bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender Diversity and Inclusion Efforts within the Canadian Armed Forces
Authors: Samburska-Kinal Marta
Published: October 2024

Historically, the armed forces and the military in general, have been perceived as male-dominated institutions. This is supported by various statistics, which indicate that women usually constitute up to 20% of the military personnel in a given country. As of May 2023, women comprised slightly more than 16% of members of the Canadian Regular Force. The number has been steadily increasing. What is Canada’s strategy for integrating gender equality into its armed forces? Is the objective solely to increase the numbers? Is it only about the women? The aim of this chapter is to present and examine gender inclusion efforts within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), as well as to assess how they align with the Canadian government’s broader feminist approach. The paper provides an overview of the current state of gender integration in CAF, including statistical data on the representation of women in various military roles and branches. It also examines CAF’s organizational culture and climate, including attitudes towards gender diversity, experiences of harassment and discrimination, and efforts to foster a more inclusive environment. Secondly, this chapter analyzes the policy framework and institutional mechanisms that are in place to promote gender equality within CAF, including the Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) approach and the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. Furthermore, this paper discusses support services and resources available to military personnel, such as Gender Advisors, diversity and inclusion training, and policies addressing gender-based violence and harassment.
Examining Military Sexual Abuse: A Comparative Study of Canadian and Polish Contemporary Armed Forces
Authors: Kasperska Anna
Published: October 2024

Sexual abuse within the military remains a persistent and complex issue, casting a shadow over the integrity and effectiveness of the armed forces. This chapter offers a comparative examination of the multifaceted nature of sexual harassment in the Canadian and Polish military, clarifying its prevalence and far-reaching consequences. The study examines various forms of sexual harassment encountered within the military hierarchy, from subtle microaggressions to outright assaults, and explores factors such as organizational culture as well as institutional responses that perpetuate this pervasive problem. Moreover, it examines the impact of sexual abuse on individual victims, unit cohesion, operational effectiveness, and the overall military image. By analyzing definitional frameworks, existing policies, and procedures, it identifies shortcomings and proposes recommendations for comprehensive reform. Ultimately, the objective of this examination is to contribute to an understanding of sexual harassment in the military and to catalyze meaningful action to promote a culture of respect, equality, and safety within the armed forces.
“Momma always said that woman was the epitome of resource”: Contesting Canada’s Colonial-Capitalist Food Systems in Jonny Appleseed
Authors: Koenigsknecht Nicole
Published: October 2024

Despite living in a colonial-capitalist society structured to exploit their lands and bodies, the Oji-Cree women in the novel Jonny Appleseed, (2018) written by Joshua Whitehead (Two-Spirit Oji-Cree/nêhiyaw member of Peguis First Nation), resist settler-Canadian hegemony by feeding themselves and their communities through subversive acts of food sovereignty. According to Audra Simpson (Kahnawà:ke Mohawk), the Canadian settler-colonial regime legitimizes its occupying presence on Turtle Island by deteriorating, disappearing, and killing Indigenous women. Inflicting hunger – preventing Indigenous people from nourishing their bodies – is just one of the multifarious forms of violence administered by the settler state in efforts to eradicate Indigenous presence from the land. As a result, as the Oji-Cree women in the novel navigate a matrix of intersecting capitalist, colonial, heteropatriarchal, and white supremacist policies and (infra)structures to feed themselves and their relatives, they engage in resistance; they refuse to disappear. This chapter examines the setting of Winnipeg through an analytic lens of settler colonial urbanism and racial capitalism. The characters Peggy and Jordan demonstrate ingenuity, resourcefulness, and resilience as they employ creative foraging methods to obtain food from their hostile, hyper-capitalist environment. Jordan combines her extensive knowledge of Winnipeg’s grocery and restaurant infrastructure with her intimidating yet friendly demeanor to procure discounted or free meals, which she regularly shares with her friends. Peggy similarly defies capitalist norms by obtaining and distributing vital resources to isolated or otherwise immobilized Indigenous residents in both Winnipeg and Peguis First Nation. In performing these acts of community care, Peggy also challenges the settler-imposed boundary between urban and reserve spaces on Treaty One territory.
Player-vs.-Player Game Design and Pricing: A Tournament Design Perspective
Authors: Deng Haowen , Dou Yifan , Wu Zenan , Zhang Cheng
Published: October 2024

This paper examines how game developers can effectively design player-versus-player (PvP) games while balancing revenue and player engagement. In many PvP games, the ability to purchase powerful items creates a “pay-to-win” environment, often frustrating nonpaying players. To address this issue, this paper proposes a tournament design model that allows developers to create different game versions with varying advantages, influencing players’ chances of winning. The findings indicate that this approach enhances developers’ pricing flexibility and mitigates competition between versions. By offering multiple free versions alongside paid options, developers can engage players who may be unwilling to spend money, thereby translating their willingness to play into other players’ willingness to pay. Furthermore, the model shows that tournament design can significantly increase profits, particularly among players with limited budgets. Ultimately, this strategy benefits both developers and players, fostering a win-win outcome for the gaming community. This work elucidates the rationale of the freemium model that offers differentiated free versions in games with PvP battles.
Malnutrition in frail older adults and the risk of refeeding syndrome: a clinical review
Authors: Elliot Sarah , Mortimore Gerri
Published: October 2024

