bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uji Validitas Adaptasi Skala Allophilia Terhadap Lansia
Authors: Rocky  , Adishesa Made Syanesti , Suwartono Christiany
Published: October 2024

Lansia di Indonesia akan terus bertambah dan diprediksi dapat menjadi populasi terbesar jika dibandingkan dengan kelompok usia lainnya. Orang-orang yang masuk kedalam kelompok lanjut usia ini perlu tetap menjalin hubungan tidak dengan orang seusianya saja, melainkan juga orang-orang yang lebih muda. Hubungan yang antara lansia dan generasi yang lebih muda dapat membentuk hubungan positif dengan memberikan dukungan sosial. Berbagai penelitian mencoba meningkatkan hubungan positif ini, sayangnya penelitian-penelitian tersebut belum memiliki instrumen alat ukur yang dapat dikatakan valid dan reliabel. Penelitian ini mencoba mengadaptasi alat ukur skala allophilia pada lansia ke Bahasa Indonesia, dengan melibatkan 304 partisipan. Metode adaptasi yang digunakan pada penelitian ini mengikuti panduan adaptasi alat ukur lintas budaya dan metode statistik exploratory factor analysis dan confirmatory analysis. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa alat ukur yang diadaptasi ke bahasa Indonesia menunjukkan alat ukur yang valid dan reliabel. Lebih lanjut alat ukur ini lebih sesuai jika digunakan menggunakan struktur solusi 2 faktor dibandingkan 5 faktor yang ada pada alat ukur berbahasa Inggris.
Numerical Simulation of Weak Shock Wave Reflection in Water Media
Authors: Chen Liang , Li Heng
Published: October 2024

Shock wave reflection (SWR) is an interesting physical phenomenon that plays an important role in the ocean engineering. The existing research mainly focused on the gas SWR. Compared with the gas SWR, the water SWR has distinctive features. This article uses numerical methods to study the reflection mode and regularity inside a gas-filled and water-filled wedge. Specifically, we use the fifth-order weighted essentially nonoscillatory method in space and the third-order Runge–Kutta (RK) method in time to solve the compressible Euler equations. The ideal gas equation of state and water equation of state are also considered in the simulations. We developed a numerical solver using the Fortran language based on these equations and numerical methods. The reliability and accuracy of the developed program were validated by the existing theoretical solution and experiment data. Results show that the reflections are different in gas and water media. Regular reflection (RR) and Mach reflection are observed in a gas-filled wedge. However, only the RR is observed in a water-filled wedge for the weak water shock. Besides, it is found that the reflected shock (RS) wave in water is straighter than that in gas medium. Under the same pressure condition, the curvature of the RS wave is larger in a gas medium. The difference in SWR mode can be attributed to the difference in compressibility between the gas and water. It is found that there is a significant increase in temperature behind the incidence shock in the gas due to its high compressibility, which causes the change of local wave speed especially near the reflected wave. However, the temperature and wave speed are approximately constant during the SWR process in water. These distinctions can well explain the difference in SWR modes between gas and water.
Effect of policy consequentiality on willingness to pay for renewable energy in transport in Quebec
Authors: KOLOMBIA KPANOGA
Published: October 2024

This study examines the effect of policy consequentiality perception on willingness to pay (WTP) for the expansion of renewable energy in Quebec. To do this, werandomly assigned two versions of questionnaires to two groups of respondents.The first group was exposed to the policy consequentiality of the Quebec government, while the second group was exposed to the policy consequentiality of oilcompanies and service stations. Our results show that individuals who perceivethe policies as consequential express a higher willingness to pay than those whodo not perceive them as consequential. Moreover, respondents who perceive theQuebec government’s policies as consequential express a higher willingness to paythan those who perceive the policies of oil companies as consequential. This mayimply that individuals have more confidence in the Quebec government to implement the expansion of renewable energy. Another important finding is the ”knife-edge” effect we observed. This effect suggests that the WTP of respondents whoperceive policy consequentiality is significantly higher than that of respondentswho do not.
Soil Respiration Response to Experimental Warming in a Temperate Harwood Forest Varies With Species Composition
Authors: Laberge Sharlène , Courcot Blandine , Bélanger Nicolas
Published: October 2024

Under climate change, some forest ecosystems appear to be transitioning into net source of carbon dioxide (CO2), raising questions about the future role of soil respiration rate (Rs), which depends on hydroclimatic conditions. The main objective of this study was to assess the effects of artificial warming on Rs in a sugar maple forest at the northern limit of Quebec temperate deciduous forests in eastern Canada, and to evaluate the effect of species composition on soil response to warming. We measured Rs during the snow-free period of 2021 and 2022 in 32 plots distributed across three forest types, half of which were artificially heated by approximately 2°C with heating cables. We observed an increase in Rs in response to warming in the heated plots, but only up to a threshold of about 15°C, beyond which Rs started to slow down in respect to the control plots. We also observed a weakening of the exponential relationship between Rs and soil temperature beyond this threshold. This trend varied across the forest types, with hardwood-beech stands being more sensitive to warming than mixedwoods and other hardwoods. This greater response of hardwood-beech stands to warming resulted in a more significant slowdown of Rs, starting from a colder temperature threshold, around 10–12°C. This study highlights a potential plateauing of Rs despite rising soil temperature, at least in eastern Canada’s temperate deciduous forest, but this trend could vary from one forest type to the another.
Soft sensor modeling method for Pichia pastoris fermentation process based on substructure domain transfer learning
Authors: Wang Bo , Wei Jun , Zhang Le , Jiang Hui , Jin Cheng , Huang Shanwei
Published: October 2024

