bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coccidioidomycosis Emergence in South America: Exploring Northeastern Brazil’s Epidemiological, Clinical, and Genomic Landscape
Authors: Eulálio Kelsen Dantas , Kollath Daniel R. , Martins Liline Maria Soares , Filho Antonio de Deus , Cavalcanti Maria do Amparo Salmito , Moreira Lucas Machado , Tenório Bernardo Guerra , Alves Lucas Gomes de Brito , Yamauchi Danielle , Bernard Gil , Thompson George R , Nacher Mathieu , Stajich Jason E. , Bagagli Eduardo , Felipe Maria Sueli Soares , Barker Bridget M. , Trilles Luciana , Teixeira Marcus de Melo
Published: August 2023

Coccidioidomycosis is an invasive mycosis included in WHO’s priority list. It is endemic and notifiable in the United States but neglected in Central and South America. We used a multi-institutional approach to assess whether disease characteristics, genetic variation in the pathogen or environmental factors affects the epidemiology of coccidioidomycosis and disease outcomes throughout the American continent. We identified 292 patients with coccidioidomycosis between 1978 and 2021 in the Piauí and Maranhão states of Brazil; the largest cases series reported outside the US/Mexico epidemic range. The male-to-female ratio was 57.4:1 and the main risk factor was armadillo hunting (91.1%) 4 to 30 days before symptom onset. Forty-two outbreaks involving two to six patients were observed. Most patients (92.8%) presented typical acute pulmonary disease, followed by disseminated (3.4%), chronic pulmonary (2.4%) and regressive pulmonary (1.4%). The most frequent clinical symptoms were cough (93%), fever (90%) and chest pain (77%). Mortality was observed in 8% of the patients. In 2004, and between 2015 and 2017, we observed a spike in coccidioidomycosis in Brazil, particularly in the state of Piauí. Unlike other main hotspots, the soil is acidic in this region and precipitation (p=0.015) and precipitation one-year prior (p=0.001) were predictors of higher coccidioidomycosis rates. The Brazilian strains are genotypically divergent from other describedC. posadasiiwithin the Texas/Mexico/South America clade. Coccidioidomycosis in Northeastern Brazil has a specific infection profile and armadillo hunters are at higher risk. Low pluviosity and extensive drought appear key to increasing the number of cases in Brazil. A uniqueC. posadasiilineage exists in Brazil; therefore, environmental, virulence, and/or pathogenesis traits may differ from otherCoccidioidesgenotypes.
A noninvasive clinical method to measurein vivomechanical strains of the lamina cribrosa by optical coherence tomography
Authors: Hannay Vanessa , Czerpak Cameron A. , Quigley Harry A. , Nguyen Thao D.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To measure mechanical strain of the lamina cribrosa (LC) after intraocular pressure (IOP) change produced one week after a change in glaucoma medication.

Design

Cohort study.

Participants

Adult glaucoma patients (23 eyes, 15 patients) prescribed a change in IOP-lowering medication.

Intervention

Non-invasive optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of the eye.

Main Outcomes

Deformation calculated by digital volume correlation of OCT scans of the LC before and after IOP lowering by medication.

Results

Among 23 eyes, 17 eyes of 12 persons had IOP lowering ≥ 3 mmHg (reduced IOP group) with tensile anterior-posteriorEzzstrain = 1.0% ± 1.1% (p = 0.003) and compressive radial strain (Err) = -0.3% ± 0.5% (p=0.012; random effects models accounting inclusion of both eyes in some persons). Maximum in-plane principal (tensile) strain and maximum shear strain in the reduced IOP group were:Emax= 1.7% ± 1.0% andΓmax= 1.4% ± 0.7%, respectively (both p<0.0001 versus zero). Reduced IOP group strainsEmaxandΓmaxwere significantly larger with greater %IOP decrease (<0.0001, <0.0001). The compliance of theEzz,Emax, andΓmaxstrain response, defined as strain normalized by the IOP decrease, were larger with more abnormal perimetric mean deviation or visual field index values (all p≥0.02). Strains were unrelated to age (all p≥0.088). In reduced IOP eyes, mean LC anterior border posterior movement was only 2.05 μm posteriorly (p=0.052) and not related to % IOP change (p=0.94, random effects models). OnlyErrwas significantly related to ALD change, becoming more negative with greater posterior LC border change (p=0.015).

Conclusion

LC mechanical strains can be effectively measured by changes in eye drop medication using OCT and are related to degree of visual function loss in glaucoma.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.govIdentifier:NCT03267849
Efficacy and Safety of neoadjuvant stereotactic body radiotherapy plus adebrelimab and chemotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer: A pilot study
Authors: Chen Guanglei , Gu Xi , Zhang Xu , Yu Xiaopeng , Zhang Yu , Xue Jinqi , Li Ailin , Zhao Yi , He Guijin , Tang Meiyue , Xing Fei , Yin Jianqiao , Bian Xiaobo , Han Ye , Cao Shuo , Liu Chao , Jiang Xiaofan , Zhang Keliang , Xia Yan , Li Huajun , Niu Nan , Liu Caigang
Published: August 2023

Background

Emerging data have supported the immunostimulatory role of radiotherapy, which could exert a synergistic effect with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). With proven effective but suboptimal efficacy of ICI and chemotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), we designed a pilot study to explore the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) plus adebrelimab and chemotherapy in TNBC patients.

