bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChatGPT versus Human Essayists: An Exploration of the Impact of Artificial Intelligence for Authorship and Academic Integrity in the Humanities
Authors: Revell Tom , Yeadon Will , Cahilly-Bretzin Glenn , Clarke Isabella , Manning George , Jones Jasmine , Mulley Clare , Pascual Rafael , Bradley Natasha , Thomas Daniel , Leneghan Francis
Published: November 2023

Generative AI has prompted educators to reevaluate traditional teaching and assessment methods. This study examines AI’s ability to write essays analysing Old English poetry; human markers assessed and attempted to distinguish them from authentic analyses of poetry by first-year undergraduate students in English at the University of Oxford. Using the standard UK University grading system, AI-written essays averaged a score of 60.46, whilst human essays achieved 63.57, a margin of difference not statistically significantly significant (p = 0.10). Notably, student submissions applied a nuanced understanding of cultural context and secondary criticism to their close reading, while AI essays often described rather than analysed, lacking depth in the evaluation of poetic features, and sometimes failing to properly recognise key aspects of passages. Distinguishing features of human essays included detailed and sustained analysis of poetic style, as well as spelling errors and lack of structural cohesion. AI essays, on the other hand, exhibited a more formal structure and tone but sometimes fell short in incisive critique of poetic form and effect. Human markers correctly identified the origin of essays 79.41% of the time. Additionally, AI-generated text detection from GPTZero revealed statistically significant (α = 0.01) differences in Perplexity and Burstiness between AI and human essays. However, given the high threshold for academic misconduct, conclusively determining origin remains challenging. The research also highlights the potential benefits of generative AI’s ability to advise on structuring essays and suggesting avenues for research. We advocate for transparency regarding AI’s capabilities and limitations, and this study underscores the importance of human critical engagement in teaching and learning in Higher Education. As AI’s proficiency grows, educators must reevaluate what authentic assessment is, and consider implementing dynamic, holistic methods to ensure academic integrity.
Regional climate projections of daily extreme temperatures in Argentina applying statistical downscaling to CMIP5 and CMIP6 models
Authors: Balmaceda-Huarte Rocio , Olmo Matias Ezequiel , Bettolli Maria Laura
Published: November 2023

Argentina is a wide country with a variety of climates, where an increase in mean and extreme temperatures is currently on-going, demanding regional climate information to design and implement effective strategies for climate change adaptation. In this regard, the use of Empirical Statistical Downscaling (ESD) procedures can help providing tailored climate information. In this work, a set of ESD models were tested to generate plausible regional climate projections for daily maximum and minimum temperatures (Tx, Tn) in Argentina. ESD models were applied to an ensemble of CMIP5 and CMIP6 global circulation models (GCMs) to downscale historical and future worst-case scenarios. The plausibility of the ESD projections was analysed by comparing them with their driving GCMs and with CORDEX regional climate models (RCMs). Generally, all ESD models added value during the historical period, in mean values as well as in extreme indices, especially for Tx. The climate projections depicted an extended signal of warming (both in the mean and in the frequency of extremes), consistent between all simulations (GCMs, RCMs and ESD) and strongest over northern Argentina. ESD models showed potential to produce plausible projections, although, depending on the technique considered (for Tx) and the predictor configurations (for Tn), differences in the change rates were identified. Nevertheless, the uncertainty in future changes was considerably reduced by RCMs and ESD when compared to their driving GCMs. Overall, this study evidences the potential of ESD in a climate change context and contributes to the assessment of the uncertainty on the future Argentine climate.
Training caregivers of dementia patients in occupational therapy: Impact of a digital cognitive and auditory intervention program
Authors: Hohenberg Gregor , Ostermann Thomas , Ehlers Jan
Published: November 2023

Background Dementia causes a physical and mental strain on both the patient and the caregiver. While occupational therapy offers a valuable contribution to alleviating this strain, the increasing number of patients with dementia is not matched by a respective number of occupational therapists. Training programs to enable caregivers in occupational therapy techniques may provide a solution to this problem. The aim of this study is to employ a digital training program for caregivers of dementia patients via telemedicine to activate them as co-therapists.Methods An activating program was designed that incorporates aspects of cognitive stimulation therapy and audio therapy. Co-therapists are trained online by a certified occupational therapist. The co-therapists may be either relatives of dementia patients or unrelated to the patient. The co-therapist executing the occupational therapy program in the patient’s home is supported by other co-therapists via telemedicine and through weekly group meetings.Discussion Preparing caregivers for occupational therapy interventions via telemedicine may be a feasible approach to improve dementia care. Future studies must evaluate the direct effects of this intervention on the health of both the patient and the caregiver.Trial Registration The trial will be registered retrospectively.
Determinants of hospital readmissions in older people with dementia: A narrative review
Authors: Browne Bria , Ali Khalid , Ford Elizabeth , Tabet Naji
Published: November 2023