Background Aiming at the problem that traditional transfer methods are prone to lose data information in the overall domain-level transfer, and it is difficult to achieve the perfect match between source and target domains, thus reducing the accuracy of the soft sensor model.
Methods This paper proposes a soft sensor modeling method based on the transfer modeling framework of substructure domain. Firstly, the Gaussian mixture model clustering algorithm is used to extract local information, cluster the source and target domains into multiple substructure domains, and adaptively weight the substructure domains according to the distances between the sub-source domains and sub-target domains. Secondly, the optimal subspace domain adaptation method integrating multiple metrics is used to obtain the optimal projection matrices Ws and Wt that are coupled with each other, and the data of source and target domains are projected to the corresponding subspace to perform spatial alignment, so as to reduce the discrepancy between the sample data of different working conditions. Finally, based on the source and target domain data after substructure domain adaptation, the least squares support vector machine algorithm is used to establish the prediction model.
Results Taking Pichia pastoris fermentation to produce inulinase as an example, the simulation results verify that the root mean square error of the proposed soft sensor model in predicting Pichia pastoris concentration and inulinase
oncentration is reduced by 48.7% and 54.9%, respectively.
Conclusion The proposed soft sensor modeling method can accurately predict Pichia pastoris concentration and inulinase concentration online under different working conditions, and has higher prediction accuracy than the traditional soft sensor modeling method.
Complementary insights into gut viral genomes: a comparative benchmark of short- and long-Read metagenomes using diverse assemblers and binners
Authors: Wang Huarui , Sun Chuqing , Li Yun , Chen Jingchao , Zhao Xing-Ming , Chen Wei-Hua
Published: October 2024

Background
Metagenome-assembled viral genomes have significantly advanced the discovery and characterization of the human gut virome. However, we lack a comparative assessment of assembly tools on the efficacy of viral genome identification, particularly across Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Third Generation Sequencing (TGS) data.
Results
We evaluated the efficiency of NGS, TGS and hybrid assemblers for viral genome discovery using 95 viral-like particle (VLP) enriched fecal samples sequenced on both Illumina and PacBio platforms. MEGAHIT, metaFlye and hybridSPAdes emerged as the optimal choices for NGS, TGS and hybrid datasets, respectively. Notably, these assemblers produced distinctive viral genomes, demonstrating a remarkable degree of complementarity. By combining individual assembler results, we expanded the total number of non-redundant high-quality viral genomes by 4.83 ~ 21.7 fold compared to individual assemblers. Among them, viral genomes from NGS and TGS data have the least overlap, indicating the impact of data type on viral genome recovery. We also evaluated four binning methods, finding that CONCOCT incorporated more unrelated contigs into the same bins, while MetaBAT2, AVAMB and vRhyme balanced inclusiveness and taxonomic consistency within bins.
Conclusions
Our findings highlight the challenges in metagenome-driven viral discovery, underscoring tool limitations. We advocate for combined use of multiple assemblers and sequencing technologies when feasible and highlight the urgent need for specialized tools tailored to gut virome assembly. This study contributes essential insights for advancing viral genome research in the context of gut metagenomics.
Exploratory Analysis of Serum Exosome Proteomics in the Pathogenesis and Early Biomarker Discovery of Non-traumatic Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: Wang Gang , Kang Boyuan , Jia Qingsong , Jin Shiwei , Zhang Zheng , Xu Xilin
Published: October 2024

Background:In clinical practice, the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) often lags behind diagnosis, resulting in delayed treatment and high disability rates. Therefore, identifying appropriate biomarkers for early diagnosis is crucial. Exosome-related functions offer promising avenues for understanding the pathogenesis and early diagnosis of non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (NONFH). This study employed label-free quantitative proteomics and bioinformatics analysis to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying NONFH and identify potential new biomarkers.
Methods:We used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and bioinformatics to analyze exosome proteins in serum samples from early-stage (n=11) and late-stage NONFH patients (n=9), as well as healthy controls (n=10). Our goal was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of NONFH at different stages. We utilized protein interaction networks and topological classification methods to pinpoint key markers in early-stage NONFH and healthy samples. Additionally, we used the Enrichr database to identify drugs that interact with differentially expressed proteins (DEPs).
Results: Proteomic analysis revealed 76 differential proteins between early-stage NONFH and healthy controls, 26 between late-stage NONFH and healthy controls, and 60 between late-stage and early-stage NONFH. Early-stage NONFH compared to healthy controls, Early-stage NONFH mechanisms were associated with protein folding, blood coagulation, spliceosome-mediated mRNA splicing, lipid transport, superoxide radical clearance, and cholesterol esterification. Late-stage NONFH compared to healthy controls,Late-stage NONFH was linked to innate immune response, chondrocyte development, I-kappaB kinase/NF-kappaB signaling, and inflammatory responses to antigens. Late-stage NONFH compared to Early-stage NONFH, In late-stage NONFH, DEPs were primarily involved in lipid metabolism and angiotensin response. Notably, NOP58, SF3B1, RPL7, RPL3, CCT7, CCT2, PSMA6, SNRPD2, SOD1, and CCT3 were significantly upregulated in early-stage NONFH, suggesting their potential as biomarkers. The Enrichr database identified artesunate, clindamycin, and disodium selenite as potentially effective therapeutic agents for NONFH.
Conclusion:This study offers valuable insights into potential serum biomarkers for early NONFH and elucidates the molecular mechanisms at the plasma exosome protein level across different stages of the disease. These findings provide new perspectives for identifying potential therapeutic targets and advancing early diagnosis strategies.
Characterization of the ceramic coating formed on 2024 Al alloy by scanning plasma electrolytic oxidation
Authors: Xu Xingrui , Jia Weiping , Yin Tingting , Dong Qi , Ma Yutao , Wang Zhen , Zhao Zhilong , Lv Pengxiang
Published: October 2024

