bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial determinants of bankruptcy in the Greek hotel sector
Authors: Ρωμανόπουλος Αθανάσιος
Published: May 2024

Σκοπός της διατριβής είναι να διερευνήσει τους χρηματοοικονομικούς παράγοντες πτώχευσης ελληνικών ξενοδοχειακών επιχειρήσεων. Για το λόγο αυτό, η εργασία χωρίζεται σε δύο μέρη. Το πρώτο περιλαμβάνει το θεωρητικό σκέλος, όπου η σχετική βιβλιογραφία μελετήθηκε ενδελεχώς. Καθορίζοντας το εννοιολογικό πλαίσιο, οι βασικές θέσεις αυτής της διόδου έρευνας συζητούνται. Το βασικό επιχείρημα είναι ότι οι κλάδοι διαφέρουν και η κλαδική έρευνα πιθανόν να φέρει καλύτερα αποτελέσματα. Μία συστηματική ανασκόπηση διεξάγεται επίσης, με σκοπό να δοθεί η κατάσταση της βιβλιογραφίας αναφορικά με τη σχέση αριθμοδεικτών και εταιρικής αποτυχίας ξενοδοχείων. Το δεύτερο μέρος της διατριβής, θέτει το μεθοδολογικό υπόβαθρο. Σαν ποσοτικό εργαλείο επιλέγεται η λογιστική παλινδρόμηση πολλαπλών περιόδων, και τα διαθέσιμα 5,500 ξενοδοχεία εκ των οποίων 13 πτωχεύσανε, αναλύονται στο λογισμικό Stata. Τα βασικά αποτελέσματα δείξανε ότι η μόχλευση και το μέγεθος σε όρους ενεργητικού αυξάνουν την πιθανότητα πτώχευσης ενώ η κάλυψη υποχρεώσεων με κέρδη προ φόρων, τόκων και αποσβέσεων τη μειώνει. Στα αποτελέσματα έγινε έλεγχος εξειδίκευσης και μεγαλύτερου χρονικού ορίζοντα και παρέμειναν ανθεκτικά. Πραγματοποιήθηκαν συγκρίσεις με δύο σχετικές ελληνικές εργασίες, με το βασικό μοντέλο να αποδεικνύεται καλύτερο σε όρους ευαισθησίας και συνάφειας μεταβλητών. Ένα σημαντικό εύρημα της ανάλυσης είναι η θετική επίδραση του μεγέθους, που έρχεται σε αντίθεση με το αρνητικό πρόσημο που συνήθως απαντάται στη βιβλιογραφία και στη μία εργασία σύγκρισης που εξέτασε όλη την οικονομία, δίνοντας στοιχεία αφενός ότι η αρχή του “πολύ μεγάλο για να αποτύχει” δεν ισχύει στο συγκεκριμένο δείγμα και αφετέρου για την ανάπτυξη κλαδικών μοντέλων, καθώς ένα μοντέλο μπορεί να μην είναι εξίσου αποδοτικό υπό διαφορετικές συνθήκες.
The impact of DNA damage on transcriptional stress in mammals
Authors: Σιαμέτης Αθανάσιος
Published: May 2024

Καταστάσεις που επηρεάζουν τη φυσιολογική διαδικασία της μεταγραφής και οδηγούν σε μεταγραφικό στρες, αποτελούν μία πολύ σημαντική απειλή για την κυτταρική λειτουργία και τη γενωμική σταθερότητα. Οι ακριβείς μηχανισμοί που μπορούν να οδηγήσουν σε μεταγραφικό στρες και το πώς αυτή η κατάσταση επηρεάζει την κυτταρική φυσιολογία, δεν είναι γνωστά. Στην παρούσα μελέτη δείχνουμε ότι σε Tcea1-/- κύτταρα, στα οποία επηρεάζεται η διαδικασία της επιμήκυνσης κατά τη μεταγραφή λόγω της απουσίας του TFIIS, παρατηρείται παύση της RNA πολυμεράσης II (RNAPII) σε σημεία στο DNA που έχουν υποστεί οξειδωτική βλάβη, μειωμένα επίπεδα μεταγραφής, συσσώρευση R-loops, δυσλειτουργικά τελομερή, χρωματινικές γέφυρες και γενικά εκτεταμένη γενωμική αστάθεια, η οποία οδηγεί σε πρόωρη γήρανση αυτών των κυττάρων. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, δείχνουμε ότι η συσσώρευση τελομερικών R-loops είναι μία από τις κύριες αιτίες απελευθέρωσης τελομερικών κομματιών DNA στο κυτταρόπλασμα τόσο των Tcea1-/- κυττάρων, όσο και στο κυτταρόπλασμα φυσιολογικά γηρασμένων κυττάρων, προκαλώντας ανοσολογική απόκριση. Επίσης, προτείνουμε έναν μέχρι τώρα άγνωστο μηχανισμό, σύμφωνα με τον οποίο τα Tcea1-/- κύτταρα απελευθερώνουν εξωκυττάρια κυστίδια τα οποία περιέχουν τελομερικά κομμάτια DNA, και έχουν την ικανότητα να προκαλούν ένα φαινότυπο πρώιμης γήρανσης σε γειτονικά, υγιή κύτταρα. Συνολικά, τα παραπάνω ευρήματα εξηγούν τη λειτουργική αλληλεπίδραση μεταξύ μεταγραφικού στρες, ανοσολογικής ενεργοποίησης και πρόκλησης πρώιμης κυτταρικής γήρανσης, με σημαντικές συνέπειες για τη φυσιολογική γήρανση και ίσως την πρώιμη έναρξη νοσημάτων σχετικών με τη γήρανση.
The use of small group based educational interventions in General Practice to improve antimicrobial prescribing behaviours: a mixed methods systematic review protocol
Authors: Roche Kevin F , Maher Anthony , Morrissey Eimear C , Dunne Rosie , Murphy Andrew W , Molloy Gerard J
Published: May 2024