This article will discuss the topic of malnutrition, with a focus on undernutrition. It will utilise a case study seen in clinical practice and analyse and synthesise the relevant evidence relating to malnutrition in older adults. It will also explore the role of the advanced practitioner in the assessment and management of malnutrition to reduce the risk of refeeding syndrome.
Study on structure and types of spider webs from Nagpur district Maharashtra India
Authors: Thawkar Sonu G. , Ghonmode Sharyu V.
Published: October 2024

The structure of spider webs varies substantially between species, and web building has even been lost completely in some clades. Examples of different web forms include the classic orb webs, which may be oriented vertically to the ground or horizontally, sheet webs, and cobwebs, consisting of three-dimensional meshwork and ascending sticky threads for support and capture of prey. The primary function of spider webs is to capture prey. This ecological success is in part due to the exceptional mechanics of the spider web, with its strength, toughness, elasticity, and robustness, which originate from its hierarchical structures from sequence design to web architecture. Hence a preliminary survey was carried out to structure and identify types of spider webs from Nagpur district, Maharashtra, India. This study explores the structure and identification of spider webs (Arachnids) in the Nagpur District of Maharashtra. Sampling was carried out in 8 months from January 2024 to August 2024 during the weak and month wise. Spider webs are collected using a Photograph collection and black paper for the collection of type’s spider webs. The results of the study concluded that a total of 8 types of spider webs were collected there were Site A 3 types of spider webs, Site B 3 types of spider webs, Site C 1 type of spider web and Site D 1 type of spider web were identified. A total 8 types of spider webs are identified, the names of types of spider webs are the total 8 types of spider webs Identified in Nagpur district the following types of spider webs are the Funnel-web of spider, Sheet web, Classic round webs of spider webs or Orb webs, Mesh web of a spider, Cobweb of spider, Tangle web, Messy web of a spider, and Triangle web of spider.
Navigating Dissonance in Departmental Ecologies: Latinx Identity Development at HSIs
Authors: Rivera Jessica , Núñez Anne-Marie , Covarrubias Igdalia
Published: October 2024

Abstract: Research has indicated that, in comparison to their counterparts at predominantly White institutions (PWIs), Latinx students at Hispanic-Serving institutions (HSIs) tend to encounter less racism and, in turn, fewer challenges in shaping their ethnic identity development. Yet, evidence has also suggested that the disciplines, and by extension, the departments in which Latinx at HSIs are enrolled (e.g., STEM vs. non-STEM) affect how they encounter racism. To further explore the ecological influence of the discipline and department on Latinx identity development in HSIs, we examined Latinx student experiences in one of the least diverse STEM disciplines, computer science. We analyzed interview and observation data from a multi-case ethnographic study of computer science departments at three HSIs to examine students’ experiences as they navigated their majors. We found that these students experienced challenges similar to those of students at other institutions, such as a lack of academic preparation, limited self-confidence, and scarcity of Latinx representation, which hindered their sense of belonging. Yet, these students also encountered developmental support through student-initiated and department-initiated efforts, which encouraged them to engage in leadership and professional development opportunities. These findings suggest that STEM academic departments at HSIs can play a critical role in the development of Latinx students’ ethnic identity.
Fragmentology: A Geniza Manifesto
Authors: Rustow Marina
Published: October 2024

Abstract: By using the metaphor of ceramic sherds as manuscript fragments, this article proposes a fresh look at the way we think about geniza fragments. Starting with a sketch of the history of the various Cairo Geniza databases, the author discusses the problems of rendering dating in digital terms. Then, the essay turns to the dispersal of manuscript collections and the problem of partage—dividing archaeological finds among the institutions involved in excavating them—in the context of current museum collections. The author uses this overview as a springboard to discuss how machine learning can help to join fragments but at the same time introduces inherent bias. The essay concludes by highlighting the paradox that fragmentation enables digital de-siloing and human collaboration.
“Good company”: The Interpretative Communities of The Golden Bowl
Authors: Horne Philip
Published: October 2024

Abstract: This paper, arising from work towards the Complete Fiction of Henry James edition of The Golden Bowl for Cambridge University Press, starts from a consideration of the novel’s reception history, then proceeds to reflect on the models of interpretation the novel might be taken to imply. It tries to draw out the implications of a stimulating remark by James in a 1904 letter to Alice Stopford Green, with reference to The Ambassadors : “[T]he creation, the projection and evocation by hook or by crook, of some human and personal good company , . . . is as kind a turn as one can render.”
Reduction of surface roughness in selectively etched microchannels in lithium niobate
Authors: Hasse Kore , Nwatu Daniel , Nguyen Nam Nghia , Kip Detlef
Published: October 2024

