bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sparse Density Trees and Lists: An Interpretable Alternative to High-Dimensional Histograms
Authors: Goh Siong Thye , Semenova Lesia , Rudin Cynthia
Published: January 2024

We present sparse tree-based and list-based density estimation methods for binary/categorical data. Our density estimation models are higher-dimensional analogies to variable bin-width histograms. In each leaf of the tree (or list), the density is constant, similar to the flat density within the bin of a histogram. Histograms, however, cannot easily be visualized in more than two dimensions, whereas our models can. The accuracy of histograms fades as dimensions increase, whereas our models have priors that help with generalization. Our models are sparse, unlike high-dimensional fixed-bin histograms. We present three generative modeling methods, where the first one allows the user to specify the preferred number of leaves in the tree within a Bayesian prior. The second method allows the user to specify the preferred number of branches within the prior. The third method returns density lists (rather than trees) and allows the user to specify the preferred number of rules and the length of rules within the prior. The new approaches often yield a better balance between sparsity and accuracy of density estimates than other methods for this task. We present an application to crime analysis, where we estimate how unusual each type of modus operandi is for a house break-in.

History: David Martens served as senior editor for this article.

Funding: The authors acknowledge support from NIDA [Grant R01 DA054994].

Data Ethics & Reproducibility Note: There are no ethical issues with this algorithm that we are aware of. Data sets for testing the algorithm are either simulated or publicly available through the UCI Machine Learning Repository (Markelle Kelly, Rachel Longjohn, Kolby Nottingham, The UCI Machine Learning Repository, https://archive.ics.uci.edu ). The housebreak data were obtained through the Cambridge Police Department, Cambridge, MA. The code capsule is available on Code Ocean at https://doi.org/10.24433/CO.2985251.v1 and in the e-companion to this article (available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijds.2021.0001 ).
Early Intervention for Children with Cleft Palate Using Language ENvironment Analysis
Authors: Ha Seunghee
Published: January 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of early intervention for children with cleft palate using the Language ENvironment Analysis (LENA), and to investigate whether LENA’s automated measures reflect the effects of early intervention.Methods: Thirteen children with cleft palate (CP) and their parents participated in all sessions of an early intervention program. Twelve children with CP and their parents were involved as a control group, participating only in pre- and post-intervention assessments. The intervention included five direct training sessions and interventions implemented by parents at home for 3 months. As part of the training, parents were instructed to record a one-day LENA recording before and after the assessments and during each session of direct training. During these sessions, parents reviewed their language stimulation and interaction skills, analyzing the results of automated LENA measures reflecting the language environment.Results: Children in the intervention group demonstrated a significantly greater change in expressive vocabulary size and consonant inventory after the intervention. Parents who received training exhibited significantly increased contingent utterances, such as imitation, expansion, and recast, in response to their children’s communication acts compared to those who did not receive the training. Children who received early intervention exhibited a significant improvement in conversation turn counts and child vocalization counts, as measured by automated LENA measures.Conclusion: The results support that using LENA technology can improve early intervention for children with CP. LENA measures can monitor positive changes in children’s speech-language development and parents’ use of communication strategies.
Differences in Language and Literacy Competence According to the Comorbidity of Speech Sound Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: for Preschool 6-Year-Olds
Authors: Lee Eun Ju
Published: January 2024

Objectives: This study analyzed the differences in language and literacy skills in the groups (None, SSD, ADHD, and SSD+ADHD) classified according to the comorbidity of Speech Sound Disorder (SSD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).Methods: The Korean Children’s Panel Study (PSKC) conducted SSD and ADHD screening tests on 1,489 6-year-old preschoolers. In this study, cross-analysis was conducted by dividing the two disability groups into Absent and Present to measure the significance of the degree of accompanying disability. In addition, multivariate covariance analysis (MANCOVA) was conducted using intelligence as covariance as the result of scoring language and literacy skills of the four groups (None, SSD, ADHD, and SSD+ADHD).Results: First, through the results of this study, it was confirmed that SSD and ADHD are significantly more likely to be comorbid. Second, both children with SSD and those with ADHD had significantly lower language skills than Typically Developing children. Third, there was a difference in the detailed items of the SSD and ADHD group literacy. A notable distinction between the two groups is that the ADHD group had a higher rate of writing problems. Fourth, the comorbidity of SSD and ADHD showed different characteristics from None, SSD, and ADHD in reasoning areas such as “predicting the next story”.Conclusion: Speech problems that receive a lot of attention in preschool age childhood should be able to be interpreted and diagnosed in relation to problems with language development and language learning delays in school age children. From this point of view, this study is expected to serve as a basic study on the early diagnosis of language academic ability development.
Speech-Language Pathologists’ Perceptions and Satisfaction towards Computer-Based National Examination
Authors: Lee Eun Kyoung , Ha Ji-Wan , Lee Hyun Jung , Choi Seong Hee
Published: January 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate speech-language pathologists’ perceptions and satisfaction with the computer-based examination after conducting a computer-based examination including a new question type developed in advance of the CBT for speech-language pathologists to lay the foundation for efficient operation of the national examination for speech-language pathologists.Methods: A total of 98 participants (11 males, 87 females) who had taken and passed the national examination for speech-language pathologists within the last 3 years participated in the current examination, and 75 (10 males and 65 females) applicants completed the survey following the examination.Results: Regarding the need to introduce CBT in the national examination for speech-language pathologists, the most common perception was ‘necessary’ (58.7%), and the most common perception was ‘not more time-consuming’ (46.7%) for the computer test compared to the paper test. Satisfaction with the CBT was most likely to be ‘satisfied’ (49.3%), and the convenience of the CBT was equally split between ‘convenient’ (41.3%) and ‘not convenient’ (41.3%) compared to the paper test. Comprehensive assessment of the applicant’s problem-solving skills by simulating realistic clinical situations (73.3%) was perceived as the biggest advantage of the CBT. On the other hand, inconvenience in calculations (62.7%) was perceived as the main disadvantage.Conclusion: Speech-language pathologists perceived the transition to CBT positively and were satisfied with the testing method. However, discomfort in operating the computer and unfamiliarity with the test method were still perceived as difficulties in the CBT. Overall, it is necessary to provide guidance on the test method and ensure technical stability so that the CBT for speech-language pathologists can be systematically implemented.
Exploring the Utility of Narrative Comprehension and Production Tasks to Identify Vocabulary Delay Using Eye-Tracker
Authors: Yang Yoonhee , Yim Dongsun
Published: January 2024

