bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple sparganosis spinal infections mainly in the thoracic region: A case report
Authors: Wen Gan-Jun , Chen Jian , Zhang Shi-Fei , Zhou Zhi-Sen , Jiao Gen-Long
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Spinal infection with sparganosis is rarely seen, and multiple spinal infections with sparganosis in the thoracic spine have not been reported.

CASE SUMMARY

In this case report, a 56-year old male patient suffered from back pain for 3 mo. Computed tomography examination of the thoracic spine showed bone destruction of the T4-5 vertebral body, as well as the right pedicle and lamina of T5. Magnetic resonance imaging showed high signals on T2W1 images and fat-suppressed images in the right vertebral body of T4-5 and the right pedicle and lamina of T5, a high signal in the vertebral canal, and similar high signals in the paravertebral and subcutaneous regions of the whole spine. Puncture biopsy showed sparganosis. Following definite diagnosis, the patient was treated with debridement of T4-5 infected lesions under a microscope, bone grafting and internal fixation. Postoperatively, the patient's back pain symptoms were significantly relieved; the incision healed after one-stage treatment, and albendazole antiparasitic treatment was administered.

CONCLUSION

Puncture biopsy is the most reliable method to diagnose infection by sparganum. Removal of infected lesions under the microscope and albendazole for antiparasitic treatment are safe and effective.
Spontaneous gastric hematoma as a rare cause of acute abdomen: A case report
Authors: Budimir Ivan , Žulec Mirna , Eljuga Ksenija , Židak Marcel , Lisek Valentino
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous gastric hematoma is an exceedingly rare condition characterized by the accumulation of blood within the gastric wall without any apparent iatrogenic or traumatic cause. Coagulopathies are the most frequent cause of gastric hematomas. However, other causes include amyloidosis, pancreatitis, visceral vascular aneurysms, endoscopy complications and others. The pathophysiology of spontaneous gastric hematoma is not completely understood. However, it is postulated that it is caused by disruption of submucosal vessels that leads to dissection of the muscularis layer and formation of false lumen. The rarity of this condition increases the challenge of diagnosis, and there is no standard treatment protocol.

CASE SUMMARY

We present the case of a spontaneous gastric hematoma in a 22-year-old male. He presented to our emergency department complaining of pain in the left flank area lasting for 2 wk. There was no history of trauma, anticoagulant medications or endoscopy procedures. His hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were slightly lower than normal. Multi-slice computed tomography, ultrasound and endoscopy confirmed a gastric intramural hematoma. We recommended conservative treatment because there was no hemodynamic instability nor significant bleeding. The patient responded well, and there were no unexpected events. At the 3-mo follow-up, the ultrasound examination revealed complete regression of the hematoma.

CONCLUSION

After reviewing the literature and our experience, we recommend that more of these cases should be treated conservatively. The tendency to treat these cases with potentially burdensome procedures such as total or subtotal gastrectomy should be significantly reduced.
Comparison of Two Tile-Drain Methods in SWAT via Temporal and Spatial Testing for an Iowa Watershed
Authors: Brighenti Tassia Mattos , Gassman Philip W. , Arnold Jeff , Thompson Jan
Published: December 2023

Highlights

Two approaches to including tile-drain equations in SWAT models are compared.

The validation with multiple gauges highlighted the difference between the methods via spatialization of the hydrological process.

Uncertainty analysis improved simulation reliability.

Abstract. Tile drainage is a common practice to increase agricultural productivity in regions with high water tables. Ecohydrological models, such as the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), are key tools used to simulate these subsurface drainage structures and their corresponding management effects on water balance. This study is an investigation of the application of two different SWAT tile-drain calculation methods (empirically and physically-based) in simulating the streamflow of the Des Moines River Basin (DMRB), central Iowa, USA. The model was calibrated for the DMRB outlet and validated across 24 monitoring stations. We found that both empirical function and physically-based methods have satisfactory model performance for monthly and daily calibration (NSE > 0.5; KGE > 0.6; Pbias < ±25%). The daily validation process showed that the physically-based method had more accurate spatial variability in representing the hydrological processes and a better representation of the annual tile-drain flow. The findings in this study reinforce the importance of spatial validation in assessing model performance and ensuring its suitability for practical applications. Keywords: Hooghoudt and Kirkham equations, Spatial validation, SWAT model, Temporal calibration, Tile-drain equations, Uncertainty analysis.
An intersectional analysis of contestations within women’s movements: the case of Scottish domestic abuse policymaking
Authors: McCabe Leah
Published: December 2023