Background Inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents in healthcare settings is one area that has received attention as a possible route to mitigate the threat of antimicrobial resistance. Globally, the highest consumption of antimicrobials in human healthcare originates from prescriptions in Primary Care. Strategies to increase appropriate antibiotic prescribing, which can mean not prescribing an antibiotic e.g. cases of viral infection, have been developed and evaluated. This systematic review aims to review the literature of studies of group based in person educational interventions designed to increase appropriate antibiotic prescribing behaviours in General Practice settings. Methods EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE and PsycINFO will be systematically searched from inception until February 2024 for primary studies of group based educational interventions designed to improve the antimicrobial prescribing behaviours in General Practice. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies that report on the phenomenon of interest will be included. All identified articles will be double screened at title and abstract level. One reviewer will then screen all included studies at full text level, extract the data, code the intervention and perform risk of bias assessment with a second reviewer performing verification of a randomly selected 20% of the articles. We will use an integrated approach to mixed method systematic reviews and will perform a narrative, or if possible quantitative, synthesis. Discussion The review will identify and assess the efficacy and / or effectiveness of small group based educational interventions designed to improve the antibiotic prescribing behaviours of General Practitioners. By using a mixed methods approach we aim to identify the salient content of the included interventions and the perspectives of participants on the content and delivery of the included interventions. We will use the findings to inform the design and content of a small group educational intervention for GP registrars.
PVDF membranes for membrane distillation prepared by VIPS – A combined study of artificial water channel effectiveness and membrane performance prediction
Authors: Nursiah Kelvinraj , Bohr Sven Johann , Atfane Loubna Karfane , Cerneaux Sophie , Barbe Stéphan , Barboiu Mihail Dumitru
Published: May 2024

Background A combined VIPS-NIPS technique was used to investigate the potential of self-supporting flat-sheet polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes containing amphiphilic I-quartet Artificial Water Channels (AWC) for Direct Contact Membrane Distillation (DCMD). The AWC are formed in situ by self-assembly of HC6 molecules upon contact with water during membrane formation. Methods A Design of Experiment (DoE) was used to investigate the influence of various experimental parameters and their interactions on membrane performance, namely polymer and AWC concentrations in the dope solution, relative humidity and duration of the VIPS treatment. Pure water permeability (PWP), Liquid Entry Pressure (LEP) and DCMD flux were used to characterize membrane performance. A Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the DoE results and a second order model was fitted. Based on the model predictions several multiple response-optimized (MRO) membranes were prepared. Results The performance improvement of the MRO membranes was 7.0 times for PWP (M-T4) and 3.3 times for MD flux (M-T3) over the average performance of the DoE membranes, while maintaining LEP of 1.9 bar and Salt rejection of 99.9%. In addition, hybrid PVDF/HC6 MRO membranes improved PWP by 3.2 times and MD flux by 1.6 times over pure PVDF MRO membranes. Conclusions DoE in conjunction with RSM enabled the prediction of membrane PWP, LEP and MD flux performance by varying the levels of the experimental parameters within predefined limits. The HC6 additive improves PWP and MD flux without loss of LEP or selectivity. HC6 promotes the formation of porous skin and asymmetric cross-sections with finger-like structures. Probably by affecting diffusion during phase separation due to its amphiphilic properties.
An in-depth analysis of data reduction methods for sustainable deep learning
Authors: Perera-Lago Javier , Toscano-Duran Victor , Paluzo-Hidalgo Eduardo , Gonzalez-Diaz Rocio , Gutiérrez-Naranjo Miguel A. , Rucco Matteo
Published: May 2024

In recent years, Deep Learning has gained popularity for its ability to solve complex classification tasks, increasingly delivering better results thanks to the development of more accurate models, the availability of huge volumes of data and the improved computational capabilities of modern computers. However, these improvements in performance also bring efficiency problems, related to the storage of datasets and models, and to the waste of energy and time involved in both the training and inference processes. In this context, data reduction can help reduce energy consumption when training a deep learning model. In this paper, we present up to eight different methods to reduce the size of a tabular training dataset, and we develop a Python package to apply them. We also introduce a representativeness metric based on topology to measure how similar are the reduced datasets and the full training dataset. Additionally, we develop a methodology to apply these data reduction methods to image datasets for object detection tasks. Finally, we experimentally compare how these data reduction methods affect the representativeness of the reduced dataset, the energy consumption and the predictive performance of the model.
Urinalysis in primary care doctor practice
Authors: Szewczyk Bartlomiej , Szewczyk Kamila , Pytel Paulina , Krzesłowska Wiktoria Julia , Hołownia Weronika , Wiśniewski Szymon
Published: May 2024

