bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involving patients in healthcare research is well documented but can it work in lab-based research?
Authors: Connor Adele E. , Hughes Claire , Schäfer Lea , McNally Lorraine , Raw Deirdre O’ , Bahramian Katayoun , Carr Bridget , Dunne Ingrid Halligan , Lysaght Joanne , Toole Sharon A. O’ , Simpson Jeremy C. , Perry Antoinette S.
Published: October 2023

Public and Patient Involvement in research is becoming a requirement on most research funding applications; this includes both healthcare and lab-based research. Whilst case studies and practical guides have been developed and are well documented for PPI in healthcare research, there is very little guidance available for PPI in lab-based research. In this piece we discuss our experience of how we have successfully involved patients in our translational cancer research, which is focused on developing personalised treatment for high-grade serous ovarian cancer. We discuss the benefits it has made to both our research and to us as researchers. The patients involved write about their experience, what they enjoyed, and the benefits they felt. Although PPI is quite topical and is being widely discussed, there is hesitancy among researchers, especially those in lab-based research about getting started because of a lack of practical guidance about how to implement it. Here, we have shared our experience, hopefully providing a practical example of how PPI can be incorporated into a lab-based research project.
State of the art procedures towards reactive [18F]fluoride in PET tracer synthesis
Authors: Haveman Lizeth Y. F. , Vugts Danielle J. , Windhorst Albert D.
Published: October 2023

Background

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a powerful, non-invasive preclinical and clinical nuclear imaging technique used in disease diagnosis and therapy assessment. Fluorine-18 is the predominant radionuclide used for PET tracer synthesis. An impressive variety of new ‘late-stage’ radiolabeling methodologies for the preparation of 18F-labeled tracers has appeared in order to improve the efficiency of the labeling reaction.

Main body

Despite these developments, one outstanding challenge into the early key steps of the process remains: the preparation of reactive [18F]fluoride from oxygen-18 enriched water ([18O]H2O). In the last decade, significant changes into the trapping, elution and drying stages have been introduced. This review provides an overview of the strategies and recent developments in the production of reactive [18F]fluoride and its use for radiolabeling.

Conclusion

Improved, modified or even completely new fluorine-18 work-up procedures have been developed in the last decade with widespread use in base-sensitive nucleophilic 18F-fluorination reactions. The many promising developments may lead to a few standardized drying methodologies for the routine production of a broad scale of PET tracers.
Effects of child abuse and neglect on executive functions among children diagnosed with learning disabilities or attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Maged Hamza Aya , Ghobashy Soha Abdellatif , Abouelwafa Heba Essam
Published: October 2023

Background

Studying cognitive deficits due to abuse and neglect in vulnerable children with neurodevelopmental disorders can fuel the battle to save them. We aimed to assess effects of child abuse and neglect on executive functions (EF) among children diagnosed with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and specific learning disorders (SLD). Three hundred forty drug-naive children were divided into four groups according to their diagnosis. They have all been through history taking, clinical interview, assessment of exposure to abuse or neglect, Barkley Deficit in Executive Functioning Scale-Children and Adolescents (BDEFS-CA), and Conners and intelligence quotient (IQ) test.

Results

Children with ADHD or SLD were significantly exposed to abuse and neglect showing significant executive dysfunctions. The mostly affected domains with abuse among ADHD were emotion regulation with effect size (ES): 0.576, self-restraint ES: 0.38 and self-motivation ES: 0.256, abuse was significantly associated with lower social class 63.6% ES: 0.377 while neglect was significantly associated with parents’ marital status of being divorced 92% ES: 0.621. Abuse and neglect were significantly associated with emotion regulation executive dysfunction with OR 23.5 and 22.8 respectively.

Conclusion

Executive dysfunctions are significantly related to exposure to abuse and neglect. The most affected domains were emotion regulation and self-restraint executive functions. Also, we concluded that prevalence of abuse and neglect to be significantly higher in lower social class than average and higher classes and in divorced parents than married ones. Health education and early intervention programs should be directed more specifically to the more vulnerable children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders and of lower social class or of divorced parents.
The impact of macroeconomic and institutional environment on NPL of developing and developed countries
Authors: Goyal Shikha , Singhal Nikita , Mishra Nandita , Verma Subhash Kumar
Published: October 2023

The study investigates what causes non-performing loans (NPLs) in developed and developing countries. To identify the relationship between bank-specific, macroeconomic determinants, and institutional environment non-performing loans on country-level panel data of Developing nations for the period extending from 2010 to 2020, the author used panel system GMM methodology. The long-held hypothesis that NPLs contribute to economic growth is tested using the Panel Granger causality test. Further panel cointegration tests were run to see whether the two variables have a long-term relationship. According to the study, loan defaults frequently happen at a lower rate during a rapid economic expansion, resulting in lower levels of non-performing loans. If there is a robust regulatory framework for systemic risk, a larger banking sector should be more stable than a smaller one. The current study also demonstrates the institutional environment’s importance in improving banks’ credit quality. In developing and developed countries, NPLs are significantly reduced when the institutional environment is improved.
Assessment of computational approaches in the prediction of spectrogram and chromatogram behaviours of analytes in pharmaceutical analysis: assessment review
Authors: Malarvannan M. , Kumar K. Vinod , Reddy Y. Padmanabha , Nikhil Pallaprolu , Aishwarya Dande , Ravichandiran V. , Ramalingam P.
Published: October 2023

Background

Today, artificial intelligence-based computational approach is facilitating multitasking and interdisciplinary analytical research. For example, the data gathered during an analytical research project such as spectral and chromatographic data can be used in predictive experimental research. The spectral and chromatographic information plays crucial role in pharmaceutical research, especially use of instrumental analytical approaches and it consume time, man power, and money. Hence, predictive analysis would be beneficial especially in resource-limited settings.

