bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do national health insurance schemes guarantee financial risk protection in the drive towards Universal Health Coverage in West Africa? A systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Odonkor Sydney N. N. T. , Koranteng Ferdinand , Appiah-Danquah Martin , Dini Lorena
Published: August 2023

To facilitate the drive towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) several countries in West Africa have adopted National Health Insurance (NHI) schemes to finance health services. However, safeguarding insured populations against catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) and impoverishment due to health spending still remains a challenge. This study aims to describe the extent of financial risk protection among households enrolled under NHI schemes in West Africa and summarize potential learnings. We conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines. We searched for observational studies published in English between 2005 and 2022 on the following databases: PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase and Google Scholar. We assessed the study quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist. Two independent reviewers assessed the studies for inclusion, extracted data and conducted quality assessment. We presented our findings as thematic synthesis for qualitative data and Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) for quantitative data. We published the study protocol in PROSPERO with ID CRD42022338574. Nine articles were eligible for inclusion, comprising eight cross-sectional studies and one retrospective cohort study published between 2011 and 2021 in Ghana (n = 8) and Nigeria (n = 1). While two-thirds of the studies reported a positive (protective) effect of NHI enrollment on CHE at different thresholds, almost all of the studies (n = 8) reported some proportion of insured households still encountered CHE with one-third reporting more than 50% incurring CHE. Although insured households seemed better protected against CHE and impoverishment compared to uninsured households, gaps in the current NHI design contributed to financial burden among insured populations. To enhance financial risk protection among insured households and advance the drive towards UHC, West African governments should consider investing more in NHI research, implementing nationwide compulsory NHI programmes and establishing multinational subregional collaborations to co-design sustainable context-specific NHI systems based on solidarity, equity and fair financial contribution.
The contribution of work and health-related lifestyle to educational inequalities in physical health among older workers in Germany. A causal mediation analysis with data from the lidA cohort study
Authors: Rohrbacher Max , Hasselhorn Hans Martin
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The objective of the study was to investigate the contribution of work factors and health-related lifestyle to educational inequalities in physical health among older workers in Germany by applying causal mediation analysis with longitudinal data.

Methods

Data from the German lidA study was used. 2653 persons (53% female, 47% male) aged 46 (born 1965) and 52 (born 1959) at baseline were followed up for seven years with exposure and outcome assessments in 2011 (t0), 2014 (t1) and 2018 (t2). The total effect of education on physical health was decomposed into a natural direct effect (NDE) and a natural indirect effect (NIE) by using a sex-stratified causal mediation analysis with an inverse odds weighting approach. Baseline health, partner status and working hours were entered as a first set of mediators preceding the putative mediators of interest. All analyses were adjusted for age and migrant status.

Results

Independent of the first set of mediators, work factors explained 21% of educational inequalities in physical health between low and high educated women and 0% comparing moderate versus high educated women. The addition of health behaviors explained further 26% (low vs. high education) and 20% (moderate vs. high education), respectively. Among men, net of the first set of mediators, work factors explained 5% of educational inequalities in physical health between low and high educated and 6% comparing moderate versus high educated persons. Additional 24% (low vs. high education) and 27% (moderate vs. high education) were explained by adding health behaviors to the models.

Conclusions

To reduce educational inequalities in physical health among older workers in Germany, interventions to promote healthy behaviors are promising. Improving working conditions is likely an important prerequisite.
Modelling and robust controller design for an underactuated self-balancing robot with uncertain parameter estimation
Authors: Choudhry Osama A. , Wasim Muhammad , Ali Ahsan , Choudhry Mohammad Ahmad , Iqbal Jamshed
Published: August 2023

A comprehensive literature review of self-balancing robot (SBR) provides an insight to the strengths and limitations of the available control techniques for different applications. Most of the researchers have not included the payload and its variations in their investigations. To address this problem comprehensively, it was realized that a rigorous mathematical model of the SBR will help to design an effective control for the targeted system. A robust control for a two-wheeled SBR with unknown payload parameters is considered in these investigations. Although, its mechanical design has the advantage of additional maneuverability, however, the robot’s stability is affected by changes in the rider’s mass and height, which affect the robot’s center of gravity (COG). Conventionally, variations in these parameters impact the performance of the controller that are designed with the assumption to operate under nominal values of the rider’s mass and height. The proposed solution includes an extended Kalman filter (EKF) based sliding mode controller (SMC) with an extensive mathematical model describing the dynamics of the robot itself and the payload. The rider’s mass and height are estimated using EKF and this information is used to improve the control of SBR. Significance of the proposed method is demonstrated by comparing simulation results with the conventional SMC under different scenarios as well as with other techniques in literature. The proposed method shows zero steady state error and no overshoot. Performance of the conventional SMC is improved with controller parameter estimation. Moreover, the stability issue in the reaching phase of the controller is also solved with the availability of parameter estimates. The proposed method is suitable for a wide range of indoor applications with no disturbance. This investigation provides a comprehensive comparison of available techniques to contextualize the proposed method within the scope of self-balancing robots for indoor applications.
Are car safety systems associated with more speeding violations? Evidence from police records in Israel
Authors: Vertlib Shani R. , Rosenzweig Stav , Rubin Ofir D. , Steren Aviv
Published: August 2023

