahimi A. , Bourouba N. , Martinez Jiménez J. P. , Bouttout F.
Published: April 2024

We are working to design dielectric resonator antennas based on binary composites made of epoxy resin (RE) and barium titanate (BaTiO3 or BT). The composite samples are prepared at room temperature and under atmospheric pressure. The dielectric properties of these composites were assessed using time domain spectroscopy (TDS). The antennas structure are designed, simulated, and optimized using electromagnetic software Ansys, HFSS. Two types of antennas are studied. The first type consists of a cylindrical dielectric resonator that gives three antenna models in terms of bandwidths, the antennas having a single frequency band, the antennas having dual-band, and the antenna covering three frequency bands, with peak gains varying between 3.68 and 8.15 dB achieved. The second type consists of dielectric resonators composed of two adjacent identical shapes each consisting of a rectangular joined with a cylindrical with the same height. The proposed antenna achieves ultra-wideband with a relative bandwidth of 97% covering the range of 6 to 17.32 GHz, and dual-band circularly polarized (

AR
<
3
dB

), the range of the lower band is 9.62 to 10.14 GHz and the range of the upper band is 16.74 to 16.94 GHz. The focus of this research is on creating novel antennas for applications in wireless communications systems.
Unraveling the Enigma of Organismal Death: Insights, Implications, and Unexplored Frontiers
Authors: Noble Peter A. , Pozhitkov Alexander , Singh Kanhaiya , Woods Erik , Liu Chunyu , Levin Michael , Javan Gulnaz , Wan Jun , Abouhashem Ahmed Safwat , Mathew-Steiner Shomita S. , Sen Chandan K.
Published: April 2024

Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding the responses of cells, tissues, and organs to organismal death. Examining the survival mechanisms influenced by metabolism and environment, this research has the potential to transform regenerative medicine, redefine legal death, and provide insights into life’s physiological limits, paralleling inquiries in embryogenesis.
Neural Processing without O2 and Glucose Delivery: Lessons from the Pond to the Clinic
Authors: Amaral-Silva Lara , Santin Joseph
Published: April 2024

Neuronal activity requires a large amount of ATP, leading to a rapid collapse of brain function when aerobic respiration fails. Here, we summarize how rhythmic motor circuits in the brain stem of adult frogs, which normally have high metabolic demands, transform to produce proper output during severe hypoxia associated with emergence from hibernation. We suggest that general principles underlying plasticity in brain bioenergetics may be uncovered by studying nonmammalian models that face extreme environments, yielding new insights to combat neurological disorders involving dysfunctional energy metabolism.
Pharmacogenomics of Hypertension in Africa: Paving the Way for a Pharmacogenetic-Based Approach for the Treatment of Hypertension in Africans
Authors: Katsukunya Jonathan N. , Soko Nyarai D. , Naidoo Jashira , Rayner Brian , Blom Dirk , Sinxadi Phumla , Chimusa Emile R. , Dandara Michelle , Dzobo Kevin , Jones Erika , Dandara Collet
Published: April 2024

