bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast WDM provisioning with minimal probing: the first field experiments for DC exchanges
Authors: Nishizawa Hideki , Mano Toru , Ferreira de Lima Thomas , Huang Yue-Kai , Wang Zehao , Ishida Wataru , Kawashima Masahisa , Ip Ezra , D’Amico Andrea , Okamoto Seiji , Inoue Takeru , Anazawa Kazuya , Curri Vittorio , Zussman Gil , Kilper Daniel , Chen Tingjun , Wang Ting , Asahi Koji , Takasugi Koichi
Published: December 2023

There are increasing requirements for data center interconnection (DCI) services, which use fiber to connect any DC distributed in a metro area and quickly establish high-capacity optical paths between cloud services and mobile edge computing and the users. In such networks, coherent transceivers with various optical frequency ranges, modulators, and modulation formats installed at each connection point must be used to meet service requirements such as fast-varying traffic requests between user computing resources. This requires technology and architectures that enable users and DCI operators to cooperate to achieve fast provisioning of WDM links and flexible route switching in a short time, independent of the transceiver’s implementation and characteristics. We propose an approach to estimate the end-to-end (EtE) generalized signal-to-noise ratio (GSNR) accurately in a short time, not by measuring the GSNR at the operational route and wavelength for the EtE optical path but by simply applying a quality of transmission probe channel link by link, at a wavelength/modulation-format convenient for measurement. Assuming connections between transceivers of various frequency ranges, modulators, and modulation formats, we propose a device software architecture in which the DCI operator optimizes the transmission mode between user transceivers with high accuracy using only common parameters such as the bit error rate. In this paper, we first implement software libraries for fast WDM provisioning and experimentally build different routes to verify the accuracy of this approach. For the operational EtE GSNR measurements, the accuracy estimated from the sum of the measurements for each link was 0.6 dB, and the wavelength-dependent error was about 0.2 dB. Then, using field fibers deployed in the NSF COSMOS testbed, a Linux-based transmission device software architecture, and transceivers with different optical frequency ranges, modulators, and modulation formats, the fast WDM provisioning of an optical path was completed within 6 min.
Unified performance analysis of interference-limited and interference-free dual-hop mixed RF/FSO systems with partial relay selection under pointing errors
Authors: Ding Junrong , Kang Dongpeng , Tan Liying , Ma Jing
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates the performance of interference-limited and interference-free dual-hop mixed radio frequency (RF)/free space optical (FSO) systems with partial relay selection (PRS) for the variable-gain (VG) amplify-and-forward (AF) relaying scenario. We concentrate on the generalized channel model that not only describes different application scenarios but also allows a more accurate description of the channel characteristics. Specifically, the PRS-aided RF link is modeled by the κ-μ shadowed distribution, and the FSO link is expressed in terms of Fox’s H-function, which unifies Fisher-Snedecor F, Gamma-Gamma (GG), and Malága (M) distributions for atmospheric turbulence along with pointing errors and detection modes. The interference signals at the selected relay are modeled by independent identically κ-μ shadowed distributions. Using our analytical framework, new unified closed-form expressions for the cumulative distribution function (CDF), the average bit error rate (BER), and the ergodic capacity are derived. Additionally, we provide asymptotic expressions of the average BER at high SNR. The analysis quantifies the impact of co-channel interference, pointing errors, number of relays, and rank of the selected relay on the considered system’s performance. Finally, numerical results and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations are presented to confirm the effectiveness of the derived expressions. Note that our results provide a generalized framework for comprehensive studies of this kind of systems.
Transverse mode control in quantum enhanced interferometers: a review and recommendations for a new generation
Authors: Goodwin-Jones Aaron W. , Cabrita Ricardo , Korobko Mikhail , Van Beuzekom Martin , Brown Daniel D. , Fafone Viviana , Van Heijningen Joris , Rocchi Alessio , Schiworski Mitchell G. , Tacca Matteo
Published: December 2023

Adaptive optics has made significant advancement over the past decade,
becoming the essential technology in a wide variety of applications,
particularly in the realm of quantum optics. One key area of impact is
gravitational-wave detection, where quantum correlations are
distributed over kilometer-long distances by beams with hundreds of
kilowatts of optical power. Decades of development were required to
develop robust and stable techniques to sense mismatches between the
Gaussian beams and the resonators, all while maintaining the quantum
correlations. Here we summarize the crucial advancements in transverse
mode control required for gravitational-wave detection. As we look
towards the advanced designs of future detectors, we highlight key
challenges and offer recommendations for the design of these
instruments. We conclude the review with a discussion of the broader
application of adaptive optics in quantum technologies: communication,
computation, imaging, and sensing.
Der Einfluss von digitalen Technologien auf Wissensarbeit: Kompetenzen im Wandel
Authors: Lanzl Julia , Schnaak Feline , Schöttl Frederik , Gimpel Henner
Published: December 2023