Over the past decade, the popularity of installing advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) in cars has increased markedly. However, the effectiveness of ADAS is subject to debate, primarily because these systems intervene in drivers’ perceptions and actions and could lead to adaptive behavior. Using complete national data for the installation of three leading safety systems and speeding tickets issued over the course of an entire year, allowed us to pinpoint the impact of these safety systems at a national level. Employing zero-inflated negative binomial regression models, we found that the installation of the three safety systems was associated with higher number of speeding tickets. These findings are in line with the literature that indicates adaptive behavior in the context of risk. However, when we accounted for the proneness to commit other traffic violations, the effect of the safety systems on the prevalence of speeding tickets was evident only for those prone to violations. Further research should be conducted to identify which drivers will be more likely to be affected and under what circumstances and safety system types.
Breastfeeding patterns are associated with human milk microbiome composition: The Mother-Infant Microbiomes, Behavior, and Ecology Study (MIMBES)
Authors: Holdsworth Elizabeth A. , Williams Janet E. , Pace Ryan M. , Lane Avery A. , Gartstein Maria , McGuire Mark A. , McGuire Michelle K. , Meehan Courtney L.
Published: August 2023

The human milk microbiome (HMM) is hypothesized to be seeded by multiple factors, including the infant oral microbiome during breastfeeding. However, it is not known whether breastfeeding patterns (e.g., frequency or total time) impact the composition of the HMM. As part of the Mother-Infant Microbiomes, Behavior, and Ecology Study (MIMBES), we analyzed data from naturalistic observations of 46 mother-infant dyads living in the US Pacific Northwest and analyzed milk produced by the mothers for its bacterial diversity and composition. DNA was extracted from milk and the V1-V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced. We hypothesized that number of breastfeeding bouts (breastfeeding sessions separated by >30 seconds) and total time breastfeeding would be associated with HMM α-diversity (richness, diversity, or evenness) and differential abundance of HMM bacterial genera. Multiple linear regression was used to examine associations between HMM α-diversity and the number of breastfeeding bouts or total time breastfeeding and selected covariates (infant age, maternal work outside the home, frequency of allomother physical contact with the infant, non-household caregiving network). HMM richness was inversely associated with number of breastfeeding bouts and frequency of allomother physical contact, but not total time breastfeeding. Infants’ non-household caregiving network was positively associated with HMM evenness. In two ANCOM-BC analyses, abundances of 5 of the 35 most abundant genera were differentially associated with frequency of breastfeeding bouts (Bifidobacterium, Micrococcus, Pedobacter, Acidocella, Achromobacter); 5 genera (Bifidobacterium, Agreia, Pedobacter, Rugamonas, Stenotrophomonas) were associated with total time breastfeeding. These results indicate that breastfeeding patterns and infant caregiving ecology may play a role in influencing HMM composition. Future research is needed to identify whether these relationships are consistent in other populations and if they are associated with variation in the infant’s gastrointestinal (including oral) microbiome.
Distinguishing ChatGPT(-3.5, -4)-generated and human-written papers through Japanese stylometric analysis
Authors: Zaitsu Wataru , Jin Mingzhe
Published: August 2023

In the first half of 2023, text-generative artificial intelligence (AI), including ChatGPT from OpenAI, has attracted considerable attention worldwide. In this study, first, we compared Japanese stylometric features of texts generated by ChatGPT, equipped with GPT-3.5 and GPT-4, and those written by humans. In this work, we performed multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) to confirm the distributions of 216 texts of three classes (72 academic papers written by 36 single authors, 72 texts generated by GPT-3.5, and 72 texts generated by GPT-4 on the basis of the titles of the aforementioned papers) focusing on the following stylometric features: (1) bigrams of parts-of-speech, (2) bigram of postpositional particle words, (3) positioning of commas, and (4) rate of function words. MDS revealed distinct distributions at each stylometric feature of GPT (3.5 and 4) and human. Although GPT-4 is more powerful than GPT-3.5 because it has more parameters, both GPT (3.5 and 4) distributions are overlapping. These results indicate that although the number of parameters may increase in the future, GPT-generated texts may not be close to that written by humans in terms of stylometric features. Second, we verified the classification performance of random forest (RF) classifier for two classes (GPT and human) focusing on Japanese stylometric features. This study revealed the high performance of RF in each stylometric feature: The RF classifier focusing on the rate of function words achieved 98.1% accuracy. Furthermore the RF classifier focusing on all stylometric features reached 100% in terms of all performance indexes (accuracy, recall, precision, and F1 score). This study concluded that at this stage we human discriminate ChatGPT from human limited to Japanese language.
Trajectories of physical activity during COVID-19: A longitudinal analysis of UK young adults
Authors: Thorpe William John Robert , Gutman Leslie Morrison
Published: August 2023

