bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Institutional Context Shapes the Physical Health of College Graduates Differently for U.S. White, Black, and Hispanic Adults
Authors: Gaydosh Lauren , Harris Kathleen Mullan
Published: May 2024

Greater educational attainment is generally associated with healthier and longer lives. However, important heterogeneity in who benefits from educational attainment, how much, and why remains underexplored. In particular, in the United States, the physical health returns to educational attainment are not as large for minoritized racial and ethnic groups compared with individuals racialized as White. Yet, our current understanding of ethnoracial differences in educational health disparities is limited by an almost exclusive focus on the quantity of education attained without sufficient attention to heterogeneity within educational attainment categories, such as different institution types among college graduates. Using biomarker data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), we test whether the physical health of college graduates in early adulthood (aged 24–32) varies by institution type and for White, Black, and Hispanic adults. In considering the role of the college context, we conceptualize postsecondary institutions as horizontally stratified and racialized institutional spaces with different implications for the health of their graduates. Finally, we quantify the role of differential attendance at and returns to postsecondary institution type in shaping ethnoracialized health disparities among college graduates in early adulthood.
Antibiotic-Impregnated Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts Decrease Bacterial Shunt Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kovács Janka , Máté Vanda , Obeidat Mahmoud , Nagy Rita , Agócs Gergely , Kiss-Dala Szilvia , Hegyi Péter , Kiss-Miki Renáta , Párniczky Andrea , Müller Katalin E. , Garami Miklós
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Antibiotic-impregnated shunts seem to be beneficial in preventing bacterial infections and decreasing mortality by effectively inhibiting microbial growth in the shunt system and reducing the risk of shunt-associated infections. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of antibiotic-impregnated shunt catheters (AISC) in reducing the incidence of bacterial shunt infection in patients with hydrocephalus.

METHODS:

The protocol was registered on PROSPERO. A meta-analysis was conducted by searching 3 databases (PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL) for relevant randomized controlled trials and observational studies. We included all studies published until November 2022 in any language. The primary outcome was the rate of bacterial infections, whereas the rate of shunt failure was our secondary endpoint. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI were calculated using a random-effects model.

RESULTS:

A total of 27 articles with 27 266 shunt operations were included in this study. The results indicated that using AISC is significantly associated with reduction in infections (OR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.33-0.54). Regarding shunt failure, there was a tendency in favor of AISC use (OR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.51-1.06).

CONCLUSION:

Our study provided evidence that AISC is significantly associated with the reduction in the rate of bacterial ventriculoperitoneal-shunt infection. In addition, there was a tendency toward AISC to decrease shunt failure compared with the standard shunt.
On the limits of inferring biophysical parameters of RBP-RNA interactions from in vitro RNA Bind’n Seq data
Authors: Schlusser Niels , Zavolan Mihaela
Published: May 2024

We develop a thermodynamic model describing the binding of RNA binding proteins (RBP) to oligomers in vitro. We apply expectation-maximization to infer the specificity of RBPs, represented as position-specific weight matrices (PWMs), by maximizing the likelihood of RNA Bind’n Seq data from the ENCODE project. Analyzing these public data we find sequence motifs that can partly explain the data for more than half of the studied 111 RBPs, and for 48 of the proteins these motifs are consistent with the known specificity. Our code is publicly available, facilitating analysis of RBP binding data.
Behavioural change for Parkinson’s Disease: A randomised controlled feasibility study to promote physical activity and exercise adherence among people with Parkinson’s: study protocol
Authors: Ahern Leanne , Timmons Suzanne , Lamb Sarah E. , McCullagh Ruth
Published: May 2024

Background Parkinson’s is a common progressive neurological condition characterized by motor and non-motor deficits. Physical activity and exercise can improve health, but many people with Parkinson’s (PwP) have trouble reaching the recommended dosage. Our recent literature review found improvements in exercise adherence with behavioural change interventions, but it remains unclear which are most effective. Further qualitative research and patient and public involvement has informed a novel behavioural change intervention to be tested alongside an existing exercise program. Objective To examine the feasibility of behavioural change techniques delivered alongside an exercise programme to improve physical activity, function, and self-efficacy in PwP (and study procedures) to inform a future pilot RCT trial. Methods A parallel-arm single blinded randomised feasibility study. Twenty participants with Parkinson’s (Hoehn and Yahr stage 1-3) will be recruited from a physiotherapy primary-care waiting list. Following written consent, and baseline assessment, the participants will be randomly allocated to the intervention (n=10) or the control group (n=10). Both groups will receive usual care, which includes a weekly program of a multidisciplinary education, a supervised exercise class and a prescribed home exercise program. The intervention group will receive additional behavioural change techniques, targeting behaviour regulation, belief about capabilities and social influences. Class and home exercise adherence, behavioural component uptake and adherence, and negative events will be recorded. Outcomes will include enrolment and maintenance rates, physical function, falls, physical activity, and exercise self-efficacy measured pre- and post- the 12-week program (in-person). Surveys will be used to compare experiences and satisfaction between groups. Exit interviews will be completed with the intervention group only, exploring their experience of the behavioural change techniques. Discussion The results will help inform a future pilot RCT, based on the intervention acceptability, consent rate, maintenance, and protocol integrity. Trial Registration ClincialTrials.gov NCT06192628
Experience of focused workshop intervention in presentation skills - Importance of foundational skills for ophthalmologists in training
Authors: Snigdha Snigdha , Pathengay Avinash , Pandey Shefali , Prakasam Ruby Kala , Mocherla Shobha
Published: May 2024

