bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tree insect pests and pathogens: a global systematic review of their impacts in urban areas
Authors: Raum Susanne , Collins C. Matilda , Urquhart Julie , Potter Clive , Pauleit Stephan , Egerer Monika
Published: February 2023

Trees contribute greatly to urban environments and human well-being, yet relatively little is known about the extent to which a rising incidence of tree insect pests and pathogens may be affecting these contributions. To address this issue, we undertook a systematic review and synthesis of the diverse global empirical evidence on the impacts of urban tree insect pests and pathogens, using bibliographic databases. Following screening and appraisal of over 3000 articles from a wide range of fields, 100 studies from 28 countries, spanning 1979–2021, were conceptually sorted into a three-part framework: (1) environmental impacts, representing 95 of the studies, including those reporting on tree damage, mortality, reduced growth, and changes in tree function; (2) social impacts were reported by 35 of studies, including on aesthetics, human health, and safety hazards; and (3) economic impacts, reported in 24 of studies, including on costs of pest management, and economic losses. There has been a considerable increase in urban impact studies since 2011. Evidence gaps exist on impacts on climate-regulating capacity, including temperature regulation, water retention, soil erosion, and wind protection, but also on specific hazards, nuisances, human well-being, property damages, and hazard liabilities. As a knowledge synthesis, this article presents the best available evidence of urban tree insect / pathogen impacts to guide policy, management and further research. It will enable us to better forecast how growing threats will affect the urban forest and plan for these eventualities.
Deep Multimodal Habit Tracking System: A User-adaptive Approach for Low-power Embedded Systems
Authors: Deniz Daniel , Jimenez-Perera Gabriel , Nolasco Ricardo , Corral Javier , Barranco Francisco
Published: February 2023

The pace of population ageing is increasing and is currently becoming one of the challenges our society faces. The introduction of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) has fostered the development of e-Health solutions that ease the associated economic and social burden. In this work, a CPS-based solution is presented to partially tackle the problem: a Deep Multimodal Habit Tracking system. The aim is to monitor daily life activities to alert in case of life-threatening situations improving their autonomy and supporting healthy lifestyles while living alone at home. Our approach combines video and heart rate cues to accurately identify indoor actions, running the processing locally in embedded edge nodes. Local processing provides inherent protection of data privacy since no image or vital signs are transmitted to the network, and reduces data bandwidth usage. Our solution achieves an accuracy of more than 80% in average, reaching up to a 95% for specific subjects after adapting the system. Adding heart-rate information improves F1-score by 2.4%. Additionally, the precision and recall for critical actions such as falls reaches up to 93.75%. Critical action detection is crucial due to their dramatic consequences, it helps to reduce false alarms, leading to building trust in the system and reducing economic cost. Also, the model is optimized and integrated in a Nvidia Jetson Nano embedded device, reaching real-time performance below 3.75 Watts. Finally, a dataset specifically designed for indoor action recognition using synchronized video and heart rate pulses has been collected.
Responses of signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus to single short-term pulse exposure of pesticides at environmentally relevant concentrations
Authors: Malinovska Viktoriia , Kuklina Iryna , Lozek Filip , Velisek Josef , Kozak Pavel
Published: February 2023

Although pesticides are often discharged into surface waters in pulses as opposed to a sustained release, the effect of episodic pollution events on freshwater crayfish is largely unknown. We monitored change in heart rate and distance moved to assess the response of signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus to short-term exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of metazachlor (MTZ), terbuthylazine (TER), and thiacloprid (TCL). Crayfish exposed to 20 µg/L of MTZ exhibited a significant increase in mean heart rate and distance moved. Increased heart rate was detected at 118 ± 74 s post-exposure to MTZ. There were no significant differences in mean heart rate and distance moved in crayfish exposed to 6 µg/L of TCL and 4 µg/L of TER. A significant correlation between heart rate and distance moved was found in all exposed groups. These results suggest that pulse exposure to MTZ impact crayfish physiology and behavior during short-term period. With pulse exposure to TCL and TER, crayfish not exhibiting a locomotor response may continue to be exposed to lower, but potentially harmful, levels of pollutants. Evidence of the impacts of pesticide pulse at environmentally relevant concentrations on crayfish is scarce. Further study is required to determine the ecological effects of such events on freshwater crayfish.
Relationship-building in the post-acceleration phase of corporate accelerators: empirical evidence from Germany
Authors: Kramer Alexander , Kanbach Dominik K.
Published: February 2023

