bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eastern North China Craton–North Australia Craton connection at 1.0 Ga through detrital zircon mixing modelling
Authors: Zhang Wen , Xu Wang , Liu Pinghua , Liu Chaohui , Liu Fulai
Published: September 2022

In the ca. 1.0 Ga paleogeographic reconstruction, the North China Craton (NCC) is placed near Siberia, Laurentia, the Northern Australia Craton (NAUS), Baltica or India. To distinguish among these possibilities, we present inverse Monte Carlo modelling of the Xihe Group from the eastern NCC (ENCC), which is dominated by Grenvillian orogeny‐related detrital zircon age peaks, and of potential provenances (including NAUS, Siberia, Laurentia, India and the North Atlantic region). The result reveals that the ENCC–NAUS connection model yields the best mean cross‐correlation coefficient (R2 = ~0.92), which is also supported by the similarity in median εHf values between the Qiaotou Formation (Xihe Group) and the Jamison sandstones from the NAUS. The NCC–NAUS connection possibly records the breakup of Nuna and the assembly of Rodinia.
GOD OF THE GAPS OR THE GOD OF “DESIGN AND DOMINION”? RE‐VISITING NEWTON'S THEOLOGY
Authors: Torrance Eugenia
Published: September 2022

Starting with Gottfried Leibniz, Isaac Newton's theology has often been caricatured as putting forward a “God of the gaps” argument for God's existence and continued involvement in the world. Peter Harrison has pointed out that this characterization of Newton's theology is “not entirely clear.” A closer look at Newton's letters and the drafts to the Opticks reveals that, rather than arguing God's providential ordering and care over the world, he takes these for granted and is reluctant to specify instances of this order and care based on his physical research. He certainly believes in gaps in mechanical causes but is more eager to fill those gaps with nonmechanical natural causes than with God. Further, his system does not exhibit the two most prevalent weaknesses attributed to “God of the gaps” theologies: (1) that by describing God as intervening in natural causes his skill as a designer is maligned and (2) that by describing the physical details of God's involvement in the world one puts too much weight on theories likely to be replaced as science advances. Newton avoids the former weakness because it is only God's masterfulness as designer that he ties in any way to his theories of the physical world. He avoids the latter because he never points to God as the direct cause of any specific physical processes. Newton hoped that his system would cause his readers to marvel not only at God's providence but also at humankind's inability to sufficiently understand it.
FEASIBILITY STUDY OF MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION OF CASSAVA PRODUCTS IN THAILAND: SYSTEM DYNAMICS MODELING
Authors: Chinda Thanwadee
Published: September 2022

Thailand is one of the world’s top export countries, sharing 72% of the global shipment, mainly in the agricultural and industrial products. Being a major logistics hub in ASEAN, Thai government has initiated several projects to support the transportation of people and goods. Road transportation is a major mode of goods transportation in Thailand. However, it incurs the highest logistics cost compared with water and rail modes. The use of multimode transportation is, therefore, considered to lower the logistics cost and reduce the environmental problems. This study examines the feasibility of multimodal transportation of cassava products in the long-term utilizing the system dynamics modeling approach. Six saving elements, including 1) saving in labor cost, 2) saving in fuel cost, 3) saving in carbon dioxide tax, 4) saving in truck rental cost, 5) saving in reimbursement cost, and 6) saving in accident cost, and four cost elements, including 1) handling cost, 2) tariff cost, 3) product return cost, and 4) product damaged cost, are considered in the dynamics model. The simulation results reveal that at the initial years, the net cash flow is negative due to high investments in double track system. Once the project continues, the savings increase. It is found that the project is feasible when it is continued for 10 years at the internal rate of return of 13.69%. The sensitivity analysis results also show that the saving in truck rental cost and the product damaged cost are two key elements in the multimodal transportation, as they highly affect the internal rate of return of the project. The developed dynamics model of multimodal transportation of cassava products can be used as a guideline for transportation companies and government to plan for their multimodal transportation to reduce logistic costs and achieve benefits in the long term.
A PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS ON DRONE LOCO POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR TWO-WAY RANGING PROTOCOL
Authors: Scott Chu Timothy , Chua Alvin , Sybingco Edwin , Roque Maria Antonette
Published: September 2022

Localization is vital in UAV operation as it monitors the position of each drone in a workspace. Existing localization techniques such as GPS are limited for outdoor implementations and cannot be implemented inside closed spaces or GPS denied areas. To address this concern localization techniques, such as vision systems and radio systems, are developed. The drawback of vision systems is the cost of implementation as the system usually requires multiple cameras strategically positioned around the experimental space to monitor the aerial drone’s position and orientation. Radio localization, on the other hand, is a cheaper alternative for indoor localization as it requires only a set of anchor and tags that communicates through a certain radio frequency; however, experimental setups and materials on this localization technique is limited at this time. This paper offers an analysis of the performance of the loco positioning system, a form of radio localization, through varying configurations for swarm drone applications. The Loco Positioning System possesses two protocols; and this paper focuses on the Two-Way Ranging protocol. The study presents different setup configurations governed by 2 parameters; number of anchors used, and the distance set between anchors, and their corresponding performances. Data showed that an increase in anchor count from 3 to 6 decreases error from 25.96% to 8.45%, and that decreasing the distance between anchors 0.6 m to 1 m would give a minimal increase in error. Users may use these performance reports to determine their ideal setup based on the mentioned parameters.
EFFECT OF ULTRASONIC VIBRATION ON MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF ADC12 ALUMINUM ALLOY BY PERMANENT MOLD CASTING
Authors: Qui Dao Duy , Trung Pham Quang , Nguyen Thanh-Hai
Published: September 2022