Background The study was conducted to assess the impact of a workshop intervention designed to enhance presentation skills of ophthalmology fellows in training. Methods A 10-hour workshop on presentation skills was conducted for ophthalmology fellows in the 2022 cohort at a single institution. An email was sent to the 2022 cohort to recruit participants. A total of 29 fellows (19 females, 10 males) volunteered to participate in the study. Participants completed a self-rating questionnaire to assess improvement in their presentation skills at four different time points of the workshop. The self-rating questionnaire utilized a ten-point rating scale (1–10) and evaluated properties and content (PC) and soft skills (SS). Data were analysed using SPSS software. Friedman and post-hoc tests compared self-ratings at four time points. Statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05. Results Both properties & content (PC) and soft skills (SS) showed significant difference (p < 0.001) post workshop compared to earlier stages. The higher self-rating (PC4 and SS4) highlights increased awareness towards the scope of improving the presentation after the workshop intervention. Conclusions Presentation skills empower medical professionals to better communicate with diverse audiences, demonstrating their currency in medical knowledge, lobbying for correct understanding, and bringing praxis to pedagogy. The findings support the integration of similar workshops into medical curricula to foster well-rounded medical professionals.
Meet-Combination of Consequence Systems
Authors: Gouveia Paula , Rasga João , Sernadas Cristina
Published: May 2024

We extend meet-combination of logics for capturing the consequences that are common to both logics. With this purpose in mind we define meet-combination of consequence systems. This notion has the advantage of accommodating different ways of presenting the semantics and the deductive calculi. We consider consequence systems generated by a matrix semantics and consequence systems generated by Hilbert calculi. The meet-combination of consequence systems generated by matrix semantics is the consequence system generated by their product. On the other hand, the meet-combination of consequence systems generated by Hilbert calculi is the consequence system generated by their interconnection. We investigate preservation of several properties. Capitalizing on these results we show that interconnection provides an axiomatization for the product. Illustrations are given for intuitionistic and modal logics, Łukasiewicz logic and some paraconsistent logics.
Effects of Mat Pilates online on the depressive symptoms and quality of life of older people during the COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Pires Valéria , Miranda Camila , Sacchi Bruna , Zanella Jonas Casagranda , Strehl Mariana de Souza , Sgarioni Amanda , Bracht Cláudia Gomes , Reichert Thaís , Kanitz Ana Carolina
Published: May 2024

The objective is to verify the effects of an online Mat Pilates intervention on the depressive symptoms and quality of life of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a randomized controlled clinical trial involving 56 healthy and sedentary older adults (64.38 ± 3.45 years), randomized into two groups: Mat Pilates Training Group (PTG, n = 28) and Control Group (CG, n = 28). The intervention lasted 12 weeks, with two weekly 45-minute sessions using a video calling application. In the main part, the Basic Mat Pilates sequence was performed with progressions in the intensity, volume, and complexity of the exercises. The CG received a booklet with guidance on exercising without supervision and weekly health education lectures. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the PHQ-9 questionnaire. Quality of life was assessed using two questionnaires (WHOQOL-BREF and WHOQOL-OLD) and their respective domains. The analyses were carried out using the Generalized Estimating Equations model. In the per protocol analysis, there were no significant differences either in time (p = 0.352) or between groups (p = 0.739) for depressive symptoms (Pre: 3.50 ± 2.61 and 4.20 ± 5.92; Post: 3.08 ± 2.57 and 3.40 ± 3.86; PTG and CG respectively). No significant interactions (p = 0.969) were observed in overall quality of life (Pre: 75.00 ± 14.10 and 73.75 ± 13.76; Post: 76.04 ± 8.36 and 75.00 ± 17.68; PTG and CG respectively) nor in the domains analysis of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Regarding WHOQOL-OLD, there was an improvement in the Death and Dying domain (p = 0.042) for both groups (Pre: 70.31 ± 21.67 and 71.88 ± 20.04; Post: 79.69 ± 15.34 and 74.38 ± 23.65; PTG and CG respectively), with no interactions for overall quality of life (p = 0.820) or for the other domains. Conclusion: Remote Mat Pilates was able to maintain low levels of depressive symptoms and improve some aspects of the quality of life of older adults.
The Invisible Danger: Third-hand Smoke and Families’ Knowledge Levels
Authors: Akça Gülfer , Akça Ünal
Published: May 2024

Objective: The objective of this study was to idenitfy the knowledge levels of families regarding third-hand smoke (THS), which represents the most significant health risk currently, and to raise awareness of the subject.