Corporate accelerators have become a relevant intermediary that connects startups and corporations. Their strategic goal is to establish close relationships between startups and corporations that add value for both parties in the long term. While in principle startups go through an acceleration phase successfully, they may struggle to build meaningful relationships with the accelerator’s corporate parent thereafter. In research, the post-acceleration phase and its challenges for corporations and startups has not been adequately addressed to date. Therefore, the goal of this article is to shed light on how corporations and startups collaborate after startups leave an accelerator programme, and which factors hinder successful relationship-building. Grounding on 21 corporate accelerator cases containing data from 99 semi-structured interviews with corporate accelerator managers and startup alumni of accelerator programmes, we present different forms of post-programme collaboration and outline obstacles of post-programme relationship-building. Our results emphasise a key role of business units in successful relationship-building and indicate legitimacy problems of accelerators within its corporate organisation. We also provide guidance for corporations, accelerators, and startups on how to increase the success of post-programme collaboration by demonstrating manifold challenges of post-programme collaboration and showing ways how to overcome them.
A ROS-based distributed multi-robot localization and orientation strategy for heterogeneous robots
Authors: Alajami Abdussalam A. , Palau Nil , Lopez-Soriano Sergio , Pous Rafael
Published: February 2023

The problem of estimating and tracking the location and orientation of a mobile robot by another in heterogeneous distributed multi-robots is studied in this paper. We propose a distributed multi-robot localization strategy (DMLS) that is Robotic Operating System (ROS) based. It consists of an algorithm that fuses data of diverse sensors from 2 heterogeneous robots that are not connected within their transform trees to localize and measure the relative position and orientation.

The method exploits the robust detection of the Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and the accurate relative position measurements from the local costmap. The algorithm is composed of two parts: The localization part and the relative orientation measurement part. Localization is done by optimization and alignment calibration of the CNN output with the costmap in an individual robot. The relative orientation measurement is done by a collaborative multi-robot fusing of diverse sensor data to align and synchronize the transform frames of both robots in their costmaps. To illustrate the performance of this strategy, the proposed method is compared with a conventional object localization and orientation measuring method that uses computer vision and QR codes. The results show that this proposed method is robust and accurate while maintaining a degree of simplicity and efficiency in costs. The paper also presents various application experiments in laboratory and simulation environments. By using the proposed method, distributed multi-robots collaborate to achieve collective intelligence from individuals, which increases team performance.
Tea Polyphenols Reduce Inflammation of Orbital Fibroblasts in Graves’ Ophthalmopathy via the NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathway
Authors: Liu Wei , Ma Chao , Li Hao-yu , Yuan Shan-si , Li Kai-jun
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study aimed to explore the effects of tea polyphenols (TP) on inflammation of orbital fibroblasts in Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) and to provide new ideas for GO treatment.

Methods

Primary orbital fibroblasts were extracted from orbital adipose/connective tissues of patients with and without GO. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 in non-GO and GO orbital fibroblasts. The CCK-8 assay was used to determine the appropriate concentration of TP for subsequent experiments. RT-qPCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to investigate the effects of TP on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of inflammatory cytokines. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression was measured using Western blotting analysis. NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) expression was detected using both Western blotting analysis and immunofluorescence staining.

Results

The mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and MCP-1 in GO orbital fibroblasts were significantly higher than those in non-GO cells. TP treatment significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of inflammatory factors, including IL-6, IL-1β, and MCP-1. TP also inhibited the expression levels of NF-κB and NLRP3. Inflammation in the GO orbital fibroblasts was higher than that in non-GO cells. TP inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines in GO orbital fibroblasts in vitro through the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that TP may have a potential role in GO treatment.
Study of Solidification Process of Ni-Based Superalloy Castings Manufactured in Industrial Conditions with the Use of Novel Thermal Insulating Module Technique
Authors: Szeliga Dariusz , Motyka Maciej , Ziaja Waldemar , Cygan Rafał , Fuglewicz Sylwester , Gromada Magdalena
Published: February 2023

The solidification process of IN713C Ni-based superalloy rod castings made by the investment casting method without and with the use of novel insulating module applied on the ceramic mold was studied in this article. The design of the cone-shaped insulating module was developed based on numerical simulations of the distribution of local solidification parameters, ensuring the lowest centerline shrinkage porosity along the castings. The effectiveness of the design of the insulating module was tested in industrial casting trials. It was found that the use of a novel insulation module increases temperature gradient G and decreases cooling rate v, thus leading to a favorable increase of the Niyama criterion value (Ny = G/√v) and also ensuring directional solidification of the casting rod compared to the process where thermal insulation was not used. In this way, the centerline shrinkage porosity was removed, maintaining the equiaxed grain structure of the castings. The presented results show that it is possible to use the same insulating module multiple times, in the subsequent manufacturing processes, to control the solidification of Ni-based superalloy precision castings in industrial conditions.
Topo-bathymetric behaviour of a beach controlled by a groyne field and a dune-seawall backshore
Authors: Oliveira Filipa S. B. F. , Oliveira João N. C.
Published: February 2023

