bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Indices of Insulin Resistance and incident Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Chinese Adults
Authors: Qin Yuhan , Qiao Yong , Yan Gaoliang , Wang Dong , Tang Chengchun
Published: February 2024

Background
Insulin resistance (IR) is a pivotal pathogenesis characteristic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The current study aimed to explore the association between three surrogate biomarkers for IR, including triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-c), triglyceride-glucose (TyG), and triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI), and T2DM incidence and compare the predictive value of these parameters in T2DM.
Methods
A total of 116855 Chinese adults aged over 20 without diabetes were included in the present study. T2DM incident rates were compared among participants with different levels of TG/HDL, TyG, and TyG-BMI. Multivariate Cox regression analysis and restricted cubic spine were utilized to investigate the association between these IR indicators and T2DM. The T2DM risk across different quartiles of IR parameters during follow-up was compared using Kaplan-Meier curves. The receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to investigate the predictive potential of each IR indicator for future T2DM. Stratification analyses were performed to explore the impact of age and sex on the association between IR and T2DM risk.
Results
2685 participants developed T2DM during a median follow-up of 2.98 years. The T2DM incidence rate dramatically increased with the increasing quartiles of TG/HDL-c, TyG, and TyG-BMI. The adjusted hazard ratios (HR) of incident T2DM were 1.177, 2.766, and 1.1018, for TG/HDL-c, TyG, and TyG-BMI, respectively. There were significant increasing trends of T2DM across the quartiles of TG/HDL-c, TyG, and TyG-BMI. The HRs of new-onset T2DM in the highest quartiles versus the lowest quartile of TG/HDL-c, TyG, and TyG-BMI were 3.298 (95% CI: 2.615–4.610), 8.402 (95% CI: 6.176–11.429), and 8.468 (95% CI: 6.157–11.646). RCS revealed the nonlinear relationship between and T2DM risk. Significant interactions between TyG and T2DM risk were observed between age groups. The correlations between IR and T2DM were more pronounced in subjects aged less than 40. TyG-BMI had the highest predictive value for incident T2DM (AUC = 0.774), with a cut-off value of 213.289.
Conclusion
TG/HDL-c, TyG, and TyG-BMI index were all significantly positively associated with higher risk for future T2DM. Baseline TyG-BMI level had high predictive value for the identification of T2DM.
Spin orbit coupling effect band gaps engineering of the lead-free perovskites FABI3 (B= Sn, Ge or Pb) materials for Tandem Solar Cells: first principle investigation of structural and electronic properties
Authors: Arfaoui Youssef El , Khenfouch Mohammed , Habiballah Nabil
Published: February 2024

Pb-free perovskites are novel compounds that are currently studied, essentially for their photovoltaic applications. In this paper, we are studying the Hybrid-Organic-Inorganic perovskite (HOIP) for photovoltaic application. In fact, we study and discuss the structural and electronic properties of the perovskite FABI3 (B= Sn, Ge or Pb and FA= formamidinium: CH(NH2)2) applying the density functional theory DFT method executed in the Quantum Espresso framework. The band structure these perovskites has been presented; it is showed that these perovskits has a semi-conductor nature, with a band gap value 1.36eV for FASnI3, 1.72eV for FAGeI3 and 1.61eV for FAPbI3. Also, The DOS and PDOS have been presented and discussed for each of these materials. Indeed, we investigate the structural properties of these perovskites and demonstrated that the optimized value of lattice parameter is 6.35Å for the FASnI3, While, for the FAGeI3, this value is 6.3Å. And 6.5Å for FAPbI3. Moreover, the impact of the lattice parameter on the band gap value of FABI3 (B =Sn, Ge or Pb) has been investigated, it is demonstrated that the lattice parameter increases, the band gap increases. The results of this work can be utilized as a guideline for the development of new efficient, lead-free perovskite devices including tandem solar cells.
Kidney and Blood Pressure Outcomes 11 Years After Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Children: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ulrich Emma Heydari , Yordanova Mariya , Morgan Catherine J , Benisty Kelly , Riglea Teodora , Huynh Louis , Crépeau-Hubert Frédérik , Hessey Erin , McMahon Kelly , Cockovski Vedran , Wang Stella , Zappitelli Michael
Published: February 2024

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in critically ill children and associated with adverse short-term outcomes; however, long-term outcomes are not well described.
Methods: This longitudinal prospective cohort study examined the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension (HTN) 11- vs. 6 years after pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission and association with AKI. We examined children (age <19 years) without pre-existing kidney disease 11±1.5 years after PICU admission at a single center. AKI was defined using serum creatinine criteria. The primary outcome was a composite of CKD or HTN. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <90 mL/min/1.73m2 or albuminuria. Multivariable analyses compared outcomes at 11 vs. 6-year follow-up and association with AKI during PICU admission.
Results: Of 96 children evaluated 11 years after PICU admission, 16% had evidence of CKD or HTN (versus 28% at 6 years, p<0.05). Multivariable analysis did not show improvement in outcomes from 6- to 11-year follow-up. eGFR decreased from 6- to 11-year follow-up (adjusted coefficient -11.7, 95% CI: -17.6 to -5.9) and systolic and diastolic blood pressures improved. AKI was associated with composite outcome at 6-year (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 12.7, 95% CI: 3.2-51.2, p<0.001), but not 11-year follow-up (p=0.31). AKI was associated with CKD (aOR 10.4, 95% CI: 3.1-34.7) at 11 years.
Conclusions: This study provides novel data showing that adverse kidney and blood pressure outcomes remain highly prevalent 10 years after critical illness in childhood. The association with AKI wanes over time.
Vulnerability of Rural Households to Climate-Induced Shocks: the Case of the Chiro District, Eastern Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Tesso Feyera Jira
Published: February 2024