Introduction
Over 50% of hospitalised older people with dementia have multimorbidity, and are at an increased risk of hospital readmission within 30 days from discharge. Between 20-40% of these readmissions may be preventable. Current research focuses on the physical causes of readmissions. However, older people with dementia have additional psychosocial factors that are likely to increase the risk of readmissions. This narrative review aimed to identify psychosocial determinants for hospital readmissions, within the context of known physical factors.
Methods
Electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsychInfo were searched from inception until July 2022. Quantitative and qualitative studies in English including adults aged 65 years and over with dementia, their care workers and informal carers were considered if they investigated hospital readmissions. An inductive approach was adopted to map the determinants of readmissions. Identified themes were described as narrative categories.
Results
Sixteen studies including 7,194,878 participants met our inclusion criteria from a total of 4736 articles. Fifteen quantitative studies included observational cohorts and randomised controlled trial designs, and one study was qualitative. Nine studies were based in the USA, and one study each from Taiwan, Australia, Canada, Sweden, Japan, Denmark, and The Netherlands. Large hospital and insurance records provided data on over 2 million patients in one American study. Physical determinants included reduced mobility and accumulation of long-term conditions. However, identified psychosocial determinants were restricted to inadequate hospital discharge planning, limited interdisciplinary collaboration, and socioeconomic inequalities among ethnic minorities. Other important psychosocial factors such as loneliness, poverty and mental well-being, were not included in the studies.
Conclusion
Poorly defined roles and responsibilities of health and social care professionals and poor communication during care transitions increase the risk of readmission in older people with dementia. These identified psychosocial determinants are likely to significantly contribute to readmissions. Frequent use of antipsychotic medications might also explain the interplay between physical and psychosocial determinants. However, future research should also focus on the understanding of the interaction between a host of psychosocial and physical determinants, and multidisciplinary interventions across care settings to reduce hospital readmissions.
WITHDRAWN: Relationship between skeletal muscle index at the third lumbar vertebra with infection risk and long-term prognosis in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure
Authors: Wang Juan , Bai Jinjia , Wang Huimin , Xu Guofen , Yao Ruoyu , Zhang Wenrui , Wang Han , Ren Xiaojing , Yao Jia
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveInfection is a major cause of increased mortality in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). This study aims to examine the potential correlation of the skeletal muscle index at the third lumbar vertebra (L3-SMI) with infections among ACLF patients and to evaluate its impact on the long-term survival.
MethodsThis retrospective study included 126 patients who underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) and were diagnosed with ACLF at our center between December 2017 and December 2021. L3-SMI was calculated using CT, and the clinical and biochemical data as well as MELD scores were also collected, so as to analyze the relationship between L3-SMI and infections in ACLF patients and the impact on long-term prognosis.
Results Of the 126 ACLF patients enrolled, 50 had infections. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, both L3-SMI (odds ratio [OR] = 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.81 - 0.97, P = 0.011) and hepatic encephalopathy (OR = 8.20, 95% CI= 1.70 - 39.59, P = 0.009) were independently associated with the risk of infection development. The overall survival (OS) estimates were obtained using Kaplan-Meier curves, and it was found that patients in the lowest tertile of L3-SMI had significantly lower 3-month, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year survival rates than those in the highest tertile (P = 0.014; log-rank test).
ConclusionsLow L3-SMI is an independent risk factor for the development of infections and significantly influences the long-term survival in ACLF patients.
Selective omission of sentinel lymph node biopsy in mastectomy for ductal carcinoma in situ: Identifying eligible candidates
Authors: Bae Soong June , Kook Yoonwon , Jang Ji Soo , Baek Seung Ho , Moon Sohyun , Kim Jung Hyun , Lee Seung Eun , Kim Min Ji , Ahn Sung Gwe , Jeong Joon
Published: November 2023

Background
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is recommended for patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) undergoing mastectomy, given the concerns regarding upstaging and technical difficulties of postmastectomy SLNB. However, this may lead to potential overtreatment, considering favorable prognosis and deescalation trends in DCIS. Data regarding upstaging and axillary lymph node metastasis among these patients remain limited.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed patients with DCIS who underwent mastectomy with SLNB or axillary lymph node dissection at Gangnam Severance Hospital between January 2010 and December 2021. To explore the feasibility of omitting SLNB, we assessed upgrade rates to invasive carcinoma and axillary lymph node metastasis. Binary Cox regression analysis was performed to identify clinicopathologic factors associated with upstaging and axillary lymph node metastasis.
Results
Among 385 patients, 164 (42.6%) experienced an invasive carcinoma upgrade: microinvasion, pT1, and pT2 were confirmed in 53 (13.8%), 97 (25.2%), and 14 (3.6%) patients, respectively. Seventeen (4.4%) patients had axillary lymph node metastasis. Multivariable analysis identified age ≤50 years (odds ratio [OR], 4.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31–17.62; p = 0.018) and suspicious axillary lymph nodes on radiologic evaluation (OR, 10.67; 95% CI, 3.58–31.81; p <0.001) as independent factors associated with axillary lymph node metastasis. Among patients aged >50 years with no suspicious axillary lymph nodes, only two (1.7%) experienced axillary lymph node metastasis.
Conclusions
Although underestimation of the invasive component was relatively high among patients with DCIS undergoing mastectomy, axillary lymph node metastasis was rare. Our findings suggest that omitting SLNB may be feasible for patients over 50 without suspicious axillary lymph nodes on radiologic evaluation.
Neuromuscular organization of the benthic ctenophore, Vallicula multiformis
Authors: Mohri Kurato , Watanabe Hiroshi
Published: November 2023