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify group differences in various aspects of narrative tasks performance (comprehension, production, and eye-tracking variables) and finally to explore whether narrative tasks can be used to detect vocabulary delay.Methods: Children in the 1st and 2nd grades (TD= 101, VD= 22) of elementary school participated in this study. All children participated in story comprehension and production tasks, and eye-tracking variables were extracted from two reading conditions (‘listening+reading’, and ‘reading’) in the story comprehension task.Results: There was a significant difference between the two groups in the ‘listening+reading’ condition in the story comprehension task, the ‘construction’ condition in the story production task, and the ‘total fixation duration (TFD)’ in the eye-tracking variables. We examined the ability of the story performances to discriminate vocabulary delays, and found that a total of 79.6% of the original cases based on the standardized vocabulary test could be correctly classified by the story performance variables. The ROC curve also showed that 84.6% of the children could be validly identified by a combination of narrative comprehension scores in the ‘listening+reading’ condition, narrative production scores in the ‘structure’ condition, and TFD in the ‘listening+reading’ condition of comprehension task.Conclusion: The significance of this study is that it explored the possibility of using narrative tasks as a useful tool for identifying micro-level vocabulary delays.
Effect of the number of QTL of carcass weight on the accuracy of genomic estimated breeding values in Hanwoo
Authors: Choi Youngjae , Kim Yeongkuk , Lee Dooho , Lee Dong Jae , Lee Seung Hwan
Published: January 2024

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the number of QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci) affecting the carcass weight of Hanwoo and the accuracy of GEBV (Genomic Estimated Breeding Values). The study was performed simulation study to generate three populations comprising 100, 500 and 1,000 QTL. Each population consisted of 13,500 individuals which were selected from the 6th to 10th generations of all 10 generations, while keeping litter size constant (N=1) in population parameters. The genetic parameters for these populations were set at 0.45 trait heritability, 0.3 QTL heritability and 48,578 total markers. In order to confirm the number of significant QTL under the threshold of Bonferroni correction, both GWAS (Genome-wide association study) and GWAS based on Random Forest (RF) were performed. In each population, there were 33, 50 and 32 QTL identified by only GWAS, with 100, 500 and 1,000 QTL. Additionally, RF-based GWAS detected 65, 260 and 491. These results showed that the number of significant QTL is not related to the overall number of QTL in the population. Furthermore, machine learning based GWAS is more accurate than solely using GWAS. To estimate the accuracy of GEBV (Genomic Best Linear Unbiased Prediction) in each population, 5-fold cross-validation was employed using SNP effect of the QTL over p-value. In the result of the estimation, GEBV rose with an increase in the number of QTL in the population, and the correlation between TBV (True Breeding Values) followed the same tendency. As a result, this study suggested that the number of QTL related to carcass weight in Hanwoo could exert a significant influence on genetic improvement.
RANKINGS UNIVERSITÁRIOS INTERNACIONAIS NOS INSTRUMENTOS DE GESTÃO DAS UNIVERSIDADES BRASILEIRAS RANQUEADAS
Authors: Alves Artur Basílio Venturella , Vanz Samile Andrea de Souza , Calderón Adolfo-Ignacio , Wandercil Marco
Published: January 2024