In Africa, the burden of hypertension has been rising at an alarming rate for the last two decades and is a major cause for cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and morbidity. Hypertension is characterised by elevated blood pressure (BP) ≥ 140/90 mmHg. Current hypertension guidelines recommend the use of antihypertensives belonging to the following classes: calcium channel blockers (CCB), angiotensin converting inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), diuretics, β-blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), to manage hypertension. Still, a considerable number of hypertensives in Africa have their BP uncontrolled due to poor drug response and remain at the risk of CVD events. Genetic factors are a major contributing factor, accounting for 20% to 80% of individual variability in therapy and poor response. Poor response to antihypertensive drug therapy is characterised by elevated BPs and occurrence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). As a result, there have been numerous studies which have examined the role of genetic variation and its influence on antihypertensive drug response. These studies are predominantly carried out in non-African populations, including Europeans and Asians, with few or no Africans participating. It is important to note that the greatest genetic diversity is observed in African populations as well as the highest prevalence of hypertension. As a result, this warrants a need to focus on how genetic variation affects response to therapeutic interventions used to manage hypertension in African populations. In this paper, we discuss the implications of genetic diversity in CYP11B2, GRK4, NEDD4L, NPPA, SCNN1B, UMOD, CYP411, WNK, CYP3A4/5, ACE, ADBR1/2, GNB3, NOS3, B2, BEST3, SLC25A31, LRRC15 genes, and chromosome 12q loci on hypertension susceptibility and response to antihypertensive therapy. We show that African populations are poorly explored genetically, and for the few characterised genes, they exhibit qualitative and quantitative differences in the profile of pharmacogene variants when compared to other ethnic groups. We conclude by proposing prioritization of pharmacogenetics research in Africa and possible adoption of pharmacogenetic-guided therapies for hypertension in African patients. Finally, we outline the implications, challenges, and opportunities these studies present for populations of non-European descent.
Methods and Tools Used for Biosecurity Assessment in Livestock Farms in Africa: A Scoping Review
Authors: Vougat Ngom Ronald , Laconi Andrea , Mouiche Mohamed M. M. , Ayissi Gaspard J. , M. M. Akoussa Adonis , D. Ziebe Stephane , Tilli Giuditta , A. Zangue Henriette , Piccirillo Alessandra
Published: April 2024

Farm biosecurity has gained increasing attention worldwide during the last decades because of its role in reducing the occurrence of diseases and improving animal performance. Recently, recommendations to reinforce the concept of farm biosecurity in lower‐ and middle‐income countries have been advised. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive description of the methods and tools used to assess biosecurity compliance in livestock farms in Africa and formulate recommendations. The present review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis extension for scoping reviews guidelines. Peer‐reviewed studies reporting biosecurity assessment in poultry, cattle, pig, goat, or sheep farms in Africa were included. Five databases were searched with no date restrictions. A total of 41 studies across 17 countries were finally selected. Selected studies were all published after 2008, and an increasing trend in the number of papers published per year was noticed. In total, 41 different methods for biosecurity assessment were found to be used in African countries, meaning that even within the same country, the same animal species, and the same farming system, different methods were utilized. In many papers, the methods used for biosecurity evaluation were poorly described. In addition, during the biosecurity assessment, measures related to the purchase of laying hens, egg transport and management, calves, calving and dairy management, and nursery units were almost not considered. These measures should be contemplated in future studies since they are related to important risk factors for the introduction and dissemination of infectious diseases. Interestingly, some measures not considered in European biosecurity tools were identified in the selected studies. The observed high difference in methods used may be due to the lack of regulations on biosecurity in African countries; therefore, the authors recommend the development and implementation of a harmonized and contextualized method for the assessment of biosecurity in livestock farms in Africa.
Almost Existentially Closed Models in Positive Logic
Authors: Belkasmi Mohammed
Published: April 2024

This paper explores the concept of almost positively closed models in the framework of positive logic. To accomplish this, we initially define various forms of the positive amalgamation property, such as h-amalgamation and symmetric and asymmetric amalgamation properties. Subsequently, we introduce certain structures that enjoy these properties. Following this, we introduce the concepts of Δ-almost positively closed and Δ-weekly almost positively closed. The classes of these structures contain and exhibit properties that closely resemble those of positive existentially closed models. In order to investigate the relationship between positive almost closed and positive strong amalgamation properties, we first introduce the sets of positive algebraic formulas ET and AlgT and the properties of positive strong amalgamation. We then show that if a model A of a theory T is a ET+A-weekly almost positively closed, then A is a positive strong amalgamation basis of T, and if A is a positive strong amalgamation basis of T, then A is AlT+A-weekly almost positively closed.
Preparation and Performance of Inorganic Hydrated Salt‐Based Composite Materials for Temperature and Humidity Regulation
Authors: Ye Rongda , Wang Jun , Li Yanna , Sun Wanchun , Zou Xuelin , Wang Fangxian , Shu Xugang
Published: April 2024