In this study, the effect of ultrasonic vibration on mold filling ability, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the aluminum alloy during solidification is investigated. Microstructure and mechanical properties were compared with casting without ultrasonic. Grain refinement and an increase in mechanical properties were obtained due to the ultrasonic vibration. The material used for the research was ADC12 aluminum alloy, and the frequency of ultrasonic vibration was 20 kHz. The casting was carried out in SKD11 steel molds. It was found that the ultrasonic mold vibrated casting has less porosity , fine grain and improvement in mechanical properties as compared to the casting without ultrasonic mold vibration. Where the tensile strength increased by about the tensile strength increased by 20% at 660oC and 9% at 700oC while the hardness changed insignificantly.
Re-evaluating the ‘good city’ from (post)pandemic Southeast Asia
Authors: Bunnell Tim , Sambamurthy Nikhil
Published: September 2022

Arising from a keynote presentation given at the third Sustainable Design for Liveable Cities (SUDLiC) conference on “Sustainable Cities for All” in 2021, this short commentary considers some implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for urban futures. In particular, we take responses to the pandemic in cities in Southeast Asia as a set of resources for re-evaluating prevailing conceptions of the “good city” – now, and into the future. While initial responses understandably focused on the management of public health and safety, it has been recognised that pandemic times more widely have provided an opportunity for planning priorities to be “reset” (Martinez and Short, 2021). What has that meant across a region as diverse as Southeast Asia in terms of both governmental capacity and levels of economic development? What roles have been played during the pandemic by experts/authorities on the one hand, and “ordinary” city inhabitants on the other? And what do varied performances of these roles over the past two years tell us about possibilities for the post-pandemic city? These are among the key questions that guide our deliberation of future urban prospects in and beyond (post-)pandemic Southeast Asia.
The Covid-19 Pandemic: Impacts on the Hospital Environment and Spatial Design
Authors: Ahmad Tajudin Nur Faridatull Syafinaz , Che Amat Rohayah
Published: September 2022

Covid-19 is the most significant pandemic that happened at the end of 2019, where the first confirmed case was reported in Wuhan, China. Given the high population and economic activities in cities, there are always possibilities for Covid-19 to spread widely. Hence, the impacts in the urban area are much bigger affected by this pandemic. The fact that existing hospital design raises concerns and questions among people across the globe regarding the hospital capacity and lack of flexibility to accommodate sudden surges of patients due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Previous studies showed that hospital spatial design and organization are crucial and impact users’ perceptions and experiences from multiple stakeholders. The scholars argue that the concept of restorative environment is rarely defined and some of the initiatives either focused on daily life in hospitals or broad terms about hospital architecture, layout, and interior design. The overview on the impact of Covid-19 towards hospital environment, hospital spatial design and its relationship through content analysis, and pilot survey as the groundwork are significant features to be discovered in this paper.  This paper focuses on the existing hospital spatial design principles through the effectiveness and efficiency of current hospital planning design during the pandemic. The result indicates that the empirical principles contribute to hospital planning and design quality and call for further research.
Urban Morphological Analysis Framework for Sustainable Malay Town Transition in Response to COVID 19
Authors: Mohamed Syahidah Amni , Harun Nor Zalina , Ja'afar Nor Haslina , Othmani Nurul Izzati
Published: September 2022

Current approaches applied in the historical analysis on the morphological evolution of early Malay towns primarily focused on describing how cities were formed and transformed without much emphasis on how they can be analysed. Considering cities as urban organisms experiencing rapid growth, achieving a sustainable urban transition would be impossible without understanding the process of initial formation and spatial uniqueness that comprise the Malay town. However, analysing the particular kind of processes requires a comprehensive understanding of each hierarchical level of morphological elements, which, therefore, posed a greater challenge in excerpting Malay town's dynamic and organic growth pattern-development. This study attempt to develop the methodological process of urban morphological analysis framework concerning the Malay town context. With the adoption of the historic-geographical approach as the method of analysis, the study applied two different spatial scales as the basis of the analysis process, that is, plan-units analysis and morphological evolution analysis. The findings unveiled the inherent morphogenesis processes of Malay towns central to the spatial structure of Kota, represent a town that functioned as a territorial base with settlements of Kampung as the archetype of the morphological unit. Through depicting the spatial boundary of Dalam Kota and Luar Kota, the fixation line of the growth process in Malay town can be identified, which is imperative to the functioning system of the town. Accordingly, developing the systematic morphological analysis process aids in providing a clear and responsive strategy for managing the changing process of Malay towns to ensure a sustainable transition for resilient communities and territories
Evaluation of School Children Crossing Facilities and Traffic Conflicts in The Vicinity of Schools in Selangor
Authors: Shabadin Akmalia , Mohamed Jamil Hawa , Poi Wai Hoong Alvin , Hamidun Rizati , Roslan Azzuhana , Ishak Siti Zaharah , Nemmang Mohd Shafie
Published: September 2022

