bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging patterns of genetic diversity in the critically endangered Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni)
Authors: Allberry Kate , Rovie-Ryan Jeffrine Japning , Ali Nur Alizati Nabila Giarat , Elias Nurul-Ain , Darmaraj Mark Rayan , Wong Christopher Chai Thiam , Fong Lau Ching , Smith Olutolani , Mohamed Khairul Amirin Bin , Mukri Mohamad Izereen Bin Amat , Yazid Muhammad Hafiz Bin Mohd , Struebig Matthew J. , Ogden Rob , Groombridge Jim J.
Published: March 2024

Southeast Asia experiences some of the highest deforestation in the world. Loss of tropical forest typically leads to widespread habitat fragmentation, with detrimental effects on dispersal ability and gene flow—particularly for large carnivores. We conducted mtDNA and microsatellite analysis to assess—for the first time—contemporary patterns of genetic diversity in the Malayan tiger. We collected 295 suspected carnivore samples in Peninsular Malaysia, from which we identified 26 as originating from tiger using 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci, comprising 22 individual tigers. Despite limitations of the study, our findings suggest tiger subpopulations in the north of the peninsula maintain some genetic connectivity and migration between two putative geographic subpopulations in the Main Range and Greater Taman Negara, with negligible population segregation due to dispersal barriers such as road infrastructure. We identified consistently lower levels of genetic diversity in tigers in the Greater Taman Negara region compared to tigers in the Main Range and small but emerging differences in nuclear and mitochondrial genetic diversity. Our mtDNA haplotype and nuclear DNA analyses suggest the levels of genetic diversity in Malayan tigers may be amongst some of the lowest of the surviving tiger subspecies, though the study is limited both in scale and genomic loci. Our findings are consistent with an expected lag between the rapid decline of tigers in Peninsular Malaysia by over 95% in the last 70 years and observed differences in their levels of genetic diversity.
Square root computation in finite fields
Authors: Adiguzel-Goktas Ebru , Ozdemir Enver
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we present a review of three widely-used practical square root algorithms. We then describe a unifying framework where each of these well-known algorithms can be seen as a special case of it. The framework with singular curves offers a broad perspective to compare and further improve the existing methods in addition to offering a new avenue for square root computation algorithms in finite fields.
Monomial isomorphism for tensors and applications to code equivalence problems
Authors: D’Alconzo Giuseppe
Published: March 2024

Starting from the problem of d-tensor isomorphism (d-$$\textsf {TI}$$
TI
), we study the relation between various code equivalence problems in different metrics. In particular, we show a reduction from the sum-rank metric ($$\textsf {CE}_{\textsf {sr}}$$

CE
sr

) to the rank metric ($$\textsf {CE}_{\textsf {rk}}$$

CE
rk

). To obtain this result, we investigate reductions between tensor problems. We define the monomial isomorphism problem for d-tensors (d-$$\textsf {TI}^*$$

TI
∗

), where, given two d-tensors, we ask if there are $$d-1$$

d
-
1

invertible matrices and a monomial matrix sending one tensor into the other. We link this problem to the well-studied d-$$\textsf {TI}$$
TI
and the $$\textsf {TI}$$
TI
-completeness of d-$$\textsf {TI}^*$$

TI
∗

is shown. Due to this result, we obtain a reduction from $$\textsf {CE}_{\textsf {sr}}$$

CE
sr

to $$\textsf {CE}_{\textsf {rk}}$$

CE
rk

. In the literature, a similar result was known, but it needs an additional assumption on the automorphisms of matrix codes. Since many constructions based on the hardness of Code Equivalence problems are emerging in cryptography, we analyze how such reductions can be taken into account in the design of cryptosystems based on $$\textsf {CE}_{\textsf {sr}}$$

CE
sr

.
Community-Led Adaptations of a Promotora-Delivered Intervention for Latino Families of Youth with Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Rangel Elizabeth , Rieth Sarah , Mejia Yesenia , Cervantes Laura , Bello Vazquez Brenda , Brookman-Frazee Lauren
Published: March 2024

There is a need to address the disparities in service use for Latino youth with developmental disabilities and their families. The PUENTE program is a multi-agency service model that utilized an 11-session Promotora-delivered curriculum (Parents Taking Action, Magaña et al., 2017) to promote service utilization among underserved Latino families of youth with developmental disabilities. This study applied two implementation adaptation frameworks (FRAME; Stirman et al., 2019; FRAME-IS; Miller et al., 2021) to elicit feedback from community partners and characterize adaptations for scale up and sustainment. Mixed qualitative and quantitative methods were used to characterize adaptations used and recommended for future use. Promotoras reported adaptations made during the delivery of the intervention via end-of-service surveys for 20 families. Respondents, including Promotoras (n = 5), caregivers (n = 11), and staff (n = 2), were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Rapid analysis of qualitative data was conducted and integrated with quantitative data to generate and categorize adaptations. Using FRAME and FRAME-IS, adaptations were noted at multiple levels of the program (e.g., content, context, and training). The most common Promotora-reported adaptations were Covering One Topic Across Multiple Sessions (M = 1.65, SD = 1.35) and Adding Content (M = 1.00, SD = 0.86). Additional adaptation themes from the qualitative data, such as the context-level adaptation recommendation of Individualizing for Engagement, converged with the quantitative data. This study builds on a multi-phase, community partnered approach to reducing disparities in access to services for Latino youth with developmental disabilities. These adaptations will be incorporated as part of a large-scale implementation effort to ensure that the program successfully addresses community needs.
A voltage-based Event-Timing-Dependent Plasticity rule accounts for LTP subthreshold and suprathreshold for dendritic spikes in CA1 pyramidal neurons
Authors: Tomko Matus , Benuskova Lubica , Jedlicka Peter
Published: March 2024