While policy scholars have elaborated on the ways in which social movements operate within discursive struggles over meaning-making to generate policy change, less attention has been paid to contestations within movements. This oversight is remarkable given that the process of shaping shared understandings and framings of policy problems is political and, thus, a site of epistemic power struggles. This article offers sharpened analytical tools to study internal framing politics, advancing an integrated feminist institutionalist approach. It empirically demonstrates the merits of this approach by applying it to a so-called ‘feminist policy success’ case: Scottish domestic abuse policymaking. Domestic abuse experts often hail Scottish domestic abuse policies as ‘world-leading’ due to their gendered and feminist policy constructions, which can be credited to successful feminist mobilisation around devolution. However, this article disrupts the dominant narrative by teasing out for whom the framing of policy has been a success within the movement, uncovering points of contention. Drawing on policy analysis and elite interviews, the study identifies and traces an enduring intramovement contestation around the dominance of gendered frames and subsequent marginalisation of intersectionality. It argues that while the women’s movement has made considerable gains in integrating feminist concerns in policy, framing opportunities have not been equally shared, marginalising some actors and their frames. The Scottish case demonstrates how and why we should not underestimate the real and (un)intended consequences of intramovement contestations. Beyond the Scottish context, this article calls for scholars to account for diversities in identity, agency and claims-making within movements.
Scrutinising gut feelings: emotional reflexive practices in Italian courts
Authors: Minissale Alessandra
Published: December 2023

Narratives are powerful emtional devices. They can trigger our curiosity and make us suspicious, compassionate, empathic or even horrified. In this article, I focus on how Italian judges and prosecutors navigate their gut feelings evoked by written and oral narratives told by witnesses, defendants and victims in criminal cases. Fieldwork included observations of hearings and deliberations, shadowing and interviews with judges and prosecutors, and collection of written judgments. The article shows that gut feelings are experienced as intuitive knowledge – when judges and prosecutors feel they know ‘in their heart’ or ‘inside them’ the ‘true story’ of the crime, but they also contrast this type of knowledge with the ‘objective story’ based on the evidence available in a case. The analysis indicates two main emotional practices used to manage gut feelings. First, legal encoding – the translation of lay narratives into legal categories – constitutes an emotion management strategy that legal professionals can use, individually or collectively, to distance their gut feelings, restricting interest to aspects of the story validated by the evidence. Second, gut feelings can be endorsed, rather than constricted, when they generate suspicion that something ‘hidden’ has to be found out, or curiosity of knowing more about the story than what is strictly relevant under the legal frame. Gut feelings and curiosity mostly emerged in relation to the motive behind murder cases. By showing how legal professionals use their gut feelings, the article contributes to reinforcing an understanding of emotions and emotional reflexivity as necessary for rational decisions.
Producción desigual del espacio y sus implicaciones en la Zona Metropolitana de Querétaro, México: fragmentación, dispersión y (auto)segregación urbana / Unequal Production of Space and its Implications in the Metropolitan Area of Querétaro, Mexico: Urban Fragmentation, Dispersion and (Self)Segregation
Authors: Gregor Gaona María Fernanda Mac
Published: December 2023

resumen: En la modernidad, el proceso de urbanización ha sido cada vez más desigual. El caso de México no es la excepción, y ha sido particularmente notorio desde la adopción de políticas neoliberales. En la Zona Metropolitana de Querétaro (ZMQ), desde finales del siglo XX, el crecimiento urbano ha respondido principalmente a su papel como polo de desarrollo dentro de la región del Bajío, debido a su dinamismo manufacturero vinculado a mercados internacionales. Este artículo analiza la producción desigual del espacio urbano en la ZMQ a través de la dispersión, fragmentación y (auto)segregación, con el avance de dos desarrollos residenciales plus (Zibatá y El Campanario) en contraste con los desarrollos de vivienda social o media aledaños. La metodología consistió en caracterizar los nuevos desarrollos residenciales con herramientas de mapeo e investigación documental, así como con visitas a las zonas de estudio. La ZMQ permite dar cuenta de cómo se ha producido un espacio fragmentado y (auto) segregado, un modelo de ciudad que requiere replantearse a través de un análisis crítico del sistema capitalista. abstract: In modernity, the process of urbanization has become increasingly uneven. The case of Mexico is no exception, and has been particularly noticeable since the adoption of neoliberal policies. In the Metropolitan Area of Querétaro (ZMQ), since the late twentieth century, urban growth has primarily occurred in response to the role of the ZMQ as a development hub within the Bajío region due to manufacturing linked to international markets. This article analyzes the uneven production of urban space in the ZMQ through dispersion, fragmentation, and (self) segregation, focusing on the advancement of two "residencial plus" developments (Zibatá and El Campanario) in contrast to adjacent social or middle-class housing developments. The methodology involved characterizing the new residential developments using mapping tools and documentary research, as well as site visits. The uneven nature of the ZMQ's urban growth serves as an example of how fragmented and (self)segregated spaces have been produced, a city model that needs reconsideration through a critical analysis of the capitalist system.
Managing Terrorism in Democracies
Authors: Young Joseph K.
Published: December 2023