Research has demonstrated a disproportionate reduction in the moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of young UK adults during the initial months of COVID-19. However, previous research has not examined the trajectory of MVPA for this demographic over subsequent phases of the pandemic. The present study investigated the trajectory of MVPA from April 2020 to January 2021 in young UK adults. Data were drawn from 18-29-year-old participants of the Understanding Society COVID-19 Survey (212 males, 542 females). Weekly MVPA was self-reported at three time points (April and September 2020; January 2021) using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. After controlling for significant covariates, growth curve modelling revealed no variation in weekly MVPA, which remained higher than the UK Physical Activity Guidelines. Female gender; Asian, Black and Mixed ethnicity; lower income,; living with a partner; and no access to a private garden or other outdoor space were associated with lower MVPA in April 2020. Gender, however, was a significant moderator of the trajectory. Males’ MVPA increased between April 2020 to August 2020, followed by a sharp decline; whereas females showed a steady rate of decline from April 2020 to January 2021. Despite the recurrent lockdowns, this study shows that young UK adults, on average, continued to engage in MVPA, above the recommendated amount. Nevertheless, significant variation associated with gender, ethnicity and income highlights the importance of providing accessible spaces for young adults to exercise, especially those with limited access to private gardens.
Optimal government and manufacturer incentive contracts for green production with asymmetric information
Authors: Xu Jiayang , Cao Jian , Kumar Sanjay , Wu Sisi
Published: August 2023

Governments commonly utilize subsidy policy to incentivize manufacturers to produce green products, promoting sustainable development. However, in the presence of information asymmetry, some manufacturers may dishonestly misrepresent the green degree of their products to secure higher subsidies. This study examines different incentive contracts between the government and a green product manufacturer who keeps private information of a product’s green-degree in a principal-agent model. Lump-sum transfer and fixed- and flexible-proportion benefit-sharing contracts are proposed to investigate screening and improving green-degree issues. To further enhance the flexible-proportion benefit-sharing contract, we construct a non-linear coordinated contract based on the Nash bargaining solution. The revelation principle and Nash bargaining are performed for comparison and analysis of the contracts. We find that the lump-sum contract reveals true green-degree information but fails to impel manufacturers to improve product’s green-degree in developing countries where green product development is in initial stages. In contrast, both fixed- and flexible- proportion benefit-sharing contracts are effective in reveling and enhancing green-degree. The non-linear coordination contract optimizes resource allocation and achieves Pareto improvement. An applied case study for inkjet printer operations and numerical experiments corroborate our model findings.
Comparative anatomy of the felid brachial plexus reflects differing hunting strategies between Pantherinae (snow leopard, Panthera uncia) and Felinae (domestic cat, Felis catus)
Authors: Hall Margaret I. , Lindvall Tyler , Suarez-Venot Ana , Valdez Dominik , Smith Heather F.
Published: August 2023

The brachial plexus, a network of ventral rami providing somatic sensory and motor innervation to the forelimb, is of particular importance in felids. Large-bodied pantherines require powerful rotatory and joint stabilizing forelimb muscles to maintain secure holds on large prey, while smaller-bodied felines are small prey specialists reliant on manual dexterity. Brachial plexus dissections of two snow leopards (Panthera uncia) and two domestic cats (Felis catus) revealed that generally the morphology of the brachial plexus is quite conserved. However, differences in the nerves supplying the shoulder and antebrachium may reflect differing prey capture strategies between the subfamilies. The brachial plexus of both species derives from ventral rami of C6-T1. In P. uncia, an extensive musculus (m.) subscapularis with multiple pennations is innervated by a larger number of nn. subscapulares, deriving from more spinal cord levels than in F. catus. C6 continues to become n. suprascapularis in both taxa; however, in F. catus, it also gives branches that join with C7, while in P. uncia, it is dedicated to musculi (mm.) supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and a small branch to cervical musculature. In F. catus, nervus (n.) medianus receives direct contributions from more ventral rami than P. uncia, possibly reflecting a greater reliance on manual dexterity in prey capture in the former. In addition to primary innervation by n. thoracodorsalis, m. latissimus dorsi is also innervated by n. thoracicus lateralis near the axilla in both taxa, suggesting that it may belong to a complex of proximal forelimb musculature along with mm. pectoralis profundus and cutaneus trunci.
Spatial mapping of b-value and fractal dimension prior to November 8, 2022 Doti Earthquake, Nepal
Authors: Tiwari Ram Krishna , Paudyal Harihar
Published: August 2023