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a synaptic mechanism involved in learning and memory. Experiments have shown that dendritic sodium spikes (Na-dSpikes) are required for LTP in the distal apical dendrites of CA1 pyramidal cells. On the other hand, LTP in perisomatic dendrites can be induced by synaptic input patterns that can be both subthreshold and suprathreshold for Na-dSpikes. It is unclear whether these results can be explained by one unifying plasticity mechanism. Here, we show in biophysically and morphologically realistic compartmental models of the CA1 pyramidal cell that these forms of LTP can be fully accounted for by a simple plasticity rule. We call it the voltage-based Event-Timing-Dependent Plasticity (ETDP) rule. The presynaptic event is the presynaptic spike or release of glutamate. The postsynaptic event is the local depolarization that exceeds a certain plasticity threshold. Our model reproduced the experimentally observed LTP in a variety of protocols, including local pharmacological inhibition of dendritic spikes by tetrodotoxin (TTX). In summary, we have provided a validation of the voltage-based ETDP, suggesting that this simple plasticity rule can be used to model even complex spatiotemporal patterns of long-term synaptic plasticity in neuronal dendrites.
Pre-Pandemic and Recent Oral and Medical Health Care Utilization among Young American Indian Children and Their Caregivers
Authors: Barger Steven D. , Kirby Christine , Thomas Heather , Camplain Carolyn , Young Sara , Morrison Gerlinda , Hyeoma Stephanie , Bordeaux Skyler J. , Horowitz Chloe , Baldwin Julie A.
Published: March 2024

Children from diverse ethnic groups are at significantly increased risk for dental caries. In particular, American Indian (AI) children have the highest incidence of detal caries of any ethnic group. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically restricted health care access, including preventive oral health care. Given this context, it is unclear whether or not preventive oral health care for AI children has resumed since lockdown. To address this question, we surveyed adult AI caregivers (N = 152) of children aged 0–5 years, assessing recent (12-month) and pre-COVID (for caregivers of children aged 3–5 years) preventive oral and medical health services. We also examined medical health care access and utilization among caregivers. Among children aged 3–5 years old, both pre-pandemic and past year medical care utilization were generally high (80 and 90%, respectively) as was any oral health care utilization (64 & 78%, respectively). Oral health check-ups were more common over the last year (62%) compared to pre-COVID (44%). Recent health care utilization among children 1–5 years old in this sample were generally comparable to national estimates, except for higher reported preventive medical care (99% vs. 87.6%, respectively) and higher preventive oral care (96% vs. 59.6%, respectively). More caregivers reported delaying or foregoing needed health care due to COVID (28–38%) versus due to cost (8–17%). In this survey of AI caregivers, recent child preventive health care utilization was high, and changes in utilization following the lockdown phases of the pandemic were comparable for oral and medical health care.
Pointwise Error Estimates of Numerical Solutions to Linear Quadratic Optimal Control Problems
Authors: Hofmann S. , Borzì A.
Published: March 2024

An auxiliary optimal control problem is formulated that provides with its unique solution, a continuous representation of the global error of a numerical approximation to the solution of a linear quadratic optimal control problem. The resulting error functions are characterized as the unique solutions to an optimality system that is reformulated as a boundary value problem. With this formulation, reliable pointwise error estimates can be generated utilizing well-established techniques of defect control. A novel algorithm based on defect correction and defect control is presented that generates pointwise approximations to the global error of numerical optimal control solutions on a uniform grid. It is proven and numerically validated that this algorithm can generate pointwise estimates that approximate the true global error with a prescribed accuracy.
Do Patterns of Adolescent Participation in Arts, Culture and Entertainment Activities Predict Later Wellbeing? A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Thornton Emma , Petersen Kimberly , Marquez Jose , Humphrey Neil
Published: March 2024

