bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Encephalitis and poor neuronal death–mediated control of herpes simplex virus in human inherited RIPK3 deficiency
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Garcia Reino Eduardo J. , Harschnitz Oliver , Guo Hongyan , Chan Yi-Hao , Khobrekar Noopur V. , Hasek Mary L. , Dobbs Kerry , Rinchai Darawan , Materna Marie , Matuozzo Daniela , Lee Danyel , Bastard Paul , Chen Jie , Lee Yoon Seung , Kim Seong K. , Zhao Shuxiang , Amin Param , Lorenzo Lazaro , Seeleuthner Yoann , Chevalier Remi , Mazzola Laure , Gay Claire , Stephan Jean-Louis , Milisavljevic Baptiste , Boucherit Soraya , Rozenberg Flore , Perez de Diego Rebeca , Dix Richard D. , Marr Nico , Béziat Vivien , Cobat Aurelie , Aubart Mélodie , Abel Laurent , Chabrier Stephane , Smith Gregory A. , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Mocarski Edward S. , Studer Lorenz , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Zhang Shen-Ying
Published: April 2023

Inborn errors of TLR3-dependent type I IFN immunity in cortical neurons underlie forebrain herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) encephalitis (HSE) due to uncontrolled viral growth and subsequent cell death. We report an otherwise healthy patient with HSE who was compound heterozygous for nonsense (R422*) and frameshift (P493fs9*)
RIPK3
variants. Receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) is a ubiquitous cytoplasmic kinase regulating cell death outcomes, including apoptosis and necroptosis. In vitro, the R422* and P493fs9* RIPK3 proteins impaired cellular apoptosis and necroptosis upon TLR3, TLR4, or TNFR1 stimulation and ZBP1/DAI-mediated necroptotic cell death after HSV-1 infection. The patient’s fibroblasts displayed no detectable RIPK3 expression. After TNFR1 or TLR3 stimulation, the patient’s cells did not undergo apoptosis or necroptosis. After HSV-1 infection, the cells supported excessive viral growth despite normal induction of antiviral IFN-β and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). This phenotype was, nevertheless, rescued by application of exogenous type I IFN. The patient’s human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)–derived cortical neurons displayed impaired cell death and enhanced viral growth after HSV-1 infection, as did isogenic RIPK3-knockout hPSC-derived cortical neurons. Inherited RIPK3 deficiency therefore confers a predisposition to HSE by impairing the cell death–dependent control of HSV-1 in cortical neurons but not their production of or response to type I IFNs.
Mapping evidence on the acceptability of human papillomavirus self-sampling for cervical cancer screening among women in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review
Authors: Dzobo Mathias , Dzinamarira Tafadzwa , Maluleke Kuhlula , Jaya Ziningi Nobuhle , Kgarosi Kabelo , Mashamba-Thompson Tivani Phosa
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The objective of this scoping review was to map evidence on the acceptability of self-sampling for human papillomavirus testing (HPVSS) for cervical cancer screening among women in the sub-Saharan Africa region.

Design

Scoping review.

Methods

Using Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, we searched Scopus, PubMed, Medline Ovid, Cochrane and Web of Science databases for evidence on the acceptability of HPVSS among women aged 25 years and older published between January 2011 and July 2021. We included studies that reported evidence on the acceptability of HPVSS for cervical cancer screening. Review articles and protocols were excluded. We also searched for evidence from grey literature sources such as dissertations/theses, conference proceedings, websites of international organisations such as WHO and relevant government reports. Two reviewers independently performed the extraction using a pre-designed Excel spreadsheet and emerging themes were narratively summarised.

Results

The initial search retrieved 1018 articles. Of these, 19 articles were eligible and included in the review. The following themes emerged from the included articles: acceptability of HPVSS; lack of self-efficacy to perform HPVSS, complications when performing HPVSS, preferences for provider sampling or assistance; setting of HPVSS; HPVSS by vulnerable populations.

Conclusion

Evidence shows that HPVSS is highly acceptable for cervical cancer screening in sub-Saharan Africa. Further research exploring the acceptability of HPVSS among women residing in rural areas is required, as well as studies to determine women’s preferences for HPVSS intervention including the preferred type of sampling devices. Knowledge on the acceptability and preferences for HPVSS is important in designing women-centred interventions that have the potential to increase screening coverage and participation in cervical cancer screening programmes.
Physician benzodiazepine self-use prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada: a population-level cohort study
Authors: Myran Daniel , Milani Christina , Pugliese Michael , Hensel Jennifer M , Sood Manish , Kendall Claire E , Kendzerska Tetyana , Tanuseputro Peter
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate physician benzodiazepine (BZD) self-use pre-COVID-19 pandemic and to examine changes in BZD self-use during the first year of the pandemic.

Design

Population-based retrospective cohort study using linked routinely collected administrative health data comparing the first year of the pandemic to the period before the pandemic.

