bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compact Structure-Preserving Signatures with Almost Tight Security
Authors: Abe Masayuki , Hofheinz Dennis , Nishimaki Ryo , Ohkubo Miyako , Pan Jiaxin
Published: August 2023

In structure-preserving cryptography, every building block shares the same bilinear groups. These groups must be generated for a specific, a priori fixed security level, and thus, it is vital that the security reduction in all involved building blocks is as tight as possible. In this work, we present the first generic construction of structure-preserving signature schemes whose reduction cost is independent of the number of signing queries. Its chosen-message security is almost tightly reduced to the chosen-plaintext security of a structure-preserving public-key encryption scheme and the security of Groth–Sahai proof system. Technically, we adapt the adaptive partitioning technique by Hofheinz (Eurocrypt 2017) to the setting of structure-preserving signature schemes. To achieve a structure-preserving scheme, our new variant of the adaptive partitioning technique relies only on generic group operations in the scheme itself. Interestingly, however, we will use non-generic operations during our security analysis. Instantiated over asymmetric bilinear groups, the security of our concrete scheme is reduced to the external Diffie–Hellman assumption with linear reduction cost in the security parameter, independently of the number of signing queries. The signatures in our schemes consist of a larger number of group elements than those in other non-tight schemes, but can be verified faster, assuming their security reduction loss is compensated by increasing the security parameter to the next standard level.
Discoid lateral meniscus instability in children: part I. A new grading system of instability to clarify natural history
Authors: Simon Vandergugten , Paul Henri Bauwens , Charles Fiquet , Hélène Boyer , Nicolas Cance , Sebastien Raux , Franck Chotel
Published: August 2023

Objective

In young patients, the discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) usually becomes symptomatic at the time of peripheral rim instability of a complete discoid form. However, little is known about the natural history of meniscal instability. The aim was to detect hidden forms of presentation of instability using the history and clinical mechanical symptoms of instability.

Methods

Retrospective study of 114 paediatric knees treated for DLM. A new clinical grading system for instability (stable, locked, snapping, blocked and unblocked knees) was defined and studied in combination with MRI and arthroscopic findings.

Results

One hundred seven DLMs (94%) showed instability due to edge detachment. Fifteen (13%) knees were stable (grade 0), 2 (2%) were grade 1, 57 (50%) were grade 2, 35 (31%) were grade 3 and 5 (4%) were grade 4. The cause of grade 3 was an extension deficit (26/35) or flexion deficit (9/35). Grade 1 or 2 correlated with limited detachment, unlike grade 3 or 4. The grade of instability never decreased, but rather increased in many knees during the natural history of DLM.

Conclusion

A new presentation of DLM is presented: episodic locking phenomenon and blocked knee with flexion deficit. Clinicians should be wary of pseudo‐improvement with the recovery of mobility after a period of the blocked knee, which may be due to a progression towards the ultimate degree of instability. Clinical grading of instability has clarified the natural history of DLM‐associated tearing.

Level of evidence

III.
What do older patients know about their medication? A cross-sectional, interview-based pilot study
Authors: Krause Olaf , Ziemann Corinna T. , Schulze Westhoff Martin , Schröder Sebastian , Krichevsky Benjamin , Greten Stephan , Stichtenoth Dirk O. , Heck Johannes
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study sought to analyze the medication knowledge and awareness of medication adjustment options during intercurrent illness (sick day rules) of patients ≥ 70 years treated at a hospital for geriatric medicine in northern Germany.

Methods

The study was designed as a cross-sectional, interview-based pilot study, was approved by the Ethics Committee of Hannover Medical School (No. 10274_BO_K_2022; date of approval: 11 March 2022), and enrolled a convenience sample of 100 patients between May and December 2022.

Results

The median of the average medication knowledge score in the study population (median age 82 years (IQR 75–87); 71% female) was 5 on a scale from 0 to 6 (IQR 3.8–5.6). Women achieved higher average medication knowledge scores than men (median 5.1 (IQR 4–5.6) vs. median 4.3 (IQR 3.6–5.1); p = 0.012), and patients < 80 years achieved higher average medication knowledge scores than patients ≥ 80 years (median 5.4 (IQR 4.9–5.7) vs. median 4.3 (IQR 3.2–5.3); p < 0.001). Sick day rules were known for only 1.1% of drugs for which sick day rules were applicable. Fifty-two percent of the patients reported that their general practitioner contributed most to their medication knowledge, and 66% considered their daily number of drugs to take adequate.

Conclusion

Our study showed that medication knowledge of older patients was overall satisfying. Awareness of sick day rules, however, was poor. Future studies should evaluate the clinical benefits of sick day rules and ways of better communicating sick day rules to patients. In this regard, general practitioners may play a decisive role.
The impact of orthodontic-surgical treatment on facial expressions—a four-dimensional clinical trial
Authors: Quast Anja , Sadlonova Monika , Asendorf Thomas , Derad Carlotta , Mouchoux Jérémy , Horn Julia , Schliephake Henning , Kauffmann Philipp , Meyer-Marcotty Philipp
Published: August 2023

Objective

The objective of this clinical trial was to compare facial expressions (magnitude, shape change, time, and symmetry) before (T0) and after (T1) orthognathic surgery by implementing a novel method of four-dimensional (4D) motion capture analysis, known as videostereophotogrammetry, in orthodontics.

