bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between number of remaining teeth, oral health behavior, and oral frailty among 80-year-old population in Japan
Authors: Tamaki Naofumi , Hiroshimaya Takatoshi , Fukuhara Kazuto , Ijchi Hiroshi
Published: May 2024

Oral frailty is proposed as a new concept defined as an age-related gradual loss of oral functions accompanied by a decline in cognitive and physical functions in older adults. Herein, we aimed to examine the correlations between the high risk of oral frailty, the remaining number of teeth, and oral health behavior in community-dwelling 80-year-old adults in Japan. Oral frailty was evaluated using the Oral Frailty Index-8, and ≥ 4 points were defined as high risk. Overall, 3,389 participants (2,009 women and 1,380 men) were included. Among the participants, 1,283 (37.9%) had a high risk of oral frailty. Logistic regression analysis revealed that a high risk of oral frailty was significantly associated with < 20 remaining teeth and poor oral behaviors. Additionally, 2,006 (59.2%) participants had ≥ 20 remaining teeth. The participants with ≥ 20 remaining teeth were significantly associated with the residential district, interdental cleaning, and dementia. The main clinical implication of this study is that improving behaviors regarding oral healthcare among community-dwelling individuals may be an effective way to reduce oral frailty. Moreover, ≥ 20 remaining teeth in the 80-year-old population were notably higher in the rural areas than that in the urban areas in Japan.
Cu-Co bimetallic organic framework as effective adsorbents for enhanced adsorptive removal of tetracycline antibiotics
Authors: Yue Jiayuan , Ding Shushu , Yin Yujian , Zhang Xiaodan , Wang Liyun , Gu Yipeng , Li Jiejia , Zhang Yuhan , Shi Yurou , Dong Yuetan , Zhu Qing , Duo Huixiao
Published: May 2024

In this study, the removal effect of a new MOF-on MOF adsorbent based on Cu-Co bimetallic organic frameworks on tetracycline antibiotics (TCs) in water system was studied. The adsorbent (Cu-MOF@Co-MOF) were synthesized by solvothermal and self-assembly method at different concentrations of Co2+/ Cu2+. The characterization results of SEM, XRD, XPS, FTIR and BET indicated that Cu-MOF@Co-MOF had the best physicochemical properties with the molar ratio of Co2+: Cu2+ at 5:1. In addition, the Cu-MOF@Co-MOF have a high specific surface area and bimetallic clusters, which can achieve multi-target synergistic adsorption of TCs. Based on above advantages, Cu-MOF@Co-MOF provided a strong affinity and can efficiently adsorb more than 80% of pollutants in just 5 to 15 minutes using only 10 mg of the adsorbent. The adsorption capacity of tetracycline and doxycycline was 434.78 and 476.19 mg/g, respectively, showing satisfactory adsorption performance. The fitting results of the experimental data are more consistent with the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Thermodynamic experiments showed that Cu-MOF@Co-MOF was thermodynamically advantageous for the removal of TCs, and the whole process was spontaneous. The excellent adsorption capacity and rapid adsorption kinetics indicate the prepared MOF-on MOF adsorbent can adsorb TCs economically and quickly, and have satisfactory application prospects for removing TCs in practical environments. The results of the study pave a new way for preparing novel MOFs-based water treatment materials with great potential for efficient removal.
Lubrication Performance under Electrical Regulation: Investigating the Mechanism of Graphene/Ionic Liquid Composite Materials
Authors: Jing Qingson , Zhou ming , Wang jianxin , Mao niyao
Published: May 2024

To delve into the mechanisms of lubricating additives in electrically charged environments, this study utilizes a non-covalent modification method combining N-butylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate ([BPy]BF4) with multilayer graphene (MG) to create graphene/ionic liquid (G/IL) composites. These composites were tested as lubricating additives in polyalphaolefin 40 (PAO40) using the UMT-2 experimental platform to assess their performance and electrical regulation mechanisms. Results demonstrated that G/IL composites significantly enhance lubrication and electrical stability. The study discovered that varying the current's intensity and polarity substantially influences ion concentration and Zeta potential at the interface, reducing the electroviscous effect and facilitating the formation of an interfacial adsorption film. The interplay of these mechanisms greatly optimizes the interface condition. Additionally, real-time contact resistance data indicated a correlation between friction coefficient and contact resistance, validating the synergistic effect's impact. This research not only clarifies the complex action mechanisms of lubricating additives in charged conditions but also offers critical insights for designing highly efficient lubricating materials.
Evaluation of EUCAST Rapid Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test directly from positive blood culture for Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Lebreton Cédric , Fournier Damien , Jeannot Katy
Published: May 2024