The advances in morphodynamics numerical modelling and the free availability of such updated models have made XBeach a powerful tool to predict the hydrodynamic and morphologic processes on sandy coasts. This paper addresses the impact of the sea-structure-sediments interactions in the morphological evolution of a coastal stretch which undergoes erosion and overtopping despite having a combined groyne field-dune-seawall defence scheme. Preliminary tests, tailored to conclude on the model mode-version to be applied in the case study, evidence the importance of considering the NH mode. After calibrated and validated, the model was applied for a set of cases to compute and discuss the effect of the individual defence scheme structural elements and the hydrodynamic driving factors, namely the wave energy and obliquity and the tidal range, on the morphodynamics. The results revealed that the seawall aggravates the erosion of the beach, despite being essential in the protection against overtopping and coastline retreat, and that the present configuration of the groyne field does not provide enough protection at the downdrift part of the stretch. The knowledge acquired can support the interpretation of the topo-bathymetric behaviour in similar coastal defence schemes existent worldwide.
Predictive value and dynamic risk stratification of high sensitive basal or stimulated thyroglobulin assay in a long-term thyroid carcinoma cohort
Authors: Fernández-Velasco Pablo , Díaz-Soto Gonzalo , Pérez López Paloma , Torres Torres Beatriz , de Luis Daniel
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the predictive value of the rhTSH thyroglobulin stimulation test (rhTSH-Tg) compared to basal high-sensitive thyroglobulin (hs-Tg) under TSH suppressive therapy at 12 months after the completion of initial treatment to predict the long-term response and Dynamic Risk Stratification (DRS) at the last follow-up visit in a long-term DTC cohort.

Methods

Prospective study in 114 DTC patients (77.2% women, mean age 46.4 ± 14.1 years old, median/IQR evolution 6.7[3.1–8.0] years) from 2013 to 2020 undergoing total thyroidectomy and radioiodine ablation in whom hs-Tg and rhTSH-Tg was performed 12 months after completing initial treatment. Pearson correlation, receiving operating characteristics (ROC) and DRS at initial and last follow-up visit were analyzed.

Results

hs-Tg and rhTSH-Tg show a strong positive linear correlation (r = 0.864, p < 0.001). The diagnostic performance of initial hs-Tg and rhTSH-Tg levels were evaluated via ROC-AUC as a predictor of excellent response (ER) in the last follow-up visit. Hs-Tg showed a better AUC (0.969, 95%CI = 0.941–0.997) than rhTSH-Tg (0.944, 95%IC = 0.905–0.984; p < 0.001). The hs-Tg and rhTSH-Tg cutoff point of highest sensitivity (S) and specificity (E) was 0.110 and 0.815 ng/dl, respectively. Hs-Tg showed a higher diagnostic accuracy than rhTSH-Tg (S = 100% vs 96.8%, E = 84.3% vs 84.3%, NPV = 100% vs 98.6%, PPV = 70.5% vs 69.7%; p < 0.05). The DRS based on initial hs-Tg showed better ability to predict ER (93.3% vs 86.7%) and biochemical incomplete response (53.3%vs13.3%) in the last follow-up visit compared to rhTSH-Tg.

Conclusions

Both initial hs-Th and rhTSH-Tg were good predictors of long-term ER. In patients with hs-Tg, the rhTSH-test did not provide relevant prognosis information. An ER after initial treatment was associated with a very high NPV at subsequent follow-up.
Diversifying the Industry, The Urban Concentration of the Canadian English Language Publishing Industry
Authors: Barroso José Antonio Martínez Díez
Published: February 2023

Due to the large number of English speakers and heterogeneous subjectivities that constitute Canada, this paper examines the cultural diversity of the Canadian English-language publishing industry. It relies on information collected by Statistics Canada and Canadian Heritage, and by three trade associations. The Association of Canadian Publishers, The Literary Press Group, and The Publisher’s Archive. The present work also argues that book production and distribution, as well as federal government subsidies, are concentrated in urban Ontario, particularly in Toronto. In addition, it compares this information with that of the other two large English-speaking provinces, British Columbia and Alberta, to point out that the concentration of the publishing industry in urban areas harms cultural diversity. Finally, this paper suggests that, apart from supporting established publishers, government subsidies could foster emerging publishing projects.
Determination of the sensible heat effectiveness and pressure loss of a rotary regenerative heat exchanger using CFD
Authors: Zmrhal Vladimír , Zelenský Petr , Boháč Jindřich , Barták Martin , Kučera Miroslav , Vavřička Roman
Published: February 2023