Methods

This prospective, single-centre, single-arm trial included a total of 26 adult patients (mean age 28.4 years; skeletal class II: n = 13, skeletal class III: n = 13) with indication for orthodontic-surgical treatment. Two reproducible facial expressions (maximum smile, lip purse) were captured at T0 and T1 by videostereophotogrammetry as 4D face scan. The magnitude, shape change, symmetry, and time of the facial movements were analysed. The motion changes were analysed in dependence of skeletal class and surgical movements.

Results

4D motion capture analysis was feasible in all cases. The magnitude of the expression maximum smile increased from 15.24 to 17.27 mm (p = 0.002), while that of the expression lip purse decreased from 9.34 to 8.31 mm (p = 0.01). Shape change, symmetry, and time of the facial movements did not differ significantly pre- and postsurgical. The changes in facial movements following orthodontic-surgical treatment were observed independently of skeletal class and surgical movements.

Conclusions

Orthodontic-surgical treatment not only affects static soft tissue but also soft tissue dynamics while smiling or lip pursing.

Clinical relevance

To achieve comprehensive orthodontic treatment plans, the integration of facial dynamics via videostereophotogrammetry provides a promising approach in diagnostics.

Trial registration number

DRKS00017206.
A simple method for convex optimization in the oracle model
Authors: Dadush Daniel , Hojny Christopher , Huiberts Sophie , Weltge Stefan
Published: August 2023

We give a simple and natural method for computing approximately optimal solutions for minimizing a convex function f over a convex set K given by a separation oracle. Our method utilizes the Frank–Wolfe algorithm over the cone of valid inequalities of K and subgradients of f. Under the assumption that f is L-Lipschitz and that K contains a ball of radius r and is contained inside the origin centered ball of radius R, using $$O\left( \frac{(RL)^2}{\varepsilon ^2} \cdot \frac{R^2}{r^2}\right) $$

O

(
R
L
)

2

ε
2

·

R
2

r
2

iterations and calls to the oracle, our main method outputs a point $$x \in K$$

x
∈
K

satisfying $$f(x) \le \varepsilon + \min _{z \in K} f(z)$$

f

(
x
)

≤
ε
+

min

z
∈
K

f

(
z
)

. Our algorithm is easy to implement, and we believe it can serve as a useful alternative to existing cutting plane methods. As evidence towards this, we show that it compares favorably in terms of iteration counts to the standard LP based cutting plane method and the analytic center cutting plane method, on a testbed of combinatorial, semidefinite and machine learning instances.
Effectiveness of hand-hygiene interventions in reducing illness-related absence in educational settings in high income countries: systematic review and behavioural analysis
Authors: Hoyle Emily , Davies Henrietta , Bourhill Jana , Roberts Nia , Lee Joseph J. , Albury Charlotte
Published: August 2023

Aim

Control of infection is important to prevent school absence. We aimed to review hand-hygiene interventions in high income countries aiming to reduce gastrointestinal and upper-respiratory tract infection-related absence in educational settings, and identify which intervention components are effective.

Subject and methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis. Interventions were coded according to Behaviour Change Techniques Taxonomy. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Education Resource Information Centre, Science and Social Sciences Citation Index and the British Education Index from 1 September 2014 to 25 May 2022, papers included in a 2014 review by Willmott et al., and hand-searching reference lists of included studies. We also searched for, and coded, relevant international guidelines on hand-hygiene.

Results

We screened 1653 papers, including 11 papers from 9 studies. Meta-analysis showed that school-based interventions significantly reduced respiratory tract and gastrointestinal infection-related absence (relative rate ratio 0.754; 95% confidence interval 0.602 to 0.944). Evidence from subgroup analysis supports the use of more than seven behaviour change techniques, targeting both adults and children, and providing information on the risks of inadequate hand-hygiene as well as instruction. The effectiveness of individual behaviour change techniques could not be determined. We found no evidence to support the interventions currently recommended in a range of international guidelines.

Conclusion

School-based hand-hygiene interventions are effective in reducing infection-related absence. There is some evidence that the number and type of behaviour change techniques used in interventions is important in increasing intervention success.
Intensive topical steroid regimen for enhanced very early recovery after small incision lenticule extraction
Authors: Lin Qinghong , Shen Zhengwei , Zhou Xingtao
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study aims to investigate the topical steroid regimen after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for its effect on very early restoration of visual quality.

Methods

A total of 180 patients (360 eyes) who underwent SMILE were enrolled. These patients were randomly assigned to three groups, with 60 patients in each group. The only difference among these three groups was the administration of 0.1% fluorometholone (FML) eye drops within two hours after SMILE: no FML in group A, 0.1% FML once every hour in group B and 0.1% FML once every half hour in group C. The corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), objective scattering index (OSI), modulation transfer function (MTF) cut-off, Strehl ratio (SR) and incidence of subjective symptoms were evaluated preoperatively, at 2, 4 and 24 h and one week after SMILE.