Scanning plasma electrolytic oxidation (SPEO) was used to prepare ceramic coating on 2024 Al alloy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to examine the coating morphologies and phase compositions. Polarization curves were used to evaluate the anti-corrosion properties of the coated samples. The results revealed that a ceramic coating with the largest thickness of 30 μm was formed in a very short period of time, exhibiting high efficiency of coating formation. During the initial stage of the SPEO process under fixed-current mode, the anodic voltage rapidly increased to a steady value. In the stable stage, general anodization, spark oxidation, and micro-arc oxidation stages appeared at the same time in different places, which were generally found in different periods for the traditional plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) process. The coating was mainly composed of α-Al2O3 and γ-Al2O3. The treated sample exhibited better corrosion resistance than the uncoated substrate in the 3.5% NaCl solution.
The impact of global warming on U.S. hurricane landfall
Authors: Sparks Nathan , Toumi Ralf
Published: October 2024

The projection of hurricane activity under climate change continues to be challenging. Here the new Imperial College Storm Model (IRIS) was used to analyse the impact of global warming on North Atlantic hurricane activity. The model assumes increases of potential intensity as the principal cause of change and this allows study of both recent trends and projections for the first time in a consistent way. The recent observed hurricane intensification is simulated but underestimated. For a +2°C global warming scenario hurricanes of intensity Category 4 and above become 62\% more likely in the basin and nearly two times (92\%) more likely at landfall. The future number of hurricanes is also uncertain and its impact is examined by sensitivity studies. Reduction of the basin count offsets warming driven landfall frequency increases but only for weaker storms. The increased frequency of the most damaging landfalling hurricanes is controlled by changes in potential intensity.
Epidemiology of Injuries in Racquet Sports: a Cross-sectional Study of Specific Injuries Within One Olympic Cycle
Authors: Lambert Christophe , Banerjee Marc , Ritzmann Ramona , Lachmann Daniel , Wolfarth Bernd , Grim Casper , Shafizadeh Sven , Geßlein Markus , Peters Nicholas , Reinert Noémie
Published: October 2024

Objective
Despite the growing interest in racquet sports, injury prevalence, circumstances and severity as a function of gender, performance level and return to play have not been investigated to date. The aim was therefore to evaluate the occurrence of sport-specific injuries from a quantitative and qualitative perspective in the Olympic discilines Tennis, Badminton and Table Tennis.
Methods
Racquet sport-specific injuries and frequencies were assessed according to gender and performance level in one Olympic cycle (from the Olympic Games in London in 2012 until Rio de Janeiro in 2016). The Injury severity was recorded by time loss and performance reduction. Data was retrospectively collected based on a questionnaire.
Results
A total of 390 (55%) athletes have suffered a serious injury. There were more injuries during training than competition. 78% of the three most common injuries in the various racket sports involved the lower extremities. The longest injury time loss was seen in Tennis for an unspecified injury of the shoulder (16±12 weeks), in Badminton for the foot-ligament injury (13±14 weeks) and the meniscus injury of the knee in table tennis (13±10 weeks). The injuries to the knee accounted for the highest number of athletes with a reduced level of performance (Badminton: Knee - unspecified injury: reduced level = 64%; Table tennis: Knee - meniscus injury: reduced level = 54%)
Conclusion
Although recognized as one entity of racquet sports with some similar trends in terms of injuries, there are some relevant differences in injury type, circumstances and consequences, which should be considered in future sport-specific injury prevention strategies.
Pre-Operative Resistance Training and Amino Acid Supplementation in Frail Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Fujimoto Taku , Akasaka Hiroshi , Yasunobe Yukiko , Yoshida Shino , Onishi Yuri , Minami Tomohiro , Terashima Ken , Shirai Mari , Isaka Masaaki , Tanaka Minoru , Sugimoto Ken , Koriyama Hiroshi , Takami Yoichi , Yamasaki Makoto , Yamashita Kotaro , Noda Takehiro , Takahashi Hidekazu , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Doki Yuichiro , Rakugi Hiromi , Yamamoto Koichi
Published: October 2024