The paper presents a new method to determine the sensible effectiveness and pressure loss of rotary regenerative heat exchangers using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). It is based on CFD simulations of a single thermal wheel microchannel with a small cross-sectional area and thin walls, with cyclic inlet and outlet boundary conditions. Two unique measurement set-ups were designed and built for the experimental measurement of the heat exchanger characteristics. Five different types of thermal wheels were manufactured, measured, and simulated in ANSYS Fluent. All wheels achieve an effectiveness greater than 73% under certain (air flow) conditions, which is the minimum effectiveness required by Ecodesign (in the EU). For the examined exchangers, the effectiveness ranges from 66.5% to 83.3%, depending on the boundary conditions and geometric parameters of the rotors. The highest sensible effectiveness is achieved by heat exchangers with the largest heat exchange surfaceAc; on the other hand, these wheels have the largest pressure loss. The paper discusses the use of a simplifiedε-NTU correlation model for the HVAC systems (typicallyC* = 1). The correlation model and CFD results were compared and found to be different from each other. The results of the CFD simulation were compared with measurements to prove that the proposed simulation method can predict the behaviour of the real heat exchanger as a whole. It was demonstrated that the sensible effectiveness and pressure loss of the rotary heat exchanger predicted by the CFD simulations correspond well to the measured values within the measurement uncertainty ±1.3%. The proposed method can be used for the comparison of different rotary regenerative heat exchangers before their manufacturing and for verification that they meet the EU Ecodesign requirements set by the current legislation. It reduces the cost of the initial optimisation and testing of new designs.
The Impact of Corticosteroids on the Outcome of Fungal Disease: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Li Zhaolun , Denning David W.
Published: February 2023

Purpose of Review

Corticosteroids have a complex relationship with fungal disease — risk for many, benefit for others. This systematic review aims to address the effect of corticosteroids on mortality and visual outcome in different fungal diseases.

Recent Findings

Corticosteroids are a risk factor of aspergillosis for patients who have COVID-19, and they also led to a worse outcome. Similarity, corticosteroids are a risk factor for candidemia and mucormycosis. Some researchers reported that using topical corticosteroid in keratitis was associated with worse visual outcome if fungal keratitis. Some studies showed that corticosteroids are linked to a negative outcome for non-HIV patients with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), in contrast to those with HIV and PCP.

In 59 references, we found that corticosteroid therapy showed a worse clinical outcome in invasive aspergillosis (IA) (HR: 2.50, 95%CI: 1.89–3.31, p < 0.001) and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) (HR: 2.74, 95%CI: 1.48–5.06, p = 0.001), PCP without HIV infection (OR: 1.29, 95%CI: 1.09–1.53, p = 0.003), invasive candidiasis and candidaemia (OR: 2.13, 95%CI: 1.85–2.46, p < 0.001), mucormycosis (OR: 4.19, 95%CI: 1.74–10.05, p = 0.001) and early in the course of fungal keratitis (OR: 2.99, 95%CI: 1.14–7.84, p = 0.026). There was equivocal outcome in cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in AIDS and primary coccidioidomycosis, while corticosteroid therapy showed a better outcome in PCP in HIV-infected patients (RR: 0.62, 95%CI: 0.46–0.83, p=0.001) and fungal keratitis patients after keratoplasty surgery (OR: 0.01, 95%CI: 0.00–0.41, p = 0.041) and probably in cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in non-immunocompromised patients. A sub-analysis in invasive aspergillosis and CPA showed that use of more than 2 mg/kg/day of prednisolone equivalents per day is a significant factor in increasing mortality (HR: 2.94, 95%CI: 2.13–4.05, p < 0.001). Corticosteroid therapy during invasive fungal disease was usually associated with a slightly or greatly increased mortality or worse visual outcome (in fungal keratitis), with two disease exceptions. Avoiding the addition of corticosteroids, or minimising dose and duration in those who require them, is likely to improve the outcome of most life- and vision-threatening fungal diseases. This review provides a cornerstone for further research in exploring the accuracy of suitable dose and duration of corticosteroids treatment in fungal diseases.
Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Modulates Anticipatory Postural Adjustments in Healthy Adults
Authors: Mao Haian , Xiao Wenwu , Hao Zengming , Wen Shengjun , Yang Huaichun , Sultan Fahad , Wang Chuhuai
Published: February 2023

During forward swinging of the arm, the central nervous system must anticipate the effect of upraising upon the body. Little is known about the cerebellar network that coordinates these anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs). Stimulating different cerebellar regions with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and with different polarities modulated the APAs. We used surface electromyography (sEMG) to measure muscle activities in a bilateral rapid shoulder flexion task. The onset of APAs was altered after tDCS over the vermis, while the postural stability and the kinematics of arm raising were not affected. To our knowledge, this is the first human cerebellar-tDCS (c-tDCS) study to separate cerebellar involvement in core muscle APAs in bilateral rapid shoulder flexion. These data contribute to our understanding of the cerebellar network supporting APAs in healthy adults. Modulated APAs of the erector spinae by tDCS on the vermis may be related to altered cerebellar brain inhibition (CBI), suggesting the importance of the vermal-cerebral connections in APAs regulation.
High dose isoleucine stabilizes nuclear PTEN to suppress the proliferation of lung cancer
Authors: Wang Haiqing , Chen Sen , Kang Wenhui , Ding Bojiao , Cui Shulan , Zhou Li , Zhang Na , Luo Huiying , Wang Mingjuan , Zhang Fan , Zhao Zezhou , Guo Zihu , Wang Chao , Li Liang , Wang Zhengzhong , Chen Xuetong , Wang Yonghua
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Cancer cells require a supply of amino acids, particularly essential amino acids such as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs, i.e., valine, leucine, and isoleucine), to meet the increased nutrient demands of malignant tumors. The cell-autonomous and non-autonomous roles of altered BCAA supply have been implicated in cancer progression. The critical proteins involved in BCAA uptake, transport, metabolism, etc. serve as potential therapeutic biomarkers in human cancers. Here, we summarize the potential anti-tumor mechanism of BCAA by exploring the chain reaction triggered by increased BCAA supply in the tumor.