Participation in arts, culture, and entertainment (PACE) activities may promote adolescent wellbeing. However, little is known about how such activities cluster together, and previous research has used small samples, cross-sectional designs, focused on single activities, and/or has not considered the influence of socio-demographic factors on participation. Using latent class analysis, the aims of this study were to establish: (i) classes of adolescent PACE activities; (ii) associations between socio-demographic characteristics and PACE classification; and, (iii) whether PACE classification predicts later wellbeing. Longitudinal data from the #BeeWell study (N = 18,224 adolescents; mean age at T1 = 12 years 7 months (±3.56 months); 50.54% female) were analyzed. Four latent classes were established: the ‘Dynamic Doers’ (high, wide-ranging participation; 11.87%); the ’Mind and Body Crew’ (reading, arts, videogames, sports/exercise; 39.81%); the ‘Game and Gain Squad’ (videogames and sports/exercise; 29.05%); and the ‘Activity Free Adolescents’ (uniformly low participation; 19.27%). Associations between socio-demographic characteristics and PACE classification were observed (e.g., socio-economic disadvantage increased the likelihood of Activity Free Adolescents classification, compared to Game and Gain Squad classification). Finally, PACE classification predicted later wellbeing (e.g., Dynamic Doers reported significantly higher wellbeing than Activity Free Adolescents). These findings are discussed in relation to the need to improve accessibility and appeal of arts, culture, and entertainment provision for adolescents as a means to optimize their wellbeing.

Pre-registration

The analysis plan for this study was pre-registered on the Open Science Framework and can be found here:https://osf.io/2jtpd
Gestational Age and Neurodevelopmental Delay in Term Births at 6 and 12 Months: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS)
Authors: Haneda Kentaro , Hosoya Mitsuaki , Fujimori Keiya , Yasumura Seiji , Nishigori Hidekazu , Kuse Masahito , Kyozuka Hyo , Maeda Hajime , Sato Akiko , Ogata Yuka , Hashimoto Koich ,   the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) Group
Published: March 2024

Background

In the recent years, a high risk of developmental delay not only in very low birth weight infants and late preterm infants but also in early term infants (37–38 weeks) have increasingly been reported. However, in Japan, there are virtually no studies regarding the development delays in early term infants.

Methods

This study used the data from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS), a birth cohort study conducted in Japan. Data were selected for analysis from the records of 104,065 fetal records. The risk of neurodevelopmental delays at 6 months and 12 months after birth was evaluated using multivariate analysis for infants of various gestational ages, using the 40th week of pregnancy as a reference value. Neurodevelopment was evaluated at 6 months and 12 months after birth using the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, Japanese translation (J-ASQ-3).

Results

The proportion of infants born at a gestational age of 37 to 38 weeks who did not reach the J-ASQ-3 score cutoff value was significantly higher in all areas at both 6 months and 12 months after birth, when compared to that of infants born at 40 weeks. The odds ratio decreased at 12 months after birth compared to that at 6 months after birth.

Conclusion

Early term infants in Japan are at an increased risk of neurodevelopmental delay at 12 months after birth.
SiamRAAN: Siamese Residual Attentional Aggregation Network for Visual Object Tracking
Authors: Xin Zhiyi , Yu Junyang , He Xin , Song Yalin , Li Han
Published: March 2024

The Siamese network-based tracker calculates object templates and search images independently, and the template features are not updated online when performing object tracking. Adapting to interference scenarios with performance-guaranteed tracking accuracy when background clutter, illumination variation or partial occlusion occurs in the search area is a challenging task. To effectively address the issue with the abovementioned interference and to improve location accuracy, this paper devises a Siamese residual attentional aggregation network framework for self-adaptive feature implicit updating. First, SiamRAAN introduces Self-RAAN into the backbone network by applying residual self-attention to extract effective objective features. Then, we introduce Cross-RAAN to update the template features online by focusing on the high-relevance parts in the feature extraction process of both the object template and search image. Finally, a multilevel feature fusion module is introduced to fuse the RAAN-enhanced feature information and improve the network’s ability to perceive key features. Extensive experiments conducted on benchmark datasets (GOT-10K, LaSOT, OTB-50, OTB-100 and UAV123) demonstrated that our SiamRAAN delivers excellent performance and runs at 51 FPS in various challenging object tracking tasks. Code is available at https://github.com/MallowYi/SiamRAAN.
Co-GZSL: Feature Contrastive Optimization for Generalized Zero-Shot Learning
Authors: Li Qun , Zhan Zhuxi , Shen Yaying , Bhanu Bir
Published: March 2024