By post-etching annealing, the roughness of microchannels fabricated by fs laser assisted selective etching could be reduced to values of 2 nm. The influence of inscription parameters and annealing conditions on the microchannels’ roughness and the evolution of their shape with annealing temperature and time have been investigated. A functional dependence enabling the estimation of roughness values resulting from certain processing parameters was determined. The low surface roughness achieved enables the transport of fluids with very low friction factors and optical-grade surfaces for the combination of microfluidic channels with optical waveguides, allowing the acousto-optical, electro-optical, and (nonlinear) optical properties of lithium niobate to be utilized for future monolithic optofluidic devices.
Pangenome graph analysis reveals extensive effector copy-number variation in spinach downy mildew
Authors: Skiadas Petros , Riera Vidal Sofía , Dommisse Joris , Mendel Melanie N. , Elberse Joyce , Van den Ackerveken Guido , de Jonge Ronnie , Seidl Michael F.
Published: October 2024

Plant pathogens adapt at speeds that challenge contemporary disease management strategies like the deployment of disease resistance genes. The strong evolutionary pressure to adapt, shapes pathogens’ genomes, and comparative genomics has been instrumental in characterizing this process. With the aim to capture genomic variation at high resolution and study the processes contributing to adaptation, we here leverage an innovative, multi-genome method to construct and annotate the first pangenome graph of an oomycete plant pathogen. We expand on this approach by analysing the graph and creating synteny based single-copy orthogroups for all genes. We generated telomere-to-telomere genome assemblies of six genetically diverse isolates of the oomycete pathogen Peronospora effusa, the economically most important disease in cultivated spinach worldwide. The pangenome graph demonstrates that P. effusa genomes are highly conserved, both in chromosomal structure and gene content, and revealed the continued activity of transposable elements which are directly responsible for 80% of the observed variation between the isolates. While most genes are generally conserved, virulence related genes are highly variable between the isolates. Most of the variation is found in large gene clusters resulting from extensive copy-number expansion. Pangenome graph-based discovery can thus be effectively used to capture genomic variation at exceptional resolution, thereby providing a framework to study the biology and evolution of plant pathogens.
The response to single-gene duplication implicates translation as a key vulnerability in aneuploid yeast
Authors: Dutcher H. Auguste , Hose James , Howe Hollis , Rojas Julie , Gasch Audrey P.
Published: October 2024

Aneuploidy produces myriad consequences in health and disease, yet models of the deleterious effects of chromosome amplification are still widely debated. To distinguish the molecular determinants of aneuploidy stress, we measured the effects of duplicating individual genes in cells with different chromosome duplications, in wild-type cells (SSD1+) and cells sensitized to aneuploidy by deletion of RNA-binding protein Ssd1 (ssd1Δ). We identified gene duplications that are nearly neutral in wild-type euploid cells but significantly deleterious in euploids lacking SSD1 or in SSD1+ aneuploid cells with different chromosome duplications. Several of the most deleterious genes are linked to translation. In contrast, duplication of other genes benefits multiple ssd1Δ aneuploids over controls, and this group is enriched for translational effectors. Furthermore, both wild-type and especially ssd1Δ aneuploids with different chromosome amplifications show increased sensitivity to translational inhibitor nourseothricin. We used comparative modeling of aneuploid growth defects, based on the cumulative fitness costs measured for single-gene duplication. Our results present a model in which the deleterious effects of aneuploidy emerge from an interaction between the cumulative burden of many amplified genes on a chromosome and a subset of duplicated genes that become toxic in that context. These findings provide a perspective on the dual impact of individual genes and overall genomic burden, offering new avenues for understanding aneuploidy and its cellular consequences.
The characteristics and clinical course of patients with melioidosis and cancer
Authors: Shukla Tej , Smith Simon , Johnstone Kristoffer , Donald Patrick , Hanson Josh
Published: October 2024

Background

Patients with an active cancer are more likely to develop melioidosis, but the characteristics and clinical course of melioidosis in patients with cancer have not been examined in detail. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) prophylaxis is prescribed to prevent melioidosis in patients receiving immune suppressing anti-cancer therapy in some jurisdictions–and is recommended in national Australian guidelines–however the risks and benefits of this strategy are incompletely defined.

Methods

The study took place in Far North Queensland (FNQ) in tropical Australia. The characteristics and clinical course of patients with melioidosis diagnosed in the FNQ region between January 1, 1998, and June 1, 2023, who had–and did not have–an active cancer were compared. We also determined the subsequent incidence of melioidosis in patients receiving immune suppressing anti-cancer therapy in the FNQ region between January 1, 2008, and June 1, 2023, who did–and did not–receive TMP-SMX chemoprophylaxis for Pneumocystis jirovecii infection.