Method

A system-wide strategy was employed to provide a generic solution to establish the links between BCAA and cancer based on comprehensive omics, molecular experimentation, and data analysis.

Results

BCAA over-supplementation (900 mg/kg) significantly inhibited tumor growth and reduced tumor burden, with isoleucine having the most pronounced effect. Surprisingly, isoleucine inhibited tumor growth independently of mTORC1 activation, a classical amino acid sensor. Exploratory transcriptome analysis revealed that Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is the critical factor in the anti-tumor effect of isoleucine. By inhibiting PTEN ubiquitination, isoleucine can promote PTEN nuclear import and maintain PTEN nuclear stability. Interestingly, this process was regulated by isoleucine-tRNA ligase, cytoplasmic (IARS), a direct target of isoleucine. We demonstrated the enhanced interaction between IARS and PTEN in the presence of excess isoleucine. At the same time, IARS knockout leads to loss of isoleucine tumor suppressor ability.

Conclusion

Overall, our results provide insights into the regulation of the IARS-PTEN anti-tumor axis by isoleucine and reveal a unique therapeutic approach based on enhancing cellular isoleucine supply.
Desiccation Avoidance and Hummock Formation Traits of rich fen Bryophytes
Authors: Jabłońska Ewa , Kotowski Wiktor , Soudzilovskaia Nadejda A.
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to understand the variation in traits relevant for desiccation avoidance among bryophyte species dominant in rich fens and to assess whether these traits explain the formation of a hummock-hollow gradient within peatlands. In samples of 10 species (Aulacomnium palustre, Calliergonella cuspidata, Climacium dendroides, Hamatocaulis vernicosus, Helodium blandowii, Marchantia polymorpha, Plagiomnium ellipticum, Sphagnum teres, S. warnstorfii, Tomentypnum nitens) collected in rich fens of NE Poland, we calculated: canopy bulk density of wet (CDW) and dry (CDD) colonies, maximum water content of bryophyte colonies (WCmax), desiccation rate (K), shoot area index (SAI), canopy dry mass per surface-projected area (CMA), and specific leaf area of a whole living bryophyte part (SLA). The hummock-forming frequency was quantified for each species in the field. Sphagna had the highest WCmax, SAI and CDW, T. nitens and C. dendroides had the lowest WCmax and SLA, P. ellipticum had the highest K, the lowest CMA and CDD. Hummock-forming frequency was positively correlated with CMA and generally negatively related to K, with exception of H. vernicosus showing a high water-retaining ability (low K) despite a hollow or lawn form of growth.
Prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni, soil-transmitted helminths and intestinal protozoa in orphans and street children in Mwanza city, Northern Tanzania
Authors: Franz Anemone , Fuss Antje , Mazigo Humphrey D. , Ruganuza Deodatus , Müller Andreas
Published: February 2023

Background

Parasitic infections are highly prevalent in low-income environments worldwide. While orphans and street children represent a particularly vulnerable population group, they are often exempt from preventive interventions such as Mass Drug Administration. In part, this could be due to a lack of data showing the burden of disease in this group. This study aims to address this gap.

Methods

For this cross-sectional study, 144 orphans and 112 street children were screened for Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni), Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium), soil-transmitted helminths and intestinal protozoa using POC-CCA testing, urine filtration, and Kato-Katz technique. Nutritional status, water- and washing patterns were determined using a standardised questionnaire. Ultrasonography was performed to screen for organ abnormalities.

Results

The prevalence of S. mansoni determined by POC-CCA-test was 65.9% for orphans and 94.5% for street children. 19.2% of the orphans tested positive for S. mansoni in Kato Katz. Of the street children, 77.1% showed positive test results in Kato-Katz. Only 1.3% of the orphans stated in the questionnaire that they use the lake to wash, whereas 91.1% of the street children named the lake as at least one of their options for washing. Microscopy showed positive results for Giardia intestinalis (G. intestinalis) in 8.2% and for Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (E. histolytica/dispar) in 23% of orphans and 8.1% for G. intestinalis, and 23.8% for E. histolytica/dispar in street children. In the ultrasonography, we did not observe patterns that indicate severe periportal fibrosis.