Ethiopia is highly vulnerable to climate change and variability, including climate-induced shocks. The adverse impacts of climate change and variability have put increased pressure on the livelihoods of rural households, which depend on natural resources. The households’ vulnerability level varied depending on their adaptive capacity, exposure, and susceptibility. Nevertheless, local and context-specific vulnerability assessments were scarce and insufficient for planning and action in the West Hararghe zone in general and in the Chiro district in particular. Therefore, this study assessed the vulnerability of rural households to climate change and climate-induced shocks in Chiro district, Eastern Oromia, Ethiopia. The study applied a descriptive research design in combination with mixed research methods (quantitative and qualitative). The study was conducted by participating 300 households in four kebeles of the district that were selected using simple random sampling techniques, and the data were collected using instruments such as household surveys, interviews with key informants and focus group discussions and observations. Household vulnerability level was determined using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2007) functions of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity by applying the principal component analysis method. Finally, the results of the study showed that households in the Productive Safety Net Program were more vulnerable than nonparticipant households were (4.15%). This is because the households in the program had a lower aggregate of adaptive capacity for livelihood assets than did the nonprogram households. In addition, the participants were relatively more exposed and susceptible to climate change-induced shocks and biophysical elements, respectively, than were the nonparticipants. Therefore, livelihood enhancement interventions that encourage off-farm and nonfarm activities and create access to credit are important. Furthermore, interventions that ensure gender equality and women’s empowerment will be crucial in reducing the vulnerability of poor rural households to climate change and climate-induced shocks in the future.
Evolutionary game research on the decision-making of shared bike placement quantity based on dynamic and static punishment mechanisms
Authors: Jiang Luyao , Wu Xiaoping
Published: February 2024

This paper optimizes the total amount of shared bike placement from the supply side. Firstly, we used the evolutionary game method to study the dynamic evolution process of the decision-making of government departments and bike-sharing enterprises about the amount of placement. Secondly, we analyze the stability of the equilibrium point in the game system. Finally, we use MATLAB simulation to analyze the stability of its evolution, and then discuss the influence of the core parameters on the evolution of the behavior of the participating parties. The results show that solving the problem of the massive placement of shared bikes requires the government to participate and play a leading role. When the benefit of strict government regulation is less than the cost, a dynamic punishment mechanism should be used. When the benefit is greater than the cost, a static punishment mechanism should be used. Under the static punishment mechanism, the government’s strategy is insensitive to changes in the amount of punishment. But under the dynamic punishment mechanism, the amount of punishment is negatively correlated with the probability of strict government regulation. So the government can reduce its regulatory costs by increasing the amount of punishment.
18FDG-PET/CT versus Contrast Enhanced CT in detection of mucinous ovarian cancer recurrence: comparative study
Authors: Ali Ismail , Nasr Ibrahim , farouk shaimaa , Elahmadawy Mai , Talaat Omnia
Published: February 2024

Objectives: to assess the added value of 18FDG-PET/CT in detection of mucinous ovarian cancer (MOC) recurrence and its effect on patient management compared to contrast enhanced computerized tomography (CECT).
Methods: All patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT and CECT for detection of MOC recurrence. PET/CT and CT were interpreted separately and the significance of difference between them was evaluated.
Results: The study included 59 patients, out of them 18 and 29 patients were proven to have local and distant recurrence respectively. PET/CT demonstrated greater sensitivity (SN) , positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy, but the same specificity (SP) in recurrence detection (97.9%, 90.2%, 87.5%, 89.8%, and 58.3%, vs. 85.1%, 88.9%, 50%, 79.7%, and 58.3%, respectively) and showed significantly higher sensitivity for detection of omento-peritoneal and LNs metastases (mets) (36 and 27 versus 22 and 18, p- 0.0001 and 0.004, respectively). Both modalities were comparable in identifying distant organ mets (p >0.05). PET/CT changed patient management in 25.4% of patients,
Conclusion: 18FDG-PET/CT showed higher SN and accuracy than CECT in MOC recurrence detection, mainly the omento-peritoneal and nodal deposits, which allow better guidance for proper therapy planning.
Predicting Sit-to-Stand Motions with a Deep Reinforcement Learning Based Controller under Idealized Exoskeleton Assistance
Authors: Ratnakumar Neethan , Akbaş Kübra , Jones Rachel , You Zihang , Zhou Xianlian
Published: February 2024