Die voranschreitende Digitalisierung und der technologische Fortschritt haben in der Arbeitswelt Auswirkungen auf die Ausbildung von Fachkräften und insbesondere auf die geforderten Kompetenzen für einen langfristigen Unternehmenserfolg. Neben klassischen Basiskompetenzen, wie beispielsweise kritischem Denken, treten Digitalkompetenzen wie beispielswiese die Verarbeitung von Informationen zunehmend in den Vordergrund. Deshalb bestehen die Fragen: Was sind durch die fortschreitende Digitalisierung relevante Digitalkompetenzen in der Wissensarbeit? Wie präsentieren und vermitteln Unternehmen und Hochschulen diese Digitalkompetenzen und welche Handlungsempfehlungen lassen sich diesbezüglich ableiten? Durch eine Literaturrecherche in praxisnaher und wissenschaftlicher Literatur wurden Digitalkompetenzen gesammelt, definiert und klassifiziert. Zwölf wichtige Digitalkompetenzen werden herausgestellt und es wird beobachtet, ob und wie sie in der Praxis bereits in betriebswirtschaftlichen Studiengängen, unternehmensinternen sowie -externen Off-the-job-Weiterbildungen und im Recruiting Beachtung finden. Dies ermöglicht das Ableiten von Handlungsempfehlungen für Hochschulen und Unternehmen, sowie deren Zusammenarbeit. Zusätzlich verhelfen die Ergebnisse Weiterbildungen entsprechend an die neuen Gegebenheiten anzupassen und die Wichtigkeit der Digitalkompetenzen für den Berufseinstieg und die berufliche Laufbahn zu verdeutlichen.
Early administration of tecovirimat shortens the time to mpox clearance in a model of human infection
Authors: Nguyen Bach Tran , Marc Aurélien , Suñer Clara , Marks Michael , Ubals Maria , Hernández-Rodríguez Águeda , Melendez María Ángeles ,   The Movie Group, Hruby Dennis E. , Russo Andrew T. , Mentré France , Mitjà Oriol , Grosenbach Douglas W. , Guedj Jérémie
Published: December 2023

Despite use of tecovirimat since the beginning of the 2022 outbreak, few data have been published on its antiviral effect in humans. We here predict tecovirimat efficacy using a unique set of data in nonhuman primates (NHPs) and humans. We analyzed tecovirimat antiviral activity on viral kinetics in NHP to characterize its concentration–effect relationship in vivo. Next, we used a pharmacological model developed in healthy volunteers to project its antiviral efficacy in humans. Finally, a viral dynamic model was applied to characterize mpox kinetics in skin lesions from 54 untreated patients, and we used this modeling framework to predict the impact of tecovirimat on viral clearance in skin lesions. At human-recommended doses, tecovirimat could inhibit viral replication from infected cells by more than 90% after 3 to 5 days of drug administration and achieved over 97% efficacy at drug steady state. With an estimated mpox within-host basic reproduction number, R0, equal to 5.6, tecovirimat could therefore shorten the time to viral clearance if given before viral peak. We predicted that initiating treatment at symptom onset, which on average occurred 2 days before viral peak, could reduce the time to viral clearance by about 6 days. Immediate postexposure prophylaxis could not only reduce time to clearance but also lower peak viral load by more than 1.0 log10 copies/mL and shorten the duration of positive viral culture by about 7 to 10 days. These findings support the early administration of tecovirimat against mpox infection, ideally starting from the infection day as a postexposure prophylaxis.
Transcript assembly and annotations: Bias and adjustment
Authors: Zhang Qimin , Shao Mingfu
Published: December 2023

Transcript annotations play a critical role in gene expression analysis as they serve as a reference for quantifying isoform-level expression. The two main sources of annotations are RefSeq and Ensembl/GENCODE, but discrepancies between their methodologies and information resources can lead to significant differences. It has been demonstrated that the choice of annotation can have a significant impact on gene expression analysis. Furthermore, transcript assembly is closely linked to annotations, as assembling large-scale available RNA-seq data is an effective data-driven way to construct annotations, and annotations are often served as benchmarks to evaluate the accuracy of assembly methods. However, the influence of different annotations on transcript assembly is not yet fully understood. We investigate the impact of annotations on transcript assembly. Surprisingly, we observe that opposite conclusions can arise when evaluating assemblers with different annotations. To understand this striking phenomenon, we compare the structural similarity of annotations at various levels and find that the primary structural difference across annotations occurs at the intron-chain level. Next, we examine the biotypes of annotated and assembled transcripts and uncover a significant bias towards annotating and assembling transcripts with intron retentions, which explains above the contradictory conclusions. We develop a standalone tool, available athttps://github.com/Shao-Group/irtool, that can be combined with an assembler to generate an assembly without intron retentions. We evaluate the performance of such a pipeline and offer guidance to select appropriate assembling tools for different application scenarios.
An agent-based modeling approach for lung fibrosis in response to COVID-19
Authors: Islam Mohammad Aminul , Getz Michael , Macklin Paul , Ford Versypt Ashlee N.
Published: December 2023