Background
Preoperative frailty is a risk factor for postoperative complications and poor prognosis in older patients. We aimed to investigate the impact of preoperative exercise and nutritional interventions on the frequency of postoperative complications, physical function, and activities of daily living (ADL) one year postoperatively in frail older patients with gastrointestinal cancer.
Methods
This single-center, randomized controlled trial included 62 patients aged ≥ 70 years who were scheduled for elective surgery for gastrointestinal cancer with decreased grip strength or walking speed between October 2017 and December 2022. The participants were randomly assigned to the control (n = 33) and intervention (n = 29) groups. Participants in the intervention group performed resistance exercises and consumed amino acid-containing jelly daily at home for 14 days. All participants were followed up for one year. Variables were compared using the two-sided Student's t-test or Fisher's exact test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
After exclusion, 45 patients were included in the analysis, with 27 and 18 in the control and intervention groups, respectively. The average age was 80.4 years, and 37.8% of the participants were male. Postoperative complications were observed in 48.1% and 44.4% of the control and intervention groups, respectively (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57–2.07). Postoperative delirium was observed in 25.9% and 33.3% of the control and intervention groups, respectively (95% CI 0.31–1.94). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in grip strength, walking speed, and skeletal muscle index during follow-up. However, knee extension strength was better maintained in the intervention group at discharge (preoperatively: 100.2 ± 18.3% vs 119.1 ± 68.8%, p = 0.19; discharge: 86.7 ± 22.0% vs 119.3 ± 72.0%, p = 0.044). The proportion of patients with decreased ADL or death was lower in the intervention group than in the control group one year postoperatively (42.3% vs 23.5%; RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.08–1.92).
Conclusions
A 14-day preoperative exercise and nutritional intervention program did not significantly reduce the frequency of postoperative complications in frail older patients with gastrointestinal cancer. However, it aided in maintaining knee extension strength at discharge.
Trial Registration:
UMIN (University Hospital Medical Information Network) Clinical Trials Registry (ID: UMIN000024526), registered on 1 December 2016.
An outburst in the quasar PG1244+026 from an energy source unrelated to accretion onto its
supermassive black hole
Authors: Wang Jian-Min , Chen Yong-Jie , Liu Jun-Rong , Hu Chen , Luo Bin , Wang Yi-Lin , Songsheng Yu-Yang , Li Yan-Rong , Du Pu , Ho Luis , Brotherton Michael , BAI Jinming , Lu Kai-Xing , Zhang Hao , Yao Zhu-Heng , Yang Seng , Peng Yue-Chang , Zhao Yu , Fu Yi-Xin , Bai Hua-Rui , Cheng Cheng , Fang Feng-Na , Zhai Shuo , Aceituno Jesús
Published: October 2024

The standard paradigm of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) is accretion onto a central supermassive black hole (SMBH) powering their enormous luminosity, and predicts significant reverberation of their broad-line regions (BLRs) and dusty tori with respect to variations of the accretion-powered continuum. Here we report evidence of an unusual outburst from extra energy sources in PG 1244+026 during 2021-2022 from a long-term monitoring campaign. The outburst is only detected in mid-infrared bands and broad emission lines, which are tightly correlate with each other, however, the optical bands show a monotonic decline during the outburst. The outburst is located at the inner edge of the torus, deduced from the light curves. Such a kind of outburst has never been reported before. The total energy of the outburst is ≈1050 erg released in 3.4μm and could be driven by a 40 solar mass black hole.The present outburst suggests stellar-mass black holes (sMBHs) is consistent with growing evidence for mergers of high mass sMBHs detected by LIGO with potential associations with AGNs.
The Impact of Hispanic Last Names on Educational and Labor Market Outcomes
Authors: Hadah Hussain
Published: October 2024

Do individuals with Hispanic names face labor market discrimination? This study analyzes the impact of Hispanic-sounding surnames on wages among inter-ethnic children with one White and one Hispanic parent. I find that individuals with Hispanic surnames often earn less, with a notable wage gap favoring those with White surnames. People born to Hispanic fathers and White mothers receive 0.3 years of education less than those born to White fathers and Hispanic mothers. Men born to Hispanic fathers and White mothers are 1 percentage point more likely to be unemployed, and earn 5 percentage points less than those born to White fathers and Hispanic mothers. The earnings gap is largely due to educational differences. JEL: J71; J64; J15; J31; I24; J62`x
Performance optimization and mechanism of HMX degradation by Fe-C micro-electrolysis
Authors: Chai Guodong , Xiong Haoting , Qian Yishan , Xie Lin , Xiao Yi , Wang Dongqi , Lin Yishan
Published: October 2024

The Fe-C micro-electrolysis system was used to study the degradation of energetic material (HMX) in simulated wastewater. The effects of initial pH, different Fe dosage and Fe/C mass ratio on the degradation were studied. The optimal degradation condition was selected to study the toxicity mechanism of HMX by gene toxicology methods. The results showed that the Fe-C micro-electrolysis had the best treatment efficiency for the pollutants with the removal rate of 97.8% when the initial pH was 4, the Fe dosage was 70g/L and the Fe/C mass ratio was 1:1. The kinetic results showed that the Fe-C micro-electrolysis process of HMX follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. HMX was mainly removed by hydroxides of Fe2+ and Fe3+ by adsorption co-precipitation, etc., and degraded by the reduction of Fe0, Fe2+, and [H] generated by the microelectrolysis process. Toxicogenomics analysis indicated that DNA damage and oxidative stress were the major stress categories in degrading HMX wastewater. The TELItotal value showed a first increasing and then decreasing tendency, with no significant fluctuation during the degradation process. Our study provides new insights into performance optimization, degradation pathways, and molecular toxicity evolution during Fe-C micro-electrolysis of HMX.
Women Empowerment and Women Health in Sub Saharan Africa
Authors: Taka Anjdilee , Tandrayen-Ragoobur Verena
Published: October 2024