Introduction:
A urinalysis is a simple diagnostic test which is used to detect wide range of disorders including urinary tract infections, kidney disease and diabetes. Moreover, it can be an useful tool to monitor a medical condition. A urine analysis might be a part of routine medical exam in order to check patient’s health condition but it is not recommended as a preventive screening test in the population. We believe that this article will contribute to spreading important knowledge especially in primary care.
Aim of the study:
The aim of the article is to collect and summarize basic information on urinalysis. We collected elemental information about routine urine examination, which includes assessment of physical properties, chemical properties and sediment composition. This knowledge is useful in the daily practice of a primary care doctor.
Material and methods:
Literature available in the PubMed database, ScienceDirect and ClinicalKey was reviewed using the following keywords: “Urinalysis”;  “Urine sediment”, “Urinary tract infection”
Conclusions:
The ability of proper urine analysis is crucial in clinical practice. Performing the test is technically simple and widely available. It is important to be aware of the limitations of urine analysis. Therefore if results of urinalysis is unusual, it is necessary to require more testing to find the source of the medical issue.
Let’s open our eyes to the importance of vaginal microbiota. Correlation between dysbiosis and HPV infection: A review
Authors: Kostrzewa Patrycja , Kostrzewa Michał , Anioł Maciej Sergiusz , Palmerska Anna , Piela Andrzej , Piela Kinga , Przybyła Olga Katarzyna , Szurma Anna , Szurma Rafał , Pacek Szymon
Published: May 2024

Infections with the human papillomavirus (HPV) are one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases and are the main cause of precancerous changes and cervical cancer development. However, mere infection does not guarantee the development of disease or carcinogenesis. For this to occur, high-risk types of HPV must integrate into the host cell genome, transitioning into a persistent form of infection.
Following the discovery of risk factors for HPV infection and factors predisposing infection to a persistent form, the number of studies investigating the correlation between vaginal dysbiosis and infection has significantly increased. Numerous studies document a significant association between the state of vaginal bacterial flora and HPV infection, leading to the development of plentiful studies on infection pathogenesis, risk factors, prevention, and treatment methods using bacteria. In this paper, based on recently published studies and current state of science knowledge, we will outline the topic of vaginal microbiome, emphasize the importance of bacteria inhabiting the vagina for human health, and identify the problem of changes in vaginal microflora. We would like to contribute to the dissemination of knowledge about the vaginal microbiome and general knowledge about taking care of its health. We will also summarize available treatment methods based on bacterial environment and discuss those methods for which research is currently underway or should be initiated.
How electronic devices affect the sleep of young people: summary of current knowledge
Authors: Sysło Oliwia , Jung Maximilian , Jung Magdalena , Jaworski Aleksander , Słowińska Barbara , Jasiński Dawid , Jung Samuel , Woźniak Kinga , Jędral Krystian , Czyż Sandra
Published: May 2024

Introduction and purpose: The impact of electronic devices on our daily lives is becoming increasingly significant. The contemporary generation of young people is growing up in a world where smartphones, tablets, computers, and other electronic devices are widely available and utilized. Scientists are contemplating the challenges posed by excessive exploitation of electronics on the health of young individuals. The aim of the article is to present the harmful effects of using electronic devices before sleep in young people, considering medical aspects such as sleep disorders and their influence on overall psychophysical health.
Summary: Electronic devices negatively affect the sleep of young people by reducing sleep time and delaying the sleep onset phase. The main problem is the use of electronic devices without time limits. In the era of technology, it is significantly important to raise awareness among young people about the importance of sleep hygiene and how blue light emitted by electronic devices affects its quality.
Will Tirzepatide become a game-changer in the pharmacological treatment of obesity? - literature review
Authors: Doryń Aleksandra , Woźniak Kinga , Jung Magdalena , Jung Maximilian , Hedesz Patryk , Warzycka Klaudia , Gardian-Baj Monika , Szczerbiak Alicja , Ulicka Wiktoria , Kuśmierczyk Katarzyna , Maliszewska Karolina
Published: May 2024

Introduction and objective: Obesity has become an important public health issue in Poland. Furthermore, it is one of the most common preventable causes of diseases and mortality. Pharmacological methods of treating obesity have been developing significantly in recent years.Tirzepatide is a new dual incretin receptor agonist that activates both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors. The aim of this review is to assess the effectiveness of this medication in reducing body weight.
Current state of knowledge: According to data from the Central Statistical Office (GUS) in Poland, 65% of men and 49% of women are struggling with the issue of excessive body weight [1]. Obesity in Polish society is steadily increasing in every age group. However, it affects most significantly children aged 7-13 years and adolescents. In 2022, the novel dual GLP and GIP-1 agonist has been registered for the treatment of type 2 diabetes which is not satisfactorily controlled. It can be also used together with diet and physical activity in patients diagnosed with obesity (BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more) or who are overweight (BMI 27-30 kg/m2) and have weight-related health problems such as hypertension, metabolic syndrome, dislipidaemia and diabetes mellitus [2].
Summary: The increasing prevalence of obesity leads to a dynamic search for the most effective pharmacological methods of treating obesity. The combined activation of GLP-1 and GIP receptors by Tirzepatide has been shown to have additional benefits beyond satisfying glucose control. The biological mechanism of action of this medication additionally causes decreased food intake, slowed gastric emptying and enhanced insulin secretion, all of which can contribute to weight reduction.
Catastrophic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator misclassification of ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Veliawan Zhafran , Rizal Ardian , Prasetya Indra , Prastya Adhika
Published: May 2024