Objetiva investigar se e como as Instituições de Ensino Superior brasileiras ranqueadas na edição 2020/2021 do Ranking de Shanghai, Leiden, QS e THE mencionam rankings em seus Planos de Desenvolvimento Institucional (PDI). A pesquisa é justificada pelo crescente uso dos rankings para a gestão universitária e adota uma abordagem qualitativa, analisando a presença e o conteúdo das menções aos rankings nos PDI's. Os resultados mostram que 59,6% das universidades analisadas em 2022 mencionaram rankings em seus PDI's, representando um aumento de 7,9% em relação ao estudo de 2019. Observou-se uma variedade de abordagens e enfoques nos PDI's, tais como: realização de análise aprofundada dos rankings, simples referência à posição institucional alcançada, adoção de metas de desempenho e a criação de espaços de monitoramento de resultados. Conclui-se que o interesse pelos rankings acadêmicos por parte das universidades brasileiras presentes nas principais tabelas classificatórias internacionais vem aumentando de forma significativa.
Joseph Needham’s ‘Motivations for Participation’ and ‘Major Roles’ in the International Scientific Commission on Bacterial Warfare during the Korean War
Authors: KIM Taewoo
Published: January 2024

This paper analyzes the motivations of the British biochemist Joseph Needham for participating in ‘the International Scientific Commission for the Investigation of the Facts Concerning Bacterial Warfare in Korea and China (ISC)’ and his major roles within it during the Korean War. Needham stayed in China for four years starting in 1942 as a scientific counselor and director of the British Scientific Mission in China, which enabled him to interact with many Chinese scientists and politicians. Surprisingly, during this period (1944), Needham conducted an investigation into the Japanese military’s use of bacterial warfare. Through his personal records, Needham repeatedly stated that his experience with bacterial warfare research in 1944 was one of the most important reasons for his participation in ISC activities. In addition, Needham secretly but very actively sought to recruit other investigators within Britain. Needham repeatedly tried to persuade fellow professors at Cambridge University, William Thorpe and Vincent Wigglesworth, to be included in the investigation team. Although Needham had doubts about his own expertise in investigative activities, he actively expressed his desire to become a member of the investigative team through various channels. Primary documents show that he actively and voluntarily led the investigation activities after joining the team in professional discussions, document analysis, and witness interrogations. Needham’s passion and sincerity demonstrated in internal meeting minutes dispel some misunderstandings that the investigation team’s activities were limited to passively approving Chinese data.
The Integration of Medicine and Confucianism in the Late Yuan Period: Focusing on Neo-Confucian Physician Zhu Zhenheng
Authors: MIN Byounghee
Published: January 2024

Zhu Zhenheng, the last generation and sole representative from Southern China among the four masters of Jin-Yuan medicine, synthesized the evolution of Chinese medicine from the Song to the Yuan dynasties, profoundly impacting East Asian medical history. Zhu, identified as a Neo-Confucian scholar, appears in the Scholarly Records of the Song-Yuan Dynasties and in ‘the Biographies of Confucians’ rather than ‘the Biographies of Experts’ in the Official History of the Yuan Dynasty. His close association with the Jinhua school of Daoxue is noteworthy. Zhu’s career, as well as his medical theory and practice, exemplify the influence of Zhu Xi’s Neo-Confucianism, which was a significant intellectual resource among the literati during the late Yuan period, on medicine. Zhu Zhenheng’s model of a Confucian physician later became a paradigm in East Asia, as Neo-Confucianism gained mainstream acceptance among the literati. This paper offers a detailed exploration of the specific contexts of Zhu’s social and intellectual networks as well as an examination of the characteristics of his medical theories and practices. It explores how Zhu’s career and identity as a Neo-Confucian physician were shaped through the local and empire-wide networks of the Jinhua school of Neo-Confucianism within the broader context of the Mongol empire, a global power in the late Yuan period. The paper also examines in depth how Zhu’s medical practices were influenced by Neo-Confucianism, and it investigates the real nature and significance of the integration of medicine and Neo-Confucianism, two distinctly different realms of knowledge. Zhu Zhenheng’s medical theories were formed through concerns about jufang medicine and the active presentation of alternatives. A notable aspect of his integration of medicine and Confucianism was the adoption of Neo-Confucian terminologies, concepts, and philosophical and ethical theses, while ensuring that the unique and independent domain of medicine was not subordinated to abstract philosophical theories. This is especially evident through his active and effective use of medical cases. Unlike previous studies, this paper demonstrates that Zhu Zhenheng’s integration of medicine and Neo-Confucianism was mostly a metalevel process, involving methodology and knowledge reproduction patterns, and was driven by a belief in the possibility of harmonizing with Daoxue’s ultimate principle without undermining the autonomy of medical knowledge.
Applying Librarian-Created Evaluation Tools to Determine Quality and Credibility of Open Access Library Science Journals
Authors: Albro Maggie , Serrao Jessica L. , Vidas Christopher D. , McElfresh Jenessa M. , Sheffield K. Megan , Palmer Megan
Published: January 2024

abstract: This article explores the application of journal quality and credibility evaluation tools to library science publications. The researchers investigate quality and credibility attributes of forty-eight peer-reviewed library science journals with open access components using two evaluative tools developed and published by librarians. The results identify common positive and negative attributes of library science journals, compare the results of the two evaluation tools, and discuss their ease of use and limitations. Overall, the results show that while library science journals do not fall prey to the same concerning characteristics that librarians use to caution other researchers, there are several areas in which publishers can improve the quality and credibility of their journals.
Determination and correction of spectral phase from principal component analysis of coherent phonons
Authors: Amuah Emmanuel B. , Siddiqui Khalid M. , Monti Maurizio , Johnson Allan S. , Wall Simon E.
Published: January 2024