The severity of the COVID-19 pandemic has created an emerging need to investigate the long-term effects of infection on patients. Many individuals are at risk of suffering pulmonary fibrosis due to the pathogenesis of lung injury and impairment in the healing mechanism. Fibroblasts are the central mediators of extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition during tissue regeneration, regulated by anti-inflammatory cytokines including transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). The TGF-β-dependent accumulation of fibroblasts at the damaged site and excess fibrillar collagen deposition lead to fibrosis. We developed an open-source, multiscale tissue simulator to investigate the role of TGF-β sources in the progression of lung fibrosis after SARS-CoV-2 exposure, intracellular viral replication, infection of epithelial cells, and host immune response. Using the model, we predicted the dynamics of fibroblasts, TGF-β, and collagen deposition for 15 days post-infection in virtual lung tissue. Our results showed variation in collagen area fractions between 2% and 40% depending on the spatial behavior of the sources (stationary or mobile), the rate of activation of TGF-β, and the duration of TGF-β sources. We identified M2 macrophages as primary contributors to higher collagen area fraction. Our simulation results also predicted fibrotic outcomes even with lower collagen area fraction when spatially-localized latent TGF-β sources were active for longer times. We validated our model by comparing simulated dynamics for TGF-β, collagen area fraction, and macrophage cell population with independent experimental data from mouse models. Our results showed that partial removal of TGF-β sources changed the fibrotic patterns; in the presence of persistent TGF-β sources, partial removal of TGF-β from the ECM significantly increased collagen area fraction due to maintenance of chemotactic gradients driving fibroblast movement. The computational findings are consistent with independent experimental and clinical observations of collagen area fractions and cell population dynamics not used in developing the model. These critical insights into the activity of TGF-β sources may find applications in the current clinical trials targeting TGF-β for the resolution of lung fibrosis.
Effects of rowing stroke rates on lower extremity intra-joint coordination variability in experienced young rowers
Authors: Pakravan Faezeh , Abbasi Ali , Noorinezhad Zahra , Svoboda Zdenek , Tazji Mehdi Khaleghi , Dastmanesh Siavash
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of rowing stroke rates on lower extremity intra-joint coordination variability in professional rowers. Fifteen experienced young rowers volunteered to participate in this study. Kinematic data were recorded at different rowing speeds with seven Vicon cameras. The continuous relative phase (CRP) and CRP variability (CRPV) were used to calculate joint coordination and coordination variability, respectively, for the hip, knee, and ankle in the sagittal and horizontal planes, and a comparison was made among different rowing stroke rates. A vector analysis repeated measure ANOVA using statistical parametric mapping revealed that there were statistically significant differences in the hip–ankle, hip–knee, and knee–ankle CRPs for rowing at different stroke rates. Moreover, there was higher CRPV in the mid-drive and mid-recovery phases and less variability in the transition from the drive phase to the recovery phase. The results demonstrate the importance of knee joint in rowing tasks in experienced rowers during submaximal rowing stroke rate and the shift of movement to the hip at higher rowing stroke rate. Moreover, there was a smaller variability during drive-to-recovery transition, which may suggests an increased risk for overuse injuries.
Three-wave longitudinal prediction of positive mental health in Germany and China
Authors: Margraf Jürgen , Lavallee Kristen L. , Zhang Xiao Chi , Schneider Silvia
Published: December 2023

The present study is a follow-up of a prior study examining a broad range of longitudinal predictors of dimensional positive mental health (PMH) and negative mental health (NMH), using cross-cultural data from the Bochum Optimism and Mental Health (BOOM) study. The present study sought to expand prior findings on positive mental health predictors to a longer longitudinal timeframe. The analysis, specifically, tests our prior model using a third time point, The following positive constructs were examined in relation to later positive mental health: resilience, social support, social rhythm, family affluence, physical health and expectations for fertility. Negative predictors depression, anxiety, and stress were also examined in relation to time 3 positive mental health. Participants included university student samples from Germany (N = 591) and China (N = 8,831). Structural equation modeling was used to examine the effects of predictors on mental health. In China, three of the six salutogenic predictors (social rhythm regularity, positive mental health, resilience) at baseline were predictive of positive mental health at both follow-ups with generally small, but significant effects. Social support at baseline predicted more, and stress and anxiety predicted less positive mental health at follow-up 1, with generally small effects. Depression at baseline predicted less positive mental health at follow-up 2. In Germany, two of the six salutogenic predictors (positive mental health, social support) at baseline were predictive of positive mental health at both follow-ups, with generally small effects. Pathogenic predictors were not predictive of positive mental health at either follow-up. According to multi group analysis, the paths from positive mental health baseline to positive mental health follow-up 1 (FU1) as well as the path positive mental health FU1 to positive mental health follow-up 2 (FU2) were found to differ between Germany and China. All other paths could be seen as equivalent in Germany and China. Results indicate prediction of positive mental health over an extended period of time, and in particular by salutogenic predictors. Pathogenic predictors were also (negatively) predictive of PMH, but with more mixed results, underscoring the differential prediction of PMH from salutogenic and pathogenic factors.
Differing structures of galactoglucomannan in eudicots and non-eudicot angiosperms
Authors: Ishida Konan , Ohba Yusuke , Yoshimi Yoshihisa , Wilson Louis F. L. , Echevarría-Poza Alberto , Yu Li , Iwai Hiroaki , Dupree Paul
Published: December 2023