Inappropriate therapy is a frequent adverse consequence of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. Inappropriate therapy often occurs due to the misinterpretation of sinus tachycardia or atrial fibrillation/flutter with rapid atrioventricular conduction by the device. Current implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) mechanisms integrate various discriminators into algorithms to differentiate supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) from ventricular tachycardia (VT), to prevent such occurrences. A 40-year-old man suffered seizures and cardiac arrest abruptly, without prior complaints of chest pain. Without delay, he initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), resulting in the regaining of spontaneous circulation. The patient had previously received a single-chamber ICD due to recurring VT and a prior episode of cardiac arrest. The patient had a medical background of coronary artery disease with complete revascularisation and no previous occurrence of SVT. Interrogating the ICD revealed captured non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) and SVT events but no VT episode or shock therapy. During the specified time period, the patient underwent an electrophysiological study, and no SVT was induced with the normal function of the atrioventricular and sinoatrial nodes. Various causes can lead to errors in morphology discrimination criteria in single-chamber ICDs. Extending the detection interval is highly recommended to avoid misclassification of ICDs.
Knowledge brokering inside the policy making process: an analysis of evidence use inside a UK government department
Authors: Shaxson Louise , Hood Rick , Boaz Annette , Head Brian
Published: May 2024

Background

Knowledge brokering plays an important role in the evidence-to-policy system, but little is known about whether and how it occurs within government departments.

Aims and objectives

Using empirical evidence from one UK government department, this article analyses how knowledge brokering takes place inside the policy making process and what shapes brokering activities.

Methods

Between 2019 and 2021, 25 semi-structured interviews were conducted with current and former senior officials at the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). We combined existing knowledge brokering frameworks to investigate the daily activities of a group of officials known internally as ‘evidence specialists’.

Findings

Defra’s evidence specialists routinely performed a range of activities to improve the uptake and use of evidence by their ‘policy maker’ colleagues. These conformed well to our knowledge brokering framework and included informing, relational, framing, institutional and some co-production activities. They could act as brokers because of the separation of roles of evidence specialists and policy makers; and their brokering work was shaped by organisational, structural and process factors.

Discussion and conclusion

Knowledge brokering can play a key role in improving evidence use inside government departments, though this may vary between jurisdictions because different administrations may vary the roles and functions of groups of civil servants. Understanding how different roles could contribute to a brokering approach to evidence use would help fill a gap in researchers’ understanding about the evidence-to-policy process and help government departments formalise and strengthen the ways they acquire and interpret evidence to inform policy decisions.
Imaging simulation and restoration for a mobile-based long-focus camera with optical stabilization
Authors: Qiu Tianchen , Zhou Jingwen , Feng Huajun , Li Qi , Li Tongyue , Chen Yueting
Published: May 2024

Image stabilization technology of the mobile-based long-focus camera is an influential factor that limits the imaging quality. Among them, the periscope lens system is a common choice and is capable of compensating for the external vibration by rotating its prism. To further investigate the impact of residual vibration during the optical image stabilization process, we propose an imaging simulation method to quantify the degradation and construct the corresponding dataset for training. We decompose the degradation into translation perpendicular to the optical axis on the image plane and defocus parallel to the optical axis. The defocus blur pattern is modified to better reproduce the spatially variant deterioration caused by defocus. Constructing synthetic datasets through our proposed imaging simulation method significantly reduces the cost of training the post-processing network while enhancing the imaging quality. Extensive experiments demonstrate the accuracy of our proposed method and the superiority of our synthetic dataset.
X-ray fluorescence detection system for trace elements in oil based on graphite curved crystal technology
Authors: Lu Chenyang , Li Qiang , Li Wenzhong , Wang Kun , Zhang Pei , Wu Min , Liu Zhaogui
Published: May 2024

Curved crystal technology is a key technology in the field of X-ray fluorescence trace detection. To detect trace sulfur, chlorine, and silicon in oil, the key parameters of Johann-type graphite curved crystal design were calculated based on geometrical optics theory and mathematical modeling, and a curved crystal optical system was designed. Subsequently, the hardware, firmware, software, and mechanical structure were designed according to specific requirements. Following the development of the relevant equipment, laboratory tests were performed on standard petroleum samples. Experimental results show that technology based on bent crystals can significantly reduce the detection limit of the instrument, and the detection limit of sulfur, chlorine, and silicon can reach below 1 ppm. In accordance with the experimental results, possible interference factors were analyzed, and suitable solutions were proposed. The performance of the proposed system was thus directly verified, showcasing its applicability in detecting trace elements.
HiLo microscopy with caustic illumination
Authors: Hu Guorong , Greene Joseph , Zhu Jiabei , Yang Qianwan , Zheng Shuqi , Li Yunzhe , Alido Jeffrey , Guo Ruipeng , Mertz Jerome , Tian Lei
Published: May 2024