The study links up women empowerment to health and wellbeing outcomes of women in sub-Saharan Africa. Existing literature suggests that women empowerment influences reproductive health outcomes such as fertility, birth interval and contraceptive use. The evidence however remains mixed and tends to be country specific owing to the difficulties in measuring empowerment and health. The study links different dimensions of women empowerment to health outcomes of women in sub-Saharan African countries. Micro data from the Demographic Health Surveys for 26 sub-Saharan African countries from 2008 to 2020 is used to assess the link between women empowerment and health status. The Women Empowerment Index is built from four main dimensions namely economic, social, psychological and legal/political empowerment. Family planning use and maternal health are indicators used for women’s health. Women’s empowerment is hypothesised as a predictor of reproductive health outcomes. There is evidence of a positive link between women empowerment and women health.
Impact of Generative AI on the Academic Performance and Test Anxiety of Pharmacy Students in OSCE: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ali Majid , Rehman Sara , Cheema Ejaz
Published: October 2024

Background

The rapid advancement of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recent years has led to its increased application across various fields including education. One area where AI can significantly impact is clinical education, particularly in the preparation and execution of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of AI-generated study material and feedback on the academic performance and level of anxiety of pharmacy students in formative OSCE.

Method

This was a 4-week (June-July 2024) randomized controlled study. Students of 6th semester PharmD program were randomized into either an intervention or control group. The intervention group received intervention which comprised a comprehensive training session on how to use AI tools (ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity) for generating study materials and practice OSCE stations with personalized feedback, in addition to usual OSCE instructions. The control group only received the usual OSCE instructions. In addition, all students completed the Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI) questionnaire before the OSCE.

Result

Eighty-eight (40 male, 48 female) out of 92 (96%) students attended the OSCE and completed the TAI questionnaire. Each group had 44 (50%) students. The mean OSCE mark was 13.26 (±5.05) out of 30. No significant difference was found between the intervention [12.98 (±5.15)] and control [13.54 (±5.00)] groups regarding mean OSCE marks (p=0.550). Similarly, no significant difference was found between the intervention and control groups regarding the emotionality subscale and worry subscale of the TAI (p=0.736; p=0.329) as well as the total TAI score (p=0.917).

Conclusion

While the use of AI tools did not improve the academic performance of students or reduce test-related anxiety, they did not negatively impact these outcomes either. Future research should investigate the long-term effects of AI-based interventions on educational outcomes.
A comprehensive assessment of the applicability of semi-analytical models of vortex characterization for gravitational water vortex hydropower plants
Authors: Garcia Mateo Duarte , Montoya Jose Alejandro Posada , Chica Edwin , Montoya Jhon Fredy Hincapie , Velásquez Laura , Arcila Iván David Patiño
Published: October 2024

Predicting and analyzing vortexes’ characteristics (shape, size, circulation, pressure, velocity, etc.) is crucial for designing gravitational water vortex hydropower plants (GWVHP’s). Despite fluid dynamic simulations become valuable for this, they demand high computational cost, and semi-analytical models of vortex characterization could be useful in early design stages. In this work, a compressive assessment of the ability of these models to predict the vortex’s free-surface profile, as well as a physically consistent behavior of some field variables, under geometrical and operating conditions of GWVHP´s, is carried out using a calibration strategy proposed here, which is applicable for both strong and weak vortexes. This strategy is aimed to minimizing the L2 relative error norm between the free-surface profiles obtained analytically and those measured from experiments undergone in GWVHP’s at several inlet flow rates. Moreover, this strategy enforces the fulfillment of some vortex’s dimensions and of the mass conservation law between the inlet and outlet of the basin, assuming a far-field circulation equal to such of basin inlet. In general, convergent solutions of the calibration parameters were achieved, resulting in models that exactly reproduced the total vortex height, the air core radius at discharge for strong vortexes, and the submergence depth for weak vortexes; however, these models usually underestimated the vortex heights for radial coordinates corresponding to the air core zone. The calibrated models were compared in terms of the velocity components (radial, azimuthal and axial), axial vorticity, and axial and radial Rossby numbers, obtaining physically coherent results for some of them.
Identifying Macro Determinants of Natural Disaster: Applying Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Alam M. Jahangir , Mozumder Pallab
Published: October 2024