The structures of cell wall mannan hemicelluloses have changed during plant evolution. Recently, a new structure called β-galactoglucomannan (β-GGM) was discovered in eudicot plants. This galactoglucomannan has β-(1,2)-Gal-α-(1,6)-Gal disaccharide branches on some mannosyl residues of the strictly alternating Glc-Man backbone. Studies in Arabidopsis revealed β-GGM is related in structure, biosynthesis and function to xyloglucan. However, when and how plants acquired β-GGM remains elusive. Here, we studied mannan structures in many sister groups of eudicots. All glucomannan structures were distinct from β-GGM. In addition, we searched for candidate mannan β-galactosyltransferases (MBGT) in non-eudicot angiosperms. Candidate AtMBGT1 orthologues from rice (OsGT47A-VII) and Amborella (AtrGT47A-VII) did not show MBGT activity in vivo. However, the AtMBGT1 orthologue from rice showed MUR3-like xyloglucan galactosyltransferase activity in complementation analysis using Arabidopsis. Further, reverse genetic analysis revealed that the enzyme (OsGT47A-VII) contributes to proper root growth in rice. Together, gene duplication and diversification of GT47A-VII in eudicot evolution may have been involved in the acquisition of mannan β-galactosyltransferase activity. Our results indicate that β-GGM is likely to be a eudicot-specific mannan.
High-efficiency electromagnetic energy harvesting using double-elliptical metasurface resonators
Authors: Amer Abdulrahman Ahmed Ghaleb , Othman Nurmiza , Sapuan Syarfa Zahirah , Alphones Arokiaswami , Salem Ali Ahmed
Published: December 2023

This study introduces a metasurface (MS) based electrically small resonator for ambient electromagnetic (EM) energy harvesting. It is an array of novel resonators comprising double-elliptical cylinders. The harvester’s input impedance is designed to match free space, allowing incident EM power to be efficiently absorbed and then maximally channelled to a single load through optimally positioned vias. Unlike the previous research works where each array resonator was connected to a single load, in this work, the received power by all array resonators is channelled to a single load maximizing the power efficiency. The performance of the MS unit cell, when treated as an infinite structure, is examined concerning its absorption and harvesting efficiency. The numerical results demonstrate that the MS unit cell can absorb EM power, with near-perfect absorption of 90% in the frequency range of 5.14 GHz to 5.5 GHz under normal incidence and with a fractional bandwidth of 21%. The MS unit cell also achieves higher harvesting efficiency at various incident angles up to 60o. The design and analysis of an array of 4x4 double elliptical cylinder MS resonators integrated with a corporate feed network are also presented. The corporate feed network connects all the array elements to a single load, maximizing harvesting efficiency. The simulation and measurement results reveal an overall radiation to AC efficiency of about 90%, making it a prime candidate for energy harvesting applications.
Omnichannel integration strategy based on BOPS
Authors: Tan Meirong , Li Hao , Yin Pei , Wang Hongwei
Published: December 2023

Technological innovation and the upgrading of consumer preferences have greatly accelerated the rapid development of the "new retail" omnichannel model. Meeting the personalized and seamless interactive experience expected by consumers requires integrating the advantages of both offline and online channels and expanding the integrated and intelligent omnichannel layout. This has emerged as a complex problem that the industry urgently needs to address. In order to tackle this issue, we conducted a study on a Buy-Online-and-Pick-up-in-Store (BOPS) pricing game between offline stores and e-commerce departments, considering factors such as match probability and network cost of return. Furthermore, we proposed the Buy-Online-and-Pick-up-in-Store-and-Return-Online (BORO) strategy and conducted an analysis on the variation in market share and revenue levels for both offline stores and e-commerce departments under this strategy. The results demonstrate that: (i) the omnichannel strategy of BOPS can increase the revenues of both offline stores and e-commerce departments only when the distance costs are moderate; (ii) the BORO strategy provides greater benefits to offline stores compared to e-commerce departments; and (iii) the effectiveness of the BORO strategy is influenced by factors such as match probability, distance cost, and product return. This research not only provides a theoretical foundation but also practical insights for the strategic channel management of omnichannel brand merchants.
The impact of tax reduction on enterprises’ financialization-A quasi-natural experiment based on the reduction of VAT rate
Authors: Duan Shu , Lu Yuzhong , Cheng Yujia , Liu Qian
Published: December 2023