An earthquake of magnitude 5.6 mb (6.6 ML) hit western Nepal (Doti region) in the wee hours of wednesday morning local time (2:12 AM, 2022.11.08) killing at least six people. Gutenberg-Richter b-value of earthquake distribution and correlation fractal dimension (D2) are estimated for 493 earthquakes with magnitude of completeness 3.6 prior to this earthquake. We consider earthquakes in western Nepal Himalaya and adjoining region (80.0–83.5°E and 27.3–30.5°N) for the period of 1964 to 2022 for the analysis. The b-value 0.68±0.03 implies a high stress zone and the spatial correlation dimension 1.81±0.02 implies a highly heterogeneous region where the epicenters are spatially distributed. Low b-values and high D2 values identify the study region as a high hazard zone. Focal mechanism styles and low b-values correlate with thrust nature of earthquakes and show that the earthquake’s occurrence is associated with the dynamics of the faults responsible for generating the past earthquakes.
Functional connectivity varies across scales in a fragmented landscape
Authors: Bird Kate I. T. , Uden Daniel R. , Allen Craig R.
Published: August 2023

Species of different sizes interact with the landscape differently because ecological structure varies with scale, as do species movement capabilities and habitat requirements. As such, landscape connectivity is dependent upon the scale at which an animal interacts with its environment. Analyses of landscape connectivity must incorporate ecologically relevant scales to address scale-specific differences. Many evaluations of landscape connectivity utilize incrementally increasing buffer distances or other arbitrary spatial delineations as scales of analysis. Instead, we used a mammalian body mass discontinuity analysis to objectively identify scales in the Central Platte River Valley (CPRV) of Nebraska, U.S.A. We implemented a graph-theoretic network analysis to evaluate the connectivity of two wetland land cover types in the CPRV, wet meadow and emergent marsh, at multiple scales represented by groupings of species with similar body mass. Body mass is allometric with multiple traits of species, including dispersal distances. The landscape was highly connected at larger scales but relatively unconnected at smaller scales. We identified a threshold at which the landscape becomes highly connected between 500 m and 6,500 m dispersal distances. The presence of a connectivity threshold suggests that species with dispersal distances close to the threshold may be most vulnerable to habitat loss or reconfiguration and management should account for the connectivity threshold. Furthermore, we propose that a multiscale approach to management will be necessary to ensure landscape connectivity for diverse species.
High circulating endocan in chronic kidney disease? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Khalaji Amirmohammad , Behnoush Amir Hossein , Mohtasham Kia Yasmin , Alehossein Parsa , Bahiraie Pegah
Published: August 2023

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Endothelial dysfunction has been suggested to be involved in the pathophysiology of CKD. Endocan, as an endothelial factor, has been shown to increase in several diseases. The current systematic review and meta-analysis was performed with the aim of determining the association between endocan levels and CKD.

Methods

Four international databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies. Afterward, screening and extraction of data were performed. We conducted a random-effect meta-analysis to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to compare circulating endocan levels between patients with CKD (including patients undergoing hemodialysis) and healthy controls. Subgroup analysis based on the specimen in which endocan was measured (serum or plasma) was also performed.

Results

After screening by title/abstract and full-text review by the authors, 20 studies were included. Meta-analysis revealed that serum endocan is higher in CKD patients compared to healthy controls (SMD 1.34, 95% CI 0.20 to 2.48, p-value<0.01). This higher endocan level was also observed in the subgroup of studies that measured plasma endocan while this was not the case for the subgroup of studies assessing serum endocan. Meta-analysis was also performed for comparison of CKD patients without other comorbidities and healthy controls, which resulted in the same conclusion of higher endocan levels in patients with CKD (SMD 0.74, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.95, p-value<0.01). Moreover, endocan was associated with cardiovascular diseases in CKD.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that endocan is significantly increased in patients with CKD. This can have clinical implications as well as highlight the need for future research investigating the diagnostic and prognostic role of endocan in CKD.
The impact of higher education on high quality economic development in China: A digital perspective
Authors: Bing Bao
Published: August 2023