In this study, we evaluated the performance of the EUCAST RAST method on a collection of 154 clinical strains of P. aeruginosa, including strains resistant to ceftazidime and carbapenems. While the test is convenient for routine laboratories, we observed significant rates of VME (ranging from 0.0–15.0%) and ME (ranging from 1.3–16.3%) after 6h, particularly for key antibiotics such as ceftazidime, piperacillin/tazobactam, and meropenem. Extending the incubation time to 8h may improve results (CA ranging from 87.2–99%), but caution is required in interpretation due to persistence of VME (ranging from 0.0–15.6%) and ME (ranging from 0.0–11.7%).
The Application of Mind Mapping in the Standardized Education of Inpatient Physicians in Nephrology
Authors: Hu Yao , Xiang Yuanbing , Lei Min , Wu Yuxi , Sun Min
Published: May 2024

Objective: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of mind mapping in the standardized training and education of internal medicine resident physicians in nephrology.
Methods: Forty trainees undergoing rotations in the Nephrology Department at Chengdu University Affiliated Hospital between January 2021 and December 2023 were randomly assigned to control and observation groups, each comprising 20 trainees. The observation group received mind mapping teaching, while the control group received traditional teaching methods. The clinical thinking training of the two groups was then compared.
Results: The observation group outperformed the control group in all aspects of the Mini-CEX assessment, including medical interviews, humanistic care, clinical judgment, communication skills, overall performance, and total score, with statistical significance (P<0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the areas of physical examination and organizational effectiveness (P>0.05). Furthermore,the observation group achieved higher scores than the control group in the final theory exam, skill exam results, and satisfaction, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Mind mapping not only aids in the consolidation of fundamental memorized knowledge but also enhances clinical thinking skills, thereby playing a pivotal role in assisting resident physicians in establishing a comprehensive knowledge base in nephrology and improving the effectiveness of their training.
Misinformation is more than "fake news": Using co-sharing to identify use of mainstream news for promoting misinformation narratives
Authors: Goel Pranav , Green Jon , Lazer David , Resnik Philip
Published: May 2024

Most research concerning the volume and spread of misinformation on the internet measures the construct at the source level, identifying a set of specific "fake" news domains that account for a relatively small share of overall news consumption. This source-level categorization obscures the potential for factually true information from mainstream sources to be useful in the service of false or misleading narratives — a potentially far more prevalent form of misinformation. Using a combination of text- and network-analytic techniques, we find that articles from reliable sources that are co-shared with (i.e. shared by users who also shared) "fake" news on social media are significantly more likely to contain false or misleading narratives than articles from the
same sources that are not co-shared. This is consistent with users strategically re-purposing information from mainstream sources to enhance the credibility and reach of misleading claims. Our frameworks broaden both the empirical and theoretical scope of misinformation research.
HDAC inhibitors induce HLA class I molecules through the SOX10-IRF1 axis in clear cell sarcoma cells
Authors: Nguyen Minh T. , Kikuchi Ryota , Nishibu Soshi , Zhou Yue , Moritake Hiroshi , Nakamura Takuro , Outani Hidetatsu , Hayashi Ryuji , Sakurai Hiroaki , Yokoyama Satoru
Published: May 2024

Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are an effective treatment for clear cell sarcoma (CCS), a rare melanocytic sarcoma with a poor prognosis, their efficacies are still limited. Therefore, a novel therapeutic strategy is required to improve the efficacy of ICIs. We previously reported that HDAC inhibitors increased melanoma immunogenicity through the SOX10-IRF1 pathway and may improve the efficacy of ICIs for melanoma. We herein demonstrated that the inhibition of HDAC induced the expression of HLA class I molecules through IRF1 in CCS cells, similar to melanoma. The suppression of SOX10 by siRNA induced the expression of HLA class I molecules. In addition, the isoform-specific inhibition of HDAC1/3 induced the expression of another IRF1 downstream molecule, PD-L1 in CCS cells in concert with the suppression of SOX10. Furthermore, the knockdown of IRF1 impaired the induction of PD-L1 expression in CCS cells. Therefore, the inhibition of HDAC1/3 has potential as a novel strategy to increase immunogenicity and as combination therapy with ICIs for CCS and melanoma.
Performance-based seismic design optimization of reinforced concrete structures with multiple ground motions via surrogate model
Authors: Feng Yue
Published: May 2024

To address the challenge of designing structures that can withstand seismic loads and simplify the design process, a novel optimization formulation considering performance targets is defined in this paper. Multiple ground motions are considered to optimize structures under earthquake excitations. Single and seven ground motions are employed to perform nonlinear time history analysis, and the resulting responses are utilized as the objective function for the optimization problem. Subsequently, a Kriging model is adopted to approximate the objective function. During the model construction process, an enhanced Latin hypercube sampling strategy with mutation and evolutionary operation is employed, conditional likelihood approach is used to update the kriging model, and genetic algorithm (GA) is employed to search for the optimal solution. Finally, the methodology for seismic design optimization of structures via kriging model is applied to three 2-dimensional (2D) examples to demonstrate its effectiveness. The results show the Kriging model-assisted methodology can significantly reduce the computational burden associated with function evaluations, while simultaneously identifying optimum designs that improve the dynamic responses of structures. This highlights the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in mitigating the effects of earthquakes and preventing excessive story-to-story movement, which is crucial for preventing structural damage and collapse. Furthermore, the results emphasize the importance of considering multiple ground motions when optimizing structures under earthquakes.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Wenner Modes Configurations for Resistivity-Based Moisture Monitoring in Compressed Earth Bricks
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh , Pham Minh Dung , Angellier Nicolas , Ulmet Laurent , Dubois Frédéric
Published: May 2024

