bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributional Impacts of the Canada-US Free Trade Agreement
Authors: Kovak Brian K. , Morrow Peter M.
Published: May 2023

We examine the effects of the 1988 Canada-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on employment and earnings inequality among low-, medium-, and high-income Canadian workers initially employed in manufacturing. Although the FTA tariff cuts drove large changes in trade flows, we find generally small effects on employment and cumulative earnings during 1989-2004. Workers faced negative effects of import competition and positive effects of access to the US export market, but these effects were largely offset by transitions into other industries and sectors. The effect on earnings inequality was small, with point estimates implying a slight reduction in earnings inequality.
The Insurance Implications of Government Student Loan Repayment Schemes
Authors: Gervais Martin , Liu Qian , Lochner Lance
Published: May 2023

We use new administrative data that link detailed information on Canadian student loan recipients with their repayment and income histories from the Canada Student Loans Program, income tax filings, and postsecondary schooling records to measure the extent to which student borrowers adjust loan repayments to insure against income variation. Loan payments are shown to increase in income, more so in early years and for individuals with higher initial debt. We estimate that on average an unexpected $1,000 change in annual income is associated with a $30 change in loan payment. Loan repayments are also used to absorb persistent income variation.
Born to Be (Sub)Prime: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Bach Helena , Campa Pietro , De Giorgi Giacomo , Nosal Jaromir , Pietrobon Davide
Published: May 2023

We study how inheriting parents' credit histories affects the initial credit scores, access to credit, and life cycle borrowing of young individuals entering the credit market. We establish that inherited histories significantly positively affect initial scores, which in turn are very persistent. Inherited histories only affect outcomes through initial credit scores, which then have significant persistent effects on credit use and access, such as having a mortgage. Our results are consistent with mechanisms of self-fulfilling liquidity traps: low credit scores mean lack of access to credit, reinforcing low credit scores. Future research should address the contribution of such mechanisms to wealth inequality.
A Disaggregated View of Household Production Trends
Authors: Bridgman Benjamin
Published: May 2023

The shift of working time from the household to the market, or marketization, was one of the most important changes in the US economy. This paper estimates US household production (HP) by product and examines the marketization of these products. I find that most HP products show little marketization despite a decline in HP's importance relative to GDP. Only cooking had significant marketization between 1965 and 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a demarketization of most products, consistent with market options being disrupted.
Anticipatory Migration Responses to Rural Climate Shocks
Authors: Quiñones Esteban J. , Nobles Jenna , Riosmena Fernando , Nawrotzki Raphael
Published: May 2023

Despite increased incidence and severity of climate shocks associated with climate change, observed levels of adaptation remain low. To assess if individuals adapt to the heat-induced crop losses of neighboring households in rural, agriculturally reliant communities, we integrate panel socioeconomic and demographic data from rural Mexico with high temporal and spatial resolution weather data. We find evidence of (ex ante) domestic migration that is plausibly an anticipatory response to the perception of increased risks of future heat-induced crop losses. This study highlights the salience of anticipatory adaptation and the relevance of learning from others in the context of climate risk.
Racial Gaps in Federal Flood Buyout Compensations
Authors: Jowers Kay , Ma Lala , Timmins Christopher D.
Published: May 2023

In a managed retreat, or “buyout,” program, homeowners are offered their property's fair-market value to relocate from a flood-prone area. Using a nationwide sample of federal buyout acquisitions and the universe of US housing transactions over the last two decades, we estimate whether the discount in buyout price compensation, calculated using a hedonic prediction model, depends on a homeowner's race. We provide the first systematic evidence of inequitable compensation in a federal buyout program using nationwide administrative data. Disproportionate compensation, in an attempt to adapt to a warming climate, may further widen the wealth and social mobility gaps.
Structural basis for RNA-duplex unwinding by the DEAD-box helicase DbpA
Authors: Wurm Jan Philip
Published: May 2023

DEAD-box RNA helicases are implicated in most aspects of RNA biology, where these enzymes unwind short RNA duplexes in an ATP-dependent manner. During the central step of the unwinding cycle, the two domains of the helicase core form a distinct closed conformation that destabilizes the RNA duplex, which ultimately leads to duplex melting. Despite the importance of this step for the unwinding process no high-resolution structures of this state are available. Here, I used nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography to determine structures of the DEAD-box helicase DbpA in the closed conformation, complexed with substrate duplexes and single-stranded unwinding product. These structures reveal that DbpA initiates duplex unwinding by interacting with up to three base-paired nucleotides and a 5′ single-stranded RNA duplex overhang. These high-resolution snapshots, together with biochemical assays, rationalize the destabilization of the RNA duplex and are integrated into a conclusive model of the unwinding process.
Cysteine tRNA acts as a stop codon readthrough-inducing tRNA in the human HEK293T cell line
Authors: Valášek Leoš Shivaya , Kučerová Michaela , Zeman Jakub , Beznosková Petra
Published: May 2023