In this work, it was first proposed to combine hydrated salt phase change materials (PCMs) with humidity control materials to prepare the temperature and humidity control material. The composite PCM was prepared by absorbing Na2HPO4·12H2O with colloidal silicon dioxide, and diatomite was selected as the humidity control material. The humidity performance tests found that diatomite had good moisture absorption/desorption capacity and excellent moisture buffering capacity. The supercooling degree tests showed that Na2SiO3·9H2O as nucleating agent effectively reduced the supercooling degree, and the addition of deionized water improved the water loss problem of composite PCMs. The DSC tests showed that the enthalpy and melting temperature of composite PCMs were 153.1 J/g and 28.9°C, respectively. By placing the temperature and humidity control material in different humidity, it was found that the moisture content of diatomite affected the thermal properties of composite PCMs. Diatomite could not only transfer moisture to hydrated salts but also absorb moisture from hydrated salt. The application performance tests of the temperature and humidity control material in the room model showed that it could simultaneously regulate indoor temperature and humidity. Overall, this temperature and humidity control material was more suitable for environments with high relative humidity such as greenhouses.
Blood Pressure Control and Associated Factors among Hypertension Comorbid Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Southeast Ethiopia
Authors: Desta Fikreab , Mengesha Selamawit , Belayneh Fanuel , Woldeyohannes Demelash , Tekalegn Yohannes , Zenbaba Demisu , Sahiledengle Biniyam , Hailu Dejene
Published: April 2024

Background. Hypertension is the main contributor to the morbidity and mortality of patients with cardiovascular disease. Even though hypertension is very common in comorbid type 2 diabetic patients, it is frequently overlooked. This study aimed to assess blood pressure control and its associated factors among hypertension comorbid type 2 diabetic patients in Bale Zone public hospitals in Southeast Ethiopia. Methods and Materials. A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among hypertension comorbid type 2 diabetic patients. The data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and a review of the medical charts of patients. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. The bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between blood pressure control and its associated factors. Independent variables that showed a P<0.25 in the bivariate analysis was included in the multivariate analysis. Finally, variables with a P<0.05 were declared statistically significant factors. Results. The total number of participants in the study was 378. The overall magnitude of uncontrolled hypertension among hypertension comorbid diabetic patients was found to be 82.5% (95% CI: 78.7%, 86.4%). Nonadherence to antihypertensive medication (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.11, 5.39, P=0.027), duration of hypertension >10 years (AOR = 5.2, 95% CI: 1.27, 21.38, P=0.022), participants who attended secondary education (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.18, 8.87, P=0.023), and being obese (AOR = 4.1, 95% CI: 1.24, 13.49, P=0.021) were significantly associated with uncontrolled hypertension. Conclusion. Uncontrolled hypertension was found to be high among hypertension comorbid type 2 diabetic patients. Patients’ adherence to antihypertensive medication, physical activity, and alcohol abstinence should be maximized. Loss of weight is also crucial, as is the early detection and management of comorbidities.
Analysis of Digital Security Governance under the Objectives of Digital Ecology: A Three-Party Evolutionary Game Approach
Authors: Tian Zhen , Jiang Chuchu , Yue Gangyi
Published: April 2024