Main body

Computational approaches verify data at an early phase of study in research process. Several in silico techniques for predicting analyte’s spectral and chromatographic characteristics have recently been developed. Understanding of these tools may help researchers to accelerate their research with boosted confidence and prevent researchers from being misled by incorrect analytical data. In this communication, the properties of chemical compounds and its relation to chromatographic retention will be discussed, as well as the prediction technique for UV/IR/Raman/NMR spectrograms. This review looked at the reference data of chemical compounds to compare the predictive ability in silico tools along with the percentage error, limitations, and advantages.

Conclusion

The computational prediction of analytical characteristics offers a wide range of applications in academic research, bioanalytical method development, computational chemistry, analytical method development, data analysis approaches, material characterization, and validation process.
Toward an integrated approach for mental health and psychosocial support and peacebuilding in North-East Nigeria: programme description and preliminary outcomes from ‘Counselling on Wheels’
Authors: Paphitis Sharli , Akilu Fatima , Chilambo Natasha , Iruayenama Abiye , Samaroo Xena , Mustapha Asma'u , Goldsmith Kimberley , Ismail Olawale , Slovak Petr , Ikpe Eka , Smith Patrick , Patel Preeti , Sullivan Richard , Abas Melanie , Olonisakin Funmi
Published: October 2023

Background

Despite theoretical support for including mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) with peacebuilding, few programmes in conflict-affected regions fully integrate these approaches.

Aims

To describe and assess preliminary outcomes of the Counselling on Wheels programme delivered by the NEEM Foundation in the Borno State of North-East Nigeria.

Method

We first describe the components of the Counselling on Wheels programme, including education and advocacy for peace and social cohesion through community peacebuilding partnerships and activities, and an MHPSS intervention open to all adults, delivered in groups of eight to ten people. We then conducted secondary analysis of data from 1550 adults who took part in the MHPSS intervention, who provided data at baseline and 1–2 weeks after the final group session. Vulnerability to violent extremism was assessed with a locally developed 80-item scale. Symptoms of common mental disorders were assessed with the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale (PTSD-8). Data were analysed through a mixed-effect linear regression model, accounting for clustering by community and adjusted for age and gender.

Results

After taking part in group MHPSS, scores fell for depression (−5.8, 95% CI −6.7 to −5.0), stress (−5.5, 95% CI −6.3 to −4.6), post-traumatic stress disorder (−2.9, 95% CI −3.4 to −2.4) and vulnerability to violent extremism (−44.6, 95% CI −50.6 to −38.6).

Conclusions

The Counselling on Wheels programme shows promise as a model for integrating MHPSS with community peacebuilding activities in this conflict-affected region of Africa.
Patient and therapist experiences of exposure therapy for anxiety-related disorders in pregnancy: qualitative analysis of a feasibility trial of intensive versus weekly CBT
Authors: Challacombe Fiona L. , Sabin Katherine , Jacobson Samantha , Tinch-Taylor Rose , Potts Laura , Carter Ben , Lawrence Vanessa
Published: October 2023

Background

Approximately 15% of pregnant women experience anxiety disorders. Effective treatments exist but their acceptability during pregnancy, particularly exposure therapy, is not known.

Aims

To understand patient and therapist experiences of time-intensive and weekly exposure-based therapy for anxiety disorders delivered during pregnancy. Trial registration: ISRCTN81203286.

Method

In-depth interviews were conducted with patients and therapists who had taken part in a feasibility trial of predominantly online time-intensive versus weekly cognitive–behavioural therapy in pregnancy in a primary care setting in the UK. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

In total, 45 women participating in the trial and 6 therapists who had delivered the treatments were interviewed. Five themes were developed from the data that showed convergence from therapist and patient perspectives: ‘Acquiring tools to navigate the perinatal period’; ‘Motivated yet constrained by pregnancy’; ‘Having the confidence to face fears and tolerate uncertainty’; ‘Momentum with the need for flexibility’; ‘Being removed from the face-to-face world’.

Conclusions

Exposure therapy is acceptable and helpful in pregnancy and can lead to lasting gains. Exposure is a key element of treatment and needs to be confidently conducted by therapists with perinatal knowledge and expertise. Treatments need to consider the unfolding context of pregnancy. The momentum of intensive therapy can lead to rapid improvements, but is demanding for both patients and therapists, especially fitting round other commitments. Online treatments can work well and are a good fit for perinatal women, but this needs to be balanced with the need for social connection, suggesting a hybrid model is the ideal.
Long-Term Results After Surgery for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy
Authors: Johansen Tonje O. , Holmberg Siril T. , Danielsen Elisabet , Rao Vidar , Salvesen Øyvind O. , Andresen Hege , Carmen Vleggeert-Lankamp L. A. , Solberg Tore K. , Gulati Sasha , Nygaard Øystein P.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a frequent cause of spinal cord dysfunction, and surgical treatment is considered safe and effective. Long-term results after surgery are limited. This study investigated long-term clinical outcomes through data from the Norwegian registry for spine surgery.