This study analyzes the macroeconomic determinants of human and economic losses caused by natural disasters using machine learning techniques, particularly the double lasso regression framework. By focusing on floods, storms, and earthquakes, we examine the complex relationships between economic development, geographical characteristics, and the severity of disaster impacts. Our findings indicate a U-shaped relationship between GDP per capita and economic losses, where initial GDP growth reduces losses until a threshold is reached, beyond which further economic development increases the financial damages. Human losses, on the other hand, show an inverse U-shaped relationship with GDP in the case of floods, highlighting that while higher GDP initially leads to more fatalities, continued economic growth eventually reduces mortality rates. Moreover, we find that coastal countries are more vulnerable to both human and economic losses compared to island and landlocked countries, though they demonstrate a greater capacity to leverage GDP growth in reducing economic losses. These results underscore the importance of tailored disaster risk management strategies that consider both economic development and geographic factors to mitigate the adverse impacts of natural disasters.
JEL Codes: Q54, O44, C55
Unveiling the Cholestatic Phenotype: A Case Report of Autoimmune Hepatitis with Severe Hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Srin Vutukuri Bhargava Sai , Shahid Fatima , Boddikuri Sailaja , Vakkalagadda Naga Praneeth , Kotla Manisha , Eluri Tejaswini , Perisetty Yojitha , Mumtaz Hassan , Iqbal Javed
Published: October 2024

Background Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is typically characterized by chronic liver inflammation, but in rare cases, it can present with a cholestatic phenotype, marked by severe hyperbilirubinemia and elevated liver enzymes. This atypical form poses diagnostic challenges, often mimicking other cholestatic liver diseases, requiring thorough evaluation, including liver biopsy, for accurate diagnosis.Case Presentation We report a 52-year-old Asian woman with cholestasis, including jaundice and fatigue, following a febrile illness. Despite initial negative results for typical AIH markers, a liver biopsy confirmed AIH, showing interface hepatitis and cholestasis.Conclusion Treatment with azathioprine and prednisolone led to rapid normalization of bilirubin levels. This case underscores the importance of considering AIH in cholestatic presentations and highlights the efficacy of timely steroid therapy in such cases.
The relationship between ambulatory blood pressure and atherogenic index with LV geometry pattern in obese children: results from a cross-sectional study in Serbia
Authors: Bjelakovic Bojko , Claudia Stefanutti , Vladimir Vukovic , Aleksandra Klisic , Stefan Stojkovic , Marko Jovic , Ilija Bjelakovic , Maciej Banach
Published: October 2024

Background. Arterial hypertension and increased atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) are strong predictors of cardiovascular risk associated in individuals with obesity both in adults and children. Thus, we aimed to explore the relationship between AI and ambulatory blood pressure index (ABPI) with left ventricular geometry pattern in obese children. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 129 obese children (BMI greater or equal to the 95th percentile for age and sex) were examined. Fasting blood samples were taken to measure plasma glucose level, lipid profile, including total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and insulin level. Two-dimensional (2-D) transthoracic echocardiography was performed to determine left ventricular geometry pattern. Ambulatory blood pressure recording was obtained for 24 hours in all obese children. Linear regression analyses were conducted to explore relationships between AIP (calculated as logarithmic transformation of the ratio of TG to HDL-C) and ABPI with left ventricular myocardial mass index (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT). We also used sex as a potential effect modifier, and calculated stratum-specific estimates of the effect. Results: We demonstrated independent and positive association of age and AI with RWT (Age: effect size = 0.83 CI 0.22–1.45) p = 0.008; AI effect size 8.9 (CI 3.6–14.3); p = 0.01). In a subgroup analysis with sex as an effect modifier, independent positive association of borderline significance at p = 0.011 was found between AI and RWT only in boys AI: effect size 9.5 (CI 2.3–16.7) p = 0.01 LVMI was significantly associated with sex and BMI (sex: effect size = 6.8 CI (2.6–11) p = 0,002; BMI z score: effect size = 6.8 CI (3.2–10.4) p < 0.001. Independent positive association was also found between BMI and LVMI for girls, effect size = 11.9 (CI 4.1–19.8) (p = 0.005). Conclusion: AI and age are independently associated with the presence of concentric left ventricular geometry with girls seeming more protected from atherogenic hypertrophic stimulus than boys. BMI and sex are independently associated with eccentric left ventricular remodeling, with BMI being a greater risk factor for girls.
Three rate-determining protein roles in photosynthetic O2-evolution addressed by time-resolved experiments on genetically modified photosystems
Authors: Mäusle Sarah , Assunção Ricardo , Parisse Gianluca , De Santis Cristina , Guidoni Leonardo , Narzi Daniele , Simon Philipp , Debus Richard , Dau Holger
Published: October 2024

Light-driven water splitting by plants, algae and cyanobacteria is pivotal for global bioenergetics and biomass formation. A manganese cluster bound to the photosystem-II proteins catalyzes the complex reaction at high rate, but the rate-determining factors are insufficiently understood. Here we traced the oxygen-evolution transition by time-resolved polarography and infrared spectroscopy for cyanobacterial photosystems genetically modified at two strategic sites, complemented by computational chemistry. We conclude three rate-determining functions of the protein environment of the metal cluster: acceleration of proton-coupled electron transfer, acceleration of substrate-water insertion after O2-formation, and balancing of rate-determining enthalpic and entropic contributions. Whereas in general the substrate-water insertion step may be unresolvable in time-resolved experiments, here it likely became traceable because of deceleration by genetic modification. Our results may stimulate new time-resolved experiments on substrate-water insertion in photosynthesis, clarification of enthalpy-entropy compensation in enzyme catalysis, and knowledge-guided development of inorganic catalyst materials.
Non-invasive derivation of instantaneous free-wave ratio from Invasive Coronary Angiography using a new Deep Learning Artificial Intelligence model and comparison with Human operators’ performance
Authors: Oliveira Catarina , Vilela Marta , Marques João Silva , Jorge Cláudia , Rodrigues Tiago , Francisco Ana Rita , de Oliveira Rita Marante , Silva Beatriz , Silva João Lourenço , Oliveira Arlindo L. , Pinto Fausto J. , Menezes Miguel Nobre
Published: October 2024