Material and Methods: The ’Beliefs About Third-hand Smoke’ (BATHS) scale was applied to 1016 caregivers. The BATHS scale and sub-factor scale results were compared in terms of participant-related variables such as smoking behaviors, THS awareness and beliefs, and sociodemographic findings.

Results: Awareness of the term THS was very low (8.7%). Statistically significantly low smoking habits and high BATHS scale scores were determined among participants who owned their own homes, those with higher levels of education and income, and in non-parent relatives (p
Relação entre apoio social e sono de pessoas idosas cuidadoras em vulnerabilidade social
Authors: Barbosa Daniele Cristina , Ottaviani Ana Carolina , Alves Élen dos Santos , Inouye Keika , Brito Tábatta Renata Pereira de , Santos-Orlandi Ariene Angelini dos
Published: May 2024

Objetivo: analisar a relação entre apoio social e qualidade do sono de pessoas idosas que cuidam de outros idosos em ambiente de vulnerabilidade social. Método: estudo transversal realizado com 65 cuidadores entrevistados por meio de instrumento de caracterização, Índice de Katz, Escala de Lawton e Brody, Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh e Escala de Apoio Social do Medical Outcomes Study, com dados analisados com testes de comparação e de correlação. Resultados: a maioria eram mulheres, cônjuges do idoso cuidado e possuíam sono de má qualidade. Observou-se correlação fraca e inversa entre má qualidade do sono e a dimensão interação social positiva (Rho=-0,27; p=0,028). Identificou-se relação significativa entre: apoio material e disfunção diurna (p=0,034); apoio afetivo e eficiência do sono (p=0,026); interação social positiva e qualidade subjetiva do sono (p=0,001) e disfunção diurna (p=0,008). Conclusão: Quanto maior a interação social positiva, melhor é a qualidade do sono.
Análise da vacinação contra Covid-19 na população privada de liberdade: estudo ecológico
Authors: Rocha Ana Carolyna da Silva , Santos Amuzza Aylla Pereira dos , Lucena Tâmara Silva de , Santos Wanderlei Barbosa dos , Tavares Núbia Vanessa da Silva , Moraes Marianny Medeiros de
Published: May 2024

Objetivo: analisar o cenário de vacinação contra Covid-19 na população privada de liberdade em um estado do Nordeste brasileiro. Método: estudo do tipo observacional e ecológico, com os dados extraídos do Sistema de informações penitenciário brasileiro e dos boletins publicados pelo Conselho Nacional de Justiça, referentes a outubro de 2021 a junho de 2022, submetidos à análise estatística descritiva, por meio de frequências absolutas e relativas. Resultados: verificou-se que, entre 4.345 pessoas privadas de liberdade com a primeira dose de vacinação contra Covid-19, apenas 573 possuíam a segnda dose e nenhuma a terceira dose. Conclusão: evidenciou-se que, apesar da vacinação ser um benefício, ainda é um grande desafio para ser implementada para a população privada de liberdade, visto que, mesmo sendo considerados grupos prioritários, o acesso a esse direito foi prejudicado para esses indivíduos.
Maternal mental health and breastfeeding duration: the role of optimism and coping strategies
Authors: Bacon Alison M , Norman Alyson , Mason Eleanor
Published: May 2024

Background/Aims

Mental health can influence the likelihood that a woman will initiate and continue breastfeeding behaviour that is associated with improved infant and maternal health. Mental health outcomes are associated with variables such as optimism and coping. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between coping, optimism and mental health, and their impact on breastfeeding duration.

Methods

A total of 612 women who had breastfed completed an online questionnaire comprising the hospital anxiety and depression scale, cognitive emotional regulation questionnaire, brief coping orientation to problems experienced inventory and life orientation test. Data were analysed using correlations, ordinal linear regression and mediation analysis.

Results

There was a direct relationship between breastfeeding duration and depression but no direct relationship between duration and anxiety. A mediation analysis showed no mediating between breastfeeding duration and depression. Optimism did mediate the relationship between anxiety and duration, with optimism being associated with reduced anxiety and increased duration.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the importance of support for mothers while breastfeeding to improve mental health outcomes and foster coping strategies, such as optimism.
Pet travellers' unwanted companions: a parasitic voyage across Europe
Authors: Diakou Anastasia
Published: May 2024

In the modern world, country borders do not represent boundaries for the transmission of pathogens. This is also true for parasites that may travel with animals, particularly pets. Dogs and cats are moving across countries more than ever before as a result of adoption, commerce and travels with owners. In addition, climate change supports the establishment of parasites, particularly those transmitted by invertebrate intermediate hosts and vectors, into areas which were previously considered non-enzootic. Therefore, it is important for veterinarians to keep a vigilant eye on such parasitic infections in dogs and cats, be able to recognise compatible signs and feel confident in ordering specific diagnostic tests. This article presents parasites prevalently reported as imported from one European country to another. Furthermore, common clinical manifestations and diagnostic tests are summarised and the preventive measures that should be advised to pet owners are discussed. Raising awareness among veterinary practitioners and pet owners about the risk of parasites spreading in new areas is imperative for controlling and delaying globalisation of important, and potentially lethal, parasitic diseases.
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome: a respiratory review
Authors: Erskine Matthew
Published: May 2024