Compressed earth bricks (CEBs) are emerging as an eco-friendly construction material, although their properties are highly moisture-dependent. This study investigates the applicability of electrical resistivity techniques for non-destructive moisture assessment in CEBs and determines the optimal electrode configurations for small-scale CEB samples. Various Wenner array electrode configurations, including Wenner Alpha, Beta, and Gamma arrangements, are tested on the CEB specimens across a wide range of relative humidity levels. Numerical modelling using the finite element method is employed to simulate the current diffusion process in the CEB samples. A mathematical formulation is developed to calculate the true electrical resistivity of the specimens based on the measured resistance and the geometric factor obtained from the numerical model. The results show that the electrical resistivity of CEBs exhibits a logarithmic relationship with moisture content, with Wenner Alpha and Gamma configurations proving most suitable for small-scale samples. This approach demonstrates the potential for enabling continuous moisture monitoring to empower quality control and service life predictions for earthen construction materials.
Identifying Expert Opinions on the Challenges and Barriers Faced by Iraq's National Plan for Controlling Hepatitis B
Authors: Jalal Mohammed A. , Karami Manoochehr , Namdari Mahshid , Lami Faris , Taher Taqi Mohammed Jawad , Etemad Koorosh
Published: May 2024

Background
This study examined the difficulties and obstacles faced by healthcare professionals in implementing Iraq's National Plan for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Control. This research aims to offer valuable insights into the intricacies of HBV control efforts and identify key areas for improvement.
Methods
In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of ten physicians, representing diverse medical specialties and healthcare settings, including experts in the fields of medical sciences. Data analysis was conducted using MAXQDA software version 24 to identify recurring themes and gain insights into the challenges encountered during the implementation of the national plan.
Results
Ten physicians participated in the study, providing insights into challenges and barriers hindering the effective implementation of Iraq's National Plan for HBV Control. Consensus among participants highlighted challenges such as resource constraints, inadequate infrastructure, population ignorance, and vaccine refusal. Documentation challenges, including inaccuracies in reporting HBV-associated mortality, were also noted. Barriers to successful implementation included poor public awareness, inadequate education for healthcare providers, and funding shortages. Unmet needs highlighted the necessity for unified protocols, surveillance systems, and international training programs. The improvement strategies proposed by participants emphasized raising awareness, supporting primary healthcare centers, and enhancing funding allocation.
Conclusion
This study underscores significant challenges in implementing Iraq's national plan for HBV control, with barriers ranging from resource constraints to communication barriers. Healthcare professionals advocate for targeted interventions, collaborative efforts, and policy measures to address these challenges effectively. The findings contribute to the evidence base for enhancing HBV control efforts in Iraq and emphasize the importance of tailored approaches to public health interventions.
Identification of a Novel Prognostic Signature for Breast Cancer Derived from Post-translational Ubiquitin and Ubiquitin-Like Modification-Related Genes
Authors: Zhou Nanyang , Kong Dejia , Lin Qiao , Yang Xiaojing , Zhou Dan , Lou Lihua , Lou Xiangming
Published: May 2024

Background: Ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like (UUL) modifications play pleiotropic functions and are subject to fine regulatory mechanisms frequently altered in cancer. However, the comprehensive impact of UUL modification on breast cancer remains unclear.
Methods: Transcriptomic and clinical data of breast cancer were downloaded from TCGA and GEO databases. Molecular subtyping of breast cancer was conducted using the NMF and CIBERSORT algorithms. Prognostic genes were identified via univariate, lasso and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Clinical pathological features, immune cell infiltration, immune therapeutic response and chemotherapy drug sensitivity were compared between groups using the Wilcoxon test. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test.
Results: In breast cancer, 63 UUL modification-related genes were differentially expressed, with 29 up-regulated and 34 down-regulated genes. These genes were used to generate two UUL modification patterns that exhibited significant differences in prognostic features and immune cell infiltration. The UUL modification patterns were associated with 2038 differentially expressed genes that were significantly enriched in nuclear division, chromosome segregation, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, cell cycle, and other biological processes. Of these genes, 425 were associated with breast cancer prognosis, which enabled the classification of breast cancer into two clusters with significantly distinct prognoses. We developed a prognostic model, UULscore, which comprised nine genes and showed a significant correlation with partial immune cell infiltration. Furthermore, UULscore demonstrated potential predictive value in breast cancer overall survival prediction, immune therapeutic response, and chemotherapy drug sensitivity. UULscore, stage, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were identified as independent prognostic factors for breast cancer. Based on these factors, a nomogram model was constructed, which demonstrated exceptional prognostic predictive performance.
Conclusion: In conclusion, we identified two UUL modification-derived molecular subtypes in breast cancer, and have successfully constructed a risk scoring model that holds potential value in prognosis, immune infiltration, immune therapeutic response, and chemotherapy sensitivity.
Causal computations of supplementary motor area on spatial impulsivity
Authors: Carpio Alberto , Dreher Jean-Claude , Ferrera David , Galán Diego , Mercado Franciso , Obeso Ignacio
Published: May 2024