Results

The CDVA, MTF cut-off and SR values were significantly higher in group C, when compared to the other two groups, at 2 and 4 h after SMILE (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the OSI and incidence of subjective symptoms were significantly lower in group C, when compared to the other two groups, at 2 and 4 h after SMILE (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences in CDVA, MTF cut-off, SR, OSI and the incidence of subjective symptoms were detected among the three groups at 24 h and one week after SMILE (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The administration of 0.1% FML eye drops every half hour within two hours after SMILE accelerates the restoration of visual and optical quality, and reduces the incidence of subjective symptoms during the very early phase after surgery.
Exploring medication safety structures and processes in nursing homes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Favez Lauriane , Zúñiga Franziska , Meyer-Massetti Carla
Published: August 2023

Background

Medication safety is important to limit adverse events for nursing home residents. Several factors, such as interprofessional collaboration with pharmacists and medication reviews, have been shown in the literature to influence medication safety processes.

Aim

This study had three main objectives: (1) To assess how facility- and unit-level organization and infrastructure are related to medication use processes; (2) To determine the extent of medication safety-relevant processes; and (3) To explore pharmacies’ and pharmacists’ involvement in nursing homes’ medication-related processes.

Method

Cross-sectional multicenter survey data (2018–2019) from a convenience sample of 118 Swiss nursing homes were used. Data were collected on facility and unit characteristics, pharmacy services, as well as medication safety-related structures and processes. Descriptive statistics were used.

Results

Most of the participating nursing homes (93.2%) had electronic resident health record systems that supported medication safety in various ways (e.g., medication lists, interaction checks). Electronic data exchanges with outside partners such as pharmacies or physicians were available for fewer than half (10.2–46.3%, depending on the partner). Pharmacists collaborating with nursing homes were mainly involved in logistical support. Medication reviews were reportedly conducted regularly in two-thirds of facilities.

Conclusion

A high proportion of Swiss nursing homes have implemented diverse processes and structures that support medication use and safety for residents; however, their collaboration with pharmacists remains relatively limited.
Urban growth and loss of green spaces in the metropolitan areas of São Paulo and Mexico City: effects of land-cover changes on climate and water flow regulation
Authors: de Lima Gabriela Narcizo , Fonseca-Salazar Ma. Alejandra , Campo Julio
Published: August 2023

Urban green spaces provide ecosystem services that directly or indirectly benefit people, however, urban growth (especially in developing countries) generates the loss of these green areas and consequently of their ecosystem services. This paper aims to present the effects of land use and land cover changes in the last 30 years on two basic urban ecosystem services, water flow regulation and local and regional climate in two of main Latin American megacities (São Paulo and Mexico City). The study focuses on urban green spaces because they reduce the urban heat island effects, improve air quality, create habitats for biodiversity conservation, provide cultural services, and contribute to flooding prevention and groundwater conservation. A spatial analysis with the aid of geographic information systems was performed to assess (i) the urbanization process of the Metropolitan Areas of both cities over time; (ii) how this process generated changes in the land cover in both metropolises, and (iii) how these changes caused environmental negative impacts on ecosystem services. The loss of green areas as a consequence of urban expansion in the Metropolitan Areas of São Paulo and Mexico City changed the spatial distribution of urban heat island and increased the surface runoff, generating floods during the rainy periods. Our results suggest the urgent need for implementation of ecosystem-based spatial planning and ecological restoration of urban green areas in both studied cities to prevent further losses in ecosystem services and to improve the quality of life of urban inhabitants.
Smartphone-based thermography to determine shunt patency in patients with hydrocephalus
Authors: Harhangi B. S. , Voigt I. , Damee N. , Gadjradj P. S.
Published: August 2023

Background

When shunt dysfunction is suspected, radiation exposure due to X-rays or a CT-scan is inevitable. Less-invasive and more reliable methods are warranted. In this study, we aimed to assess the usability of smartphone-based thermography to detect shunt patency in patients with hydrocephalus.

Methods

This prospective observational pilot study evaluated the use of smartphone-based video thermography to detect flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the shunt of 51 patients from the Department of Neurosurgery at a tertiary referral institute. Patients with a shunt for hydrocephalus without the suspect of dysfunction were included in the study from December 2021 to May 2022.

Results

We included 51 patients with a mean age of 53.3 years. Of these patients 14 were male (27.5%) and 37 were female (72.5%). The most frequent cause of the hydrocephalus was the normal pressure hydrocephalus followed by the congenital hydrocephalus. Most patients (96%) had a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, whereas two had a ventriculo-atrial shunt. In total, 43 patient (84%) had a shunt on the right side and 8 patient (16%) had the shunt located on the left side. In 45 patients (88.2%), we observed a clear flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the cooled shunt trajectory.

Conclusions

The findings of this study indicate that in patients with a shunt to treat hydrocephalus, the smartphone-based video thermography may be a safe and simple alternative to show shunt patency without the exposure to radiation.
Injectable and Cell-Laden Hydrogel in the Contained Bone Defect Animal Model: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wang Chaoxin , Min Shuyuan , Tian Yun
Published: August 2023

Background:

Due to its high water content and biomimetic properties simulating extracellular matrix (ECM), hydrogels have been used as preferred cell culture and delivery systems. Similarly, cell-loaded hydrogels can be easily injected into target areas in a minimally invasive manner, minimizing surgical trauma, adapting to irregular shaped defects, and benefiting patients. In this study, we systematically reviewed multiple studies on hydrogel-based bone defect research and briefly summarized the progress of injectable and cell-loaded hydrogels in bone defect repair.