This article reviews the pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapeutic options for the respiratory aspects of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome is a condition estimated to affect around 50% of the brachycephalic dog population, which, over recent decades, has seen a meteoric rise in popularity and ownership. Several primary and secondary respiratory abnormalities that can compromise the respiratory capacity of these patients should be considered. Diagnosis primarily takes the form of clinical examination and the use of an exercise tolerance test, with other diagnostics acting as a useful adjunct in fully detailing the abnormalities present. Treatments are mainly focussed on increasing the amount of space within the upper respiratory tract through removal of various primary and secondary anatomical abnormalities; however, the optimal methods are yet to be identified. While understanding of these breeds' respiratory issues has increased among owners and the veterinary profession, there are still many challenges and unknowns in the management of these patients. It is important veterinary professionals take an active approach to these patients and are able to effectively communicate which are affected in order to maximise the welfare of this cohort and uphold their ethical responsibilities to them.
Small animal review
Authors: Gough Alex
Published: May 2024

The world continues to recover from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, and although the impact of the disease has been reduced as a result of vaccination, increased immunity and less severe variants, it is still a disease of worldwide significance. Four recent studies look at the role of domestic animals in the epidemiology of the disease.
How software can save time in veterinary practice
Authors: Viner Oliver
Published: May 2024

The pace of change in software use in the veterinary industry is increasing and there are very few veterinary clinics that do not use multiple pieces of software on a daily basis. From practice management systems, to customer facing tools, apps and artificial intelligence, this article looks at how these work and how they can benefit veterinary professionals by saving time.
turistificació a València
Authors: Bataller Català Alexandre , Torrents i Sunyol Julieta
Published: May 2024

Aquest article presenta la transformació de València, una ciutat que s’ha convertit en un destí turístic de primer ordre, fet que n’ha alterat la configuració urbanística i la comunitat local. Partint del concepte de l’antiturisme, s’analitza com s’ha plasmat el procés de turistificació de la ciutat des de diferents àmbits. La literatura, com s’evidencia en Noruega, de Rafa Lahuerta, ha estat una eina per explorar aquests canvis i plantejar preguntes sobre el futur de la ciutat com a destinació turística. Aquesta novel·la, juntament amb altres novel·les ambientades a València, configuren la ruta literària «De l’antiturisme a la globalització», que mostra l’impacte de la turistificació i la pèrdua dels trets genuïns.
Body
Authors: Rogowska-Stangret Monika
Published: May 2024

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Psychoanalytic Readings of the Soul: The Birth of Psychography and the New Strategies of Psycholiterary Portraiture
Authors: Sobolewska Agnieszka
Published: May 2024

Abstract: As a simultaneously psychoanalytic, literary, and lifewriting genre, psychography has not yet been the subject of any systematic reflection. As a genre that sprouted out of nineteenth-century pathography, psychography prepared the ground for the development of innovative strategies for writing lives. The author introduces a genealogy of this hybrid writing genre that found itself at the core of early psychoanalytic literature, and points to its interconnections with life writing and literary modernism.
Bugenhagen's Harmony of Christ's Passion and Resurrection
Authors: Lohrmann Martin J.
Published: May 2024

Abstract: As head pastor in Wittenberg and professor at that university during the early Reformation, Johannes Bugenhagen (1485–1558) published works spanning a variety of genres. Of all Bugenhagen's writings, however, his most popular publication was a harmonization of the Gospel accounts of Christ's passion and resurrection. This project spanned Bugenhagen's career, starting in 1519 and continuing with revised published editions over the next thirty-five years. In all, over seventy editions of Bugenhagen's Gospel harmony were published in his lifetime and beyond, appearing in Latin, High German, Low German, Danish, Icelandic, and Polish. While some of the reasons why this significant text is not well known today are discussed here, this essay also describes many of the valuable historical and theological insights that Bugenhagen's harmonization contains as an influential work of the early Lutheran Reformation.
The Grammaticalization of Self and Self-World in East Mekeo: Personhood as a Closed System
Authors: Jones Alan
Published: May 2024

Abstract: Relational nouns have been studied extensively, typically under the rubric of inalienable possession. Such nouns are typically bound to presupposed referents by an anaphoric morpheme indicating person and number. In Oceanic languages, one large class of relational nouns is linked contingently to nonhuman entities that are routinely specified in the utterance. However, another large class is linked noncontingently to presupposed human referents that typically need not be specified in the given utterance. In this paper, I propose that, in East Mekeo, the latter class of nouns corresponds with (and reveals to the investigator) the main parameters of the Mekeo self and its social world.
The Phonetic Nature of PAn *j
Authors: Sagart Laurent
Published: May 2024