Half of the world’s road traffic deaths involve vulnerable road users—pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists. In Malaysia, there are several strategies introduced to improve the road safety level of school children. However, crashes involving school children are still worrisome. Recent trends of school children involved in crashes in school vicinity have become the nation’s concern. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the contributing factors of pedestrian-vehicle conflict involving school children in vicinity of the school. This study focused on the utilization of the facilities provided at school, exposure measures, and demographic characteristics of the schools. The facilities that are being considered in this study are; a zebra crossing, pedestrian bridge, drop-off, and pick-up zone, and the presence of a traffic warden. A total of 57 schools in Selangor were assessed for this study. The important variables were analyzed using the Negative Binomial Regression model to identify the significant attributes. Non-parametric analysis was used to compare the differences in characteristics of the schools. The findings of the study conclude that the road type and pedestrian volume are the underlying factors that would increase pedestrian-vehicle conflict in the school vicinity.
Using the genome to correct the ion transport defect in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Amaral Margarida D.
Published: September 2022

Today, biomedicine faces one of its greatest challenges, i.e. treating diseases through their causative dysfunctional processes and not just their symptoms. However, we still miss a global view of the mechanisms and pathways involved in the pathophysiology of most diseases. In fact, disease mechanisms and pathways can be achieved by holistic studies provided by ‘omic’ approaches. Cystic fibrosis (CF), caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene which encodes an anion channel, is paradigmatic for monogenic disorders, namely channelopathies. A high number of ‘omics studies’ have focused on CF; namely, several cell‐based high‐throughput approaches were developed and applied towards a global mechanistic characterization of CF pathophysiology and the identification of novel and ‘unbiased’ drug targets. Notwithstanding, it is likely that, through the integration of all these ‘layers’ of large datasets into comprehensive disease maps, biological significance can be extracted so that the enormous potential of these approaches to identifying dysfunctional mechanisms and novel drugs may become a reality.

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Pseudo-equivalent deterministic excitation method application for experimental reproduction of a structural response to a turbulent boundary layer excitation
Authors: Mazzeo G. , Ichchou M. , Petrone G. , Bareille O. , De Rosa S. , Franco F.
Published: September 2022

In the transportation engineering field, the turbulent boundary layer over a structure is one of the most relevant sources of structural vibration and emitted noise. Wind tunnels are still one of the best options for vibroacoustic experimental analyses for this specific problem. However, it is also true that this experimental method is not always affordable, due to several limitations—settings hard to control, time and money consumption, discrepancies among laboratories—that wind tunnel facilities present. It has already developed different methodologies to address this necessity, most of them based on the use of loudspeakers or shakers. In this work, an existing numerical method, called the pseudo-equivalent deterministic excitation method (PEDEM), is further developed for the experimental purpose of reproducing the experimental structural response of a panel subjected to a turbulent boundary layer (TBL) excitation, by using an equivalent rain-on-the-roof excitation instead; different formulations are used for the application of this approximated TBL excitation. The experimental application of PEDEM, here called X-PEDEM, is validated by comparison with experimental results of two different panels analysed in two different wind tunnel facilities.
An Intersectional Analysis of the Recruitment and Participation of Second-Generation African Canadian Adolescent Girls in a Community Basketball Program in Ottawa, Canada
Authors: Haggar Amina , Giles Audrey R.
Published: September 2022

Guided by the experiences and perspectives of sport practitioners, in this paper, an intersectional lens was used to examine age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, and religion and how they relate to the recruitment and participation of second-generation, low-income, African Canadian, Black Muslim, and Christian adolescent girls in a community-based basketball program in Ottawa, Canada. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 program coordinators and coaches involved in the City of Ottawa Community Centre Basketball League (CCBL), and reflexive thematic analysis of the data was engaged. The findings were threefold: (a) CCBL coordinators and coaches recognize the importance of representation to enhancing their support to program users; (b) CCBL coaches and coordinators make efforts to build trust with and increase buy-in from first-generation immigrant parents to improve girls’ program participation; and (c) CCBL coaches and coordinators make religious accommodations in response to the needs of Muslim and Christian program users. The findings illustrated that community-based sport programs serving second-generation African Canadian adolescent girls in low-income communities require multifaceted program and outreach strategies that consider the intersecting social experiences of participants to improve recruitment and participation. To conclude, policy and program design and implementation strategies to support the creation of inclusive, equity-driven community-based sport practices were proposed.
Tandem pore domain acid-sensitive K channel 3 (TASK-3) regulates visual sensitivity in healthy and aging retina
Authors: Wen Xiangyi , Liao Ping , Luo Yuncheng , Yang Linghui , Yang Huaiyu , Liu Longqian , Jiang Ruotian
Published: September 2022