Methods

Treatment-naïve TNBC patients received two cycles of intravenous adebrelimab (20mg/kg, every 3 weeks), and SBRT (24Gy/3f, every other day) started at the second cycle, then followed by six cycles of adebrelimab plus nab-paclitaxel (125 mg/m2on days 1 and 8) and carboplatin (area under the curve 6 mg/mL per min on day 1) every 3 weeks. The surgery was performed within 3-5 weeks after the end of neoadjuvant therapy. Primary endpoint was pathological complete response (pCR, ypT0/is ypN0). Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), residual cancer burden (RCB) 0-I and safety.

Results

13 patients were enrolled and received at least one dose of therapy. 10 (76.9%) patients completed SBRT and were included in efficacy analysis. 90% (9/10) of patients achieved pCR, both RCB 0-I and ORR reached 100% with 3 patients achieved complete remission. Adverse events (AEs) all-grade and grade 3-4 occurred in 92.3% and 53.8%, respectively. 1 (7.7%) patient had treatment-related serious AEs. No radiation-related dermatitis or death occurred.

Conclusions

Adding SBRT to adebrelimab and neoadjuvant chemotherapy led to a substantial proportion of pCR with acceptable toxicities, supporting further exploration of this combination in TNBC patients.

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Clinical trial number

NCT05132790.
Identification of Novel Genes Associated with Atrial Fibrillation and Development of Atrial Fibrillation Predictive Models by Incorporating Polygenic Risk Scores and PheWAS-Derived Risk Factors
Authors: Chen Shih-Yin , Chen Yu-Chia , Liu Ting-Yuan , Chang Kuan-Cheng , Chang Shih-Sheng , Wu Ning , Wu Donald Lee , Dunlap Rylee Kay , Chan Chia-Jung , Tsai Fuu-Jen
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common atrial arrhythmia and is subcategorized into numerous clinical phenotypes. Previous studies demonstrated that early-onset AF was associated with genetic loci among the certain populations.

OBJECTIVES:

The objective of this study was to develop AF predictive models using AF-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) selected from the Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) of a large cohort of Taiwanese and explore whether the models posed the prediction power for AF.

METHODS:

75,121 total subjects including 5,694 AF patients and 69,427 normal controls with the GWAS data were included in this study. The polygenic risk scores based on AF-associated SNPs were determined and then integrated with Phenome-wide association study (PheWAS)-derived risk factors including clinical and demographic variables. The robust AF predictive models were developed through advanced statistical and machine learning techniques and then were evaluated in terms of discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility.

RESULTS:

The results demonstrated that the top 30 significant SNPs associated with AF were located on chromosomes 10 and 16, which involvedNEURL1,SH3PXD2A,INA,NT5C2,STN1, andZFHX3genes withINA,NT5C2, andSTN1being new discoveries in association with AF. The GWAS predictive power for AF had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.626 (P< 0.001) and 0.851 (P< 0.001) before and after adjusting with age and gender, respectively. The results of PheWAS analysis showed that the top 10 diseases associated with discovered genes were all circulatory system diseases. The results of this study suggested that AF could be predicted by genetic information alone with moderate accuracy. The GWAS could be a robust and useful tool for detecting polygenic diseases by capturing the cumulative effects and genetic interactions of moderately associated but statistically significant SNPs.

CONCLUSIONS:

By integrating genetic and phenotypic data, the accuracy and clinical relevance of predictive models for AF were improved. The results of this study might improve AF risk classification, enable personalized interventions, and ultimately reduce the burden of AF-related morbidity and mortality.

Abstract Figure

Graphic Abstract
Real-time Quantification of in vivo cerebrospinal fluid velocity using fMRI inflow effect
Authors: Diorio Tyler C. , Nair Vidhya Vijayakrishnan , Patel Neal M. , Hedges Lauren E. , Rayz Vitaliy L. , Tong Yunjie
Published: August 2023

In vivoestimation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) velocity is crucial for understanding the glymphatic system and its potential role in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Current cardiac or respiratory gated approaches, such as 4D flow MRI, cannot capture CSF movement in real time due to limited temporal resolution and in addition deteriorate in accuracy at low fluid velocities. Other techniques like real-time PC-MRI or time-spatial labeling inversion pulse are not limited by temporal averaging but have limited availability even in research settings. This study aims to quantify the inflow effect of dynamic CSF motion on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) forin vivo, real-time measurement of CSF flow velocity. We considered linear and nonlinear models of velocity waveforms and empirically fit them to fMRI data from a controlled flow experiment. To assess the utility of this methodology in human data, CSF flow velocities were computed from fMRI data acquired in eight healthy volunteers. Breath holding regimens were used to amplify CSF flow oscillations. Our experimental flow study revealed that CSF velocity is nonlinearly related to inflow effect-mediated signal increase and well estimated using an extension of a previous nonlinear framework. Using this relationship, we recovered velocity fromin vivofMRI signal, demonstrating the potential of our approach for estimating CSF flow velocity in the human brain. This novel method could serve as an alternative approach to quantifying slow flow velocities in real time, such as CSF flow in the ventricular system, thereby providing valuable insights into the glymphatic system’s function and its implications for neurological disorders.
Social determinants of adult health outcomes in Sickle cell disease: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Blake Alphanso , Bennett Nadia , Ferguson Trevor , Harding Seeromanie , Asnani Monika
Published: August 2023

Objective

To summarize the evidence and identify gaps in the literature related to the impact of social factors on health outcomes across the life course for persons with Sickle Cell Disease.