HiLo microscopy is an optical sectioning structured illumination microscopy technique based on computationally combining two images: one with uniform illumination and the other with structured illumination. The most widely used structured illumination in HiLo microscopy is random speckle patterns, due to their simplicity and resilience to tissue scattering. Here, we present a novel HiLo microscopy strategy based on random caustic patterns. Building on an off-the-shelf diffuser and a low-coherence LED source, we demonstrate that caustic HiLo can achieve 4.5 µm optical sectioning capability with a 20× 0.75 NA objective. In addition, with the distinct intensity statistical properties of caustic patterns, we show that our caustic HiLo outperforms speckle HiLo, achieving enhanced optical sectioning capability and preservation of fine features by imaging scattering fixed brain sections of 100 µm, 300 µm, and 500 µm thicknesses. We anticipate that this new structured illumination technique may find various biomedical imaging applications.
Higher-order beyond-band discrete solitons in binary waveguide arrays
Authors: Tran Minh C. , Tran Truong X.
Published: May 2024

We study higher-order beyond-band discrete solitons (HOBBDSs) and quasi-HOBBDSs, which can be constructed by multiplying the solutions of fundamental single-peaked beyond-band discrete solitons by a soliton order parameter larger than unity. In the quasi-continuous regime when the HOBBDS peak amplitude is low (thus its width is large) and the soliton order parameter is a small integer number, HOBBDSs periodically evolve during propagation and their dynamics are similar to those of higher-order solitons governed by the nonlinear Schrödinger equation in an optical fiber, including the periodicity, pattern evolution, and independence of the period length on the soliton order parameter. If the soliton order parameter is still small but not an integer, then one can obtain the quasi-HOBBDSs whose profiles almost periodically evolve during propagation. The breathing length of quasi-HOBBDSs decreases if the soliton order parameter increases. Moreover, the breathing length of quasi-HOBBDSs is approximately inversely proportional to the square values of the peak amplitude of the fundamental beyond-band discrete solitons, just like what happens with the period length of the higher-order solitons governed by the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. If the fundamental beyond-band discrete solitons are intense enough and/or the soliton order parameter is large enough, then most of the energy of the beams is eventually trapped in a single waveguide.
Advanced Solid-State Lasers: feature issue introduction
Authors: Bowers Mark S. , Camy Patrice , Dubinskii Mark , Kaneda Yushi , Segonds Patricia
Published: May 2024

This joint issue of Optics Express and Optical Materials Express features 23 peer-reviewed articles primarily by authors who participated in the Advanced Solid State Lasers conference, which was part of the Optica Laser Congress held in Tacoma, Washington, USA on October 8-12, 2023. This review provides a brief summary of these articles covering the latest developments in laser gain materials and nonlinear crystals, mode-locked lasers, fiber lasers and amplifiers, nonlinear optical sources, and novel concepts in laser design.
On the multipath interference mitigation for high-speed IM-DD transmissions with Nyquist subcarrier modulation
Authors: Qiu Yongfeng , Wei Can , Xiang Meng , Zhou Gai , Li Jilong , Zhang Cong , Li Jianping , Peng Di , Fu Songnian , Qin Yuwen
Published: May 2024

The performance of high-speed intensity modulation direct detection (IM-DD) transmissions is severely degraded due to the occurrence of multipath interference (MPI), especially when a higher-order modulation format is utilized. Here, we propose and demonstrate, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, that a Nyquist subcarrier modulation (Nyquist-SCM) format inherently exhibits resistance to the MPI. We experimentally evaluate the MPI tolerance by transmitting 56 Gbit/s PAM-4 signals and Nyquist-SCM 16QAM signals over the 2 km standard single-mode fiber (SSMF) when the C-band semiconductor laser with a linewidth of 1.7 MHz is utilized. In comparison with the PAM-4 format, the Nyquist-SCM 16QAM format can lead to an enhanced MPI tolerance of 4 dB at the KP4-FEC threshold of BER = 2 × 10−4. In addition, even with the help of MPI mitigation for the PAM-4 signals based on two newly reported methods, the utilization of Nyquist-SCM 16QAM signal can still guarantee an improved MPI tolerance of 1 dB.
Simple visual stimuli are sufficient to drive responses in action observation and execution neurons in macaque ventral premotor cortex
Authors: De Schrijver Sofie , Decramer Thomas , Janssen Peter
Published: May 2024

Neurons responding during action execution and action observation were discovered in the ventral premotor cortex 3 decades ago. However, the visual features that drive the responses of action observation/execution neurons (AOENs) have not been revealed at present. We investigated the neural responses of AOENs in ventral premotor area F5c of 4 macaques during the observation of action videos and crucial control stimuli. The large majority of AOENs showed highly phasic responses during the action videos, with a preference for the moment that the hand made contact with the object. They also responded to an abstract shape moving towards but not interacting with an object, even when the shape moved on a scrambled background, implying that most AOENs in F5c do not require the perception of causality or a meaningful action. Additionally, the majority of AOENs responded to static frames of the videos. Our findings show that very elementary stimuli, even without a grasping context, are sufficient to drive responses in F5c AOENs.
The promise and pitfalls of synteny in phylogenomics
Authors: Steenwyk Jacob L. , King Nicole
Published: May 2024