Generalized Zero-Shot Learning (GZSL) learns from only labeled seen classes during training but discriminates both seen and unseen classes during testing. In GZSL tasks, most of the existing methods commonly utilize visual and semantic features for training. Due to the lack of visual features for unseen classes, recent works generate real-like visual features by using semantic features. However, the synthesized features in the original feature space lack discriminative information. It is important that the synthesized visual features should be similar to the ones in the same class, but different from the other classes. One way to solve this problem is to introduce the embedding space after generating visual features. Following this situation, the embedded features from the embedding space can be inconsistent with the original semantic features. For another way, some recent methods constrain the representation by reconstructing the semantic features using the original visual features and the synthesized visual features. In this paper, we propose a hybrid GZSL model, named feature Contrastive optimization for GZSL (Co-GZSL), to reconstruct the semantic features from the embedded features, which ensures that the embedded features are close to the original semantic features indirectly by comparing reconstructed semantic features with original semantic features. In addition, to settle the problem that the synthesized features lack discrimination and semantic consistency, we introduce a Feature Contrastive Optimization Module (FCOM) and jointly utilize contrastive and semantic cycle-consistency losses in the FCOM to strengthen the intra-class compactness and the inter-class separability and to encourage the model to generate semantically consistent and discriminative visual features. By combining the generative module, the embedding module, and the FCOM, we achieve Co-GZSL. We evaluate the proposed Co-GZSL model on four benchmarks, and the experimental results indicate that our model is superior over current methods. Code is available at: https://github.com/zhanzhuxi/Co-GZSL.
Policing, undercover policing and ‘dirty hands’: the case of state entrapment
Authors: Hill Daniel J. , McLeod Stephen K. , Tanyi Attila
Published: March 2024

Under a ‘dirty hands’ model of undercover policing, it inevitably involves situations where whatever the state agent does is morally problematic. Christopher Nathan argues against this model. Nathan’s criticism of the model is predicated on the contention that it entails the view, which he considers objectionable, that morally wrongful acts are central to undercover policing. We address this criticism, and some other aspects of Nathan’s discussion of the ‘dirty hands’ model, specifically in relation to state entrapment to commit a crime. Using János Kis’s work on political morality, we explain three dilemmatic versions of the ‘dirty hands’ model. We show that, while two of these are inapplicable to state entrapment, the third has better prospects. We then pursue our main aim, which is to argue that, since the third model precludes Nathan’s criticism, a viable ‘dirty hands’ model of state entrapment remains an open possibility. Finally, we generalize this result, showing that the case of state entrapment is not special: the result holds good for policing practices more generally, including such routine practices as arrest, detention and restraint.
Unraveling the role of nanoparticles in improving plant resilience under environmental stress condition
Authors: Thabet Samar G. , Alqudah Ahmad M.
Published: March 2024

Background

As the world grapples with increasing agricultural demands and unpredictable environmental stressors, there is a pressing need to improve plant resilience. Therefore, understanding the pioneering role of nanoparticles in alleviating plant stress is crucial for developing stress-resilient varieties to enhance food secure world. Nanoparticles have unique physical and chemical properties, and demonstrate their potential to enhance plant growth, nutrient utilization, and stress tolerance. This review delves into the mechanistic insights of nanoparticle-plant interactions, highlighting how these tiny particles can mitigate diverse stressors such as drought, salinity, and heavy metal toxicity. The action of different types of nanoparticles, including metal, carbon-based, and biogenic nanoparticles, are discussed in the context of their interaction with plant physiology and stress responses.

Aims

This article also explores the potential drawbacks and environmental implications of nanoparticle use, emphasizing the need for responsible and sustainable applications. Therefore, this study aimed to offer exciting possibilities for managing both biotic and abiotic stress in plant species, from improving water-use efficiency and stress resilience via nanotechnology.

Conclusions

Future research directions are suggested, focusing on nano-bioengineering and precision agriculture to create stress-resilient crops and enhance food security. Through the lens of interdisciplinary research, this paper underscores the significance of nanoparticles as innovative tools in the realm of agriculture, catalyzing a paradigm shift towards sustainable and stress-resilient farming systems.
Interplay between developmental cues and rhizosphere signals from mycorrhizal fungi shape root anatomy, impacting crop productivity
Authors: Grondin Alexandre , Li Meng , Bhosale Rahul , Sawers Ruairidh , Schneider Hannah M.
Published: March 2024

Background

The rhizosphere is the interface between roots and the soil and the site of nutrient and water uptake for plant growth. Root anatomy and the physical, chemical, and biological components of the rhizosphere interact to influence plant growth. Several root developmental and rhizosphere signals combine in the patterning of root cortical anatomy and have implications for the plant’s hydro-mineral nutrition and carbon partitioning and therefore crop productivity, especially in edaphic stress.

Scope

Here, we highlight how mutualistic mycorrhizal fungi from the rhizosphere mobilize plant molecular actors controlling root anatomical traits, including cortical cell size, to facilitate their establishment and accommodation within the cortex. We explore the effects on plant growth and stress tolerance that may result from the changes in root anatomy driven by interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, including altering the metabolic efficiency required for nutrient exploitation. We also discuss opportunities for understanding the genetic control of root anatomy and rhizosphere interactions to enable a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and trade-offs of root-rhizosphere interactions for more productive crops.
Enhancing heterogeneous cluster efficiency through node-centric scheduling
Authors: Stafford Esteban , Bosque Jose Luis
Published: March 2024