METHODS:

Patients operated at the university hospitals serving Central and Northern Norway were approached for long-term follow-up after 3 to 8 years. The primary outcome was change in the Neck Disability Index, and the secondary outcomes were changes in the European Myelopathy Scale score, quality of life (EuroQoL EQ-5D); numeric rating scales (NRS) for headache, neck pain, and arm pain; and perceived benefit of surgery assessed by the Global Perceived Effect scale from 1 year to long-term follow-up.

RESULTS:

We included 144 patients operated between January 2013 and June 2018. In total, 123 participants (85.4%) provided patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at long-term follow-up. There was no significant change in PROMs from 1 year to long-term follow-up, including Neck Disability Index (mean 1.0, 95% CI −2.1-4.1, P = .53), European Myelopathy Scale score (mean −0.3, 95% CI −0.7-0.1, P = .09), EQ-5D index score (mean −0.02, 95% CI −0.09-0.05, P = .51), NRS neck pain (mean 0.3 95% CI −0.2-0.9, P = .22), NRS arm pain (mean −0.1, 95% CI −0.8-0.5, P = .70), and NRS headache (mean 0.4, 95% CI −0.1-0.9, P = .11). According to Global Perceived Effect assessments, 106/121 patients (87.6%) reported to be stable or improved (“complete recovery,” “much better,” “slightly better,” or “unchanged”) at long-term follow-up compared with 88.1% at 1 year. Dichotomizing the outcome data based on severity of DCM did not demonstrate significant changes either.

CONCLUSION:

Long-term follow-up of patients undergoing surgery for DCM demonstrates persistence of statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement across a wide range of PROMs.
Assessing success factors for disruptive technology markets
Authors: Μητροπούλου Περσεφόνη
Published: October 2023

Η συνεχής ανάπτυξη της τεχνολογίας είναι πολυδιάστατη και οι ανατρεπτικές τεχνολογίες δημιουργούν νέες αγορές και εκτοπίζουν ήδη παγιωμένες. Στο πλαίσιο της διδακτορικής διατριβής, εξετάζονται διάφορες σημαντικές αγορές δυνητικά οικονομικά ανατρεπτικών τεχνολογιών. Σκοπός της μελέτης δεν είναι να αναλύσει λεπτομερώς τα τεχνικά χαρακτηριστικά τους, αλλά να διερευνήσει τους βασικούς παράγοντες που επηρεάζουν τη μακροπρόθεσμη επικράτησή τους, λαμβάνοντας ταυτόχρονα υπόψη τις δυνατότητές τους για ανατρεπτικές οικονομικές και κοινωνικές επιπτώσεις. Η μεθοδολογία υιοθετεί την SoS προσέγγιση και ο κύριος παράγοντας επιτυχίας κάθε αγοράς αξιολογείται μέσω διαφορετικών τεχνικών, όπως είναι ο Ηδονικός Δείκτης Τιμών, η Περιβάλλουσα Ανάλυση Δεδομένων, το μοντέλο Κυνηγού-Θηράματος και οι Συγκρίσεις ανά Ζεύγη. Συγκεκριμένα, το υπολογιστικό νέφος ωφελεί όλους τους συμμετέχοντες, καθιστώντας την κοινωνική ευημερία τον βασικό παράγοντα επιτυχίας του. Η μεθοδολογία διερευνά την οικονομική βιωσιμότητά του και τους παράγοντες που επηρεάζουν την τελική τιμολόγηση των υπηρεσιών, των οποίων η σχετική αποδοτικότητα υπολογίζεται βάσει λειτουργικών και μη λειτουργικών χαρακτηριστικών. Σχετικά με την αγορά ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας που χαρακτηρίζεται από ταχέως εξελισσόμενο ανταγωνισμό μετά τη διαδικασία απελευθέρωσης, τον κύριο παράγοντα επιτυχίας της, η διατριβή μελετά και προβλέπει την εξέλιξη της συγκέντρωσης και του ανταγωνισμού, που εκφράζονται από τα μερίδια αγοράς των παρόχων. Η αγορά ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας στην Ελλάδα χρησιμοποιείται ως μελέτη περίπτωσης. Τέλος, επιλέγεται η αγορά των προηγμένων ρομποτικών συστημάτων με IoT στον τομέα I4.0, όπου η διατριβή εστιάζει στην ανθρώπινη ασφάλεια. Οι απαιτήσεις αυτές και οι εξαρτήσεις τους αναπαρίστανται και η σημασία τους αξιολογείται κατά τη φάση σχεδιασμού του συστήματος. Η ανάλυση βασίζεται στις λειτουργικές απαιτήσεις του έργου HORSE. Η έρευνα της παρούσας διατριβής θεωρείται πρωταρχικής σημασίας, προκειμένου να αξιολογηθούν τα οικονομικά και κοινωνικά πλεονεκτήματα των ανατρεπτικών τεχνολογιών και να σχεδιαστούν κατάλληλες πολιτικές για διαρκή βελτίωση και επιτυχή εφαρμογή αυτών των αγορών από μια διαφορετική, μη τεχνολογικής φύσεως προοπτική.
Localization theory in higher homological algebra and triangulated categories
Authors: Λιάμπης Κωνσταντίνος
Published: October 2023

