bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyoderma gangrenosum study pilot registry: The first step to a better understanding
Authors: Orfaly Victoria E. , Reese Ashley M. , Friedman Marcia , Latour Emile , Ortega‐Loayza Alex G.
Published: April 2022

The objective of this study was to develop a pilot physician driven patient pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) registry to summarise patient baseline demographics, PG‐related medical history, treatments, and outcomes for patients with pyoderma gangrenosum. Standardised patient information was collected prospectively during clinical encounters between December 2019 and July 2021 at a single academic institution. Eligibility criteria for the study was a diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum determined by a PARACELSUS score of at least 10 for ulcerative patients. Main outcome measures included demographic data, PG related history and comorbidities, past and current treatments, healing outcomes, hospitalisations and recurrences of PG. The Pyoderma Gangrenosum Study (PYGAS) Registry currently includes 52 patients with 56 target lesions of four distinct PG subtypes (41 ulcerative, 12 peristomal, 2 vegetative and 1 bullous). For the 38 patients with 41 total ulcerative PG lesions, referrals to our institution most commonly came from dermatologists (42.1%). The median follow‐up time in our initial registry was 5.5 months (95% CI = 4.1–11.5 months), with average time between follow‐up visits at 1.1 months. These ulcers were most commonly treated with first‐line systemic immunosuppressants (70.6%), such as corticosteroids or cyclosporine. Additional use of systemic immunomodulators at baseline visit was statistically significantly associated with healing (P = 0.048). This pilot study suggests that use of systemic immunomodulators has an impact on healing of PG patients. Wound care regimens are variable, and assessing their impact on treatment outcomes could be challenging. Standardisation of both wound care regimens and data collection in prospective clinical studies is necessary to assess their impact in PG treatment outcomes.
Phylogeography and species delimitation of the Neotropical frog complex (Hylidae: Scinax granulatus)
Authors: Malleret Matías M. , Freire Marcelo D. , Lemes Priscila , Brum Fernanda T. , Camargo Arley , Verrastro Laura
Published: April 2022

Understanding which factors driving the genetic structure, geographic distribution patterns, and divergence of populations/species are of great interest in ecology and evolutionary biology. Phylogeographic and species hypotheses combined to distribution models may elucidate which phenomena drove evolutionary history of the biota of different biomes and ecoregions. Herein, we used distribution, environmental and genetic data to shed light on the evolutionary diversity of the Scinax granulatus complex, exploring the phylogeographic patterns, genetic structure and species boundaries across the Pampa and Southern Atlantic Forest biomes. We recovered four mitochondrial lineages which correspond to two putative species within the S. granulatus complex. We used genetic data to define species hypothesis with three discovery methods: bGMYC, bPTP and ASAP, and two delimitation approaches: BPP and BPP + gdi. We validated the species boundaries, confirming the differentiation of Scinax sp. lineage D from Atlantic Forest lowlands habitats, based on genetic data, ecological divergence and monophyly. Lineage D exhibited niche differentiation from S. granulatus sensu stricto (s.s.) based on distribution and environmental data. The climatic suitability of S. sp. D is defined by thermal variables, while that of S. granulatus s.s. was associated with rainfall. The diversification of the S. granulatus complex began during the Pliocene, but the colonization and divergence of lineages took place more recently during the Pleistocene. This study strongly suggests species‐level evolutionary divergence among lineages of S. granulatus complex, and highlights the need to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of diagnostic characters to confirm the lineage D as a distinct species.
Diversification in highlands: phylogeny and taxonomy of pikas of the subgenus Conothoa (Lagomorpha, Ochotonidae)
Authors: Lissovsky Andrey A. , Yatsentyuk Svetlana P. , Obolenskaya Ekaterina V. , Koju Narayan P. , Ge Deyan
Published: April 2022

Pikas from the subgenus Conothoa are small lagomorphs inhabiting high elevations of the great Asian mountain belt from Tian Shan through the Himalayas to the Hengduan Mountains. All species are more or less associated with stony habitats. Because of the difficulties in accessing the major habitats, Conothoa pikas are some of the less‐studied Asian small mammals. We examined 742 skulls of all taxa from the subgenus as well as a set of 51 specimens and analysed with two mitochondrial and six nuclear genes. We found two main phylogenetic branches within the subgenus: the western (Ochotona macrotis, Ochotona iliensis, Ochotona roylii, Ochotona rutila, Ochotona ladacensis, Ochotona koslowi and Ochotona rufescens) and the eastern (Ochotona forresti and Ochotona erythrotis) branches. The important role of the most south‐eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau and the adjacent easternmost Himalayas in the formation of the diversity of Conothoa pikas is shown for the first time. Studying the intraspecific variation led us to consistent taxonomic revision for all widely distributed species, including nomenclatorial revision and analyses of terra typica of the nominal taxa.
Structural Health Monitoring of Electromechanical Actuators in Aviation—Challenges Ahead and Case Study
Authors: Memmolo Vittorio , Monaco Ernesto , Ricci Fabrizio , Vaselli Carmine , Cimminiello Nicola , Salvato Pasquale
Published: April 2022

