bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zinc effects on bacteria: insights from
Escherichia coli
by multi-omics approach
Authors: Rihacek Martin , Kosaristanova Ludmila , Fialova Tatiana , Kuthanova Michaela , Eichmeier Ales , Hakalova Eliska , Cerny Martin , Berka Miroslav , Palkovicova Jana , Dolejska Monika , Svec Pavel , Adam Vojtech , Zurek Ludek , Cihalova Kristyna
Published: October 2023

In this study, we investigated the impact of zinc oxide (ZnO) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on
Escherichia coli
. These compounds are commonly used as fertilizers and feed additives and may have unintended consequences on bacteria. We conducted phenotypic and multi-omics analyses of
E. coli
exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of ZnO and ZnONPs for 40 sub-culturings and 20 sub-culturings with zinc followed by 20 sub-culturings without zinc in an attempt to reverse zinc effects. An extended treatment with ZnO for 40 sub-culturings had the greatest impact leading to bacterial resistance to aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, and sulfonamides while the treatment with ZnONPs for 40 sub-culturings led to the elevated MIC to chloramphenicol only. Cells exposed to these treatments were thicker and had retarded growth in elevated temperatures. Importantly, zinc withdrawal reversed most phenotypic changes. Zinc exposure caused dramatic changes in cell transcripts and proteins with a role in antibiotic response, heat stress, growth regulation, cell shape, and biofilm formation. An extended zinc exposure led to overall major alterations in
E. coli
biology and resulted in multi-drug resistance.

IMPORTANCE

A long-term exposure of bacteria to zinc oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles leads to major alterations in bacterial morphology and physiology. These included biochemical and physiological processes promoting the emergence of strains with multi-drug resistance and virulence traits. After the removal of zinc pressure, bacterial phenotype reversed back to the original state; however, certain changes at the genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic level remained. Why is this important? The extensive and intensive use of supplements in animal feed effects the intestinal microbiota of livestock and this may negatively impact the health of animals and people. Therefore, it is crucial to understand and monitor the impact of feed supplements on intestinal microorganisms in order to adequately assess and prevent potential health risks.
Cross-cohort single-nucleotide-variant profiling of gut microbiota suggests a novel gut-health assessment approach
Authors: Ma Chenchen , Zhang Yufeng , Jiang Shuaiming , Teng Fei , Huang Shi , Zhang Jiachao
Published: October 2023

Adaptive evolutionary changes can precede the ecological changes in the gut microbial communities under constant host selection pressure, yet their association with host diseased status was underexplored. Explore shared disease-associated single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) in gut microbes spanning diverse human diseases. We performed a meta-analysis of 1,711 gut metagenomic samples from 16 case-control studies spanning 12 human diseases and included an additional 446-member cohort for validation. Overall, healthy individuals carried more mutated resident gut microbes, and more SNVs, mainly involving the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) producing bacteria. Furthermore, the widespread differences in base variant bias of gut microbes were observed between healthy and nonhealthy subjects suggesting divergent gut microbial evolutionary directions under different host medical conditions. We further found that nonsynonymous SNVs can lead to the loss of function of four SCFA-production genes in nonhealthy populations, among which two genes (i.e.,
ack
and
scpC
) from
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii
C and
Bacteroides stercoris,
respectively, were externally validated. Subsequently, we developed a novel gut microbiome health index based on the SNV rate of all mutated strains, classifying host health states with 74.23% accuracy, and validated with high accuracy (AUROC = 69.28%). Our study highlights the importance of employing the genetic variability in gut microbiome to characterize the gut microbial adaptation that can also predict human chronic diseases.

IMPORTANCE

Most studies focused much on the change in abundance and often failed to explain the microbiome variation related to disease conditions, Herein, we argue that microbial genetic changes can precede the ecological changes associated with the host physiological changes and, thus, would offer a new information layer from metagenomic data for predictive modeling of diseases. Interestingly, we preliminarily found a few genetic biomarkers on SCFA production can cover most chronic diseases involved in the meta-analysis. In the future, it is of both scientific and clinical significance to further explore the dynamic interactions between adaptive evolution and ecology of gut microbiota associated with host health status.
Multi-locus phylogenetic analyses reveal eight novel species of
Distoseptispora
from southern China
Authors: Hu Ya-Fen , Liu Jing-Wen , Luo Xing-Xing , Xu Zhao-Huan , Xia Ji-Wen , Zhang Xiu-Guo , Castañeda-Ruíz Rafael F. , Ma Jian
Published: October 2023

Plant debris are habitat favoring the growth of various microbial species. Over the course of our mycological surveys in Jiangxi and Yunnan Provinces, China, eight new
Distoseptispora
species, viz.
D. gasaensis
,
D. guanshanensis
,
D. jinghongensis
,
D. longnanensis
,
D. menghaiensis
,
D. menglunensis
,
D. nanchangensis
, and
D. yichunensis
collected on dead branches of unidentified plants, were introduced by morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Multi-locus (LSU, ITS,
TEF1
, and
RPB2
) phylogenetic analyses were performed using maximum-likelihood and Bayesian inference to infer their taxonomic positions within
Distoseptispora
. Both molecular phylogenetic analyses and morphological characters supported them as eight independent taxa within
Distoseptispora
. This work improves our understanding of the diversity of
Distoseptispora
in southern China.