Introduction

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of genetic diseases where abnormal hemoglobin is associated with recurrent complications across the life course which results in increased morbidity or death. The social determinants of health may impact health outcomes throughout the life course of these individuals. Better understanding of the effect that these factors and their complications have may influence management approaches both medically and socially to improve quality of life.

Inclusion criteria

All studies published in English between 1973 and 2023 of persons of all ages living with SCD (SS, SC, SB0SB+), examining factors related to the social determinants of health will be included. Conference abstracts, editorials and opinion papers will be excluded.

Methods

Methods proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and by Westphaln and colleagues in 2021 will be used. The electronic databases Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Open Science Framework and PubMed will be searched using a pre-specified search strategy developed with stakeholder input. All citations will be reviewed by two independent reviewers with disagreements adjudicated by a third reviewer. The screening process will be reported in a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews Extensions for Scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) flow diagram. The Rayyan software will be used to manage the review process.
Protocol for the AutoRayValid-RBfracture Study: Evaluating the efficacy of an AI fracture detection system
Authors: Ruitenbeek Huib , Egnell Liv , Ziegeler Katharina , Brejnebøl Mathias Willadsen , Nybing Janus Uhd , Lensskjold Anders , Lisouski Pavel Klastrup , Lundemann Michael , Hermann Kay Geert A. , Boesen Mikael , Oei Edwin H.G. , Visser Jacob J.
Published: August 2023

Background

Rapidly diagnosing fractures in appendicular skeletons is vital in the ED, where junior physicians often interpret initial radiographs. However, missed fractures remain a concern, prompting AI-assisted detection exploration. Yet, existing studies lack clinical context. We propose a multi-center retrospective study evaluating the AI aid RBfracture™ v.1, aiming to assess AI’s impact on diagnostic thinking by analyzing consecutive cases with clinical data, providing insights into fracture detection and clinical decision-making.

Objectives

To provide new insights on the potential value of AI tools across borders and different healthcare systems. We will evaluate the performance of the AI aid to detect fractures on conventional x-ray images and how its use could affect handling of these cases in a healthcare setting. In order to explore if the use of a trained and certified AI tool on clinical data exposes new challenges, a daily practice clinical scenario will be approached by minimising selection criteria and using consecutive cases. A multicenter, retrospective, diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional design incorporates clinical context.

Methods

The multicenter study spans three European sites without onsite hardware. AI system RBfracture™ v.1 maintains consistent sensitivity and specificity thresholds. Eligibility involves age ≥21 with x-ray indications for appendicular fractures. Exclusions include casts, follow-up x-rays, nearby hardware. AI aids retrospective fracture detection. Reader sessions include radiology and emergency care residents and trainees reading with and without AI. Fractures are marked, rated, with expert-established reference standards.

Data

Sequential patient studies at three sites yield 500 cases per site. Data includes anatomy, referral notes, radiology reports, and radiographic images. Expert readers use annotations, clinical context for standards. Statistical methods include dichotomized confidence ratings, sensitivity, specificity calculations, site-based analysis and subgroup considerations.

Reference Standard

Two experienced readers annotate fractures; if their annotations overlap by 25% or more, the common area is the reference. Discrepancies are resolved by a local expert. Individual fractures are labelled.
Hemoglobin specific volume width promotes the prevalence and poor long-term prognosis of American adult hypertensive patients: the NHANES 1999-2020
Authors: Zhang Lin , Chang Jun , Wang Kaiyue , Zhou Ying , Wang Liming , Zhang Lele , Zhang Xuemei , Fu Zhifei , Han Lifeng , Gao Xiumei
Published: August 2023

Background

Hypertensive patients are always accompanied by erythrocyte dysfunction. However, current erythrocyte-related indicators can’t explain hypertension’s prevalence and long-term prognosis. Therefore, hemoglobin specific volume width (HSW) was first created to explain this phenomenon.

Methods

59,867 adult participants from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NMAHES) were included. HSW’s quartiles were determined with Q1 [1.88,3.64] cL/g, Q2 (3.64,3.84] cL/g, Q3 (3.84,4.11] cL/g, and Q4 (4.11,11.74] cL/g. 21,006 hypertensive patients had a whole following time 97 (51, 151) months, 15,519 hypertensive patients were alive, and 5,487 were dead. The relationship between HSW and hypertension was analyzed.

Results

Among Controlsn=35,677 and Hypertensive patientsn=24,190, the percentages of hypertension in quartiles of HSW (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4) were 28.59%, 33.35%, 39.37%, and 47.74%. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) in HSW was still significant, 1.23 (95% CI 1.11,1.36). Among dead (n=5,487) and alive hypertensive patients (n=15,519), the percentages of hypertensive mortality in quartiles of HSW were 17.66%, 20.46%, 20.78%, and 25.02%. The adjusted HSW hazard ratio (HR) was 1.91(95%CI 1.69,2.16). Processing Q1 as reference, the HR for Q4 was 2.35 (95% CI 2.06, 2.69). Males had a higher risk (HR: 1.53 95% CI 1.24,1.89) of poor prognosis than females (HR: 1.48 95% CI 1.17,1.87). Individuals <=60 years old (HR: 2.25 95% CI 1.78,2.85) had a higher risk of poor prognosis than those >60. Hypertensive patients with HSW > 3.89 cL/g had a poor prognosis than HSW <= 3.89 cL/g.