Methods:

A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed and Web of Science databases using selected search terms.

Results:

Initially, 185 articles were retrieved from the databases. After full-text screening based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 26 articles were included in this systematic review. Data collected from each study included culture model, seed cell type and origin, cell concentration, scaffold material, scaffold shape, experimental animal and site, bioactive agents, and binding method. This injectable and cell-loaded hydrogel shows certain feasibility in bone tissue engineering applications.

Conclusion:

Injectable and cell-loaded hydrogels have been widely applied in bone tissue engineering research. The future direction of bone tissue engineering for bone defect treatment involves the use of new hydrogel materials and biochemical stimulation.
On a family of higher order recurrence relations: symmetries, formula solutions, periodicity and stability analysis
Authors: Folly-Gbetoula Mensah
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we present formula solutions of a family of difference equations of higher order. We discuss the periodic nature of the solutions and we investigate the stability character of the equilibrium points. We utilize Lie symmetry analysis as part of our approach together with some number theoretic functions. Our findings generalize certain results in the literature.
The Role of Automotive Flexibility in Supporting the Diffusion of Sustainable Mobility Initiatives: A Stakeholder Attitudes Assessment
Authors: D’Adamo Idiano , Gastaldi Massimo , Piccioni Jacopo , Rosa Paolo
Published: August 2023

Even if the European Commission is acting against the climate change, greenhouse gas emissions are still increasing in the transport sector. In this scenario, the flexibility characterizing the automotive sectors could invert this negative trend. The goal of this work is identifying suitable methodologies to evaluate flexible initiatives in automotive contexts, with a specific focus on sustainable mobility and electric vehicles (EVs). The results show that stakeholders identify purchase price as a determinant in the choice to purchase an EV, while for a model toward a sustainable e-mobility transition, experts place emphasis on renewable energy production and consumers on charging stations. A flexible approach in policy choices is also suggested in order to foster a pragmatic sustainability model in which the deployment of EVs is accompanied by green and circular practices. However, such change also requires attention to be paid to the social sphere with job creation and a spread of consumer knowledge toward sustainable choices.
Competitive Redox Chemistries in Vanadium Niobium Oxide for Ultrafast and Durable Lithium Storage
Authors: Ding Xiaobo , Lin Jianhao , Huang Huiying , Zhao Bote , Xiong Xunhui
Published: August 2023

Niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) anodes have gained increasing attentions for high-power lithium-ion batteries owing to the outstanding rate capability and high safety. However, Nb2O5 anode suffers poor cycle stability even after modified and the unrevealed mechanisms have restricted the practical applications. Herein, the over-reduction of Nb5+ has been demonstrated to be the critical reason for the capacity loss for the first time. Besides, an effective competitive redox strategy has been developed to solve the rapid capacity decay of Nb2O5, which can be achieved by the incorporation of vanadium to form a new rutile VNbO4 anode. The highly reversible V3+/V2+ redox couple in VNbO4 can effectively inhibit the over-reduction of Nb5+. Besides, the electron migration from V3+ to Nb5+ can greatly increase the intrinsic electronic conductivity for VNbO4. As a result, VNbO4 anode delivers a high capacity of 206.1 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, as well as remarkable cycle performance with a retention of 93.4% after 2000 cycles at 1.0 A g−1. In addition, the assembled lithium-ion capacitor demonstrates a high energy density of 44 Wh kg−1 at 5.8 kW kg−1. In summary, our work provides a new insight into the design of ultra-fast and durable anodes.
Academic Women Co-designing Education Futures in a Postdigital World
Authors: Brown Cheryl , Huber Elaine , Bone Elisa , Gribble Lynn , Lys Isabelle , Dickson-Deane Camille , Yu Ping , Markauskaite Lina , Campbell Chris
Published: August 2023

This paper draws on the collective knowledge-building of nine women from diverse disciplines, roles, cultures, and institutions in Australasian women in leadership programme. Brought together during Covid-19 through a shared interest and purpose concerning current and future developments in digital education, we offer knowledge and insight from our perspective as women leaders in academia, on co-designing futures in a postdigital world. Drawing on a duoethnographic research design, we reflected on our experiences as academic leaders and practitioners to systematically explore people, situations, and contexts through co-construction and dialogue. Our joint exploration uncovered themes of visibility, gravitas, and relationships. We provide evidence of the role co-design plays in our own practices, in our classrooms, and how our research design was strengthened through co-design. Finally, we offer an evolving model of co-design for leadership in higher education with communities of practice at its core.
Microbe-mediated nanoparticle intervention for the management of plant diseases
Authors: Ahmed Temoor , Luo Jinyan , Noman Muhammad , Ijaz Munazza , Wang Xiao , Masood Hafiza Ayesha , Manzoor Natasha , Wang Yanli , Li Bin
Published: August 2023