Στόχος της διατριβής είναι η ανάπτυξη της θεωρίας τοπικοποίησης των n-αβελιανών κατηγοριών και των n-τριγωνισμένων κατηγοριών. Ξεκινώντας με μία υπολογίσιμη κλάση μορφισμών S σε μία n-αβελιανή ή σε μία n-τριγωνισμένη κατηγορία, κατασκευάζουμε με καθολικό τρόπο μία τοπικοποιημένη n-αβελιανή ή μία n-τριγωνισμένη κατηγορία αντίστοιχα, όπου οι μορφισμοί της κλάσης S έχουν αντιστραφεί. Έτσι λύνεται ικανοποιητικά το πρόβλημα της τοπικοποίησης μίας n-αβελιανής ή μίας n-τριγωνισμένης κατηγορίας. Η διατριβή χωρίζεται σε τέσσερα κεφάλαια. Το Κεφαλαίο 1 αποτελεί μία σύντομη εισαγωγή στην Ανώτερη Ομολογική Άλγεβρα και στη γενική θεωρία Τοπικοποίησης με τη μορφή λογισμού κλασμάτων. Στο Κεφάλαιο 2, ορίζουμε την έννοια μίας ημι-n-αβελιανής (pre-n-abelian) κατηγορίας η οποία θα χρησιμοποιηθεί στην απόδειξη του κύριου αποτελέσματος στην τοπικοποίηση n-αβελιανών κατηγοριών. Στο Κεφάλαιο 3, αποδεικνύουμε το πρώτο κύριο αποτέλεσμα της διατριβής: για κάθε n-αβελιανή κατηγορία M και για κάθε υπολογίσιμο σύστημα μορφισμών S στην Μ, κατασκευάζουμε μία n-αβελιανή κατηγορία και έναν n-ακριβή συναρτητή, καθολικό ως προς όλους τους S-αντιστρεπτικούς n-ακριβείς συναρτητές από την M σε κάθε n-αβελιανή κατηγορία. Στο Κεφάλαιο 4, παρουσιάζουμε το δεύτερο κύριο αποτέλεσμα της διατριβής, αποδεικνύοντας ότι η τοπικοποίηση μίας n-τριγωνισμένης κατηγορίας είναι επίσης μία n-τριγωνισμένη κατηγορία, ο συναρτητής τοπικοποίησης είναι n-ακριβής και πληροί την επιθυμητή καθολική ιδιότητα.
Protocol for correlation of histological risk assessment/scoring system with a depth of invasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Sonone Archana , Hande Alka , Pakhale Aayushi , Gawande Madhuri , Patil Swati
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The commonest type of cancer in the head and neck region is oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) due to its high rates of occurrence and mortality. The early diagnosis of oral cancer gives better prognosis. Brandwein-Gensler criteria predict the early stage of OSCC cases with a high risk of locoregional recurrence.

Objectives: To correlate Brandwein-Gensler criteria and depth of invasion of OSCC with three-year survival.

Methodology:  In the study, hematoxylin-eosin (HE)-stained section slides will be used to evaluate Brandwein and Gensler criteria and depth of invasion in resected tissue specimens of OSCC cases.

Expected results: The present study will find the correlation between Brandwein-Gensler criteria and depth of invasion in OSCC in order to evaluate the locoregional recurrence in OSCC cases. In high-risk OSCC cases, there may be increased depth of invasion in resected tissues.  

Conclusions: We hypothesized that the correlation between Brandwein-Gensler criteria and depth of invasion can be used as an independent predictor for locoregional recurrence in OSCC.
Factors associated with scientific production citations in dentistry: Zero-inflated negative binomial regression and hurdle modelling
Authors: Millones-Gómez Pablo Alejandro , Minchón-Medina Carlos Alberto , Rodríguez-Salazar David Yeret , Delgado-Caramutti Jorge Gustavo Alonso , Valencia-Arias Alejandro
Published: October 2023

Background: The global scientific literature in dentistry has shown important advances in the field, with major contributions ranging from the analysis of the basic epidemiological aspects of prevention to specialised results in the field of dental treatments. The present investigation aimed to analyse the current state of the scientific literature on dentistry hosted in the Web of Science database.

Methods: The methodology included two phases in the analysis of articles and indexed reviews in all thematic areas. During the first phase, the following variables were analysed: scientific production by the publisher, the evolution of scientific output published by publishers, the factors associated with the impact of scientific production, and the modelling of the impact of scientific production on dentistry. During the second phase, associations, evolutions, and trends in the use of keywords in the scientific literature in dentistry were analysed.