Results

An active cancer was present in 47/446 (11%) cases of melioidosis diagnosed between January 1, 1998, and June 1, 2023; there was no association between melioidosis and any cancer type. Patients with melioidosis and cancer were more likely to be older (odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05 (1.03–1.08) P<0.0001) and immunosuppressed (OR (95% CI): 11.54 (5.41–24.6), p<0.0001) than patients without cancer. Immune suppressing anti-cancer therapy had been prescribed to 17/47 (36%) in the 12 months prior to their diagnosis of melioidosis. Only 10/47 (21%) with cancer and melioidosis in the cohort had received no immune suppressing anti-cancer therapy and had no other risk factors for melioidosis. Twelve months after the diagnosis of melioidosis, 25/47 (53%) were still alive; 9/22 (41%) deaths were due to melioidosis and 13/22 (59%) were due to the underlying cancer.

Between 2008 and June 2023, there were 4400 individuals who received myelosuppressive anti-cancer therapy in the FNQ region. There was no significant difference in the incidence of melioidosis between patients who did–and did not–receive TMP-SMX chemoprophylaxis with their myelosuppressive anti-cancer therapy (1/737 (0.15%) versus 16/3663 (0.44%); relative risk (95% confidence interval): 0.31 (0.04–2.34), p = 0.20) and no significant difference in the incidence of fatal melioidosis (0/737 versus 3/3663 (0.08%), p = 0.58).

Conclusions

Patients with cancer are predisposed to developing melioidosis and immune suppressing anti-cancer therapy increases this risk further. However, in this region of Australia, there was no significant difference in the subsequent development of melioidosis in patients who did–and did not–receive TMP-SMX chemoprophylaxis during their myelosuppressive anti-cancer therapy.
Machine learning-based assessment of regional-scale variation of landslide susceptibility in central Vietnam
Authors: Das Raja , Tien Pham Van , Wegmann Karl W. , Chakraborty Madhumita
Published: October 2024

Recurrent landslide events triggered by typhoons and tropical storms over Vietnam pose a longstanding threat to the nation’s population and infrastructure. Changes in hydroclimatic conditions, especially the growing intensity and frequency of storms, have elevated landslide susceptibility in many parts of the country. This research examines the spatio-temporal variations in landslide susceptibility across central Vietnam over several years, using multi-temporal landslide inventories from Typhoon Ketsana (2009), Tropical Storm Podul (2013), and Typhoon Molave (2020). Additionally, the research explores the impact of individual landslide causative factors on the probabilistic occurrences of landslides. The post-event landslide susceptibility models of these three climate extreme events were developed using nine causative factors and a Random Forest machine learning algorithm. The results indicate a notable areal expansion of high to very high landslide susceptibility in the northern and eastern regions and a moderate reduction in the central and southern areas during the post-Molave period compared to the post-Ketsana period. These changes may be early indicators of increasing landslide susceptibility in response to changing hydro-climatic conditions. The research found that annual average rainfall and topographic elevation are the two most important variables influencing landslide prediction, showing a nonlinear relationship with landslide probability. The landslide susceptibility models achieved high Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC) (>95%), accuracy (>89%), and sensitivity (>90%) scores, signifying the robustness of the models. Additionally, the uncertainty of the models was quantified and spatially mapped. This multi-temporal analysis of landslide susceptibility is crucial for understanding the regional susceptibility trends and identifying areas with increasing, decreasing, and consistently high susceptibility to landslides. These insights are invaluable for prioritizing mitigation and risk reduction strategies in landslide-prone regions and guiding appropriate land use planning.
Evaluation of general anesthesia protocols for a highly controlled cardiac ischemia-reperfusion model in mice
Authors: Leon Christelle , Ruelle Alice , Geoffray Juliette , Augeul Lionel , Vogt Catherine , Chiari Pascal , Gomez Ludovic , Ovize Michel , Bidaux Gabriel , Pillot Bruno
Published: October 2024

Background

The aim of our study was to test different anesthetic mixtures in order to identify the most suitable one for a surgical cardiac ischemia-reperfusion model in mice.

Methods

1) Sixty four mice were submitted to one of the 6 combinations of ketamine or alfaxalone associated to xylazine, medetomidine or midazolam. Depth and quality of anesthesia were evaluated via 5 reflex scores. 2) Impact of analgesic (buprenorphine or butorphanol), anesthesia reversal (with atipamezole) and surgery (cardiac ischemia-reperfusion surgery) have been tested in the selected protocols. 3) infarction size has been measured with TTC (Triphenyl Tetrazolium Chloride) method in mice anesthetized with best protocols.

Results

Protocol involving medetomidine induced the longest surgical anesthesia: (median = 120, {interquartile range = 100–125}) min with ketamine and 53 {25–100} min with alfaxalone. Butorphanol substitution with buprenorphine did not alter time-related anesthesia parameters. Atipamezole reversal considerably reduced both recovery and immobilization time (respectively 22 {18–30} min and 98 {88–99} min vs. 55 {40–70} min and 143 {131–149} min, in groups with no reversal, p = 0.001) with no impact on infarction size measurement.