Measuring the spectral phase of a pulse is key for performing wavelength resolved ultrafast measurements in the few femtosecond regime. However, accurate measurements in real experimental conditions can be challenging. We show that the reflectivity change induced by coherent phonons in a quantum material can be used to infer the spectral phase of an optical probe pulse with few-femtosecond accuracy.
Bessel-Gauss Coherently Combined Beams
Authors: Jabczynski Jan
Published: January 2024

The application of a conical wavefront in the near field of the tiled aperture coherent beam combination (CBC) produces a “star-like” Bessel-Gauss irradiance pattern i.e. BG-CBC, in the far field. The properties of such a structured optical field were numerically investigated. In contrast to that for the classical CBC, the power diffracted beyond the first few BG-CBC rings is nearly homogenously distributed. Additionally, shaping the segmented conical wavefront can result in a significantly increased caustic length.
Tissue-adjusted pathway analysis of cancer (TPAC): A novel approach for quantifying tumor-specific gene set dysregulation relative to normal tissue
Authors: Frost H. Robert
Published: January 2024

We describe a novel single sample gene set testing method for cancer transcriptomics data named tissue-adjusted pathway analysis of cancer (TPAC). The TPAC method leverages information about the normal tissue-specificity of human genes to compute a robust multivariate distance score that quantifies gene set dysregulation in each profiled tumor. Because the null distribution of the TPAC scores has an accurate gamma approximation, both population and sample-level inference is supported. As we demonstrate through an analysis of gene expression data for 21 solid human cancers from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and associated normal tissue expression data from the Human Protein Atlas (HPA), TPAC gene set scores are more strongly associated with patient prognosis than the scores generated by existing single sample gene set testing methods.
Development of circulating isolates of Plasmodium falciparum is accelerated in Anopheles vectors with reduced reproductive output
Authors: Werling Kristine , Itoe Maurice A. , Shaw W. Robert , Hien Raymond Dombagniro , Bazié Bali Jean , Aminata Fofana , Adams Kelsey L. , Ouattara Bienvenu Seydou , Sanou Mathias , Peng Duo , Dabiré Roch K. , Da Dari F. , Yerbanga Rakiswendé Serge , Diabaté Abdoulaye , Lefèvre Thierry , Catteruccia Flaminia
Published: January 2024

Anopheles gambiae and its sibling species Anopheles coluzzii are the most efficient vectors of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. When females of these species feed on an infected human host, oogenesis and parasite development proceed concurrently, but interactions between these processes are not fully understood. Using multiple natural P. falciparum isolates from Burkina Faso, we show that in both vectors, impairing steroid hormone signaling to disrupt oogenesis leads to accelerated oocyst growth and in a manner that appears to depend on both parasite and mosquito genotype. Consistently, we find that egg numbers are negatively linked to oocyst size, a metric for the rate of oocyst development. Oocyst growth rates are also strongly accelerated in females that are in a pre-gravid state, i.e. that fail to develop eggs after an initial blood meal. Overall, these findings advance our understanding of mosquito-parasite interactions that influence P. falciparum development in malaria-endemic regions.
Effect of growing regions on morphological characteristics, protein subfractions, rumen degradation and molecular structures of various whole-plant silage corn cultivars
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Khan Nazir Ahmad , Yao Enyue , Kong Fanlin , Chen Ming , Khan Rifat Ullah , Liu Xin , Zhang Yonggen , Xin Hangshu
Published: January 2024

Little information exists on the variation in morphological characteristics, nutritional value, ruminal degradability, and molecular structural makeup of diverse whole-plant silage corn (WPSC) cultivars among different growing regions. This study investigated the between-regions (Beijing, Urumchi, Cangzhou, Liaoyuan, Tianjin) discrepancies in five widely used WPSC cultivars in China (FKBN, YQ889, YQ23, DK301 and ZD958), in terms of 1) morphological characteristics; 2) crude protein (CP) chemical profile; 3) Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) CP subfractions; 4) in situ CP degradation kinetics; and 5) CP molecular structures. Our results revealed significant growing region and WPSC cultivar interaction for all estimated morphological characteristics (P < 0.001), CP chemical profile (P < 0.001), CNCPS subfractions (P < 0.001) and CP molecular structural features (P < 0.05). Except ear weight (P = 0.18), all measured morphological characteristics varied among different growing regions (P < 0.001). Besides, WPSC cultivars planted in different areas had remarkably different CP chemical profiles and CNCPS subfractions (P < 0.001). All spectral parameters of protein primary structure of WPSC differed (P < 0.05) due to the growing regions, except amide II area (P = 0.28). Finally, the area ratio of amide I to II was negatively correlated with the contents of soluble CP (δ = -0.66; P = 0.002), CP (δ = -0.61; P = 0.006), non-protein nitrogen (δ = -0.56; P = 0.004) and acid detergent insoluble CP (δ = -0.43; P = 0.008), in conjunction with a positive correlation with moderately degradable CP (PB1; δ = 0.58; P = 0.01). In conclusion, the cultivar of DK301 exhibited high and stable CP content. The WPSC planted in Beijing showed high CP, SCP and NPN. The low rumen degradable protein of WPSC was observed in Urumchi. Meanwhile, above changes in protein profiles and digestibility were strongly connected with the ratio of amide I and amide II.
Physical, rheological and microscopic properties of AAT nanomaterial/crumb rubber powder composite-modified asphalt and SBS-modified asphalt
Authors: Sun Lu , Zhong Wenqing , Xiao Ziwei , Qi Hui
Published: January 2024