Results: The first phase shows that scientific production in dentistry will increase between 2010 and 2021, reaching 12,126 articles in 2021. Publishers such as Wiley and Elsevier stand out, but Quintessence Publishing has the most citations. Factors such as pages, authors, and references influence the number of citations. Phase 2 analyzes trends in the dental literature using the WoS database. Topics such as "dental education", "pediatric dentistry", and "pandemic" stand out. The intersection of technology and dentistry and the importance of evidence-based education are highlighted.

Conclusions: In conclusion, the study shows that the most studied topics include the association of dental education and the curriculum, the association of pediatric dentistry with oral health, and dental care. The findings show that more recently emphasised topics also stand out, such as evidence-based dentistry, the COVID-19 pandemic, infection control, and endodontics, as well as the need for future research to expand current knowledge based on emerging topics in the scientific literature on dentistry.
Mouse frontal cortex nonlinearly encodes stimuli, choices, and outcomes
Authors: Wool Lauren , Lak Armin , Carandini Matteo , Harris Kenneth
Published: October 2023

Frontal area MOs (secondary motor area) is a key brain structure in rodents for making decisions based on sensory evidence and on reward value. Its neurons can encode sensory stimuli, upcoming choices, expected rewards, ongoing actions, and recent outcomes. However, the information encoded, and the nature of the resulting code, may depend on the task being performed. We recorded MOs population activity using two-photon calcium imaging, in a task requiring mice to integrate sensory evidence with reward value. Mice turned a wheel to report the location of a visual stimulus following a delay period, to receive a reward whose size varied over trial blocks. MOs neurons encoded multiple task variables, but not all of those seen in other tasks. In the delay period, MOs neurons strongly encoded the stimulus side but did not significantly encode the reward-size block. A correlation of MOs activity with upcoming choice could be explained by a common effect of stimuli on those two correlates. After the wheel turn and the feedback, the MOs population encoded choice side and choice outcome jointly and nonlinearly according to an exclusive-or (XOR) operation. This nonlinear operation would allow a downstream linear decoder to infer the correct choice side (i.e., the side that would have been rewarded) even on zero contrast trials, when there had been no visible stimulus. These results indicate that MOs neurons flexibly encode some but not all variables that determine behavior, depending on task. Moreover, they reveal that MOs activity can reflect a nonlinear combination of these behavioral variables, allowing simple linear inference of task events that would not have been directly observable.
The genome sequence of black horehound, Ballota nigra L. subsp. foetida (Lam.) Hayek (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Christenhusz Maarten J. M. , Fay Michael F. , Leitch Ilia J. ,   Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Plant Genome Sizing collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2023

We present a genome assembly from a specimen of Ballota nigra (black horehound; Tracheophyta; Magnoliopsida; Lamiales; Lamiaceae). The genome sequence is 1186.8 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 11 chromosomal pseudomolecules. Three mitochondrial chromosomes were assembled, with lengths of 148,17, 121,67 and 125,74 kilobases. The chloroplast genome has been assembled and is 151.91 kilobases in length.
The genome sequence of the wood mouse, Apodemus sylvaticus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Knowles Sarah C. L. , Raulo Aura ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Apodemus sylvaticus (the wood mouse; Chordata; Mammalia; Rodentia; Muridae). The genome sequence is 2,889.8 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 25 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X and Y sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.31 kilobases in length.
The genome sequence of common fleabane, Pulicaria dysenterica (L.) Bernh. (Asteraceae)
Authors: Christenhusz Maarten J. M. , Fay Michael F. ,   Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Plant Genome Sizing collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual Pulicaria dysenterica (common fleabane; Tracheophyta; Magnoliopsida; Asterales; Asteraceae). The genome sequence is 833.2 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 9 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genomes were assembled and have lengths of 375.47 kilobases and 150.94 kilobases respectively.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN OPTIMIZING TEAM WORK IN THE ORGANIZATION OF IT SERVICES
Authors: Fedorova Olga V. , Valeeva Yuliya S. , Pavlova Lyudmila V.
Published: October 2023

In modern conditions, teamwork management is carried out with the help of information systems, therefore, consideration of the aspects of their implementation in a group is relevant. to improve teamwork. within the framework of the theoretical block, the substantive component of the mechanisms for introducing information systems into teamwork is presented, the practical part of the study suggests a number of areas that can be taken into account when developing a professional technical assignment for an information system for the implementation of teamwork.

Purpose. The goal is to carry out analytical work to study existing information systems, to identify their advantages and disadvantages; analyze the business processes occurring in these information systems; analyze the resulting list of business processes in order to identify the degree of implementation of these business processes in the analyzed information systems. It is also necessary to analyze the effectiveness of using information systems to optimize the workflow.

Research methods: methods for optimizing teamwork, as well as approaches to optimizing teamwork.

Results: the obtained results clearly show the effectiveness of using information systems to optimize teamwork.