Setting

Province of Ontario, Canada between March 2016 and March 2021.

Participants

Intervention

Onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.

Outcomes measures

The primary outcome measure was the receipt of one or more prescriptions for BZD, which was captured via the Narcotics Monitoring System.

Results

In a cohort of 30 798 physicians (mean age 42, 47.8% women), we found that during the year before the pandemic, 4.4% of physicians had 1 or more BZD prescriptions. Older physicians (6.8% aged 50+ years), female physicians (5.1%) and physicians with a prior mental health (MH) diagnosis (12.4%) were more likely than younger (3.7% aged <50 years), male physicians (3.8%) and physicians without a prior MH diagnosis (2.9%) to have received 1 or more BZD prescriptions. The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a 10.5% decrease (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.85, 95% CI: 0.80 to 0.91) in the number of physicians with 1 or more BZD prescriptions compared with the year before the pandemic. Female physicians were less likely to reduce BZD self-use (aORfemale=0.90, 95% CI: 0.83 to 0.98) compared with male physicians (aORmale=0.79, 95% CI: 0.72 to 0.87, pinteraction=0.046 during the pandemic. Physicians presenting with an incident MH visit had higher odds of filling a BZD prescription during COVID-19 compared with the prior year.

Conclusions

Physicians’ BZD prescriptions decreased during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada. These findings suggest that previously reported increases in mental distress and MH visits among physicians during the pandemic did not lead to greater self-use of BZDs.
Diagnostic accuracy of clinical diagnostic scoring systems for childhood tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Kakinda Michael , Olum Ronald , Baluku Joseph Baruch , Bongomin Felix
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis (TB) poses several challenges. Therefore, clinical signs and symptoms, radiological studies, laboratory examinations, point-based scoring systems or diagnostic algorithms have been developed to improve diagnostic yields in this population. However, there are limited data on the diagnostic test accuracy of paediatric TB scoring systems. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to synthesise the available evidence on the diagnostic accuracy of childhood TB diagnostic scoring systems.

Methods and analysis

This protocol describes a systematic review, developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses of Diagnostic Test Accuracy. We will conduct a comprehensive literature search for relevant articles in the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Databases. The eligibility criteria for studies will be formulated based on the Participants (Population), Index Test, Comparator Test and Target Condition criteria for the review question. The index test will be defined as any attempt to diagnose childhood TB using either a scoring system or a diagnostic algorithm, whereas a composite reference standard will be used as a reference standard. This will include any attempt to confirm diagnosis of TB. Where bacteriological confirmation is not obtained and there are at least two of the following features: chest radiograph consistent with TB, immunological evidence ofMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection and/or positive response to TB treatment will also be considered. The QUADAS-2 Tool will be used to assess the quality of the studies. The diagnostic accuracy measures (ie, sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive and positive predictive values) will be pooled with the random-effects or fixed-effects models, as appropriate. All statistical analyses will be performed using the Review Manager V.5.4.

Ethics and dissemination

This research is exempt from ethics approval given that this is a protocol for a systematic review, which uses published data. The findings from this review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022367049.
Effectiveness of telerehabilitation and home-based falls prevention programs for community-dwelling older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Leung Karen K , Carr Frances M , Kennedy Megan , Russell Matthew J , Sari Zainab , Triscott Jean AC , Korownyk Christina
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Falls among older adults are associated with adverse sequelae including fractures, chronic pain and disability, which can lead to loss of independence and increased risks of nursing home admissions. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the uptake of telehealth, but the effectiveness of virtual, home-based fall prevention programmes is not clearly known. We aim to synthesise the trials on telerehabilitation and home-based falls prevention programmes to determine their effectiveness in reducing falls and adverse outcomes, as well as to describe the safety risks associated with telerehabilitation.

Methods and analysis

This protocol was developed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). Database searches from inception to August 2022 will be conducted without language restrictions of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Ovid HealthSTAR, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Physiotherapy EvidenceDatabase (PEDro) and the Cochrane Library. Grey literature including major geriatrics conference proceedings will be reviewed. Using Covidence software, two independent reviewers will in duplicate determine the eligibility of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Eligible RCTs will compare telerehabilitation and home-based fall prevention programmes to usual care among community-dwelling older adults and will report at least one efficacy outcome: falls, fractures, hospitalisations, mortality or quality of life; or at least one safety outcome: pain, myalgias, dyspnoea, syncope or fatigue. Secondary outcomes include functional performance in activities of daily living, balance and endurance. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. DerSimonian-Laird random effects models will be used for the meta-analysis. Heterogeneity will be assessed using the I2statistic and Cochran’s Q statistic. We will assess publication bias using the Egger’s test. Prespecified subgroup analyses and univariate meta-regression will be used.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022356759.
Predominance of non-Candida albicansspecies oral colonisation among patients on anticancer therapy: findings from a cross-sectional study in Tanzania
Authors: Kibwana Upendo Ozeniel , Manyahi Joel , Kamori Doreen , Mushi Martha , Mwandigha Ambele M , Majigo Mtebe
Published: April 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the oral carriage prevalence ofCandidaspecies and identify factors associated with the carriage ofCandidaspecies among patients with cancer on treatment.