Reconstructing the tree of life remains a central goal in biology. Early methods, which relied on small numbers of morphological or genetic characters, often yielded conflicting evolutionary histories, undermining confidence in the results. Investigations based on phylogenomics, which use hundreds to thousands of loci for phylogenetic inquiry, have provided a clearer picture of life’s history, but certain branches remain problematic. To resolve difficult nodes on the tree of life, 2 recent studies tested the utility of synteny, the conserved collinearity of orthologous genetic loci in 2 or more organisms, for phylogenetics. Synteny exhibits compelling phylogenomic potential while also raising new challenges. This Essay identifies and discusses specific opportunities and challenges that bear on the value of synteny data and other rare genomic changes for phylogenomic studies. Synteny-based analyses of highly contiguous genome assemblies mark a new chapter in the phylogenomic era and the quest to reconstruct the tree of life.
Competition between physical search and a weak-to-strong transition rate-limits kinesin binding times
Authors: Nguyen Trini , Narayanareddy Babu Reddy Janakaloti , Gross Steven P. , Miles Christopher E.
Published: May 2024

The self-organization of cells relies on the profound complexity of protein-protein interactions. Challenges in directly observing these events have hindered progress toward understanding their diverse behaviors. One notable example is the interaction between molecular motors and cytoskeletal systems that combine to perform a variety of cellular functions. In this work, we leverage theory and experiments to identify and quantify the rate-limiting mechanism of the initial association between a cargo-bound kinesin motor and a microtubule track. Recent advances in optical tweezers provide binding times for several lengths of kinesin motors trapped at varying distances from a microtubule, empowering the investigation of competing models. We first explore a diffusion-limited model of binding. Through Brownian dynamics simulations and simulation-based inference, we find this simple diffusion model fails to explain the experimental binding times, but an extended model that accounts for the ADP state of the molecular motor agrees closely with the data, even under the scrutiny of penalizing for additional model complexity. We provide quantification of both kinetic rates and biophysical parameters underlying the proposed binding process. Our model suggests that a typical binding event is limited by ADP state rather than physical search. Lastly, we predict how these association rates can be modulated in distinct ways through variation of environmental concentrations and physical properties.
Prevalence of dyslipidemia, hypertension and diabetes among tribal and rural population in a south Indian forested region
Authors: Mallikarjuna Majgi Sumanth , Channa Basappa Yogish , Belagihalli Manjegowda Srikanta , Nageshappa Savitha , Suresh Harshini , Babu Giridhar R. , Srinivas Prashanth Nuggehalli
Published: May 2024

While NCDs are in rise globally, tribal and rural populations residing near to reserve forests with limited exposure to modern lifestyles may bear a unique burden. This study investigates the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia among these communities. We conducted a cross-sectional study between 2018 and 2020 in the forest-dwelling population of Chamarajanagar, India. Using multistage stratified sampling based on caste and remoteness, we enrolled 608 participants aged over 18 years, including 259 non-tribal and 349 tribal individuals. Data collection includes the administration of STEPS questionnaire and measurement of fasting blood sugar, lipid levels, and blood pressure. The prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were 4.6%, 28.8%, and 85.7%, respectively, among the study population. We also found abnormal levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), Triglycerides (TGA), Total cholesterol (TC), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)in 4.9%, 82.4%, 22.7%, 5.8%, and 7.4% of participants, respectively. Significant differences were observed in diabetes, LDL abnormality, TGA abnormality, VLDL abnormality, and TC abnormality, but not in hypertension, dyslipidemia, or HDL abnormality, across the Socio Geographic Discrimination Index. We found a significant difference in diabetes and HDL abnormality, but not in hypertension, dyslipidemia, LDL abnormality, TGA abnormality, TC abnormality, or VLDL abnormality, between tribal and non-tribal populations living in the forest-dwelling area. Waist circumference was a significant independent predictor of diabetes among tribal participants, while wealth index, age, and waist circumference were significant predictors of hypertension. There were no significant predictors for dyslipidemia among tribal participants. Our study suggests that tribal population living in a remote area are at a lower risk of developing diabetes compared to non-tribal populations living in the same geographic area. However, the prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia among tribal populations remains high and comparable to that of the general population.
Comparing patterns of recent and remote Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection determined using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus assay in a high TB burden setting
Authors: Amofa-Sekyi Modupe , Schaap Ab , Mureithi Linda , Kosloff Barry , Cheeba Maina , Kangololo Bxyn , Vermaak Redwaan , Paulsen Robynn , Ruperez Maria , Floyd Sian , de Haas Petra , Fidler Sarah , Hayes Richard , Ayles Helen , Shanaube Kwame ,   on behalf of the TREATS study team
Published: May 2024