Spatial location of stimuli often leads to impulsive behaviour. How we overcome impulsive tendencies is what determines behaviour to be adaptive. Here, we used virtual reality to investigate whether spatial proximity of stimuli is causally related to the supplementary motor area (SMA) functions. In two experiments, we set out to investigate these processes using a virtual environment that recreates close and distant spaces to test the causal contributions of the SMA in spatial impulsivity. In an online first experiment (N = 93) we validated and measured the influence of distant stimuli using a go/no-go task with close (21 cm) or distant stimuli (360 cm). In experiment 2 (N = 28), we applied transcranial static magnetic stimulation (tSMS) over the SMA (double-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design) to test its computations in controlling impulsive tendencies towards close vs distant stimuli. Close stimuli elicited faster responses compared to distant stimuli but also exhibited higher error rates, specifically in commission errors (experiment 1). SMA stimulation (both real and sham) slowed response latencies (experiment 2), marked by increased decision thresholds in real stimulation compared to sham. Although exploratory, analysis on the effects of real stimulation showed a decrease in commission errors for close stimuli but not for distant stimuli (compared with the effect of sham stimulation). The findings suggest that impulsivity to nearby objects engages hastened actions accompanied by higher error rates. Our study provides a first starting point on the role of the SMA in regulating spatial impulsivity.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Disulfidptosis Co-regulate Neuronal cell in Neuropathic Pain Based on Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Ge Hejia , Song Liuyi , Tao Yuqing , Hu Li , Zhou Hongmei
Published: May 2024

Neuropathic pain affects approximately 6.9-10% of the world's population and necessitates the development of novel treatments. Mitochondria are essential in the regulation of cell death. Neuroimmune mechanisms are implicated in various forms of cell death associated with neuropathic pain. However, the specific involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction and disulfidptosis in neuropathic pain remains uncertain. Further research is required to gain a better understanding of their combined contribution. Our comprehensive study employs a variety of bioinformatic analysis methods, including differential gene analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, machine learning, functional enrichment analysis, immune infiltration, sub-cluster analysis, single-cell dimensionality reduction and cell-cell communicationto gain insight into the molecular mechanisms behind these processes. Our study rationally defines a list of key gene sets for mitochondrial dysfunction and disulfidptosis. 6 hub mitochondrial genes and 3 disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) were found to be associated with NP. The key genes were predominantly expressed in neurons and were lowly expressed in the NP group compared to SHAM. In addition, our macrophages used the APP-CD74 pathway to interact with neurons. These results suggest that NP is interconnected with the mechanistic processes of mitochondrial dysfunction and disulfidptosis, which may contribute to clinically targeted therapies.
Assessing the effect of change in climate and land use has on groundwater recharge suitability in the Thiba River Sub Basin, Kenya
Authors: Omanga Abel Moturi , Sichangi Arthur. W. , Makokha Godfrey. O. , Waswa Ruth. N.
Published: May 2024

Groundwater recharge Suitability (GWRS) mapping is a critical step towards planning for groundwater management and development. This study sought to assess the influence of change in climate and land use on the spatial-temporal variability of groundwater recharge suitability areas in Thiba river sub basin. The study applied the multi-influencing factor (MIF) technique to delineate the GWRS zones in Thiba river sub basin in three instances, historical (1986), current (2020), and future (2050) period. Water availability for the various uses within Thiba river sub basin is uncertain in the dry season, attributed to resource degradation due to over-exploitation and limited investments. Over-reliance on surface water with poor development of groundwater that is allocated without detailed quantification and quality assessment causing resource degradation. Future climate projections were derived from the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) for the African region under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP 4.5). Ground water recharge potential was assessed using a Multi-Influencing Factor (MIF) technique using Slope, Land use, Rainfall, lithology, landforms, Drainage density, Lineament density and soil as assessment parameters. Land cover images for the year 1986, 2003 and 2020 were classified into 6 land uses; bare, Built-up, cropland, forest, Grassland and Wetland areas and used to project land use in 2050 using the CA-Markov model. Results indicate that climate change will significantly impact water. Detailed study linking groundwater recharge and groundwater yields is recommended to better inform resource managers on the level of quantitative groundwater variability over space.
Exploring the Impact of METO Factors with Data Privacy Changes at IoT Systems: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Alshehri Jawaher , Rahman M M Hafizur
Published: May 2024