Design

A hospital-based cross-sectional study.

Setting

The study was conducted at a tertiary-level cancer hospital Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Participants

We enrolled 196 participants who consented to join the study. Oral swabs were collected from all participants and inoculated onto Sabouraud dextrose agar supplemented with 50 mg/mL gentamicin and 50 mg/mL chloramphenicol, and chromogenic agar for phenotypic identification ofCandidaspecies.

Primary outcome

The study reported the high prevalence of oral carriage ofCandidaspecies among patients with cancer on treatment at the tertiary-level cancer hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Results

A total of 196 participants were enrolled in the study. The overall oral carriage ofCandidaspecies was 37.8% (74/196). The prevalence was higher among patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy (44.4%) than those in monotherapy (13.3% chemotherapy, 20% radiotherapy).Candida kruseiwas the most common isolated species, 48.6% (36/74). Head and neck (adjusted OR (aOR) 15.09, 95% CI 3.05 to 74.59, p=0.00), gastrointestinal (aOR 14.14, 95% CI 2.25 to 88.63, p=0.00) malignancies and diabetes (aOR 3.18, 95% CI 1.03 to 9.77, p=0.04) were factors independently associated with oral carriage ofCandidaspecies.

Conclusion

The oral carriage ofCandidaspecies among patients with cancer receiving treatment at ORCI is high, mainly due toC. kruseispecies. This is alarming sinceC. kruseihas intrinsic resistance to fluconazole, a common antifungal agent used to manage adult fungal infections. Therefore, efforts should be put into conducting regular check-ups for such opportunistic pathogens as they can lead to subsequent infections. Furthermore, studies conducted to determine the antifungal profile of the causative agents are warranted since different causative agents might have different profiles.
Country learning on maintaining quality essential health services during COVID-19 in Timor-Leste: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Kleine-Bingham Melissa B , Rangel Gregorio , Sarakbi Diana , Kelleher Treasa , Mensah Abrampah Nana Afriyie , Neilson Matthew , Bodson Oriane , White Philippa , Bothra Vinay , M de Carvalho Helder , da C A Pinto Feliciano , Babar Syed Shamsuzzoha
Published: April 2023

Objective

This case study examines the enabling factors, strengths, challenges and lessons learnt from Timor-Leste (TLS) as it sought to maintain quality essential health services (EHS) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

A qualitative case study triangulated information from 22 documents, 44 key informant interviews and 6 focus group discussions. The framework method was used to thematically examine the factors impacting quality EHS in TLS.

Setting

National, municipal, facility levels in Baucau, Dili and Ermera municipalities in TLS.

Results

Based on the TLS National Health Statistics Reports, a reduction in outpatient, emergency department and primary care service delivery visits was observed in 2020 when compared with 2019. However, in contrast, maternal child health services simultaneously improved in the areas of skilled birth attendants, prenatal coverage and vitamin A distribution, for example. From the thematic analysis, five themes emerged as contributing to or impeding the maintenance of quality EHS including (1) high-level strategy for maintaining quality EHS, (2) measurement for quality and factors affecting service utilisation, (3) challenges in implementation of quality activities across the three levels of the health system, (4) the impact of quality improvement leadership in health facilities during COVID-19 and (5) learning systems for maintaining quality EHS now and for the future.

Conclusion

The maintenance of quality EHS is critical to mitigate adverse health effects from the COVID-19 pandemic. When quality health services are delivered prior to and maintained during public health emergencies, they build trust within the health system and promote healthcare-seeking behaviour. Planning for quality as part of emergency preparedness can facilitate a high standard of care by ensuring health services continue to provide a safe environment, reduce harm, improve clinical care and engage patients, facilities and communities.
Integrating social support into interventions among the elderly in nursing homes: a scoping review
Authors: Behrendt Daniel , Spieker Sybille , Sumngern Chommanard , Wendschuh Vanessa
Published: April 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to understand the evidence related to integration of social support into interventions, to identify literature gaps related to social support interventions, and to clarify dimensions of supportive functions, outcomes, and providers among the elderly in nursing homes.

Design

This scoping review followed the approach by Arksey and O’Malley. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool V.2018 was used for quality assessment of the studies.

Data sources

Searches were conducted of the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Public Library of Science, SocioHub, Wiley Online Library and PsycINFO databases for publications from 2010 to 2021.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

We searched for primary studies and heterogeneous study designs published in English. Eligible studies took place in nursing and care homes and had study populations of elderly adults (older adults, geriatrics, ageing, seniors, older people and those aged 60 years and older).

Data extraction and synthesis

A data extraction form based on Joanna Briggs Institute’s recommendations for scoping reviews was used. Two reviewers independently extracted data and performed quality assessment of the studies. Then, extracted data and quality assessment reports were discussed by all authors.