Conclusion

The results indicate a significantly higher rate of infections with S. mansoni in street children compared with orphans. This might be explained by the lack of access to adequate sanitation for street children as well as regular contact with the water of Lake Victoria. However, we did not find similar results concerning infection rates with protozoa. The study results show overall inadequate living conditions in this study population, which could be addressed by public health interventions.
Soil microbial community diversity and distribution characteristics under three vegetation types in the Qilian Mountains, China
Authors: Tong Shan , Cao Guangchao , Zhang Zhuo , Zhang Jinhu , Yan Xin
Published: February 2023

Qilian Mountains in Northwest China is a significant ecological security barrier due to its distinctive geographic setting, which has significant biological resource and gene pool. In order to assess the soil quality and ecosystem health in this area, we identified the structural characteristics and functional groups of soil microbial communities. This study focused on Amidongsuo, a typical watershed of the Qilian Mountains, and researched the vertical distribution and dominant populations of soil microorganisms in different habitats, and the relationship between soil microorganisms and environmental factors. Soil microorganisms from three grassland plots, five shrubland plots, and five forest plots in Amidongsuo were studied using high-throughput sequencing. The Venn diagram showed that the types of bacteria were fewer than those of fungi in Amidongsuo. Soil bacteria Acidobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Methylomirabilota as well as fungi Basidiomycota, Ascomycota, and Mortierellomycota played dominant roles in Amidongsuo, according to the LEfSe (linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size) and community structure analyses. According to the ANOSIM (analysis of similarities) result, for both bacteria and fungi, R values of grassland and shrubland were small (R2=0.045 and R2=0.256, respectively), indicating little difference between these two ecosystems. RDA (redundancy analysis) showed a closer relationship between soil nutrients and fungi, and a gradually decreasing correlation between soil nutrients and microorganisms with increasing soil depth. Bacteria were mainly affected by pH, nitrogen (N), and potassium (K), while fungi were mainly affected by K. Overall, fungi had more effect on soil quality than bacteria. Therefore, adjustment of soil K content might improve the soil environment of Amidongsuo in the Qilian Mountains.
A efficient and robust privacy-preserving framework for cross-device federated learning
Authors: Du Weidong , Li Min , Wu Liqiang , Han Yiliang , Zhou Tanping , Yang Xiaoyuan
Published: February 2023

To ensure no private information is leaked in the aggregation phase in federated learning (FL), many frameworks use homomorphic encryption (HE) to mask local model updates. However, the heavy overheads of these frameworks make them unsuitable for cross-device FL, where the clients are a huge number of mobile and edge devices with limited computing resources. Even worse, some of them also fail to manage the dynamic changes of clients. To overcome these shortcomings, we propose a threshold multi-key HE scheme tMK-CKKS and design an efficient and robust privacy-preserving FL framework. Robustness means that our framework allows clients to join in or drop out during the training process. Besides, because our tMK-CKKS scheme can pack multiple messages in a single ciphertext, our framework significantly reduces the computation and communication overhead. Moreover, the threshold mechanism in tMK-CKKS ensures that our framework can resist collusion attacks between the server and no more than t (threshold value) curious internal clients. Finally, we implement our framework in FedML and conduct extensive experiments to evaluate our framework. Utility evaluations on 6 benchmark datasets show that our framework can protect privacy without sacrificing the model accuracy. Efficiency evaluations on 4 typical deep learning models demonstrate that: our framework can speed up the computation by at least 1.21$$\times $$
×
over xMK-CKKS-based framework, 15.84$$\times $$
×
over Batchcrypt-based framework, and 20.30$$\times $$
×
over CRT-Paillier-based framework. Our framework can reduce the communication burden by at least 8.61 MB over Batchcrypt-based framework, 35.36 MB over xMK-CKKS-based framework and 42.58 MB over CRT-Paillier-based framework. The advantages in both computation and communication expand with the size of deep learning models.
Fracture features of brittle coal under uniaxial and cyclic compression loads
Authors: Song Shikang , Ren Ting , Dou Linming , Sun Jian , Yang Xiaohan , Tan Lihai
Published: February 2023

Under the effects of complex geological and stress environments, burst hazards continue to be a major challenge for underground space utilization and deep resources exploration as its occurrence can lead to personnel causalities, equipment damage and structural collapse. Considering the stress path experienced by in-situ coal body, cyclic loading appears in quite various forms for instance shearer cutting, overlying strata breakage, hydro-fracturing and blasting, during tunnel, mining and underground space utilizing process. The stability of the underground coal body subject to periodic loading/unloading stress is extremely important for maintain the function of designed engineering structure for waste storage, safe mining, roadway development, gas recovery, carbon sequestration and so on. The mechanical properties of hard rock subject to cyclic fatigue loads has been intensively investigated by many researchers as the rock burst induced by supercritical loads has long been a safety risk and engineering problems for civil and tunneling engineering under deep overburden. More recently, the mechanical properties of coal samples under cyclic fatigue loads is investigated from the aspect of hysteresis, energy dissipation and irreversible damage as the burst hazards of brittle coal is rising in many countries. However, the crack propagation and fracture pattern of brittle coal need more research to understand the micro mechanism of burst incubation subject to cyclic fatigue loads as brittle coal can store more elastic strain energy and rapidly release the energy when its ultimate strength once reached. This research studied the internal crack status corresponding to different cyclic fatigue loading stage of brittle coal samples. The AE monitoring was applied during the uniaxial and cyclic loading process of brittle coal samples to record the crack intensity of samples at different loading stages. The damage evolution curve corresponding to loading status was then determined. The fracture pattern of coal samples determined by micro-CT scan was observed and discussed. It has been found by this paper that brittle coal of uniaxial compression tests demonstrated sudden failure caused by major splitting fracture while that of cyclic fatigue tests experienced progressive failure with mixture fracture network.
An energy-based quantitative coal burst proneness rating system for development roadways
Authors: Vardar Onur , Wei Chunchen , Zhang Chengguo , Canbulat Ismet
Published: February 2023