Plant diseases are caused by various pathogenic microorganisms, leading to substantial economic losses and food insecurity worldwide. However, the extensive use of chemical-based nanopesticides has adverse effects on plants, soil, and environmental systems. There is increasing interest in developing eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to manage plant diseases. Recently, microbe-mediated nanoparticles (NPs) as nanopesticides have attracted the interest of cultivators, specifically in plant disease management, compared to traditional physical and chemical approaches. This review focuses on the state-of-the-art formulations of nanopesticides by using microorganisms against bacterial and fungal phytopathogens. The article discusses the various mechanisms through which these microbes contribute to the enhanced effectiveness of NPs, including the production of bioactive compounds, improved nanoparticle synthesis, and the facilitation of targeted delivery. The review also highlights the advantages of using microbe-mediated nanopesticides, such as reduced environmental toxicity, increased biodegradability, and the potential to manage pesticide-resistant pathogens. Overall, the use of microbe-mediated NPs is an inexpensive, reliable, and eco-friendly approach for plant disease management.
Morbidity compression and cancer insurance
Authors: Wang Hsin-Chung , Yue Jack C. , Chang Ting-Chung , Chang Ting-Chen
Published: August 2023

Cancer is among the leading causes of death in the world, with about 10 million deaths, one in every six deaths, related to cancer in 2020. In Taiwan, cancer insurance is the most popular commercial health product. However, the loss ratio of cancer products increases with policy year and exceeds 100% in many insurance companies. In addition, almost all cancer benefits are significantly limited in order to avoid financial insolvency. In this study, we evaluate the risk of cancer insurance from the perspective of morbidity compression. We use the data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Also, we apply the standardized mortality ratio and the Lee-Carter model to estimate the trend of cancer-related values. We find that cancer incidence rates gradually increase with time, which indicates that the assumption of morbidity compression is violated. On the other hand, the mortality rates of cancer patients decrease significantly annually. Thus, length of life with cancer increases, and so does the cancer insurance premium. We suggest that cancer insurance covers only the first five years of medical expenditure after the insured is diagnosed with cancer.
Extortion, Civic Action, and Political Participation among Guatemalan Deportees
Authors: Denny Elaine K. , Dow David , Levy Gabriella , Villamizar-Chaparro Mateo
Published: August 2023

How do deported migrants engage in civic and political life after being forcibly returned to their home countries? Do experiences during the migration journey impact how deportees (re)engage? We explore how extortion experienced during migration alters political and civic engagement preferences. We utilize a multi-method approach combining original survey data of Guatemalans deported from the United States and a series of qualitative deportee interviews. We find that extortion during migration has a significant direct effect on increased citizen engagement. Economic hardship exacerbated by extortion may mediate this effect. Overall, extortion experienced while migrating has long-term financial consequences for deportees, with implications for their reintegration and the broader health of civic institutions in their home countries.
A Latin Alphabet for the Arabic Language: Romanizing Arabic in Late Nineteenth-Century Egypt and Beyond
Authors: Verlato Olga
Published: August 2023

This article explores early attempts to romanize the Arabic language in late nineteenth and early twentieth-century Egypt and situates them within a global history of script reforms in the modern period. I focus on the models to write Arabic in the Latin script developed by the Cairo-based magazine al-Muqtataf between 1889 and 1897 (which, to the extent of my knowledge, have never been examined before), relating them to the responses they elicited from the magazine's readers and some of the romanization practices found in advertising, commercial displays in the streets, and governance at the time. I demonstrate that, in this period, romanized Arabic was envisioned as an original way to pursue financial profit and technological efficiency, confront European knowledge production, and redefine the standing of Arabic within transregional publishing networks that encompassed different languages and alphabets. This analysis thus offers an alternative geography of script reform that supersedes the national framework.
Inscribing security: The case of Zelensky’s selfies
Authors: Markussen Håvard Rustad
Published: August 2023

‘Visual turn’ scholarship in International Relations (IR) acknowledges the importance of new information and communication technology for the production and circulation of images but lacks sustained engagement with the technologies themselves and how they interact with humans in the visual production of security. This article brings the visual turn into conversation with Science and Technology Studies (STS) and mobilises Latour and Woolgar’s notion of inscription to show how the production of visual artefacts and their security effects are conditioned by human/device interaction. It advances the argument that the representational force of a visual artefact is dependent not only on the content and quality of the artefact itself, but also on the specific human/device relations that condition its production. To illustrate this, the article theorises the smartphone as an inscription device and the selfie as an inscription practice and analyses the case of Zelensky’s selfie videos from the first few days after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Selfies inscribe meaning to security issues by mobilising the photographic affordances of indexicality, composition, and reflection in unique ways. Specifically, they focus images on the communicative acts of their producers and play on the relationship between human and device to invoke feelings of immediacy, authenticity, and intimacy.
The epidemiology of CHD in Malta
Authors: Grech Victor , Gatt Miriam , Calleja Neville
Published: August 2023

Background:

CHD refers to structural cardiac abnormalities which comprise the commonest group of congenital malformations. Malta is a small island in the central Mediterranean with excellent diagnostic and therapeutic facilities. It is unique in the European population as termination of pregnancy is illegal. This study was carried out to ascertain patterns in CHD prevalence in comparison with EUROCAT data (European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies).