With the rapid development of the digital economy, there has been an explosion in the amount of data generated. Data have become a vital resource for nations, just as tangible assets and human capital are crucial factors of production. Consequently, protecting digital security has become paramount. However, the increasing frequency of various data security incidents in recent years has exposed issues such as inadequate platform governance, lack of government regulation, and incomplete digital security governance (DSG) mechanisms. This study aims to create a healthy and open digital ecosystem and proposes a new digital security governance framework. It subdivides traditional government departments into local governments and the central government. Together with third-party platforms, they are analyzed as participants in an evolutionary game. The study examines the evolutionary stability of strategy choices made by each party and explores the relationship between key factors such as negative externalities, data security incident probabilities, and their impacts on strategy selection using numerical simulations. The research findings indicate the following. (1) Key parameters such as implicit benefits, government subsidies, and negative externalities play a significantly positive role in the development of the digital ecosystem. (2) The central government consistently tends towards emergency response, considering the overall societal perspective, as long as it is capable of bearing the costs. (3) Local governments may exhibit free-riding behavior during the governance process. To address this, it is important to increase the willingness of third-party platforms to govern and oversee the participation of local governments, which is an effective way to prevent data crises. The study also identifies different governance models in various environments: (1) a digital security governance model in a stable market environment, involving increased central government intervention and supervision of local governments’ participation; and (2) a digital security governance model in the event of a data crisis, where the central government establishes subsidies that exceed the governance costs of local governments to enhance the willingness of third-party platforms to govern. Finally, recommendations and strategies are presented to enhance the level of digital security governance.
On the Leonardo Sequence via Pascal-Type Triangles
Authors: Halıcı Serpil , Curuk Sule
Published: April 2024

In this study, we discussed the Leonardo number sequence, which has been studied recently and caught more attention. We used Pascal and Hosoya-like triangles to make it easier to examine the basic properties of these numbers. With the help of the properties obtained in this study, we defined a number sequence containing the new type of Leonardo numbers created by choosing the coefficients from the bicomplex numbers. Furthermore, we gave the relationship of this newly defined sequence with the Fibonacci sequence. We also provided some important identities in the literature provided by the elements of this sequence described in this paper.
Effect of Spacing and Different Levels of Phosphorus on Growth and Yield of Malepatan‐1 Variety of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (Linn.) Walp.) in Dang District, Nepal
Authors: Poudel Biraj , Chaudhary Gaurab , Bhatt Archana , Neupane Shobita
Published: April 2024

The simplest strategy to boost cowpea production is to have an optimum fertilizer level and spacing. The study was performed to assess the effect of variable row spacing and phosphorus (P) levels on the growth and yield of cowpeas. The experiment was carried out using a split‐plot design with three planting geometry as the main plot (15 cm × 30 cm, 30 cm × 30 cm, and 45 cm × 30 cm) and three P levels as subplots (20, 40, and 60 kg/ha), each replicated three times. The result demonstrated that P had a significant effect on the number of pods per plant at 100 days after sowing (DAS), pod length at 85 and 100 DAS, and yield of fresh pods. However, P did not significantly impact plant height or number of pods per plant at 70 and 85 DAS. The highest fresh pod yield (1.05 t/ha) and pod length at 85 and 100 DAS (20.33 and 21.16 cm, respectively) were observed at 60 kg/ha P level. Similarly, the highest number of pods per plant at 100 DAS (8.3) was recorded at a P level of 40 kg/ha, which was comparable to that obtained at a P level of 60 kg/ha (8.1). Also, the spacing showed a nonsignificant effect on any of the studied parameters, except for the number of branches per plant at 30 DAS. The 45 cm × 30 cm spacing resulted in the highest number of branches per plant at this stage (2.4).
Urolithin-A Promotes CD8+ T Cell–mediated Cancer Immunosurveillance via FOXO1 Activation
Authors: Ginefra Pierpaolo , Hope Helen Carrasco , Chiang Yi-Hsuan , Nutten Sophie , Blum Stephanie , Coukos George , Vannini Nicola
Published: April 2024

Naïve T cells are key players in cancer immunosurveillance, even though their function declines during tumor progression. Thus, interventions capable of sustaining the quality and function of naïve T cells are needed to improve cancer immunoprevention.

In this context, we studied the capacity of Urolithin-A (UroA), a potent mitophagy inducer, to enhance T cell–mediated cancer immunosurveillance.

We discovered that UroA improved the cancer immune response by activating the transcription factor FOXO1 in CD8+ T cell. Sustained FOXO1 activation promoted the expression of the adhesion molecule L-selectin (CD62L) resulting in the expansion of the naïve T cells population. We found that UroA reduces FOXO1 phosphorylation favoring its nuclear localization and transcriptional activity. Overall, our findings determine FOXO1 as a novel molecular target of UroA in CD8+ T cells and indicate UroA as promising immunomodulator to improve cancer immunosurveillance.