Conclusions

HSW is an innovative independent risk factor for hypertensive prevalence and long-term prognosis.
Phosphorylation of a Cleaved Tau Proteoform at a Single Residue Inhibits Binding to the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase, CHIP
Authors: Nadel Cory M. , Wucherer Kristin , Oehler Abby , Thwin Aye C. , Basu Koli , Callahan Matthew D. , Southworth Daniel R. , Mordes Daniel A. , Craik Charles S. , Gestwicki Jason E.
Published: August 2023

Microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT/tau) accumulates in a family of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In disease, tau is aberrantly modified by post-translational modifications (PTMs), including hyper-phosphorylation. However, it is often unclear which of these PTMs contribute to tau’s accumulation or what mechanisms might be involved. To explore these questions, we focused on a cleaved proteoform of tau (tauC3), which selectively accumulates in AD and was recently shown to be degraded by its direct binding to the E3 ubiquitin ligase, CHIP. Here, we find that phosphorylation of tauC3 at a single residue, pS416, is sufficient to block its interaction with CHIP. A co-crystal structure of CHIP bound to the C-terminus of tauC3 revealed the mechanism of this clash and allowed design of a mutation (CHIPD134A) that partially restores binding and turnover of pS416 tauC3. We find that pS416 is produced by the known AD-associated kinase, MARK2/Par-1b, providing a potential link to disease. In further support of this idea, an antibody against pS416 co-localizes with tauC3 in degenerative neurons within the hippocampus of AD patients. Together, these studies suggest a discrete molecular mechanism for how phosphorylation at a specific site contributes to accumulation of an important tau proteoform.
The use of vision system to determine lateral deviation from landing trajectory
Authors: Rogalski Tomasz , Rzucidło Paweł , Noga Stanisław , Nowak Dariusz
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study presents an image processing algorithm capable of calculating selected flight parameters requested by flight control systems to guide aircraft along the horizontal projection of the landing trajectory. The parameters identified based on the basics of the image of the Calvert light system appearing in the on-board video system are used by flight control algorithms that imitate the pilot’s schematics of control. Controls were generated using a fuzzy logic expert system. This study aims to analyse an alternative to classical solutions that can be applied to some specific cases.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses theoretical discussions and breakdowns to create the basics for the development of structures for both image processing algorithms and control algorithms. An analytical discussion on the first stage was transformed into laboratory rig tests using a real autopilot unit. The results of this research were verified in a series of software-in-the-loop computer simulations.

Findings

The image processing method extracts the most crucial parameters defining the relative position of the aircraft to the runway, as well as the control algorithm that uses it.

Practical implications

In flight control systems that do not use any dedicated ground or satellite infrastructure to land the aircraft.

Originality/value

This paper presents the original approach of the author to aircraft control in cases where visual signals are used to determine the flight trajectory of the aircraft.
Applying blockchain to quality food products: a marketing perspective
Authors: Bonetti Enrico , Bartoli Chiara , Mattiacci Alberto
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enrich the knowledge about blockchain (BC) technology implementation in the agri-food industry by providing an interpretive framework of the key marketing opportunities and challenges, related to the adoption of BC for Geographical Indication (GI) products.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts an explorative qualitative research design through the cognitive mapping technique applied to the cognition of different market players involved in agri-food BC projects: farmers, distributors, companies and consultancies.

Findings

This study presents a comprehensive examination of the marketing impacts of BC across various marketing objectives, including product enhancement, brand positioning, consumer relationships, market access and supply chain relationships. It highlights the capability of BC to facilitate data-enabled ecosystems within the agri-food sector, involving supply chain actors and control agencies. Additionally, the study sheds light on the challenges (technological, collaborative, political, financial and organizational) associated with the implementation of BC in the marketing of agri-food products.

Research limitations/implications

This work provides a comprehensive examination of the relevance of BC in the marketing activities of firms, particularly in the context of quality food products. It highlights the main areas of impact and effects and emphasizes the complexity of the phenomenon, which extends beyond its technical issues. Furthermore, it offers a systematic exploration of the challenges associated with the adoption of BC in marketing activities, thus contributing to a broader understanding of the implications of BC adoption in companies' marketing strategies.

Practical implications

The practical implications for this work addresses both GI companies and policy makers. Implications for companies relate to the market benefits associated with the implementation of BC, which allow further strengthening of market positioning, relationships of trust within the supply chain and integration between physical and digital market channels. The study also systematizes the challenges underlying the implementation of BC projects. The implications for policy makers regard the role they have to play in BC projects at regulatory, financial and policy levels.