Abstract: Democratic countries have long dealt with the challenge of terrorism. I discuss the challenges associated with how democracies can manage terrorist violence. I outline what terrorism is and is not and why this matters in understanding how to manage and mitigate terrorism's impacts on democratic countries. Next, I discuss terrorism in democracies like the United States and France and show the reasons why citizens should be concerned and practical in the ways our countries respond to terrorism. Importantly, I discuss the perceived existential threat of terrorism for democracy and argue why this largely overblown. Briefly, I outline the major reasons why scholars think terrorism occurs and how this should link to our policy responses. In the conclusion, I argue that counterterrorism strategies should directly follow from the reasons why we think terrorism happens and why I think this should be a central concern for analysts.
The French Museum and Memorial of Terrorism: Memory, History, Justice
Authors: Rousso Henry
Published: December 2023

Abstract: The project for a French Museum and Memorial of Terrorism (MMT) was launched in 2018-19. It is expected to open in 2027. Since the outset, it has maintained a particular connection with the world of French justice. This is the result of a strong concern on the part of public authorities with the victims in general, a matter in France of the ministry of justice. This concern found an expression in the recent big trials of the perpetrators and accomplices of Islamist terrorist attacks carried out in France since 2012. Finally, the museological choices that have been made in constituting the collection of the MMT has also benefitted from the unprecedented and privileged resources made available to it: testimonies, pieces of evidence, judicial documents, images of the hearings, etc. As a result, the project of the MMT offer a new example of the tight links between memory, history, and justice in French contemporary society.
Coherent correlator design analysis for the implementation of deep learning networks
Authors: Birch Phil , Akter Habiba , Young Rupert , Chatwin Chris
Published: December 2023

Optical signal processing can reduce the electrical power consumption required over that required by graphically processing units. There remain a number of challenges to overcome. Noise is potentially much larger in optical systems than in their electronic counterparts, and some of the operations, such as a bias addition, are not easy to implement in free space processors. This paper analyzes a proposed design that utilizes a camera and lightweight electronic processing to perform the convolutional layers. Simulations are performed to compare the expected performance against an ideal system that cannot be physically realized and a proposed architecture. The impact of speckle noise in the system is analyzed and methods to reduce this are proposed.
Linear fitting of biconic surfaces for corneal modeling
Authors: Blanco-Martínez Iñaki , González-Méijome José Manuel , Faria-Ribeiro Miguel
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a method for reconstructing the corneal surface.
The proposed method was tested in 56 healthy and 15
post-orthokeratology corneas. The Medmont E300 Corneal Topographer was
used to measure the anterior corneal elevation, and custom MATLAB
scripts were employed for data analysis, fitting, and other
computational processes. The results obtained were compared with the
fitting to an ellipsoid and to a biconic, using an alternative method,
showing similarities among the different approaches. Additionally, the
advantages of this method and the biconic’s generality over the
ellipsoid were also demonstrated. In conclusion, the method proposed
offers an approach with potential applications in the field of visual
and ophthalmic optics related with modeling of the cornea and other
optical surfaces.
Real-time stealth optical transmission via fast laser frequency dithering
Authors: Wang Yuanxiang , Ao Xueyuan , Zhong Linsheng , Zhao Ruiyan , Ma Jianjun , Dai Xiaoxiao , Yang Qi , Deng Lei , Liu Deming , Cheng Mengfan
Published: December 2023

We report a real-time 150 kbps stealth transmission within public optical communication of 10 Gbps dual polarization QPSK. The stealth data is modulated onto the frequency tuning signals of a fast-tuning laser source in the transmitter, which causes slight frequency dithering for the transmitted optical signal. In the receiver, the stealth receiver recovers the stealth data from the estimated frequency offset by the QPSK DSP algorithm. The experiments show the stealth transmission has few impacts on the public channel over a 300 km distance. The proposed method is fully compatible with existing optical transmission systems, and the only hardware change is to upgrade the transmitter laser to support frequency tuning through an external analog port for receiving stealth signal. The proposed stealth scheme can combine with cryptographic protocols to improve the integrated security of the system, and can be used as signaling transport for low level network control to reduce the communication overhead.
Nanocavity tuning and formation controlled by the phase change of sub-micron-square GST patterns on Si photonic crystals
Authors: Uemura Takahiro , Chiba Hisashi , Yoda Taiki , Moritake Yuto , Tanaka Yusuke , Ono Masaaki , Kuramochi Eiichi , Notomi Masaya
Published: December 2023