This article delves into the critical realm of modern computer cluster management. It focuses on the effect that the increasing heterogeneity of the clusters has on the workload managers. The proposed schedulers consider node properties instead of job properties to make decisions, which is something not currently done by mainstream scheduling algorithms. In order to increase the knowledge in this topic, this paper proposes two novel algorithms whose main task is to choose the best compute nodes to schedule the incoming jobs. To this effect, they exclusively take into account the properties of the nodes, instead of the common trend of considering the properties of the jobs. The experimental results show that these algorithms outperform well-known heuristic algorithms found in the literature.
Semantic transparency and doublet formation: the case of Hebrew location nouns
Authors: Laks Lior
Published: March 2024

This study examines the correlation between derivational paradigms and morphological variation and change. I will examine a case study of Hebrew location nouns formation. Semitic morphology relies highly on non-concatenative morphology, where words are formed in patterns. Some Hebrew location nouns that are formed in one pattern, receive an additional form in another pattern with no change of their meaning. In contrast, there are location nouns, which are also formed in the same pattern, but do not have morphological doublets. Previous studies accounted for this change and proposed phonological and semantic criteria that trigger it. However, such explanation only account for why the change occurs, but not for cases where there is no doublet formation. I argue that morphological change is highly motivated in cases where the forms that undergo a change are part of a derivational paradigm. Specifically, I will show that only location nouns that are derivationally related to a verbal counterpart, such that the semantic relation between them is highly transparent, can undergo such change and have doublets. In contrast, words that are not part of such a paradigm are less likely to undergo change. The study highlights the important role of semantic transparency and derivational paradigms in morphological variation and change, showing that properties of words are not the only criteria that are taken into consideration, but also their relations with other words within a derivational paradigm.
Qualification of Austenitic Stainless Steels for the Development of Load-Sensitive Material Sensors
Authors: Gansel René , Quanz Markus , Lohrengel Armin , Maier Hans Jürgen , Barton Sebastian
Published: March 2024

To detect mechanical overloads on the component directly in operation, a metastable material can be used as a load-sensitive sensor when combined with an eddy current testing system. In order to find a suitable metastable sensor material that exhibits microstructural changes at an early stage before fatigue failure, quasi-static tensile tests and cyclic rotating bending tests were carried out with the austenitic stainless steels 1.4301 (2 batches), 1.4305, 1.4541 and 1.4550. For the detection of microstructural changes, electromagnetic testing was used in-situ in the tensile test and ex-situ between the rotating bending test after a pre-defined number of cycles. The investigated materials 1.4301 batch2 and 1.4550 showed the largest signal changes and the lowest austenite stability both in the tensile test and under cyclic bending load. Due to the better mechanical properties, 1.4301 batch2 should be preferred. The order of the austenitic stainless steels tested was similar in terms of transformation behavior in both tests. Thus, the tensile test combined with in-situ electromagnetic testing appears to have potential as a suitable benchmark test for austenite stability. With regard to the cyclic bending stress, an overload of the specimens could be detected for the materials 1.4301 batch2, 1.4305, 1.4541 and for the 1.4550 on the basis of a significant amplitude change. At low bending stresses, uncritical for structural integrity, no increase in amplitude was measured. The results have shown that an early detection of overloads is possible with several materials, however, the potential for detecting overloads varies between materials and also between individual batches. In addition, it has been observed that as the bending stress increases, the gradient of the change in amplitude over the number of cycles increases as well. Thus, with a known number of cycles, it could be possible to classify the previous load spectrum based on the difference in amplitude between two measurements.
Pregnancy After Bariatric Surgery—Experience from a Tertiary Center
Authors: Ferreira Helena Urbano , von Hafe Madalena , Dias Helena , Gonçalves Juliana , Belo Sandra , Queirós Joana
Published: March 2024

Introduction

It is estimated that most people undergoing bariatric surgery are women of reproductive age; nonetheless, its effects on pregnancy outcomes are not yet fully understood.

Methods

Retrospective observational study, conducted in a tertiary center in Portugal, included participants in two groups: (1) pregnant women with a history of bariatric surgery (n = 89) and (2) pregnant women with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2, without previous bariatric surgery (n = 176). Data was collected from the medical files. Multivariate analysis was conducted to adjust for confounders.

Results

Pregnancy after bariatric surgery was associated with lower risk of gestational diabetes (15.7% vs. 30.1%, p = 0.002) and cesarean delivery (20.7% vs. 33.5%, p = 0.007), and a higher gestational weight gain (10.58 ± 9.95 vs. 7.33 ± 6.00 kg, p < 0.001). Participants in the bariatric surgery who experienced a gestational weight gain ≤ 10.0 kg had a higher risk of preterm delivery (16.7% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.031). No significant differences were found regarding hypertensive diseases of pregnancy between groups (4.5% vs 11.4%, p = 0.147).

Pregnancy after bariatric surgery was associated with lower neonate weight percentile (34.24 ± 21.09 vs. 48.77 ± 27.94, p < 0.001), higher risk of fetal growth restriction (5.6% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.018), and lower risk of fetal macrosomia (0.0% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.005). There were no significant differences in the risk of SGA (12.5% vs. 7.0%, p = 0.127) or LGA neonates (2.3% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.069).