The rapid evolution of technology across various sectors, including individual, governmental, and nongovernmental IoT solutions, has resulted in significant shifts in data privacy requirements. These changes in regulations, policies, and procedures regarding data privacy have adversely affected security concerns, encompassing regulatory compliance, privacy protection, and security measures within In-house IoT software development companies. Therefore, the study aims to explore IoT privacy issues from the perspectives of in-house IoT software development companies and security, involving the collection of privacy concerns to gain new insights into challenges from various perspectives. To achieve this, we conduct a systematic review following the PRISMA approach to identify, evaluate, and interpret IoT privacy issues. We applied inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on accepting research papers for investigation published between 2015 and 2024. Out of 720 papers, 38 peer-reviewed articles were accepted. The primary classification of IoT privacy issues was as follows: 54% were related to management, 8% to organizational factors, 14% to environmental concerns, and 24% to technological aspects, MOTE Factors. Besides, we illustrate the associations between MOTE factors and security factors to avoid key conflicts at in-house IoT software development companies. Most explored articles were published between 2018 and 2024, illustrating an increasing interest among researchers in contributing to IoT privacy issues.
Plan-Do-Check-Act-theory-based job satisfaction and countermeasures among public health postgraduates
Authors: Wang Tianjiao , Zhu Qingheng , Huang Liang , Pang Mengtao , Guo Yujie , Zhang Baodan , Zhang Fu , Chen Boyan
Published: May 2024

Background: Given the current global public health challenges and the potential outbreak of a pandemic in the future, the career choice of postgraduates majoring in public health is of great significance to public health development in society. The existing research mainly focuses on the analysis of the current situation and training mode of postgraduates. This study aimed to analyze the employment status of postgraduates majoring in public health in the Yangtze River Delta region of China using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle model and propose suggestions for improvement.
Methods: Postgraduates majoring in public health from universities in Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui were selected as research participants through a questionnaire survey. The survey content included information on socio-demographic characteristics, practice and employment intentions, employment cognition, and satisfaction. A chi-square test was used to analyze differences in the distribution of industry cognition under different baseline characteristics, and a multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors influencing the distribution of industry cognition.
Results: Overall, 290 individuals were included in the analysis (average age: 26.16±2.21 years). Regarding public health industry awareness, 193 individuals (66.6%) were in the low-score group, and 97 (33.4%) were in the high-score group. The results of multi-factorial logistic regression analysis showed that study participants with a higher annual household income had a poorer perception of the public health industry (odds ratio [OR]=0.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.503–0.973), graduated in 2021 and later (OR=5.231, 95% CI: 1.906–14.358), and specialized in the five major health professions (OR=2.199, 95% CI: 1.223–3.954). Study participants with lower annual household income had a higher perception of the public health profession. Graduate students in public health have a negative attitude towards the current situation and employment situation in the public health industry and believe that the epidemic has had a negative impact on employment. They face problems such as an insufficient match between internships and employment and increased employment pressure.
Conclusions: Based on our findings, we propose strengthening the connection between internship and employment, providing career planning courses and psychological counseling services, and increasing practice and internship opportunities.
RETRACTED: Enhancing Multi-Class Intrusion Detection through Hybrid Auto Encoder-Deep Neural Network Classifiers: A Comprehensive Analysis of Class Imbalance Mitigation Strategies Using Data Resampling Techniques
Authors: Kamal Hesham , Mashaly Maggie
Published: May 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Luminescent Organogermane Emitter with Folded Conformation for Operationally Stable Blue Organic Light-Emitting Diode
Authors: Tang Man-Chung , Li Si-Jie , Tang Xiongkai , Ng Chiu Hwi , Lim Jia Yang , Tang Wai Kit , Chen Wen-Cheng , Huo Yanping , Ng Maggie , Chen Season Si
Published: May 2024

The exploration of heavy atom effect in organic semiconductors for organic light-emitting diode (OLED) applications has attracted much attention recently. While such effect has been extensively investigated in those incorporated with selenium, copper, silver and gold, there are only few studies on the role of germanium (Ge) on the luminescence and structural properties of emitters. Herein, we reveal the importance of the incorporation of Ge in multi-resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters that show improved luminescence properties than its carbon and silicon counterparts. We present the distinct single crystal structures of the two conformers of the organogermane emitter that co-exist in the solid state. We describe their conformational changes from open to folded geometries upon thermal stimulation under vacuum, as supported by variable-temperature single crystal diffraction analysis and theoretical calculations. From molecular dynamics simulations, we show that the folded form prevents a close proximity to the sensitizer in solid-state packing, thereby reducing Dexter energy transfer and facilitating efficient Förster energy transfer. Together with the spin-vibronic coupling and heavy atom effect, organogermane emitter shows an accelerated spin-flip process than its carbon and silicon counterparts. Based on the Ge emitter, we achieve a blue emission peaking at 479 nm with a narrow spectral full-width-at-half-maximum of 25 nm and a maximum external quantum efficiency of 38.4%. More importantly, we report the LT90 (90% of the initial luminance at 1000 cd m-2) of 2.2 h for Ge-based OLEDs, unlocking the full potential of organogermane emitters for operationally stable OLEDs. We anticipate our study provides insights into the design of organogermane compounds for optoelectronics applications.
Investigating genetic overlap between Alzheimer's disease, lipids, and coronary artery disease: a large-scale genome-wide cross trait analysis
Authors: Kirby Artika , Porter Tenielle , Adewuyi Emmanuel O. , Laws Simon M.
Published: May 2024