It has been well established that photonic crystal nanocavities with wavelength sized mode volume enable various integrable photonic devices with extremely small consumption energy and small footprint. In this study, we explore the possibility of non-volatile functionalities employing photonic crystal nanocavities and phase change material, Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST). Recently, non-volatile photonic devices based on GST have attracted significant interest and are expected to enable energy-efficient photonic processing, especially for optical computing. However, the device size and the area of GST in previous studies have been rather large. Here, we propose and fabricate Si photonic crystal nanocavities on which submicron-square GST patterns are selectively loaded. Because of the strong light confinement, extremely small area of GST is sufficient to manipulate the cavity mode. We have succeeded to fabricate 30-nm-thick and several-100nm-square GST blocks patterned at the center of photonic crystal cavity with a high alignment accuracy. We confirmed that the resonant wavelength and Q-factor of cavity modes are controlled by the phase change of GST. Moreover, cavity formation controlled by submicron-sized GST is also demonstrated by GST-loaded photonic-crystal line-defect waveguides. Our approach in which we place sub-micron-sized GST inside a photonic crystal nanocavity is promising for realizing extremely energy-efficient non-volatile integrable photonic devices, such as switches, modulators, memories, and reconfigurable novel devices.
Bidirectional mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser based on an all-fiber gold nanofilm saturable absorber
Authors: Lv Changjian , Meng Fanchao , Yan Qi , Zhang Tianqi , Tian Yiwei , Jia Zhixu , Dong Wei , Qin Weiping , Qin Guanshi
Published: December 2023

We demonstrate a bidirectional mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser by incorporating gold nanofilm as a saturable absorber (SA). The gold nanofilm SA has the advantages of high stability and high optical damage threshold. Besides, the SA exhibits a large modulation depth of 26% and a low saturation intensity of 1.22 MW/cm2 at 1.56 μm wavelength band, facilitating the mode-locking of bidirectional propagating solitons within a single laser cavity. Bidirectional mode-locked solitons are achieved, with the clockwise pulse centered at 1568.35 nm and the counter-clockwise one at 1568.6 nm, resulting in a slight repetition rate difference of 19 Hz. Moreover, numerical simulations are performed to reveal the counter-propagating dynamics of the two solitons, showing good agreement with the experimental results. The asymmetric cavity configuration gives rise to distinct buildup and evolution dynamics of the two counter-propagating pulses. These findings highlight the advantage of the gold nanofilm SA in constructing bidirectional mode-locked fiber lasers and provide insights for understanding the bidirectional pulse propagation dynamics.
Broadband lens and graphene/silicon photodiode for wide spectral imaging
Authors: Wang Jiafu , Dai Yue , Cao Xiaoxue , Li Zongwen , Xu Xinyi , Bodepudi Srikrishna C. , Fang Wenzhang , Chen Yance , Ren Yaqi , Hao Xiujun , Lu Xujie , Shen Hui-Liang , Li Zheng , Yuan Xin , Hu Huan , Zhang Qigong , Sun Zhi-Pei , Xu Yang
Published: December 2023

We designed a broadband lens along with a graphene/silicon photodiode for wide spectral imaging ranging from ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelengths. By using five spherical glass lenses, the broadband lens, with the modulation transfer function of 0.38 at 100 lp/mm, corrects aberrations ranging from 340 to 1700 nm. Our design also includes a broadband graphene/silicon Schottky photodiode with the highest responsivity of 0.63 A/W ranging from ultraviolet to near-infrared. By using the proposed broadband lens and the broadband graphene/silicon photodiode, several single-pixel imaging designs in ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared wavelengths are demonstrated. Experimental results show the advantages of integrating the lens with the photodiode and the potential to realize broadband imaging with a single set of lens and a detector.
Deep-learning-assisted snapshot optical tomography for microscopic volume prediction: a simulation study
Authors: Richard Abramczyk Andrew , Sung Yongjin
Published: December 2023

In this simulation study, we demonstrate fast-yet-accurate volume measurement of microscopic objects by combining snapshot optical tomography and deep learning. Snapshot optical tomography simultaneously collects a multitude of projection images and thus can perform 3D imaging in a single snapshot. However, as with other wide-field microscopy techniques, it suffers from the missing-cone problem, which can seriously degrade the quality of 3D reconstruction. We use deep learning to generate a volume prediction from 2D projection images bypassing the 3D reconstruction.
Combined analysis of transposable elements and structural variation in maize genomes reveals genome contraction outpaces expansion
Authors: Munasinghe Manisha , Read Andrew , Stitzer Michelle C. , Song Baoxing , Menard Claire C. , Ma Kristy Yubo , Brandvain Yaniv , Hirsch Candice N. , Springer Nathan
Published: December 2023