In the context of China’s new stage of economic development, this study examines the role of higher education in China’s high quality economic development (HQED) strategy from a digital perspective. Using panel data of 30 Chinese provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) collected from 2012–2020, comprehensive evaluations of the level of higher education and HQED are conducted through the entropy method, and a regression analysis is carried out with the fixed effect model. The results show that the level of higher education is positively associated with HQED and is able to achieve this effect through mechanisms that actively promote digital innovation and development. Further, the structure and quality of higher education plays a greater part in facilitating digital development than the scale and quantity. The heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that the impact of higher education on HQED is more significant in the eastern region of China than in the western region. An increase in the proportion of fiscal expenditure to GDP diminishes the impact of higher education on HQED, while an improvement in digital governance level enhances its influence.
Structural basis for cross-group recognition of an influenza virus hemagglutinin antibody that targets postfusion stabilized epitope
Authors: Tonouchi Keisuke , Adachi Yu , Suzuki Tateki , Kuroda Daisuke , Nishiyama Ayae , Yumoto Kohei , Takeyama Haruko , Suzuki Tadaki , Hashiguchi Takao , Takahashi Yoshimasa
Published: August 2023

Plasticity of influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) conformation increases an opportunity to generate conserved non-native epitopes with unknown functionality. Here, we have performed an in-depth analysis of human monoclonal antibodies against a stem-helix region that is occluded in native prefusion yet exposed in postfusion HA. A stem-helix antibody, LAH31, provided IgG Fc-dependent cross-group protection by targeting a stem-helix kinked loop epitope, with a unique structure emerging in the postfusion state. The structural analysis and molecular modeling revealed key contact sites responsible for the epitope specificity and cross-group breadth that relies on somatically mutated light chain. LAH31 was inaccessible to the native prefusion HA expressed on cell surface; however, it bound to the HA structure present on infected cells with functional linkage to the Fc-mediated clearance. Our study uncovers a novel non-native epitope that emerges in the postfusion HA state, highlighting the utility of this epitope for a broadly protective antigen design.
Insect fungal pathogens secrete a cell wall-associated glucanase that acts to help avoid recognition by the host immune system
Authors: Wang Huifang , Lu Zhuoyue , Keyhani Nemat O. , Deng Juan , Zhao Xin , Huang Shuaishuai , Luo Zhibing , Jin Kai , Zhang Yongjun
Published: August 2023

Fungal insect pathogens have evolved diverse mechanisms to evade host immune recognition and defense responses. However, identification of fungal factors involved in host immune evasion during cuticular penetration and subsequent hemocoel colonization remains limited. Here, we report that the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana expresses an endo-β-1,3-glucanase (BbEng1) that functions in helping cells evade insect immune recognition/ responses. BbEng1 was specifically expressed during infection, in response to host cuticle and hemolymph, and in the presence of osmotic or oxidative stress. BbEng1 was localized to the fungal cell surface/ cell wall, where it acts to remodel the cell wall pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that can trigger host defenses, thus facilitating fungal cell evasion of host immune defenses. BbEng1 was secreted where it could bind to fungal cells. Cell wall β-1,3-glucan levels were unchanged in ΔBbEng1 cells derived from in vitro growth media, but was elevated in hyphal bodies, whereas glucan levels were reduced in most cell types derived from the BbEng1 overexpressing strain (BbEng1OE). The BbEng1OE strain proliferated more rapidly in the host hemocoel and displayed higher virulence as compared to the wild type parent. Overexpression of their respective Eng1 homologs or of BbEng1 in the insect fungal pathogens, Metarhizium robertsii and M. acridum also resulted in increased virulence. Our data support a mechanism by which BbEng1 helps the fungal pathogen to evade host immune surveillance by decreasing cell wall glucan PAMPs, promoting successful fungal mycosis.
Temporal Analysis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Pancreatitis Co-Occurrence in Children and Adults in the United States
Authors: Zhang Ke-You , Siddiqi Ismaeel , Saad Michelle , Balabanis Tatiana , Dehghan Melody S. , Nasr Alexander , Tolj Vania , Habtezion Aida , Park KT , Abu-El-Haija Maisam , Sellers Zachary M.
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

Pancreatitis in inflammatory bowel disease has been attributed to peripancreatic intestinal disease and/or drug-induced pancreatic toxicity. We used large cohort analyses to define inflammatory bowel disease and pancreatitis temporal co-occurrence with a detailed descriptive analysis to gain greater insight into the pathophysiological relationship between these two diseases.

Methods:

Truven Health MarketScan private insurance claims from 141,017,841 patients (<65 years-old) and 7,457,709 patients from four academic hospitals were analyzed. We calculated prevalence of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis with acute or chronic pancreatitis and performed temporal and descriptive analyses.

Results:

Of 516,724 inflammatory bowel disease patients, 12,109 individuals (2.3%) had pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis was 2-6x more prevalent than chronic pancreatitis. In adults, acute pancreatitis occurred equally among Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (1.8-2.2% vs. 1.6-2.1%, respectively), whereas in children, acute pancreatitis was more frequent in ulcerative colitis (2.3-3.4% vs. 1.5-1.8%, respectively). The highest proportion of pancreatitis (21.7-44.7%) was at/near the time of inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis. Of these, 22.1-39.3% were on steroids at the time of pancreatitis. Individuals with chronic pancreatitis or recurrent pancreatitis hospitalizations had increased risk of a future inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis (odds ratio=1.52 or 1.72, respectively).