Methods:

Anonymised data were obtained from the EUROCAT website for 1993–2020.

Results:

There were a total of 22,833,032 births from all EUROCAT Registries, of which 121,697 were from Malta. The prevalence rate for Malta CHD was 32.38/10,000 births (at the higher end of the range). Malta had a significant excess of commoner, comparatively non-severe CHDs. For most of the severe lesions analysed rates reported were higher than EUROCAT average, however, apart from Ebstein’s anomaly, they all fell within the ranges reported from the different registries.

Discussion:

Wide variations in reported CHD prevalence are known, and the Malta rates may be higher for milder defects due to quicker pickup prior to spontaneous resolution. There may also be a higher pickup of milder forms of more severe conditions. For the more severe conditions, lack of termination may be the explanation. These factors may result in the higher neonatal mortality observed in Malta.
Occupational Injuries and Illnesses among Paramedicine Clinicians: Analyses of US Department of Labor Data (2010 – 2020)
Authors: Maguire Brian J. , Al Amiry Ala’a , O’Neill Barbara J.
Published: August 2023

Objective:

Paramedicine clinicians (PCs) in the United States (US) respond to 40 million calls for assistance every year. Their fatality rates are high and their rates of nonfatal injuries are higher than other emergency services personnel, and much higher than the average rate for all US workers. The objectives of this paper are to: describe current occupational injuries among PCs; determine changes in risks over time; and calculate differences in risks compared to other occupational groups.

Methods:

This retrospective open cohort study of nonfatal injuries among PCs used 2010 through 2020 data from the US Department of Labor (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics; some data were unavailable for some years. The rates and relative risks (RRs) of injuries were calculated and compared against those of registered nurses (RNs), fire fighters (FFs), and all US workers.

Results:

The annual average number of injuries was: 4,234 over-exertion and bodily reaction (eg, motion-related injuries); 3,935 sprains, strains, and tears; 2,000 back injuries; 580 transportation-related injuries; and over 400 violence-related injuries. In this cohort, women had an injury rate that was 50% higher than for men. In 2020, the overall rate of injuries among PCs was more than four-times higher, and the rate of back injuries more than seven-times higher than the national average for all US workers. The rate of violence-related injury was approximately six-times higher for PCs compared to all US workers, seven-times higher than the rate for FFs, and 60% higher than for RNs. The clinicians had a rate of transportation injuries that was 3.6-times higher than the national average for all workers and 2.3-times higher than for FFs. Their overall rate of cases varied between 290 per 10,000 workers in 2018 and 546 per 10,000 workers in 2022.

Conclusions:

Paramedicine clinicians are a critical component of the health, disaster, emergency services, and public health infrastructures, but they have risks that are different than other professionals.

This analysis provides greater insight into the injuries and risks for these clinicians. The findings reveal the critical need for support for Emergency Medical Services (EMS)-specific research to develop evidence-based risk-reduction interventions. These risk-reduction efforts will require an enhanced data system that accurately and reliably tracks and identifies injuries and illnesses among PCs.
Volatility, Realignment, and Electoral Shocks: Brexit and the UK General Election of 2019
Authors: Fieldhouse Edward , Evans Geoffrey , Green Jane , Mellon Jonathan , Prosser Christopher , Bailey Jack
Published: August 2023

The 2019 UK General Election had seismic consequences for British politics. After three years of political turmoil following the 2016 referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union (EU), the 2019 election marked a victory for the Leave side of the Brexit debate, putting to rest questions of a second referendum and any chance of Parliament blocking the Withdrawal Bill. The United Kingdom left the EU on January 31, 2020. Although there were clear consequences for Britain’s EU membership, there is debate about whether 2019 was a “Brexit election” (Prosser 2020)—even a critical election (Green 2021)—or the continuation of long-term realignments in British politics (Cutts et al. 2020; Jennings and Stoker 2017). By most accounts, Brexit dominated the 2019 election as a political issue, but whether this represents a key moment in a process of realignment of voters in Britain remains to be seen.
Food for thought or food for emotions? An analysis of marketing strategies in television food advertising seen by children in Colombia
Authors: Velasquez Alcides , Parra Maria Fernanda , Mora-Plazas Mercedes , Gómez Luis Fernando , Taillie Lindsey Smith , Dillman Carpentier Francesca Renee
Published: August 2023

Objective:

To establish the relationship between the marketing strategies and nutritional quality of foods and beverages promoted in television food advertisements (TV ads) seen by Colombian child audiences overall and based on child gender and socio-economic strata (SES).

Design:

A quantitative content analysis of marketing appeals was combined with nutritional data of the food products advertised and matched with TV audience ratings data for each food and beverage ads for Colombian children between 4 and 11 years.

Setting:

All beverages and foods TV ads cable or over-the-air channels in Colombia in 2017.

Participants:

N/A.