IMPORTANCE

Distoseptispora
as a single genus in
Distoseptisporaceae
was introduced by morphological and phylogenetic analyses. Members of this genus occur mainly as asexual morphs, forming effuse, hairy colonies on decaying wood, plant stems, bamboo culms, and fallen leaves and shafts in terrestrial and freshwater habitats. In the present study, saprobic hyphomycetes from plant debris were investigated, and eight new
Distoseptispora
species were introduced based on morphology and phylogenetic analyses of LSU, ITS,
TEF1
, and
RPB2
sequence data. This study provides important data on the species diversity, ecological environment, and geographical area of
Distoseptispora
, greatly updates the classification of
Distoseptispora
, and improves our understanding of the taxonomy of
Distoseptispora
.
TrCla4 promotes actin polymerization at the hyphal tip and mycelial growth in
Trichophyton rubrum
Authors: Ishii Masaki , Matsumoto Yasuhiko , Yamada Tsuyoshi , Uga Hideko , Katada Toshiaki , Ohata Shinya
Published: October 2023

Dermatophytes invade and colonize host superficial tissues via hyphal growth. Although cytoskeletal reorganization and its regulation are essential for hyphal growth, the molecular mechanisms in dermatophytes and their applicability as antifungal drug targets remain poorly understood. The p21-activated kinase (PAK) is a downstream effector of the small GTPases Rac and CDC42, also known as p21, and is involved in various molecular and cellular functions, including actin polymerization and cell morphogenesis. In this study, we investigated the contribution of the PAK protein TrCla4 to morphogenesis and mycelial growth in
Trichophyton rubrum
, the most frequently isolated fungus in dermatophytosis (athlete’s foot). The actin polymerization inhibitor, cytochalasin A inhibited actin accumulation at the hyphal tip and mycelial growth of
T. rubrum
, suggesting the involvement of the actin cytoskeleton in mycelial growth. In the Tr
cla4
knockout strain (ΔTr
cla4
), we observed defects in mycelial growth, hyphal branching, and the accumulation of polymerized actin at the hyphal tip. Chemical inhibitors of TrRac-dependent TrCla4 kinase activity, FRAX486 and IPA-3, also inhibited spore germination and mycelial growth. Interestingly, ΔTr
cla4
showed no additional inhibition of mycelial growth when treated with these inhibitors, indicating that their inhibitory effects are primarily mediated through TrCla4. In an invertebrate dermatophyte infection model, animals infected with ΔTr
cla4
had higher survival rates than those infected with the wild-type, and IPA-3 and FRAX486 treatments both significantly improved animal survival rates. These results suggest that the dermatophyte PAK promotes mycelial growth by facilitating actin polymerization at the hyphal tip, making it a potential therapeutic target for dermatophytosis.

IMPORTANCE

Superficial fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, affect more than 10% of the world’s population and have a significant impact on quality of life. Despite the fact that treatment-resistant fungi are a concern, there are just a few antifungal drug targets accessible, as opposed to the wide range of therapeutic targets found in bacterial infections. As a result, additional alternatives are sought. In this study, we generated a PAK TrCla4 deletion strain (∆Trcla4) of
Trichophyton rubrum
. The ∆Trcla4 strain exhibited deficiencies in mycelial growth, hyphal morphology, and polarized actin localization at the hyphal tip. IPA-3 and FRAX486, small chemical inhibitors of mammalian PAK, were discovered to limit fungal mycelial proliferation. According to our findings, fungal PAKs are interesting therapeutic targets for the development of new antifungal medicines.
Emergence of novel ST1299
vanA
lineages as possible cause for the striking rise of vancomycin resistance among invasive strains of
Enterococcus faecium
at a German university hospital
Authors: Valenza Giuseppe , Eisenberger David , Voigtländer Sven , Alsalameh Rayya , Gerlach Roman , Koch Sonja , Kunz Bernd , Held Jürgen , Bogdan Christian
Published: October 2023

Since 2019, we have observed a remarkable rise of vancomycin resistance among invasive strains of
Enterococcus (E.) faecium
at the University Hospital Erlangen (UKER), a tertiary-care hospital in Germany. Here, we analyzed the genetic diversity of
E. faecium
isolated from blood cultures of in-patients by core genome multilocus sequence typing to see whether the occurrence of vancomycin resistance was associated with the spread of new clonal lineages. Between January and December 2022, 37 consecutive non-duplicate isolates were included in this study. Resistance to vancomycin was detected in 15 isolates (40.5%). The affected patients had a median age of 65 years, and 26 of them (70.3%) were males. Patients with bloodstream infection caused by vancomycin-resistant
E. faecium
(VREfm) or vancomycin-susceptible
E. faecium
(VSEfm) showed a similar in-hospital mortality rate (33.3% vs 27.3%,
P
= 0.692), indicating that VREfm were not more virulent than VSEfm. In contrast, the genetic diversity was higher in VSEfm (15 clonal lineages) than in VREfm isolates (seven clonal lineages). The majority of VREfm isolates (73.2%) belonged to only three clonal lineages: ST117/CT71
vanB
(
n
= 4), which is the most commonly detected vancomycin-resistant lineage in Germany, and two novel ST1299
vanA
lineages classified as CT3109 (
n
= 4) and CT1903 (
n
= 3). We conclude that the high rate of vancomycin resistance among invasive
E. faecium
isolates at UKER could be associated with the emergence of novel ST1299
vanA
lineages, which is likely to be relevant also for other hospitals and countries. Future studies will focus on the prevalence of ST1299
vanA
in the general population.