Conclusions:

Pancreatitis in inflammatory bowel disease may not simply be a drug adverse event but may also involve local and/or systemic processes that negatively impact the pancreas. Our analysis of pancreatitis before, during, and after inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis suggests a bi-directional pathophysiologic relationship between inflammatory bowel disease and pancreatitis, with potentially more complexity than previously appreciated.
News
Authors: Wolf Kelsey
Published: August 2023

Call for National Optometry Hall of Fame nominations, announcement of "Listen, Learn, Connect" series on children's vision, and 2021 overview of AOA/AOSA Opportunities in Optometry program.
UNCERTAINTY ESTIMATION IN MACHINE LEARNING
Authors:   Ufa University of Science and Technology, Ufa, Russia, Arkov V.Yu. , Sharipova A.M. ,   Ufa University of Science and Technology, Ufa, Russia, Kulikov G.G. ,   JSC “Ufa Scientific and Production Enterprise “Molniya”, Ufa, Russia
Published: August 2023

Most machine learning methods are based on statistical learning theory, often using procedural simplification to achieve acceptable computational speed. The purpose of the study. To form a general approach to uncertainty estimation in machine learning models. In econometrics, in any model the uncertainty is necessarily put in the form of standard deviation (sigma) for coefficients and based on it the sigma for predictions is constructed. The problem is that in machine learning we cannot analytically calculate uncertainty through sigma. Therefore, we propose to use numerical methods instead of analytical methods. Materials and methods. For a detailed consideration of uncertainty estimation, we choose classical methods of regression analysis, which pay much attention to the uncertainty of model coefficients and – more importantly - the accuracy of the predictions obtained from such a model. Results. We propose a technique for estimating uncertainty, demonstrated by a model example in order to show that it is consistent with traditional classical methods in terms of results. In future practice, we propose to use cross validation. Conclusion. When using machine models of complex processes, including forecasts based on such models, the problem of evaluating uncertainty and risks arising from the inevitable uncertainty becomes more and more relevant when making managerial decisions. This problem can be solved on the basis of nonparametric methods, although it will require much more computing power than that used to train a machine model. The proposed approach can be generalized to other machine learning methods, for example, to the problem of classification and clustering.
SELECTION OF BASIC REPRESENTATIVES OF NEW GENERATION TECHNOLOGY
Authors:   Voronezh State Technical University, Voronezh, Russia, Barkalov S.A. , Burkov V.N. ,   V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, Kurochka P.N. ,   Voronezh State Technical University, Voronezh, Russia, Serebryakova E.A. ,   Voronezh State Technical University, Voronezh, Russia
Published: August 2023

The purpose of the study. The process of enterprise development involves the implementation of a sequence of projects, each of which has its own life cycle. One of the main tasks of the company's management is to provide conditions for each of the projects to start paying off. Given the fact that modern projects, as a rule, have a fairly long implementation period, it should be recognized that the decision to implement the project in full will probably not be the most optimal. As a rule, in this case, they prefer to divide the project into stages or, as is customary in industrial construction, into queues. Materials and methods. The formal statement of the tasks defining: the minimum number of basic representatives, minimization of terms of preparation of production of new types of equipment and minimization of time of production of basic representatives of new equipment is given. For cases of small dimension of the problem, an exact algorithm based on a complete search of options is proposed. For the case of large-dimensional problems, a compositional algorithm is proposed, which consists in dividing the entire set of products into several subsets, to each of which an exact algorithm is applied. Results. The algorithms considered are based on a threshold scheme for solving an optimization problem, when a threshold value of the creation time of one of the products is introduced, which will coincide with one of the components of the vector that sets the standard creation time of each of the products. In this case, iterative and decomposition algorithms can also be used. The case of solving this problem as a problem of partial covering of a bipartite graph is considered separately. An algorithm for obtaining a lower estimate of the problem based on the network programming method is given. Conclusion. The analysis was carried out and the procedure for selecting the basic products of a new generation of equipment was developed, which allows, depending on the conditions set by the decision-maker (LPR), to determine the basic product of the technology direction that most fully corresponds to the functional, constructive and technological features of the generation of equipment.
Development of an instrument-free and low-cost ELISA dot-blot test to detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Apú Navilla , Madrigal-Redondo Germán , Vega María Herrera , Corrales-Aguilar Eugenia , Segura-Ulate Ismael
Published: August 2023