Originality/value

Studies focusing on BC applications in marketing are still limited and characterized by a very narrow perspective (especially in the food industry). This study contributes to the conceptual design of the marketing applications of BC in the agri-food sector. The value of the study also lies in having framed the marketing impacts of BC in a holistic perspective, along with the technological and non-technological challenges that are related to the integration of BC in marketing strategy and operations.
A novel consensus reaching method for the preference-approval structure based on regret theory and its application in evaluating pension institutions
Authors: Shi Qinggang , Li Peng , Xu Zhiwei
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a consensus method for multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) problems based on preference-approval structure and regret theory, which can improve the efficiency of decision-making and promote the consensus level among individuals.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a new method to obtain the reference points based on regret theory and expert weighting method is proposed. Second, a consensus reaching method based on preference-approval structure is proposed. Then, an adjustment mechanism to further improve the consensus level between individuals is designed. Finally, an example of the assessment of elderly care institutions is used to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.

Findings

The feasibility and validity of the proposed method are verified by comparing with the advanced two-stage minimum adjustment method. The compared results show that the proposed method is more consistent with the actual situation.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents a consensus reaching method for MAGDM based on preference-approval structure, which considers the avoidance behaviors of individuals and reference points. Decision makers (DMs) can use this approach to rank and categorize alternatives while further increasing the level of consensus among them. This can further help determine the optimal alternative more efficiently.

Originality/value

A new MAGDM problem based on the combination of regret theory and individual reference points is proposed. Besides, a new method of obtaining experts' weights and a consensus reaching method for MAGDM based on preference-approval structure are designed.
The effect of board characteristics on tax aggressiveness: the case of listed entities in Sri Lanka
Authors: Shamil Mohamed Mihilar , Gooneratne Dulni Wanya , Gunathilaka Dasitha , Shaikh Junaid M.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study examines the effect of board characteristics on the tax aggressiveness of listed companies on the Colombo Stock Exchange in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of 264 firm-year observations of non-financial listed companies in Sri Lanka from 2014 to 2019. The dynamic panel system GMM technique was used to test the hypotheses, and further analyses were performed using the propensity score matching technique.

Findings

All four effective tax rate measures' mean values were lower than the statutory tax rate, indicating the likelihood of tax planning. Whether board attributes are likely to mitigate tax aggressiveness is uncertain because the results are inconsistent and depend on the ETR measure. Similarly, the logistic regression results derived using the PSM approach are inconsistent, suggesting that board characteristics may have a limited effect on tax aggressiveness. Hence, the corporate governance-tax aggressiveness nexus is limited in the case of Sri Lanka.

Research limitations/implications

This investigation is limited to non-financial listed companies in Sri Lanka and incorporates only four tax aggressiveness measures. Findings are imperative for policymakers, regulators, and professional bodies to improve corporate governance codes and rules to enhance organisational transparency toward corporate tax payments.

Social implications

Aggressive tax planning by companies will reduce government tax revenue, hinder social progress, and cause public mistrust of large corporations and institutions.

Originality/value

This study provides insight into the nexus between corporate governance and tax aggressiveness in a middle-income economy in South Asia hit by an economic crisis where tax revenue has fallen and tax enforcement is weak.
Enforcing the Nationally Described Space Standard: the regulation of “Sub-standard” English housing
Authors: Hubbard Phil
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Despite opposition from housebuilders, the Nationally Described Space Standard (NDSS) was introduced in 2015 amid concerns about shrinking home sizes. This paper examines Planning Appeal cases to examine how the standard has been enforced.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers how the NDSS has informed the regulation of housing size, based on an overview of post-2015 Planning Appeal Decisions in England where the gross internal area of the home was below the NDSS.

Findings

Appeals by developers have tended to fail where homes are “significantly” – i.e. 10% or more – below the NDSS. However, in some instances – especially where local authorities have not adopted the NDSS – the Planning Inspectorate rules considerably smaller homes “adequate”. These discrepancies appear related to (subjective) judgements about who might occupy the space, alongside consideration of layout, light and fenestration.

Originality/value

This paper is the ﬁrst exploration of how the NDSS has been enforced, highlighting important contradictions in the adjudication of space standards. Many of these contradictions emerge because the NDSS is discretionary rather than mandatory, with the paper suggesting the need for clearer guidance on their application.
Cultural differences in auditory ecology
Authors: Benítez-Barrera Carlos R. , Ramirez-Esparza Nairán , García-Sierra Adrián , Skoe Erika
Published: August 2023

Demographic differences in acoustic environments are usually studied using geographic area monitoring. This approach, however, may miss valuable information differentiating cultures. This motivated the current study, which used wearable sound recorders to measure noise levels and speech-to-noise ratios (SNRs) in the immediate acoustic environment of Latinx and European-American college students. Latinx experienced higher noise levels (64.8 dBC) and lower SNRs (3.7 dB) compared to European-Americans (noise levels, 63 dB; SNRs, 5.4 dB). This work provides a framework for a larger study on the impact of culture on auditory ecology.
Israeli scientists speak out against ‘destructive’ policies
Authors: Chabin Michele
Published: August 2023

Many fear erosion of academic freedom and loss of talent
In Other Journals
Authors: Fregoso Elisa Collado , Hurtley Stella M. , Scanlon Seth Thomas , Simonti Corinne , Szuromi Phil , Vignieri Sacha , Suleymanov Yury
Published: August 2023

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Targeting cancer with molecular glues
Authors: Liu Jun O.
Published: August 2023