IMPORTANCE

The proportion of VREfm among all
Enterococcus faecium
isolated from blood cultures in German hospitals has increased in the period 2015–2020 from 11.9% to 22.3% with a country-wide spread of the clonal lineage ST117/CT71
vanB
. In this study, we provided useful information about the genetic diversity of invasive strains of
E. faecium
. Moreover, our findings confirm the nosocomial spread of novel ST1299
vanA
lineages, which recently had a rapid expansion in Austria and the south-eastern part of Germany.
The impact of UN high-level meetings on non-communicable disease funding and policy implementation
Authors: Akselrod Svetlana , Collins Téa E , Berlina Daria , Collins Amy , Allen Luke N
Published: October 2023

Since the original UN General Assembly ‘special session’ for HIV/AIDS, there has been a proliferation of health-related high-level meetings (HLMs), including three for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and a 2019 HLM on universal health coverage that was closely aligned to the NCD framework. This paper attempts to assess the impact of these meetings in terms of funding allocations, domestic NCD policy implementation, as well as the level of international engagement with the HLMs by reviewing attendance data and records of statements (‘interventions’) made by country delegations. In contrast to HIV/AIDS, whilst NCDs have enjoyed a marked rise in international political exposure and high-level political commitments, these have not always translated into national policy implementation or greater funding allocations. This is true even for countries that have engaged most deeply with HLMs. These findings should give pause to NCD advocacy groups that expend substantial energy in calling for further high-level political commitments and highlight the need to focus support on the translation of commitments into sustainably funded action.
Relationship between severe mental illness and physical multimorbidity: a meta-analysis and call for action
Authors: Pizzol Damiano , Trott Mike , Butler Laurie , Barnett Yvonne , Ford Tamsin , Neufeld Sharon AS , Ragnhildstveit Anya , Parris Christopher N , Underwood Benjamin R , López Sánchez Guillermo Felipe , Fossey Matt , Brayne Carol , Fernandez-Egea Emilio , Fond Guillaume , Boyer Laurent , Shin Jae Il , Pardhan Shahina , Smith Lee
Published: October 2023

Background

People with severe mental illness (SMI) have a higher prevalence of several chronic physical health conditions, and the prevalence of physical multimorbidity is expected to rise. The aim of this study was to assess the strength of the association between SMI and physical multimorbidity.

Study selection and analysis

We systematically searched PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO and the behavioural sciences collection databases, from inception to 31 January 2023, for studies that investigated the association between SMI and physical multimorbidity. Humans of any age either clinically diagnosed and/or currently receiving treatment for SMI, specified as schizophrenia (and related psychotic disorders), bipolar disorder and psychotic depression, were eligible. Data from studies selected for inclusion were converted into ORs, with a subsequent meta-analysis conducted.

Findings

We included 19 studies with a total of 194 123 patients with SMI with different diagnoses and drawn from the general population. The pooled OR for physical multimorbidity in people with versus without SMI was 1.84 (95% CI 1.33 to 2.54), with the analysis indicating a high level of heterogeneity (98.38%). The other 15 studies included in the systematic review for which it was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis showed strong associations between SMI and physical multimorbidity.

Conclusions

The current evidence highlights the link between SMI and physical multimorbidity. A multidisciplinary approach is now urgent to develop the best models of services tailored to patients with SMI with physical multimorbidities to improve physical, mental and social outcomes.

PROSPERO registration numberCRD42023395165.
First-in-human phase I/Ib study of NIZ985, a recombinant heterodimer of IL-15 and IL-15Rα, as a single agent and in combination with spartalizumab in patients with advanced and metastatic solid tumors
Authors: Leidner Rom , Conlon Kevin , McNeel Douglas G , Wang-Gillam Andrea , Gupta Sumati , Wesolowski Robert , Chaudhari Monica , Hassounah Nadia , Lee Jong Bong , Ho Lee Lang , O’Keeffe Jessica A , Lewis Nancy , Pavlakis George N , Thompson John A
Published: October 2023

Background

Preclinically, interleukin-15 (IL-15) monotherapy promotes antitumor immune responses, which are enhanced when IL-15 is used in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This first-in-human study investigated NIZ985, a recombinant heterodimer comprising physiologically active IL-15 and IL-15 receptor α, as monotherapy and in combination with spartalizumab, an anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (anti-PD-1) monoclonal antibody, in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Methods

This phase I/Ib study had two dose-escalation arms: single-agent NIZ985 administered subcutaneously thrice weekly (TIW, 2 weeks on/2 weeks off) or once weekly (QW, 3 weeks on/1 week off), and NIZ985 TIW or QW administered subcutaneously plus spartalizumab (400 mg intravenously every 4 weeks (Q4W)). The dose-expansion phase investigated NIZ985 1 µg/kg TIW/spartalizumab 400 mg Q4W in patients with anti-PD-1–sensitive or anti-PD-1–resistant tumor types stratified according to approved indications. The primary objectives were the safety, tolerability, and the maximum tolerated doses (MTDs) and/or recommended dose for expansion (RDE) of NIZ985 for the dose-expansion phase.