This research was based on a nano-AAT (American Advanced Technology)-modified asphalt to which CRP (crumb rubber powder), a rubber waste, was introduced to explore the influence of CRP on AAT performance. The changes in the performance of AAT-modified asphalt after the addition of CRP were analyzed. The rubber powder with the raw material of waste tire was added to the asphalt instead of SBS modifier. While achieving waste recycling, the asphalt material has good performance. Physical analysis methods, rheological performance tests, rolling thin-film oven tests and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy tests were used to investigate the performance of the composite-modified asphalt. The rheological properties of the composite-modified asphalt were analyzed by means of DSR, BBR and MSCR tests, and the microscopic mechanism of the modified asphalt was investigated by means of FTIR tests. The optimal nano-AAT-composite-modified formulation A3C3 (AAT-3.5%SBS-3%CRP) was selected by evaluating the overall performance. Additionally, the performances of the AAT/CRP-composite-modified asphalt and SBS-modified asphalt were compared using physical indicators, the rutting factor, creep flexibility and the stiffness modulus. The results show that the A3C3-modified asphalt had better stiffness, high-temperature (HT) performance and aging resistance than the SBS-modified asphalt, but it was less effective at low temperatures (LTs). According to FTIR, the absorption curves of A3C3 and SBS are essentially equal, with A3C3 only having a variation at 1104 cm−1.
Protocol of efficacy of bifidobacteria intake on gastrointestinal symptoms in symptomatic type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in abdominis: An open-label, randomized controlled trial (Binary STAR study)
Authors: Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Kobayashi Genki , Kitagawa Noriyuki , Okada Hiroshi , Hamaguchi Masahide , Fukui Michiaki
Published: January 2024

Background

This randomized, parallel-group study aims to investigate the effects of the probiotic Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 (BBG9-1) on the symptoms of diarrhea or constipation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

This study will examine 100 patients with T2DM who suffering from symptoms of diarrhea or constipation. Eligible patients will be randomly assigned 1:1 to two groups (group A, BBG9-1 group; group B, control group), after the baseline examination. Patients assigned to group A will receive probiotic BBG9-1 oral administration along with their current treatment for 12 weeks, and patients assigned to group B will continue the current treatment for 12 weeks without probiotic BBG9-1 oral administration. Subsequently, examinations similar to the baseline examinations will be performed. The primary endpoint will be a change in the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) total score from baseline to week 12. Secondary endpoints will include the following: change and percent change in parameters such as GSRS subdomain scores, fecal properties/Bristol stool form scale, defecation frequency, biomarkers, gut microbiota, and macronutrients and factors that affect GSRS total score or constipation/diarrhea subdomain scores from baseline to week 12.

Discussion

The results of this study will clarify the utility of probiotic BBG9-1 in the treatment of diarrhea or constipation in patients with T2DM.

Trial registration

jRCTs051220127.
An evaluation of knee osteoarthritis pain in the general community—Asir region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Kandasamy Geetha , Almaghaslah Dalia , Almanasef Mona , Almeleebia Tahani , Vasudevan Rajalakshimi , Siddiqua Ayesha , Shorog Eman , M. Alshahrani Asma , Prabahar Kousalya , Veeramani Vinoth Prabhu , Amirthalingam Palanisamy , F. Alqifari Saleh , Mani Vasudevan , Viswanath Reddy Lingala Kalyan
Published: January 2024

Background

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most common conditions resulting in disability, particularly in the elderly population. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common articular disease and the leading cause of chronic disability in the developed world.

Objective

This study was carried out to evaluate knee pain in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia. An analytical cross-sectional survey design was adopted in the Asir region from April 2023 to August 2023 to assess the knee pain of the adult population using an anonymous online questionnaire.

Results

Of 1234, 332 were men (26.90) and 902 were women (73.09). WOMAC index score category 55.34% (n = 683) of the subjects had a low risk (score <60), 28.68% (n = 354) had a moderate risk (score 60–80), and 15.96% (n = 197) had a high risk (score ≥81) for KOA. According to clinical criteria, 79.33% (n = 979) of the study subjects had OA. Age group, gender 2.17 (1. 67–2.82) [OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.67–2.82), family history of OA [OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.37–0.62], diabetes [OR 2.78; 95% CI 2.17–3.56], hypertension [OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.26–0.45] were significantly associated with the percentage of the WOMAC index score using the Chi-square test analysis (P<0.05). Therefore, the WOMAC index showed higher diagnostic precision with a statistically significant association [OR 9.31 CI 6.90–12.81] with a P< 0.0001.