Conclusion

Pregnancy after bariatric surgery is associated with both risks and benefits, which should be considered by healthcare providers. Pregnancy after bariatric surgery requires individualized care, to ensure adequate gestational weight and avoid micronutrient deficiencies.

Graphical Abstract
Factors associated with increased risk of postoperative blood transfusion in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty at an Irish University Hospital
Authors: O’Connor Gavin David , Mannion Stephen , Purcell James
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Approximately 7000 total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgeries occur in Ireland each year. A number of preoperative factors have been identified that increase the risk of postoperative blood transfusion after THA, including anaemia. The ability to identify patients at risk may allow preoperative management strategies to reduce blood transfusions. Data from Irish orthopaedic patients is currently lacking.

Aim

To investigate if preoperative anaemia and other factors are associated with postoperative blood transfusions in patients who undergo THA.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent THA in 2019 in SIVUH, Cork, using medical chart review.

Results

In total, 350 charts met the inclusion criteria, with 291 charts reviewed. 8.9% of the patients who underwent THA had preoperative anaemia. Among these, 19.2% had a postoperative blood transfusion, compared to 1.5% of patients who were not anaemic preoperatively. The odds of receiving a blood transfusion was 15.5 times greater in the preoperative anaemia group compared to the non-anaemic group. Increasing age and higher ASA scores were associated with preoperative anaemia and postoperative blood transfusions. Length of stay was increased by 2.2 days (p < 0.00016) if blood transfusion was required.

Conclusion

Preoperative anaemia was common in an Irish orthopaedic population undergoing THA. Preoperative anaemia predisposes patients to the greatest increased risk of postoperative blood transfusions. The other factors associated with the need for postoperative transfusion were ASA grade 3 or more and age greater than 65 years. Patients who received postoperative blood transfusions had a significantly increased length of hospital stay.
Genome-Wide Screens Identify Genes Responsible for Intrinsic Boric Acid Resistance in Escherichia coli
Authors: Çöl Bekir , Kürkçü Merve Sezer , Di̇bek Esra
Published: March 2024

Boric acid (BA) has antimicrobial properties and is used to combat bacterial infections, including Enterobacteria. However, the molecular mechanisms and cellular responses to BA are still unknown. This genomics study aims to provide new information on the genes and molecular mechanisms related to the antimicrobial effect of BA in Escherichia coli. The Keio collection of E. coli was used to screen 3985 single-gene knockout strains in order to identify mutant strains that were sensitive or hypersensitive to BA at certain concentrations. The mutant strains were exposed to different concentrations of BA ranging from 0 to 120 mM in LB media. Through genome-wide screens, 92 mutants were identified that were relatively sensitive to BA at least at one concentration tested. The related biological processes in the particular cellular system were listed. This study demonstrates that intrinsic BA resistance is the result of various mechanisms acting together. Additionally, we identified eighteen out of ninety-two mutant strains (Delta_aceF, aroK, cheZ, dinJ, galS, garP, glxK, nohA, talB, torR, trmU, trpR, yddE, yfeS, ygaV, ylaC, yoaC, yohN) that exhibited sensitivity using other methods. To increase sensitivity to BA, we constructed double and triple knockout mutants of the selected sensitive mutants. In certain instances, engineered double and triple mutants exhibited significantly amplified effects. Overall, our analysis of these findings offers further understanding of the mechanisms behind BA toxicity and intrinsic resistance in E. coli.
The roles of COVID-19-related resource losses and coping processes in psychological distress among parents of children with special educational needs in Hong Kong: a conservation of resources approach
Authors: Ng Natalie S. N. , Yeung Nelson C. Y.
Published: March 2024

There are more than 57,000 children with special educational needs (SEN) in Hong Kong. Subject to multiple aspects of stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., school closures, disruptions of daily routines), parents of children with SEN are at-risk of poorer psychological well-being. Studies have suggested that perceived resource loss in different aspects due to COVID-19, coping resources (e.g. family communication, parenting self-efficacy), and coping strategies (e.g., acceptance) are associated with psychological outcomes among Western parents of children with SEN; relevant local studies are limited. Guided by the Conservation of Resource Theory, this study examined the factors associated with psychological distress among parents of children with SEN shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong. Parents of children with SEN in Hong Kong (N = 150) were recruited between February and March 2023 from online forums to complete a cross-sectional survey measuring their sociodemographic variables and the abovementioned psychosocial variables. Hierarchical regression results showed that loss in future control (β = 0.28, p < .01) and self-blame coping (β = 0.26, p < .001) were associated with higher psychological distress; family communication (β=  − 0.27, p < .001) and acceptance coping (β=  − 0.18, p < .05) were associated with lower psychological distress among those parents. This study identified the important contributors to psychological distress of the parents of children with SEN in Hong Kong. Psychosocial interventions helping parents to reflect on resource loss due to COVID-19, training their skills in coping with stressors and effective family communication could promote their psychological adjustments in difficult pandemic situations.
Intensified exploitation of animal products in the Mediterranean Copper Age: isotopic evidence from Scaba ’e Arriu (Sardinia)
Authors: Lai Luca , Fonzo Ornella , Tykot Robert H. , Goddard Ethan , Hollander David , Medda Luca , Tanda Giuseppa
Published: March 2024