Results

As of February 17, 2020, 83 patients (median age: 63 years; range: 28–85) were treated in dose escalation (N=47; single-agent NIZ985: n=27; NIZ985/spartalizumab n=20) and dose expansion (N=36). No dose-limiting toxicities occurred nor was the MTD identified. The most common treatment-related adverse event (TRAE) was injection site reaction (primarily grades 1–2; single-agent NIZ985: 85% (23/27)); NIZ985/spartalizumab: 89% [50/56]). The most common grade 3–4 TRAE was decreased lymphocyte count (single-agent NIZ985: 7% [2/27]; NIZ985/spartalizumab: 5% [3/56]). The best overall response was stable disease in the single-agent arm (30% (8/27)) and partial response in the NIZ985/spartalizumab arm (5% [3/56]; melanoma, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer). In dose expansion, the disease control rate was 45% (5/11) in the anti-PD-1–sensitive and 20% (5/25) in the anti-PD-1–resistant tumor type cohorts. Pharmacokinetic parameters were similar across arms. The transient increase in CD8+ T cell and natural killer cell proliferation and induction of several cytokines occurred in response to the single-agent and combination treatments.

Conclusions

NIZ985 was well tolerated in the single-agent and NIZ985/spartalizumab regimens. The RDE was established at 1 µg/kg TIW. Antitumor activity of the combination was observed against tumor types known to have a poor response to ICIs.

Trial registration number

NCT02452268.
Early pigment spot segmentation and classification from iris cellular image analysis with explainable deep learning and multiclass support vector machine
Authors: Khan Amjad R. , Javed Rabia , Sadad Tariq , Bahaj Saeed Ali , Sampedro Gabriel Avelino , Abisado Mideth
Published: October 2023

Globally, retinal disorders impact thousands of individuals. Early diagnosis and treatment of these anomalies might halt their development and prevent many people from developing preventable blindness. Iris spot segmentation is critical due to acquiring iris cellular images that suffer from the off-angle iris, noise, and specular reflection. Most currently used iris segmentation techniques are based on edge data and noncellular images. The size of the pigment patches on the surface of the iris increases with eye syndrome. In addition, iris images taken in uncooperative settings frequently have negative noise, making it difficult to segment them precisely. The traditional diagnosis processes are costly and time consuming since they require highly qualified personnel and have strict environments. This paper presents an explainable deep learning model integrated with a multiclass support vector machine to analyze iris cellular images for early pigment spot segmentation and classification. Three benchmark datasets MILE, UPOL, and Eyes SUB were used in the experiments to test the proposed methodology. The experimental results are compared on standard metrics, demonstrating that the proposed model outperformed the methods reported in the literature regarding classification errors. Additionally, it is observed that the proposed parameters are highly effective in locating the micro pigment spots on the iris surfaces.
Oocyte development, packing in the ovary, and spawning pattern of squid Lolliguncula panamensis in the Mexican South Pacific
Authors: Intzin Hugo Guzmán , Plata María del Carmen Alejo , Portilla Miguel Ángel del Río , Guzmán Saúl Serrano , Hernández Pedro Cervantes
Published: October 2023

Squid Lolliguncula panamensis Berry, 1911 is of commercial and ecological importance in the Gulf of Tehuantepec (southeastern Mexico). This study examines the mode of oocyte development, packing in the ovary, and spawning pattern of this understudied species. Lolliguncula panamensis presents a synchronous oocyte growth in batches, with multiple spawnings, with the presence of post-ovulatory follicles and atretic follicles, including the constant presence of pre-vitellogenic and vitellogenic oocytes. The size frequencies of oocytes of ripe ovaries exhibit a pronounced morphological and size separation between the late yolk stage and mature oocytes, suggesting that the oocytes pass through this size range very fast. These oocytes adopt a geometrical shape that makes their packing efficient for spawning. One three-dimensional packing of vitellogenic oocytes (scutoid type) in the ovary was observed. The results of our study suggest that the spawning behavior of Lolliguncula panamensis may constitute an opportunistic reproductive strategy in which individuals present multiple spawnings over a brief period. We suggest that this strategy might be a response to complex regional oceanographic conditions of the Gulf of Tehuantepec.
Investigations on the Ti-induced fusion cross-sections in the range 44≤Z≤104
Authors: Reddi Rani L. , Sowmya N. , Manjunatha H. C. , Arasu M. M. Armstrong
Published: October 2023