Conclusion

KOA is more common in older, obese people who have reached the age of 50 in the Asir region, and it is more prevalent in women. Alarms the need for appropriate awareness programs for better disease prevention and health outcomes for the benefit of the community through general public health programs.
The evolutionary history of three Baracoffea species from western Madagascar revealed by chloroplast and nuclear genomes
Authors: Bezandry Rickarlos , Dupeyron Mathilde , Gonzalez-Garcia Laura Natalia , Anest Artemis , Hamon Perla , Ranarijaona Hery Lisy Tiana , Vavitsara Marie Elodie , Sabatier Sylvie , Guyot Romain
Published: January 2024

The wild species of the Coffea genus present a very wide morphological, genetic, and biochemical diversity. Wild species are recognized more resistant to diseases, pests, and environmental variations than the two species currently cultivated worldwide: C. arabica (Arabica) and C. canephora (Robusta). Consequently, wild species are now considered as a crucial resource for adapting cultivated coffee trees to climate change. Within the Coffea genus, 79 wild species are native to the Indian Ocean islands of Comoros, Mayotte, Mauritius, Réunion and Madagascar, out of a total of 141 taxa worldwide. Among them, a group of 9 species called "Baracoffea" are particularly atypical in their morphology and adaptation to the sandy soils of the dry deciduous forests of western Madagascar. Here, we have attempted to shed light on the evolutionary history of three Baracoffea species: C. ambongensis, C. boinensis and C. bissetiae by analyzing their chloroplast and nuclear genomes. We assembled the complete chloroplast genomes de novo and extracted 28,800 SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) markers from the nuclear genomes. These data were used for phylogenetic analysis of Baracoffea with Coffea species from Madagascar and Africa. Our new data support the monophyletic origin of Baracoffea within the Coffea of Madagascar, but also reveal a divergence with a sister clade of four species: C. augagneurii, C. ratsimamangae, C. pervilleana and C. Mcphersonii (also called C. vohemarensis), belonging to the Subterminal botanical series and living in dry or humid forests of northern Madagascar. Based on a bioclimatic analysis, our work suggests that Baracoffea may have diverged from a group of Malagasy Coffea from northern Madagascar and adapted to the specific dry climate and low rainfall of western Madagascar. The genomic data generated in the course of this work will contribute to the understanding of the adaptation mechanisms of these particularly singular species.
Stress and burnout amongst mental health professionals in Singapore during Covid-19 endemicity
Authors: Yang Suyi , Tan Germaine Ke Jia , Sim Kang , Lim Lucas Jun Hao , Tan Benjamin Yong Qiang , Kanneganti Abhiram , Ooi Shirley Beng Suat , Ong Lue Ping
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted a huge emotional strain on mental health professionals (MHP) in Singapore. As Singapore transited into an endemic status, it is unclear whether the psychological strain has likewise lessened. The aims of this study were to investigate the levels of stress and burnout experienced by MHP working in a tertiary psychiatric hospital in Singapore during this phase of COVID-19 endemicity (2022) in comparison to the earlier pandemic years (2020 and 2021) and to identify factors which contribute to as well as ameliorate stress and burnout. A total of 282 MHP participated in an online survey in 2022, which included 2 validated measures, namely the Perceived Stress Scale and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI). Participants were also asked to rank factors that contributed the most to their stress and burnout. Between-group comparisons were conducted regarding stress and burnout levels among MHP across different demographic groupings and working contexts. In addition, OLBI data completed by MHP in 2020 and 2021 were extracted from 2 published studies, and trend analysis was conducted for the proportion of MHP meeting burnout threshold across 3 time points. We found that the proportion of MHP meeting burnout threshold in 2020, 2021 and 2022 were 76.9%, 87.6% and 77.9% respectively. Professional groups, age, years of experience and income groups were associated with stress and/or burnout. High clinical workload was ranked as the top factor that contributed to stress and burnout while flexible working arrangement was ranked as the top area for improvement so as to reduce stress and burnout. As such, policy makers and hospital management may want to focus on setting clear mental health targets and facilitate manageable clinical workload, build manpower resiliency, optimize resources and provide flexible work arrangements to alleviate stress and burnout among MHP.
Nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae among children <5 years of age in Indonesia prior to pneumococcal conjugate vaccine introduction
Authors: Safari Dodi , Daningrat Wa Ode Dwi , Milucky Jennifer L. , Khoeri Miftahuddin Majid , Paramaiswari Wisiva Tofriska , Tafroji Wisnu , Salsabila Korrie , Winarti Yayah , Soebandrio Amin , Hadinegoro Sri Rezeki , Prayitno Ari , Childs Lana , Pimenta Fabiana C. , Carvalho Maria da Gloria , Pilishvili Tamara
Published: January 2024