Structural differences between genomes are a major source of genetic variation that contributes to phenotypic differences. Transposable elements, mobile genetic sequences capable of increasing their copy number and propagating themselves within genomes, can generate structural variation. However, their repetitive nature makes it difficult to characterize fine-scale differences in their presence at specific positions, limiting our understanding of their impact on genome variation. Domesticated maize is a particularly good system for exploring the impact of transposable element proliferation as over 70% of the genome is annotated as transposable elements. High-quality transposable element annotations were recently generated for de novo genome assemblies of 26 diverse inbred maize lines. We generated base-pair resolved pairwise alignments between the B73 maize reference genome and the remaining 25 inbred maize line assemblies. From this data, we classified transposable elements as either shared or polymorphic in a given pairwise comparison. Our analysis uncovered substantial structural variation between lines, representing both simple and complex connections between TEs and structural variants. Putative insertions in SNP depleted regions, which represent recently diverged identity by state blocks, suggest some TE families may still be active. However, our analysis reveals that within these recently diverged genomic regions, deletions of transposable elements likely account for more structural variation events and base pairs than insertions. These deletions are often large structural variants containing multiple transposable elements. Combined, our results highlight how transposable elements contribute to structural variation and demonstrate that deletion events are a major contributor to genomic differences.
AtMYB50 regulates root cell elongation by upregulating PECTIN METHYLESTERASE INHIBITOR 8 in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Mase Kosuke , Mizuno Honomi , Nakamichi Norihito , Suzuki Takamasa , Kojima Takaaki , Kamiya Sho , Takeuchi Taiga , Kondo Chiko , Yamashita Harumi , Sakaoka Satomi , Morikami Atsushi , Tsukagoshi Hironaka
Published: December 2023

Plant root development involves multiple signal transduction pathways. Notably, phytohormones like auxin and cytokinin are well characterized for their molecular mechanisms of action. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) serve as crucial signaling molecules in controlling root development. The transcription factor, UPBEAT1 (UPB1) is responsible for maintaining ROS homeostasis at the root tip, influencing the transition from cell proliferation to differentiation. While UPB1 directly regulates peroxidase expression to control ROS homeostasis, it targets genes other than peroxidases, suggesting its involvement in root growth through non-ROS signals. Our investigation focused on the transcription factor MYB50, a direct target of UPB1, in Arabidopsis thaliana. By analyzing multiple fluorescent proteins and conducting RNA-seq and ChIP-seq, we unraveled a step in the MYB50 regulatory gene network. This analysis, in conjunction with the UPB1 regulatory network, demonstrated that MYB50 directly regulates the expression of PECTIN METHYLESTERASE INHIBITOR 8 (PMEI8). Overexpressing PMEI8, similar to the MYB50, resulted in reduced mature cell length. These findings establish MYB50 as a regulator of root growth within the UPB1 gene regulatory network. Our study presents a model involving transcriptional regulation by MYB50 in the UPB1 regulated root growth system and sheds light on cell elongation via pectin modification.
Minimum tillage as climate-smart agriculture practice and its impact on food and nutrition security
Authors: Adam Baba , Abdulai Awudu
Published: December 2023

Minimum tillage (MT) is a sustainable farming practice that limit soil disturbance only to planting stations while leaving the rest of the soil undisturbed. It is an important component of conservation agriculture, which aims to raise agricultural productivity, improve the livelihoods of farmers and build resilient farming systems. Despite the growing empirical literature on its adoption and benefits, there is a paucity of empirical evidence on the heterogeneous effect of length of MT adoption on household welfare. This study uses plot-level and household data combined with geo-referenced historical weather data to provide microeconomic evidence of the impact of MT on maize yields, food and nutrition security, and farm labor demand in Ghana. We account for potential selection bias and omitted variable problems by using an ordered probit selection model to estimate two transition-specific treatment effects: from conventional tillage systems to short-term MT adoption and from short-term to long-term MT adoption. The empirical results show that longer cropping seasons of MT adoption significantly increases maize yields and dietary diversity by about 4.33% and 14.22%, respectively, and decreases household food insecurity and labor demand by 42.31% and 11.09%, respectively. These findings highlight the necessity of developing and implementing programs that promote and help smallholder farmers to sustain its adoption for longer cropping season.
Density dependence of songbird demographics in grazed sagebrush steppe
Authors: Ruth Kayla A. , Berkeley Lorelle I. , Strickfaden Kaitlyn M. , Dreitz Victoria J.
Published: December 2023

Sagebrush steppe is one of the most threatened ecosystems in North America. Adult density of songbirds within sagebrush steppe is a metric used to evaluate conservation actions. However, relying on only adult density to guide conservation may be misleading. Information on how conservation actions influence the nest density and nest survival of songbird species, in addition to adult density, are needed. We evaluated the relationships between nest density, nest survival, and adult density of Brewer’s sparrow (Spizella breweri) and vesper sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus) over 3 breeding seasons in central Montana. Our findings suggest that adult pairs of both species were often present in higher numbers than nests, and this relationship was most prominent for Brewer’s sparrows. However, our results do not support density dependence when considering nest survival. This discrepancy suggests that songbirds may not breed every year and that density dependence may be operating on nest densities within these populations differently than we examined. This study provides information on relationships between population demographics for 2 songbird species in grazed sagebrush steppe that will improve monitoring and management activities of conservation efforts.
Implementation of digital health in rural populations with chronic musculoskeletal conditions: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Campos Lara , Costa Daniela , Donato Helena , Nunes Baltazar , Cruz Eduardo B.
Published: December 2023