This study examines the influence of the reduction in value-added tax (VAT) rates in China during 2018 and 2019 on corporate financialization. By employing a difference-in-differences model and utilizing data from Chinese A-share listed companies between 2017 and 2020, we assess the effects of tax reduction policies. Moreover, it achieves this outcome through three main pathways: alleviating financing constraints, boosting fixed asset investment, and weakening corporate financial arbitrage motives. Further analysis demonstrates that the inhibitory effect of VAT rate reduction on corporate financialization is more pronounced for non-manufacturing companies, businesses reliant on the basic tax rate as their primary revenue source, companies with low intermediate input rates, and those with a strong ability to shift the tax burden. Additionally, debt financing costs play a crucial role in moderating the relationship between tax reduction policies and corporate financialization. The conclusions drawn from this study provide valuable empirical evidence that can contribute to the refinement of VAT reduction policies and the prevention and resolution of financialization at the micro-level.
Practices and drivers of self-medication with antibiotics among undergraduate medical students in Eastern Uganda: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Nakato Gloria , Adongo Pamella R. , Iramiot Jacob Stanley , Epuitai Joshua
Published: December 2023

Self-medication with antibiotics remains one of the major drivers of antimicrobial resistance. Practices of self-medication among nursing and medical students have not been explored in our setting. This study sought to determine the prevalence and factors associated with self-medication with antibiotics among undergraduate university students pursuing health-related courses in Eastern Uganda. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. The study was done among undergraduate students who were doing undergraduate programs in Nursing, Anesthesia, and medicine at Busitema University. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 326 participants. Descriptive statistics were used in data analysis. The prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics was 93.8% (n = 300) of which 80% were either currently using self-medication or had self-medicated in the past six months. The common reasons for self-medication were the perception that it was a minor illness (55%), previous use of antibiotic (52%), a perception that they were health workers (50%), and the notion that they knew the right antibiotic for their condition (44%). Metronidazole (64%) and amoxicillin (65%) were the most commonly used antibiotics. Self-medication was most common for conditions such as peptic ulcer, diarrhea, and wound infections. Inappropriate drug use was common among participants on self-medication which occurred in the form of multiple use of antibiotics (64.4%, n = 194) and a tendency to switch to other antibiotics (58.5%) mostly because the former antibiotic was perceived not to be an effective treatment. The prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics was high among medical students. Prior use of the antibiotic and having a minor illness were the most common drivers of self-medication. Public health strategies should address the high misuse of antibiotics among medical students to negate the likely consequence of antimicrobial resistance.
From nuclear track characterization to machine learning based image classification in neutron autoradiography for boron neutron capture therapy
Authors: Viglietti Julia S. , Espain María S. , Díaz Rodrigo F. , Nieto Luis A. , Szewc Manuel , Bernardi Guillermo C. , Rodríguez Luis M. , Fregenal Daniel E. , Saint Martin Gisela , Portu Agustina M.
Published: December 2023

Knowledge of the 10B microdistribution is of great relevance in BNCT studies. Since 10B concentration assesment through neutron autoradiography depends on the correct quantification of tracks in a nuclear track detector, image acquisition and processing conditions should be controlled and verified, in order to obtain accurate results to be applied in the frame of BNCT. With this aim, an image verification process was proposed, based on parameters extracted from the quantified nuclear tracks. Track characterization was performed by selecting a set of morphological and pixel-intensity uniformity parameters from the quantified objects (area, diameter, roundness, aspect ratio, heterogeneity and clumpiness). Their distributions were studied, leading to the observation of varying behaviours in images generated by different samples and acquisition conditions. The distributions corresponding to samples coming from the BNC reaction showed similar attributes in each analyzed parameter, proving to be robust to the experimental process, but sensitive to light and focus conditions. Considering those observations, a manual feature extraction was performed as a pre-processing step. A Support Vector Machine (SVM) and a fully dense Neural Network (NN) were optimized, trained, and tested. The final performance metrics were similar for both models: 93%-93% for the SVM, vs 94%-95% for the NN in accuracy and precision respectively. Based on the distribution of the predicted class probabilities, the latter had a better capacity to reject inadequate images, so the NN was selected to perform the image verification step prior to quantification. The trained NN was able to correctly classify the images regardless of their track density. The exhaustive characterization of the nuclear tracks provided new knowledge related to the autoradiographic images generation. The inclusion of machine learning in the analysis workflow proves to optimize the boron determination process and paves the way for further applications in the field of boron imaging.
Recombinant human adenovirus p53 combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for liver cancer: A meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Yaru , Chen Yuanyuan , Zhang Yingnan , Xu Mengjun , Guo Wenwen , Zhang Jingya , Ma Gaolei , Liu Chen , Yang Juan , Wu Xiaojin
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To compare the clinical curative effects, survival and complications of recombinant human adenovirus-p53 (rAd-p53) combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) versus TACE for the treatment of liver cancer.

Methods

We searched all the eligible studies of rAd-p53 plus TACE versus control group had only TACE in the treatment of liver cancer, which were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang database, CBM, VIP, PubMed, EMBase, The Chrance of Library, Web of Science from its inception to august 2022.