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) not only collect but also integrate visual signals and send them from the retina to the brain. The mechanisms underlying the RGC integration of synaptic activity within retinal circuits have not been fully explored. Here, we identified a pronounced expression of tandem pore domain acid-sensitive potassium channel 3 (TASK-3), a two–pore domain potassium channel (K2P), in RGCs. By using a specific antagonist and TASK-3 knockout mice, we found that TASK-3 regulates the intrinsic excitability and the light sensitivity of RGCs by sensing neuronal activity–dependent extracellular acidification. In vivo, the blockade or loss of TASK-3 dampened pupillary light reflex, visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity. Furthermore, overexpressing TASK-3 specifically in RGCs using an adeno-associated virus approach restored the visual function of TASK-3 knockout mice and aged mice where the expression and function of TASK-3 were reduced. Thus, our results provide evidence that implicates a critical role of K2P in visual processing in the retina.
Leakless end-to-end transport of small molecules through micron-length DNA nanochannels
Authors: Li Yi , Maffeo Christopher , Joshi Himanshu , Aksimentiev Aleksei , Ménard Brice , Schulman Rebecca
Published: September 2022

Designed and engineered protein and DNA nanopores can be used to sense and characterize single molecules and control transmembrane transport of molecular species. However, designed biomolecular pores are less than 100 nm in length and are used primarily for transport across lipid membranes. Nanochannels that span longer distances could be used as conduits for molecules between nonadjacent compartments or cells. Here, we design micrometer-long, 7-nm-diameter DNA nanochannels that small molecules can traverse according to the laws of continuum diffusion. Binding DNA origami caps to channel ends eliminates transport and demonstrates that molecules diffuse from one channel end to the other rather than permeating through channel walls. These micrometer-length nanochannels can also grow, form interconnects, and interface with living cells. This work thus shows how to construct multifunctional, dynamic agents that control molecular transport, opening ways of studying intercellular signaling and modulating molecular transport between synthetic and living cells.
Hitherto-Unnoticed Self-Transmissible Plasmids Widely Distributed among Different Environments in Japan
Authors: Hayakawa Masaya , Tokuda Maho , Kaneko Kensei , Nakamichi Koichiro , Yamamoto Yukie , Kamijo Tatsuya , Umeki Honoka , Chiba Reimi , Yamada Ryo , Mori Mitsuya , Yanagiya Kosuke , Moriuchi Ryota , Yuki Masahiro , Dohra Hideo , Futamata Hiroyuki , Ohkuma Moriya , Kimbara Kazuhide , Shintani Masaki
Published: September 2022

Plasmids are known to spread among different bacteria. However, which plasmids spread among environmental samples and in which environments they are present is still poorly understood.
Multicomponent Pseudomonas aeruginosa Vaccines Eliciting Th17 Cells and Functional Antibody Responses Confer Enhanced Protection against Experimental Acute Pneumonia in Mice
Authors: Shaikh Mohammad Omar Faruk , Schaefers Matthew M. , Merakou Christina , DiBlasi Marco , Bonney Sarah , Liao Tiffany , Zurakowski David , Kehl Margaret , Tabor David E. , DiGiandomenico Antonio , Priebe Gregory P.
Published: September 2022

The Gram-negative pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a common cause of pneumonia in hospitalized patients. Its increasing antibiotic resistance and widespread occurrence present a pressing need for vaccines.
Surface Anchoring of the Kingella kingae Galactan Is Dependent on the Lipopolysaccharide O-Antigen
Authors: Montoya Nina R. , Porsch Eric A. , Muñoz Vanessa L. , Muszyński Artur , Vlach Jiri , Hahn David K. , Azadi Parastoo , Sherman Matthew , Yang Hyojik , Chandler Courtney E. , Ernst Robert K. , St. Geme Joseph W.
Published: September 2022

Kingella kingae
is an emerging pediatric pathogen and produces invasive disease by colonizing the oropharynx, invading the bloodstream, and disseminating to distant sites. This organism produces a uniquely multifunctional exopolysaccharide called galactan that is critical for virulence and promotes intravascular survival by mediating resistance to serum and neutrophils.
MDITRE: Scalable and Interpretable Machine Learning for Predicting Host Status from Temporal Microbiome Dynamics
Authors: Maringanti Venkata Suhas , Bucci Vanni , Gerber Georg K.
Published: September 2022

The human microbiome, or collection of microbes living on and within us, changes over time. Linking these changes to the status of the human host is crucial to understanding how the microbiome influences a variety of human diseases.
Pan-Genome Analysis of Campylobacter: Insights on the Genomic Diversity and Virulence Profile
Authors: Zhong Chaofang , Qu Bingpeng , Hu Gang , Ning Kang
Published: September 2022