Electrical actuation concept fits perfectly with the worldwide strategy of more electric aircraft to reduce carbon footprint. However, the integration of linear electro-mechanical actuators is promising yet challenging in safety critical systems due to the jamming of the driven load. That fault is a critical mechanical transmission failure giving rise to concern in many applications such as primary flight controls or landing gears extension and steering. This article critically reviews electric actuation solutions currently available for aerospace application, the limits for their upcoming deployment and the different solutions to achieve an on-condition maintenance to reduce any safety risk during lifetime. A particular attention is given to the jamming and possible strategies to avoid any hazard induced by this failure. The most promising approach relies on the establishment of a predictive maintenance by monitoring continuously the actuator to timely warn any structural alteration, which is prone to induce jamming. Finally, a case study is presented, showing the ability of engine current monitoring to warn any alteration in the load maneuvering. The current spectrum analysis is found to be sensitive to both mechanical fault and control failure or malfunctioning. On top of that, no addition sensors are needed, making this technique affordable and cost-effective.
Design of a Low-Cost Parabolic Concentrator Solar Tracking System: Tubular Solar Still Application
Authors: Alhadri Muapper , Alatawi Ibrahim , Alshammari Fuhaid , Haleem Mohamed A. , Heniegal Ashraf Mohamed Ahmed , Abdelaziz Gamal B. , Ahmed Mohamed M. Z. , Alqsair Umar F. , Kabeel A. E. , Elashmawy Mohamed
Published: April 2022

The high cost of the solar tracking systems is the major obstacle facing the growth of the solar harvesting technology. Therefore, reducing the solar tracking cost is necessary for developing this important energy sector. This study developed a simple and low-cost solar tracking system for parabolic concentrator (PCST) assisting tubular solar still (TSS). A single-axis solar tracking mechanism is developed based on two small light-dependent resistors (LDRs) shielded by a blank sheet which keeps the two cells shielded from sunlight. When the sunlight moves, one of the two LDRs will gain some light activating a switch to turn on the driving motor moving the system in the opposite direction till the LDR shielded again. By this simple mechanism, the two LDRs are shielded from sunlight all the time and consequently, the solar collector is always facing the sunlight. A simple parametric study is also conducted for an efficient PCST-TSS device with higher freshwater productivity. The performance of the most promising five design categories is compared. Results showed that the lowest cost tracking system was 34.6% lower than the highest one. Moreover, the lowest CPL was $0.0074/L which is 43.1% lower than the highest CPL category. Moreover, a comparison with other studies showed high potential for the present significant reduction in the cost which ranges between 43.1% and 87% compared with the recent related studies. The developed device is fully self-reliance and suitable for rural and isolated communities having limited infrastructure.
Influence of Electric Current on the Temperature Rise and Wear Mechanism of Copper–Graphite Current-Carrying Friction Pair
Authors: Zhou Yuankai , Du Mengdi , Zuo Xue
Published: April 2022

In order to study the influence of current on the temperature rise and wear mechanism of the copper–graphite friction pair, the pin-disc current-carrying friction experiments were carried out under different current conditions. The friction coefficient, temperature, and wear topography were measured, and the energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis was conducted as well. The results show that the temperature of the friction pair rises rapidly at first, then the rising speed slows down, and finally reaches dynamic thermal equilibrium in the process of test. The temperature rise at the stable stage increases with the current. The main wear mechanism under low current is material spalling, and it turns to melt ejection and arc erosion under high current. The change of the lubricating film causes the complex wear behavior. With the increase of the current, the amount of transferred graphite increases, but the arc ablation becomes severe, and the graphite lubrication film gradually ruptures, which in turn increases the friction coefficient and makes the wear more severe. The results have a great significance for the anti-friction and wear-resistant design of the current-carrying friction pair.
Surface Roughness Characterization and Inversion of Ultrasonic Grinding Parameters Based on Support Vector Machine
Authors: Duo Yang , Jinyuan Tang , Fujia Xia , Wei Zhou
Published: April 2022

With surface roughness restricted by grinding parameters, the characterization of roughness parameters and the inversion of grinding parameters are of great significance for improving surface performance and realizing active surface machining. This research proposes a combination of statistical theory and data-driven analysis to solve the above problems. Pearson correlation analysis and multivariate variance analysis indicate the correlation characterization parameter set (CPS) consists of Sa, Vmp, Vvv, and Sz and that there are differences in the influence of grinding parameters on the parameters in CPS. Adjustment of support vector machine (SVM) core parameters makes it possible to construct expansion parameter set (EPS) optimal inversion models. By designing pseudo-surface random roughness parameters and grinding experiments, the reliability of inversion models is verified. The results show: (1) The better generalization of inversion model indicates skewness Ssk and kurtosis Sku in EPS have important implications for the optimal inversion model and surface characterization and (2) The data-driven model based on support vector machine provides machining guidance for obtaining the expected ultrasonic grinding surface.
The origin of Franson-type nonlocal correlation
Authors: Ham Byoung S.
Published: April 2022

Franson-type nonlocal correlation results in a second-order intensity fringe between two remotely separated parties via coincidence measurements, whereas the corresponding local measurements show a perfect incoherence feature. This nonlocal correlation fringe between paired photons is mysterious due to the local randomness in both parties. Here, the Franson nonlocal correlation fringe is analytically investigated using the wave nature of photons to understand the mysterious quantum feature. As a result, the nonlocal intensity fringe is turned out to be a measurement selection-based coherence feature, while the local randomness is from effective decoherence among broad bandwidth-distributed photon pairs. As a result, a coherence version of Franson nonlocal correlation is suggested for macroscopic quantum applications with a commercial laser. The local and nonlocal correlations of the proposed scheme show the same results as entangled photon-pair based Franson correlation.