Results

A total of 17 studies were included, which involved 1045 patients. The results of the meta analysis indicated that the the rAd-p53combined with TACE markedly improved the patients’ complete remission(OR = 2.19, 95% CI:1.13–4.22, P = 0.02), partial remission (OR = 2.22, 95% CI:1.67–2.94, P<0.00001), objective tumor response rate (OR = 2.58, 95% CI:1.95–3.41, P<0.00001) and disease control rate(OR = 2.39, 95% CI:1.65–3.47, P<0.00001) compared with TACE alone. And our results showed that rAd-p53combined with TACE had better survival benefit [6-month OS (OR = 3.41, 95% CI: 1.62–7.14, p = 0.001); 1-year OS (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.28–2.96, p = 0.002)] and better quality of life(MD = 5.84, 95% CI:2.09–9.60, P = 0.002). In addition, the immunity of the patients was enhanced by the combination therapy, as demonstrated by the increase in the ratio of CD4+ to CD4+/CD8+. In adverse effects, except for fever in the TACE combined with rAd-p53 group, which was higher than that in the TACE group(OR = 2.62, 95% CI:2.02–3.49, P<0.00001), all other adverse effects were lower in the TACE combined with rAd-p53 group than in the TACE group.

Conclusion

RAd-p53 combined with TACE for liver cancer showed significant advantages in terms of clinical efficacy, survival rate, and safety compared to the TACE alone, and effectively improved patient quality of life and immune function.

Systematic review registration

https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-9-0127/.
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on life expectancy and premature mortality in the German federal states in 2020 and 2021
Authors: Marinetti Isabella , Jdanov Dmitri , Grigoriev Pavel , Klüsener Sebastian , Janssen Fanny
Published: December 2023

The mortality impact of COVID-19 has mainly been studied at the national level. However, looking at the aggregate impact of the pandemic at the country level masks heterogeneity at the subnational level. Subnational assessments are essential for the formulation of public health policies. This is especially important for federal countries with decentralised healthcare systems, such as Germany. Therefore, we assess geographical variation in the mortality impact of COVID-19 for the 16 German federal states in 2020 and 2021 and the sex differences therein. For this purpose, we adopted an ecological study design, using population-level mortality data by federal state, age, and sex, for 2005–2021 obtained from the German Federal Statistical Office. We quantified the impact of the pandemic using the excess mortality approach. We estimated period life expectancy losses (LE losses), excess premature mortality, and excess deaths by comparing their observed with their expected values. The expected mortality was based on projected age-specific mortality rates using the Lee-Carter methodology. Saxony was the most affected region in 2020 (LE loss 0.77 years, 95% CI 0.74;0.79) while Saarland was the least affected (-0.04, -0.09;0.003). In 2021, the regions with the highest losses were Thuringia (1.58, 1.54;1.62) and Saxony (1.57, 1.53;1.6) and the lowest in Schleswig-Holstein (0.13, 0.07;0.18). Furthermore, in 2021, eastern regions experienced higher LE losses (mean: 1.13, range: 0.85 years) than western territories (mean: 0.5, range: 0.72 years). The regional variation increased between 2020 and 2021, and was higher among males than among females, particularly in 2021. We observed an unequal distribution of the mortality impact of COVID-19 at the subnational level in Germany, particularly in 2021 among the male population. The observed differences between federal states might be partially explained by the heterogeneous spread of the virus in 2020 and by differences in the population’s propensity to follow preventive guidelines.
Influence of social and physical environmental variation on antipredator behavior in mixed-species parid flocks
Authors: Adams Colton B. , Papeş Monica , Price Charles A. , Freeberg Todd M.
Published: December 2023

Carolina chickadees (Poecile carolinensis) and tufted titmice (Baeolophus bicolor) regularly form flocks with multiple species through the winter months, including white-breasted nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis). Earlier studies found that behavior of both chickadees and titmice was sensitive to mixed-species flock composition. Little is known about the influence of background noise level and vegetation density on the antipredator behaviors of individuals within these flocks, however. We tested for the effects of vegetation density, traffic noise, and flock composition (conspecific number, flock diversity, and flock size) on antipredator behavioral responses following an alarm call playback (Study 1) and an owl model presentation (Study 2) at feeders. We recorded background traffic noise and performed lidar scans to quantify vegetation density at each site. After a feeder had been stocked with seed and a flock was present, we recorded calls produced, and we identified flock composition metrics. We coded seed-taking latency, call latency, mob latency, and mob duration following the respective stimulus presentation and tested for effects of flock composition metrics, vegetation density, and background noise on these responses. For the alarm call playback study, flock composition drove behaviors in chickadees and titmice, and vegetation density drove behaviors in chickadees and nuthatches. For the owl model study, conspecific number predicted behavior in chickadees, and mob duration was predicted by nuthatch number. The results reveal individual sensitivity to group composition in anti-predatory and foraging behavior in simulated risky contexts. Additionally, our data suggest that the modality of perceived simulated risk (acoustic vs. visual) and the density of vegetation influence behavior in these groups.
Navigating the uncertainty: A novel taxonomy of vaccine hesitancy in the context of COVID-19
Authors: Krastev Sekoul , Krajden Oren , Vang Zoua M. , Pérez-Gay Juárez Fernanda , Solomonova Elizaveta , Goldenberg Maya , Weinstock Daniel , Smith Maxwell J. , Turk Lindsey , Lin Xingyan , Gold Ian
Published: December 2023