Maintaining the capacity for sit-to-stand transitions is paramount for preserving functional independence and overall mobility in older adults and individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. Lower limb exoskeletons have the potential to play a significant role in supporting this crucial ability. In this investigation, a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) based sit-to-stand (STS) controller is developed to study the biomechanics of STS under both exoskeleton assisted and unassisted scenarios. Three distinct assistance conditions are explored: 1) Hip joint assistance (H-Exo), 2) Knee joint assistance (K-Exo) and 3) Hip-knee joint assistance (H + K-Exo). By utilizing a generic musculoskeletal model, the STS joint trajectories generated under these scenarios align with unassisted experimental observations. We observe substantial reductions in muscle activations during the STS cycle, with an average decrease of 68.63% and 73.23% in the primary hip extensor (gluteus maximus) and primary knee extensor (vasti) muscle activations, respectively, under H + K-Exo assistance compared to the unassisted STS scenario. However, the H-Exo and K-Exo scenarios reveal unexpected increases in muscle activations in the hamstring and gastrocnemius muscles, potentially indicating a compensatory mechanism for stability. In contrast, the combined H + K-Exo assistance demonstrates a noticeable reduction in the activation of these muscles. These findings underscore the benefit of STS assistance, particularly in the combined hip-knee exoskeleton scenario, and contribute valuable insights for the development of robust DRL-based controllers for assistive devices to improve functional outcomes.
Use and non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy among Refugee HIV positive pregnant mothers aged 18-49 years in Kyangwali Refugee Camp, Western Uganda.
Authors: Tusabe Joan , Nangendo Joanita , Muhoozi Michael , Muyinda Herbert
Published: February 2024

Introduction
: Refugee HIV positive mothers experience significant obstacles in accessing, utilizing and adhering to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Identifying ART non-adherence can help enforce interventions aimed at improving adherence and subsequently effectiveness of ART among the refugee mothers. We describe the use and the factors associated with non-adherence to ART among Refugee HIV positive pregnant mothers aged 18–49 years in Kyangwali Refugee Camp, Uganda.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study among HIV positive pregnant mothers aged 18–49 years in Kyangwali refugee camp between May and June 2023. Using a structured questionnaire, we collected data on use, and factors associated with non-adherence to ART. We used modified Poisson regression analysis to determine factors associated with non-adherence to ART.
Results
Of the 380 participants enrolled, 192 (50.5%) were married, mean age 32.1 years. Overall, 98.7; 95% CI [97.5–99.8%] were using ART and 27.4; 95% CI [22.9–31.9%] were non-adherent. Non-adherence was associated with; Initiating PMTCT care in the third trimester of pregnancy (aPR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.27–3.35), no need to get permission to seek PMTCT services aPR 1.61; 95% CI [1.07–2.42] and poor attitude of PMTCT providers aPR 1.90; 95% CI [1.20–3.01].
Conclusion and recommendations:
Non-adherence to ART was generally high; therefore limiting the effectiveness of the PMTCT program in this setting. Refugee context specific education interventional programs aimed at early initiation into HIV care, strong social and psychological support from families, communities and health care providers are vital to improve adherence this setting.
A stakeholder analysis to prepare for real-world evaluation of integrating artificial intelligent algorithms into breast screening (PREP-AIR study): a qualitative study using the WHO guide
Authors: Newlands Rumana , Bruhn Hanne , Díaz Magdalena Rzewuska , Lip Gerald , Anderson Lesley A. , Ramsay Craig
Published: February 2024

Background
The national breast screening programme in the United Kingdom is under pressure due to workforce shortages and having been paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform how healthcare is delivered by improving care processes and patient outcomes. Research on the clinical and organisational benefits of artificial intelligence is still at an early stage, and numerous concerns have been raised around its implications, including patient safety, acceptance, and accountability for decisions. Reforming the breast screening programme to include artificial intelligence is a complex endeavour because numerous stakeholders influence it. Therefore, a stakeholder analysis was conducted to identify relevant stakeholders, explore their views on the proposed reform (i.e., integrating artificial intelligence algorithms into the Scottish National Breast Screening Service for breast cancer detection) and develop strategies for managing ‘important’ stakeholders.
Methods
A qualitative study (i.e., focus groups and interviews, March-November 2021) was conducted using the stakeholder analysis guide provided by the World Health Organisation and involving three Scottish health boards: NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, NHS Grampian and NHS Lothian. The objectives included: A) Identify possible stakeholders B) Explore stakeholders’ perspectives and describe their characteristics C) Prioritise stakeholders in terms of importance and D) Develop strategies to manage ‘important’ stakeholders. Seven stakeholder characteristics were assessed: their knowledge of the targeted reform, position, interest, alliances, resources, power and leadership.
Results
Thirty-two participants took part from 14 (out of 17 identified) sub-groups of stakeholders. While they were generally supportive of using artificial intelligence in breast screening programmes, some concerns were raised. Stakeholder knowledge, influence and interests in the reform varied. Key advantages mentioned include service efficiency, quicker results and reduced work pressure. Disadvantages included overdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of cancer, inequalities in detection and the self-learning capacity of the algorithms. Five strategies (with considerations suggested by stakeholders) were developed to maintain and improve the support of ‘important’ stakeholders.
Conclusions
Health services worldwide face similar challenges of workforce issues to provide patient care. The findings of this study will help others to learn from Scottish experiences and provide guidance to conduct similar studies targeting healthcare reform.
Study registration:
researchregistry6579, date of registration: 16/02/2021
Health-related Quality of Life and the Influencing Factors in Chinese Elderly Patients with Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Ma Wanting , Wang Weijia , Zou Yuanwen
Published: February 2024