Abstract: This paper brings evidence from Campidanese Sardinian and other languages to support and refine the author's earlier proposal that Proto-Austronesian *j was a palatal nasal whose modern reflexes arose through an episode of palatal glide fortition. It clarifies the evolution of *j in Formosan, responds to some criticisms, and details the circumstances leading to the loss of the nasal component after glide fortition. It concludes that where an alveolar or palatal nasal is in correspondence with [g], [ɟ], or [d], the default historical interpretation is of the nasal.
The Fallout of Shakespeare: Playing and Video Game Theater
Authors: Smith Emily Louisa
Published: May 2024

Abstract: This article adopts a principle from game design theory which views "play" as a type of negotiation with (and against) the constraints of a given environment. The performances of The Wasteland Theatre Company, an amateur theater troupe staging Shakespearean texts collaboratively online using the video game Fallout 76 , are examined in light of this approach to playing. This article discusses how tensions between the Shakespearean text and the performances of The Wasteland Theatre Company coerce their audiences into active interpretation of both the game's and the performed text's content. The principle of playing as negotiation, moreover, has applicability beyond video games. Demonstrating how productions can break or bend the "rules" which their texts or settings impose, The Wasteland Theatre Company's approach foregrounds the ways in which such rule-breaking encourages audiences to actively interpret the performance.
Multimodal Languaging in a Signing Community in the Bay Islands of Honduras
Authors: Ali Fahimah , Braithwaite Ben
Published: May 2024

Abstract: Deaf-sighted, deaf-blind, and hearing-sighted people have been interacting within a small community in the Bay Islands of Honduras for over a century (Ali 2023; Ali and Braithwaite 2020). In this article, we sketch the history of the community and the ways in which signers make use of their own and their interlocutor's bodies to co-construct meaning. Based on a short conversation between two deaf-blind signers, we identify mechanisms used to regulate turn-taking, including some which are familiar from other visual and tactile sign languages, and some which are rather novel in the literature. We show that signers make use of visual and tactile-proprioceptive channels, bearing in mind, but not entirely determined by, the sensorial orientations of their interlocutors. We conclude that this way of languaging is not a visual sign language and not yet fully adapted to the tactile modality, nor is it undeveloped or disordered in any other sense. Rather, we believe that this case demonstrates the ways in which human languaging makes use of multiple modalities and adapts to the needs of each interactional context. While linguists have sometimes been inclined to classify languages into neat modality boxes (auditory-vocal, visual-gestural, tactile-gestural), this analysis supports Henner and Robinson's (2023) calls for what they term a crip linguistics , which embraces disabled ways of languaging, rejects ideas of disordered language, and recognizes languaging as multimodal.
"Your Turn!": Using Finger Pointing and PALM-UP Actions to Ask Questions in Norwegian Sign Language
Authors: Arnold Brittany , Ferrara Lindsay
Published: May 2024

Abstract: Researchers examining the structure of questions in signed languages, often using elicited data from informants, have proposed that there are specific manual and nonmanual actions produced by signers to indicate different question types (e.g., Zeshan 2004), for example, raised eyebrows for polar questions. In the current study, we add to this body of work with an investigation into the use of two common interactional behaviors—finger pointing and palm-up actions—as they occur in questions asked during naturalistic conversations in Norwegian Sign Language. The interactional work finger pointing and palm-up actions can achieve in various settings is well-documented (e.g., Bavelas 1994), and their presence in question contexts has been observed in Norwegian Sign Language (Ferrara 2020). In total, 455 questions produced by thirty-four deaf signers were examined as they appeared across dyadic, triadic, and multiparty conversations recorded in the Norwegian Sign Language Corpus (Ferrara and Ringsø 2021; Ferrara and Bø 2022; Ferrara in prep). These questions were then examined for the presence of interactional finger pointing and palm-up actions. Analyses firstly revealed that interactional finger pointing and palm-up actions appeared in many of the questions examined. Within this subset of the data, further analysis showed that these forms may be the only manual action that signals an utterance as a question, or they may occur in combination with other manual (e.g., wh-question forms: how, where) and nonmanual actions (e.g., furrowed or raised brows). In many of these questions, the two forms appear in utterance-final position, thereby indexing an interlocutor in order to solicit a response. Such initial observations suggest that these two manual actions must be considered as part of the constellation of behaviors that characterize the highly indexical and interactional nature of question-asking in Norwegian Sign Language.
Dialogue between the Lines: Deaf and Hearing Interpreters' Interaction during Intralingual Co-Interpretation
Authors: Hanquet Nicolas , Meurant Laurence , Etienne Dany
Published: May 2024