Practical implications: the results obtained can be recommended for implementation in commercial and government structures as a tool for effective work.
Robustness of Stochastic Optimal Control to Approximate Diffusion Models Under Several Cost Evaluation Criteria
Authors: Pradhan Somnath , Yüksel Serdar
Published: October 2023

In control theory, typically a nominal model is assumed based on which an optimal control is designed and then applied to an actual (true) system. This gives rise to the problem of performance loss because of the mismatch between the true and assumed models. A robustness problem in this context is to show that the error because of the mismatch between a true and an assumed model decreases to zero as the assumed model approaches the true model. We study this problem when the state dynamics of the system are governed by controlled diffusion processes. In particular, we discuss continuity and robustness properties of finite and infinite horizon α-discounted/ergodic optimal control problems for a general class of nondegenerate controlled diffusion processes as well as for optimal control up to an exit time. Under a general set of assumptions and a convergence criterion on the models, we first establish that the optimal value of the approximate model converges to the optimal value of the true model. We then establish that the error because of the mismatch that occurs by application of a control policy, designed for an incorrectly estimated model, to a true model decreases to zero as the incorrect model approaches the true model. We see that, compared with related results in the discrete-time setup, the continuous-time theory lets us utilize the strong regularity properties of solutions to optimality (Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman) equations, via the theory of uniformly elliptic partial differential equations, to arrive at strong continuity and robustness properties.

Funding: The research of S. Yüksel was partially supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
Smart Traffic Light Using YOLO Based Camera with Deep Reinforcement Learning Algorithm
Authors: Sahal Mochammad , Hidayat Zulkifli , Bilfaqih Yusuf , Hady Mohamad Abdul , Tampubolon Yosua Marthin Hawila
Published: October 2023

Congestion is a common problem that often occurs in big cities. Congestion causes a lot of losses, such as in terms of time, economy, to the psychology of road users. One of the causes of congestion is traffic lights that are not adaptive to the dynamics of traffic flow. This final project tries to solve this problem using a Reinforcement Learning approach combined with a SUMO (Simulation of Urban Mobility) traffic simulator. The data used is the real video data of the KD Cowek intersection, Surabaya. The video data is processed using the YOLO algorithm which will detect and count vehicles. The output of the video processing will be used in Reinforcement Learning. The result of Reinforcement Learning is that the total length of the traffic queue at 06.00 – 09.00 has an average of 106 vehicles.
Technique Tips: A Reflection on Mouth Mirrors: Types, Usage and Modifications
Authors: Bishayi Debolina , Suvarna Kavya , Singh Surmayee , Dutta Arindam , Thomas Manuel S
Published: October 2023

The mouth mirror is an essential tool in the dental armamentarium. Among its many functions, the most significant is being able to visualize aspects of the oral cavity that are not accessible visually with an appropriate operator posture. Various mouth mirrors are available and can differ in their design, head size and reflective surface. While in use, clinicians may encounter multiple circumstances that can hamper the quality of the reflected image. This in turn can negatively influence the diagnosis and treatment delivered. Hence, the purpose of this Technique Tip is to provide information on various designs of mouth mirrors as well as to provide solutions to counter the challenges associated with the use of mouth mirrors.

Clinical relevance: Sharp, bright, reflected images may be provided for dental clinicians using simple methods and other equipment associated with the mouth mirror.
On brain and body
Authors: Arnold Cath
Published: October 2023

Dr Cath Arnold reviews a complex study of the development of the body's reflexes
It adds up!
Authors: Weinstein Nicole
Published: October 2023

Practitioners with the right knowledge and resources can make maths meaningful for children and promote it throughout a setting's provision, discovers Nicole Weinstein
Back on track?
Authors: Parkes Jo
Published: October 2023

Jo Parkes gauges the scope and success of the Government's Education Recovery Plan so far, investigating its priorities, which include developing children's speech and language skills
team values: Same page
Authors: Watanbe Becky , Langstaff Kim
Published: October 2023

Becky Watanbe is early years manager and trainer/consultant, and Kim Langstaff is early years manager and compliance consultant, both at Acorn Early Years
Phone use policy
Authors: Jozwiak Gabriella
Published: October 2023

Our panel discuss how settings should manage staff members' use of mobile phones and smart watches while at work. By Gabriella Jozwiak
Cognitive Conflict Based on Thinking Errors in Constructing Mathematical Concept
Authors: HR Iwan Setiawan , Purwanto Purwanto , Sukoriyanto Sukoriyanto , Parta I Nengah
Published: October 2023

This study aims to evaluate cognitive conflict in constructing mathematical concepts, based on thinking errors. The data were collected through observations of words or sentences, leading to the derivation of qualitative outputs. Furthermore, the results showed that the two selected subjects experienced cognitive conflicts regarding thinking errors in mathematical concept construction. This selection process was conducted through the provision of the questions obtained in the first semester of mathematics, at Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia. These questions consisted of several indicators, with each of them having three components, namely the main, tracking, and supporting items. Based on the results, two subjects experienced thinking errors in constructing the concept of algebraic root form addition. This emphasized the errors in placing concepts (misplaced), pseudo-thinking, and misanalogy. A conflict was also observed between the initial concept knowledge of using variables in algebraic addition and the new principles understood through the root summation in algebra. Furthermore, there was also a conflict between the concept understanding he had in terms of the addition operation of the root form and a new understanding of the addition operation of the root form in algebra.
Methodology for University Mathematics Teaching Staff: Emotional-Technological-Ontological Logic Evaluation
Authors: Velazco Derling José Mendoza , Martínez Magda Francisca Cejas , Carmona Carmen Siavil Varguillas , Cejas Mercedes Carolina Navarro
Published: October 2023