Coal burst is one of the principal hazards in development panels of underground coal mines. This study develops a practical approach to quantitatively estimate coal burst proneness in development roadways. A rigorous numerical and statistical study is conducted to establish a novel burst proneness rating (BPR) system based on energy release characteristics. The rating system includes eight geological and geotechnical factors and covers a wide range of inputs. A dataset including 18 field cases (9 burst and 9 no-burst cases) was used to validate the proposed rating system and to determine a critical BPR value (i.e. the threshold value of burst cases). The probability $$\hat{p}_{burst}$$

p
^

burst

of coal bursts was then obtained based on BPR logistic regression. The computed rating values using the BPR system can distinguish burst and no-burst cases that are in line with the scope of the eight input parameters in this study. The model results also showed that the mining depth was the most significant contributor of the energy release, along with roof elastic modulus and coal mass conditions. These results suggested that an environment that consists of relatively weak and brittle coal under high vertical stresses and surrounded by a relatively soft strata could promote unstable failures such as coal bursts.
Academic dishonesty by students of bioethics at a tertiary institution in Australia: an exploratory study
Authors: Mukasa Jean , Stokes Linda , Mukona Doreen Macherera
Published: February 2023

Background

Institutions of higher learning are persistently struggling with issues of academic dishonesty such as plagiarism, despite the availability of university policies and guidelines for upholding academic integrity.

Methodology

This was a descriptive qualitative study conducted on 37 students of a Healthcare Ethics course at an Australian tertiary institution from February 2016 to October 2018. The purpose of the study was to explore the reasons for plagiarism detected the TurnitinRplagiarism checking software and extensive review of manuscripts. The interviews were conducted in private rooms and in strict confidence. Thematic analysis was manually done.

Results

Four major themes namely, lack of interest; pressure of time with competing priorities; lack of understanding of the policy on academic honesty, and “the determined students” were identified. Sub themes under lack of interest were lack of preparation and effort, low self-efficacy, poor studying techniques, and convenience of internet sources. Under pressure of time, the subthemes were, misplaced priorities, procrastination, high workloads, poor planning, competing interests, and the perception of availability of time at the start of the semester. Regarding lack of understanding of the policy on academic honesty, the subthemes identified were, lake of awareness of plagiarism, lack of awareness of acceptable similarity, conflicting messages from tutors and confusion with high school learning. The determined students were those that either made all effort to reduce plagiarism but still remained high, used the another language at home other than English, had poor paraphrasing techniques or lacked resources for English language editing.

Conclusion

There are varied and diverse reasons for plagiarism. There is a need to systematically reinforce and educate students on issues pertaining to academic dishonesty and their associated implications.
Towards the SDGs for gender equality and decent work: investigating major challenges faced by Brazilian women in STEM careers with international experience
Authors: Kemechian Tatiane , Sigahi Tiago F. A. C. , Martins Vitor W. B. , Rampasso Izabela Simon , de Moraes Gustavo Hermínio Salati Marcondes , Serafim Milena Pavan , Leal Filho Walter , Anholon Rosley
Published: February 2023

This paper aims to understand the main difficulties faced by women throughout their careers in Brazil and abroad. Based on the information gathered from these experiences, it seeks to advance the discussion on women's participation in STEM focusing on SDG 5 (gender equality) and SDG 8 (decent work). The main difficulties experienced by women in STEM as discussed in the academic literature were mapped. This provided input to develop a questionnaire containing qualitative and quantitative questions used to conduct interviews with women working in STEM. The sample consisted of highly qualified professionals working in high positions in the hierarchies of multinational companies in the STEM field with experience both in Brazil and abroad. The data collected was analyzed using a mixed-methods approach, including content analysis for qualitative questions and the Grey Relational Analysis for quantitative questions. The results revealed that the lack of flexible work systems, the scarcity of gender-sensitive organizational policies and labor policies, and the prevalence of traditional cultural models are some of the main difficulties faced both in Brazil and abroad by the women interviewed. The need to discuss issues of gender equality and decent work in the early stages of education is important for increasing women’s participation in STEM, which is a critical factor in the development of inclusive organizations and in fully achieving the sustainable development of society. This paper presents a unique perspective of the perceived difficulties faced by executive women who worked in Brazil and in different countries (i.e., Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Switzerland and the United States). Gender equality in organizations is highly context-dependent, and cross-cultural analysis generates relevant insights to face the challenges and advance the discussion on women’s participation in STEM.
LimitAccess: on-device TinyML based robust speech recognition and age classification
Authors: Maayah Marina , Abunada Ahlam , Al-Janahi Khawla , Ahmed Muhammad Ejaz , Qadir Junaid
Published: February 2023