As a function of the barrier height, center-of-mass energy, Coulomb interaction parameter and [Formula: see text], a new empirical formula for the astronomical [Formula: see text]-factor has been proposed. Around 14 fusion reactions using [Formula: see text]Ti as projectiles were taken into consideration for various targets, producing compound nuclei with atomic and mass number ranges of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. The geometric factor, Gamow–Sommerfield factor and empirical [Formula: see text]-factor formulas have been used to determine the fusion cross-sections. Compared to Wong’s formula, this study shows a better agreement with the available experiments except for the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] fusion reactions. When employed to correlate with the experimental data on titanium-induced fusion reactions, this study yields a lower standard deviation value than Wong’s formula except for the fusion reactions leading to the formation of compound nuclei [Formula: see text]Hf and [Formula: see text]Th.
Heating properties of ITO ceramics with different Sn/In ratios
Authors: Han Yi , Li Zu-Gang , Li Tinghua , Zhao Wei , Gong Xiao-Wei , Ge Zhen-Hua
Published: October 2023

Indium tin oxide (ITO) ceramics with different SnO2 contents were fabricated using the conventional solid-state reaction. The phase structure, microstructure, electrical conductivity, heating, and mechanical properties were investigated in detail. The results showed that pure ITO ceramics with high relative density were obtained successfully. The ITO ceramics were cut into regular rectangles to serve as electrical heaters. Additionally, their saturation temperatures and thermal response times were tested at different voltages. The results showed that ITO ceramics with 10% SnO2 had the fastest thermal response rate and reached a saturation temperature of 376∘C at 1.5[Formula: see text]V voltage, the highest temperature reported in the literature for In2O3 ceramics. Moreover, In2O3 with 10% SnO2 showed good mechanical properties. Hence, ITO ceramics, as electrical heaters with low driving voltage and high response speed, are expected to have potential heating applications such as domestic heating and industrial production.
A Deep Stacked Ensemble Model for Microarray Data Classification with Boosted Meta Classifier
Authors: Mohanty Mihir Narayan , Mohapatra Saumendra Kumar , Das Abhishek
Published: October 2023

Classification of microarray data is one of the major research interests in the biomedical field. It allows physicians for early detection of cancer through analysis of the Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Classification of these sensitive data is still challenging due to the small sample and more feature size. In this paper, the authors have used an ensemble model for classifying two types of leukemia as Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and Acute myelocytic leukemia (AML). The work is carried out with other types of genetic data such as Leukemia, lung tumor, liver cancer, and liver Cirrhosis. The biomedical data are imbalanced. The ensemble classifier is based on a stacked approach where deep neural network (DNN) classifiers are used as the base classifier. The structure of each DNN is chosen as the homogenous type for the same training process for all classifiers. Because of the adaptive nature and random weight initialization, it provides different results for each classifier. The outputs of the base classifiers are again fed to a gradient boosting ensemble model termed a meta classifier. The meta classifier provides the final classification output. For comparison purposes, two types of meta-classifiers such as support vector machine (SVM) and ensemble gradient boosting are used in the proposed work. The performance of the model is verified well and the results are provided in the result section. From the experimental result, it is observed that the classification accuracy is 96% with SVM and 98% with boosted meta classifier for leukemia data, whereas 99.04% for lung tumor and 99.03% for liver Cirrhosis.
Self-orthogonal codes over a non-unital ring from two class association schemes
Authors: Alahmadi Adel , Melaibari Asmaa , Solé Patrick
Published: October 2023

There is a non-unital ring [Formula: see text] of order 4 defined by generators and relations as [Formula: see text] In this paper, we present special constructions of linear codes over [Formula: see text] from the adjacency matrices of two class association schemes. These consist of either Strongly Regular Graphs (SRGs) or Doubly Regular Tournaments (DRTs). We investigate the conditions under which these codes are self-orthogonal, quasi self-dual, or Type IV. As a byproduct of this study, some diophantine relations on the weight of sum of vectors with coefficients in [Formula: see text] are derived. Some examples of codes with minimum distance better than that of Type IV codes over unital rings of the same order in modest lengths are given.
Auditing Gig Work Platforms: Fairwork’s Research, Advocacy, and Impact
Authors: Qiu Jack Linchuan , Hong Renyi , Badger Adam
Published: October 2023

The rise of the “gig economy” poses fundamental challenges to pre-existing social compacts regarding labour relations around the world, with vital implications for Singapore’s workforce, economic growth, and its tripartism framework. While some see an inevitable trend towards digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered platforms dominating workers, others seek to find solutions through state intervention and/or corporate self-management. Both latter approaches, we contend, would be incomplete without hearing the voices of gig workers and considering their experiences in light of relevant platform policies and government regulations. Can gig work platforms be subjected to labour audits? If so, how? This paper introduces the Fairwork project as a case in which labour audits are conducted to assess ride-hailing and food delivery platforms across five continents in 30 countries including Singapore. We aim to discuss the project’s background and its five main principles, its methods of research and advocacy, the promises of auditing gig work platforms, its social and policy impact, and its limitations. We also present findings from focus groups and interviews involving ride-hailing drivers and food delivery riders in Singapore, which were conducted in 2021–2022 using the Fairwork methodology. In so doing, we discuss the lessons learnt from the case of Fairwork and similar projects of labour-auditing gig work platforms, which deserve more attention and exploration in Singapore and elsewhere.
Fostering Learning Opportunities for Workers: Looking Through the Lens of a Practitioner
Authors: Yang Silin , Seah Zoe , Chow Rachel
Published: October 2023