Results

Thirty-one eligible studies were included in this review. 54.8% of the studies provided interventions for cognitively impaired residents. The top-three outcomes were neuropsychiatric symptoms, physical function and quality of life, respectively. The interventions were performed by nursing home staff (83.9%), other persons with specific qualifications (58.1%) and health volunteers (6.5%). Most studies (90.3%) depicted the integration of emotional and instrumental supportive functions into interventions.

Conclusion

The appropriate dimensions of supportive function, mainly emotional and instrumental support, are important to integrate into the social care of elderly people living in nursing homes.
Effect of instrument type and one-handed versus two-handed grips on force application during simulated instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation
Authors: Martonick Nickolai JP , North Kyle , Reeves Ashley , McGowan Craig , Baker Russell T
Published: April 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the forces used by trained clinicians during a simulated instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation (IASTM) treatment varied across five different instruments during one-handed and two-handed IASTM grips.

Methods

Nine athletic trainers who previously completed IASTM training and used the technique in professional practice were included in the study. A skin simulant was attached to a force plate and used to evaluate force production during a simulated IASTM treatment scenario. Peak (Fpeak) and mean (Fmean) forces were recorded for both one-handed and two-handed grips for each participant across the five instruments. Data were analysed using separate 2 (grip type) × 5 (IASTM instrument) repeated measures analysis of variance for both Fpeakand Fmean.

Results

Data for Fpeakdemonstrated a significant main effect for grip type (F(1, 8)=46.39, p<0.001,ηp2=0.34), instrument (F(4, 32)=4.61, p=0.005,ηp2=0.06) and interaction (F(2, 16)=10.23, p=0.001,ηp2=0.07). For Fmean, there was also a statistically significant main effect for grip type (F(1, 8)=60.47, p<0.001,ηp2=0.32), instrument (F(4, 32)=4.03, p=0.009,ηp2=0.06) and interaction (F(2, 19)=7.92, p=0.002,ηp2=0.06).

Conclusions

Clinicians produced greater IASTM forces when applying a two-handed grip than a one-handed grip. Instrument weight may matter less than instrument shape, size and bevelling for influencing force production as instrument length appears to influence force production when using one-handed or two-handed grips. Although the effects of IASTM force variation on patient outcomes remains unknown, these findings may be considered by clinicians when making instrument and grip choices.
Population pharmacokinetic and safety analysis of ropivacaine used for erector spinae plane blocks
Authors: Schwenk Eric S , Lam Edwin , Abulfathi Ahmed A , Schmidt Stephan , Gebhart Anthony , Witzeling Scott D , Mohamod Dalmar , Sarna Rohan R , Roy Akshay B , Zhao Joy L , Kaushal Gagan , Rochani Ankit , Baratta Jaime L , Viscusi Eugene R
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Erector spinae plane blocks have become popular for thoracic surgery. Despite a theoretically favorable safety profile, intercostal spread occurs and systemic toxicity is possible. Pharmacokinetic data are needed to guide safe dosing.

Methods

Fifteen patients undergoing thoracic surgery received continuous erector spinae plane blocks with ropivacaine 150 mg followed by subsequent boluses of 40 mg every 6 hours and infusion of 2 mg/hour. Arterial blood samples were obtained over 12 hours and analyzed using non-linear mixed effects modeling, which allowed for conducting simulations of clinically relevant dosing scenarios. The primary outcome was the Cmaxof ropivacaine in erector spinae plane blocks.

Results

The mean age was 66 years, mean weight was 77.5 kg, and mean ideal body weight was 60 kg. The mean Cmaxwas 2.5 ±1.1 mg/L, which occurred at a median time of 10 (7–47) min after initial injection. Five patients developed potentially toxic ropivacaine levels but did not experience neurological symptoms. Another patient reported transient neurological toxicity symptoms. Our data suggested that using a maximum ropivacaine dose of 2.5 mg/kg based on ideal body weight would have prevented all toxicity events. Simulation predicted that reducing the initial dose to 75 mg with the same subsequent intermittent bolus dosing would decrease the risk of toxic levels to <1%.

Conclusion

Local anesthetic systemic toxicity can occur with erector spinae plane blocks and administration of large, fixed doses of ropivacaine should be avoided, especially in patients with low ideal body weights. Weight-based ropivacaine dosing could reduce toxicity risk.