The Ctenophora is the earliest metazoan taxon with neurons and muscles. Recent studies have described genetic, physiological, and cellular characteristics of the neural and muscular systems of this phylogenically important lineage. However, despite the ecological diversity of ctenophore niches, including both pelagic and benthic forms, studies have focused predominantly on pelagic species. In this study, we describe neural and muscular architectures of the benthic ctenophore, Vallicula multiformis (Order Platyctenida), employing immunohistochemical analysis to compare it to pelagic species. In V. multiformis, which lacks characteristic comb rows seen in pelagic ctenophores, neural structures that develop beneath the comb were not detected, whereas the subepithelial and tentacle neural networks exhibited considerable similarity to those of pelagic species. Despite significant differences in morphology and lifestyle, muscle organization in V. multiformis closely resembles that of pelagic species. Detailed analysis of neuropeptide-expressing neurons unveiled a neural architecture composed of various neural subtypes. This included widely distributed subepithelial neural networks (SNNs) and neurosecretory cells located primarily in the peripheral region. The consistent distribution patterns of the VWYa-positive SNN and tentacle nerves between V. multiformis and the pelagic species, Bolinopsis mikado, suggest evolutionarily conserved functionality of these neurons in the Ctenophora. In contrast, NPWa-positive neurons, which extend neurites connecting the apical organ and comb rows in B. mikado, showed a neurite-less neurosecretory cell morphology in this flattened, sessile species. Shared characteristics and variations in neural and muscular architectures among benthic and pelagic ctenophore species offer valuable insights for unraveling the biology of this rapidly evolving yet enigmatic metazoan lineage. These findings also provide important insight into neural control modalities required in early evolutionary processes of metazoans.
Understanding the Prevalence and Consequences of Mental Health Disorders among Youths: A Focus on Secondary School Students in Hong Kong.
Authors: Fang Tyler
Published: November 2023

Background
Young people are significantly affected by mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and stress. Mental health education and awareness have been proven effective in preventing these disorders. However, there is evidence that mental health education is lacking or voluntary in local secondary schools in Hong Kong, increasing the vulnerability of young people in local schools compared to their peers in international schools. Therefore, understanding the prevalence of mental health disorders among local secondary school students in Hong Kong is crucial to highlight the necessity of mental health education and support in addressing these challenges effectively.
Objective
The objective of this study is to assess the mental health of young people attending local secondary schools in Hong Kong. By gaining a deeper understanding of the prevalent mental health issues, the study emphasises the need for mental health awareness in local schools in Hong Kong.
Methods
The study utilized a quantitative survey method to collect data on mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress among from 377 local secondary school students in Hong Kong. The survey employed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS 21) to measure the prevalence of mental health disorders. Inferential analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26 to generate the result of this study.
Results
The study findings indicate that 33.3% of local secondary students experienced depression, 41.4% experienced anxiety, and 49% experienced stress. Additionally, there were gender variations across all mental health disorders, with females reporting higher levels of severe depression, anxiety, and stress compared to male students in local secondary schools.
Conclusions
This study emphasizes the high prevalence and severity of mental health conditions among local secondary school students in Hong Kong, highlighting the importance of integrating mental health education into the curriculum of these schools. It reveals a significant proportion of students experiencing poor mental health, particularly depression, anxiety, and stress. Gender disparities are observed, with females experiencing more severe mental health conditions. The study underscores the importance of targeted interventions and support for females, while promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma for all students. Further research is recommended to understand underlying factors and inform evidence-based interventions. Proactive measures are necessary to address mental health concerns and create a supportive environment for young people in Hong Kong, especially in local secondary schools.
Transfection of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor B into hypertrophic cardiomyocytes promotes angiogenesis by increasing endothelial cell VEGFR1 phosphorylation levels
Authors: Wang Xing , Yang Qian , Xie Yang , Wu Yan , Ma Xiaohu , Xi Shaojing , Tian Hongwei
Published: November 2023