With the increasing number of aging individuals in China, it is important to focus on age-related cognitive impairment and its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among the elderly population. This study aimed to assess the HRQoL of elderly patients with cognitive impairment in China and identify associated factors. Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2018, including 684 patients with cognitive impairment, were analyzed. The diagnosis of cognitive impairment was based on the Minimum Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the EuroQoL Five Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) was used to measure HRQoL. The results indicated that age, education level, sleep duration, and social activities significantly influenced the HRQoL of these patients. Specifically, patients aged 75 years or older, those with lower education levels, and those with inadequate sleep had lower health utility values, while patients engaged in social activities exhibited higher health utility values. Tobit regression analysis confirmed the substantial impact of age, education level, sleep duration, and activities on health utility values. Overall, the findings revealed a strong association between diminished health-related quality of life and elderly Chinese patients with cognitive impairment. It was concluded that advanced age, lower education level, insufficient sleep, and limited social engagement were influential factors affecting the HRQoL of these patients. Therefore, the study suggested that collaborative efforts among patients, families, hospitals, and social service organizations are essential to enhance the HRQoL and overall physical and mental well-being of elderly patients with cognitive impairment.
Population parameters of Drosophila larval cooperative foraging.
Authors: Liao Amy , Qian Christy , Abdi Sepideh , Yee Peyton , Cursain Sean Michael , Condron Niav , Condron Barry
Published: February 2024

Cooperative foraging behavior can be advantageous when there is a common exploitable resource. By cooperating, members of the group can take advantage of the potential of increased efficiency of working together as well as equitable distribution of the product. An experimental signature of cooperative foraging is an Allee effect where at a certain number of individuals, there is a peak of fitness. What happens when there are intruders especially ones that do not contribute to any work required for foraging? Drosophila larvae secrete digestive enzymes and exodigest food. Under crowded conditions in liquid food these larvae form synchronized feeding clusters which provides a fitness benefit. A key for this synchronized feeding behavior is the visually guided alignment between adjacent larvae in a feeding cluster. Larvae who do not align their movements are excluded from the groups and subsequently lose the benefit. This may be a way of editing the group to include only known members. To test the model, the fitness benefit from cooperative behavior was further investigated to establish an Allee effect for a number of strains including those who cannot exodigest or cluster. In a standard lab vial, about 40 larvae is the optimal number for fitness. Combinations of these larvae were also examined. The expectation was that larvae who do not contribute to exodigestion are obligate cheaters and would be expelled. Indeed, obligate cheaters gain greatly from the hosts but paradoxically, so do the hosts. Clusters that include cheaters are more stable. Therefore, clustering and the benefits from it are dependent on more than just the contribution to exodigestion. This experimental system should provide a rich future model to understand the metrics of cooperative behavior.
Healthcare service access challenges and determinants among persons with Disabilities in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mizanur , Rana Md Shohel , Rahman Md Mostafizur , Khan Md Nuruzzaman
Published: February 2024

Background: Persons with disabilities in LMICs facing numerous challenges in accessing essential healthcare services. However, this understanding is lacking so far in LMICs and Bangladesh. This study aimed to explore the pattern and determinants of healthcare services access among persons with disability in Bangladesh.
Methods: We analysed data from 4,293 persons with disabilities extracted from the 2021 National Survey on Persons with Disabilities. The outcome variable was healthcare service access within three months of the survey, categorized as either "yes" or "no" based on perceived needs. Several individual, household, and community-level factors were considered as explanatory variables. We utilized a multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression model to explore the association of the outcome variable with explanatory variables. The analysis included stratification by age groups: 0-17 years and 18-95 years.
Results: One out of every four persons with disabilities in Bangladesh reported that they could not access healthcare services based on their needs within three months of the survey. The main reasons for not accessing services were healthcare costs (52.10%), followed by lack of family support (27.0%), and absence of healthcare facilities in their areas of residence (10.10%). Among those who did receive healthcare services, the majority reported accessing them from governmental hospitals (26.50%), followed by village practitioner (20.50%), and private healthcare centres (19.78%). There was a higher likelihood of accessing healthcare services among persons with disabilities residing in households with higher wealth quintiles and living in the Chattogram and Sylhet divisions. Unmarried or divorced/widowed/separated persons with disabilities reported lower likelihoods of accessing healthcare services.
Conclusion: The findings of this study emphasize the need for policies and programs to ensure healthcare services for persons with disabilities in Bangladesh. This entails raising awareness about the importance of providing healthcare services for this demographic, as well as considering healthcare services as part of social safety net programs.
Knowledge-based Discovery of Multi-level Co-location Patterns Using Ontology
Authors: Wang Long , Chang Liang , Bao Xuguang , Zhu Chuangying , Gu Tianlong
Published: February 2024