The aim of the research was to develop a theoretical approach to describe the emotional and techno-ontological logic of mathematics teachers during distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of their emotional state on the learning process. The research approach used in this paper belongs to the qualitative paradigm. The study involved teachers and students from universities in Ecuador, both private and public. The study observed the behavior of teachers and students, analyzed the use of technology in mathematical activities, and analyzed personal opinions about the learning process of the participants of the study. A digital observation guide and open-ended interviews were used to collect data. The qualitative analysis program Atlas. Ti was used to analyze the data. The program created three categories: andragogical heterotopia of mathematics, emotional scar in teacher preparation, and perceptions of the educational process. As the results of the research showed, there was a deficit of digital professional training of teachers in the university teaching of mathematics. As a result of the research work carried out, a theoretical approach is proposed, through which it is possible to avoid the manifestation of techno-ontological logical emotions in mathematics teachers in Ecuadorian universities.
Lipoma of the gastrointestinal tract: a tertiary care centre experience
Authors: Kumar S , Harisankar AG , Singh R , Kumar A , Kumar B , Mandal M
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Gastrointestinal (GI) lipomas are rare; however, they are frequent enough to be considered in the differential diagnosis of gut tumours. Here, we present our experience with GI lipomas managed at our institute over the last three years.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with GI lipomas managed between January, 2020 and April, 2023 at a tertiary care centre. Clinical presentation, location, and details of surgical procedure were analysed.

Results

Ten patients were included, six of whom had lipoma in the colon, one in the stomach, and one each in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The mean age at the time of presentation was 48.8 years (range, 19–77 years), and strong male preponderance (4:1) was noted. Preoperative diagnosis of lipoma on cross-sectional imaging was possible in all patients. All patients were symptomatic and were managed surgically.

Conclusions

While GI lipomas are generally considered to be indolent and benign tumours, they can potentially lead to severe complications. The utilisation of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging has brought about a significant transformation in diagnosing this condition, enabling preoperative identification in most cases. The surgery offers a definitive treatment with minimal risk of postoperative complications.
What's in a Hearth? Preliminary Findings from the Margal Hunter-Gatherer Habitation in the Eastern Mongolian Gobi Desert
Authors: Pleuger Sarah , Breitenfeld Bastian , Zoljargal Altanbayar , Nelson Albert Russell , Honeychurch William , Amartuvshin Chunag
Published: October 2023

abstract: Today's image of people inhabiting the vast steppe landscapes of Mongolia is inseparably linked to mobile animal herding. Indeed, archaeologists have confirmed that human-animal communities comprised of human herders and domestic livestock roamed across Mongolia's grassland environment and utilized semi-arid to arid regions such as the Gobi steppe desert for thousands of years. However, it is much rarer to catch a glimpse of the time before the advent of pastoralism in this part of the world. During the Neolithic (ca. 6000–1800 b.c.), the Gobi was much less of a desert than it is today. Sparsely scattered archaeological sites testify to the presence of hunter-gatherer groups that successfully exploited rich wetland environments. As a result of the pedestrian survey carried out by the Dornod Mongol Survey in the greater region of Delgerkhaan Uul, we discovered in situ remains of a Neolithic habitation site. Excavations at the Margal site uncovered a stratified hearth and a lithic assemblage embedded in a habitation layer and accompanied by a few faunal bone fragments. Our finds correspond with the Oasis 2 stage (ca. 6000–3000 b.c.) of the scheme established by Janz and colleagues dividing the Mongolian Neolithic into phases based on habitation, as well as subsistence patterns and technology. However, some typical Oasis 2 markers such as pottery and grinding tools are missing from the small assemblage uncovered from test excavations in 2017 and 2018. Margal likely belonged to a regional network of extended hunter-gatherer occupation relying on wild plant and faunal resources. The site represents the first of its kind in the region and has potential to shed light on hunter-gatherer subsistence and habitation decisions. In concert with adjacent archaeological surface scatters and contextualized in the supraregional network of hunter-gatherer habitation, it will contribute to refining current models of lifeways and transformations in Mongolian prehistory.
Being taken for a ride: Social and technological externalist complements to the internalist reading of the Buddhist chariot similes
Authors: Hannes Tom
Published: October 2023

Slavoj Zizek's (2014) criticism of Western Buddhism for being a late capitalist opiate of the people is partly unwarranted and partly of undeniable relevance. His implicit assumption is that Buddhism is an internalist path that only looks into in the individual inner world, leaving harmful societal systems in peace. This paper offers a response to Zizek's analysis, by interpreting the chariot simile in the Buddhist Pali Canon. Even though Pali chariot similes indeed support an internalist perspective, some of them also allow for a reading that opens up to two 'externalist' complements: the social outer world and the technological environment. In this way, while acknowledging Zizek's criticism, we point at Buddhist philosophy's inherent potential for developing a social-technological critical stance, for instance by linking it to mediation theory.
Photonic instantaneous microwave frequency measurement based on frequency-phase mapping with high precision
Authors: Gao Jing , Ma Jianxin
Published: October 2023