Abstract: This study focuses on the practice of simultaneous cointerpreting in the media, specifically examining the interaction between a hearing interpreter (HI) and a deaf interpreter (DI). The HI's role in this context is to interpret the spoken source speech in Belgian French into French Belgian Sign Language (LSFB) for the DI, who, in turn, conveys the discourse to a deaf audience. The main objective of this research is to explore the phenomenon of adjustment within the HI-DI interaction and the strategies used by the HIs to overcome the inherent challenges of this configuration. To do so, the study analyzes a collection of recorded press conferences related to the COVID-19 crisis, featuring four HI-DI teams. By analyzing a set of video data from press conferences, this study aims to identify the types of information exchanged during the interpretation process, such as specific concepts, meta-comments, the speaker's intentions, and so on. Additionally, the study aims to identify the strategies used by the HIs throughout the process. This analysis reveals the complex dynamics of the HI-DI interaction, shedding light on the HIs' efforts to convey content and meaning from the source speech, as well as their use of metalinguistic indications to make effective adjustments. This article focuses on three specific strategies employed by the HIs: compression strategies, whose goal is to provide the DI with time and space to reformulate the (pre)interpreted message; explicitation strategies, used to make explicit logical connections and prosodic information in the discourse; and interactional signaling strategies, which facilitate interaction between the interpreters.
Cross-dispersion spectrograph calibration using only a laser frequency comb
Authors: Newman William , Charsley Jake M. , Slattery Jamie , Mitchell Toby , Dadi Kamalesh , Cheng Yuk Shan , McCracken Richard A. , Reid Derryck T.
Published: May 2024

High-resolution cross-dispersion spectrographs are widely used in spectroscopy, but the two-dimensional format of the spectrum requires sophisticated calibration, conventionally performed by illuminating the instrument with a broadband hollow-cathode lamp and cross-referencing the result to an emission-line atlas. Here, we introduce a new technique to completely calibrate a high-resolution echelle spectrograph using only a laser frequency comb. Selected individual comb lines are removed from a broadband 20 GHz laser frequency comb—revealing their exact location in the spectrograph echellogram—and wavelength-tagged with sub-fm accuracy. In a complementary procedure, the comb is reduced to contain one line per echellogram order, enabling the spectrograph’s free spectral range to be visualized and the exact concatenation between orders to be determined. In this way, the complete calibration of the high-resolution spectrograph is achieved using only a laser frequency comb, directly providing GPS-referenced accuracy without the need to bootstrap the calibration by indexing the comb modes using a broadband atomic-line source.
Breakdown of argon by a train of high-repetition long-wave-infrared pulses from a free-electron laser oscillator
Authors: Hajima Ryoichi , Kawase Keigo , Koga James K. , Zen Heishun , Ohgaki Hideaki
Published: May 2024

This study presents an experimental demonstration of laser-induced breakdown in argon, employing a free-electron laser with a wavelength of 10 μm and a repetition rate of 2.856 GHz. Despite the fluence of individual laser pulses being an order of magnitude smaller than the breakdown threshold, cascade ionization developed in the pulse train, leading to breakdown. The breakdown probability within a finite pulse train increases with gas pressure, and it was notably enhanced in a gas chamber with poor cleanliness. Numerical simulations of cascade ionization replicated the experimental results. The simulation revealed that breakdown phenomena are governed by the balance between avalanche multiplication of electrons within laser pulses and electron diffusion during pulse intervals.
Advancement on target ranging and tracking by four-quadrant photon counting lidar
Authors: Hou Ahui , Hu Yihua , Zhao Nanxiang , Dou Zhenglei , Dong Xiao , Xu Shilong , Han Fei , Fang Jiajie
Published: May 2024

Single-photon lidar stands out as a promising technology for long-distance lidar applications, owing to its attributes of single-photon sensitivity and high repetition rate. Existing single-photon lidar systems typically rely on single-point scanning for positioning and tracking, necessitating intricate and precise scanning control. In pursuit of a more concise and efficient positioning, we incorporate the four-quadrant theory to articulate the signal formula of photon detection, and propose a novel single-photon four-quadrant positioning method. Our method, which includes signal preprocessing, compensation for longitudinal motion, extraction of pixel intensity, and acquisition of lateral motion, facilitates motion acquisition and positioning for targets. Through simulation calculations, we analyze and compare the effectiveness of each step of the method. With longitudinal and lateral speeds of 100 m/s and 50 m/s, respectively, the trajectory error is 1.7%, and the average speed error is 1.8%. Moreover, for various verification experiments, the trajectory errors are all below 4.2%, and the average speed errors remain under 5.4%, effectively verifying the validity of our method in acquiring the motion information and positioning of targets. It provides an excellent option for acquiring motion information and tracking small moving targets over long distances.
Leveraging conformal prediction to annotate enzyme function space with limited false positives
Authors: Ding Kerr , Luo Jiaqi , Luo Yunan
Published: May 2024