Background
Invasive coronary physiology is largely underused and not without risk of complications despite its advantages over angiography alone. Artificial intelligence (AI) use in coronary physiology is still rudimentary.
Methods
We developed fully automated AI models capable of automatic coronary angiography segmentation and binary instantaneous free-wave ratio (iFR) lesion classification, based on a single coronary angiography (CAG) image. Three Interventional Cardiologists were asked to classify the target lesions binarily (cut-off ≤ 0,89) based on “raw” fluoroscopic frames AI-segmented frames. Their performance was then compared to AI.
Results
250 measurements from 223 patients were included. Regarding the CAG analysis of all the arteries, the AI model presented an accuracy of 72%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 48%, a negative predictive value (NPV) of 90%, a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 71%. The NPV was particularly high in the circumflex (Cx) and in the right coronary artery (CD) – 96% and 98%, respectively. Regarding human performance, accuracy ranged from 54–74%, PPV from 32–50%, sensitivity from 43–66%, specificity from 50–85% and NPV was 81%. The Operators’ NPV was also high regarding the Cx and RCA (95–97% and 94–97%, respectively), but significantly lower than AI in the left anterior descending artery (60–64% versus 78%).
Conclusions
We developed an AI model capable of binary iFR classification of lesions, slightly outperforming experienced Interventional Cardiologists overall. While not mature enough for clinical use, these results highlight the potential of AI in CAG-based coronary lesions assessment.
First detection and molecular characterization of Jingmen Tick Virus with a high occurrence in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus collected from livestock in Cameroon (2024)
Authors: Kiwan Paloma , Lopez Eva , Gasparine Morena , Piorkowski Geraldine , Colmant Agathe , Paguem Achille , Mvodo Stephanie , Thirion Laurence , Lamballerie Xavier , Charrel Remi , Falchi Alessandra
Published: October 2024

Background.
Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) is a novel tick-borne virus detected for the first time in Riphicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in China. To date, there is no information regarding the circulation of JMTV in ticks collected from livestock in Cameroon. This study aims to assess the presence of JMTV in ticks collected from livestock (cattle and sheep) in an area of the Akonolinga health district, Center region, Cameroon.
Methods.
A cross sectional study was carried out during the dry season between the 5th to 14th march 2024. Ticks were collected from cattle and sheep in six sampling sites in an area approximately 30 km long and 18 km wide along the Nyong river, in central Cameroon. Ticks were identified morphologically and molecularly. Total RNA/DNA was extracted from tick pools and screened for JMTV RNA using a segment 2 RT-qPCR system. Positive JMTV pools were sequenced for partial JMTV-Segment 1 and full genome analyses.
Results.
A total of 622 ticks, organized in 251 pools were collected from 155 cattle and 9 sheep. They consisted of five species covering three genera: R. (B.) microplus (472; 75.88%), Amblyomma variegatum (118; 18.97%), Hyalomma truncatum (13; 2.09%), Hyalomma rufipes (2; 0.32%), and other Rhipicephalus spp. (17; 2.73%). The qRT-PCR screening of 251 tick pools yielded 61 JMTV-positive pools of which 58 corresponded to R. (B.) microplus. Multiple sequence analysis revealed that JMTV from the Akonolinga area shared > 95% identity with strains from Guinea, and that these strains clustered phylogenetically together.
Conclusions.
We provided molecular evidence of the presence of JMTV in R. (B.) microplus and A. variegatum collected from cattle and sheep from an area not yet recognized as endemic for this virus confirming the wide geographical distribution of JMTV.
SSCBDTA: Prediction of Drug-Target Binding Affinity with Secondary Sequences and Multiple Cross-Attention Blocks
Authors: Zuo Hai-Wei , Zhou Peng-Cheng , Li Xia , Zhang Hao , Zhang Li
Published: October 2024

Despite significant progress in existing methods for predicting drug-target binding affinity, there is still room for improvement in better utilizing molecular sequences and designing feature fusion strategies. Addressing these two points, we propose a novel computational model, Secondary Sequence and Cross-attention Block based Drug-Target binding Affinity prediction (SSCBDTA). The model is composed of sequence encoding, feature extraction, modal fusion and a decoder, with three innovations: (i) applying the byte pair encoding algorithm to process vast unlabeled data for obtaining molecular secondary sequences; (ii) extracting features from two perspectives: the primary and secondary sequences of molecules; (iii) combining cross-attention and criss-cross attention to fuse the extracted features of drugs and proteins. In two benchmark datasets, SSCBDTA outperforms ten state-of-the-art models on nearly all evaluation metrics. By conducting four different ablation experiments, we separately validated the effectiveness of molecular secondary sequences and multiple cross-attention in improving the prediction accuracy and stability of SSCBDTA. We also utilized SSCBDTA to predict binding affinities between 3,137 FDA-approved drugs and 6 SARS-CoV-2 replication-related proteins, identifying a number of promising molecules that could be further developed as anti-COVID drugs.
Prevalence and determinants of childhood physical abuse in South Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies
Authors: Farhana Zaki , Noman Abdullah Al , Lima Fatema Tuj Johora , Jamil Safayet , Kamil Anton Abdulbasah , Rahman Mohammad Meshbahur
Published: October 2024