Many countries around the world are on a journey to help workers master skills throughout their careers and develop a culture of lifelong learning. Singapore has also made considerable strides towards the development of lifelong learning with its SkillsFuture national movement to change how people view skills, jobs, and learning. In our continuous effort to enhance the training and learning ecosystem, it is timely for us to review the training and learning opportunities provided for workers. This paper proposes a paradigm shift to frame training and learning of workers around a 3Cs perspective—Core, Critical, and Community. Through the 3Cs perspective, three strategies are recommended to foster learning opportunities for workers.
Taking the Plunge: Professionalising the Plumbing Sector
Authors: Tan Cheong Ling , Seah Shawn , Wong Rita , Liow Daphne
Published: October 2023

There is a strategic national need to ensure that essential services in Singapore, such as plumbing, are safeguarded and have a pipeline of local talents. How might we professionalise the plumbing sector in Singapore, addressing the challenges faced and, by doing so, attracting local talents? Through extensive ground experience, a sectoral operation and technology road-mapping (SOTR) exercise, and an international scan, this paper surveys the plumbing landscape; identifies key issues and problems facing the sector, like the lack of progressive career-developing pathways; aging profile of Licensed Plumbers; and lack of price transparency in pricing plumbing services. This think piece also suggests some solutions, including their potential limitations. One potential way forward is a future model, the Career Progression Model (CPM).
‘Practically useful, scientifically important, and to the honour of the country’: geological maps and services provided by the Geological Survey of Norway these past 165 years
Authors: Smelror Morten
Published: October 2023

Geological maps document knowledge of considerable value (economic, cultural and aesthetic) for societies, enterprises and people in general. Knowledge illustrated in geological maps also helps us to foresee how landscape interventions and climate change may affect our living ground and make us vulnerable to geohazards. The present paper presents an overview of geological mapping carried out by the Geological Survey of Norway since 1858 while also focusing on mapping activities and products produced in the present millennium. Key issues to consider are how we are moving into the digital world, how we use geological mapping to follow up on national agendas like Green Shift and Blue Growth and how national agreements and cooperation help us to make geological and other geographic information available to everyone through open access web portals and services.
AADL modelling with SysML v2
Authors: Roger Jean-Charles , Dissaux Pierre
Published: October 2023

This paper introduces a new way to implement a bridge between SysML models used for the System engineering activities and AADL models relevant for more detailed specifications of the Software Sub-Systems architecture. Proposed approach takes profit of the features offered by SysML v2, the new standard candidate of the OMG.
Advances in Organ and Tissue Xenotransplantation
Authors: Ali Asghar , Kemter Elisabeth , Wolf Eckhard
Published: October 2023

End-stage organ failure can result from various preexisting conditions and occurs in patients of all ages, and organ transplantation remains its only treatment. In recent years, extensive research has been done to explore the possibility of transplanting animal organs into humans, a process referred to as xenotransplantation. Due to their matching organ sizes and other anatomical and physiological similarities with humans, pigs are the preferred organ donor species. Organ rejection due to host immune response and possible interspecies infectious pathogen transmission have been the biggest hurdles to xenotransplantation's success. Use of genetically engineered pigs as tissue and organ donors for xenotransplantation has helped to address these hurdles. Although several preclinical trials have been conducted in nonhuman primates, some barriers still exist and demand further efforts. This review focuses on the recent advances and remaining challenges in organ and tissue xenotransplantation.
Spoken Word Recognition: A Focus on Plasticity
Authors: Kapnoula Efthymia C. , Jevtović Mina , Magnuson James S.
Published: October 2023

Psycholinguists define spoken word recognition (SWR) as, roughly, the processes intervening between speech perception and sentence processing, whereby a sequence of speech elements is mapped to a phonological wordform. After reviewing points of consensus and contention in SWR, we turn to the focus of this review: considering the limitations of theoretical views that implicitly assume an idealized (neurotypical, monolingual adult) and static perceiver. In contrast to this assumption, we review evidence that SWR is plastic throughout the life span and changes as a function of cognitive and sensory changes, modulated by the language(s) someone knows. In highlighting instances of plasticity at multiple timescales, we are confronted with the question of whether these effects reflect changes in content or in processes, and we consider the possibility that the two are inseparable. We close with a brief discussion of the challenges that plasticity poses for developing comprehensive theories of spoken language processing.
The Neuroscience of Human and Artificial Intelligence Presence
Authors: Harris Lasana T.
Published: October 2023

Two decades of social neuroscience and neuroeconomics research illustrate the brain mechanisms that are engaged when people consider human beings, often in comparison to considering artificial intelligence (AI) as a nonhuman control. AI as an experimental control preserves agency and facilitates social interactions but lacks a human presence, providing insight into brain mechanisms that are engaged by human presence and the presence of AI. Here, I review this literature to determine how the brain instantiates human and AI presence across social perception and decision-making paradigms commonly used to realize a social context. People behave toward humans differently than they do toward AI. Moreover, brain regions more engaged by humans compared to AI extend beyond the social cognition brain network to all parts of the brain, and the brain sometimes is engaged more by AI than by humans. Finally, I discuss gaps in the literature, limitations in current neuroscience approaches, and how an understanding of the brain correlates of human and AI presence can inform social science in the wild.
Radio Refractivity Impact on Signal Strength of Mobile Communication
Authors: Amajama Joseph , Asagha Emmanuel N. , Ushie Ogri J. , Iwuji Prince C. , Akwagiobe Julius U. , Faithpraise Fina O. , Ikeuba Alexander I. , Bassey Donatus E.
Published: October 2023