Trial registration number

NCT04807504; clinicaltrials.gov.
Multifrequency electromagnetic induction soil moisture characterization under different land uses in western Newfoundland
Authors: Mensah Clinton , Katanda Yeukai , Krishnapillai Mano , Cheema Mumtaz , Galagedara Lakshman
Published: April 2023

Identifying and characterizing the spatial patterns in soil moisture variability under different land use conditions is crucial for agriculture, forestry, and civil and environmental engineering. Yet employing multifrequency (MF) electromagnetic induction (EMI) techniques to carry out this task is under-represented in boreal podzolic soils. This study ( i) compared four frequencies (∼2.8–80 kHz) for shallow mapping of soil moisture measured with a time–domain reflectometry at 0–20 cm soil depth under three different land use conditions (agricultural land, field road, and a recently cleared natural forest), ( ii) developed a relationship between apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) measured using multifrequency EMI (GEM-2) and soil moisture, and ( iii) assessed the effectiveness of ECa as an auxiliary variable in predicting soil moisture variations under different land use conditions. The means of ECa measurements were calculated for the exact sampling location (ground truth data) in each land use condition at a research site, Pasadena, NL, Canada. Soil moisture–ECa linear regression models for the three land use conditions were only statistically significant for 38.3 kHz frequency and were further analyzed. Further statistical analysis revealed that ECa was primarily controlled by soil moisture for the three land use conditions, with the natural forest possessing the highest mean ECa and soil moisture. Geostatistical analysis revealed that cokriging ECa with less densely collected soil moisture improved the characterization accuracy of soil moisture variability across the different land use conditions. These results reveal the effectiveness of the georeferenced MF–EMI technique to rapidly assess intrafield soil moisture variability under different land uses.
Soil C, N and P bioavailability and cycling following amendment with shrub willow chips
Authors: Uwituze Yvonne , Nyiraneza Judith , Jiang Yefang , Dessureaut-Rompré Jacynthe , Fraser Tandra D.
Published: April 2023

Potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) crops are often cultivated in coarse-textured soils with low soil organic matter and high nitrate leaching risk. Incorporating shrub willow chips into soil could enhance soil properties, while temporally immobilizing N and thus reducing N leaching. We performed a laboratory incubation study and a field experiment to evaluate the effects of shrub willow chips applied at increasing rates in the fall after the potato harvest on C, N and P cycling, soil pH and moisture, and on barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) yield in the following year. In comparison with the control, willow chip incorporation at the rates of 40 and 60 Mg ha−1 increased total C content, but it did not affect the activity of C cycling enzymes. Willow chip addition at these rates also induced nitrate immobilization and reduced barley grain yield and total N uptake, but increased the activity of N cycling enzymes (β-1,4- N-acetylglucosaminidase and leucine aminopeptidase). Mehlich-3 extractable P content and phosphomonoesterase activity were not affected by willow chip addition. Our results suggest that shrub willow chips increased total organic C and immobilized N following their incorporation and can thus mitigate nitrate leaching after the potato harvest. The N immobilization was short lived and was not observed over second winter. We recommend to seed a forage legume in the spring following shrub willow chip incorporation. Willow chip incorporation is an effective means of increasing soil organic carbon.
GKZ-system of the 2-loop self energy with 4 propagators
Authors: Feng Tai-Fu , Zhang Hai-Bin , Dong Yan-Qing , Zhou Yang
Published: April 2023

Applying the system of linear partial differential equations derived from the Mellin–Barnes representation and the Miller transformation, we present the GKZ-system of the Feynman integral of the 2-loop self energy diagram with 4 propagators. The codimension of the derived GKZ-system equals the number of independent dimensionless ratios among the external momentum squared and virtual mass squared. In total 536 hypergeometric functions are obtained in the neighborhoods of the origin and infinity, in which 30 linearly independent hypergeometric functions whose convergent regions have nonempty intersection constitute a fundamental solution system in a proper subset of the whole parameter space.
Homogeneous and isotropic cosmology in general teleparallel gravity
Authors: Heisenberg Lavinia , Hohmann Manuel , Kuhn Simon
Published: April 2023

We derive the most general homogeneous and isotropic teleparallel geometries, defined by a metric and a flat, affine connection. We find that there are five branches of connection solutions, which are connected via several limits, and can further be restricted to the torsion-free and metric-compatible cases. We apply our results to several classes of general teleparallel gravity theories and derive their cosmological dynamics for all five branches. Our results show that for large subclasses of these theories the dynamics reduce to that of closely related metric or symmetric teleparallel gravity theories, while for other subclasses up to two new scalar degrees of freedom participate in the cosmological dynamics.
Forecasting patient flows with pandemic induced concept drift using explainable machine learning
Authors: Susnjak Teo , Maddigan Paula
Published: April 2023

Accurately forecasting patient arrivals at Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) and Emergency Departments (EDs) is important for effective resourcing and patient care. However, correctly estimating patient flows is not straightforward since it depends on many drivers. The predictability of patient arrivals has recently been further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic conditions and the resulting lockdowns.

This study investigates how a suite of novel quasi-real-time variables like Google search terms, pedestrian traffic, the prevailing incidence levels of influenza, as well as the COVID-19 Alert Level indicators can both generally improve the forecasting models of patient flows and effectively adapt the models to the unfolding disruptions of pandemic conditions. This research also uniquely contributes to the body of work in this domain by employing tools from the eXplainable AI field to investigate more deeply the internal mechanics of the models than has previously been done.