Conclusion

In this study, the combination alfaxalone/medetomidine/buprenorphine (80/0,3/0,075 mg.kg-1, s.c.) associated with reversal by atipamezole was a reliable anesthetic protocol for murine surgery, particularly for the study of ischemia-reperfusion.
Anabasis setifera leaf extract from arid habitat: A treasure trove of bioactive phytochemicals with potent antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant properties
Authors: Abdelaziz Amer M. , A. Abdel-Maksoud Mostafa , Fatima Sabiha , Almutairi Saeedah , Kiani Bushra Hafeez , Hashem Amr H.
Published: October 2024

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the biological activities of Anabasis setifera extract, including its antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. In the current study, Anabasis setifera leaves extract was evaluated for antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant activities and phytochemical analyses. Ethyl acetate extract of Anabasis setifera (EA-AS) exhibited promising antimicrobial activity toward Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, Aspergillus brasiliensis, Aspergillus fumigatus with MICs 62.5, 125, 62.5, 31.25, 62.5, 125 and 125 μg/mL respectively. Moreover, EA-AS showed anticancer activity at safe concentrations, where IC50 were 36.4 and 44 μg/mL toward Hep-G2 and MCF-7 cancerous cell lines. EA-AS was found to contain 55 significant compounds identified through gas chromatography mass spectrophotometry (GCMS). The most abundant compounds were 1,4-dimethoxy-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5-benzocycloheptenone (26.04%), hexa-2,4-diyn-1-ylbenzene (8.40%), dihydrobenzo[b]fluoranthene (6.10%), ethanone, 1-[2,3-dihydro-2-(1-methylethenyl)-5-benzofuranyl (6.10%), and valerenol (4.08%). GC mass analysis confirmed the antioxidant properties of AS by detecting several compounds with antioxidant activity, including hexa-2,4-diyn-1-ylbenzene, nerolidol, spathulenol, -naphthalenem ethanol, decahydro-4-trimethyl-8-methylene, hexadecenoic acid, tremetone, desmethoxyencecalin, heptadecyn-1-ol, thunbergol, hexadecanol, dotriacontane, taylorione, ligulatin, retinoic acid, and falcarinol. The analysis of EA-AS reveals that it is a rich source of valuable phytochemicals: total Phenolic Content: a promising 4,264 μg/mL /, suggesting substantial biological and pharmacological potential. Total tannin content: 391.17 μg/mL, indicating potential applications in industries like nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Total flavonoid content exceptionally high at 5,163 μg/mL, while the total alkaloid content measured 1,036.26 μg/mL. Additionally, EA-AS demonstrated antioxidant activity with an EC50 of 30.6 μg/mL. In conclusion, the comprehensive analysis of the EA-AS reveals its immense potential as a rich source of valuable phytochemicals with diverse bioactivities, warranting further in-depth studies to unlock its full pharmaceutical and commercial prospects. Our results suggest substantial biological and pharmacological prospects for EA-AS as a promising antimicrobial, anticancer, and potent antioxidant.
The ninth art, tells the story of cultural China and the world: Cultural interaction in cross-cultural video game communication-based on ’Genshin Impact’ YouTube comments
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhou Mengyue , Pu Chuyuan
Published: October 2024

China has attached increasing importance to the overseas dissemination of traditional culture as it continues to strengthen its comprehensive national strength and develop globalization initiatives. The electronic game, as the ’ninth art’, with its booming development and inherent cross-cultural communication platform attributes, has taken on the important task of taking culture abroad. This study selects ’Genshin Impact’, a game highly praised and well-received globally, which contains an abundance of Chinese cultural elements and cultural elements from various regions of the world, to study cultural interaction in cross-cultural communication of electronic games. This study conducts text sentiment analysis and semantic network analysis on the comments of ’Genshin Impact’ videos on the overseas video platform YouTube and studies the cultural interaction in the cross-cultural communication of the ’ninth art’, telling the cultural stories of China and the world from a multicultural perspective. The study found that games and derivative videos triggered positive emotional responses from audiences both at home and abroad. While experiencing pleasure and surprise, audiences also arouse deeper emotions such as admiration, identification, and expectation. Meanwhile, in the complex art form of the ’ninth art’, audiences can absorb the cultural elements of different cultures, resonate with the elements of their cultural circle, and even trigger further profound thinking. Finally, this study provides constructive suggestions on using the ’ninth art’ to better ’tell China’s stories and disseminate China’s voice’.
Structure-based identification of small-molecule inhibitors that target the DIII domain of the Dengue virus glycoprotein E pan-serotypically
Authors: Agrawal Prakhar , Arya Hemant , Senthil Kumar Ganesan
Published: October 2024