Vaccine hesitancy remains a significant and evolving public health challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a unique decision context with significant uncertainty caused by the novelty of the disease being targeted, unfamiliarity with the vaccines being offered, misinformation, and strong handed government measures. In an effort to extend our understanding of vaccine hesitancy to the high uncertainty decision environment presented by COVID-19, we present a novel taxonomy of the determinants of vaccine hesitancy, based on an inductive analysis of qualitative data gathered during the COVID-19 pandemic. We report on focus group data from a purposive sample of 18 Canadians with varying sociodemographic characteristics and COVID-19 vaccination attitudes. An inductive thematic analysis of this data reveals eight core themes related to vaccine hesitancy: values, trust, social environment, personal anecdotes, environmental fluctuation, prior knowledge, perceived risk & systems of care. We explore these core themes as well as 25 sub-themes, contrasting them with previous models of vaccine hesitancy and suggesting potential strategies for public health professionals.
The impact of collaborative agglomeration of manufacturing and producer services on carbon emission intensity: Influence mechanism and spatial effect
Authors: Liu Yanfei , Li Long , Yang Xiaozhuang
Published: December 2023

Under the goal of " carbon peaking and carbon neutrality," how to create a low-carbon and green development path for cities is an urgent problem in China. One of the effective ways to solve this problem is through industrial collaborative agglomeration. In this paper, panel data of 276 prefecture-level cities in China from 2010 to 2020 was selected to investigate the relationship between the collaborative agglomeration of manufacturing and producer service and carbon emission intensity by using a fixed-effects model, intermediary model, and SDM in multiple dimensions. The study found that the collaborative agglomeration of manufacturing and producer service industries significantly influences carbon emission intensity with an inverted U-shaped curve, and the agglomeration of manufacturing and producer service industries can influence carbon emission intensity through technological progress. In addition, the inverted U-shaped impact of collaborative agglomeration of manufacturing and producer services on carbon emission intensity has a spatial spillover effect, and the spatial spillover effect generated is stronger than the impact on the local area. Moreover, from the perspective of industry heterogeneity, compared with low-end producer services, the agglomeration of manufacturing and high-end producer services can play a better role in carbon emission reduction. Regarding regional heterogeneity, compared with the central and western regions, the impact of manufacturing and production services agglomeration on carbon intensity is far more obvious in the more economically developed eastern regions.
Shotgun metagenomics to investigate unknown viral etiologies of pediatric meningoencephalitis
Authors: Castellot Andrea , Camacho Juan , Fernández-García María Dolores , Tarragó David
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Meningoencephalitis in children poses a diagnostic challenge, as etiology remains unknown for most of patients. Viral metagenomics by shotgun sequencing represents a powerful tool for investigating unknown viral infections related to these cases.

Patients and methods

In a two-year, reference-centre, retrospective study, we investigated the usefulness of viral metagenomics of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the diagnosis of viral infectious meningoencephalitis in forty seven pediatric patients, forty of them previously tested negative with a routine neurologic panel of viral targets that included herpesvirus 1–3 and enterovirus. We enhanced the detection by targeting viral sequences by hybrid capture. Raw sequence data was analysed using three bioinformatics pipelines.

Results

Out of forty remaining children with meningoencephalitis of unknown viral etiology, a significant detection of viral nucleic acid by shotgun sequencing was found in twenty one, which was confirmed in ten of them by specific PCR: seven human endogenous retrovirus K113 (HER K113), one parechovirus 3, one human herpesvirus 5 (HHV5); one enterovirus B (Echovirus 9). The remaining eleven CSF were not confirmed by PCR: three rotavirus, one human herpesvirus 7 (HHV7), one influenza A, one mastadenovirus C, one sindbis virus, one torque teno virus, one human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1), one human alphaherpesvirus 3 (HHV3), one human alphaherpesvirus 2 (HHV2).

Conclusions

Underutilization of currently available meningitis-encephalitis diagnostic techniques such as BioFire® FilmArray® is the main cause of undiagnosed cases of meningoencephalitis. However, in this study we detected uncommon viruses that should be considered, including virus, rotavirus, sindbis virus, influenza A virus and HHV7. No other viral sequences that could be readily linked to CNS inflammation were detected. Some findings may stem from reagent or sample contamination, as seen with papillomavirus; for others, the clinical relevance of the virus remains uncertain and should be substantiated by further studies, as is the case with endogenous retrovirus K113 virus. Online bioinformatics pipeline CZID represents a valuable tool for analysing shotgun sequencing data in cases of neurological conditions with unknown etiology. Altogether, this study highlights the potential of shotgun sequencing in identifying previously unknown viral neuropathogens and sheds light on the interpretation issues related to its application in clinical microbiology.
Factors affecting the green investment and assessing sustainable performance of firms in China
Authors: An Yufei , Madni Ghulam Rasool
Published: December 2023