Background
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common inherited heart disease characterized by the thickening of the left ventricular wall. HCM with normal epicardial coronary arteries often reveals microvascular rarefaction and myocardial ischemia. Myocardial ischemia refers to a condition in which there is inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle, resulting in a reduced oxygen supply. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor B (VEGF-B) plays a role in angiogenesis. It promotes the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells, which are the building blocks of blood vessels. However, there is currently no specific research available on the effects and mechanisms of VEGF-B on vascular regeneration in HCM. This study aims to investigate the effects of VEGF-B on vascular regeneration in HCM.
Methods
This study transfected hypertrophic cardiomyocytes stimulated by Angiotensin II (Ang II) with VEGF-B and co-cultured them with human umbilical cord endothelial cells (HUVECs) to assess endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis to explore the role of VEGF-B in vascular regeneration in HCM.
Results
After co-culturing VEGF-B-transfected hypertrophic cardiomyocytes with HUVECs, we observed a significant increase in HUVEC proliferation in the VEGF-B-transfected group compared to the control group. Additionally, the tube formation ability was also enhanced in the VEGF-B-transfected group. We also found a significant increase in the expression of p-VEGFR1Y1213 in HUVECs co-cultured with VEGF-B-transfected hypertrophic cardiomyocytes compared to the control group.
Conclusions
In conclusion, overexpression of VEGF-B in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes can promote endothelial cell proliferation and vascular formation. This finding suggests that overexpression of VEGF-B in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes may be a potential therapeutic approach for treating myocardial ischemia in HCM.
Identifying Feature Biomarkers Related to Disulfidptosis and Immune Cell Infiltration in Osteoarthritis through Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: zhang zhengchao , He Jiayu , Zhu Yiren , He Wubing
Published: November 2023

Objective: This study aims to identify feature genes, pathways, and infiltrating immune cells related to the metabolic mechanisms of cellular disulfidptosis in osteoarthritis (OA) through bioinformatics analysis.
Method: Expression profiles from two Gene Expression Omnibus datasets (GSE207881 and GSE98918) were analyzed to study OA. The datasets included 63 and 12 OA patients, respectively, alongside control subjects. Differential expression analysis was performed after data preprocessing using the ‘limma’ package in R. A co-expression network was constructed using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and modules highly correlated with disulfidptosis were identified. Gene functionality was explored through Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA). Additionally, the protein–protein interactions (PPI) of the key genes were analyzed using GeneMANIA. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were conducted on the network genes. Furthermore, the diagnostic potential of the selected genes was evaluated, and immune infiltration analysis was performed.
Result: A total of 522 differentially expressed genes with statistical significance were identified. GSEA and GSVA analyses revealed multiple significantly enriched signaling pathways, such as ribosome, melanogenesis, and leukocyte transendothelial migration. Nine co-expression modules related to disulfidptosis were screened by WGCNA, of which the blue module (n = 353) showed the strongest positive correlation (r = 0.78, p < 0.05). Intersection analysis further identified 13 hub genes. Through PPI networks and GO and KEGG analyses, these hub genes were found to be significantly enriched in the Notch signaling pathway, and the expression of genes in this pathway was validated. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of these hub genes was greater than 0.6, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for OA. Immune cell analysis showed that the genes TUSC3 and SOX5 have a significant relationship with type 17 T helper cells (p < 0.001). An RNA-binding protein (RBP)–mRNA interaction network comprising 68 nodes, 61 RBPs, 7 mRNAs, and 271 edges was constructed using the StarBase online database.
Conclusion: This study used bioinformatics techniques to reveal 13 hub genes, complex co-expression networks, and unique immune cell interactions, thereby providing insights into the cellular mechanisms of disulfidptosis in OA. These findings lay the groundwork for future approaches to diagnosis and therapeutic intervention.
Developmental Characteristics of the Upper Lateral Incisor in Unilateral Clefts
Authors: Knüppe Tim B. A. , Haj Mona , Strabbing Elske M. , Wolvius Eppo B. , Monroy Paola L. Carvajal
Published: November 2023

Objectives
This study aims to provide insights into the developmental characteristics of the upper lateral incisor in individuals with unilateral clefts.
Materials and Methods
Panoramic radiographs of a consistent group of Caucasian children taken over time (ages 6, 9, and 12) were extensively reviewed. The study assessed the distribution pattern, eruption path, tooth development, and crown size of the upper lateral incisor within the cleft region.
Results
The most commonly observed distribution pattern was the lateral incisor located distal to the cleft, accounting for 49.2% of cases. Furthermore, a significant delay in tooth development of the upper lateral incisor on the cleft side was noted at ages 6 and 9 (p > 0.001). Compared with the non-cleft side, these incisors often erupted along the alveolar cleft and exhibited microdontia (88.3%, p < 0.041).
Conclusion
Lateral incisors on the cleft side display unique distribution patterns, microdontia, and delayed tooth development. Careful monitoring of the cuspid's eruption is essential, as it can influence the eruption of the lateral incisor.
Clinical Relevance
A comprehensive understanding of the development of the upper lateral incisor relative to the cleft is vital for determining its prognosis over time. The position of the upper lateral incisor can also influence the timing and prognosis of secondary alveolar bone grafting. Preserving the upper lateral incisor favors arch length, perimeter, and symmetry in individuals with unilateral clefts.
Seasonal Succession, Host Associations and Biochemical Roles of Aquatic Viruses in a Eutrophic Lake Plagued by Cyanobacterial Blooms
Authors: Yuan Ling , Yu Pingfeng , Huang Xinyu , Zhao Ze , Chen Linxing , Ju Feng
Published: November 2023