Molecular glues suppress the active form of the oncogenic protein KRAS
Battling information bias
On Disinformation: How to Fight for Truth and Protect Democracy
Lee McIntyre
MIT Press, 2023. 184 pp.
Authors: Wai Jonathan
Published: August 2023

Do not wait for society to reject scientific disinformation, tout the truth now
Tracing Oligocene−Miocene source-to-sink systems in the deep Levant Basin: A sandstone provenance study
Authors: Glazer Adar , Avigad Dov , Morag Navot , Gerdes Axel
Published: August 2023

The Levant Basin in the Eastern Mediterranean contains an ∼3-km-thick, predominantly siliciclastic section of Oligocene−Miocene age, which hosts large hydrocarbon reservoirs (“Tamar Sands Play”). Here, we present a provenance study of Oligocene−Miocene sandstones based on detrital zircon U-Pb-Hf and heavy mineral assemblages. Samples were retrieved from four boreholes across the Levant Basin: Myra-1, Dolphin-1, Leviathan-1, and Karish North-1. Our investigations revealed that the sediments are dominated by Neoproterozoic and older Precambrian zircons with variable Hf isotopic composition, indicating that they were mainly reworked from Paleozoic−Mesozoic sandstones of African-Arabian provenance, with minor derivation from the Neoproterozoic basement of the Arabian-Nubian Shield. Variations in the proportions of pre−900 Ma zircons were encountered in various levels of the siliciclastic section. These zircons were markedly enriched (44%−57%) in the Rupelian and Aquitanian−Burdigalian intervals, accompanied by abundant detrital apatite peloids in the heavy mineral fraction, and relatively sparse (21%−38%) in the Chattian−Aquitanian and Langhian−Tortonian intervals, alongside scarce Mesozoic−Cenozoic zircons. These findings allow us to associate the deep-basin detrital record with two sedimentary transport systems that reached the Levant Basin from both NE Africa and Arabia simultaneously until the late Miocene, when sediment transport from Arabia ceased. While Rupelian and Aquitanian−Burdigalian sediments, including the main section of the “Tamar Sands,” were derived mainly from Arabian sources via the Levant continental margin, Chattian−Aquitanian and Langhian−Tortonian sediments were primarily sourced from NE Africa via the Nile Delta. Detrital contribution from the Eurasian side of the Eastern Mediterranean was not identified, suggesting that sand originating in the Arabia-Eurasia collision belt did not reach the Levant Basin.
Eventos adversos pós-vacinais em pacientes imunizados contra a COVID-19 em um município do sul de Santa Catarina no ano de 2021
Authors: Silva Henrique Guimarães Aires e , Margotti Beatriz Ranson , Marcon Chaiana Esmeraldino Mendes
Published: August 2023

A disponibilização em massa de vacinas contra o vírus SARS-CoV-2 é resultado de esforços científicos mundiais. Entretanto, a insegurança e a hesitação popular per-meiam os movimentos antivacinais. Objetivo: Analisar o perfil dos Eventos Adver-sos Pós-Vacinais (EAPV) na cidade de Tubarão-SC no ano de 2021. Metodologia: Estudo epidemiológico transversal com dados de todas as fichas de notificação padrão de EAPV no município de Tubarão em 2021. As variáveis analisadas foram o perfil epidemiológico do paciente, imunobiológico administrado, o tipo de evento e a evolução do caso. Calculou-se a taxa de incidência (TI) para 10 mil doses apli-cadas. Resultados: A população em estudo foi de 274 pacientes, sendo 73% do sexo feminino, com média das idades de 39,8±14,5 anos. Foram aplicadas 197.001 doses no ano de 2021, o que resultou em uma TI geral de EAPV de 13,9. Houve 206 reações notificadas em pacientes imunizados com a AstraZeneca (TI=29,1), 43 com a Pfizer (TI=5,1), 18 com a Coronavac (TI=4,8) e sete com a Janssen (TI=13,8). Houve apenas sete casos classificados como graves (TI=0,3) e, destes, um paciente evoluiu com óbito, sem relação causal estabelecida. Conclusão: A incidência geral de eventos graves foi baixa, o que corrobora o perfil de segurança dos imunobiológicos disponíveis contra a COVID-19.
Palácios: entre brilho e sombra
Authors: Lourenço Maria Cecilia França
Published: August 2023

O tema proposto para edição de número 14 da Revista ARA FAU USP alude ao fato de que “gente é para brilhar”, a gerar uma série de interpretações sobre o que isto representa. Elegeu-se cotejar duas ações contrastantes no trato com os bens culturais, recém ocorridas no país: de um lado a implantação do Museus das Favelas paulistano na antiga sede do governo, conhecida por Palácio dos Campos Elíseos. A outra funda-se no tratamento golpista dispensado por grupo na Capital Federal, Brasília, ao tentar destruir patrimônio acolhido nos três principais edifícios representativos do poder. Cabe inquirir: o que, por que, para que, para quem, de quem, quem decide, como se preservam conjuntos públicos?
Quando gente é memória, o Patrimônio é (a) gente?
Authors: Ruggiero Amanda Saba
Published: August 2023