At the request of the authors, this article is being retracted effective 28 October 2022.
Chemical vapor deposition of sp2-boron nitride films on Al2O3 (0001), (112¯), (11¯02), and (101¯) substrates
Authors: Sharma Sachin , Souqui Laurent , Pedersen Henrik , Högberg Hans
Published: April 2022

Thin films of boron nitride in its sp2-hybridized form (sp2-BN) have potential uses in UV devices and dielectrics. Here, we explore chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of sp2-BN on various cuts of sapphire: Al2O3 (112¯0), Al2O3 (11¯02), Al2O3 (101¯0), and Al2O3 (0001) using two CVD processes with two different boron precursors triethylborane and trimethylborane. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows that sp2-BN grows on all the sapphire substrates; using x-ray diffraction, 2θ/ω diffractogram shows that only Al2O3 (112¯0) and Al2O3 (0001) rendered crystalline films: and using phi(ϕ)-scans, growth of the rhombohedral polytype (r-BN) films on these substrates is confirmed. These films were found to be epitaxially grown on an AlN interlayer with comparatively higher crystalline quality for the films grown on the Al2O3 (112¯0) substrate, which is determined using omega(ω)-scans. Our study suggests that Al2O3 (112¯0) is the most favorable sapphire substrate to realize the envisioned applications of r-BN films.
B
12
-induced reassembly of split photoreceptor protein enables photoresponsive hydrogels with tunable mechanics
Authors: Yang Zhongguang , Fok Hong Kiu Francis , Luo Jiren , Yang Yang , Wang Ri , Huang Xinyu , Sun Fei
Published: April 2022

Although the tools based on split proteins have found broad applications, ranging from controlled biological signaling to advanced molecular architectures, many of them suffer from drawbacks such as background reassembly, low thermodynamic stability, and static structural features. Here, we present a chemically inducible protein assembly method enabled by the dissection of the carboxyl-terminal domain of a B
12
-dependent photoreceptor, CarH
C
. The resulting segments reassemble efficiently upon addition of cobalamin (AdoB
12
, MeB
12
, or CNB
12
). Photolysis of the cofactors such as AdoB
12
and MeB
12
further leads to stable protein adducts harboring a bis-His–ligated B
12
. Split CarH
C
enables the creation of a series of protein hydrogels, of which the mechanics can be either photostrengthened or photoweakened, depending on the type of B
12
. These materials are also well suited for three dimensional cell culturing. Together, this new protein chemistry, featuring negligible background autoassembly, stable conjugation, and phototunability, has opened up opportunities for designing smart materials.
CO oxidation by Pt
2
/Fe
3
O
4
: Metastable dimer and support configurations facilitate lattice oxygen extraction
Authors: Meier Matthias , Hulva Jan , Jakub Zdenek , Kraushofer Florian , Bobić Mislav , Bliem Roland , Setvin Martin , Schmid Michael , Diebold Ulrike , Franchini Cesare , Parkinson Gareth S.
Published: April 2022

Heterogeneous catalysts based on subnanometer metal clusters often exhibit strongly size-dependent properties, and the addition or removal of a single atom can make all the difference. Identifying the most active species and deciphering the reaction mechanism is extremely difficult, however, because it is often not clear how the catalyst evolves in operando. Here, we use a combination of atomically resolved scanning probe microscopies, spectroscopic techniques, and density functional theory (DFT)–based calculations to study CO oxidation by a model Pt/Fe
3
O
4
(001) “single-atom” catalyst. We demonstrate that (PtCO)
2
dimers, formed dynamically through the agglomeration of mobile Pt-carbonyl species, catalyze a reaction involving the oxide support to form CO
2
. Pt
2
dimers produce one CO
2
molecule before falling apart into two adatoms, releasing the second CO. O
lattice
extraction only becomes facile when both the Pt-dimer and the Fe
3
O
4
support can access metastable configurations, suggesting that substantial, concerted rearrangements of both cluster and support must be considered for reactions occurring at elevated temperature.
Long COVID (post-COVID-19 condition) in children: a modified Delphi process
Authors: Stephenson Terence , Allin Benjamin , Nugawela Manjula D , Rojas Natalia , Dalrymple Emma , Pinto Pereira Snehal , Soni Manas , Knight Marian , Cheung Emily Y , Heyman Isobel ,   CLoCk Consortium, Shafran Roz
Published: April 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to derive a research definition for ‘Long COVID (post-COVID-19 condition)’ in children and young people (CYP) to allow comparisons between research studies.

Design

A three-phase online Delphi process was used, followed by a consensus meeting. Participants were presented with 49 statements in each phase and scored them from 1 to 9 based on how important they were for inclusion in the research definition of Long COVID in CYP. The consensus meeting was held to achieve representation across the stakeholder groups. Statements agreed at the consensus meeting were reviewed by participants in the Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Research Advisory Group.