In the process of development, global economies are prioritizing environmental protection and firms are also recognizing the importance of minimizing environmental impact during production along with maximization of profits through green investments. It is vivid that green investments are vital for environmental preservation. So this paper contributes to literature by investigating the role of internal and external factors affecting the decision making of Chinese firms regarding adoption of green investments and impact of green investments on environmental, social, and economic performance of firms. The data is collected from directors/senior managers of the firms. We received 463 valid responses from listed companies with Shenzhen, Beijing, and Shanghai Stock Exchange. The “structural equation modeling” with “maximum likelihood estimation” is employed for empirical analysis. The empirical findings reveal that adaptation to climate change and its mitigation is the most important driver of green investment. Moreover, green investment positively contributes to enhancing the social, economic, and environmental performances of Chinese firms. Based on the findings of the study, green investment should be adopted as a corporate strategy by firms for profit maximization, competitive advantage, and improvement in social well-being without compromising the environment. Policy makers can promote green investment by offering policy instruments such as tax incentives, guaranteed credits, grants, and investor education. Training courses may be offered to raise environmental awareness among firms and the general public.
A mixed methods PAR study investigating social capital as a resource for Black and other racially minoritised communities in the UK: A study protocol
Authors: Gnan Georgina , Asif Zara , Campbell Sanchika , Dyer Jacqui , Ehsan Anna , Hoffmann Katrin , Kienzler Hanna , Mellick Shabbir , Martin Nathaniel , Osei Cheryl , Rebello Abreen , Remouche Imade , Rhead Rebecca , Richards Denise , Sabra Ibrahim , Sabra Sara , Sterk Pippa , Woodhead Charlotte , Hatch Stephani
Published: December 2023

Understanding how different Black and other racially minoritised communities thrive is an emerging priority area in mental health promotion. Literature demonstrates health benefits of social capital (social resources embedded within social networks). However, its effects are not always positive, particularly for certain subpopulations who are already disadvantaged.The CONtributions of social NEtworks to Community Thriving (CONNECT) study will use Participatory Action Research (PAR) to investigate social capital as a resource that benefits (or hinders) racially minoritised communities and their mental health. The CONNECT study was designed within a partnership with community organisations and responds to local policy in two South-East London Boroughs, thereby providing potential channels for the action component of PAR. Taking an anti-racism lens, we acknowledge the underpinning role of racism in creating health inequities. We apply an intersectional framework to be considerate of overlapping forms of oppression such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation as an essential part of developing effective strategies to tackle health inequities. Key components of this mixed methods PAR study include (1) involving racialised minority community members as peer researchers in the team (2) collecting and analysing primary qualitative data via interviews, photovoice, and community mapping workshops, (3) developing relevant research questions guided by peer researchers and collaborating organisations and analysing secondary quantitative data accordingly, (4) integrating qualitative and quantitative phases, and (5) working closely with community and policy partners to act on our findings and use our research for social change.The PAR approach will allow us to engage community (voluntary sector and government) and academic partners in decision making and help address imbalances in power and resource allocation. Knowledge generated through this collaborative approach will contribute to existing community initiatives, policies, and council strategies. This will ensure the views and experiences of racially minoritised communities drive the changes we are collaboratively committed to achieving.
Catch assemblages in the small-scale trap fishery with relation to hydrographic features of a tropical bay in the Gulf of Thailand
Authors: Sawusdee Amonsak , Pokavanich Tanuspong , Koolkalya Sontaya , Rattanarat Jantira , Kaewrat Jenjira , Jutagate Tuantong
Published: December 2023

Catches from the small-scale trap fishery in Bandon Bay, Suratthani, Thailand, were monitored from 14 sites around the Bay, then disturbance to aquatic communities and catch assemblage were examined. At the same time, the hydrographical features of the bay were surveyed. The study was conducted throughout 2019 except in December, when a tropical cyclone made sampling impossible. In total, 17,373 animals from 118 species or species groups of aquatic animals were collected. The main target of the fishery, blue swimming crab Portunus pelagicus, contributed about 10% of the total catch in terms of number; meanwhile, another crab, Charybdis affinis, was the most dominant species (41% of total). W-statistics of Abundance-Biomass Comparison curves ranged between -0.025 and 0.031, indicating light disturbance to the communities in this fishing ground. The catch assemblage, based on number in catch composition, were divided into three main clusters and six sub-clusters by using the self-organizing map (SOM) technique. The SOM results showed that the catch assemblages differed based largely on temporal variation. The hydrographic features of Bandon Bay at times exhibited a layered structure and had strong spatial variation. The bay’s current system was governed by motion of tidal currents; meanwhile, the circulation was governed by monsoonal wind and freshwater discharges. Tidal current was strong and ranged between approximately 0.6 m to 2.2 m. Water within the bay was always warmer than the outer sea. High water temperature was observed two times during the year: during monsoon transition 1 (April to May) and transition 2 (October). Salinity showed great spatial and temporal variation, differing by more than 5–10 ppt horizontally. It was possible to use these dynamic hydrological features of Bandon Bay to explain assemblage patterns of the trap-net catches.