This research investigated radio refractivity impact on signal strength of mobile communication. The mobile communication signal strengths of two popular networks in Nigeria, 9Mobile and MTN, were considered. In the 2100 MHz-3 G band, 9Mobile transmits in the downlink spectrum of 2130.00–2140.00 MHz, while MTN transmits in the downlink spectrum of 2110.00–2120.00 MHz. Also, 9Mobile transmits in the downlink spectrum of 791–821 MHz in the 800 MHz band and 1805–1880 MHz in the 1800 MHz, while MTN transmits in the downlink spectrums of 2620–2690 MHz in the 2600 MHz band; all in the 4 G band. Using the instrument of a mobile station in each station (location) in some selected cities in southern Nigeria, the signal strengths were measured. A cell signal monitor (version 5.1.1) mobile application installed in an Android (transceiver) device (having two SIM slots) constituted the mobile station. To achieve high accuracy, there was a restriction in measuring transmission from specific cells. Hourly measurement of signal strengths was carried out and instantaneously corresponding weather parameters were recorded. Weather parameters for this investigation; atmospheric temperature and pressure; and relative humidity were excerpted online from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) hourly weather report for the various cities where the stations were situated. The hourly radio refractivity was computed using the 2015 International Telecommunication Union–Radio-communication sector (ITU-R) recommended model. Overall, the results indicate that there was no established linear relationship between signal strength and radio refractivity since the overall average R value is 0.0123691 and the overall average standard deviation of R values is 0.1112165. The inconsistencies in the linear relationships obtained from different locations and cells could be due to variations in topography, antenna properties, seasonal variations, wind and position, and distance of the receiver from the transmitter.
Prevalence of Nonadherence to Medications among Geriatric Patients in Al-Madinah Al-Munawara City’s Hospitals, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Fadil Haifa Abdulrahman , Sammman Waad Abdulkareem , Elshafie Riham Mohamed
Published: October 2023

Introduction. Medication adherence is a major component in the treatment of chronic patients, especially the older adults. It acts as an essential part of a successful therapeutic outcome, increasing treatment benefits, and decreasing hospital admissions, health care utilization, and cost. Limited research regarding medication adherence has been conducted nationwide; however, data among the older adults is sparse due to the lack of research on this topic. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of medication nonadherence among older adults’ Saudi patients with chronic diseases living in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah city. Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted on outpatient older patients with chronic diseases who visited clinics at different hospitals in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah city, from March until December 2022. The questionnaire was published in a conversational Arabic dialect. The adherence level was measured by the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS) and the reasons for medication nonadherence were collected by using the Cluig scale. Results. 65.1% of females and 34.9% of males have participated in this study. According to the ARMS scale, 67.9% of patients had poor medication adherence and 32.1% had good medication adherence. Poor adherence was higher in females compared to males, with a

p

value = 0.018. For educational level, the ARMS score in graduates was higher than patients who finished middle school and illiterate patients. Based on the Cluig scale, the most common reasons for medication nonadherence were forgetfulness, feeling well, polypharmacy, and subsequent avoidance of side effects. The findings indicate the gender-based differences in the factors that associated with medication nonadherence among older adults. Conclusion. Medication adherence is crucial especially among older adults to improve clinical outcomes. The current results highlight the prevalence of medication adherence among the older adult population. This result shows the gender-based differences in the factors associated with medication nonadherence among the older adult population.
Insights on the Radiation-Induced Adaptive Response at the Cellular Level and Its Implications in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Thathamangalam Ananthanarayanan Aishwarya , Raavi Venkateswarlu , Srinivas Kondaveeti Satish , Ramachandran Ilangovan , Perumal Venkatachalam
Published: October 2023