Results:

Compared with rational appeals (e.g. freshness, health or nutrition messages), emotional appeals (referencing or depicting human senses or emotions, e.g. using cartoons to suggest fun) were more frequently used in the TV ads most viewed by Colombian children. Female children and children in lower SES tended to be more exposed to emotional appeals in TV ads than their male or higher SES counterparts. Furthermore, TV ads using more emotional appeals tended to be for products high in problematic nutrients.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study highlight the need to implement statutory measures to reduce the deleterious effect of food marketing on children.
Strong Haze‐Black Carbon‐Climate Connections Observed Across Northern and Eastern China
Authors: Zhang Yuxuan , Wu Nana , Wang Jiaping , Huang Xin , Wang Zilin , Liu Tengyu , Geng Guannan , Qi Ximeng , Nie Wei , Chi Xuguang , Zhang Qiang , Ding Aijun
Published: August 2023

Radiative absorption of black carbon (BC) is of great importance in air quality and climate change. Simultaneous mitigation of haze pollution and climate warming requires an in‐depth understanding of haze‐BC‐climate connections based on direct observations. We simultaneously performed measurements in the North China Plain (NCP) and the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) during the winter of 2018–2019, when cross‐regional haze transport frequently occurred. We found that BC particles exhibited a thick coating thickness (100–120 nm) under haze pollution conditions in the NCP and were then transported to the YRD with regional haze development. BC particles in the downwind region showed a bimodal distribution of core‐size‐resolved aging degree, which can be used to separate and quantify local and regional BC. The results showed that the regional haze transport from the NCP brought 1–3 μg m−3 BC into the YRD. These regional BC particles exhibited ∼1.6 times stronger absorption efficiency than locally emitted BC. The direct radiative effects of BC in the downwind region were estimated to be enhanced by ∼2 times when regional haze pollution was transported from the NCP to the YRD. The amplification of BC's climate effect during regional haze pollution was attributed to the increases in both the mass concentrations and light absorption efficiency of BC, which were responsible for 40%–50% and 50%–60%, respectively. Our work identified strong haze‐BC‐climate connections across the NCP and YRD and highlighted the importance of BC in the effects of haze pollution on regional climate.
Stratosphere‐Troposphere Coupling of Extreme Stratospheric Wave Activity in CMIP6 Models
Authors: Ding Xiuyuan , Chen Gang , Ma Weiming
Published: August 2023

Extreme stratospheric wave activity has been suggested to be connected to surface temperature anomalies, but some key processes are not well understood. Using observations, we show that the stratospheric events featuring weaker‐than‐normal wave activity are associated with increased North American (NA) cold extreme risks before and near the event onset, accompanied by less frequent atmospheric river (AR) events on the west coast of the United States. Strong stratospheric wave events, on the other hand, exhibit a tropospheric weather regime transition. They are preceded by NA warm anomalies and increased AR frequency over the west coast, followed by increased risks of NA cold extremes and north‐shifted ARs over the Atlantic. Moreover, these links between the stratosphere and troposphere are attributed to the vertical structure of wave coupling. Weak wave events show a wave structure of westward tilt with increasing altitudes, while strong wave events feature a shift from westward tilt to eastward tilt during their life cycle. This wave phase shift indicates vertical wave coupling and likely regional planetary wave reflection. Further examinations of CMIP6 models show that models with a degraded representation of stratospheric wave structure exhibit biases in the troposphere during strong wave events. Specifically, models with a stratospheric ridge weaker than the reanalysis exhibit a weaker tropospheric signal. Our findings suggest that the vertical coupling of extreme stratospheric wave activity should be evaluated in the model representation of stratosphere‐troposphere coupling.
Description of Martian Convective Vortices Observed by InSight and Implications for Vertical Vortex Structure and Subsurface Physical Properties
Authors: Onodera Keisuke , Nishida Kiwamu , Kawamura Taichi , Murdoch Naomi , Drilleau Mélanie , Otsuka Ryoji , Lorenz Ralph , Horleston Anna , Widmer‐Schnidrig Rudolf , Schimmel Martin , Rodriguez Sebastien , Carrasco Sebastián , Tanaka Satoshi , Perrin Clement , Lognonné Philippe , Spiga Aymeric , Banfield Don , Panning Mark , Banerdt William Bruce
Published: August 2023