There is evidence to support a link between abnormal lipid metabolism and Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. Similarly, observational studies suggest a comorbid relationship between AD and coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the intricate biological mechanisms of AD are poorly understood, and its relationship with lipids and CAD traits remains unresolved, underscoring the ongoing investigation into this research area. Here, we systematically assess the cross-trait genetic overlap of AD with 13 representative lipids (from eight classes) and seven CAD traits, leveraging robust analytical methods, well-powered large-scale genetic data, and rigorous replication testing. Our main analysis demonstrates a significant positive global genetic correlation of AD with triglycerides and all seven CAD traits assessed—angina pectoris, cardiac dysrhythmias, coronary arteriosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, non-specific chest pain, and coronary artery disease. Gene-level analyses largely reinforce these findings and highlight the genetic overlap between AD and three additional lipids: high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and total cholesterol. Mendelian randomisation analysis found no evidence of a significant causal relationship between AD, lipids, and CAD traits. However, local genetic correlation analysis identifies several local pleiotropic hotspots contributing to the relationship of AD with lipids and CAD traits across chromosomes 6, 8, 17, and 19. Completing a three-way analysis, we confirm a strong genetic correlation between lipids and CAD traits, with HDL and sphingomyelin demonstrating negative correlations. These findings support genetic overlap between AD, specific lipids, and CAD traits, implicating shared but non-causal genetic susceptibility. The identified pleiotropic hotspots are valuable targets for further investigation into AD and, potentially, its comorbidity with CAD traits.
Variable-based Probablistic Calibration with Binary Outcome
Authors: Seto Hiroe , Kitora Shuji , Oyama Asuka , Toki Hiroshi , Yamamoto Ryohei , Yamamoto Micho
Published: May 2024

In developing risk prediction models for specific diseases, it is essential to evaluate the calibration performance of the prediction model. Various methods have been proposed to assess the calibra- tion of prediction models, but it has been pointed out that conventional methods based on the predicted probability of the model are insufficient to detect miscalibration. Another problem is the inability to assess calibration for variables of interest, such as covariate of high importance in prediction. We therefore propose two methods to evaluate the calibration of the variable of in- terest: the variable-based probabilistic calibration plot (VPC-Plot), which is a visual assessment, and the variable-based probabilistic calibration error (VPCE), which is a corresponding evalua- tion metric. We conducted theoretical and simulation studies to investigate the properties and effectiveness of the proposed method. Theoretical and simulation studies demonstrated that the proposed methods can detect miscalibration by evaluating the calibration based on the variable of interest, even when conventional methods fail to detect miscalibration. To show the usefulness in the real-world data analysis, we evaluated diabetes prediction models developed using the na- tional health insurance database for Osaka, Japan. The proposed methods revealed the advantage of machine learning model over logistic regression models with regard to the calibration based on key covariate in diabetes prediction.
Has the construction of digital infrastructure improved the efficiency of environmental governance? — Evidence from 235 cities in China
Authors: liu lunwu
Published: May 2024

Since its reform and opening up, China's economy has undergone rapid development, but thishas also led to serious environmental pollution. Environmental governance has become a major important task in economic development. Can the construction of digital infrastructure promote the application of digital technology and improve the efficiency of environmental governance? This article uses panel data from 235 cities in China to empirically verify the significant positive relationship between digital infrastructure construction and environmental governance efficiency. The level of technological innovation and public environmental attention have a mediating effect, while the upgrading of industrial structure has a positive regulatory effect.The positive effect of digital infrastructure on environmental governance efficiency shows heterogeneity, with economically developed cities being smaller than economically underdeveloped cities and environmentally friendly key cities being smaller than non-environmentally friendly key cities. Therefore, to improve the efficiency of environmental governance, it is necessary to increase investment, build scientific and technological innovation infrastructure and an environmental information network public platform, build a modern digital infrastructure system, and promote scientific and technological innovation and industrial upgrading.
Implementation fidelity of provider-initiated opt-out HIV testing of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Ghana: a multi-site process evaluation.
Authors: Ph Isaac Amankwaa; , Maude Robyn , Skinner Joan
Published: May 2024

Objectives
The study aimed to assess the fidelity to the intended content of the WHO/UNAID's provider-initiated opt-out HIV testing policy in 12 antenatal clinics across three regions in Ghana. Specifically, the focus was on understanding the implementation of key components, including informed consent, confidentiality, counselling, and connection to care.
Methods
Carroll's conceptual framework of implementation fidelity guided the quantitative data collection in the 12 antenatal clinics across three regions in Ghana. We measured adherence through brief facility surveys, healthcare providers, pregnant women's self-reports and structured observation of counselling sessions. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to describe the sample and antenatal clinic characteristics. The percentage means and standard deviation (SD) of components delivered were used to calculate fidelity scores.
Results
Routine provider-initiated HIV testing was widely available in the 12 antenatal clinics. Although adherence to test coverage was high (98.1%), just under half (41.7%) of the clinics surveyed obtained informed consent through the recommended opt-out approach. Adherence to the content of consent, confidentiality, counselling, and connection to care was low (38%) for direct observation, moderate (54%) for pregnant woman self-reports and moderately high (78.9%) for healthcare provider self-reports.
Conclusions
There is evidence of low to moderate fidelity to the intended content of the provider-initiated HIV testing in the 12 antenatal clinics. Gaps in the content delivery could limit the achievement of rights-based testing and may explain the lack of impact in the HIV testing efforts.
Total DNA Content and Ploidy Levels in Linnaeoideae with a Focus on Abelia
Authors: Naranjo Leynar Leyton , Robacker Carol D.
Published: May 2024