Under certain circumstances, any of the three termination codons can be read through by a near-cognate tRNA; i.e., a tRNA whose two out of three anticodon nucleotides base pair with those of the stop codon. Unless programed to synthetize C-terminally extended protein variants with expanded physiological roles, readthrough represents an undesirable translational error. On the other side of a coin, a significant number of human genetic diseases is associated with the introduction of nonsense mutations (premature termination codons [PTCs]) into coding sequences, where stopping is not desirable. Here, the tRNA's ability to induce readthrough opens up the intriguing possibility of mitigating the deleterious effects of PTCs on human health. In yeast, the UGA and UAR stop codons were described to be read through by four readthrough-inducing rti-tRNAs—tRNATrpand tRNACys, and tRNATyrand tRNAGln, respectively. The readthrough-inducing potential of tRNATrpand tRNATyrwas also observed in human cell lines. Here, we investigated the readthrough-inducing potential of human tRNACysin the HEK293T cell line. The tRNACysfamily consists of two isoacceptors, one with ACA and the other with GCA anticodons. We selected nine representative tRNACysisodecoders (differing in primary sequence and expression level) and tested them using dual luciferase reporter assays. We found that at least two tRNACyscan significantly elevate UGA readthrough when overexpressed. This indicates a mechanistically conserved nature of rti-tRNAs between yeast and human, supporting the idea that they could be used in the PTC-associated RNA therapies.
Coexisting nephrotic syndromes influences in st elevation myocardial infarction patient and chronic limb-threatening ischemia patient: is there any correlation?
Authors: Dakota Iwan , Taofan Taofan , Indriani Suci , Afandy Jonathan Edbert , Asaf Mikhael , Putra Swastya Dwi , Adiarto Suko , Sukmawan Renan
Published: May 2023

Background: ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) were cardiovascular emergencies and require urgent reperfusion treatment. Both diseases shared same traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Nephrotic syndrome (NS) patients were known for risk of thromboembolic complications that may present as STEMI or CLTI, result of hypercoagulable state stemming leading to thrombus formation.

Case illustration: Three cases were described in a case series. The first case presented with anterior extensive STEMI, coroangiography revealed total occlusion at proximal left anterior descending artery with high burden thrombus, treated with defered stenting and medical therapy. The second case presented with CLTI, imaging modality showed occlusion with thrombus in infra-renal abdominal aorta until bilateral superficial femoral artery (SFA), the patient refused any interventional treatment, so he was treated with medical therapy only. The third case presented with CLTI on left leg and chronic limb ischemia on right leg, imaging modality showed occlusion at left external iliac artery and 1/3 distal of right SFA with prominent plaque calcification, treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, and medical therapy. All patients achieved significant improvement in the disease.

Conclusion: NS is a risk factor for STEMI and CLTI. Even corticosteroids for NS treatment also a risk factor for thromboembolic complications. Controlling the disease severity with precaution of the therapy side effect should be achieved. If thromboembolic complications related to NS happen, the management mainly follows the available guidelines.
Subcellular protein localisation of Trypanosoma brucei bloodstream form-upregulated proteins maps stage-specific adaptations
Authors: Halliday Clare , Dean Samuel , Sunter Jack Daniel , Wheeler Richard J.
Published: May 2023

Background: Genome-wide subcellular protein localisation in Trypanosoma brucei, through our TrypTag project, has comprehensively dissected the molecular organisation of this important pathogen. Powerful as this resource is, T. brucei has multiple developmental forms and we previously only analysed the procyclic form. This is an insect life cycle stage, leaving the mammalian bloodstream form unanalysed. The expectation is that between life stages protein localisation would not change dramatically (completely unchanged or shifting to analogous stage-specific structures). However, this has not been specifically tested. Similarly, which organelles tend to contain proteins with stage-specific expression can be predicted from known stage specific adaptations but has not been comprehensively tested.

Methods: We used endogenous tagging with mNG to determine the sub-cellular localisation of the majority of proteins encoded by transcripts significantly upregulated in the bloodstream form, and performed comparison to the existing localisation data in procyclic forms.

Results: We have confirmed the localisation of known stage-specific proteins and identified the localisation of novel stage-specific proteins. This gave a map of which organelles tend to contain stage specific proteins: the mitochondrion for the procyclic form, and the endoplasmic reticulum, endocytic system and cell surface in the bloodstream form.

Conclusions: This represents the first genome-wide map of life cycle stage-specific adaptation of organelle molecular machinery in T. brucei.
Avoiding Peer Information and Its Effects on Charity Crowdfunding: A Field Experiment
Authors: Chan Tat Y. , Liao Li , Martin Xiumin , Wang Zhengwei
Published: May 2023

We study the behavior of an individual avoiding peer information from a natural field experiment of charity crowdfunding. The unique experimental design enables us to employ an instrumental variable strategy to identify how the behavior influences individual giving to and promotion of charity campaigns. We find that, even with free access, 89% of individuals chose not to seek peer information. These individuals were less likely, whereas their peers were more likely to give and help promote in the past. The behavior would reduce the total distribution of campaigns by 8.5% and the total donation amount by 7.7%. A stylized model is used to illustrate how the pressure from peer comparison drives the individuals not to seek the information and how this behavior could influence giving and promoting behaviors of a group of marginal individuals.