The Voting ensemble-based method combining machine learning and statistical techniques was the most reliable in our experiments. Our study showed that the prevailing COVID-19 Alert Level feature together with Google search terms and pedestrian traffic were effective at producing generalisable forecasts. The implications of this study are that proxy variables can effectively augment standard autoregressive features to ensure accurate forecasting of patient flows. The experiments showed that the proposed features are potentially effective model inputs for preserving forecast accuracies in the event of future pandemic outbreaks.
Magneto transport and critical behavior in metastable Fe15Cu85
Authors: Younus Sidrah , Mustafa Faisal , Egilmez Mehmet , Al Awadhi Mariam , Abuzaid Wael , El Khatib Sami , Alagöz Serhat , Hai Alami Abdul
Published: April 2023

FexCu[Formula: see text] binary alloys attracted much attention owing to their rich magnetic phase diagram and the challenges of achieving single phases in these systems. Despite early efforts put toward studying the physical properties of low-Cu doping in Fe–Cu alloys, a detailed understanding of the magnetic, structural and electrical properties of high Cu doping in Fe–Cu alloys remains not clear. In this report, we use X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, electrical transport and magnetic measurements to gain more insight into Fe[Formula: see text]Cu[Formula: see text] single-phase alloy system. Experimental findings show that the samples exhibit a second-order phase transition, which is consistent with the classical mean-field model. Moreover, negative magnetoresistance is observed at all temperatures and explained through classical models.
New and more solitary wave patterns of the Heisenberg ferromagnetic spin chain model in fiber optics
Authors: Murtaza Isma Ghulam , Arshed Saima , Raza Nauman
Published: April 2023

The primary focus of this paper is the determination of novel soliton solutions for the [Formula: see text]-dimensional Heisenberg ferromagnetic spin chain (HFSC) problem. The suggested model may be thought of as a special case of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. Exact solutions to the proposed equation have been found using efficient analytical approaches such as the singular manifold method and the [Formula: see text]-expansion method. These proposed methods are significant mathematical tools to obtain the exact traveling wave solutions of nonlinear complex partial differential equations (PDEs). After decomposing the governing problem into its real and imaginary components, we analyze both the real and imaginary components separately. Soliton solutions are obtained using computational tools like Maple. Trigonometric function solutions, rational solutions and hyperbolic function solutions are found for Heisenberg ferromagnetic model by the application of the proposed techniques. Furthermore, the physical properties of the solutions, such as hyperbolic functions, are important. The hyperbolic tangent is used in the computation of magnetic moment and velocity in special relativity. As a result, we hypothesize that the obtained results have physically comparable meanings to those stated by these collocations. By selecting suitable values of arbitrary parameters, it has been observed graphically that the amplitude of obtained solutions can be changed. Graphical representations of few of the reported solutions are presented in both two and three dimensions by choosing appropriate values of parameters. The suggested approaches are very efficient and reliable for finding exact solutions of wide range of nonlinear PDEs in a complex medium. The advantage of these techniques is evident since they are not limited in their ability to locate such wave patterns. Back substitution in the original equation using Maple 18 validated all solutions found, and the physical significance of these results has been underlined. The constraint conditions for the existence of constructed solutions are also provided in this paper.
Evaluating controls on scroll bar spacing and morphology: comparing chute channel and main channel scroll bar development
Authors: Chamberlin Ellen P.
Published: April 2023

Scroll bars are curvilinear ridges of sediment deposited as meandering channels migrate laterally. It is unclear exactly which variables control the spacing, height, and curvature of scroll ridges, and in turn how these properties record channel migration histories. This study tests the relationship between channel and scroll bar geometries in river systems with laterally migrating chute channels that deposit their own scroll packages. LiDAR- and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission-derived digital elevation models (DEMs) are used to calculate the spacing, relief, wavelength, and curvature of scroll bars in eight different chute-channel-dominated river systems with a range of channel dimensions, slopes, and water and sediment discharge regimes. Seven of the eight rivers have statistically indistinguishable chute channel (CC) and main channel (MC) scroll spacings, even though the chute channels have smaller channel dimensions. Additionally, there is no correlation between scroll spacing and relief for main or chute channels. For LiDAR-derived DEMs, the ratio between median scroll spacing and median channel width is low and falls within a narrow range for MC scrolls (from 0.13 to 0.22; mean 0.16), but is higher with a wider range for CC scrolls (from 0.48 to 1.33; mean 0.8). CC scrolls are straighter overall than MC scrolls, but there is no correlation between curvature and scroll spacing. Overall, these results show that (1) chute channel scrolls are often indistinguishable from main channel scrolls based on spacing and relief, and (2) MC and CC scrolls have different relationships with formative channel widths, which suggests that other variables, such as lateral migration rate and flood inundation depth, are key controls on scroll bar geometries.
Reconciling onshore and offshore geological mapping: lessons from north Cornwall, SW England
Authors: Craven Benjamin , Lloyd Geoffrey E.
Published: April 2023