Pathogenic members of the genus
Campylobacter
are recognized as one of the major causative agents of human bacterial gastroenteritis. This study revealed the pan-genome of 39
Campylobacter
species, provided the most updated reconstruction of the global virulence gene pool of 39
Campylobacter
species, and identified species-related virulence differences.
Late Permian-Triassic ridge subduction beneath the northeastern margin of the North China Craton: Evidence from the Kaiyuan appinitic to high-Mg intermediate intrusions in northern Liaoning, North China
Authors: Yuan Lingling , Zhang Xiaohui , Yang Zhili
Published: September 2022

Recognizing terminal ridge subduction is of first-order importance in chronicling the tectonic timeline of any accretionary orogens, but remains elusive in the final suturing zone of the Paleo-Asian Ocean along the Solonker−Xar Moron−Changchun−Yanji swath. Here we report two generations of ultramafic-mafic to intermediate intrusions from northern Liaoning, North China, linking eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt and northern North China Craton. The ca. 259 Ma appinites show variable enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs) but depletion in high-field strength elements (HFSEs), and variably enriched isotopic compositions with εNd(t) of −11.8 to −2.4 and zircon εHf(t) of −15.7 to +5.0. These petro-geochemical traits argue for their derivation from partial melting of subduction-modified lithospheric mantle. By contrast, the high-Mg diorites of 226−223 Ma display decoupling features between LILEs and HFSEs and juvenile isotopic signatures with εNd(t) of −0.3 to +2.6 and zircon εHf(t) of +5.4 to +11.4. These characters are consistent with a magmatic origin from partial fusion of sediment-fertilized asthenospheric mantle. Synthesizing the two mantle-melting events with regional coeval igneous activities leads to the identification of Late Permian (265−250 Ma) and Middle-Late Triassic (241−218 Ma) magmatic flare-ups with a 10−15 m.y. lull along the northern North China Craton. This magmatic tempo tends to record a salient mantle replacement from hydrous metasomatized lithosphere to anhydrous asthenosphere. In combination with ensuing progressive crustal growth, simultaneous metamorphism, and structural activities, these diverse manifestations make a compelling case of ridge subduction and concomitant slab window formation during the eventual closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean along the Solonker−Xar Moron−Changchun−Yanji swath.
Supplemental Material: Crystal plasticity enhances trace element mobility in garnet
Authors: Tacchetto Tommaso , al. et
Published: September 2022

Supplementary analytical methods, and supporting data. 
Supplemental Material: Geochemistry of the Cretaceous Mowry Shale in the Wind River Basin, Wyoming
Authors: French Katherine , et al.
Published: September 2022

Supplemental methods text, Supplemental Figures S1–S6, and data tables for all drill cores.
Recruitment, attrition and intervention completion in clinical trials of psychosocial interventions involving people with early and emerging psychosis: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Nic Giolla Easpaig Bróna , Zhai Jianxia , Gray Richard , Brown Ellie , Bressington Daniel
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Psychosocial interventions for people experiencing early and emerging psychosis have demonstrated efficacy in reducing symptom severity and supporting recovery; however, much remains unknown about optimising treatment and future research trials are required. Gaining a better understanding of feasibility in trials of psychosocial interventions involving this population would inform the design and planning of future research and support the development of high-quality evidence. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the recruitment rate, study attrition rates and intervention completion of psychosocial intervention randomised controlled trial studies involving people with early and emerging psychosis.

Methods and analysis

The systematic review will be reported in adherence with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols 2015 guideline. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science and CINAHL databases will be searched from inception to September 2021 to identify potentially relevant studies. The title and abstracts of returned records will be assessed for eligibility against the inclusion/exclusion criteria by two reviewers, independently, and records which appear eligible will be included. The full texts of included records will then be assessed using the same procedure. Qualitative and quantitative synthesis will be undertaken. Proportion meta-analyses will be used to calculate the recruitment rate, study attrition rate and intervention completion rate, while subgroup analyses will explore differences among subgroups of study and intervention characteristics.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will collate and analyse anonymised data from published research and therefore, ethical approval is not necessary. Study results will be disseminated via publication in academic journals.
Influence of chemotherapy on postural control and quality of life in women with gynaecological cancer: a protocol of a prospective observational study
Authors: Reinmann Aline , Bruyneel Anne-Violette , Gligorov Joseph , Mesure Serge , Combescure Christophe , Koessler Thibaud , Bodmer Alexandre
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a frequent side effect of some chemotherapies that can cause postural control disorders and has a serious impact on quality of life (QoL). An enhanced understanding of postural control dysfunction could help build a systematic and accurate assessment as well as specific exercises to limit the impact on QoL. This study aims to assess the influence of chemotherapy on postural control and the QoL for women with gynaecological cancer.

Methods and analysis

This prospective observational study will include 37 participants with cancer treated using neurotoxic chemotherapy. Their postural control in various conditions (rigid and foam surfaces, eyes open and closed, with and without tendon vibration, and dual tasks), limits of stability, QoL and modified Total Neuropathy Score will be assessed. A linear mixed model will compare postural control pre-chemotherapy and post-chemotherapy.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by an ethical review board in Geneva (CCER-2020-01639). The study findings will be disseminated through conference presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT04692168.
Measuring effective coverage of maternal and child health services in Cambodia: a retrospective analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys from 2005 to 2014
Authors: Kim Min kyung , Kim Soon Ae , Oh Juhwan , Kim Chae Eun , Arsenault Catherine
Published: September 2022

Objective

To investigate effective, quality-adjusted, coverage and inequality of maternal and child health (MCH) services to assess progress in improving quality of care in Cambodia.