The Linnaeoideae subfamily was created in Caprifoliaceae to represent the close relationship among the monophyletic genera Abelia, Diabelia, Dipelta, Kolkwitzia, Linnaea, and Vesalea. These closely related genera could possibly be a new source of ornamental traits for Abelia, an economically important genus of woody ornamental shrubs. Breeding among these genera could be challenging as only a few genera and species have a reported total DNA content, ploidy level, and chromosome number. The objective of this research was to fill that gap in the literature. We determined the total DNA content and DNA ploidy levels and estimated chromosome numbers of the species Abelia chinensis (two genotypes), Abelia macrotera var. engleriana, Abelia ×grandiflora, Abelia schumanii, Diabelia serrata, Vesalea floribunda, Zabelia tyaihyonii var. mosanensis, and the Abelia cultivars Edward Goucher, Francis Mason, Lavender Mist, Raspberry Profusion, and Rosy Charm® by flow cytometry. Raphanus sativus ‘Saxa’ was used as an internal standard for holoploid 2C total genome size estimation. For DNA ploidy and chromosome number, A. ×grandiflora (2n = 2x = 32) and Z. tyaihyonii var. mosanensis (2n = 36) were used as internal standards. We also measured the pollen size and stomata length of the species A. chinensis (two genotypes), A. macrotera var. engleriana, V. floribunda, A. ×grandiflora, A. schumanii, and D. serrata, and the Abelia cultivars Francis Mason and Raspberry Profusion. All genotypes have a 2C holoploid total DNA content between 0.87 and 0.95 pg DNA (∼850–930 Mb), except for V. floribunda and Z. tyaihyonii var. mosanensis, which have 1.94 and 1.91 pg DNA, respectively (∼1880 Mb). All genotypes are diploid with 2n = 2x = 32, except for V. floribunda and Z. tyaihyonii var. mosanensis, which have 36 chromosomes (2n = ?x = 36). We observed significant variability in stomata sizes and pollen diameter independent of and not correlated with genome size or chromosome number. A. ×grandiflora has a high percentage of dead pollen (∼30%), as does V. floribunda (43%). This high percentage of dead pollen in the natural species V. floribunda could be the result of aneuploidy. This is the first report of total DNA content in A. chinensis, D. serrata, and Z. tyaihyonii var. mosanensis; total DNA content and estimated chromosome number in V. floribunda; total DNA content and DNA ploidy levels in A. ×grandiflora, A. macrotera var. engleriana, and A. schumanii; and total DNA content, estimated chromosome number, and DNA ploidy levels in the Abelia cultivars Edward Goucher, Francis Mason, Lavender Mist, Raspberry Profusion, and Rosy Charm®.
Tenaga Elektrik, Dapur Moden dan Transformasi Wanita di Kuala Lumpur, 1927–1940
Authors:   Bahagian Sejarah, Pusat Pengajian Ilmu Kemanusiaan, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Mohd Rosli Mohamad Khairul Anuar
Published: May 2024

Memasuki abad ke-20, penggunaan tenaga elektrik mula dikomersialkan di Kuala Lumpur. Penyediaan tenaga elektrik yang pada awalnya terhad untuk sektor perlombongan dan lampu jalan kemudiannya telah diperluaskan sehingga menjadi sumber tenaga utama untuk sektor domestik khususnya rumah kediaman mulai penghujung tahun 1920-an. Tenaga elektrik yang disediakan telah mempengaruhi penduduk untuk menggunakan barangan elektrik sekali gus menjadikan kehidupan harian di rumah lebih selesa dan mudah. Wanita didapati merupakan kumpulan pengguna yang telah menunjukkan perubahan besar dari segi tugasan harian mereka di dapur kesan perkembangan teknologi domestik tersebut. Kajian ini bertujuan mengkaji bagaimana penyediaan tenaga elektrik di rumah telah mencetuskan transformasi dalam kalangan wanita di Kuala Lumpur sekitar tahun 1927 hingga 1940. Kajian ini menggunakan kaedah kualitatif dengan menganalisis sumber primer dan sekunder. Hasil kajian mendapati wanita menyedari kepentingan tenaga elektrik dan berusaha untuk menyesuaikan penggunaan tenaga tersebut dalam menjalankan kerjakerja harian mereka di dapur. Penyediaan tenaga elektrik di dapur menyebabkan wanita beralih kepada penggunaan barangan elektrik dan berusaha untuk menguasai cara-cara penggunaan barangan tersebut. Perkembangan ini mendorong wanita untuk meningkatkan lagi kemahiran dan kecekapan mereka dalam penyediaan makanan. Justeru, keadaan ini jelas menunjukkan bahawa tugasan di dapur tidak menghalang wanita untuk menyerap kemajuan teknologi yang sedang berkembang pesat di Kuala Lumpur untuk dimanfaatkan dalam melaksanakan tugasan harian mereka.
Being Needed but Hated: The Exodus of Dutch Scientists in Indonesia, 1945–1959
Authors:   Department of History, Faculty of Humanities, Depok Campus, Universitas Indonesia, Depok City, Indonesia, Fauzi Wildan Insan , Machmudi Yon ,   Department of History, Faculty of Humanities, Depok Campus, Universitas Indonesia, Depok City, Indonesia, Abdurakhman Abdurakhman ,   Department of History, Faculty of Humanities, Depok Campus, Universitas Indonesia, Depok City, Indonesia
Published: May 2024