We present the first detailed stratigraphic and structural geological map of offshore north Cornwall and Devon, SW England, based on freely available bathymetric data. Although the bathymetry is often spectacular, revealing fold and fault structures exposed on the seabed at a range of scales and with high resolution, interpretation is not as straightforward as it might appear and depends critically upon both accuracy and knowledge of the onshore geology. Unfortunately, onshore stratigraphic controls are limited and restricted to several thin ‘named shales’ whose coastal outcrops are not always well constrained. In addition, the structure is markedly non-cylindrical on local to regional scales, making seaward projection problematic, while the impact of early thrusting on the stratigraphy has often been previously neglected. We therefore developed a workflow to handle the problems we encountered, including: recognition of vertical to horizontal and 3D to 2D projections; variations in bathymetric data characteristics; prediction of expected seabed outcrop geometries based on coastal structures; incorporation of non-cylindrical effects; and problems with quantitative GIS terrain profiles and structural measurements that result in an absence of such measurements. The geological map produced should therefore be viewed as a step forward, but as forming a base for further detailed bathymetric mapping.
Securing Data for Business Telephones
Authors: Tray Alex
Published: April 2023

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https://cacm.acm.org/blogs/blog-cacm

Cybersecurity consultant Alex Tray looks at potential security issues, and solutions, for business telephone systems.
Reinventing Backend Subsetting at Google
Authors: Ward Peter , Wankadia Paul , Guliani Kavita
Published: April 2023

Designing an algorithm with reduced connection churn that could replace deterministic subsetting.
Mitigating Conflict in Asynchronous Online Discussions: Strategies for instructors in higher education
Authors: Yelich Biniecki Susan M. , Hoffhines Courtney
Published: April 2023

Organized asynchronous discussions are a common feature in online, formal higher-education courses. Discussions can take place learner to learner or instructor to learner and are situated in small group projects, processing content in message boards, and games. Within these learning settings, conflict can emerge. Conflict may foster deeper learning about ideas, or it may be destructive and create a negative learning environment. The purpose of this article is to identify conflict challenges present within asynchronous online discussions and to present evidence-based strategies to mitigate conflict within these higher education instructional settings. Conflict challenges may involve navigating effective online collaboration, participating in small group discussion, and developing discernment for health conflict. Strategies to mitigate conflict include: providing support throughout the course for student ownership; creating points for class and group cohesion; incorporating relevant small group facilitation strategies; integrating leadership concepts in team development; and structuring purposeful instructor monitoring. Although conflict cannot be avoided, understanding ways to categorize conflict challenges within discussions can support practitioners? use of related evidence-based strategies to mitigate conflict.
Fast In-kernel Traffic Sketching in eBPF
Authors: Miano Sebastiano , Chen Xiaoqi , Basat Ran Ben , Antichi Gianni
Published: April 2023

The extended Berkeley Packet Filter (eBPF) is an infrastructure that allows to dynamically load and run micro-programs directly in the Linux kernel without recompiling it.

In this work, we study how to develop high-performance network measurements in eBPF. We take sketches as case-study, given their ability to support a wide-range of tasks while providing low-memory footprint and accuracy guarantees. We implemented NitroSketch, the state-of-the-art sketch for user-space networking and show that best practices in user-space networking cannot be directly applied to eBPF, because of its different performance characteristics. By applying our lesson learned we improve its performance by 40% compared to a naive implementation.
The Slow Path Needs an Accelerator Too!
Authors: Zulfiqar Annus , Pfaff Ben , Tu William , Antichi Gianni , Shahbaz Muhammad
Published: April 2023

Packet-processing data planes have been continuously enhanced in performance over the last few years to the point that, nowadays, they are increasingly implemented in hardware (i.e., in SmartNICs and programmable switches). However, little attention is given to the slow path residing between the data plane and the control plane, as it is not typically considered performance-critical.

In this paper, we show that the slow path is set to become a new key bottleneck in Software-Defined Networks (SDNs). This is due to the growth in physical network bandwidth (200 Gbps is becoming common in data centers) and topological complexity (e.g., virtual switches now span hundreds of physical machines). We present our vision of a new Domain Specific Accelerator (DSA) for the slow path at the end host that sits between the hardware-offloaded data plane and the logically-centralized control plane. We discuss open problems in this domain and call on the networking community to creatively address this emerging issue.
Heat Generation during the First Activation Cycle of Li-Ion Batteries with Li- and Mn-Rich Layered Oxides Measured by Isothermal Micro-Calorimetry
Authors: Friedrich Franziska , Kunz Alexander , Jossen Andreas , Gasteiger Hubert A.
Published: April 2023