Spatial co-location pattern discovery (SCPD), a kind of knowledge discovery process, aims at discovering potentially unknown co-location patterns (co-locations). Co-locations have been widely used in many aspects, including life services, ecological environment, business research, etc. Many methods have been proposed to discover co-locations. However, these methods only discovered co-locations consisting of fine-grain spatial features, since the user knowledge is ignored, many interesting and general patterns are still undiscovered. Meanwhile, co-locations that are discovered by current frameworks are quantity-numerous and independent, thus, their usefulness is strongly limited. To overcome these shortcomings, this paper introduces the user knowledge into the process of SCPD, to discover general and intrinsic co-locations and help users quickly find their interested patterns. First, a framework OCPM (Co-location Pattern Miner using Ontology) is proposed, where an ontology is employed to integrate user knowledge to guide the process of SCPD. Second, a new co-location consisting of ontology concepts is proposed. Under the guidance of the ontology, we propose the prevalent semantic multi-level co-locations (PSMCs) consisting of ontology concepts to represent richer knowledge. Third, we design two different ways, i.e., the Apriori-like and clique-based ways, to meet the requirements of OCPM and propose a novel clique-based algorithm named IDG to discover PSMCs. Meanwhile, a top-down search strategy is proposed to help users quickly find interesting knowledge via the ontology. Finally, we validate OCPM and IDG on both real and synthetic datasets respectively, the experimental results demonstrate their effectiveness.
Please Show Restraint: Excessive Focus on Catastrophic Events Can Lead to Greater Psychological Trauma
Authors: Liu Huaqiang , Lan Zhensong , Zhao Qi , Deng Fafang , Huang Xuefang
Published: February 2024

Background: This study explored the relationship between attention, negative emotions, empathy, mindfulness, and psychological trauma in catastrophic events to reduce the public’s psychological trauma.
Methods: A total of 526 adults in Guangxi Province, China, were investigated using self-rating scales for post-traumatic stress disorder, emotion, and empathy, a five-factor self-rating mindfulness scale, and a catastrophic incident concern questionnaire.
Results: The results reveal the following: (1) Women are vulnerable to psychological trauma in catastrophic events (F [464]=0.681, p<0.05). (2) Emotion has a significant mediating effect between attention and psychological trauma. (3) Empathy has a significant mediating effect between attention and psychological trauma. (4) Mindfulness is conducive to buffering an individual’s negative emotions and also regulates the degree of psychological trauma in the public’s attention to catastrophic events. Therefore, people should be rational and restrained in the face of such events.
Conclusions: When people pay attention to catastrophic events, they should remain rational and restrained, and avoid excessive emotional involvement, to reduce the excessive psychological trauma caused by the event.
Anthracophyllum sontraense (Omphalotaceae, Agaricales), a new species from Danang, Vietnam
Authors: Tran Phu Thi , Do Hanh Hong , Nguyen Toan Sy , Huynh Uyen Thi-Diem , Nguyen Hai Thi-Lam , Phan Thi Thanh Tam , Nguyen Thi Thu Hoai , Nguyen Trung Thanh
Published: February 2024

During the collection of macrofungi resources in Son Tra Nature Reserve, Danang, Vietnam, a novel species of the genus Anthracophyllum living saprophytically on small shrubs and rotten wood of Mussaenda frondosa Linn in the forest at an elevation 368 m above the sea level was recorded. The phylogenetic analyses based on the combined ITS and LSU molecular markers placed the specimens within Anthracophyllum genus. Together with specific morphological characteristics, we introduced A. sontraense sp. nov. as a new species. A. sontraense was characterized by the pileus with the skewed bell shape when young, dark blue to midnight blue, 1.0−1.5 cm diam, stipeless, light pink lamellae, sparse, occasionally branching. Basidiospores broadly ovoid to subglobose, 6–7 × 5.5–6 µm. Molecular phylogeny analyses revealed that the new species formed a clade with A. archeri with strong support. In addition, A. sontraense formed a separate lineage which was closer related to A. archeri and A. sinense than A. lateritium. To our knowledge, this is the first record of Anthracophyllum fungus in Vietnam.
Multiomic analysis of human kidney disease identifies a tractable inflammatory, pro-fibrotic tubular cell phenotype
Authors: Conway Bryan , Reck Maximilian , Baird David , Sutherland Callum , Bell Rachel , Hur Heeyoun , Cairns Carolynn , Campbell Ross , Nam Andy , Yang Wei , Schurman Nathan , Williams Claire , Veizades Stefan , O'Sullivan Eoin , Corsinotti Andrea , Bellamy Christopher , Hughes Jeremy , Laird Alexander , Denby Laura , Chandra Tamir , Ferenbach David
Published: February 2024