The Japanese occupation in 1942 compelled Dutch scientists to depart from Indonesia or face imprisonment as prisoners of war. The Allied victory led to the liberation of captive scientists and encouraged Dutch scientists to return to Indonesia. This article aims to analyse and describe: (1) the process of Dutch scientists’ reentry to Indonesia in 1945 to 1949 and 1950 to 1959 and (2) the factors that caused the departure of Dutch scientists from Indonesia from 1949 to 1959. The archives at the National Archives of the Republic of Indonesia (ANRI) and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) are used as sources for this article. Dutch scientists are discussed more extensively since they were the most impacted by the dynamics of Indonesian nationalism. In 1945 to 1949, Dutch scientists had more opportunities than their Indonesian counterparts. However, the Dutch, including their scientists, were obliged to leave Indonesia in 1949 following the Konferensi Meja Bundar agreement. The exodus of Dutch scientists prompted the government to recruit scientists from various countries to fill vacant positions from 1950 to 1959. Nevertheless, bureaucratic inefficiency, different regulations regarding the supervision of foreigners and the emergence of anti-foreign sentiment in an unstable social, political and economic situation encouraged foreign scientists to return to their homeland.
An Archetypal Reading of The Arabian Nights: Mythic Hero and Monomyth in Selected Stories
Authors:   Faculty of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran, Pourgharib Behzad , Talarposhti Abdolbaghi Rezaei ,   Department of English Language and Literature, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Golestan University, Gorgan, Iran, Asl Moussa Pourya ,   Faculty of Humanities, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
Published: May 2024

The Arabian Nights is a literary masterpiece that has captivated readers for centuries with its magical elements, mythical creatures and traditional patterns of archetypes. This study delves into the underlying similarities and differences among the types of archetypal characters depicted in two tales, “Three Apples” and “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves”. The focus is on the notion of mythic hero, exploring the use of archetypal symbols, images, characters and protagonists’ quests to identify the principles of heroism central to their characterisation. The study draws upon Joseph Campbell’s theory of Monomyth, which entails a pattern for the hero’s journey that includes three rites of passage: separation, initiation and return. By examining the journeys of Ja’far and Ali Baba through this lens, we find that both possess essential qualities of a hero in accordance with the tenets of monomyth. Despite their idiosyncratic differences, they are portrayed as ordinary men without any supernatural heroic powers who are urged to reclaim their social status by embarking on an adventure where they go through rebirth, face death and triumph over evil. The findings highlight how the use of mythical elements such as magic and traditional patterns contribute to the perennial appeal of the collection
Shaming to Emancipate: Metaphoric Bipolarisation in Jordanian Online Socio-Political Editorials
Authors:   Department of English Language and Literature, Faculty of Languages, The University of Jordan, Aqaba, Jordan, Albtoush Mohammad Abedltif , Ang Pei Soo ,   Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Published: May 2024

The emotion of shame in the Arab context is culturally specific and viewed in a shame-honour paradigm. The interdisciplinary study here unpacks the Jordanian sociopolitical issues which are embedded within the cultural concept of shaming using a critical metaphor method. The study on selected 97 online editorials written by Ahmad Hasan al-Zu’bi here reveals a metaphoric bipolarisation technique which conjures the notions of shame on Arab’s sociopolitical submissiveness to global powers but argues that the global powers’ domination is a myth. These claims communicated by the dual metaphors provoke the most intense shame emotion as they violate the Arab tradition and honour. They are intended at awakening the people from their own powerlessness due to internal squabbling and corrupt leadership as well as hegemony of external powers. From the perspective of political communication in the digital age, they echo both nationalistic and populist intentions through the dichotomous shame-pride cultural paradigm. Generally, this study demonstrates that the use of these journalistic rhetorical moves which are rooted in a shame herd culture is a distinctive tactical communication capable of foregrounding an emancipatory agenda in restoring the honour of any sociopolitically affected community.