Dengue viral infection is caused by the Dengue virus, which spreads to humans through the bite of infected mosquitos. Dengue affects over half of the global population, with an estimated 500 million infections per year. Despite this, no effective treatment is currently available, however, several promising candidates are undergoing pre-clinical/clinical testing. The existence of four major serotypes is an important challenge in the development of drugs and vaccines to combat Dengue virus infection. Hence, the drug/vaccine thereby developed should neutralize all the four serotypes equally. However, there is no pan-serotype specific treatment for Dengue virus, thereby emphasizing the need for the identification of novel drug-like compounds that can target all serotypes of the Dengue virus equally. To this end, we employed virtual screening methodologies to find drug-like compounds that target the domain III of glycoprotein E. Most importantly, domain III of E protein is involved in viral fusion with the host membrane and is also targeted by neutralizing antibodies. Our study found two small molecule drug-like compounds (out of the 3 million compounds screened) having similar binding affinity with all four serotypes. The compounds thereby identified exhibit favourable drug like properties and can be developed as a treatment for Dengue virus.
Research on anti-swing control system of slewing crane based on fuzzy PID
Authors: Xu Manman , Liu Lei , Wang Jiajun , Wu Yonghong , Wang Xiangdong , Liu Yongming
Published: October 2024

Background

The slewing crane is easily affected by the wind and the manipulation level of the operator when it is working, which in turn impacts its swing angle, affects the working efficiency and safety of the crane.

Objective

Toimprove the operation safety andreduce the swing angle, this study design and research the anti-swing control system for the slewing crane.

Methods

Firstly, based on the Lagrange equation, the dynamic model of the crane hoisting system is established. Then, the mechanical anti-swing mechanism driven by a four-motor rope is established. Finally, based on fuzzy PID control, an anti-swing platform is established, and the performance of anti-swing control is verified.

Results

Compared to no anti-swing control, the in-plane swing angle θ1 and out-of-plane swing angle θ2 of the lifting arm are reduced by 88% and 75% respectively.

Conclusion

The results show that the four-motor rope-driven anti-swing mechanism can achieve better anti-swing effect, which provides an effective swing suppression method for the slewing crane in the actual operation.
A low-carbon supply chain pricing mechanism considering CSR under carbon cap-and-trade policy
Authors: Zou Hao , Xiao Jin , Lou Yuanyuan , Liao Dan , Deng Huwei , Jiang Jiehui
Published: October 2024

In the context of environmental deterioration and people’s growing environmental protection awareness, governments or regions have put forward corresponding carbon emission reduction policies. Among them, the carbon trading mechanism, as an effective means to promote enterprises to implement emission reduction measures, plays a crucial role in regulating enterprise behavior and promoting social sustainable development. Since various industries and sectors support each other in social and economic development, it is more reasonable to study the carbon emission reduction optimization decisions of society and enterprises from the perspective of the supply chain. To achieve the carbon reduction target of the supply chain system, manufacturing enterprises usually need to incur additional costs to invest in emission reduction technologies, and retail enterprises also need to conduct low-carbon publicity to increase product market share. On one hand, considering the impact of the government’s emission reduction constraints and consumers’ low-carbon preferences, manufacturers will take corporate social responsibility (CSR) into consideration to enhance product competitiveness. On the other hand, smaller retailers are more concerned about being treated fairly than about their own profits due to the extra cost of low-carbon advertising. In this paper, considering the background of carbon trading, the manufacturer’s CSR and retailer’s fairness concern behavior are introduced into the decision-making process of the low-carbon supply chain (LCSC), and the relevant emission reduction decision-making model is constructed by using Stackelberg game theory and backward derivation method. Through comparative analysis of relevant parameters, members’ profits and utilities, this paper focuses on the influence of CSR and fairness concerns on system decision-making. The results show that the optimal way for LCSC decision-making is to cooperate with fair-concerned retailers and manufacturers with CSR. When manufacturers consider social responsibility within a certain range and retailers bear part of the cost of social responsibility as followers, it can not only effectively improve the emission reduction level of the supply chain and the profits of each entity, but also help to increase the enthusiasm of each entity for carbon emission reduction and the overall social welfare.
Negative health impacts of navigating the healthcare system for musculoskeletal conditions: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Jessiman-Perreault Geneviève , Campbell Paige , Henley Dawn , Tribo Danika , Kania-Richmond Ania , Eubank Breda H. F.
Published: October 2024

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, particularly shoulders, knees, and the low back issues, place a significant burden on individuals, society, and healthcare systems. There is a lack of attention to negative health effects impacting patients because of their interactions to access appropriate diagnostics, assessments, and treatments. This scoping review intends to search and synthesize peer-reviewed evidence on the negative health impacts associated with navigating the healthcare system for MSK care. A scoping review will be conducted following the PRISMA guidelines for Scoping Reviews and Arksey and O’Malley’s 5-step process. Six databases will be searched with no time or geographic limits. Included articles must meet all the following criteria: 1) the patients must be adults, 2) patients must be seeking care for their knee, low-back, or shoulder condition, 3) interacted with the healthcare system, and 4) experienced health impacts due to navigating the healthcare system. Information from each article will be charted in a pre-determined extraction. This protocol aims to share our methods ahead of analysis to increase rigour and transparency. The scoping review results will better elucidate the health impacts of the inaccessibility of high-quality care for MSK conditions. The findings also aim to inform the development of patient-centered outcomes to evaluate alterations to the current MSK pathways.
Impact of marginalization on characteristics and healthcare utilization among people with substance use disorder in Ontario, Canada, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Chu Cherry , Khan Bilal , Thiruchelvam Deva , Brual Janette , Abejirinde Ibukun-Oluwa Omolade , Kthupi Altea , Tadrous Mina
Published: October 2024