Setting

The study was conducted remotely using online surveys and a virtual consensus meeting.

Participants

120 people with relevant expertise were divided into three panels according to their area of expertise: Service Delivery, Research (or combination of research and service delivery) and Lived Experience. The PPI Research Advisory group consisted of CYP aged 11–17 years.

Main outcome measures

Consensus was defined using existing guidelines. If consensus was achieved in two or more panels or was on the border between one and two panels, those statements were discussed and voted on at the consensus meeting.

Results

Ten statements were taken forward for discussion in the consensus meeting and five statements met threshold to be included in the research definition of Long COVID among CYP. The research definition, aligned to the clinical case definition of the WHO, is proposed as follows:Post-COVID-19 condition occurs in young people with a history of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, with at least one persisting physical symptom for a minimum duration of 12 weeks after initial testing that cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. The symptoms have an impact on everyday functioning, may continue or develop after COVID infection, and may fluctuate or relapse over time. The positive COVID-19 test referred to in this definition can be a lateral flow antigen test, a PCR test or an antibody test.

Conclusions

This is the first research definition of Long COVID (post-COVID-19 condition) in CYP and complements the clinical case definition in adults proposed by the WHO.
Oligosecretory myeloma with gastrointestinal tract involvement: an unusual presentation and literature review
Authors: Ling Victor Yu Han , Reddivari Sreekanth , Joseph Angel Mary , Cox Rosie
Published: April 2022

A woman in her 70s with vague gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and unintentional weight loss was referred to endoscopy clinic for investigation and consideration of GI malignancy. CT of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis showed a suspicious mass in the oesophago-gastric junction with a lytic lesion on S1–S2 sacrum. A subsequent upper GI endoscopy revealed two raised, ulcerated tumours on the lesser curvature of the stomach. By the time an MRI of the whole spine was done which revealed multiple metastases involving thoracic, lumbar and sacral skeleton, she had developed leg weakness and paraesthesias, consistent with the imaging findings. A positron emission tomography/CT scan further confirmed the above findings. The initial working diagnosis was primary GI tumour with bony metastases. However, she was later referred to the haematology team after the immunohistochemistry of the tumour showed that it was of a plasma cell origin (CD138 positive) associated with lambda light chain deposits. Serum-free light chain showed a raised lambda light chain of 272 mg/L and kappa light chain of 11.3 mg/L and involved/uninvolved light chain ratio of 24. Bone marrow biopsy confirmed a plasma cell myeloma with moderate disease burden. Monoclonal lambda chains were demonstrated on immunofixation but negative on serum protein electrophoresis and hence a diagnosis of oligosecretory myeloma with GI involvement was made. Subsequent management involved physiotherapy, pain management and chemotherapy, where this woman was commenced on Velcade (generically known as bortezomib), thalidomide and dexamethasone and she continued to experience clinical and biochemical improvement.
Transient infantile hypertriglyceridaemia due to homozygous mutation in GPD1 presenting in childhood with hepatic adenoma
Authors: Kumar Karunesh , Malhotra Smita , Sibal Anupam
Published: April 2022

Hypertriglyceridaemia in infancy is usually secondary to underlying metabolic disorder which usually has a genetic basis unlike the adult population. One such recently described entity is transient infantile hypertriglyceridaemia (HTGTI). In this disorder, mutation in glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) dehydrogenase gene leads to deficiency of G3P dehydrogenase resulting in hypertriglyceridaemia and hepatomegaly. Clinical features tend to improve with age but may develop fibrosis. Our patient presented in infancy with hypoglycaemia, hepatomegaly, high transaminases and hypertriglyceridaemia. Limited genetic test for glycogen storage disorder was negative and was kept under follow-up. On follow-up, he developed hepatic lesion and his hepatomegaly with hypertriglyceridaemia persisted. There are only a few cases reported worldwide and none has reported development of adenoma so far. This could be the first report of development of adenoma in transient HTGTI.
One-year surgical outcomes of the PreserFlo MicroShunt in glaucoma: a multicentre analysis
Authors: Tanner Alexander , Haddad Fadi , Fajardo-Sanchez Julia , Nguyen Ethan , Thong Kai Xin , Ah-Moye Sarah , Perl Nicole , Abu-Bakra Mohammed , Kulkarni Avinash , Trikha Sameer , Lascaratos Gerassimos , Parnell Miles , Kailani Obeda , King Anthony J , Agrawal Pavi , Stead Richard , Giannouladis Konstantinos , Rodrigues Ian , Goyal Saurabh , Hysi Pirro G , Lim Sheng , Yu-Wai-Man Cynthia
Published: April 2022

Background/aims

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the PreserFlo MicroShunt glaucoma device in a multicentre cohort study.

Methods

All consecutive patients who received the microshunt with mitomycin-C (MMC) 0.4 mg/mL from May 2019 to September 2020 in three UK tertiary centres. Primary outcome at 1 year was a complete success, with failure defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) >21 mmHg or <20% reduction, IOP≤5 mmHg with any decreased vision on two consecutive visits, reoperation or loss of light perception vision. Secondary outcomes were IOP, best-corrected visual acuity, medications, complications, interventions and reoperations. We also performed subgroup analyses for severe glaucoma and assessed risk factors for failure.