O uso corrente da palavra patrimônio incide sobre o sentido da preservação, predominantemente do edifício, da matéria, e remete às técnicas de conservação, restauro, quando ganham protagonismo e relevância a técnica, a estética e a arquitetura.  No debate sobre a requalificação e preservação de centros históricos, e sobre o emprego cultural de grandes áreas industriais desativadas, prevalecem as intervenções de caráter empresarial, modelo em que o patrimônio é o cenário para consumo da cultura e do turismo como mercadoria. Tais práticas trouxeram para cena o debate sobre a expulsão de populações locais, a engrandecimento financeiro dos entornos urbanos, denominado “gentrificação” ou enobrecimento urbano. A questão colocada para reflexão nestes termos é: pode-se assumir que tal fenômeno se aplica de modo generalizado ou não nos contextos metropolitanos? Quais especificidades são debatidas em outros centros urbanos, como por exemplo das cidades médias no interior de São Paulo? Como valorizar a memória coletiva em detrimento da supervalorização estética e material dos espaços patrimonializados? Quando as políticas patrimoniais reconhecem gente, o patrimônio é o agente?
The Micronecta Kirkaldy, 1897 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Micronectidae) of Iran, with four new records and an illustrated key to the species
Authors: RAJABIAN MONA , HOSSEINI REZA
Published: August 2023

The fauna of Micronectidae (pygmy water boatmen) was investigated in Guilan Province. The present study has raised the number of micronectid species known from Iran to nine by reporting four first records for the country, including Micronecta carpatica Wróblewski, 1958, M. griseola Horváth, 1899, M. poweri (Douglas & Scott, 1869), and M. pusilla (Horváth, 1895). Morphological diagnoses for these four species are provided, accompanied by illustrations of male habitus, male genitalia, and a key to the species of Micronecta known from Iran.
Analysis of Burnout, Job Satisfaction, and Fatigue Among Yacht Crew: A Case Study of Turkish Yacht Crew Operating in the Southern Aegean Sea
Authors: Şendilmen Danaci Canan , Kececi Tuba
Published: August 2023

An examination was conducted on the correlation between burnout, job satisfaction, fatigue levels, and the demographic characteristics of yacht crew. In March 2023, a survey was administered to 81 yacht crew of various ratings operating in the South Aegean. The Maslach Burnout Inventory, Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, and Piper Fatigue Scale were used in the study, and the subdimensions of these scales analyzed in detail in relation to the yacht crew. Low burnout levels, moderate emotional exhaustion, low depersonalization and a lack of personal accomplishment was found among participants. Job satisfaction was moderate, primarily influenced by internal factors. Overall fatigue levels were moderate, with varying subscale levels. Deckhands had higher burnout and fatigue levels, whereas able seamen had the highest job satisfaction. Statistically significant relationships were found between participant age and years of service and burnout; between job satisfaction, competence, and years of service; and between fatigue and marital status. A statistically significant relationship was found between crew burnout and their levels of job satisfaction and fatigue. Another finding of the research was that males had higher job satisfaction than females, however, male crew members reported higher levels of burnout and fatigue. Furthermore, since there is dense yacht traffic in the Aegean Sea, the high levels of fatigue among yacht crew in the region could be affecting the safety of commercial vessel navigation. Excluding captains, this study is the first to research job satisfaction, burnout, and fatigue levels among yacht crew.
Control of four-wheel steering vehicles based on composite model free observer
Authors: Zhang Guowang , Wang Xiangyu , Li Liang
Published: August 2023

Four-wheel steering (4WS) is an advanced technology for automotive chassis, which is more flexible and redundant than conventional front wheel steering. For a 4WS vehicle, the accuracy and stability of steering control must be guaranteed, so the main difficulty is the model nonlinearity during driving. To deal with the problems, a novel composite model free observer (CMFO) is designed. The nominal parameters are used to model the 4WS vehicles, and the data-driven method is used to improve observation accuracy. Then a CMFO based controller is designed to control the lateral dynamics of 4WS vehicles. The stability of the proposed control scheme is proved by theoretical derivation, and experiments are carried out to compare the performance between the CMFO based controller, model free adaptive controller (MFAC) and linear quadratic regulator (LQR). The mean absolute error (MAE) values of CMFO are reduced by 75.56% and 44.49% compared with those of LQR and MFAC, respectively.
Towards Efficient Energy Consumption: Audit of Households Electricity Consumption in Ghana
Authors: Boyetey Dominic Buer , Hesse Christian Akrong , Abekah-Koomson Isaac , Akweley-Asiamah Theodora
Published: August 2023

Electricity from national grids remain the most reliable and affordable source of power to many households globally. However, in Ghana, the supply of electricity from the national grid to households is generally unstable with residential electricity tariff skyrocketing. Consumers are unable to quantify the amount of electricity purchased in kwh/month in order to appreciate the tariff band they belong to. The billing authorities only account for the approximate unit (kwh/month) for the nearest cedi spent on electricity. The run-offs lead to over/under-billing of consumers for electricity purchased and, thus, derail the agenda of efficient energy management. Given this background, we proceeded to investigate households’ electricity consumption by first, estimating the exact consumption units of electricity for any amount of electricity power purchased. Subsequently, we explored factors that affected households’ electricity consumption in Ghana. We relied on 8,599 households’ data captured in the Ghana Living Standard Survey 7. The method of maximum likelihood estimation was used to estimate a multiple regression model fitted to the monthly electricity consumption data. The results showed that the fewer are alternative sources of electricity available to households, the greater is the consumption of electricity by the households. Other significant variables found were number of rooms in a household, area (m2) of the house, number of people in the house, categories of tariff bands and number of electrical appliances in use. These variables showed positive relationship with the natural log of the estimated electricity consumed per month for any household.
Baclofen and Tizanidine Adverse Effects Observed Among Community-Dwelling Adults Above the Age of 50 Years: A Systematic Review
Authors: Killam-Worrall Lisa , Brand Romana , Castro Janine R. , Patel Dipa S. , Huynh Katherine , Lindley Bryn , Torres Brittany Palasik
Published: August 2023

Objective:

This review highlights adverse effects of baclofen and tizanidine in older community-dwelling adults.