Convective vortices (whirlwinds) and dust devils (dust‐loaded vortices) are one of the most common phenomena on Mars. They reflect the local thermodynamical structure of the atmosphere and are the driving force of the dust cycle. Additionally, they cause an elastic ground deformation, which is useful for retrieving the subsurface rigidity. Therefore, investigating convective vortices with the right instrumentation can lead to a better understanding of the Martian atmospheric structures as well as the subsurface physical properties. In this study, we quantitatively characterized the convective vortices detected by NASA's InSight (∼13,000 events) using meteorological (e.g., pressure, wind speed, temperature) and seismic data. The evaluated parameters, such as the signal‐to‐noise ratio, event duration, asymmetricity of pressure drop profiles, and cross‐correlation between seismic and pressure signals, are compiled as a catalog. Using these parameters, we investigated (a) the vortex structure and (b) the subsurface physical properties. Regarding the first topic, we tried to illustrate the vertical vortex structure and its link to the shape of the pressure profiles by combining the asymmetrical features seen in the observed pressure drops and the terrestrial observations of dust devils. Our results indicate that most of the vortices move with the wall tilted in the advection direction. Concerning the second topic, selecting the highly correlated events between pressure perturbation and ground response, we estimated the subsurface rigidity at the InSight landing site down to 100 m depth. Our results indicate that the subsurface structure can be modeled with two layers having a transition at 5–15 m depth.
Novel insights into the pathogenesis of follicular lymphoma by molecular profiling of localized and systemic disease forms
Authors: Kalmbach Sabrina , Grau Michael , Zapukhlyak Myroslav , Leich Ellen , Jurinovic Vindi , Hoster Eva , Staiger Annette M. , Kurz Katrin S. , Weigert Oliver , Gaitzsch Erik , Passerini Verena , Engelhard Marianne , Herfarth Klaus , Beiske Klaus , Micci Francesca , Möller Peter , Bernd Heinz-Wolfram , Feller Alfred C. , Klapper Wolfram , Stein Harald , Hansmann Martin-Leo , Hartmann Sylvia , Dreyling Martin , Holte Harald , Lenz Georg , Rosenwald Andreas , Ott German , Horn Heike ,   German Lymphoma Alliance (GLA)
Published: August 2023

Knowledge on the pathogenesis of FL is mainly based on data derived from advanced/systemic stages of FL (sFL) and only small cohorts of localized FL (lFL) have been characterized intensively so far. Comprehensive analysis with profiling of somatic copy number alterations (SCNA) and whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed in 147 lFL and 122 sFL. Putative targets were analyzed for gene and protein expression. Overall, lFL and sFL, as well as BCL2 translocation-positive (BCL2+) and –negative (BCL2−) FL showed overlapping features in SCNA and mutational profiles. Significant differences between lFL and sFL, however, were detected for SCNA frequencies, e.g., in 18q-gains (14% lFL vs. 36% sFL; p = 0.0003). Although rare in lFL, gains in 18q21 were associated with inferior progression-free survival (PFS). The mutational landscape of lFL and sFL included typical genetic lesions. However, ARID1A mutations were significantly more often detected in sFL (29%) compared to lFL (6%, p = 0.0001). In BCL2 + FL mutations in KMT2D, BCL2, ABL2, IGLL5 and ARID1A were enriched, while STAT6 mutations more frequently occurred in BCL2- FL. Although the landscape of lFL and sFL showed overlapping features, molecular profiling revealed novel insights and identified gains in 18q21 as prognostic marker in lFL.
NvPrdm14d-expressing neural progenitor cells contribute to non-ectodermal neurogenesis in Nematostella vectensis
Authors: Lemaître Quentin I. B. , Bartsch Natascha , Kouzel Ian U. , Busengdal Henriette , Richards Gemma Sian , Steinmetz Patrick R. H. , Rentzsch Fabian
Published: August 2023

Neurogenesis has been studied extensively in the ectoderm, from which most animals generate the majority of their neurons. Neurogenesis from non-ectodermal tissue is, in contrast, poorly understood. Here we use the cnidarian Nematostella vectensis as a model to provide new insights into the molecular regulation of non-ectodermal neurogenesis. We show that the transcription factor NvPrdm14d is expressed in a subpopulation of NvSoxB(2)-expressing endodermal progenitor cells and their NvPOU4-expressing progeny. Using a new transgenic reporter line, we show that NvPrdm14d-expressing cells give rise to neurons in the body wall and in close vicinity of the longitudinal retractor muscles. RNA-sequencing of NvPrdm14d::GFP-expressing cells and gene knockdown experiments provide candidate genes for the development and function of these neurons. Together, the identification of a population of endoderm-specific neural progenitor cells and of previously undescribed putative motoneurons in Nematostella provide new insights into the regulation of non-ectodermal neurogenesis.
DeSUMOylation of a Verticillium dahliae enolase facilitates virulence by derepressing the expression of the effector VdSCP8
Authors: Wu Xue-Ming , Zhang Bo-Sen , Zhao Yun-Long , Wu Hua-Wei , Gao Feng , Zhang Jie , Zhao Jian-Hua , Guo Hui-Shan
Published: August 2023

The soil-borne fungus Verticillium dahliae, the most notorious plant pathogen of the Verticillium genus, causes vascular wilts in a wide variety of economically important crops. The molecular mechanism of V. dahliae pathogenesis remains largely elusive. Here, we identify a small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)-specific protease (VdUlpB) from V. dahliae, and find that VdUlpB facilitates V. dahliae virulence by deconjugating SUMO from V. dahliae enolase (VdEno). We identify five lysine residues (K96, K254, K259, K313 and K434) that mediate VdEno SUMOylation, and SUMOylated VdEno preferentially localized in nucleus where it functions as a transcription repressor to inhibit the expression of an effector VdSCP8. Importantly, VdUlpB mediates deSUMOylation of VdEno facilitates its cytoplasmic distribution, which allows it to function as a glycolytic enzyme. Our study reveals a sophisticated pathogenic mechanism of VdUlpB-mediated enolase deSUMOylation, which fortifies glycolytic pathway for growth and contributes to V. dahliae virulence through derepressing the expression of an effector.