One quarter of the world’s population is estimated to be infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Identifying recent TB infection (TBI) offers an avenue to targeted TB preventative therapy provision, and prevention to disease progression. However, detecting recent TBI remains challenging. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus assay (QFT-Plus) claims to have improved sensitivity in detecting recent TBI, by the addition of the TB2 antigen tube to the TB1 tube used in previous tests. TB2 detects CD8-mediated interferon gamma response, a potential marker of recent infection. We compared QFT-Plus TB1 and TB2 responses in individuals with recent and remote infection in high-burden settings. The Tuberculosis Reduction through Expanded Antiretroviral Treatment and TB Screening (TREATS) Project followed a cohort of adolescents and young people (AYP) aged 15–24 years in Zambia and South Africa to determine TBI incidence measured by QFT-Plus over 24 months. We categorised individuals with QTF-Plus positive result into recent and remote infection. We compared their TB1 and TB2 responses and the antigen tube differential [TB2-TB1], an indicator of CD8-activity, using logistic regression. At baseline, 3876 AYP, 1852/3876 (47.8%) were QFT-Plus positive whilst 2024/3876 (52.2%) QFT-Plus negative. Of the QFT-Plus baseline positives, 1069/1852 (57.7%) tested positive at both 12 and 24 months—remote infection. Of the QFT-Plus baseline negatives, 274/2024(13.3%) converted within a 12-month period- recent infection. TB1 and TB2 responses were higher in remote than recent infection. In recent infection, TB2 responses were greater than TB1 responses. The mean differential was 0.01 IU/ml in recent and -0.22 IU/ml in remote infection, (p = 0.145). The quantitative QFT-Plus results did not appear to reflect a marked distinction between recent and remote infection. Further analysis of the responses of infected individuals who developed disease is required to determine whether any signal in QFT-Plus results may predict progression to disease.
Status of zoonotic disease research in refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced people, globally: A scoping review of forty clinically important zoonotic pathogens
Authors: Oakley Regina , Hedrich Nadja , Walker Alexandra , Dinkita Habtamu Merha , Tschopp Rea , Abongomera Charles , Paris Daniel H.
Published: May 2024

Background

At the end of 2022, there were over 108 million forcibly displaced people globally, including refugees, asylum seekers (AS) and internally displaced people (IDPs). Forced migration increases the risk of infectious disease transmission, and zoonotic pathogens account for 61% of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Zoonoses create a high burden of disease and have the potential to cause large-scale outbreaks. This scoping review aimed to assess the state of research on a range of clinically relevant zoonotic pathogens in displaced populations in order to identify the gaps in literature and guide future research.

Methodology / Principal findings

Literature was systematically searched to identify original research related to 40 selected zoonotic pathogens of interest in refugees, AS and IDPs. We included only peer-reviewed original research in English, with no publication date restrictions. Demographic data, migration pathways, health factors, associated outbreaks, predictive factors and preventative measures were extracted and synthesized. We identified 4,295 articles, of which 347 were included; dates of publications ranged from 1937 to 2022. Refugees were the most common population investigated (75%). Migration pathways of displaced populations increased over time towards a more complex web, involving migration in dual directions. The most frequent pathogen investigated was Schistosoma spp. (n = 99 articles). Disease outbreaks were reported in 46 publications (13.3%), with viruses being the most commonly reported pathogen type. Limited access to hygiene/sanitation, crowding and refugee status were the most commonly discussed predictors of infection. Vaccination/prophylaxis drug administration, surveillance/screening and improved hygiene/sanitation were the most commonly discussed preventative measures.

Conclusions / Significance

The current research on zoonoses in displaced populations displays gaps in the spectrum of pathogens studied, as well as in the (sub)populations investigated. Future studies should be more inclusive of One Health approaches to adequately investigate the impact of zoonotic pathogens and identify transmission pathways as a basis for designing interventions for displaced populations.
Characterization of antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 Orf8 from three waves of COVID-19 outbreak in Thailand
Authors: Thanongsaksrikul Jeeraphong , Sritipsukho Paskorn , Srimanote Potjanee , Khantisitthiporn Onruedee , Sianglum Wipawadee , Pinitchai Uayporn , Poovorawan Yong
Published: May 2024

A dynamic of virus adaptation and a mass vaccination campaign could significantly reduce the severity of clinical manifestations of COVID-19 and transmission. Hence, COVID-19 may become an endemic disease globally. Moreover, mass infection as the COVID-19 pandemic progressed affected the serology of the patients as a result of virus mutation and vaccination. Therefore, a need exists to acquire accurate serological testing to monitor the emergence of new outbreaks of COVID-19 to promptly prevent and control the disease spreading. In this study, the anti-Orf8 antibodies among samples collected in Thailand’s first, fourth, and fifth waves of COVID-19 outbreaks compared with pre-epidemic sera were determined by indirect ELISA. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the anti-Orf8 IgG ELISA for COVID-19 samples from the first, fourth, and fifth waves of outbreaks was found to be 100% compared with pre-epidemic sera. However, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the anti-Orf8 IgG ELISA for a larger number of patient samples and controls from the fifth wave of outbreaks which were collected on day 7 and 14 after an RT-PCR positive result were 58.79 and 58.44% and 89.19 and 58.44%, respectively. Our data indicated that some of the controls might have antibodies from natural past infections. Our study highlighted the potential utility of anti-Orf8 IgG antibody testing for seroprevalence surveys but still warrants further investigations.
Nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Latin America and the Caribbean: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Brizuela Martín , Palermo María Carolina , Alconada Tomás , Sandoval María Macarena , Ramirez Wierzbicki Eugenia , Cantos Joaquín , Gagetti Paula , Ciapponi Agustín , Bardach Ariel , Ruvinsky Silvina
Published: May 2024

Background

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, causing bacteremic pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, and other invasive pneumococcal diseases. Evidence supports nasopharyngeal pneumococcal carriage as a reservoir for transmission and precursor of pneumococcal disease.