This paper was accepted by Yan Chen, behavioral economics and decision analysis.

Funding: The project was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 72103110].

Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4807 .
Approximation Algorithms and Linear Programming Relaxations for Scheduling Problems Related to Min-Sum Set Cover
Authors: Happach Felix , Schulz Andreas S.
Published: May 2023

We consider single-machine scheduling problems that are natural generalizations or variations of the min-sum set-cover problem. For these scheduling problems, we give new approximation algorithms. Some of these algorithms rely on time-indexed linear programming relaxations. We show how a variant of alpha-point scheduling leads to the best known approximation ratios, including a guarantee of four for an interesting special case of the so-called generalized min-sum set-cover problem. We also make explicit the connection between the greedy algorithm for min-sum set cover and the concept of Sidney decomposition for precedence-constrained single-machine scheduling and show how this leads to a 4-approximation algorithm for single-machine scheduling with so-called bipartite OR-precedence constraints.

Funding: This work has been supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation with funds from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
Taking steps to protect cancer nurses from exposure to hazardous drugs
Authors: Clark Christine
Published: May 2023

Freelance medical writer Christine Clark ( chris@salt.u-net.com ) reports on an online meeting held in March 2023 as part of a series on the risks of exposure to hazardous drugs for nurses working in oncology
Effect of treadmill training on fibrocartilage complex repair in tendon-bone insertion healing in the postinflammatory stage
Authors: Tan Jindong , Liu Xiao , Zhou Mei , Wang Feng , Ma Lin , Tang Hong , He Gang , Kang Xia , Bian Xuting , Tang Kanglai
Published: May 2023

Aims

Mechanical stimulation is a key factor in the development and healing of tendon-bone insertion. Treadmill training is an important rehabilitation treatment. This study aims to investigate the benefits of treadmill training initiated on postoperative day 7 for tendon-bone insertion healing.

Methods

A tendon-bone insertion injury healing model was established in 92 C57BL/6 male mice. All mice were divided into control and training groups by random digital table method. The control group mice had full free activity in the cage, and the training group mice started the treadmill training on postoperative day 7. The quality of tendon-bone insertion healing was evaluated by histology, immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, micro-CT, micro-MRI, open field tests, and CatWalk gait and biomechanical assessments.

Results

Our results showed a significantly higher tendon-bone insertion histomorphological score in the training group, and the messenger RNA and protein expression levels of type II collagen (COL2A1), SOX9, and type X collagen (COL10A1) were significantly elevated. Additionally, tendon-bone insertion resulted in less scar hyperplasia after treadmill training, the bone mineral density (BMD) and bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV) were significantly improved, and the force required to induce failure became stronger in the training group. Functionally, the motor ability, limb stride length, and stride frequency of mice with tendon-bone insertion injuries were significantly improved in the training group compared with the control group.

Conclusion

Treadmill training initiated on postoperative day 7 is beneficial to tendon-bone insertion healing, promoting biomechanical strength and motor function. Our findings are expected to guide clinical rehabilitation training programmes.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(5):339–351.
Aerosol absorption measurement by a Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor
Authors: Land Jay E.
Published: May 2023

Researchers at the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command have developed a method for quantifying high energy near-infrared (NIR) laser heating of air resulting from laser absorption of suspended dry aerosols in a controlled environmental chamber. The measurements were accomplished using an ISO standard test dust and NIR high energy laser using a Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor. This paper presents the methodology of the measurement as well as the quantitative reconstruction of the air temperature profile, absorption efficiency, and imaginary refractive index of the aerosol. The resulting measurement of the aerosol imaginary index of refraction was significantly lower than values typically found in the literature from measurements using low power techniques. These findings are in general agreement with other recently published works that have found that previously published values of mineral dust aerosols could be significantly overestimated.
Increasing the power and spectral efficiencies of an OFDM-based VLC system through multi-objective optimization
Authors: Costa Wesley , Camporez Higor , Pontes Maria , Segatto Marcelo , Rocha Helder , Silva Jair , Hinrichs Malte , Paraskevopoulos Anagnostis , Jungnickel Volker , Freund Ronald
Published: May 2023

The nonlinearity induced by light-emitting diodes in visible light communication (VLC) systems presents a challenge to the parametrization of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). The goal of the multi-objective optimization problem presented in this study is to maximize the transmitted power (superimposed LED bias-current and signal amplification) for both conventional and constant envelope (CE) OFDM while also maximizing spectral efficiency. The bit error rate (BER) metric is used to evaluate the optimization using the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II. Simulation results show that for a BER of 1×10−3, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) required decreases with the guard band due to intermodulation distortions. In contrast to SNR values of approximately 13 and 25 dB achieved by traditional OFDM-based systems, the VLC system with CE signals achieves a guard band of 6% of the signal bandwidth with required SNR values of approximately 10.8 and 24 dB for 4-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) and 16-QAM modulation orders, respectively.
Mid-infrared difference-frequency generation in AlGaAs-on-insulator waveguides
Authors: Madsen Magnus L. , Ulsig Emil Z. , Folsach Sebastian , Godoy Pedro H. , Stanton Eric J. , Volet Nicolas
Published: May 2023