Design

A retrospective secondary analysis using the three most recent (2005, 2010 and 2014) Demographic and Health Surveys.

Setting

Cambodia.

Participants

53 155 women aged 15–49 years old and 23 242 children under 5 years old across the three surveys.

Outcome measures

We estimated crude coverage, effective coverage and inequality in effective coverage for five MCH services over time: antenatal care (ANC), facility delivery and sick childcare for diarrhoea, pneumonia and fever. Quality was defined by the proportion of care seekers who received a set of interventions during healthcare visits. Effective coverage was estimated by combining crude coverage and quality. We used equiplots and risk ratios, to assess patterns in inequality in MCH effective coverage across wealth quintile, urban–rural and women’s education levels and over time.

Results

In 2014, crude and effective coverage was 80.1% and 56.4%, respectively, for maternal health services (ANC and facility delivery) and 59.1% and 26.9%, respectively, for sick childcare (diarrhoea, pneumonia and fever). Between 2005 and 2014, effective coverage improved for all services, but improvements were larger for maternal healthcare than for sick child care. In 2014, poorer children were more likely to receive oral rehydration solution for diarrhoea than children from richer households. Meanwhile, women from urban areas were more likely to receive a postnatal check before getting discharged.

Conclusions

Effective coverage has generally improved in Cambodia but efforts remain to improve quality for all MCH services. Our results point to substantial gaps in curative sick child care, a large share of which is provided by unregulated private providers in Cambodia. Policymakers should focus on improving effective coverage, and not only crude coverage, to achieve the health-related Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Dementia prevalence estimation among the main ethnic groups in New Zealand: a population-based descriptive study of routinely collected health data
Authors: Cheung Gary , To Edith , Rivera-Rodriguez Claudia , Ma’u Etuini , Chan Amy Hai Yan , Ryan Brigid , Cullum Sarah
Published: September 2022

Objective

Estimates of dementia prevalence in New Zealand (NZ) have previously been extrapolated from limited Australasian studies, which may be neither accurate nor reflect NZ’s unique population and diverse ethnic groups. This study used routinely collected health data to estimate the 1-year period prevalence for diagnosed dementia for each of the 4 years between July 2016 and June 2020 in the age 60+ and age 80+ populations and for the four main ethnic groups.

Design

A population-based descriptive study.

Setting

Seven national health data sets within the NZ Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) were linked. Diagnosed dementia prevalence for each year was calculated using the IDI age 60+ and age 80+ populations as the denominator and also age–sex standardised to allow comparison across ethnic groups.

Participants

Diagnosed dementia individuals in the health datasets were identified by diagnostic or medication codes used in each of the data sets with deduplication of those who appeared in more than one data set.

Results

The crude diagnosed dementia prevalence was 3.8%–4.0% in the age 60+ population and 13.7%–14.4% in the age 80+ population across the four study years. Dementia prevalence age–sex standardised to the IDI population in the last study period of 2019–2020 was 5.4% for Māori, 6.3% for Pacific Islander, 3.7% for European and 3.4% for Asian in the age 60+ population, and 17.5% for Māori, 22.2% for Pacific Islander, 13.6% for European and 13.5% for Asian in the age 80+ population.

Conclusions

This study provides the best estimate to date for dementia prevalence in NZ but is limited to those people who were identified as having dementia based on data from the seven included data sets. The findings suggest that diagnosed dementia prevalence is higher in Māori and Pacific Islanders. A nationwide NZ community-based dementia prevalence study is much needed to confirm the findings of this study.
Job demands and resources related to burn-out symptoms and work engagement in supervisors working with people with severe disabilities in social firms: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kordsmeyer Ann-Christin , Efimov Ilona , Harth Volker , Mache Stefanie
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To analyse working conditions, work and health-related outcomes of supervisors working with people with severe disabilities in social firms.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Social firms who employ between 30% and 50% of people with different types of disabilities on the general labour market.

Participants

Supervisors of social firms in Germany.

Primary outcome measures

Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analysis was used to analyse relations between job demands (quantitative and emotional demands), job resources (meaning of work, perceived organisational support and influence at work), personal resources (resilience) and burn-out symptoms as well as work engagement. Validated scales, for example, from the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire were applied.

Results

124 supervisors of social firms in Germany (59.7% were male and 39.5% female) participated within a cross-sectional quantitative online survey. Multiple hierarchical regression analysis indicated an association of quantitative job demands (β=0.236, p<0.05) and perceived organisational support (β=−0.217, p<0.05) and burn-out symptoms of supervisors in social firms. Meaning of work (β=0.326, p<0.001) and perceived organisational support (β=0.245, p<0.05) were significantly associated with work engagement.