Most laboratory tests to detect the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies use enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) or chemiluminescence immunoassays (CLIA); however, equipment for these immunoassays is unavailable in many areas of low- and middle-income countries. Rapid lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) tests are an equipment-free option, but their high price may make them less suitable for conducting seroprevalence surveys. Here, we describe a simple dual antigen ELISA dot-blot test to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies with high sensitivity (94–98%) and specificity (92–100%), compared to commercially available ELISA and CLIA options. Additionally, this ELISA dot-blot test can be completed in one hour using minimal laboratory equipment. Importantly, this immunoassay is significantly more affordable than most LFIA tests available on the global market. The dot-blot strips may be stored for up to 7 days under freezing conditions. This ELISA dot-blot test is a cost-effective option for conducting seroprevalence screenings in areas lacking ELISA or CLIA facilities, compared to LFIA tests.
Comparison of the prognostic value of four different critical illness scores in patients with sepsis-induced coagulopathy
Authors: Wang Chengli , Ma Li , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2023

In patients with sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC), the Chinese DIC scoring system (CDSS) of the Chinese Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis score, the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine (JAAM) score, the International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH), and the Can Rapid risk stratification of Unstable angina patients Suppress Adverse outcomes with Early implementation of the ACC/AHA Guidelines (CRUSADE) score were compared for their predictive significance (SIC). From August 2021 through August 2022, 92 SIC patients hospitalized in our hospital’s Department of Critical Care Medicine served as study participants. Groups of patients were created with a bad prognosis (n = 35) and a favorable prognosis (n = 57) 14 days following admission. Electronic medical records were used to compile patient information such as demographics (gender, age, and body mass index), medical history (hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic kidney disease), treatment (mechanical ventilation, APACHE II score at admission), and outcomes (results). All patients’ JAAM, CDSS, ISTH, and CRUSADE scores were recorded. The APACHE II scores of the group with a poor prognosis were noticeably (p < 0.05) higher upon admission than those of the group with a favorable prognosis. The poor prognosis group had higher JAAM, ISTH, CDSS, and CRUSADE scores than the good prognosis group (all p < 0.05). Partial coagulation indicators in fibrinogen, D-dimer, activated partial thromboplastin time, and prothrombin time were positively linked with JAAM, ISTH, CDSS, and CRUSADE (all p < 0.05). At admission, the JAAM, ISTH, CDSS, CRUSADE, and APACHE II scores were independently linked with SIC patients’ prognosis (all p < 0.05) in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. According to receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve for predicting the prognosis of SIC patients using the JAAM, ISTH, CDSS, and CRUSADE4 scores was 0.896, 0.870, 0.852, and 0.737, respectively, with 95% CI being 0.840–0.952, 0.805–0.936, 0.783–0.922 and 0.629–0.845, respectively (all p < 0.05). The prognosis of SIC patients may be predicted in part by their JAAM, ISTH, CDSS, and CRUSADE4 scores, with the CDSS score being the most accurate. This research provides important recommendations for improving the care of patients with SIC.
Effect of different tin neodecanoate and calcium–zinc heat stabilizers on the thermal stability of PVC
Authors: Wang Xiang , Di Chao , Wang Tingwei
Published: August 2023

Heat stabilizers are crucial additives for enhancing the thermal stability of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) during processing. Among the various heat stabilizers available, organic tin compounds have shown remarkable effectiveness. In this study, we investigated the use of dimethyltin dineodecanoate (DMTDN), dibutyltin dineodecanoate (DBTDN), and dioctyltin dineodecanoate (DOTDN) as heat stabilizers for PVC. These compounds were combined with calcium stearate (CaSt2) and zinc stearate (ZnSt2) to improve the thermal stability of PVC materials. The results demonstrated that the thermal stabilization effects of the three tin neodecanoates, when used as standalone heat stabilizers, followed the order: DOTDN > DBTDN > DMTDN. Notably, the thermal stability and lubricity of the three-component heat stabilizer (MTN5-C4Z1, BTN5-C4Z1, and OTN5-C4Z1, respectively), which consisted of the three types of tin neodecanoate, CaSt2, and ZnSt2 in a ratio of 5:4:1, outperformed the use of tin neodecanoate alone. This study offered potential formulations to reduce the application cost of tin neodecanoate as a PVC heat stabilizer.
When correct spelling hardly matters: Teenagers’ production and perception of spelling error corrections in Dutch social media writing
Authors: Surkyn Hanne , Sandra Dominiek , Vandekerckhove Reinhild
Published: August 2023