This paper presents an instantaneous microwave frequency measurement scheme based on a frequency-phase mapping technique. In our scheme, a low-frequency (LF) reference signal and two microwave signals with a relative time delay are modulated on the optical carriers via two dual-parallel Mach–Zehnder modulators. The generated electrical signal has the same frequency as that of the LF reference signal, but with a phase shift, which depends on the microwave signal frequency and the time delay. Therefore, a linear frequency-phase mapping function with a high slope is constructed, which improves the accuracy of the whole frequency measurement range. The scheme has a compact structure without an optical filter and polarization devices, which enhances the long-term stability of the system. The simulation shows that our scheme has a 4.1–40 GHz frequency measurement range with errors less than ±0.04 GHz.
Low-complexity characterized-long-short-term-memory-aided channel modeling for optical fiber communications
Authors: You Xingwang , Chang Huan , Zhang Qi , Gao Ran , Li Yuzhe , Tian Feng , Tian Qinghua , Wang Yongjun , Guo Dong , Liu Xingyu , Xin Xiangjun
Published: October 2023

In this work, a low-complexity data-driven
characterized-long-short-term-memory (C-LSTM)-aided channel modeling
technique is proposed for optical single-mode fiber (SMF)
communications. To fully utilize the sequence correlation learning
ability of traditional long short-term memory (LSTM) networks and
solve the gradient explosion problem, the feature information is
introduced into the traditional LSTM input layer to better
characterize the intersymbol interference caused by dispersion in SMF
modeling. The simulation results show that the proposed C-LSTM can
effectively alleviate the gradient explosion problem with a stable and
ultimately lower mean square error (MSE) than traditional LSTM.
Compared with the split-step Fourier method (SSFM) and the conditional
generative adversarial network (CGAN), the proposed C-LSTM has
superior computational complexity. Moreover, due to the sequence
correlation learning ability inherent to C-LSTM, coupled with the
flexibility of feature information selection, the proposed
C-LSTM-aided modeling technique has a higher modeling accuracy than
traditional LSTM. Moreover, the C-LSTM-aided modeling technique can be
effectively extended to other channel modeling applications with
strong sequence correlations.
Discrete Hartley transform-based dual-mode index modulation OFDM for visible light communications
Authors: Xu Xian-Ying , Zhang Qi , Yue Dian-Wu
Published: October 2023

Using discrete Hartley transform (DHT) instead of discrete Fourier transform (DFT) in the optical index modulation (IM) aided orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems for visible light communications (VLC) results in improvement in terms of the spectral efficiency, energy efficiency, peak-to-average power ratio, and bit error rate (BER) performance with a lower computational complexity, benefiting from the removal of the Hermitian symmetry. In this paper, by employing dual-mode (DM) index modulation in the DHT-based OFDM systems, more spectral efficient schemes for VLC are proposed. A reduced-complexity maximum likelihood (ML) detector and a simple log-likelihood ratio (LLR) detector for the DM-OFDM-IM systems are presented, achieving a better performance with a lower complexity over the traditional detectors. The spectral efficiency and the average BER are analyzed. The minimum distance between different transmitted subblock vectors is calculated for characterizing the performance. The simulation results demonstrate that the DHT-based DM-OFDM-IM systems achieve significant performance gains over the DHT-based OFDM-IM counterparts and perform better than the DFT-based counterparts in terms of the spectral efficiency and BER performance.
Second harmonic generation in anisotropic stratified media: a generalization of the Berreman method and its application to photonic
materials
Authors: Ortega J. , Folcia C. L. , Etxebarria J.
Published: October 2023

We have developed a numerical method for calculating the second-harmonic generation (SHG) generated by an anisotropic material whose
optical properties present an arbitrary modulation in one dimension. The method is based on the Berreman 4 × 4 matrix
formalism, which is generalized to include nonlinear optical phenomena. It can be used under oblique incidences of the input beam, and is
valid even when the SHG frequency is close to photonic bands, where the usual slowly-varying-amplitude approximation breaks down. As an
example of application, we have studied the SHG performance of ferroelectric and helielectric fluids. The obtained results indicate that the
present procedure may contribute to improving the structural design and enlarging the variety of nonlinear optical materials for application
in optical devices.
Independently switchable dual-passband frequency-selective surface design based on characteristic mode analysis
Authors: Xiong Jie , Lin Hai , Wang Kun , Wang Weilong , Yang Baoping
Published: October 2023

High-order bandpass filtering responses are highly desirable for frequency-selective surfaces (FSSs) in narrowband antenna/radar systems. In this paper, the design process of a reconfigurable dual-band FSS with second-order response is presented. Initially, the basic dumbbell-shaped resonator used in this design is theoretically investigated using the characteristic mode analysis (CMA) method to study the relation between geometric design parameters and the excited orthogonal resonance modes in different frequency bands. Then, an additional CMA process was performed on a unit cell with four such patch resonators arranged with 90-degree rotation between adjacent ones. This detailed analysis leads to a polarization-independent FSS design with a high-order dual-band response. Two of these composite resonators are combined back-to-back through coupling apertures on the middle layer. Finally, PIN diodes are loaded on separate layers to realize independent pass-band switching. The loading place of the PIN diodes is carefully chosen based on electromagnetic field analysis. A prototype was also fabricated and experimentally tested. Experimental results show that this FSS has two independently switchable passbands centered at 3 GHz and 4.8 GHz.