Musculoskeletal conditions are a major source of disability worldwide, and its burden have been rising in the last decades. Rural areas, in particular, are associated with higher prevalence of these conditions as well as higher levels of disability, which is likely related to other determinants that affect these communities. Although digital health has been identified as a potential solution to mitigate the impact of these determinants, it is also known that these populations may face barriers that limit the implementation of these interventions. Therefore, the aim of this scoping review is to comprehensively map the evidence regarding the implementation of digital health interventions in rural populations with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. We will include studies published from the year 2000; that report the use of digital interventions that promote prevention, treatment or monitoring of any chronic musculoskeletal condition or chronic pain from musculoskeletal origin, in patients that live in rural areas. This protocol follows the methodological framework for scoping reviews proposed by Arksey and O’Malley, as well as the Joana Briggs Institute (JBI) approach. We will conduct the search on Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus, as well as grey literature databases. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts followed by a full-text review to assess the eligibility of the articles. Data extracted will include the identification of the digital interventions used, barriers and enablers identified by the patients or healthcare providers, the patient-level outcomes measured, and the implementation strategies and outcomes reported. By mapping the evidence on the implementation of digital health interventions in rural communities with musculoskeletal conditions, this scoping review will enhance our understanding of their applicability in real-world settings.
DNA barcoding indicates multiple invasions of the freshwater snail Melanoides tuberculata sensu lato in Florida
Authors: Tolley-Jordan Lori R. , Chadwick Michael A. , Triplett Jimmy K.
Published: December 2023

Melanoides tuberculata sensu lato (Thiaridae) are polymorphic female-clonal snails of Asian and African origins that have invaded freshwaters worldwide, including those in Florida. Although the snails have been documented in Florida for at least 70 years, no studies have investigated whether the observed distribution is due to a single introduction or multiple independent invasions. Here, cytochrome oxidase I was used to measure genetic diversity within and among sites in Florida and compare genetic diversity between Florida and other regions of the world. We also examined the relationship between shell morphology and haplotype diversity to determine if shell morphs can serve as a proxy for haplotypes. In total, we recovered 8 haplotypes randomly distributed across populations in Florida. Phylogenetic reconstruction supported the hypothesis of multiple invasions by diverse representatives of the M. tuberculata species complex. In contrast, shell morphology was not found to be a useful phylogeographic character, with divergent haplotypes represented by similar shell forms. These results suggest that the observed invasion patterns in Florida are best explained by serial introductions, and that shell morphology cannot be used to predict haplotypes or reconstruct invasion history of Melanoides tuberculata s.l. and that extensive taxonomic revisions are needed to investigate invasion dynamics.
Research on the dynamic changes of China’s agro-processing industry agglomeration and spatial impact of production factors on agglomeration
Authors: Lu Hui , Li Qing , Liu Bin , Chi Zexin , Ye Yongmei
Published: December 2023

Agglomeration is an important phenomenon that accompanies with a large concentration of various production factors. Since the agro-processing industry has become a vital bridge connecting the primary and secondary industries, agglomeration and distribution within this industry are arousing wide concern. Based on provincial panel data of China from 2001 to 2020, this study described the dynamic changes of China’s agro-processing industry agglomeration using spatial Gini coefficient and average concentration ratio. A theoretical analysis framework was established and a dynamic spatial Durbin model was used to quantitatively explore the spatial effects of production factors on the agro-processing industry agglomeration, results showed that: first, the agglomerations of agro-processing industry and its sub-industries all have exhibited a fluctuating trend of "up-down-up-down", meanwhile the agro-processing industry shifted from the Eastern coastal region to the central and western regions. Second, in the short term, the capital, labor, and technology factors respectively have remarkably promoted the agro-processing industries agglomeration both in local and neighboring areas. Third, in the long term, these three production factors all had a crowding effect on industrial agglomeration. Therefore, it is necessary to continue optimizing the agro-processing industry spatial layout through adjusting production factor inputs to promote high-quality development of the agro-processing industry.
Effectiveness of support from community health workers on the sustained use of a wearable monitoring device among community-dwelling older adults: A randomized trial protocol
Authors: Wong Arkers Kwan Ching , Tso Wai Chun , Su Jing Jing , Hui Vivian Chi Ching , Chow Karen Kit Sum , Wong Siu Man , Wong Bonnie Bo , Wong Frances Kam Yuet
Published: December 2023

Background

Wearable monitoring devices, such as smartwatches and fitness bands, are health technologies for enhancing self-care management among community-dwelling older adults. While the evidence suggests that these devices can promote health, older adults often struggle to use them over the long term. Community health workers can effectively motivate older adults to change their health behaviors. This study proposes an intervention involving community health workers as peer supporters to promote sustained daily use of wearable monitoring devices among community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

The intervention group in this randomized controlled trial will receive the Live with Wearable Monitoring Device program from trained community health workers with the support of a nurse and social workers through a one-time home visit and regular phone calls. The control group will receive only the wearable monitoring device. Data will be collected at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.