Background
Child physical abuse (CPA) is a significant public health issue in South Asia, yet regional data on its prevalence and contributing factors remain fragmented. This study aims to systematically review and analyze the prevalence of CPA across South Asia, focusing on geographic and period influences.
Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published between 2000 and 2023 was conducted. Studies reporting on the prevalence of CPA in South Asia were included, and a random-effects model was used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates. Subgroup analyses was conducted based on country and publication years of the study. Meta-regression of the study was also performed according to age and publication years.
Results
A total of 23 studies were analyzed, revealing a pooled prevalence of 44%, with significant variation across countries, ranging from 2.3–72.7%. Conflict-affected regions, Afghanistan exhibited the highest prevalence (72%), while Pakistan had the lowest (27%). High heterogeneity (I²=99.84%) reflects the influence of cultural, socioeconomic, and legal factors on abuse rates across the region. Additionally, an increase in CPA prevalence was observed over time, with a 1.8% (p = 0.01) rise during the study period.
Conclusions
The findings emphasize the urgent need for improved child protection measures, legal enforcement, and further research to understand the underlying causes of abuse and regional disparities in South Asia.
Biostratigraphy of Late Triassic deposits in Central Iranian (Shams abad section in the south of Posht badam Block)
Authors: hadadi Nooshin , Afghah Massih
Published: October 2024

In order to conformity of the sedimentary environment and biological fauna of Late Triassic deposits in each of blocks of the Central Iran, including Lut, Tabas, Posht badam and Yazd blocks, as well as to study the tectonics of the region, were selected sever sections in these blocks, including one section It was studied in the south of Posht badam block in Kerman region, this section is located in the northwest of Kerman city, and Between the Kohbanan and Posht badam faults. The studied section with a thickness of 112 meters is mostly composed of shale, sandstone and limestone. it has many fossils including Bivalves, Sponges, Corals, Bryozoa, Microgastropods and Cephalopods, especially Belemnite, which generally shows the presence of Late Triassic sediments (Norian-Rhaetian) in this area. According to the identified index foraminifera, 8 interval & Concurrence rang biozones Including 5 interval Zone Rectoglandulina tenuis, Triassina hantkeni, Ophtalmidum exigum, Angulodiscus communis, Planiinvoluta regularis and 3 Concurrence rang Zone Turrispirillina minima, Involutina liassica, Duostomina alta, were recognized in the Upper Triassic deposits. Based on the identified biozones, the age of the studied sequences, Late Norian - Early Rhaetian, Middle Rhaetian, Until the end of the Triassic, Late Rhaetian to the beginning of Lias is suggested that they are formation considered equivalent to the members of Howz Khan and Qhadir members from the Nayband Formation in central Iran.
Efficacy of venetoclax and azacitidine based therapy in favorable-risk unfit acute myeloid leukemia: a real-world study
Authors: Chen Qi , Wu Ying , Yu Wenjing , Zhu Xiaolu , Pei Xuying , Duan Wenbing , Jia Jinsong , Wang Jing , Zhao Xiaosu , Ruan Guorui , Chang Yingjun , Shi Hongxia , Huang Xiaojun , Jiang Hao
Published: October 2024

Venetoclax combined with azacitidine (VA) is a new standard of care for newly diagnosed patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are unfit for intensive chemotherapy. We retrospectively analyzed patients who were diagnosed with favorable-risk unfit AML and received VA-based induction regimen between October 2020 and December 2023 in our center. Among 70 patients, 14 had RUNX1::RUNX1T1, 11 had CBFb::MYH11, 14 had CEBPA bzip mutations and 31 had NPM1 mutations. The median age was 60 years (IQR 49–67) and the median follow-up was 18.0 months (IQR 10.9–26.1). The cumulative CR/CRi rate of VA-based induction regimen for all patients was 84.3% (59/70). The median induction course was 1 (range 1–2). The CR/CRi rate for RUNX1::RUNX1T1, CBFb::MYH11, CEBPA bzip and NPM1 mutations was 35.7% (5/14), 90.9% (10/11), 100% (14/14) and 96.8% (30/31), respectively. Twenty patients received long-term VA-based therapy, and 30 received chemotherapy after remission. The MRD negativity rate after two cycle of consolidation therapy was 85.0% (17/20) for VA group and 73.3% (23/30) for chemotherapy group (p = 0.33). There was no significant difference in 2-year OS (p = 0.90) and 2-year EFS (p = 0.58) between VA group (OS: 88.2%; EFS: 41.2%) and chemotherapy group (OS: 83.3%; EFS: 42.8%). The 2-year OS (p = 0.01) and 2-year EFS (p < 0.01) of patients with negative MRD (OS: 89.8%; EFS: 51.4%) were significantly better than those with positive MRD (OS: 65.6%; EFS: 0%). VA-based regimens was an superior option for induction in favorable-risk unfit AML patients who were non-RUNX1::RUNX1T1 positive. Further studies are needed to conform its long-term efficacy.