A design study is presented for difference-frequency generation (DFG) to the mid-infrared (MIR) at 2.3 µm in AlGaAs waveguides heterogeneously integrated on silicon. Perfect phase matching (PhM) is achieved in simulations by engineering the dimensions of the waveguide and by tuning the wavelengths of the input sources. An optimal design of the waveguide is found with a width of 1196 nm and height of 146 nm with a length of about 5 mm. We expect a signal output power of about 1 mW at 2389 nm and a wavelength range from 2231 to 2574 nm by the use of tunable sources around 940 and 1550 nm. The tolerance of the input wavelengths and waveguide dimensions required for perfect PhM is also estimated showing the feasibility of the fabrication. This offers a promising design for a compact MIR source on a chip to be used for gas sensing, in particular for carbon monoxide and ammonia, and for DFG of single photons to the C-band.
Characterization of a forced damped harmonic oscillator in a magneto-optical trap of 133Cs atoms
Authors: Baek Jaeuk , Lee Sanglok , Lee Min-Hwan , Moon Geol
Published: May 2023

We report the characterization of the forced damped harmonic oscillations of 133Cs atoms in a magneto-optical trap, which was realized by modulating the intensity of the lasers counterpropagating along the anti-Helmholtz coil axis. Trap parameters such as trap frequency, damping coefficient, and magnitude of the driving force were determined from the resonant vibrational amplitude of the 133Cs atomic cloud depending on the modulation frequency of the modulated laser intensity. The experimental results were compared with the theoretical ones based on the simple two-level and multi-level atom models, considering all possible transition lines used to trap the 133Cs atom, and were found to be consistent with their theoretical counterparts. Furthermore, we theoretically examined the effect of the repumping laser on trap parameters.
Real-time nondemolition measurement method for alkali vapor density and its application in a spin-exchange relaxation-free co-magnetometer
Authors: Wang Ruigang , Li Feng , Liu Zehua , Qin Bodong , Xing Li , Wang Zhuo
Published: May 2023

This study presents a novel method for measuring the number density of K in K-Rb hybrid vapor cells using circularly polarized pump light on polarized alkali metal atoms. This proposed method eliminates the need for additional devices such as absorption spectroscopy, Faraday rotation, or resistance temperature detector technology. The modeling process involved considering wall loss, scattering loss, atomic absorption loss, and atomic saturation absorption, with experiments designed to identify the relevant parameters. The proposed method is real-time, highly stable, and a quantum nondemolition measurement that does not disrupt the spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) regime. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, as the longitudinal electron spin polarization long-term stability increased by 204% and the transversal electron spin polarization long-term stability increased by 44.8%, as evaluated by the Allan variance.
Enhanced second harmonic generation in laser-induced air plasma
Authors: Fu Shing Yiu , Garriga Francis Kareem J. , Pac Chong Mervin Lim , E Yiwen , Zhang X.-C.
Published: May 2023

We report a systematic investigation into the processes behind a near hundred-fold enhanced second harmonic wave generated from a laser-induced air plasma, by examining the temporal dynamics of the frequency conversion processes, and the polarization of the emitted second harmonic beam. Contrary to typical nonlinear optical processes, the enhanced second harmonic generation efficiency is only observed within a sub-picosecond time window and found to be nearly constant across fundamental pulse durations spanning from 0.1 ps to over 2 ps. We further demonstrate that with the adopted orthogonal pump–probe configuration, the polarization of the second harmonic field exhibits a complex dependence on the polarization of both input fundamental beams, contrasting with most of the previous experiments with a single-beam geometry.
Enhancing nonclassical correlations for light scattered by an ensemble of cold two-level atoms
Authors: Marinho Lucas S. , Araújo Michelle O. , Martins Wellington , Felinto Daniel
Published: May 2023

We report the enhancement of quantum correlations for biphotons generated via spontaneous four-wave mixing in an ensemble of cold two-level atoms. This enhancement is based on the filtering of the Rayleigh linear component of the spectrum of the two emitted photons, favoring the quantum-correlated sidebands reaching the detectors. We provide direct measurements of the unfiltered spectrum presenting its usual triplet structure, with Rayleigh central components accompanied by two peaks symmetrically located at the detuning of the excitation laser with respect to the atomic resonance. The filtering of the central component results in a violation of the Cauchy–Schwarz inequality to (4.8±1.0)≰1 for a detuning of 60 times the atomic linewidth, representing an enhancement by a factor of four compared with the unfiltered quantum correlations observed at the same conditions.
Dual-comb spectroscopy from the ultraviolet to mid-infrared region based on high-order harmonic generation
Authors: Di Yuanfeng , Zuo Zhong , Peng Daowang , Luo Daping , Gu Chenglin , Li Wenxue
Published: May 2023