Maladaptive proximal tubular cells have been implicated in failure of repair following renal injury in rodent models, however whether this translates to human kidney disease is unknown. Hence, we integrated snRNA-ATAC-seq with single-cell molecular imaging to generate a multiomic atlas of human kidney disease. In injured kidneys, a subset of tubular epithelial cells acquired an inflammatory phenotype, enriched with pro-fibrotic and senescence markers, analogous to maladaptive cells in mice. Cell neighborhood analysis positioned the inflammatory phenotype adjacent to leucocytes and myofibroblasts and ligand-receptor analysis highlighted paracrine signaling from inflammatory tubular cells to mediate leucocyte recruitment and myofibroblast activation. Loss of an HNF4α-driven gene regulatory network and activation of NF-κβ and AP-1 transcription factors epigenetically imprinted the inflammatory phenotype. Targeting these inflammatory tubular cells by administration of an AP-1 inhibitor or a senolytic agent ameliorated inflammation, expression of senescence-associated transcripts and fibrosis in murine models of kidney injury suggesting these as therapies for human kidney disease.
scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq analyses highlight the role of TNF signaling in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease progression
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Zhou Li , Yuan Lindong , Zhang Ruihua , Pan Shanshan , Wang Xizi , Yi Lili , Yuan Fengjiao , Gu Mingliang , Wang Yan , Jia Xiaodong
Published: February 2024

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent and progressive form of respiratory disease in which patients exhibit persistent respiratory damage affecting the alveoli and/or airway due to exposure to toxic gases or particulate matter. The best-studied risk factor associated with COPD incidence is cigarette smoke. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to cigarette smoke and lipopolysaccharide to establish a COPD model, followed by scATAC sequencing and scRNA sequencing of lung tissue samples. The resultant data revealed consistent findings between scATAC-seq and scRNA-seq regarding cell types, differentially expressed genes, and signaling pathways. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway enrichment was evident in the scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq datasets, with similar trends in monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells, and B cells. Significant TNFR1 upregulation and high levels of activity related to cellular communication were observed, and significant increases in IL1B, CSF1, and BCL3 site accessibility were evident in cells from COPD model mice. Overall, these findings suggested that the TNF signaling pathway plays roles in the differentiation of monocytes and macrophages, the promotion of T cell proliferation, and the induction of airway inflammation that ultimately drives COPD progression.
DeepVasNet: Retinal Vasculature and FAZ Segmentation in OCTA with EfficientNet-Enhanced U-Net
Authors: Raja Nisan Pranavah , Gopi Varun P. , Francis Bibin , Devi Chelli N.
Published: February 2024

The study and analysis of retinal blood vessels and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) are clinically significant as they help in the early diagnosis of several diseases like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, neovasculariza-tion, artery or vein occlusion, and age-related macular degeneration. Recently, optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) imaging has been used to visualize the retina due to its non-invasive nature and fast imaging. However, manual retinal vasculature and FAZ segmentation are tedious and time-consuming. In this context, we propose an automated deep-learning-based segmentation method. The traditional U-Net is modified with a pre-trained EfficientNet-B0 in the encoder and a combined spatial, channel attention, squeeze, and excitation mechanism in the decoder. The proposed algorithm is validated on the publicly available OCTA-500 database. Mean Dice coefficients of 88.38, 88.40, 88.48, and 94.55 are obtained for capillary, artery, vein, and FAZ segmenta-tion in the OCTA 6 mm dataset. Whereas mean Dice scores of 90.48, 90.70, 89.59, and 97.98 are reported in the OCTA 3 mm subset for capillary , artery, vein, and FAZ segmentation, respectively. This segmentation performance is superior to other recent methods in the state-of-the-art literature. Overall, the contributions of our work are summarized as DRL-ASOCT follows. The proposed architecture is simple, easy to implement, and requires less memory and time than other networks. Further, we separately segment the retinal vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries) and achieve improved segmentation accuracy relative to other approaches.
SAutoIDS: A Semantic Autonomous Intrusion Detection System Based on Cellular Deep Learning and Ontology for Malware Detection in cloud computing
Authors: Nazoksara AliReza Gerami , Etminan NaznooshSadat , Hosseinzadeh Reza , heidari behnam
Published: February 2024

Cloud computing (CC) is an online technology that has attracted the attention of many users and organizations today. Users send their requests through mobile to CC to perform a process. User requests are exposed to hacker attacks and malware risks. Penetration of malware in mobile devices causes loss of information or theft of mobile data. Today, various methods have been proposed to malware detection. In this paper, a semantic autonomous intrusion detection system (SAutoIDS) based on the ontology and cellular automata (CLA) and group method of data handling deep neural network (GMDH-DNN) is proposed to malware detection. The Semantic Multi-Level Approach (SMLA) processes of the data and transformed into semantic values based on a semantic level. The ontology method selects optimal features from malware data. Then the semantic data are divided into training (80%) and testing (20%). Training data are implemented to the GMDH-DNN for creating the model and CLA to optimize the GMDH model. Finally, testing data are entered into the optimized GMDH model and malwares are detected. We have used CICMalDroid2020 dataset to evaluate the SAutoIDS. By implementing the SAutoIDS, it was observed that the accuracy, precision, and recall improved by 21.96%, 22.41%, and 22.15%, compared to other methods.
Radon Dosimetry in Nchanga Underground Mine on the Copperbelt Province of Zambia
Authors: Banda Rabbison , Hayumbu Patrick , Mumba Ngandwe , Mubambe Patrick , Shaba Philimon
Published: February 2024