Objectives

To estimate the pneumococcal nasopharyngeal burden in all age groups in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) before, during, and after the introduction of pneumococcal vaccine conjugate (PVC).

Methods

Systematic literature review of international, regional, and country-published and unpublished data, together with reports including data from serotype distribution in nasopharyngeal carriage in children and adults from LAC countries following Cochrane methods. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO database (ID: CRD42023392097).

Results

We included 54 studies with data on nasopharyngeal pneumococcal carriage and serotypes from 31,803 patients. In children under five years old, carriage was found in 41% and in adults over 65, it was 26%. During the study period, children under five showed a colonization proportion of 34% with PCV10 serotypes and 45% with PCV13 serotypes. When we analyze the carriage prevalence of PCV serotypes in all age groups between 1995 and 2019, serotypes included in PCV10 and those included in PCV13, both showed a decreasing trend along analysis by lustrum.

Conclusion

The data presented in this study highlights the need to establish national surveillance programs to monitor pneumococcal nasopharyngeal carriage to monitor serotype prevalence and replacement before and after including new pneumococcal vaccines in the region. In addition, to analyze differences in the prevalence of serotypes between countries, emphasize the importance of approaches to local realities to reduce IPD effectively.
Res2Net-based multi-scale and multi-attention model for traffic scene image classification
Authors: Gao Guanghui , Guo Yining , Zhou Lumei , Li Li , Shi Gang
Published: May 2024

With the increasing applications of traffic scene image classification in intelligent transportation systems, there is a growing demand for improved accuracy and robustness in this classification task. However, due to weather conditions, time, lighting variations, and annotation costs, traditional deep learning methods still have limitations in extracting complex traffic scene features and achieving higher recognition accuracy. The previous classification methods for traffic scene images had gaps in multi-scale feature extraction and the combination of frequency domain, spatial, and channel attention. To address these issues, this paper proposes a multi-scale and multi-attention model based on Res2Net. Our proposed framework introduces an Adaptive Feature Refinement Pyramid Module (AFRPM) to enhance multi-scale feature extraction, thus improving the accuracy of traffic scene image classification. Additionally, we integrate frequency domain and spatial-channel attention mechanisms to develop recognition capabilities for complex backgrounds, objects of different scales, and local details in traffic scene images. The paper conducts the task of classifying traffic scene images using the Traffic-Net dataset. The experimental results demonstrate that our model achieves an accuracy of 96.88% on this dataset, which is an improvement of approximately 2% compared to the baseline Res2Net network. Furthermore, we validate the effectiveness of the proposed modules through ablation experiments.
Measurement of efficiency and its drivers in the Chilean banking industry
Authors: Cobas Adriana , Maziotis Alexandros , Villegas Andres
Published: May 2024

This paper estimates efficiency measures for the banking system in Chile for the period 2000-2019. In contrast to previous studies, we use input-distance functions, introduce the nonparametric slack-based model, and choose the intermediate inputs approach in determining inputs and outputs. Our results suggest that the Chilean system has achieved relatively high levels of efficiency, although with no significant variation over the sample period. Ownership (government, foreign and public) and size had a positive impact on efficiency. On average, mergers and acquisitions seem to have targeted highly efficient banks in order to improve the overall efficiency of the controlling institution in the short run. Other sources of efficiency gains could be an increase in bond funding or a reduction in expenses and capital holdings. The latter could be induced by deepening the local derivatives market.
Mid-life social participation in people with intellectual disability: The 1958 British birth cohort study
Authors: Wang Zuyu , Sommerlad Andrew , Hassiotis Angela , Richards Marcus , Livingston Gill
Published: May 2024

Background

Low social participation is a potentially modifiable risk factor for cognitive deterioration in the general population and related to lower quality of life (QoL). We aimed to find out whether social participation is linked to cognitive deterioration and QoL for people with borderline intellectual functioning and mild intellectual disability.

Method

We used data from the National Child Development Study, consisting of people born during one week in 1958, to compare midlife social participation in people with mild intellectual disability, borderline intellectual functioning, and without intellectual impairment. We defined social participation as 1. confiding/emotional support from the closest person and social network contact frequency at age 44, and 2. confiding relationships with anyone at age 50. We then assessed the extent to which social participation mediated the association between childhood intellectual functioning and cognition and QoL at age 50.

Results

14,094 participants completed cognitive tests at age 11. People with borderline intellectual functioning and mild intellectual disability had more social contact with relatives and confiding/emotional support from their closest person, but fewer social contacts with friends and confiding relationships with anyone than those without intellectual disability. Having a confiding relationship partially mediated the association at age 50 between IQ and cognition (6.4%) and QoL (27.4%) for people with borderline intellectual functioning.

Conclusion

We found adults with intellectual disability have positive family relationships but fewer other relationships. Even at the age of 50, confiding relationships may protect cognition for people with borderline intellectual functioning and are important for QoL.