Discussion

Merely providing older adults with wearable monitoring devices may not lead to the realization of the potential health benefits of these devices, as long-term usage can be challenging. The results of this trial can provide evidence for a new approach to enhancing self-management and community healthcare among community-dwelling older adults, ultimately improving their health outcomes.

Impact

Wearable monitoring devices not only enable real-time monitoring of vital signs, but can also support tailored messaging and facilitate virtual communication between users and healthcare professionals. Despite considerable health benefits, there is evidence showing that older adults largely stop using them after a few months. This study is the first to use a peer support approach to help older adults incorporate a wearable monitoring device in their daily routines in conjunction with goal setting and regular reminders. This will boost the self-care ability of the older adults, allowing them to continue physically functioning in the community.

Trial registration

This study was prospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT05269303). Registration date: 24/2/2022.
Strategic human resource management practitioners’ emotional intelligence and affective organizational commitment in higher education institutions in Georgia during post-COVID-19
Authors: Anvari Roya , Kumpikaitė-Valiūnienė Vilmantė , Mobarhan Rokhsareh , Janjaria Mariam , Hosseinpour Chermahini Siavash
Published: December 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the global workforce, presenting unprecedented challenges to managers and practitioners of strategic human resource management. Pandemic-influenced changes in the employment relationship highlighting the need for adaptation in order to facilitate a return to pre-pandemic conditions. Crises such as this can have a detrimental effect on employees’ psychological contract, which in turn can hinder the organization’s ability to thrive in the post-COVID-19 era and impede the development of high commitment levels in the aftermath of the crisis. Emotional intelligence plays an increasingly vital role in effectively navigating the crisis and providing support to employees, while also facilitating the reconstruction of the psychological contract. Therefore, this study aims to explain the role of emotional intelligence of strategic human resource management practitioners on affective organizational commitment and the possible mediating effect of the psychological contract in that relationship. A quantitative study took place in February 2023 among 286 HR directors, HR managers, and HR officers in higher education institutions in Georgia. Partial Least Squares for Structural Equation Modelling was applied for data analysis. The results revealed that the emotional intelligence of strategic human resource management practitioners has a positive impact on the psychological contract and the affective organizational commitment. This study supports the idea that emotional intelligence can transform strategic human resource management practitioners into individuals who engage in people-orientated activities. These activities aim to effectively acquire, utilize, and retain employees within an organization. The study also suggests that emotional intelligence can provide solutions to maintain high employee commitment during times of crisis and in the aftermath of unprecedented situations.
Seroprevalence Of SARS-COV-2 infection in asymptomatic indigenous from the largest Brazilian periurban area
Authors: de Oliveira Laís Albuquerque , dos Santos Barbosa Marcelo , Leite Torres Alex José , Croda Mariana Garcia , Oliveira da Silva Bruna , dos Santos Paulo César Pereira , Rossoni Regina , Machado Layla Oliveira Campos Leite , Croda Julio , Maymone Gonçalves Crhistinne Cavalheiro , Marques Michele Ferreira , da Silva Ferreira Tiago , Sardi Silvia Inês , Campos Gubio Soares , de Almeida Gabriel Barroso , Alves Gomes Marilia Maria , Marchioro Silvana Beutinger , Simionatto Simone
Published: December 2023

This study assessed the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in 496 asymptomatic individuals from Mato Grosso do Sul, located in Dourados, the largest periurban indigenous area in Brazil, from January 25 to February 4, 2021. The volunteers participated before receiving their first dose of the CoronaVac inactivated vaccine. For screening, blood samples were collected and analyzed using SARS-CoV-2 rapid tests and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We observed varying trends in total anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies across different variables. Seropositivity among the participants tested was 63.70% (316/496) using the rapid test and 52.82% (262/496) were positive using the ELISA method. The majority of participants identified with the Guarani-Kaiowá ethnic group, with 66.15% (217/328), and other ethnic groups with 58.84% (193/328). The median age of the subjects was 30.5 years, with 79.57% (261/328) being femaleThis research showed the elevated seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in asymptomatic Brazilians. The findings indicate a high seropositivity rate among the asymptomatic indigenous population of Midwest Brazil. This underscores the overlooked status of these communities and underscores the need for targeted national initiatives that emphasize the protection of vulnerable ethnic groups in the fight against COVID-19.
Knowledge relation rank enhanced heterogeneous learning interaction modeling for neural graph forgetting knowledge tracing
Authors: Li Linqing , Wang Zhifeng
Published: December 2023