The present paper examines teenagers’ production and perception of spelling error corrections (e. g., *zij for zei) in online messaging. It discusses both a quantitative and qualitative analysis of spelling corrections in a large corpus of private online conversations between Flemish adolescents and the results of an online survey with a similar target group. Our study reveals that teenagers hardly correct their own spelling errors and those of their peers in informal social media writing. Several factors play a role in whether or not they rectify an error, such as the type of error and their socio-demographic profile. In general, adolescents tend to have a negative attitude towards correcting other people’s spelling mistakes. Consequently, teenagers often perform this face-threatening act (FTA) to tease or irritate their interlocutor or by way of payback for another FTA. Strikingly, even in non-conflictual contexts, errors are generally pointed out quite bluntly, though in some cases, both the error-maker and the interlocutor engage in damage control when the error has been acknowledged by the former. By conducting this research, we can achieve a better understanding of the sociopragmatic mechanisms underlying error perception and error handling in a social media context that generally embraces nonstandard writing.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles via Taxus wallichiana Zucc. plant-derived Taxol: Novel utilization as anticancer, antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and antiurolithic potential
Authors: Bhusari Sachin , Sah Parvindar M. , Lakkakula Jaya , Roy Arpita , Raut Rajesh , Chondekar Ramesh , Alghamdi Saad , Almehmadi Mazen , Allahyani Mamdouh , Alsaiari Ahad Amer , Aljuaid Abdulelah , Al-Abdullah Nabeela
Published: August 2023

Throughout history, the utilization of plant products as medicinal remedies has been widespread, with numerous modern drugs finding their origins in the plant kingdom. Taxol, derived from Taxus species, stands out as an exceptional and highly potent anticancer medication. In this study, we present a rapid one-pot synthesis method for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the leaves of Taxus wallichiana Zucca in the presence of sunlight. The synthesized AgNPs were comprehensively characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and HPLC Q-TOF. The AgNPs were further investigated for their antioxidative, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiurolithi properties. The anticancer activity was assessed through a sulforhodamine B assay conducted on the MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma cell line and SiHa human cervical cancer cell line. The findings of this study reveal the impressive antioxidative, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiurolithi characteristics exhibited by AgNPs synthesized from leaf extracts. This research highlights an environmentally friendly and cost-effective approach to producing AgNPs by utilizing plant extracts as reducing agents, underscoring the immense potential of natural resources in advancing nanotechnology and its applications.
Intracellular spatially-targeted chemical chaperones increase native state stability of mutant SOD1 barrel
Authors: Ribeiro Sara S. , Gnutt David , Azoulay-Ginsburg Salome , Fetahaj Zamira , Spurlock Ella , Lindner Felix , Kuz Damon , Cohen-Erez Yfat , Rapaport Hanna , Israelson Adrian , Gruzman Arie-lev , Ebbinghaus Simon
Published: August 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurological disorder with currently no cure. Central to the cellular dysfunction associated with this fatal proteinopathy is the accumulation of unfolded/misfolded superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) in various subcellular locations. The molecular mechanism driving the formation of SOD1 aggregates is not fully understood but numerous studies suggest that aberrant aggregation escalates with folding instability of mutant apoSOD1. Recent advances on combining organelle-targeting therapies with the anti-aggregation capacity of chemical chaperones have successfully reduce the subcellular load of misfolded/aggregated SOD1 as well as their downstream anomalous cellular processes at low concentrations (micromolar range). Nevertheless, if such local aggregate reduction directly correlates with increased folding stability remains to be explored. To fill this gap, we synthesized and tested here the effect of 9 ER-, mitochondria- and lysosome-targeted chemical chaperones on the folding stability of truncated monomeric SOD1 (SOD1bar) mutants directed to those organelles. We found that compound ER-15 specifically increased the native state stability of ER-SOD1bar-A4V, while scaffold compound FDA-approved 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA) decreased it. Furthermore, our results suggested that ER15 mechanism of action is distinct from that of PBA, opening new therapeutic perspectives of this novel chemical chaperone on ALS treatment.
Harris hawks optimization algorithm for load frequency control of isolated multi-source power generating systems
Authors: Karnavas Yannis L. , Nivolianiti Evaggelia
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a recent bio-inspired optimization algorithm for the critical topic of load frequency control (LFC) in an isolated multi-source power generating system. A specific model that emerges from the scientific literature and consists of reheated thermal, hydro and gas-turbine power sources is examined. The main goal is to tune the controller of each generating source i.e. find their optimal gains through bio-inspired optimization algorithms. Namely, the algorithms applied are the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA), Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and the newly proposed Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO). It was observed that all optimization algorithms succeeded in obtaining controllers’ gain values which ensure stable system operation. Also, the simulation results indicated the superiority of the proposed HHO algorithm over the other algorithms for all the considered scenarios. In this article, for the first time to the authors’ knowledge extend an attempt has been made to optimize an isolated multi-source system using the bio-inspired HHO algorithm. The present study considered the LFC problem with a variety of different scenarios, taking into account both sub-cases of nonlinearities (e.g., generation rate constraint, boiler dynamics, etc.) and their combinations, as well as combinations of different controllers and load disturbances, which are not found in the literature. Last but not least, the robustness of the selected controller was further evaluated. The obtained results clearly demonstrated that the controller’s gains established in normal conditions do not require retuning when critical system parameters undergo a significant variation.