A Gamma Ray Spectrometer was used to quantify 222Rn activity in 27 water samples from Nchanga Under Ground Mine on the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. The content of 222Rn in water ranged from 100 to 3,710 Bq/m3 with an average of 1,077.59 ± 0.73 Bq/m3. The calculated radon concentration was compared to the underground mining industry's 500 Bq/m3 action limit. According to statistics, over 82 percent of tested locations exceeded the action limit, while only 41 percent exceeded the agreed limit of 1,000 Bq/m3. To estimate the radiological radon risk presented to mines, the annual effective dose (AED) due to inhalation were determined from radon concentrations. The AED values ranged from 0.77×10− 4 to 26.71×10− 4 mSvy1 with a mean of 7.76×10− 4±5.4×10− 7 mSvy− 1, much below the recommended limit of 20 mSvy− 1. On the other hand, the gamma dose rate measured using a survey meter varied from 0.26 to 0.66 mSvy− 1, with a mean value of 0.41 mSvy− 1. The results revealed that radon emanating from the NUG mine water was very low. As a consequence, miners may operate safely with little radioactive risk.
Parental discipline and self-regulation in children aged 2 to 5: A meta-analysis of research conducted from 2000 to 2022
Authors: Čepukienė Viktorija , Janulevičė Julija
Published: February 2024

This meta-analysis examined the correlation between parental discipline and self-regulation in children aged 2 to 5 years. The relevant literature was searched using ScienceDirect, PsycINFO, the Web of Science, Medline, and Scopus. Only correlational, cross-sectional, or longitudinal studies conducted between 2000 and 2022 that utilized survey techniques and focused on parents and children aged 2–5 years without clinical complaints were considered for inclusion. The data were synthesized and extracted in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. This meta-analysis included 28 studies involving a total of 27,285 children and caregivers. The study samples varied in size, ranging from 55 to 12,474. The results demonstrated a weak but consistent correlation between parental discipline and children's self-regulation. Both positive and negative parental discipline exhibited comparable effect sizes on self-regulation, though with distinct outcomes. There was a negative correlation between the use of negative discipline and self-regulation, indicating that children who have more negative discipline have lower levels of self-regulation. Conversely, positive discipline was positively correlated with self-regulation, suggesting that children who experience more positive discipline also exhibit better levels of self-regulation. The findings of meta-regression research indicate that the impact of negative parental discipline on self-regulation in children is influenced by age. As children age, the impact of negative parental discipline on self-regulation diminishes.
Genomic Revisitation and Reclassification of the Genus Providencia
Authors: Dong Xu , Jia Huiqiong , Yu Yuyun , Xiang Yanghui , Zhang Ying
Published: February 2024

Members of Providencia, although typically opportunistic, can cause severe infections in immunocompromised hosts. Recent advances in genome sequencing provide an opportunity for more precise study of this genus. In this study, we first identified and characterized a novel species named Providencia zhijiangensis sp. nov. It has ≤88.23% average nucleotide identity (ANI) and ≤31.8% in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values with all known Providencia species, which fall significantly below the species-defining thresholds. Interestingly, we found that Providencia stuartii and Providencia thailandensis actually fall under the same species, evidenced by an ANI of 98.59% and a dDDH value of 90.4%. By fusing ANI with phylogeny, we have reclassified 545 genomes within this genus into 20 species, including seven unnamed taxa (provisionally titled Taxon1-7), which can be further subdivided into 23 lineages. Pangenomic analysis identified 1,550 genus-core genes in Providencia, with coenzymes being the predominant category at 10.56%, suggesting significant intermediate metabolism activity. Resistance analysis revealed that most lineages of the genus (82.61%, 19/23) carry a high number of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and display diverse resistance profiles. Notably, the majority of ARGs are located on plasmids, underscoring the significant role of plasmids in the resistance evolution within this genus. Three species or lineages (P. stuartii, Taxon 3, and Providencia hangzhouensis L12) that possess the highest number of carbapenem resistance genes suggest their potential influence on clinical treatment. These findings underscore the need for continued surveillance and study of this genus, particularly due to their role in harboring antibiotic resistance genes.
Dual symplectic classical circuits: An exactly solvable model of many-body chaos
Authors: Christopoulos Alexios , De Luca Andrea , Kovrizhin Dmitry , Prosen Tomaž
Published: February 2024