Dual-comb spectroscopy (DCS) has revolutionized numerous spectroscopic applications due to its high spectral resolution and fast measurement speed. Substantial efforts have been made to obtain a coherent dual-comb source at various spectral regions through nonlinear frequency conversion, where the preservation of coherence has become a problem of great importance. In this study, we report the generation of coherent dual-comb sources covering from the ultraviolet to mid-infrared region based on high-order harmonic generation. Driven by high-repetition-rate femtosecond mid-infrared dual-comb pump pulses, up to ninth-order harmonic was generated from the ultraviolet to mid-infrared region using an aperiodically poled lithium niobate waveguide. To investigate the coherence property of the high-order harmonic generation, DCS was performed at every generated spectral region from 450 to 3600 nm. The measured dual-comb spectra with distinctive tooth-resolved structures show the well-preserved coherence without apparent degradation after the cascaded quadratic nonlinear processes. The subsequent methane absorption spectroscopy at multiple spectral regions of different harmonics was carried out to characterize the spectroscopic capability of the system. These results demonstrate the potential of our scheme to generate compact and coherent broadband optical frequency combs for simultaneous multi-target detections.
Local characterization of the polarization state of 3D electromagnetic fields: an alternative approach
Authors: Martínez-Herrero Rosario , Maluenda David , Aviñoá Marcos , Carnicer Artur , Juvells Ignasi , Sanz Ángel S.
Published: May 2023

A precise knowledge of the polarization state of light is crucial in technologies that involve the generation and application of structured light fields. The implementation of efficient methods to determine and characterize polarization states is mandatory; more importantly, these structured light fields must be at any spatial location at a low expense. Here, we introduce a new characterization method that relies on a rather convenient description of electric fields without neglecting their 3D nature. This method is particularly suitable for highly focused fields, which exhibit important polarization contributions along their propagation direction in the neighborhood of the focal region; i.e., the contributions out of the planes transverse to the optical axis, conventionally used to specify the polarization state of these fields. As shown, the method allows the extraction of information about the three field components at relatively low computational and experimental costs. Furthermore, it also allows characterization of the polarization state of a field in a rather simple manner. To check the feasibility and reliability of the method, we determined both analytically and experimentally the local polarization states for a series of benchmark input fields with it, finding excellent agreement between the theory and experiment.
Deep self-supervised learning for biosynthetic gene cluster detection and product classification
Authors: Rios-Martinez Carolina , Bhattacharya Nicholas , Amini Ava P. , Crawford Lorin , Yang Kevin K.
Published: May 2023

Natural products are chemical compounds that form the basis of many therapeutics used in the pharmaceutical industry. In microbes, natural products are synthesized by groups of colocalized genes called biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). With advances in high-throughput sequencing, there has been an increase of complete microbial isolate genomes and metagenomes, from which a vast number of BGCs are undiscovered. Here, we introduce a self-supervised learning approach designed to identify and characterize BGCs from such data. To do this, we represent BGCs as chains of functional protein domains and train a masked language model on these domains. We assess the ability of our approach to detect BGCs and characterize BGC properties in bacterial genomes. We also demonstrate that our model can learn meaningful representations of BGCs and their constituent domains, detect BGCs in microbial genomes, and predict BGC product classes. These results highlight self-supervised neural networks as a promising framework for improving BGC prediction and classification.
Molecular diagnosis of intestinal protozoa in young adults and their pets in Colombia, South America
Authors: Potes-Morales Caterine , Crespo-Ortiz Maria del Pilar
Published: May 2023

Intestinal parasitic infections have been considered a relevant public health problem due to the increased incidence worldwide. In developing countries, diarrhea and gastrointestinal symptoms cause impaired work capacity in adults and delayed rate growth in children. Enteric infections of unknown etiology can often lead to misdiagnosis, increased transmission, and morbidity. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in a young adult population and their pets. Stool samples from 139 university students and 44 companion animals were subjected to microscopy diagnosis using wet mounts, concentration by zinc sulphate flotation and staining techniques (Kinyoun and trichrome stain). Molecular diagnosis of protozoa was also performed by conventional PCR. The mean age was 24 years, 54% individuals were female, 46% were men, and 66% had at least one pet. The overall prevalence for at least one parasite was 74.8% and the rate of polyparasitism was 37.5%. Eighty-three patients (59.7%) were positive for Blastocystis spp., followed by Cryptosporidium spp. 24.5%, Endolimax nana 13.6%, Entamoeba dispar/E. moshkovskii 7.8% and Giardia intestinalis 1.4%. Molecular diagnosis substantially improved Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis spp. detection and allowed to distinguish E. histolytica from commensals in the Entamoeba complex. Student’s pets were also examined for parasitism. Samples from 27 dogs, 15 cats, one rabbit and one hen were analyzed, and parasites were detected in 30 (68.2%) as follows: Cryptosporidium spp. (24) Giardia spp. (4), hookworm (3), Endolimax nana (2) and Toxoplasma gondii (1). Overall, university students showed high prevalence of parasitism and polyparasitism suggesting exposure to parasite infected animals and contaminated environments. Cryptosporidium spp. was the predominant pathogen in human and domestic animals, and it was only detected by PCR, pointing out the need for sensitive tests in diagnosis and surveillance. Control strategies to prevent the effects of parasitic infections in young population should consider pets as reservoirs and transmission source.
Examining financial distress of the Vietnamese listed firms using accounting-based models
Authors: Tran Thao , Nguyen Ngoc Hong , Le Binh Thien , Thanh Vu Nam , Vo Duc Hong
Published: May 2023