Background.
Viruses are important biogeochemical mediators and ecological drivers in freshwater ecosystems. Although the environmental implications of viruses in ecosystems have been preliminarily explored, the dynamics of viruses and host associations over the seasons and blooming periods in eutrophic freshwater ecosystems remain elusive.
Results.
Here, we recovered 41,997 unique viral clusters at approximately species level from planktonic microbiomes of Lake Taihu, a large and eutrophic lake that suffered from yearly Microcystis-dominated harmful algal blooms (HABs) in China. The viral clusters showed distinct seasonal succession driven by environmental factors (mainly nutrients and temperature) and microbial communities (mainly Cyanobacteria and Planctomycetes). Host prediction highlighted the roles of the viruses in affecting the bacteria-driven nitrogen and phosphate cycling through infection. Further statistical analyses revealed that the HAB-induced environmental and microbial variations affected viral strategies including lifestyles, host range, and virus-encoded auxiliary metabolic genes (vAMGs) distributions. Viruses infecting Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria showed enhanced lysogenic lifestyle and condensed host ranges during HAB peak in summer, while viruses infecting Bacteroidota selected the opposite strategy. Notably, vAMGs were most abundant before HAB outbreak in spring, compensating for host bacterial metabolism including carbohydrates metabolism, photosynthesis, and phosphate regulation.
Conclusion.
This study elucidated relationship between viral community and bloom-associated environment, suggested the dynamic viral strategies and prominent biochemical roles in the eutrophic freshwater ecosystems.
An Analysis of the Perspectives of Healthcare Workers and those in Training During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Mexico
Authors: Yanet Cortés Moreno Gabriela , Jesús Torres Ruiz Miguel , Heald Adrian H , Warner-Levy John , Eleazar Lara Padilla , Rosalba Garduño Zarazúa , Antonio Franco Vadillo , de Jesús Peralta Romero José , Bruno Mendoza Ramírez José , Nilson Contreras Carreto , Javier Mancilla Ramírez
Published: November 2023

Background
To address the COVID-19 pandemic, health systems have used all their resources at hand, even their health workers in training. Knowing the insights of those who worked during the pandemic is paramount to generating adequate educative, political, and administrative strategies for future health emergencies.
Methods
This study consisted of a cross-sectional online survey, produced by the Mexican General Directorate of Quality and Health Education (Dirección General de Calidad y Educación), and had a convenience sample of 6,020 health workers in the healthcare delivery area.
Results
Both positive and negative feelings and opinions were expressed by the health workers. Many opinions were commonly shared, such as the need for a greater level of personal protective equipment (PPE). Furthermore, among the feelings expressed, distrust, fear, sadness, anticipation, anger, disgust, joy, and surprise stood out as exceptionally common.
Conclusions
Overall, the health workers in Mexico gave a negative evaluation of the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Distrust due to the absence of timely information from the education and health institutions, as well as concern about the lack of personal protective equipment, were the main concerns reported. We, therefore, must establish a credible and globally relevant continuity plan for the education of healthcare workers, and those in training who will likely face future health emergencies to prevent similar concerns from arising.
Enhancing CO2 Electroreduction Precision to Ethylene and Ethanol: The Role of Additional Boron Catalytic Sites in Cu-Based Tandem Catalysts
Authors: Wang Hongming , Yu Fuqing , Shu Minxing , Zhang Guangyao , Yu Qiming , Xia Guomin
Published: November 2023

The electrocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable multicarbon (C2+) compounds offers a promising approach to mitigate CO2 emissions and harness renewable energy resources. However, achieving precise selectivity for specific C2+ products, such as ethylene and ethanol, poses a formidable challenge. This investigation advances the concept that incorporating elemental boron (B) into copper (Cu) catalysts can serve as supplementary adsorption sites for *CO intermediates in subsequent reduction reactions, thereby enhancing the selectivity of desirable C2+ products. Furthermore, the utilization of a nickel single atom catalyst (Ni-SAC) as a *CO source component elevates local *CO concentration and mitigates the hydrogen evolution reaction. In-situ experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that surface-bound boron units adsorb and convert *CO more efficiently, promoting ethylene production, while B elements within the bulk phase of copper influence charge transfer and lattice alignment, facilitating ethanol generation. In a neutral electrolyte, the bias current density for ethylene production using the CuB2-Ni0.05SAC hybrid catalyst exceeded 300 mA cm-2, and that for ethanol production with CuB5-Ni0.2SAC surpassed 250 mA cm-2. This study underscores that elemental doping in Cu-based catalysts not only induces alterations in charge and crystalline phase arrangement at Cu sites but also serves as supplementary reduction sites for coupling reactions, enabling the efficient synthesis of distinct C2+ products.
Sustainable Cultivation of Coconut Palms: Soil Fertility Status of Traditional Palm Groves of South India
Authors: Sreeja T N , Ray J G
Published: November 2023