Knowledge tracing models have gained prominence in educational data mining, with applications like the Self-Attention Knowledge Tracing model, which captures the exercise-knowledge relationship. However, conventional knowledge tracing models focus solely on static question-knowledge and knowledge-knowledge relationships, treating them with equal significance. This simplistic approach often succumbs to subjective labeling bias and lacks the depth to capture nuanced exercise-knowledge connections. In this study, we propose a novel knowledge tracing model called Knowledge Relation Rank Enhanced Heterogeneous Learning Interaction Modeling for Neural Graph Forgetting Knowledge Tracing. Our model mitigates the impact of subjective labeling by fine-tuning the skill relation matrix and Q-matrix. Additionally, we employ Graph Convolutional Networks (GCNs) to capture intricate interactions between students, exercises, and skills. Specifically, the Knowledge Relation Importance Rank Calibration method is employed to generate the skill relation matrix and Q-matrix. These calibrated matrices, alongside heterogeneous interactions, serve as input for the GCN to compute exercise and skill embeddings. Subsequently, exercise embeddings, skill embeddings, item difficulty, and contingency tables collectively contribute to an exercise relation matrix, which is then fed into an attention mechanism for predictions. Experimental evaluations on two publicly available educational datasets demonstrate the superiority of our proposed model over baseline models, evidenced by enhanced performance across three evaluation metrics.
The courage to venture: Revealing the effect of social trust on corporate venture capital
Authors: Zhang Yue , Guo Xiaoxu
Published: December 2023

In an uncertain and risky business environment, the decision for corporate venture capital (CVC) often requires courage and determination. This article empirically examines the relationship between social trust and corporate venture capital based on CVC data from Chinese companies spanning from 2006 to 2018. The findings reveal that social trust significantly positively influences a company’s willingness and scale of involvement in venture capital. Further analysis highlights the variations in social trust effects under diverse governance environments, particularly in non-state-owned firms and firms with separate CEO and chairman roles. Meanwhile, in regions characterized by a more developed market environment and a robust legal framework, social trust demonstrates a more pronounced motivating effect. Moreover, social trust fosters innovation within CVC deals. Focused on emerging markets, this research delves into the significance of informal institutions in incentivizing corporate innovation and venture capital, offering a fresh perspective on the driving forces behind CVC.
Misreporting contraceptive use and the association of peak study progestin levels with weight and BMI among women randomized to the progestin-only injectable contraceptives DMPA-IM and NET-EN
Authors: Avenant Chanel , Bick Alexis J. , Skosana Salndave B. , Dlamini Sigcinile , Balakrishna Yusentha , Moliki Johnson Mosoko , Singata-Madliki Mandisa , Hofmeyr G. Justus , Smit Jenni , Beksinska Mags , Beesham Ivana , Seocharan Ishen , Batting Joanne , Chen Pai-Lien , Storbeck Karl-Heinz , Africander Donita , Hapgood Janet P.
Published: December 2023

Progestin-only injectable contraceptives, mainly depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate intramuscular (DMPA-IM), are the most widely used contraceptive methods in sub-Saharan Africa. Insufficient robust data on their relative side-effects and serum concentrations limit understanding of reported outcomes in contraception trials. The WHICH clinical trial randomized HIV-negative women to DMPA-IM (n = 262) or norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN) (n = 259) at two South African sites between 2018–2019. We measured serum concentrations of study and non-study progestins at initiation (D0) and peak serum levels, one week after the 24-week injection [25 weeks (25W)], (n = 435) and investigated associations between study progestin levels, and BMI and weight of participants. Peak median serum concentrations were 6.59 (IQR 4.80; 8.70) nM for medroxyprogesterone (MPA) (n = 161) and 13.6 (IQR 9.01; 19.0) nM for norethisterone (NET) (n = 155). MPA was the most commonly quantifiable non-study progestin at D0 in both arms (54%) and at 25W in the NET-EN arm (27%), followed by NET at D0 in both arms (29%) and at 25W in the DMPA-IM arm (19%). Levonorgestrel was quantifiable in both arms [D0 (6.9%); 25W (3.4%)], while other progestins were quantifiable in ≤ 14 participants. Significant negative time-varying associations were detected between MPA and NET concentrations and weight and BMI in both contraceptive arms and a significant increase was detected for peak serum progestin concentrations for normal weight versus obese women. Contraceptive-related reported outcomes are likely confounded by MPA, more so than NET, with reported DMPA-IM effects likely underestimated, at sites where DMPA-IM is widely used, due to misreporting of contraceptive use before and during trials, and ‘tail’ effects of DMPA-IM use more than six months before trial enrolment. Peak serum levels of MPA and NET are negatively associated with BMI and weight, suggesting another source of variability between trial outcomes and a potential increase in side-effects for normal weight versus overweight and obese women.

Trail registration:The clinical trial was registered with the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR202009758229976).