In this paper, dietary patterns are reconstructed across two phases represented at the Copper Age of Scaba ’e Arriu (Sardinia, Italy) via isotopic analysis of human and animal skeletal remains. Collagen carbon, nitrogen, and bioapatite carbon, and oxygen isotopes were used to infer diet, economic practices, and possibly different climatic conditions. Differential management of cattle, sheep/goats, and pigs was detected, with scarce animal products in the human diet in the Early Copper Age, followed by an increase in animal products identifiable in herbivore livestock, coincident with more rainy conditions in the Late Copper Age. Dietary information was then considered in light of the climatic periods already known for the period and compatible with the data presented. The study’s outcome indicates generally sedentary and endogamous groups with only a few outliers in both phases.
Slow and steady saves the race: molecular and morphological analysis of three new cryptic species of Iberus land snails from the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Liétor José , Tudela Antonio R. , Jódar Pedro A. , Jowers Michael J. , Moreno-Rueda Gregorio
Published: March 2024

The Iberian Peninsula constitutes a diversity hotspot with a high number of endemisms, where the land snail genus Iberus is likely the best example. Despite this, its species diversity is still debated as it holds several cryptic species. In the present paper, we use molecular evidence (mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase subunit I) to clarify the position of I. ortizi and three new cryptic species that are described herein: I. giennensis, I. axarciensis and I. antikarianus spp. nov. For this, we sampled 281 sampling points to delimitate a comprehensive geographic mapping of these species. Moreover, we carried out a comprehensive morphometric analysis based on 3205 shells. Our findings show that, morphologically, the three described species overlap in the form of their shells, their morphologies being very similar to other close species with nearby distributions (I. ortizi, I. angustatus and I. marmoratus loxanus). Still, all these species are well-defined by genetic distances, but display allopatric distributions, suggesting that they evolved by allopatric speciation as a consequence of biogeographic isolation. Hence, our findings show insights into the evolution of land snails in southeastern Spain, with implications for their conservation, given that our exhaustive sampling shows that the three species described here have very limited distribution ranges, especially I. antikarianus sp. nov. Our study, moreover, implies an integrated approach to the study of the evolution of land snails, including the sampling of the complete geographic area occupied by the genus, genetic analysis to delimit the actual species range, as well as morphometric analyses to understand the phenotypic differentiation and adaptations of the three new species.
Institution-Wide Retreats Foster Organizational Learning and Action at a Comprehensive Cancer Center
Authors: Schrank Benjamin R. , Fuller John A. , Gallagher Colleen M. , Morris Van K. , Holliday Emma B. , Merriman Kelly , Nguyen Lynne , Weaver Lou , Nelson Kelly , Chiao Elizabeth , Koong Albert C. , Hawk Ernest , Chang Shine
Published: March 2024

Providing safe and informed healthcare for sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals with cancer is stymied by the lack of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data reliably available in health records and by insufficient training for staff. Approaches that support institutional learning, especially around sensitive topics, are essential for hospitals seeking to improve practices impacting patient safety and research. We engineered annual institutional retreats to identify and unify stakeholders, promote awareness of gaps and needs, identify initiatives, minimize redundant projects, and coordinate efforts that promote improvements in SGM cancer care, education, and research. The 2022 and 2023 retreats employed a 4-h hybrid format allowing virtual and in-person engagement. Retreat organizers facilitated small-group discussions for brainstorming among participants. We performed descriptive statistics from retreat evaluations. The retreats engaged 104 attendees from distinct departments and roles. Participants expressed robust satisfaction, commending the retreat organization and content quality. Notably, the first retreat yielded leadership endorsement and funding for a Quality Improvement pilot to standardize SOGI data collection and clinical staff training. The second retreat provided a platform for updates on focused efforts across the institution and for receiving direction regarding national best practices for SGM care and research. We report the processes and outcomes of institution-wide retreats, which served as a platform for identifying gaps in organizational healthcare practices and research for SGM individuals with cancer. The strategies described herein may be readily scaled at other cancer hospitals seeking to learn and enact system-wide practice changes that support the needs of SGM patients and families.
Melissopalynology of pot-pollen and pot-honey of the Mayan stingless bee Melipona beecheii Bennett, 1831 (Apidae, Meliponini) in Yucatan, Mexico
Authors: Bacab-Pérez Armando Ismael , Ramírez-Arriaga Elia , Canto Azucena
Published: March 2024