Conclusions

Our study specified main job demands and resources for supervisors in German social firms and their impact on both burn-out symptoms and work engagement. When designing measures for workplace health promotion in social firms, especially supervisors’ quantitative job demands need to be reduced and perceived organisational support strengthened.
Lateral abdominal muscles of adults with hypermobility may be partially impaired during contraction
Authors: Mitchell Ulrike H , Johnson A Wayne , Adams Lauren , Kho Jade , Pace Nicolas , Owen Patrick J
Published: September 2022

Background

Muscle function may be impaired in people with generalised hypermobility, yet prior studies have primarily focused on muscles within the extremities. We aimed to examine changes in lateral abdominal muscle (transversus abdominis (TrA) and the external (EO) and internal abdominal obliques (IO)) thickness and length during contraction between participants with and without hypermobility.

Methods

This cross-sectional study examined 12 participants with hypermobility and 12 age-matched, sex-matched, height-matched and weight-matched participants without hypermobility. The Beighton and Belavy-Owen-Mitchell score assessed systemic hypermobility. Muscle thickness and length were measured via panoramic ultrasound scans at rest and during contraction.

Results

When compared with rest across all lumbar levels (L1–L5), contraction produced a lesser increase in TrA thickness (β=0.03, p=0.034) for participants with hypermobility compared with control. No group-by-condition interaction was observed for TrA length across all lumbar levels (L1–L5; p=0.269). Contraction produced a greater decrease in EO thickness (β=0.08, p=0.002) at L3 only for participants with hypermobility compared with control. No group-by-condition interactions were observed for IO thickness.

Conclusion

Participants with hypermobility had partially impaired lateral abdominal muscle function given a lesser ability to increase TrA muscle thickness during contraction compared with controls.
Novel TCF21highpericyte subpopulation promotes colorectal cancer metastasis by remodelling perivascular matrix
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Pan Jinghua , Liu Tongzheng , Yin Wenqian , Miao Qun , Zhao Zhan , Gao Yufeng , Zheng Wei , Li Hang , Deng Rong , Huang Dandan , Qiu Shenghui , Zhang Yiran , Qi Qi , Deng Lijuan , Huang Maohua , Tang Patrick Ming-Kuen , Cao Yihai , Chen Minfeng , Ye Wencai , Zhang Dongmei
Published: September 2022

Objective

Haematogenous dissemination is a prevalent route of colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis. However, as the gatekeeper of vessels, the role of tumour pericytes (TPCs) in haematogenous metastasis remains largely unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate the heterogeneity of TPCs and their effects on CRC metastasis.

Design

TPCs were isolated from patients with CRC with or without liver metastases and analysed by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Clinical CRC specimens were collected to analyse the association between the molecular profiling of TPCs and CRC metastasis. RNA-sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing and bisulfite-sequencing were performed to investigate the TCF21-regulated genes and mechanisms underlying integrin α5 onTCF21DNA hypermethylation. Pericyte-conditionalTcf21-knockout mice were constructed to investigate the effects of TCF21 in TPCs on CRC metastasis. Masson staining, atomic force microscopy, second-harmonic generation and two-photon fluorescence microscopy were employed to observe perivascular extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling.

Results

Thirteen TPC subpopulations were identified by scRNA-seq. A novel subset of TCF21highTPCs, termed ‘matrix–pericytes’, was associated with liver metastasis in patients with CRC. TCF21 in TPCs increased perivascular ECM stiffness, collagen rearrangement and basement membrane degradation, establishing a perivascular metastatic microenvironment to instigate colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM).Tcf21depletion in TPCs mitigated perivascular ECM remodelling and CRCLM, whereas the coinjection of TCF21highTPCs and CRC cells markedly promoted CRCLM. Mechanistically, loss of integrin α5 inhibited the FAK/PI3K/AKT/DNMT1 axis to impairTCF21DNA hypermethylation in TCF21highTPCs.

Conclusion

This study uncovers a previously unidentified role of TPCs in haematogenous metastasis and provides a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for CRC metastasis.
Lung cancer risk in relation to jobs held in a nationwide case–control study in Iran
Authors: Hosseini Bayan , Olsson Ann , Bouaoun Liacine , Hall Amy , Hadji Maryam , Rashidian Hamideh , Naghibzadeh-Tahami Ahmad , Marzban Maryam , Najafi Farid , Haghdoost Ali Akbar , Boffetta Paolo , Kamangar Farin , Pukkala Eero , Etemadi Arash , Weiderpass Elisabete , Schüz Joachim , Zendehdel Kazem
Published: September 2022

Background

Globally, lung cancer is the most frequent occupational cancer, but the risk associated with the occupations or occupational environment in Iran is not clear. We aimed to assess occupations with the risk of lung cancer.

Methods

We used the IROPICAN nationwide case–control study data including 658 incident lung cancer cases and 3477 controls. We assessed the risk of lung cancer in relation to ever working in major groups of International Standard Classification of Occupations, high-risk occupations for lung cancer and duration of employment and lung cancer subtype among construction workers and farmers while controlling for cigarette smoking and opium consumption. We used unconditional regression logistic models to estimate ORs for the association between increased lung cancer risk and occupations.