Significance:

Urolithin-A, a potent mitophagy inducer, emerges as a promising tool to enhance cancer immunosurveillance by activating the FOXO1 transcription factor in CD8+ T cells. This activation promotes the expansion of naïve T cells, offering a novel avenue for improving cancer immune response and highlighting UroA as a potential immunomodulator for bolstering our body's defenses against cancer.
A Recurrent c.416C>T Variant in the B3GAT3 Gene in the Turkish Population: Report of Two Siblings and Expanding the Clinical Spectrum
Authors: Daşar Tuğba , Kolkıran Abdulkerim , Sezer Abdullah , Bal Ercan , Kılıç Esra
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Linkeropathies are a group of rare multi-systemic genetic disorders primarily affecting the skeletal and cardiac systems due to defects in the enzymes responsible for proteoglycan synthesis. Case Presentation: We present a case of two siblings with the B3GAT3 variant. The 14-year-old boy exhibited short stature, severe kyphoscoliosis, splenomegaly, and aortic root dilatation, along with several physical abnormalities including bifid uvula, blue sclera, limited elbow extension, and pectus carinatum. His 6-year-old sister also exhibited comparable yet less pronounced physical features. Clinical exome sequencing analysis revealed a homozygous c.416C>T variant in the B3GAT3 gene for the sister; the same variant was also present in the boy patient. The boy underwent preoperative halo-gravity traction for severe kyphoscoliosis, followed by posterior instrumentation and fusion surgery without complications. Discussion/Conclusion: B3GAT3-related linkeropathy syndrome is a rare disorder and we further expand the clinical spectrum with novel findings.
Proton Pump Inhibitors: Rational Use and Use-Reduction – The Windsor Workshop
Authors: Kahrilas Peter , Anastasiou Foteini , Bredenoord Albert J. , El Serag Hashem B. , Labenz Joachim , Mendive Juan , Savarino Edoardo V. , Sifrim Daniel , Udrescu Mihaela , Yadlapati Rena , Hungin A. Pali
Published: April 2024

Background: Despite deprescribing initiatives to curb overutilization of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), achieving meaningful reductions in PPI use is proving a challenge. Summary: An international group of primary care doctors and gastroenterologists examined the literature surrounding PPI use and use-reduction to clarify: (i) what constitutes rational PPI prescribing; (ii) when and in whom PPI use-reduction should be attempted; and (iii) what strategies to use when attempting PPI use-reduction. Key Messages: Before starting a PPI for reflux-like symptoms, patients should be educated on potential causes and alternative approaches including dietary and lifestyle modification, weight loss, and relaxation strategies. When commencing a PPI, patients should understand the reason for treatment, planned duration, and review date. PPI use at hospital discharge should not be continued without a recognized indication for long-term treatment. Long-term PPI therapy should be reviewed at least annually. PPI use-reduction should be based on the lack of a rational indication for long-term PPI use, not concern for PPI-associated adverse events. PPI use-reduction strategies involving switching to on-demand PPI or dose tapering, with rescue therapy for rebound symptoms, are more likely to succeed than abrupt cessation.
Críticas ao lugar de fala mantém interdição às narrativas de mulheres negras
Authors: Santos Ceres Marisa Silva dos
Published: April 2024

In this article, I resume the concept of ‘standpoint,’ a notion mainly defended by black feminisms in Brazil, against the persistent denial by the hegemonic media of rejecting structural racism in their news productions. In this context, the criticisms, mostly limited to identity arguments or reverse silencing, disregard the historical absence of racial content in the narratives published in mainstream media, thus nullifying a racial ‘standpoint.’ As an example, I note the low number of black columnists that exercise their standpoint in print and digital media and thus interfere in public opinion. I offer a critical analysis of how the discourses of black and anti-racist feminisms are ‘cancelled’ creating a negotiation threshold that does not exceed the greater presence of black journalists, mainly on Brazilian TV, which is a novelty despite barriers.