Financial distress is generally considered the most severe consequence for firms with poor financial performance. The emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic has adversely impacted the global business system and exacerbated the number of financially distressed firms in many countries. Only firms with strong financial fundamentals can survive extreme events such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Vietnam is no exception. However, studies examining financial distress using accounting-based indicators, particularly at the industry level, have largely been ignored in the Vietnamese context, particularly with the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic. This study, therefore, comprehensively examines financial distress for 500 Vietnamese listed firms during the 2012–2021 period. Our study uses interest coverage and times-interest-earned ratios to proxy a firm’s financial distress. First, our findings confirm the validity of Altman’s Z”- score model in Vietnam only when the interest coverage ratio is used as a proxy for financial distress. Second, our empirical findings indicate that only four financial ratios, including EBIT/Total Assets, Net Income/Total Assets, Total Liabilities/Total Assets, and Total Equity/Total Liabilities, can be used in predicting financial distress in Vietnam. Third, our analysis at the industry level indicates that the "Construction & Real Estates" industry, a significant contributor to the national economy, exhibits the most significant risk exposure, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. Policy implications have emerged based on the findings from this study.
Conservation agriculture reduces climate change impact of a popcorn and wheat crop rotation
Authors: Guidoboni Maria Vittoria , Duparque Annie , Boissy Joachim , Mouny Jean-Christophe , Auberger Julie , van der Werf Hayo MG
Published: May 2023

Urgent action is needed to ensure humanity’s future under climate change. Agriculture faces major challenges as it is both influenced by and contributes to climate change. Conservation agriculture sequesters carbon (C) in the soil due to practices such as reduced tillage and planting of cover crops. This study assessed effects of an innovative conservation agriculture popcorn (Zea mays) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) crop rotation in south-western France on soil C sequestration, GHG emissions and several environmental impacts. Two complementary approaches were used: i) a comparison based on field data and expert judgement to assess short-term effects and ii) modelling of three scenarios to quantify long-term outcomes. In both approaches Life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to compare popcorn and wheat rotations. The conventional rotation used ploughing, and its soil was bare between wheat harvest and popcorn sowing. Conservation agriculture used reduced tillage, cover crops, and compost of green waste. Impacts of compost production were allocated mainly to its waste treatment function, based on waste treatment cost and compost price. Simulation modelling of soil C was used to estimate the amount of C sequestered by the conservation and conventional crop rotations. LCA was combined with soil C modelling over 100 years to assess the long-term climate change impact of three scenarios for the popcorn and wheat rotation. These scenarios were 1) Conventional agriculture, 2) Conservation agriculture with cover crops only, 3) Conservation agriculture with cover crops + compost. Mean annual C sequestration and net climate change impact were -0.24 t/ha and 3867 kg CO2-eq./ha, respectively, for the conventional rotation and 0.91 t/ha and 434 kg CO2-eq./ha, respectively, for the conservation rotation. The climate change impact of the conservation rotation depended strongly on the allocation of composting impacts between the waste treatment and compost production functions. Compared to the conventional rotation, the conservation rotation had a lower marine eutrophication impact (-7%) but higher impacts for terrestrial acidification (+9%), land competition (+3%), and cumulative energy demand (+2%). Modelling over 100 years revealed that, at near soil C equilibrium, a conventional scenario lost 9% of soil C, whereas conservation agriculture scenarios gained 14% (only cover crop) and 26% of soil C (cover crop + compost). Conservation agriculture resulted in soil C sequestration over several decades, until a new soil C equilibrium was reached.
New approach to improve power consumption associated with blockchain in WSNs
Authors: Jabor Maytham S. , Azez Aqeel Salman , Campelo José Carlos , Bonastre Pina Alberto
Published: May 2023