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) prevent nasopharyngeal colonization with vaccine serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae, leading to reduced transmission of pneumococci and stronger population-level impact of PCVs. In 2017 we conducted a cross-sectional pneumococcal carriage study in Indonesia among children aged <5 years before 13-valent PCV (PCV13) introduction. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected during visits to community integrated health service posts at one peri-urban and one rural study site. Specimens were analyzed by culture, and isolates were serotyped using sequential multiplex polymerase chain and Quellung reaction. Antibiotic susceptibility was performed by broth microdilution method. We enrolled 1,007 children in Gunungkidul District, Yogyakarta (peri-urban) and 815 in Southwest Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara (rural). Pneumococcal carriage prevalence was 30.9% in Gunungkidul and 87.6% in Southwest Sumba (combined: 56.3%). PCV13 serotypes (VT) carriage was 15.0% in Gunungkidul and 52.6% in Southwest Sumba (combined: 31.8%). Among pneumococcal isolates identified, the most common VT were 6B (16.4%), 19F (15.8%), and 3 (4.6%) in Gunungkidul (N = 323) and 6B (17.6%), 19F (11.0%), and 23F (9.3%) in Southwest Sumba (N = 784). Factors associated with pneumococcal carriage were age (1–2 years adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.9, 95% CI 1.4–2.5; 3–4 years aOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.1; reference <1 year), other children <5 years old in the household (aOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.0), and presence of ≥1 respiratory illness symptom (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4–2.2). Overall, 61.5% of the pneumococcal isolates were non-susceptible to ≥1 antibiotic class and 13.2% were multi-drug non-susceptible (MDNS) (non-susceptible to ≥3 classes of antibiotics). Among 602 VT isolates, 73.9% were non-susceptible and 19.9% were MDNS. These findings are critical to establish a pre-PCV13 carriage prevalence and demonstrate the complexity in evaluating the impact of PCV13 introduction in Indonesia given the wide variability in the carriage prevalence as shown by the two study sites.
Patterns in refractive error and treatment delay in keratoconus–An Australian study
Authors: Bobba Samantha , Wood Alanna , Males John , Kerdraon Yves
Published: January 2024

Keratoconus is the most common primary corneal ectasia and is associated with significant morbidity. In its early stages, keratoconus is often asymptomatic, making the identification of subclinical disease challenging. Refractive error is a parameter that is documented at most routine optometry visits, yet interestingly, changes in refraction of keratoconic patients over time have not yet been studied and compared with the general population. Early diagnosis of keratoconus facilitates timely referral for treatments such as corneal collagen cross-linking, which has been shown to slow disease progression. In this context, documenting delays between initial presentation to the optometrist and referral for collagen-cross-linking as well as comparing the trends in visual acuity and refractive error between keratoconic and non-keratoconic patients over time are particularly relevant.
Mammalian orthoreovirus can exit cells in extracellular vesicles
Authors: Smith Sydni Caet , Krystofiak Evan , Ogden Kristen M.
Published: January 2024

Several egress pathways have been defined for many viruses. Among these pathways, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been shown to function as vehicles of non-lytic viral egress. EVs are heterogenous populations of membrane-bound structures released from cells as a form of intercellular communication. EV-mediated viral egress may enable immune evasion and collective viral transport. Strains of nonenveloped mammalian orthoreovirus (reovirus) differ in cell lysis phenotypes, with T3D disrupting cell membranes more efficiently than T1L. However, mechanisms of reovirus egress and the influence of transport strategy on infection are only partially understood. To elucidate reovirus egress mechanisms, we infected murine fibroblasts (L cells) and non-polarized human colon epithelial (Caco-2) cells with T1L or T3D reovirus and enriched cell culture supernatants for large EVs, medium EVs, small EVs, and free reovirus. We found that both reovirus strains exit cells in association with large and medium EVs and as free virus particles, and that EV-enriched fractions are infectious. While reovirus visually associates with large and medium EVs, only medium EVs offer protection from antibody-mediated neutralization. EV-mediated protection from neutralization is virus strain- and cell type-specific, as medium EVs enriched from L cell supernatants protect T1L and T3D, while medium EVs enriched from Caco-2 cell supernatants largely fail to protect T3D and only protect T1L efficiently. Using genetically barcoded reovirus, we provide evidence that large and medium EVs can convey multiple particles to recipient cells. Finally, T1L or T3D infection increases the release of all EV sizes from L cells. Together, these findings suggest that in addition to exiting cells as free particles, reovirus promotes egress from distinct cell types in association with large and medium EVs during lytic or non-lytic infection, a mode of exit that can mediate multiparticle infection and, in some cases, protection from antibody neutralization.
The evolution of constitutively active humoral immune defenses in Drosophila populations under high parasite pressure
Authors: Zhou Shuyu Olivia , Arunkumar Ramesh , Irfan Amina , Ding Shuai Dominique , Leitão Alexandre B. , Jiggins Francis M.
Published: January 2024