Objective

To describe and compare the characteristics of people with SUD and their use of healthcare services in two ways: 1) across varying levels of marginalization and 2) before and during the pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study using administrative data from Ontario, Canada. We included individuals age 16+ with a recorded diagnosis of SUD between June 2018–2019 (pre-pandemic) and June 2021–2022 (during-pandemic). Baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and use of healthcare services were enumerated across the five quintiles of the Ontario Marginalization Index.

Results

259,497 pre-pandemic and 276,459 during-pandemic people with SUD were identified. Over 40% belonged to the two highest marginalization quintiles (Q4/Q5). Most had an outpatient visit with similar percentages across quintiles, however the number of visits increased with increasing marginalization (pre-pandemic: mean 8.5 visits in Q1 vs 13.0 visits in Q5; during-pandemic: mean 9.5 in Q1 vs 13.4 in Q5). There was no consistent pattern in percent of people who sought alcohol-related outpatient care, however more marginalized people sought drug-related outpatient care (pre-pandemic: 19.1% in Q1 vs 31.7% in Q5; during-pandemic: 18.7% in Q1 vs 32.5% in Q5). Almost half of people with SUD had an emergency department (ED) visit, of which more belonged to higher marginalization quintiles (pre-pandemic: 43.5% in Q1 vs 49.8% in Q5; during-pandemic: 41.4% in Q1 vs 49.3% in Q5).

Conclusions

SUD prevalence and most health service utilization remained similar from pre- to during-pandemic. Increasing marginalization was associated with increased use of healthcare among people with SUD. Future research should aim to further explore the complex relationship between marginalization and substance use.
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of an Urdu version of the Vaccine Attitudes Examination (VAX-U) scale
Authors: Naqvi Atta Abbas , Islam Md. Ashraful , Jahangir Amnah , Rizvi Mehwish , Iffat Wajiha , Aftab Muhammad Tariq , Martin Leslie R.
Published: October 2024

Background

Martin and Petrie developed the Vaccine Attitudes Examination (VAX) scale with an aim to document general vaccination attitudes. Vaccine acceptance plays an important role in curbing COVID-19 infections. Thus, it was important to assess vaccination attitudes of Pakistani people towards novel COVID-19 vaccines. The VAX scale was not available in Urdu language for Pakistani population.

Aim

The study aimed to carry out cross-cultural adaptation and validation of an Urdu version of the Vaccine Attitude Examination (VAX) scale in a selected population sample from Pakistan.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted in September 2021 in an outpatient department of a healthcare facility in Karachi, Pakistan. Adult visitors, eligible for COVID-19 vaccine and spoke Urdu as first language were invited. Convenient sampling was used, and sample size was based on an item response ratio of 1:20. An Urdu version of the VAX scale was developed. The reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha (α) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The model fitness was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and fit indices namely goodness of fit index (GFI), adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI), Tucker Lewis index (TLI), comparative fit index (CFI), and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). A structural equation model (SEM) was also developed. IBM SPSS and AMOS were used to analyse the data. The study had ethical clearance.

Results

A total of 211 responses were analysed. The reliability (Cronbach’s α) was 0.821. The ICC was 0.831 (95% CI: 0.795–0.863). CFA using a 4-factor model revealed the following values for fit indices; GFI = 0.944, AGFI = 0.909, TLI = 0.953, CFI = 0.966, and RMSEA = 0.051. All values reported were in the acceptable range.

Conclusion

The VAX Urdu version is a reliable and valid instrument for use in an Urdu speaking population and will enable clinicians to assess the public’s attitude towards general vaccination including COVID-19 vaccination. Clinicians can use the VAX-U to document a person’s vaccine hesitancy and tailor their counselling to address the issues in vaccine uptake.
On the hypercomplex numbers and normed division algebras in all dimensions: A unified multiplication
Authors: Singh Pushpendra , Gupta Anubha , Joshi Shiv Dutt
Published: October 2024