Nowadays, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are widely used for collecting, communicating, and sharing information in various applications. Due to its limited resources in terms of computation, power, battery lifetime, and memory storage for sensor nodes, it is difficult to add confidentiality and integrity security features. It is worth noting that blockchain (BC) technology is one of the most promising technologies, because it provides security, avoids centralization, and a trusted third party. However, to apply BCs in WSNs is not an easy task because BC is typically resource-hungry for energy, computation, and memory. In this paper, the additional complication of adding BC in WSNs is compensated by an energy minimization strategy, which basically depends on minimizing the processing load of generating the blockchain hash value, and encrypting and compressing the data that travel from the cluster-heads to the base station to reduce the overall traffic, leading to reduced energy per node. A specific (dedicated) circuit is designed to implement the compression technique, generate the blockchain hash values and data encryption. The compression algorithm is based on chaotic theory. A comparison of the power consumed by a WSN using a blockchain implementation with and without the dedicated circuit, illustrates that the hardware design contributes considerably to reduce the consumption of power. When simulating both approaches, the energy consumed when replacing functions by hardware decreases up to 63%.
Application of 3D hologram technology combined with reciprocal style to learn some fundamental boxing skills
Authors: Rakha Ahmed Hassan
Published: May 2023

The use of 3D Hologram Technology (3DHT) in teaching and learning has many advantages, such as attracting students’ attention, reducing cognitive load and self-effort, and improving spatial awareness. In addition, a number of studies have confirmed that the reciprocal teaching style is effective in teaching motor skills. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of reciprocal style when combined with 3DHT in learning some fundamental boxing skills. A quasi-experimental design was used by creating two experimental and control groups. For the experimental group, the reciprocal style is combined with 3DHT to teach some fundamental boxing skills. In contrast, the control group is taught a program based on a teacher command style. Pretest-posttest designs were made for the two groups. The sample consisted of 40 boxing beginners aged 12 to 14 who were enrolled in the 2022/2023 training season at Port Fouad Sports Club in Port Said, Egypt. The participants were randomly divided into two experimental and control groups. There were homogenized based on age, height, weight, IQ, physical fitness, and skill level. The results showed the experimental group achieved a higher skill level due to the combination of 3DHT and a reciprocal style in compared to the control group, which relied solely on the teacher’s command style,. Due to this, it is imperative to utilize hologram technology as a pedagogical resource to enhance the learning process and combine it with teaching strategies that support active learning.
Association between intra-abdominal injured organs and abdominal compartment syndrome in patients with severe blunt trauma: A propensity score matched study using nationwide trauma registry in Japan
Authors: Komori Akira , Iriyama Hiroki , Kainoh Takako , Aoki Makoto , Abe Toshikazu
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) after blunt abdominal trauma is a rare complication that requires early recognition and subsequent surgical intervention for optimal outcome. We aimed to investigate how differences in injured abdominal organs affect ACS development in patients with severe blunt abdominal trauma.

Methods

This nested case-control study used a nationwide registry of trauma patients, namely, the Japan Trauma Data Bank (JTDB), and only included patients aged ≥ 18 years with blunt severe abdominal trauma, defined as an AIS score of abdomen ≥ 3, sustained between 2004 and 2017. Patients without ACS were used as control subjects and identified using propensity score (PS) matching. Characteristics and outcomes between patients with and without ACS were compared and logistic regression was used to identify specific risk factors for ACS.

Results

Among 294,274 patients in the JTDB, 11,220 were eligible for inclusion before PS matching, and 150 (1.3%) developed ACS after trauma. PS matching led to the inclusion of 131 and 655 patients with and without ACS, respectively. Compared to controls, patients with ACS had higher number of injured organs in the abdomen and displayed a greater frequency of vascular and pancreatic injuries, need for blood transfusion, and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, a complication of ACS. In-hospital mortality was higher in patients with ACS than those without ACS (51.1% vs. 26.0%, p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed that a higher number of injured organs in the abdomen [odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]): 1.76 (1.23–2.53)] and pancreatic injury [OR (95% CI): 1.53 (1.03–2.27)] were independently associated with ACS.

Conclusions

Greater number of injured organs in abdomen and pancreatic injury are independent risk factors for the development of ACS.
Miscanthus sinensis contributes to the survival of Pinus densiflora seedlings at a mining site via providing a possible functional endophyte and maintaining symbiotic relationship between P. densiflora and endophytes from high soil temperature stress
Authors: Haruma Toshikatsu , Doyama Kohei , Lu Xingyan , Noji Kenta , Masuya Hayato , Arima Takahiko , Tomiyama Shingo , Yamaji Keiko
Published: May 2023