Using isothermal micro-calorimetry, we investigate the heat generation of lithium- and manganese-rich layered oxides (LMR-NCMs) during the first cycle in which LMR-NCM exhibits a pronounced voltage hysteresis leading to a low energy efficiency (≈73%). In the first charge, LMR-NCM shows a unique voltage plateau at ≈4.5 V where irreversible structural rearrangements lead to an activation of the material as well as a large voltage hysteresis. We found that only a fraction of the lost electrical work (≈43%) is converted into waste heat. Thereby, the heat flow profile of the first charge is unique and shows considerable heat generation during the voltage plateau. With complementary electrochemical methods, contributions of conventional sources of heat, i.e., because of polarization and entropy, are determined. However, they do not cause the considerable generation of heat during the voltage plateau. Our results therefore suggest that the structural rearrangements during activation lead to a significant generation of heat. In window-opening experiments, we demonstrate that the activation is a gradual process and that the heat generated during the first discharge is directly linked to the extent of activation during the preceding charge. We also investigate the effect of the degree of overlithiation on the heat generated during activation.
Predicting the Lithium-Vacancy Arrangements of Layered Cathode Materials by a Voronoi Finite Element Method
Authors: Zhao Chundong , Zheng Feng , Zhang Dexin , You Yiwei , Wu Shunqing
Published: April 2023

We proposed a Voronoi finite element (VFE) method to determine the possible intermediate phases of cathode materials of Li-ion batteries (LIBs). Lithium-vacancy arrangements can be accurately predicted based on Voronoi polyhedra centered on lithium ions. Using this method, we can reproduce the well-known lithium removal processes of LiCoO2 and Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2. Moreover, this method can effectively reduce the number of arrangements that need to be calculated. Our work provides a reasonable and efficient way to investigate the structural evolution of cathode materials during delithiation.
Arterial stiffness preceding metabolic syndrome in 3,862 adolescents: a mediation and temporal causal longitudinal birth cohort study
Authors: Agbaje Andrew O.
Published: April 2023

Participants at risk of metabolic syndrome increased twofold during growth from late adolescence to young adulthood. The cumulative increase in arterial stiffness independently predicted the progressive risk of incident metabolic syndrome. Arterial stiffness temporally preceded metabolic syndrome. Increased fasting insulin and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol partly mediated the direct associations between arterial stiffness and metabolic syndrome. Age 17 yr may be an optimal arterial stiffness intervention timing for attenuating metabolic syndrome risks.
A Comprehensive Review of the Pharmacological Importance of Dietary Flavonoids as Hepatoprotective Agents
Authors: Gajender  , Mazumder Avijit , Sharma Ashwani , Azad Md. A. K.
Published: April 2023

The liver is a crucial organ that is involved in various kinds of metabolic activity and a very stable accessory gland for the digestive system. Long‐term or persistent inflammation and oxidative stress due to any reasons have a substantial impact on the beginning and continuation of chronic diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma, liver cirrhosis, liver fibrosis, and other hepatic conditions. There are many sources which can help the liver to be healthy and enhance its metabolic potential of the liver. Since the diet is rich origin of bioactive along with antioxidant chemicals including flavonoids and polyphenols, it can control different stages of inflammation and hepatic diseases. Numerous food sources, notably vegetables, nuts, fruits, cereals, beverages, and herbal medicinal plants, are rich in bioactive chemicals called flavonoids and their derivatives like Flavones, Anthocyanins, Iso‐flavonoid, Flavanones, Flavanols, and Flavan‐3‐ols. Most recently occurred research on flavonoids has demonstrated that they can regulate hepatoprotective properties. This is because they are essential parts of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products due to their hepatoprotective, antioxidative, and immune‐modulating characteristics. However, the characteristics of their hepatoprotective impact remain unclear. The purpose of this comprehensive review is to survey the flavonoid structure and enriched sources for their hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects concerning liver toxicity or injury.
Designing and Selection of Mixed Relational Complete Chain Sampling Plan Using Variance Principle (RCCSP‐VP)
Authors: Edna K. Rebecca Jebaseeli , Joyce V. Jemmy , Sagayam K. Martin , Stephen S. Elizabeth Amudhini , Günerhan Hatira , Emadifar Homan
Published: April 2023

There are many measurable dimensions for products in industries, and their quality should not deviate too much from the established norm. Therefore, a big part of the consignment’s acceptance is determined by the variance of distributions. In the production of surgical or critical care equipment, measurable dimensions are very important, since each part of the equipment should meet the indicated specification with tolerable variance. Therefore, a procedure for constructing a combined (mixed) sampling plan with a variance measure is provided in this module. This sampling plan supports the medical device engineer in establishing the target dimensions for the quality control of medical instruments because many variations in dimensions result in heavy losses for manufacturers. The relational complete chain sampling plan (RCCSP) is utilized in the II phase inspection to have a significant impact on production quality. The performance measures, algorithm, and design of the mixed sampling plan are provided. The plan is indexed through AQL. In order to choose the plan easily, the table is set up with an example.