Results

104 eyes had 1-year follow-up. Complete and qualified success at 1 year were achieved in 51.9% (N=54) and 16.4% (N=17), respectively, and failure occurred in 31.7% (N=33). There was a significant reduction in IOP (mmHg) from preoperatively (23.4±0.8, N=104) to 12 months (14.7±0.6, N=104) (p<0.0001). Antiglaucoma medications also decreased from preoperatively (3.4±0.1, N=104) to 12 months (0.7±0.1, N=104) (p<0.0001). Multivariate analyses showed an association between higher mean deviation and failure (HR 1.055, 95% CI 1.0075 to 1.11, p=0.0227). Complications were hypotony (19.2%; N=20), choroidal detachments (10.6%; N=11), hyphaema (5.8%; N=6) and bleb leak (5.8%; N=6). Needling and 5-fluorouracil injections were performed in 12.5% (N=13) and 33.7% (N=35), respectively, and 11.5% (N=12) required revision surgery.

Conclusion

The PreserFlo MicroShunt with MMC 0.4 mg/mL showed an overall success rate of 68.3% at 1 year, and led to significant IOP and medication reduction with a low rate of adverse effects.
Effects of a multimedia campaign on HIV self-testing and PrEP outcomes among young people in South Africa: a mixed-methods impact evaluation of ‘MTV Shuga Down South’
Authors: Birdthistle Isolde , Mulwa Sarah , Sarrassat Sophie , Baker Venetia , Khanyile David , O’Donnell Dominique , Cawood Cherie , Cousens Simon
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Innovative HIV technologies can help to reduce HIV incidence, yet uptake of such tools is relatively low among young people. To create awareness and demand among adolescents and young adults, a new campaign of the pan-African MTV Shuga series (‘Down South 2’; DS2), featured storylines and messages about HIV self-testing (HIVST) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) through television, radio and accompanying multimedia activities in 2019–2020.

Methods

We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation of the new MTV Shuga series among 15–24 years old in Eastern Cape, South Africa, in 2020. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to investigate complementary evaluations questions, namely, whether and how the DS2 campaign works. A web-based survey, promoted via social media platforms of schools, universities and communities, assessed exposure to MTV Shuga and knowledge of HIV status; secondary outcomes included awareness and uptake of HIVST and PrEP. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate associations between exposure to DS2 and each outcome, adjusting for sociodemographic factors, media assets and exposure to other media campaigns. An embedded qualitative evaluation explored mechanisms of DS2’s impact through deductive and inductive thematic analysis of in-depth individual and group interviews.

Results

Among 3431 online survey participants, 43% had engaged with MTV Shuga and 24% with DS2 specifically. Knowledge of HIV status was higher among those exposed to DS2 (71%) vs those who were not (39%; adjusted OR=2.26 (95% CI 1.78 to 2.87)). Exposure was also associated with increased awareness of HIVST (60% vs 28%; aOR=1.99 (1.61 to 2.47)) and use of HIVST (29% vs 10%; aOR=2.49 (1.95 to 3.19)). One-third of respondents were aware of PrEP, with higher proportions among those exposed versus non-exposed to DS2 (52% vs 27%; aOR=1.90 (1.53 to 2.35)). Qualitative insights identified mechanisms by which DS2 increased awareness, confidence and motivation to use HIVST and PrEP, but had less influence on service access.

Conclusions

We found evidence consistent with a positive causal impact of the MTV Shuga DS2 campaign on HIV prevention outcomes among young people in a high-prevalence setting. As diverse testing and PrEP technologies become accessible, an immersive edutainment campaign can help to expand HIV prevention choices and close age and gender gaps in HIV testing and prevention goals.
More evidence on cash transfers and child nutritional outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Manley James , Alderman Harold , Gentilini Ugo
Published: April 2022

Background

Cash transfer (CT) programmes are an increasingly common approach to alleviate poverty and inequality and improving child health and nutrition, as well as supporting other goals such as education. Evidence indicates that CTs can be effective, but overall impacts are small in magnitude. This paper substantially updates the evidence base on the effectiveness of CTs and moderating factors.

Methods

Building on a prior search done in 2018, we searched articles published between January 2018 and March 2021 using Agris, Econlit, Eldis, IBSS, IDEAS, IFPRI, Google Scholar, PubMed and World Bank databases. We included studies using quantitative impact evaluation methods of CTs with sample sizes over 300, targeted to households with children under 5 years conducted with clear counterfactuals in countries with gross domestic product below US$10 000 at baseline. We performed meta-analysis using random effects models to assess the impact of CT programme on selected child nutrition outcomes.

Findings

Out of 1561 articles identified, 55 additional articles were eligible for inclusion for a total of 129 estimates. We find that CTs have significant although modest effects on height-for-age z-scores (HAZ) (0.024, 95% CI 0.004 to 0.044; p<0.02); stunting (−1.35%, 95% CI −2.35 to − 0.35; p<0;01); wasting (−1.31%, 95% CI −2.16% to 0.46%; p<0.01); animal-source foods (6.72%, 95% CI 5.24% to 8.20%; p<0.01); diet diversity (0.55, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.81; p<0.01) and diarrhoea incidence (− 1.74%, 95% CI −2.79% to −0.68%; p<0.05). There was no significant effect of CTs on weight-for-height (WHZ) or weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ). Well-targeted behaviour change communication was also effective in improving HAZ and decreasing the prevalence of diarrhoea.