At a sedimentary site in an old mine site, Miscanthus sinensis formed patches, where Pinus densiflora seedlings could grow better compared with those outside the patches, indicating that M. sinensis would improve P. densiflora seedling establishment. The purpose of this study was to understand the mechanisms by which M. sinensis facilitates the survival of P. densiflora seedlings by considering the soil properties, heavy metal tolerance, and root endophytes in P. densiflora seedlings at the sedimentary site. The sedimentary site, which is a bare ground, contained high concentrations of Fe, indicating that plants should be exposed to Fe and high soil temperature stresses. Measurement of soil temperature revealed that M. sinensis suppressed sharp increases and alternation of soil temperature, resulting in reducing high soil temperature stress in P. densiflora seedlings. To adapt to the Fe stress environment, P. densiflora outside and inside the patches produced Fe detoxicants, including catechin, condensed tannin, and malic acid. Ceratobasidium bicorne and Aquapteridospora sp. were commonly isolated from P. densiflora seedlings outside and inside the patches as root endophytes, which might enhance Fe tolerance in the seedlings. Aquapteridospora sp., which is considered as a dark-septate endophyte (DSE), was also isolated from the roots of M. sinensis, suggesting that M. sinensis might play a source of a root endophyte to P. densiflora seedlings. Ceratobasidium bicorne could be classified into root endophytes showing symbiosis and weak pathogenicity to host plants. Therefore, high soil temperature stress would weaken P. densiflora seedlings, causing root endophytic C. bicorne to appear pathogenic. We suggested that P. densiflora could adapt to the Fe stress environment via producing Fe detoxicants, and M. sinensis would facilitate the establishment of P. densiflora seedlings in the sedimentary site by providing a DSE, Aquapteridospora sp., and maintaining symbiosis of C. bicorne from high soil temperature stress.
Bottom-up visions for future of food growing in cities
Authors: Chopra Simran , Vasiliou Christina , Clear Adrian K. , Clarke Rachel , Heitlinger Sara , Dilaver Özge
Published: May 2023

We report on community food growing as an instance of practice-based sustainability research focused on the design of interactive systems for food growing in future cities. We present a case study with a series of workshops using speculative and participatory design approaches focused on creatively exploring futures of urban food growing with a local neighbourhood community. Working with local grassroots communities is often perceived as more egalitarian for promoting viable long-term and embedded change in cities, yet little work has studied this approach for urban food growing. To explore how we might better articulate and conceptualize collaborative food growing futures, we discuss the creation of bottom-up visions as contestations to hegemonic narratives of power and control in cities. These are affected by, limitations of present resources and infrastructures, inability to work at scale due to lack of buy-in of stakeholders, and erroneous promises of future technologies. Through these reflections on grassroots futures as complex assemblages of social and material realities, we provoke researchers and practitioners to look at envisioning future possibilities with participants, as a web of practices and stakeholders. We further suggest that researchers and practitioners explore these interconnections through assemblages of socio-material realities and visions of high- and low-tech futures. This work is important because it provides a new approach to looking at the design of future technologies for cities and addressing systemic issues of hegemonic food systems through bottom-up actionable futures.
PZ77: A Town a Time a Tribe, Simon Parker (2022)
Authors: Bestley Russ
Published: May 2023

Review of: PZ77: A Town a Time a Tribe, Simon Parker (2022)

Penzance: Scryfa of Linkinhorne, 392 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-83847-183-5, p/bk, £12.00
Editorial
Authors: Bestley Russ
Published: May 2023

More than a decade on from its inception, Punk & Post-Punk continues to question, critique and problematize our expanded field of research and practice. This issue reflects on notions of punk agency, community, media bias and commercial exploitation, spanning multiple countries over a period of more than forty years.
Costilla cervical como causa de tumor supraclavicular: revisión sistemática
Authors: González-Sosto Mariana , Benito-Orejas José Ignacio , Losada-Campa Juan , Álvarez-Álvarez María , Duque-Holguera Victoria , Santo-Pérez Jaime
Published: May 2023

Introducción y objetivo: El hallazgo de una masa dura supraclavicular conlleva siempre preocupación, porque habitualmente implica un diagnóstico de malignidad. El objetivo de este trabajo ha consistido en examinar las características diferenciales de la presencia de una costilla cervical que, aun siendo una entidad muy poco frecuente, si se sospecha clínicamente, hace posible un diagnóstico inmediato, evitando exploraciones innecesarias y ofreciendo al paciente un pronóstico de benignidad. Método: Se realiza una revisión sistemática sobre el diagnóstico diferencial de las masas duras supraclaviculares, por dos revisores independientes utilizando cinco buscadores académicos distintos. Resultados: De los 96 artículos obtenidos en la búsqueda inicial, se han extraído 14, tras el cribado de los que no cumplían los criterios de inclusión. El enfoque de los trabajos seleccionados fue el diagnóstico diferencial de una costilla cervical en pacientes con una masa dura supraclavicular. Discusión: La solicitud de pruebas complementarias, retrasa un diagnóstico que puede realizarse con una radiografía simple de tórax, evitando al paciente la angustia de un tortuoso camino. Conclusión: En el diagnóstico diferencial de una masa dura supraclavicular, se debe incluir la posibilidad de una costilla cervical.
Aggodalmak, Papírgalacsin És Kandalló. Ja, És Rózsa. Sok-Sok Rózsa
Authors: Radács László
Published: May 2023

Horváth Dóra – Mitev Ariel: Alternatív kvalitatív kutatási kézikönyv. Alinea Kiadó, Budapest, 2015. 393 számozott oldal, megjelölt fogyasztói ár 4.950 Ft