Data Sources:

A literature search was conducted, including search terms of “adverse effect,” “baclofen,” “elderly,” “falls,” “fractures,” and “tizanidine.” Studies were included if they described community-dwelling adults aged 50 years and older who received oral baclofen or tizanidine. The Federal Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) data were compiled for adverse effect incidence.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

The literature search was completed in July 2019 and updated in June 2023. Reviews performed by 2 independent reviewers yielded 15 records. FAERS identified 486 (baclofen) and 305 (tizanidine) adverse effects of interest.

Data Synthesis:

Two retrospective cohort studies evaluating baclofen use in older adults showed increased hospitalizations for encephalopathy in chronic kidney disease (7.2% vs 0.1%) and end-stage renal disease (daily dose 20 mg or more; relative risk [RR] 19.8, 95% CI = [14.0-28.0]). Other articles were case reports; 10 articles reported dyskinesias, encephalopathy or disorientation, and drowsiness associated with baclofen, and 5 articles reported bradycardia and/or hypotension with tizanidine. The FAERS Public Dashboard revealed 12.1% and 28.7% overall incidence of adverse effects of interest, with a 27.8% and 29.2% incidence of falls for baclofen and tizanidine, respectively. Baclofen and tizanidine are associated with concerning adverse effects in older adults. Alternative agents should be considered, but, if necessary, providers should start at lower doses and increase slowly.

Conclusions:

This review highlights the importance of using baclofen and tizanidine with caution in older adults.
Study design: The social wellbeing of newly-arrived adolescent migrants in reception education in Flanders (socNAMs)
Authors: Devos Sarah , Deforche Benedicte , Derluyn Ilse , Bracke Piet , Delaruelle Katrijn
Published: August 2023

Aims:

socNAMs provides a comprehensive and comparative dataset for researchers to identify how students’ recent migration and their school setting relates to their social wellbeing, particularly regarding their feelings of loneliness. Results: This study design article delineates a quantitative cross-sectional research study (socNAMs) which successfully developed three questionnaires that were administered with unique and hard to reach populations, newly-arrived adolescent migrants (NAMs) and school staff offering reception education in Flanders, Belgium.

Methods:

At the individual level, socNAMs collected information on: (1) socio-demographic variables of NAMs; (2) migration and family context; (3) social relationships; (4) school experiences; (5) self-perceived wellbeing (physical and social); and (6) experiences with discrimination. The questionnaire developed for NAMs is available in 16 languages. To gain a further understanding of the impact of the school environment on NAMs, socNAMs collected contextual information primarily concerning school social capital by including data collected from teachers and reception-class coordinators. The final sample included 1379 NAMs, 50 teachers and 26 reception-class coordinators, from 35 schools offering reception education.

Conclusions:

In this article, we present the rationale for this study, the methodology of sampling and recruitment, the development and content of the questionnaires, some preliminary descriptive results and the strengths and limitations of the study. Future empirical studies will address the research aims outlined in this protocol paper. In addition, we highlight the opportunities that the dataset provides for advancing research regarding the social wellbeing of NAMs in varying school and national contexts.
Bridges to Elders: A Program to Improve Outcomes for Older Women Experiencing Homelessness
Authors: Flike Kimberlee , Means Roseanna H. , Chou Jiyin , Shi Ling , Hayman Laura L.
Published: August 2023

Homelessness among older individuals is increasing and women experiencing homelessness have been previously shown to have poorer health outcomes than their male counterparts. To address these concerns, the Bridges to Elders (BTE) program was developed to improve health and social outcomes for older women experiencing or at risk for homelessness. BTE consisted of a nurse practitioner (NP) and community health worker (CHW) dyad who provided intensive case management services for women 55+ with housing instability. This evaluation used a pretest/posttest design to examine three main outcomes from BTE: change in housing status, enrollment with a primary care provider (PCP), and diagnosis of uncontrolled chronic condition. The sample included 96 BTE participants enrolled from January 2017 to December 2018. The average age of participants was 66 years and had a mean BTE enrollment time of 7.6 months. Statistically significant improvements were achieved in all three outcomes measured: 17% ( p < .009) increase in stable housing, 35% ( p < .001) increase in PCP enrollment, and 47% ( p < .001) decrease in the diagnosis of an uncontrolled chronic condition. The results indicated an NP/CHW dyad improved housing status, primary care access, and targeted health outcomes for older women who are experiencing or at risk for homelessness. Future studies examining the impact of NP/CHW dyads on additional social determinants of health and their impact on health outcomes are recommended.