Interpretation

CT programmes improved linear growth among young children, reducing wasting and stunting, but effects are heterogeneous and somewhat small overall. More evidence indicates that effects on dietary diversity and the consumption of animal-source foods are increasingly pronounced.
Association of respiratory symptoms with body mass index and occupational exposure comparing sexes and subjects with and without asthma: follow-up of a Norwegian population study (the Telemark study)
Authors: Klepaker Geir , Henneberger Paul Keefer , Torén Kjell , Brunborg Cathrine , Kongerud Johny , Fell Anne Kristin Møller
Published: April 2022

Background

Occupational exposure and increased body mass index (BMI) are associated with respiratory symptoms. This study investigated whether the association of a respiratory burden score with changes in BMI as well as changes in occupational exposure to vapours, gas, dust and fumes (VGDF) varied in subjects with and without asthma and in both sexes over a 5-year period.

Methods

In a 5-year follow-up of a population-based study, 6350 subjects completed a postal questionnaire in 2013 and 2018. A respiratory burden score based on self-reported respiratory symptoms, BMI and frequency of occupational exposure to VGDF were calculated at both times. The association between change in respiratory burden score and change in BMI or VGDF exposure was assessed using stratified regression models.

Results

Changes in respiratory burden score and BMI were associated with a β-coefficient of 0.05 (95% CI 0.04 to 0.07). This association did not vary significantly by sex, with 0.05 (0.03 to 0.07) for women and 0.06 (0.04 to 0.09) for men. The association was stronger among those with asthma (0.12; 0.06 to 0.18) compared with those without asthma (0.05; 0.03 to 0.06) (p=0.011). The association of change in respiratory burden score with change in VGDF exposure gave a β-coefficient of 0.15 (0.05 to 0.19). This association was somewhat greater for men versus women, with coefficients of 0.18 (0.12 to 0.24) and 0.13 (0.07 to 0.19), respectively (p=0.064). The estimate was similar among subjects with asthma (0.18; –0.02 to 0.38) and those without asthma (0.15; 0.11 to 0.19).

Conclusions

Increased BMI and exposure to VGDF were associated with increased respiratory burden scores. The change due to increased BMI was not affected by sex, but subjects with asthma had a significantly larger change than those without. Increased frequency of VGDF exposure was associated with increased respiratory burden score but without statistically significant differences with respect to sex or asthma status.
Effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on DMARDs: as determined by antibody and T cell responses
Authors: Saleem Benazir , Ross Rebecca L , Bissell Lesley-Anne , Aslam Aamir , Mankia Kulveer , Duquenne Laurence , Corsadden Diane , Carter Clive , Hughes Pam , Nadat Fatima A , Mulipa Panji , Lobb Mark , Clarke Brendan , Mbara Katie , Morton Ruth , Dibb Sophie , Chowdhury Rahaymin , Newton Darren , Pike Alexandra , Kakkar Vishal , Savic Sinisia , DelGaldo Francesco , Emery Paul
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To assess antibody and T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Methods

This prospective study recruited 100 patients with RA on a variety of DMARDs for antibody and T cell analysis, pre-vaccination and 4 weeks post-vaccination. Positive antibody response was defined as sera IgG binding to ≥1 antigen. Those that remained seronegative after first vaccination were retested 4 weeks after second vaccination; and if still seronegative after vaccination three. A T cell response was defined an ELISpot count of ≥7 interferon (IFN)γ-positive cells when exposed to spike antigens. Type I IFN activity was determined using the luminex multiplex assay IFN score.

Results

After vaccine one, in patients without prior SARS-CoV-2 exposure, 37/83 (45%) developed vaccine-specific antibody responses, 44/83 (53%) vaccine-specific T cell responses and 64/83 (77%) developed either antibody or T cell responses. Reduced seroconversion was seen with abatacept, rituximab (RTX) and those on concomitant methotrexate (MTX) compared to 100% for healthy controls (p<0.001). Better seroconversion occurred with anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) versus RTX (p=0.012) and with age ≤50 (p=0.012). Pre-vaccine SARS-CoV-2 exposure was associated with higher quantitative seroconversion (≥3 antibodies) (p<0.001). In the subgroup of non-seroconverters, a second vaccination produced seroconversion in 54% (19/35), and after a third in 20% (2/10). IFN score analysis showed no change post-vaccine.