Achieving sustainability in the productivity of crops has become essential in fulfilling the global sustainable developmental goals (SDG), which is impossible without continuous monitoring of the soil fertility status of traditional fields of specific crops worldwide. Palms and palm products, primarily Coconut palm, remain crucial to the world's sustainable rural, urban, and industrial development, especially in the tropics. Accordingly, the current study focuses on the soil fertility status of one of the most intensively Coconut-cultivated regions of South India, Kerala, concerning palm varieties, soil types, health conditions, and agroclimatic zones in two seasons. The data generated is valid globally for better comparison of the soil fertility issues of palm groves worldwide. Comparative account of soil fertility parameters such as soil pH, field water content (FWC), total organic carbon (TOC), soil available nitrogen (SAN), soil available phosphorus (SAP), and soil available potassium (SAK) of palm groves under 14 various soil series are discussed. The soil pH of most Coconut fields remains below seven; nitrogen and potassium are deficient in most fields, whereas carbon and phosphorus are high. The findings suggest the significance of continuous monitoring of NPK nutrient regimes and soil pH and carbon content in the fields for ensuring the sustainability of Coconut production and soil health maintenance in palm fields. Overall, the investigation stands as a model for monitoring crop fields worldwide to ensure food security and safety sustainability, especially in wet tropics, to overcome the climate crisis, and to achieve the targets of SDG 30.
Genetically proxied HTRA1 protease activity and circulating levels independently predict risk of ischemic stroke and coronary artery disease
Authors: Dichgans Martin , Malik Rainer , Beaufort Nathalie , Tanaka Koki , Georgakis Marios , He Yunye , Koido Masaru , Terao Chikashi , Anderson Christopher , Kamatani Yoichiro
Published: November 2023

HTRA1 has emerged as a major risk gene for stroke and cerebral small vessel disease with both rare and common variants contributing to disease risk. However, the precise mechanisms mediating this risk remain largely unknown as does the full spectrum of phenotypes associated with genetic variation in HTRA1 in the general population. Using a family-history informed approach, we first show that rare variants in HTRA1 are linked to ischemic stroke in 425,338 European individuals from the UK Biobank with replication in 143,149 individuals from the Biobank Japan. Integrating data from biochemical experiments on 76 mutations occurring in the UK Biobank, we next show that rare variants causing loss of protease function in vitro associate with ischemic stroke, coronary artery disease, and skeletal traits. In addition, a common causal variant (rs2672592) modulating circulating HTRA1 mRNA and protein levels enhances the risk of ischemic stroke, small vessel stroke, and coronary artery disease while lowering the risk of migraine and age-related macular dystrophy in GWAS and UK Biobank data from > 2,000,000 individuals. There was no evidence of an interaction between genetically proxied HTRA1 activity and levels. Our findings demonstrate a central role of HTRA1 for human disease including stroke and coronary artery disease and identify two independent mechanisms that might qualify as targets for future therapeutic interventions.
Hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane polymers: terminal sticker group influences on thickening and dispersing
Authors: Zhou Han , NIU Lin , FAN Xin
Published: November 2023

In order to clearly demonstrate the influences of terminal sticker group on thickening & dispersing, series of ethoxylated urethane polymers were prepared with tristyrylphenol ethoxylate (TP) and polyethylene glycol methyl ether (MP) as terminal groups, respectively. Viscosity behaviors of both series were studied for polymer aqueous solutions and thickened latex. MP series did not show obvious thickening effects. For TP series, viscosity of polymer aqueous solutions and thickened latex increased with the hydrophobic group percentage in polymers, instead of Mw. It is assumed that higher hydrophobic group percentage means more sticker sites in system for aggregation or adsorption, which contribute to the thickening. PEG segments are the frame of the thickening network but need hydrophobic stickers to fix them as well as avoid entanglement. This is proved by the results of rheology testings. Adsorption of polymers on latex particles was observed with DLS and TEM. Obvious hydraulic layer around latex particles could be seen for TP series. Synthesized polymers were also utilized to disperse carbon black pigment, to see if we could combine thickener and dispersant together for paints applications. MP series showed good dispersing performance. For TP series, with the decreasing of hydrophobic sticker groups percentage, the polymers showed better dispersing performance. For particle size and viscosity, TP series are still worse than MP series; but for color strength, TP series were comparable or even better. This is because HEUR polymer chain could adsorb onto one pigment particle while flexible PEG chain curls to supply steric stability effect for pigment particle. With above observation, it will be possible to develop one type of dispersing & thickening 2-in-1 additives for paints.
Prediction of Emergency Department Revisits among Child and Youth Mental Health Outpatients Using Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Saggu Simran , Daneshvar Hirad , Samavi Reza , Pires Paulo , Sassi Roberto B. , Doyle Thomas E. , Zhao Judy , Mauluddin Ahmad , Duncan Laura
Published: November 2023