Both constitutive and inducible immune mechanisms are employed by hosts for defense against infection. Constitutive immunity allows for a faster response, but it comes with an associated cost that is always present. This trade-off between speed and fitness costs leads to the theoretical prediction that constitutive immunity will be favored where parasite exposure is frequent. We selected populations of Drosophila melanogaster under high parasite pressure from the parasitoid wasp Leptopilina boulardi. With RNA sequencing, we found the evolution of resistance in these populations was associated with them developing constitutively active humoral immunity, mediated by the larval fat body. Furthermore, these evolved populations were also able to induce gene expression in response to infection to a greater level, which indicates an overall more activated humoral immune response to parasitization. The anti-parasitoid immune response also relies on the JAK/STAT signaling pathway being activated in muscles following infection, and this induced response was only seen in populations that had evolved under high parasite pressure. We found that the cytokine Upd3, which induces this JAK/STAT response, is being expressed by immature lamellocytes. Furthermore, these immune cells became constitutively present when populations evolved resistance, potentially explaining why they gained the ability to activate JAK/STAT signaling. Thus, under intense parasitism, populations evolved resistance by increasing both constitutive and induced immune defenses, and there is likely an interplay between these two forms of immunity.
Intergenerational relationships through transitive materialities in the picturebook, My Grandma’s Photos
Authors: Karaoğlu Serpil , Akalın Defne , Alaca Ilgım Veryer į
Published: January 2024

Representation plays a vital role in picture books as it has the potential to affect and alter readers’ perceptions through selected techniques and materials. In particular, the portrayal of the older adults in picture books may transfigure social well-being due to its impact on intergenerational relationships. This issue is critical as conventional portrayals may lead to societal misconceptions while constructing dismissive attitudes towards old age affecting intergenerational relationships. This article aims to reflect on how visual and verbal narrative strategies can present intergenerational relations constructively, depicting ageing as a cumulative transitional experience focusing on degrees of maturation through lifelong lived events to be shared with younger generation. As such, the article examines the illustration of ageing in the contemporary picture book, My Grandma’s Photos (2019), presenting an affirmative perspective on tackling possible challenges related to old age. The selected picture book is analysed regarding visual and textual strategies and the selective use of material culture weaved into its storyline. This is supported by structured interviews with the author, Özge Bahar Sunar, and the illustrator, Senta Urgan, to ascertain how the work evolved into its final state. Hence, the article examines the whole making process and how this process contributes to the final narrative. We point out the relevance between the portrayal of the older adult via the life course approach and pinpoint the positive intergenerational relationships. In sum, this article speculates on how My Grandma’s Photos builds bridges between generations through materialities embedded in the text and illustrations.
Transdisciplinarity among universities as a catalyst for a gender-sensitive revolution. Strategies and approaches from the perspective of communication design
Authors: Casnati Francesca , Bucchetti Valeria
Published: January 2024

One of the most influential and proven vehicles for sustainable development is inclusive and quality education. This is why it is crucial to promote gender equality in higher education and research, for only in this way can we build a fairer world where everyone has equal opportunities to contribute, create, fulfil their dreams, use their talents, and above all, develop a more sustainable world in collaboration with other human beings. This contribution intends to approach the issue of the university’s role in closing the gender gap from the disciplinary perspective of Communication Design. The contribution therefore aims to fuel the reflection on the role and strategies that the educational path in design can experiment and equip itself with to promote a shift in perspective and contribute to a positive change. The presentation of the case study «A multidisciplinary awareness-raising campaign project against gender-based violence, from the university for the university» has the aim of supporting the argumentation. The case study constitutes a practical example of an inter-university multidisciplinary project, an awareness-raising campaign, in which the synergy and juxtaposition of different and complementary disciplines enable the activation of a virtuous circle of knowledge and awareness. The strategy implemented in this case involved the university on several intertwining levels: from the university, through the university, for the university. The actors engaged in the research and project were located at different levels of the academic pathway: Professors, researchers and students worked together and with different roles in the various stages of the project
Does soil matter?
Authors: Grónás Viktor , Pálfi Márk , Biró Zsolt , Centeri Csaba
Published: January 2024

There has been a serious increase in solar energy installations in
Hungary recently. The majority (98.6%) of the installations were done as
greenfield investments. Due to the nature of technological intervention in
the agricultural landscapes, some of the results of these investments were
the disturbance of the environment (soil and water), change of landscape
(and its values), and reduction in the biodiversity of these areas. Due to
the increase of land use and land cover change, especially towards soil
sealing or reduced availability, it should be important to maintain or
improve the role of such places as habitats, besides producing the equally
important renewable energy forms. Solar parks on former greenfield areas
cover a significant amount of soil surface, and there are tremendous works
related to soil resources, their soils are changed during the investment
and thus soil properties influence their biodiversity management plan. An
important step in habitat development is revegetation. While planting
valuable plants for improvement of the biodiversity, it is also important
to adapt the plans to the environment of the solar parks, and also, to its
technical parameters. In the recent study, soil samplings were done close
to the disturbed area and in a nearby natural area. Soil properties were
measured by a Near Infrared device. Soil organic matter and N-content
resulted in differences between the examined sites. The deviation of soil
properties proved the importance of soil investigation in this case as
revegetation requires knowledge on soil to find the proper plant species
for the soils on-site.