Conclusion

Patients with RA on DMARDs have reduced vaccine responses, particularly on certain DMARDs, with improvement on subsequent vaccinations but with approximately 10% still seronegative after three doses.
Software Engineering for AI-Based Systems: A Survey
Authors: Martínez-Fernández Silverio , Bogner Justus , Franch Xavier , Oriol Marc , Siebert Julien , Trendowicz Adam , Vollmer Anna Maria , Wagner Stefan
Published: April 2022

AI-based systems are software systems with functionalities enabled by at least one AI component (e.g., for image-, speech-recognition, and autonomous driving). AI-based systems are becoming pervasive in society due to advances in AI. However, there is limited synthesized knowledge on
Software Engineering (SE)
approaches for building, operating, and maintaining AI-based systems. To collect and analyze state-of-the-art knowledge about SE for AI-based systems, we conducted a systematic mapping study. We considered 248 studies published between January 2010 and March 2020. SE for AI-based systems is an emerging research area, where more than 2/3 of the studies have been published since 2018. The most studied properties of AI-based systems are dependability and safety. We identified multiple SE approaches for AI-based systems, which we classified according to the SWEBOK areas. Studies related to software testing and software quality are very prevalent, while areas like software maintenance seem neglected. Data-related issues are the most recurrent challenges. Our results are valuable for: researchers, to quickly understand the state-of-the-art and learn which topics need more research; practitioners, to learn about the approaches and challenges that SE entails for AI-based systems; and, educators, to bridge the gap among SE and AI in their curricula.
Modeling Communication over Terrain for Realistic Simulation of Outdoor Sensor Network Deployments
Authors: Mansfield Sam , Veenstra Kerry , Obraczka Katia
Published: April 2022

Popular wireless network simulators have few available propagation models for outdoor Internet of Things applications. Of the available models, only a handful use real terrain data, yet an inaccurate propagation model can skew the results of simulations. In this article, we present TerrainLOS, a low-overhead propagation model for outdoor Internet of Things applications that uses real terrain data to determine whether two nodes can communicate. To the best of our knowledge, TerrainLOS is the first terrain-aware propagation model that specifically targets outdoor IoT deployments and that uses height maps to represent terrain. In addition, we present a new terrain classification method based on terrain “roughness,” which allows us to select a variety of terrain samples to demonstrate how TerrainLOS can capture the effects of terrain on communication. We also propose a technique to generate synthetic terrain samples based on “roughness.” Furthermore, we implemented TerrainLOS in the COOJA-Contiki network simulation/emulation platform, which targets IoT deployments and uses TerrainLOS to evaluate how often a network is fully connected based on the roughness of terrain, as well as how two popular power-aware routing protocols, RPL and ORPL, perform when terrain is considered.
Sparsity-Specific Code Optimization using Expression Trees
Authors: Herholz Philipp , Tang Xuan , Schneider Teseo , Kamil Shoaib , Panozzo Daniele , Sorkine-Hornung Olga
Published: April 2022

We introduce a code generator that converts unoptimized C++ code operating on sparse data into vectorized and parallel CPU or GPU kernels. Our approach unrolls the computation into a massive expression graph, performs redundant expression elimination, grouping, and then generates an architecture-specific kernel to solve the same problem, assuming that the sparsity pattern is fixed, which is a common scenario in many applications in computer graphics and scientific computing. We show that our approach scales to large problems and can achieve speedups of two orders of magnitude on CPUs and three orders of magnitude on GPUs, compared to a set of manually optimized CPU baselines. To demonstrate the practical applicability of our approach, we employ it to optimize popular algorithms with applications to physical simulation and interactive mesh deformation.
Accepting Human-like Avatars in Social and Professional Roles
Authors: Sharma Medha , Vemuri Kavita
Published: April 2022

Humans report perceptions of unease or eeriness as humanoid/android robots and digital avatars approach human-like physical resemblance, a phenomenon alluded by the Uncanny Valley theory. This study extends the discussions on interactions and acceptance of digital avatars with findings from three experiments. In the first, perceptive evaluation of actors in clips from computer-generated animation and a live-action version of the same movie was examined. In the second experiment, we considered short clips with highly realistic digital avatars to measure recognition ability, the extent of eeriness, and specific physical features identified as unreal. The fixation area and pupil size variation recorded using an eye tracker were analyzed to infer attention to the body, face, and emotional response, respectively. Building on these findings, the third experiment looked at acceptance in roles requiring human skill, empathy, and cognitive ability. The results show that based on perceptions from physical attributes, the eeriness scores diverge from the uncanny valley theory as human-likeness increases. The realistic CGI and mocap technology could have helped cross the valley. Visual attention inferred from gaze behavior was similar for live-action and CGI. At the same time, we observe pupil size changes reflecting emotions like eeriness when the avatars either talked or smiled. Proficiency and acceptance scores were lower for roles requiring complex social cognition processes, such as friends and judicial decision-making. Interestingly, real-life stereotypes of gender roles were transferred to digital avatars too. The findings suggest an ambiguity in accepting human-like avatars in social and professional interactions, emphasizing the need for a multi-dimensional approach when applying the uncanny valley theory. A detailed and contextual examination is imperative as technological advancements have placed humans closer to co-existing with digital or physical android/humanoid robots.
Local Government Websites Accessibility: Evaluation and Finding from Italy
Authors: Valtolina Stefano , Fratus Daniele
Published: April 2022