Background: Development of resistance upon exposure to small doses of ionizing radiation followed by higher doses is known as radiation-induced adaptive response (RIAR). Traditionally, the induction of the RIAR phenomenon at the cellular level has been examined in cell lines, animal models, and epidemiological studies where people live in high natural background radiation. Summary: The primary intention of the earlier studies was to corroborate the existence of RIAR and the mechanism involved in mediating the response surveyed by exposure to a low dose of radiation (<500 mGy) as priming dose toward the radiation protection point of view. However, the investigation has shifted the focus to understand the relevance of this phenomenon at clinically relevant set-ups (high doses in the order of Gy) and can be exploited during radiotherapy as RIAR is considered a mechanism for the development of radioresistance. Although the knowledge of molecular mechanisms at the cellular level has evolved significantly in multi-fractionated radiotherapy regimes, its relevance in developing radioresistance at low doses remains elusive. The authors recapitulate the existing knowledge on RIAR at cellular levels, specifically after low-dose exposure as an adaptive dose, and discussed its potential implications in clinical radiotherapy outcomes. Key Messages: Recent studies have contributed to understand the signaling molecules, pathways, and inhibitors to mitigate RIAR-mediated radiation resistance and persistent radio-tolerance at the cellular level. Monitoring the disease progression in tumor samples or liquid biopsies before, during, and after therapy with suitable biomarkers has been proposed as a strategy to translate the phenomena into clinical scenario.
Brain Injury Outcomes after Adjuvant Erythropoietin Neuroprotection for Moderate or Severe Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: A Report from the HEAL Trial
Authors: Wisnowski Jessica L. , Monsell Sarah E. , Bluml Stefan , Goodman Amy M. , Li Yi , Comstock Bryan A. , Heagerty Patrick J. , Juul Sandra E. , Wu Yvonne W. , McKinstry Robert C. , Mathur Amit M. ,   On behalf of the HEAL Consortium
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Erythropoietin (Epo) is a putative neuroprotective therapy that did not improve overall outcomes in a phase 3 randomized controlled trial for neonates with moderate or severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). However, HIE is a heterogeneous disorder, and it remains to be determined whether Epo had beneficial effects on a subset of perinatal brain injuries. Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of neuroimaging data from the High-dose Erythropoietin for Asphyxia and Encephalopathy (HEAL) Trial, which was conducted from 2016 to 2021 at 17 sites involving 23 US academic medical centers. Participants were neonates >36 weeks’ gestation undergoing therapeutic hypothermia for moderate or severe HIE who received 5 doses of study drug (Epoetin alpha 1,000 U/kg/dose) or placebo in the first week of life. Treatment assignment was stratified by trial site and severity of encephalopathy. The primary outcome was the locus, pattern, and acuity of brain injury as determined by three independent readers using a validated HIE Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scoring system. Results: Of the 500 infants enrolled in HEAL, 470 (94%) had high quality MRI data obtained at a median of 4.9 days of age (IQR: 4.5–5.8). The incidence of injury to the deep gray nuclei, cortex, white matter, brainstem and cerebellum was similar between Epo and placebo groups. Likewise, the distribution of injury patterns was similar between groups. Among infants imaged at less than 8 days (n = 414), 94 (23%) evidenced only acute, 93 (22%) only subacute and 89 (21%) both acute and subacute injuries, with similar distribution across treatment groups. Conclusion: Adjuvant erythropoietin did not reduce the incidence of regional brain injury. Subacute brain injury was more common than previously reported, which has key implications for the development of adjuvant neuroprotective therapies for this population.
The Reduced Ability to Perform Activities of Daily Living Is Associated with Prolonged Duration before Rehabilitation Initiation and Lower Dietary Intake of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation
Authors: Oyama Yohei , Tatsumi Hiroomi , Tokunou Rie , Taniguchi Natsuko , Masuda Yoshiki
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Patients with exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a reduced ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). Rehabilitation programs (RPs) and nutritional therapy may affect the ability to perform ADLs. Objective: The objective of the study was to clarify the factors associated with reduced ability to perform ADLs in patients with COPD exacerbation. Subjects/Methods: A multivariate analysis of 75 patients (mean age, 77 years) with COPD exacerbation, divided into the Barthel index (BI) decline (△BI decreased ≥15) and without BI decline (△BI decreased ≤10) groups, was performed. Patient characteristics, duration before RP initiation, functional variables, and nutrition-related variables were compared between the groups. Results: The degree of dyspnea and serum albumin levels before and at RP initiation were significantly lower in the BI decline group. The Hoffer classification score and duration between hospital admission and RP initiation were significantly higher and longer, respectively, in the BI decline group. The duration between hospital admission and RP initiation and dietary intake at RP initiation were independent predictors of reduced ability to perform ADLs. Conclusions: Early RP initiation and aggressive nutritional therapy may mitigate the risk of reduced ability to perform ADLs, thus decreasing dependence and disability in patients with COPD exacerbation.
Playing Online as Preparation for Mathematics: The Cultural-Historical Approach as an Alternative to Constructivism
Authors: Solovieva Yulia , Quintanar Luis , Plotnikova Valeriya A.
Published: October 2023

Background. While the traditional method of teaching consists of repetition and memorization, the constructivist theory proposes independent discovery and free play. The cultural-historical approach, on the other hand, does not insist on the early introduction of formal mathematics as implicit or explicit knowledge. According to this outlook, important psychological developmental is necessary for the child before he/she can learn mathematics in primary school. Objective. To present a methodology for organizing the play activity of children of preschool age by introducing symbolic means on the materialized and perceptual levels as an essential aspect of preparation for learning mathematical concepts in primary school. Design. The experiment consisted in pedagogical work in the online modality by the authors at a private college in the city of Puebla, Mexico. Eighteen children from three levels of preschool education (from three to six years old) participated in 45-minute sessions three times per week. There were six children from each preschool level. Results. It was shown that playing with roles online allows children at least partially to include different symbolic means in their activity. This allows the children not only to satisfy their curiosity and be positively engaged in the topic of the play, but also to develop symbolic functions as preparation for intellectual actions with numerical content in primary school. Conclusion. The article shows a feasible way to organize preschool play with roles online and thus to scaffold the formation of children’s imagination and ability to use symbolic means, which is important for future learning. The cultural-historical approach offers useful guidelines here, although more research is needed to support the development of children’s symbolic function within math-specific activity, based on activity theory applied to learning.