The Mayan bee Melipona beecheii is one of the most important and widely cultivated stingless bees in Mexico. In order to document pollen and nectar resources for M. beecheii during the dry season, 25 pot-pollen and 25 pot-honey samples were collected from February to May 2021 at eight villages in Yucatan, Mexico. All samples were acetolysed, and 500 pollen grains were counted randomly for each sample. A total of 21 taxa belonging to eight botanical families were observed in the pot-pollen samples; in contrast, 32 pollen types from 16 botanical families were recorded in the pot-honey samples. According to PCA analyses, the pollen types that explained the maximum variance among the pot-pollen samples were Senna racemosa var. racemosa, Lonchocarpus punctatum, Cochlospermum vitifolium, Bursera schlechtendalii and B. simaruba, while S. racemosa var. racemosa, C. vitifolium, Alternanthera ramosissima, Psidium guajava, B. schlechtendalii, B. simaruba, L. punctatum, Mimosa bahamensis and Solanum americanum explained the greatest variance among the pot-honey samples. Our results confirm that M. beecheii displays polylectic foraging and targets for the secondary vegetation of tropical deciduous and tropical semideciduous forests. Diversity in the pot-pollen was found to be lower than that of the pot-honey samples. Since some pot-honey samples were overrepresented by the pollen grains of S. racemosa var. racemosa, PCA and cluster analysis grouped those pot-pollen and pot-honey samples together.
Impact of Multiple Job Demands on Chinese University Teachers’ Turnover Intentions
Authors: Zhao Siqi , ShouChen Zhang , Hong Wang
Published: March 2024

Teacher turnover presents a significant challenge in education. Despite recognizing the importance of examining turnover intention to address this issue, exploring the interplay between multiple job demands and turnover intention is lacking within the framework of the job demands-resources theory. To fill this gap, the present study theoretically examined the relationship among personal resources (career adaptability), job burnout, turnover intention, and various job demands (teaching–research and work–family conflicts). Data were collected through an online survey of 875 Chinese university teachers, and the conceptual model was estimated using maximum likelihood estimation. The results revealed that work–family and teaching–research conflicts directly predict teachers’ turnover intentions and that job burnout mediates between multiple job demands and turnover intentions. Furthermore, career adaptability moderates the mediating role of burnout. These findings offer innovative ideas for mitigating and preventing faculty turnover intentions.
Carbon-based composites in biomedical applications: a comprehensive review of properties, applications, and future directions
Authors: Kim Choong-Hee , Lee Seul-Yi , Rhee Kyong Yop , Park Soo-Jin
Published: March 2024

Carbon materials have emerged as a rapidly advancing category of high-performance materials that have garnered significant attention across various scientific and technological disciplines. Their exceptional biochemical properties render them highly suitable for diverse biomedical applications, including implantation, artificial joints, bioimaging, tissue and bone engineering, and scaffold fabrication. However, a more systematic approach is required to fully exploit the potential of carbon-based materials in the biomedical realm, necessitating extensive and collaborative research to address the existing challenges, which comprehensive long-term stability studies, the surface properties and investigate the toxicity of biomedical materials. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of carbon materials, elucidating their inherent advantages and highlighting their increasingly prominent role in biomedical applications. After a brief introduction of carbonaceous materials, we discuss innovative deposition strategies that can be utilized to artificially replicate desired properties, such as biocompatibility and toxicology, within complex structures. Further, this paper serves as a valuable resource to harness the potential of carbon materials in the realm of biomedical applications. Last, we conclude with a discussion on the significance of continuous exploration in propelling further advancements within this captivating field.
The Effect of Cardiovascular Medication on Heart Rate Variability in Patients Presenting with Early Sepsis at the Emergency Department: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: van der Laan Lindsy , van Wijk Raymond J. , Quinten Vincent M. , Bouma Hjalmar R. , ter Maaten Jan C.
Published: March 2024

Our SepsiVit study showed that long-term, automatically analyzed ECG recordings can be used to determine heart rate variability (HRV) features associated with the clinical deterioration of early septic patients at the ED. This study focus on the influence of cardiovascular medication on HRV in patients with early sepsis at the ED. This study is an exploratory post-hoc analysis of our SepsiVit study. Eligible patients were connected to a mobile bedside monitor for continuously ECG measurements. The first 3 hours were analyzed for this study. Between January 2017 and December 2018, 171 patients were included with early sepsis, defined as infection and two or more systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria. We excluded sixteen patients because of insufficient measurements. Therefore, we included 155 patients in the final analysis: 72.9% with sepsis, 2.6% with septic shock, and 24.5% classified as infection. In 9.0% of the patients, medication directly impacting cardiac contractility was administered, while 22.6% received medication with an indirect effect. A combination of both types of medication was prescribed to 17.4% of the patients. The majority of patients (51.0%) did not utilize any cardiovascular medication. Patients using both medication with direct and indirect effect were on average 10 years older than patients using no cardiovascular medication (p 0.037). No differences in vital signs or HRV parameters were found in patients using cardiovascular medication. Our results showed that HRV is not influenced by cardiovascular medication. Consequently, the correction of HRV features for the use of cardiovascular medication is unnecessary when analyzing, modelling, and interpreting these signals.