Machine learning (ML) is increasingly being used to guide biological discovery in biomedicine such as prioritizing promising small molecules in drug discovery. In those applications, ML models are used to predict the properties of biological systems, and researchers use these predictions to prioritize candidates as new biological hypotheses for downstream experimental validations. However, when applied to unseen situations, these models can be overconfident and produce a large number of false positives. One solution to address this issue is to quantify the model’s prediction uncertainty and provide a set of hypotheses with a controlled false discovery rate (FDR) pre-specified by researchers. We propose CPEC, an ML framework for FDR-controlled biological discovery. We demonstrate its effectiveness using enzyme function annotation as a case study, simulating the discovery process of identifying the functions of less-characterized enzymes. CPEC integrates a deep learning model with a statistical tool known as conformal prediction, providing accurate and FDR-controlled function predictions for a given protein enzyme. Conformal prediction provides rigorous statistical guarantees to the predictive model and ensures that the expected FDR will not exceed a user-specified level with high probability. Evaluation experiments show that CPEC achieves reliable FDR control, better or comparable prediction performance at a lower FDR than existing methods, and accurate predictions for enzymes under-represented in the training data. We expect CPEC to be a useful tool for biological discovery applications where a high yield rate in validation experiments is desired but the experimental budget is limited.
Silver nanoparticle biosynthesis utilizing Ocimum kilimandscharicum leaf extract and assessment of its antibacterial activity against certain chosen bacteria
Authors: Ouandaogo Horyomba Siaka , Diallo Souleymane , Odari Eddy , Kinyu Johnson
Published: May 2024

The use of plants in the biological production of silver nanoparticles for antibacterial applications is a growing field of research. In the current work, we formulated Ocimum kilimandscharicum extracts using silver nanoparticles, and evaluated its potential antibacterial activity. Aqueous and methanol plant extracts were used to reduce silver nitrate at different time intervals (30 to 150 minutes) and pH (2 to 11). The UV-visible absorption spectrum recorded for methanol and aqueous extracts revealed a successful synthesis of AgNPs for methanol and aqueous extracts. The antimicrobial activity of the AgNPs was evaluated against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Salmonella choleraesuius ATCC 10708, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 The best inhibition zone for the methanol and aqueous-mediated AgNPs, ranging from 12 ± 1 to 16 ± 1mm. Additionally, the methanol and aqueous extract silver nanoparticles had the same Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (6.25 ± 0.00 mg/ml), whereas the Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations were 12.5 ± 0.00 and 25 ± 0.00 mg/ml, respectively. The highest inhibition zone of 16 ± 1 mm was observed against Salmonella choleraesuius with 50 ± 0.00 mg/ml aqueous silver nanoparticles. The results show that the silver nanoparticles made with Ocimum kilimandscharicum have antibacterial action against those microorganisms.
Real-world adolescent smartphone use is associated with improvements in mood: An ecological momentary assessment study
Authors: Minich Matt , Moreno Megan
Published: May 2024

Objective

Rates of adolescent mood disorders and adolescent smartphone use have risen in parallel, leading some to suggest that smartphone use might have detrimental effects on adolescents’ moods. Alternatively, it is possible that adolescents turn to smartphone use when experiencing negative mood. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between adolescent smartphone use and mood using a longitudinal methodology that measured both in real-time.

Method

This study used an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) procedure completed by 253 12-17-year old participants from across the United States. Participants received short surveys delivered to their smartphones at random points throughout the day. Measures included real-time, in-situ assessments of smartphone use, current mood, and mood before smartphone use.

Results

Based on tests of a multilevel regression model, adolescent moods were positively associated with smartphone use (β = 0.261, F(1,259.49) = 19.120, p < 0.001), and that mood was positively associated with the length of phone use sessions (length of phone use β = 0.100, F(1, 112.88) = 5.616, p = 0.020). Participants also reported significant changes in mood during phone use, such that moods before phone use were significantly lower than moods during phone use (MChange = 0.539, t(2491) = 23.174, p < 0.001). Change in mood (mood before minus mood during phone use) was positively associated with the length of smartphone use sessions (β = 0.097, F(1,122.20) = 4.178, p = 0.043), such that participants who had a higher change in mood were more likely to report a longer length of smartphone use.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that adolescent smartphone use is positively associated with mood. This finding may suggest that adolescents use smartphones for mood modification, which aligns with an understanding of smartphone use as potentially addictive behavior.
Entomological assessment of hessian fabric transfluthrin vapour emanators for protecting against outdoor-biting Aedes aegypti in coastal Tanzania
Authors: Govella Nicodem J. , Assenga Alphonce , Mlwale Amos T. , Mirzai Nosrat , Heffernan Eimear , Moriarty Jennie , Wenger John , Corbel Vincent , McBeath Justin , Ogoma Sheila B. , Killeen Gerry F.
Published: May 2024

Background

A low technology emanator device for slowly releasing vapour of the volatile pyrethroid transfluthrin was recently developed in Tanzania that provides robust protection against night biting Anopheles and Culex vectors of malaria and filariasis for several months. Here these same emanator devices were assessed in Dar es Salaam city, as a means of protection against outdoor-biting Aedes (Stegomia) aegypti, the most important vector of human arboviruses worldwide, in parallel with similar studies in Haiti and Brazil.