We propose a general exact method of calculating dynamical correlation functions in dual symplectic brick-wall circuits in one dimension. These are deterministic classical many-body dynamical systems which can be interpreted in terms of symplectic dynamics in two orthogonal (time and space) directions. In close analogy with quantum dual-unitary circuits, we prove that two-point dynamical correlation functions are non-vanishing only along the edges of the light cones. The dynamical correlations are exactly computable in terms of a one-site Markov transfer operator, which is generally of infinite dimensionality. We test our theory in a specific family of dual-symplectic circuits, describing the dynamics of a classical Floquet spin chain. Remarkably, expressing these models in the form of a composition of rotations leads to a transfer operator with a block diagonal form in the basis of spherical harmonics. This allows us to obtain analytical predictions for simple local observables. We demonstrate the validity of our theory by comparison with Monte Carlo simulations, displaying excellent agreement with the latter for a choice of observables.
A symmetry principle for gauge theories with fractons
Authors: Hirono Yuji , You Minyoung , Angus Stephen , Cho Gil Young
Published: February 2024

Fractonic phases are new phases of matter that host excitations with restricted mobility. We show that a certain class of gapless fractonic phases are realized as a result of spontaneous breaking of continuous higher-form symmetries whose conserved charges do not commute with spatial translations. We refer to such symmetries as nonuniform higher-form symmetries. These symmetries fall within the standard definition of higher-form symmetries in quantum field theory, and the corresponding symmetry generators are topological. Worldlines of particles are regarded as the charged objects of 1-form symmetries, and mobility restrictions can be implemented by introducing additional 1-form symmetries whose generators do not commute with spatial translations. These features are realized by effective field theories associated with spontaneously broken nonuniform 1-form symmetries. At low energies, the theories reduce to known higher-rank gauge theories such as scalar/vector charge gauge theories, and the gapless excitations in these theories are interpreted as Nambu-Goldstone modes for higher-form symmetries. Due to the nonuniformity of the symmetry, some of the modes acquire a gap, which is the higher-form analogue of the inverse Higgs mechanism of spacetime symmetries. The gauge theories have emergent nonuniform magnetic symmetries, and some of the magnetic monopoles become fractonic. We identify the ’t Hooft anomalies of the nonuniform higher-form symmetries and the corresponding bulk symmetry-protected topological phases. By this method, the mobility restrictions are fully determined by the choice of the commutation relations of charges with translations. This approach allows us to view existing (gapless) fracton models such as the scalar/vector charge gauge theories and their variants from a unified perspective and enables us to engineer theories with desired mobility restrictions.
Survival dynamics of SMES supported by credit guarantee schemes: Insights from Morocco
Authors: Kamal Oussouadi , Kenza Cherkaoui
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study is to assess the viability of SMEs that had benefited from bank loans backed by credit guarantee schemes. A quantitative approach has been adopted by the study. The sample comprised 398 Moroccan SMEs that had benefited from this type of financing, and the primary objective was to examine their survival over the ten years following the obtaining of these guarantees. Logistic regression was used to reflect several results. The results of the study highlight several factors influencing the probability of survival of these SMEs. Larger amounts of credit promote financial resilience and growth, thereby increasing the likelihood of business survival. Business profitability is a key factor in the likelihood of survival. Profitable businesses attract more investors and lenders, improving access to credit and increasing survival prospects. Contrary to some studies, high levels of debt do not appear to reduce the probability of survival. Similarly, repayment capacity showed no significant link with survival, suggesting the importance of other non-financial factors. Mature and well-considered management decision making is associated with a higher probability of survival. Well-thought-out decisions promote the long-term viability of businesses. Small SMEs also have a good chance of survival because of their rapid adaptability. A manager’s active participation in a company’s capital is linked to a higher probability of survival. This underlines the importance of the personal involvement of the manager and of solid governance.
Evidence – Informed Policy Formulation and Implementation: A case study of ‘Clean Air Policy’ in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Tariq Saira , Zakir Rubeena
Published: February 2024

Background: There has been an accelerating momentum globally, for the use of scientific research evidence to support public health policy formulation and implementation. Policymakers, nonetheless use a variety of information over and above research evidence in the process.  A case study of ‘the Clean Air policy’ was undertaken to explore the Policy makers practices related to Evidence Informed Policy in Punjab, Pakistan.
Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate policy makers’ perceptions regarding ‘evidence’ and how it is gathered and used in policy formulation and implementation processes
Methods: The empirical data was collected by qualitative research techniques. Document review and semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 87 purposively selected policymakers between December’22-October’23.  Data Analysis was guided by principals of grounded theory. A conceptual model for Evidence Informed Policy Formulation and Implementation (derived from the Frameworks of Bowen and Zwi and Dodson et al.) was experientially applied to organize the data.
Results: The case study of the ‘Clean Air Policy’ of the Govt. of Punjab highlighted that the policy had been formulated in a structured manner with incorporation of relevant evidence (research and other) at all stages of policy formulation. Policy makers considered ‘evidence’ as an expansive concept not limited to research evidence. Overall, the use of evidence for policy-making and implementation is rooted in complexities inherent to the local context, policymakers understanding and organizational culture and processes.  
Conclusion: The study contributed to understanding the arena of Evidence Informed policy practices in Pakistan. Addressing the highlighted challenges can inform strategies for enhancing evidence use in policy processes for improving health system performance.