The Internet is dramatically changing the way that governments serve their citizens. Ensuring the municipal website is accessible to all citizens needs to be a top priority on the public digital marketing to-do list. Specifically, when we are in the presence of citizens who suffer from a specific impairment or technical hindrance, local governments have to provide them with equal access to their services. Starting from an analysis of the generic theoretical and legislative framework to which each municipality website must adhere, the paper investigates accessibility issues of local government websites taking into account specifically Italy's case. The Italian federal law, which is also known as the Stanca Act, aims to support access to information technologies for the disabled and addresses accessibility considerations in Italy. For ensuring that Italian government websites meet specific accessibility requirements, in this paper, we propose an evaluation strategy defined by an analysis of two validators: AChecker and VaMolà. 7,713 homepages were evaluated against WCAG 2.0 and Stanca Law recommendations. The analysis of results reveals relatively low web accessibility of municipal websites but highlights how to solve several of them is not a complex task also for non-technical users. For this reason, we developed a web application that allows municipality personnel to change the code of the homepage of a given municipality. All this can be made possible through the implementation of textual suggestions and the correct positional identification of the error within the HTML code of the page in question. Finally, the paper gives some directions on how to adapt the presented methodology for checking accessibility issues of local government websites of other countries.
COVID-19 and the Environment: Short-Run and Potential Long-Run Impacts
Authors: Diffenbaugh Noah S.
Published: April 2022

This review examines observed and hypothesized environmental impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Impacts are considered along two axes: timescale (from initial widespread sheltering, to a future after the economic recovery) and causal link (from direct impacts of protective measures, to cascading impacts of policy choices and market and behavioral responses). The available literature documents both positive and negative environmental consequences. These include many early reports of positive impacts (such as clearer skies and wildlife returning to vacated areas). However, it has become clear both that those benefits were largely temporary and that the prolonged health and economic disruptions pose acute risks to many terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Furthermore, this review was completed just as the Omicron variant emerged. Given the pandemic's persistence, the long timescales of cascading impacts, and the inherent lags in research and publication, this review provides an early view of what will eventually be known about the environmental impacts of the pandemic.
Bank Supervision
Authors: Hirtle Beverly , Kovner Anna
Published: April 2022

We provide a critical review of the empirical and theoretical literature on bank supervision. This review focuses on microprudential supervision: the supervision of individual banking institutions aimed at assessing the financial and operational health of those firms. Theory suggests that supervision is required not only to ensure compliance with regulation but also to allow for the use of soft information in mitigating externalities of bank failure. Empirically, more intensive supervision results in reduced risk-taking, but less consensus has been found on whether the risk-reducing impact of supervision comes at the cost of reduced credit supply. Theoretical costs and benefits of supervisory disclosure have been outlined, and this disclosure is informative to investors; however, it is difficult to identify the impact of disclosure distinct from supervisory and regulatory changes.
A Simple, Semiclassical Mechanism for Activationless, Long RangeCharge Transport in Molecular Junctions
Authors: Supur Mustafa , McCreery Richard L.
Published: April 2022

Past reports on photocurrents in molecular junctions consisting of aromatic oligomers between electrical contacts reveal very low activation energies (<1 meV) and weak distance dependence for molecular layer thicknesses of 20–60 nm. Photocurrent transport mediated by sequential tunneling between adjacent subunit orbitals represents a “super highway” for charge transport with low activation barrier, field dependence and long range of at least 60 nm. In addition to photocurrents, such transport may be involved in dark currents for distances >10 nm, previously reported biological transport across μm in bacterial nanowires, and >1 cm in cable bacteria.
A Systematic Review on Pedagogical Trends and Assessment Practices during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Teachers’ and Students’ Perspectives
Authors: Ibna Seraj Prodhan Mahbub , Chakraborty Roti , Mehdi Tareque , Roshid M. Moninoor
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a wide range of effects on education at all levels worldwide. After an unexpected, emergency and forced move from face-to-face to online platform for teaching-learning and assessment, teachers and learners were left scrambling to adjust and adapt. Concerning the importance of the above matters, this systematic review paper would investigate different aspects of online pedagogical trends and online assessment practice from the teachers’ and students’ perspectives during the COVID-19 pandemic in the existing literature conducted from March 2020 to April 2021. For this purpose, 45 studies of 33.864 research studies were collected from the database of ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science and analyzed herewith. For inclusion and exclusion of studies, the guidelines of the PRISMA model were followed. The results show that there are 18 different advantages of online learning, 28 challenges of online learning, 15 different purposes of shifting to online learning, and 14 different platforms used for online learning under different aspects of online pedagogical trends. For online assessment practice, 5 different types of assessment and 15 challenges of implementing online assessment are found. The study's ramifications for online teaching and learning and assessment are examined. There are also suggestions for future research.
Intrusion Detection Technology for Wireless Sensor Networks Based on Autoregressive Moving Average
Authors: Yu Ju-zhen
Published: April 2022

In wireless sensor networks (WSNs), aiming at the problems that internal attacks such as network congestion and high energy consumption seriously threaten the network security and normal operation, an intrusion detection technology based on traffic prediction is proposed. Firstly, the technology uses the autoregressive moving average model ARMA (autoregressive moving average) to establish the ARMA traffic prediction model for the node and then uses the predicted traffic value to obtain the traffic reception rate range through the node. Finally, the detection effect is achieved by comparing whether the actual service reception rate exceeds the prediction range. The experimental results show that, compared with the single ARMA model, under the same message playback rate, this technology has higher detection rate and lower false alarm rate and reduces the energy consumption of network nodes.