Results

We observed elevated ORs for lung cancer in male construction workers (OR=1.4; 95% CI: 1.0 to 1.8), petroleum industry workers (OR=3.2; 95% CI: 1.1 to 9.8), female farmers (OR=2.6; 95% CI: 1.3 to 5.3) and female bakers (OR=5.5; 95% CI: 1.0 to 29.8). A positive trend by the duration of employment was observed for male construction workers (p< 0.001). Increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma was observed in male construction workers (OR=1.9; 95% CI: 1.2 to 3.0) and female farmers (OR=4.3; 95% CI: 1.1 to 17.2), who also experienced an increased risk of adenocarcinoma (OR=3.8; 95% CI: 1.4 to 9.9).

Discussion

Although we observed associations between some occupations and lung cancer consistent with the literature, further studies with larger samples focusing on exposures are needed to better understand the occupational lung cancer burden in Iran.
Factors associated with smoking behaviour changes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: a 6-month follow-up study
Authors: Yamamoto Takafumi , Abbas Hazem , Kanai Makiko , Yokoyama Tetsuji , Tabuchi Takahiro
Published: September 2022

Background

Smoking behaviour may have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the April 2020 revised smoke-free policy and the high prevalence of heated tobacco product (HTP) use in Japan (10.9% in 2020). This study examined the association between these three events and smoking behaviour changes using 6-month follow-up data from before and during the pandemic.

Method

Using longitudinal data from an internet survey conducted in February 2020 (baseline) and follow-up in August to September 2020, prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for smoking behaviour changes (increase and quit) were calculated using multivariable Poisson regression with adjustments for potential covariates including three event-related five factors: fear of COVID-19, living in a COVID-19 endemic area, workplace smoking rules, self-imposed smoking rules at home and type of tobacco use (cigarette only/HTP only/dual use). A smoker who reported an increase in smoking intensity in the last month was defined as an increase. A smoker who had stopped both cigarettes and HTPs at follow-up was defined as a quit.

Results

We analysed 1810 tobacco users (1448 males (80%); mean age 50.8 years±13.2 SD). At baseline, 930 participants used cigarettes only, 293 HTPs only and 587 both. While 214 (11.8%) users increased smoking intensity, 259 (14.3%) quit both tobacco products. Those who feared COVID-19 were less likely to quit (PR=0.77, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.95), while living in a COVID-19 endemic area was not associated with either smoking behaviour change. Workplace smoking rules were not associated with either smoking behaviour change, but those with no home smoking ban were less likely to quit. Compared with cigarette-only users, HTP-only users were more likely to quit (PR=1.57, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.11), while dual users were more likely to increase smoking intensity (PR=1.35, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.79).

Conclusion

During the pandemic, dual cigarette and HTP use increased smoking intensity, whereas HTP-only use was associated with quitting but fear of COVID-19 and not having a home smoking ban made it harder to quit.
Light trajectory and shadow shape in the rotating naked singularity
Authors: Patel Vishva , Tahelyani Divya , Joshi Ashok B. , Dey Dipanjan , Joshi Pankaj S.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we investigate the light trajectories and shadow properties in the rotating version of null naked singularity (NNS) spacetime which is derived using the Newman–Janis algorithm without complexification method. We discuss some of the geometrical properties and causal structure of Rotating Naked Singularity (RNS) spacetime. The gravitational lensing in a rotating naked singularity is analyzed, and the results are compared to those of a Kerr black hole. In the case of a Kerr black hole, the photon sphere exists for both prograde and retrograde photon orbits, whereas for RNS, the photon sphere exists only for retrograde photon orbits. As a result, the naked singularity projects an arc-shaped shadow that differs from the contour-shaped shadow cast by a Kerr black hole.
EUP-corrected thermodynamics of BTZ black hole
Authors: Hamil B. , Lütfüoğlu B. C. , Dahbi L.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we investigate the influence of the extended uncertainty principle (EUP) on the thermodynamics of a charged rotating Bañados, Teitelboim and Zanelli (BTZ) black hole in ([Formula: see text])-dimensional anti-de Sitter (AdS) space–time. To this end, we derive EUP-corrected Hawking temperature, pressure, entropy, Gibbs free energy and heat capacity functions. We observe that EUP-based quantum corrections decrease pressure and entropy functions in AdS space–time. Such decreases show up itself only in physically meaningful region for Gibbs free energy and specific heat functions.
FaceType
Authors: Maher Kevin , Xiang Fan , Zhi Liang
Published: September 2022

FaceType is an interactive installation that creates an experience of spoken communication through generated text. Inspired by Chinese calligraphy, the project transforms our spoken expression into handwriting. FaceType explores what parts of our spoken expression can be evoked in writing, and what the most natural form of interaction between the two might be. The work is aimed to allow lay audiences to experience emotion, emphasis, and critical information in speech. Further audience reflection about patterns in their expression and the role of unconscious and conscious expression provide new directions for further works.