Background
The proportion of Canadian youth seeking mental health support from an emergency department (ED) has risen in recent years. As EDs typically address urgent mental health crises, revisiting an ED may represent unmet mental health needs. Accurate ED revisit prediction could aid early intervention and ensure efficient healthcare resource allocation. We examine the potential increased accuracy and performance of graph neural network (GNN) machine learning models compared to recurrent neural network (RNN) and a baseline regression models for predicting ED revisit in electronic health record (EHR) data.
Methods
This study used EHR data for children and youth aged 4–17 seeking services at McMaster Children's Hospital's Child and Youth Mental Health Program outpatient services to develop and evaluate GNN and RNN models to predict whether a child/youth with an ED visit had an ED revisit within 30 days. Candidate GNN and RNN models were developed and the best performing of each model was selected for comparison. Model performance for a GNN, RNN and a logistic regression was evaluated using F1 scores.
Results
The GNN model outperformed the best performing RNN model by an F1-score increase of 0.0287. Precision, recall, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and positive and negative predictive values showed that both the RNN and GNN models performed better than the baseline logistic regression model and that performance increases were most noticeable for recall and negative predictive value (59% vs. 66%) than for precision and positive predictive value (62% vs. 66%).
Conclusions
This study demonstrates the improved accuracy and potential utility of GNN models in predicting ED revisits among children and youth, although model performance may not be sufficient for clinical implementation. Given the improvements in recall and negative predictive value, GNN models should be further explored to develop algorithms that can inform clinical decision-making in ways that facilitate targeted interventions, optimize resource allocation, and improve outcomes for children and youth.
Prediction of Optimal Mild Steel Weld Parameters using the Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) Technique.
Authors: Lonfinmakin Oladotun Oluyomi , Emovon Ikuobase , Samuel David Olusegun , sada samuel oro-oghene , Oke Sunday Ayoola
Published: November 2023

Welding is one of the major operations in many industries as it provides a durable means of joining metals and ensuring that diverse equipments are created to meet the growing needs of the manufacturing industries. To enhance the production of these diverse equipments, studies are continually been performed to identify improved means of obtaining reliable joints. This study applies the Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) technique, in improving the predictability of the optimal weld characteristics for a mild steel welded joints, with focus on tensile strength and hardness as responses. From the study, the variation in tensile strength and hardness as a result of the process parameters effects is illustrated, and it reveals the optimal tensile strength and hardness is obtained at the combined input parameters. 170Amp, 20volts, 24l/min, 2.2mm for the tensile strength and 220Amp, 20volts, 20l/min, 2.4mm for the hardness.
Formal Verification of Homogeneous Multi-agentReinforcement Learning systems
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Huang Lan , Zhang Yujuan
Published: November 2023

We examine the homogeneous multi-agent reinforcement learning sytems(HMARLs) in which the agents with the same roles have the equal ability of learning, reasoning and goals. We introduce a novel semantics for HMARLs called homogeneous neural concurrent game structure (HNCGS), which extends CGS with neural network and roles where the agents are implemented via feed-forward ReLU neural networks. To formally verify concrete HNCGS systems, we put forward multi-role linear dynamic strategy logic(mrLDSL), which is a variant of the SL and LDL and provides a holistic perspective to describe some properties of the system, such as sequential property, parallel property, regardless of which agent is responsible for the concrete task. We apply parameterized model checking(PMC) to solve the HNCGS verification problem against mrLDSL. The cutoff method is used to reduce the number of agents during the verification process. We present a methodology for the cutoff identification of a given HNCGS system and show the decidability of the HNCGS verification problem. We bring an algorithm for MILP-based verification process, and report the experimental results.
Foreign body aspiration in children: our pediatric tertiary care experience
Authors: Torsello Miriam , Sicuranza Luana , Meucci Duino , Salvati Antonio , Tropiano Maria Luisa , Santarsiero Sara , Calabrese Cinzia , D’Onghia Alessandra , Trozzi Marilena
Published: November 2023