Methods

A series of entomological experiments were conducted under field and semi-field conditions, to evaluate whether transfluthrin emanators protect against wild Ae. aegypti, and also compare the transfluthrin responsiveness of Ae. aegypti originating from wild-caught eggs to established pyrethroid-susceptible Ae. aegypti and Anopheles gambiae colonies. Preliminary measurements of transfluthrin vapour concentration in air samples collected near treated emanators were conducted by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Results

Two full field experiments with four different emanator designs and three different transfluthrin formulations consistently indicated negligible reduction of human landing rates by wild Ae. aegypti. Under semi-field conditions in large cages, 50 to 60% reductions of landing rates were observed, regardless of which transfluthrin dose, capture method, emanator placement position, or source of mosquitoes (mildly pyrethroid resistant wild caught Ae. aegypti or pyrethroid-susceptible colonies of Ae. aegypti and An. gambiae) was used. Air samples collected immediately downwind from an emanator treated with the highest transfluthrin dose (15g), contained 12 to 19 μg/m3 transfluthrin vapour.

Conclusions

It appears unlikely that the moderate levels of pyrethroid resistance observed in wild Ae. aegypti can explain the modest-to-undetectable levels of protection exhibited. While potential inhalation exposure could be of concern for the highest (15g) dose evaluated, 3g of transfluthrin appears sufficient to achieve the modest levels of protection that were demonstrated entomologically. While the generally low levels of protection against Aedes reported here from Tanzania, and from similar entomological studies in Haiti and Brazil, are discouraging, complementary social science studies in Haiti and Brazil suggest end-users perceive valuable levels of protection against mosquitoes. It therefore remains unclear whether transfluthrin emanators have potential for protecting against Aedes vectors of important human arboviruses.
Meningeal contrast enhancement in multiple sclerosis: Assessment of field strength, acquisition delay, and clinical relevance
Authors: Harrison Daniel M. , Allette Yohance M. , Zeng Yuxin , Cohen Amanda , Dahal Shishir , Choi Seongjin , Zhuo Jiachen , Hua Jun
Published: May 2024

Background/Purpose

Leptomeningeal enhancement (LME) on post-contrast FLAIR is described as a potential biomarker of meningeal inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). Here we report an assessment of the impact of MRI field strength and acquisition timing on meningeal contrast enhancement (MCE).

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, observational study of 95 participants with MS and 17 healthy controls (HC) subjects. Each participant underwent an MRI of the brain on both a 7 Tesla (7T) and 3 Tesla (3T) MRI scanner. 7T protocols included a FLAIR image before, soon after (Gd+ Early 7T FLAIR), and 23 minutes after gadolinium (Gd+ Delayed 7T FLAIR). 3T protocol included FLAIR before and 21 minutes after gadolinium (Gd+ Delayed 3T FLAIR).

Results

LME was seen in 23.3% of participants with MS on Gd+ Delayed 3T FLAIR, 47.4% on Gd+ Early 7T FLAIR (p = 0.002) and 57.9% on Gd+ Delayed 7T FLAIR (p < 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively). The count and volume of LME, leptomeningeal and paravascular enhancement (LMPE), and paravascular and dural enhancement (PDE) were all highest for Gd+ Delayed 7T FLAIR and lowest for Gd+ Delayed 3T FLAIR. Non-significant trends were seen for higher proportion, counts, and volumes for LME and PDE in MS compared to HCs. The rate of LMPE was different between MS and HCs on Gd+ Delayed 7T FLAIR (98.9% vs 82.4%, p = 0.003). MS participants with LME on Gd+ Delayed 7T FLAIR were older (47.6 (10.6) years) than those without (42.0 (9.7), p = 0.008).

Conclusion

7T MRI and a delay after contrast injection increased sensitivity for all forms of MCE. However, the lack of difference between groups for LME and its association with age calls into question its relevance as a biomarker of meningeal inflammation in MS.
Detection and genetic diversity of parechoviruses in children with acute flaccid paralysis in Cameroon
Authors: Kamga Njile Daniel , Mugyia Emmanuel Akongnwi , Endegue-Zanga Marie Claire , Kfutwah Jude Anfumbom , Djoumetio Marlise Dontsop , Onana Boyomo , Diop Ousmane Madiagne , Njouom Richard , Sadeuh-Mba Serge Alain
Published: May 2024

Human Parechoviruses (HPeVs) have rarely been considered in the virological investigation of Acute Flacid Paralysis (AFP) cases in Africa, where enteric infections are very common. This study investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of HPeV in 200 children aged ≤ 15 years with AFP in Cameroon from 2018 to 2019. HPeVs were detected in their faecal RNA using 5’-untranslated real-time RT-PCR. Detected HPeVs were typed by phylogenetic comparison with homologous sequences from homotypic reference strains. Overall, HPeV RNA was detected in 11.0% (22/200) of the 200 stool samples tested. Twelve HPeVs were successfully sequenced and reliably assigned to HPeV-A1, A4, A5, A10, A14, A15, A17 and A18 genotypes. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a high genetic variability among the studied HPeVs, as well as between the studied HPeVs and their previously reported counterparts from Cameroon in 2014. These findings suggest that different HPeV genotypes co-circulate in Cameroon without documented epidemics.