Mathematics is the foundational discipline for all sciences, engineering, and technology, and the pursuit of normed division algebras in all finite dimensions represents a paramount mathematical objective. In the quest for a real three-dimensional, normed, associative division algebra, Hamilton discovered quaternions, constituting a non-commutative division algebra of quadruples. Subsequent investigations revealed the existence of only four division algebras over reals, each with dimensions 1, 2, 4, and 8. This study transcends such limitations by introducing generalized hypercomplex numbers extending across all dimensions, serving as extensions of traditional complex numbers. The space formed by these numbers constitutes a non-distributive normed division algebra extendable to all finite dimensions. The derivation of these extensions involves the definitions of two new π-periodic functions and a unified multiplication operation, designated as spherical multiplication, that is fully compatible with the existing multiplication structures. Importantly, these new hypercomplex numbers and their associated algebras are compatible with the existing real and complex number systems, ensuring continuity across dimensionalities. Most importantly, like the addition operation, the proposed multiplication in all dimensions forms an Abelian group while simultaneously preserving the norm. In summary, this study presents a comprehensive generalization of complex numbers and the Euler identity in higher dimensions, shedding light on the geometric properties of vectors within these extended spaces. Finally, we elucidate the practical applications of the proposed methodology as a viable alternative for expressing a quantum state through the multiplication of specified quantum states, thereby offering a potential complement to the established superposition paradigm. Additionally, we explore its utility in point cloud image processing.
Incidence of hospitalizations related to Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases using Discharge Abstract Database, Canada, 2009−2021
Authors: Gasmi Salima , Ogden Nicholas H. , Bourgeois Annie-Claude , Mitri Maria Elizabeth , Buck Peter , Koffi Jules K.
Published: October 2024

To estimate rates of hospitalizations for tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in Canada, retrospective analysis was conducted to determine the incidence of patients diagnosed with TBDs during their hospital stay in Canada, and describe demographic characteristics, temporal trends and geographic distributions, from 2009 through 2021. Codes from the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10-CA) were used to capture diagnoses of TBDs in the Discharge Abstract Database (DAD) in Canadian hospitals. From 2009 through 2021, 1,626 patients were diagnosed with TBDs during their hospital stay. Of these, 1,457 were diagnosed with Lyme disease (LD), 162 with other TBDs, and seven were diagnosed with more than one TBD. Annual hospitalization counts for LD showed a significant increase from 50 in 2009 to 259 in 2021 (incidence rate per 100,000 population of 0.1 and 0.7, respectively). Epidemiologic patterns for hospitalized LD cases, including increases and variation in annual incidences, seasonality, demographics and geographic distribution, are consistent with those elucidated in national LD surveillance data. Amongst 162 patients diagnosed with other tick-borne diseases, discharge diagnoses were: rickettsiosis (32.7%), spotted fever due to rickettsia rickettsii (23.5%), tularemia (21.0%), babesiosis (8.6%), other tick-borne viral encephalitis (6.2%), tick-borne relapsing fever (4.9%), and Colorado tick fever (0.6%). Annual incidence increased only for rickettsiosis from 3 to 12 patients over the study period. Monitoring the data of hospitalizations using the DAD provided insights into the burden of emerging TBDs, the severity of illnesses and the population most at risk.
Risk-enhancing factors and social determinants of health in risk assessment for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Authors: Zhang Yiyi , An Jaejin , Xia Mengying , Zhou Hui , Sun Yifei , Chung Joanie , Zhou Mengnan , Choi Soon Kyu , Morrissette Kerresa L. , Muntner Paul , Safford Monika M. , Isasi Carmen R. , Kanaya Alka M. , Bellows Brandon K. , Colantonio Lisandro D. , Reynolds Kristi , Moran Andrew E.
Published: October 2024

Background

The Pooled Cohort Equations (PCEs) do not accurately estimate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk in certain populations. The 2018 AHA/ACC cholesterol guideline identified risk-enhancing factors as a supplement to PCEs-based risk assessment. However, the role of each risk-enhancing factor in ASCVD risk assessment has not been well quantified. Further, social determinants of health (SDOH) are not included in the PCEs nor considered as risk-enhancing factors in the US cholesterol guideline. We sought to evaluate ASCVD risk associated with each risk-enhancing factor and commonly collected SDOH including education, income, and employment status, and to assess if adding risk-enhancing factors and SDOH to the PCEs improve ASCVD risk prediction.

Methods

We included individuals aged 40 to 75 years, without ASCVD or diabetes at baseline, and with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 70–189 mg/dL from two contemporary prospective cohort studies (MESA and REGARDS) and from Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC). The primary endpoint was incident ASCVD defined as nonfatal myocardial infarction, fatal coronary heart disease, or fatal or nonfatal stroke over a 10-year period (median follow-up 10 years). We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate associations between risk-enhancing factors and SDOH with ASCVD. We also assessed changes in model performance after adding risk-enhancing factors and SDOH to the PCEs.

Results

We included 13,863 adults (mean age 60.7 years) from the prospective cohorts and 307,931 adults (mean age 54.8 years) from KPSC. Risk-enhancing factors including hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, metabolic syndrome, and chronic kidney disease were associated with a higher ASCVD risk, independent of 10-year risk estimated by the PCEs. Low education, low income, and unemployment were also associated with higher ASCVD risk. While adding individual risk-enhancing factors or SDOH to the PCEs had limited impact on model performance, adding multiple risk-enhancing factors and SDOH simultaneously led to modest improvements in discrimination (C-index increased by up to 0.07), calibration (integrated Brier score reduced by up to 2.3%), and net reclassification improvement up to 41.4%.

Conclusions

These findings suggest including SDOH and risk-enhancing factors may improve ASCVD risk assessment.