Purpose
Inhalation of a foreign body is a real emergency in pediatric age, and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to reduce mortality. The objective of this study is to analyze the clinical and radiological details, types and localization of foreign bodies in patients conducted or to our hospital with suspected inhalation.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of all cases of foreign body inhalation admitted to our Pediatric Emergency Room between January 2009 and June 2022.
Results
171 patients were included in the study. In 83 patients the FB was detected. The mean age of presentation was 2,3 years (SD: ±2). Cough (73%) and unilateral reduced breath sound (51%) were the most common clinical symptom and clinical sign. The most frequent localization was the right main bronchus (43%). The foreign bodies retrieved were vegetable (83%), of which peanut was the most common. Chest radiographs were normal in 25%. The mean duration of hospitalization was 5 days (+/- 2,9). Complications such as pneumothorax were seen in two cases.
Conclusions
Foreign body inhalation represents a true pediatric emergency and still a challenge in clinical practice.
The best way to manage it is an early diagnosis and removal by fully trained staff.
Culvert-soil Interaction and Load Reduction Effect of Box Culvert Installed in Trench Terrain
Authors: Dai Jingxiang , Chen Baoguo , Ren Guoqing , Ren Yiqing , Gao Qi
Published: November 2023

Culvert-soil interaction and soil arch effect in fill are extremely complicated for box culvert installed in trench terrain. This paper conducted numerous model tests to investigate the load transfer law, earth pressure distribution and variation law of culvert-soil system under different slope angles and trench width for box culverts with/without expandable polystyrene (EPS) board load-reduction, as well as soil arch effect and its change characteristics. Research results indicate that, with EPS board load-reduction, the vertical earth pressure on the culvert top reduces obviously, while the vertical earth pressure at both sides of the culvert increase. The soil arch effect occurs in trench terrain, which transfers the vertical earth pressure from the culvert top to the slope, and its strength is closely related to the backfill height, the trench width and the slope angle. When the trench width is approximately 2 times the width of the culvert and the slope angle is 60°, the EPS load-reduction material will destroy the original soil arch, the load reduction effect is ineffective, the EPS load-reduction measures have minimal impact on the vertical earth pressure at the middle height of the side wall in trench terrain, which significantly different from the embankment installation culvert.
Integrated Image and Location Analysis for Wound Classification: A Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Patel Yash , Shah Tirth , Dhar Mrinal Kanti , Zhang Taiyu , Niezgoda Jeffrey , Gopalakrishnan Sandeep , Yu Zeyun
Published: November 2023

The global burden of acute and chronic wounds presents a compelling case for enhancing wound classification methods, a vital step in diagnosing and determining optimal treatments. Recognizing this need, we introduce an innovative multi-modal network based on a deep convolutional neural network for categorizing wounds into four categories: diabetic, pressure, surgical, and venous ulcers. Our multi-modal network uses wound images and their corresponding body locations for more precise classification. A unique aspect of our methodology is incorporating a body map system that facilitates accurate wound location tagging, improving upon traditional wound image classification techniques. A distinctive feature of our approach is the integration of models such as VGG16, ResNet152, and EfficientNet within a novel architecture. This architecture includes elements like spatial and channel-wise Squeeze-and-Excitation modules, Axial Attention, and an Adaptive Gated Multi-Layer Perceptron, providing a robust foundation for classification. Our multi-modal network was trained and evaluated on two distinct datasets comprising relevant images and corresponding location information. Notably, our proposed network outperformed traditional methods, reaching an accuracy range of 74.79–100% for Region of Interest (ROI) without location classifications, 73.98–100% for ROI with location classifications, and 78.10–100% for whole image classifications. This marks a significant enhancement over previously reported performance metrics in the literature. Our results indicate the potential of our multi-modal network as an effective decision-support tool for wound image classification, paving the way for its application in various clinical contexts.
Somatic mutations of esophageal adenocarcinoma: a comparison between Black and White patients
Authors: Lim Hyeyeun , Gingras Marie-Claude , Zhao Jing , Byun Jinyoung , Castro Patricia D. , Tsavachidis Spiridon , Hu Jianhong , Doddapaneri Harshavardhan , Han Yi , Muzny Donna M. , Gibbs Richard A. , Amos Christopher I. , Thrift Aaron P.
Published: November 2023

Esophageal adenocarcinoma is the most common histological subtype of esophageal cancer in Western countries and shows poor prognosis with rapid growth. EAC is characterized by a strong male predominance and racial disparity. EAC is up to five-fold more common among Whites than Blacks, yet Black patients with EAC have poorer survival rates. The racial disparity remains largely unknown, and there is limited knowledge of mutations in EAC regarding racial disparities. We used whole-exome sequencing to show somatic mutation profiles derived from tumor samples from eighteen EAC male patients. We identified three molecular subgroups based on the pre-defined esophageal cancer-specific mutational signatures. Group 1 is associated with age and NTHL1 deficiency-related signatures. Group 2 occurs primarily in Black patients and is associated with signatures related to DNA damage from oxidative stress and NTHL1 deficiency-related signatures. Group 3 is associated with defective homologous recombination-based DNA often caused by BRCA mutation in White patients. We found race-specific genes (White only: SMAD4, Black only: ERBB2, F5, PREX2, BRCA1, GATA4, and SCN10A). Our results provide valuable insights into understanding the underlying mutational mechanisms of EAC in Black and White racial sub-groups and could contribute to generating actionable targets for interventions and treatments.