Automakers from Honda to Lamborghini are incorporating voice interaction technology into their vehicles to improve the user experience and offer value-added services. Speech recognition systems are a key component of smart cars, enhancing convenience and safety for drivers and passengers. In the future, safety-critical features may rely on speech recognition, but this raises concerns about children accessing such services. To address this issue, the LimitAccess system is proposed, which uses TinyML for age classification and helps parents limit children’s access to critical speech recognition services. This study employs a lite convolutional neural network (CNN) model for two different reasons: First, CNN showed superior accuracy compared to other audio classification models for age classification problems. Second, the lite model will be integrated into a microcontroller to meet its limited resource requirements. To train and evaluate our model, we created a dataset that included child and adult voices of the keyword “open”. The system approach categorizes voices into age groups (child, adult) and then utilizes that categorization to grant access to a car. The robustness of the model was enhanced by adding a new class (recordings) to the dataset, which enabled our system to detect replay and synthetic voice attacks. If an adult voice is detected, access to start the car will be granted. However, if a child’s voice or a recording is detected, the system will display a warning message that educates the child about the dangers and consequences of the improper use of a car. Arduino Nano 33 BLE sensing was our embedded device of choice for integrating our trained, optimized model. Our system achieved an overall F1 score of 87.7% and 85.89% accuracy. LimitAccess detected replay and synthetic voice attacks with an 88% F1 score.
Exploration of three-dimensional spatial learning approach based on machine learning–taking Taihu stone as an example
Authors: Deng Qiaoming , Li Xiaofeng , Liu Yubo , Hu Kai
Published: February 2023

Under the influence of globalization, the transformation of traditional architectural space is vital to the growth of local architecture. As an important spatial element of traditional gardens, Taihu stone has the image qualities of being “thin, wrinkled, leaky and transparent” The “transparency” and “ leaky” of Taihu stone reflect the connectivity and irregularity of Taihu stone’s holes, which are consistent with the contemporary architectural design concepts of fluid space and transparency. Nonetheless, relatively few theoretical studies have been conducted on the spatial analysis and design transformation of Taihu stone. Using machine learning, we attempt to extract the three-dimensional spatial variation pattern of Taihu stone in this paper. This study extracts 3D spatial features for experiments using artificial neural networks (ANN) and generative adversarial networks (GAN). In order to extract 3D spatial variation patterns, the machine learning model learns the variation patterns between adjacent sections. The trained machine learning model is capable of generating a series of spatial sections with the spatial variation pattern of the Taihu stone. The purpose of the experimental results is to compare the performance of various machine learning models for 3D space learning in order to identify a model with superior performance. This paper also presents a novel concept for machine learning to master continuous 3D spatial features.
Democracy under God
Authors: Ahmed Dawood , Abbasi Muhammad Zubair
Published: February 2023

State recognition of Islam in Muslim countries invites ﬁerce debate from scholars and politicians alike, some of whom assume an inherent conﬂict between Islam and liberal democracy. Analyzing case studies and empirical data from several Muslim-majority countries, Ahmed and Abbasi ﬁnd, counterintuitively, that in many Muslim countries, constitutional recognition of Islam often occurs during moments of democratization. Indeed, the insertion of Islam in a constitution is frequently accompanied by an expansion, not a reduction, in constitutional human rights, with case law from higher courts in Egypt and Pakistan demonstrating that potential tensions between the constitutional pursuit of human rights, liberal democracy and Islam are capable of judicial resolution. The authors also argue that colonial history was pivotal in determining whether a country adopted the constitutional path of Islam or secularism partly explaining why Islam in constitutional politics survived and became more prevalent in Muslim countries that were colonized by the British, and not those colonized by the French or Soviets.
The Irish in the Spanish Armies in the Seventeenth Century
Authors: de Mesa Eduardo
Published: February 2023

Provides a wealth of detail on how 'the wild geese' - the Irish who refused to submit to the English - played a significant role in the armies of Spain.
The Battle of the Fields
Authors: Short Brian
Published: February 2023

This book will appeal not only to historians and geographers, but to many who maintain a deep interest in the British countryside and its past, and to those who continue to share a fascination for the Second World War, in particular the 'home front'.
Music Theatre in Britain, 1960–1975
Authors: Hall Michael
Published: February 2023

The author, a former BBC radio producer, conducted interviews with many leading British composers of the day, and his account provides for a unique insight into this often overlooked genre.