bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
School attendance and sport participation amongst children with chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional analysis from the Kids with CKD (KCAD) study
Authors: Hudson Adam C. , van Zwieten Anita , Mallitt Kylie-Ann , Durkan Anne , Hahn Deirdre , Guha Chandana , Khalid Rabia , Didsbury Madeleine , Francis Anna , McTaggart Steven , Mackie Fiona E. , Prestidge Chanel , Teixeira-Pinto Armando , Lah Suncica , Howell Martin , Howard Kirsten , Nassar Natasha , Jaure Allison , Craig Jonathan C. , Wong Germaine , Kim Siah
Published: November 2023

Background

School attendance and life participation, particularly sport, is a high priority for children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study is aimed at assessing the association between CKD stage, sports participation, and school absences in children with CKD.

Methods

Using data from the binational Kids with CKD study (ages 6–18 years, n = 377), we performed multivariable regression to evaluate the association between CKD stage, school absences, and sports participation.

Results

Overall, 62% of participants played sport with the most frequent sport activities engaged in being swimming (17%) and soccer (17%). Compared to children with CKD 1–2, the incidence rate ratios (IRR) (95% CI) for sports participation amongst children with CKD 3–5, dialysis, or transplant were 0.84 (0.64–1.09), 0.59 (0.39–0.90), and 0.75 (0.58–0.96), respectively. The median (IQR) days of school absences within a four-week period were 1 day (0–1), with children on dialysis reporting the highest number of school absences (9 days (5–15)), followed by transplant recipients (2 days (1–7)), children with CKD 3–5 (1 day (0–3)), and with CKD 1–2 (1 day (0–3)). Duration of CKD modified the association between CKD stage and school absences, with children with a transplant experiencing a higher number of missed school days with increasing duration of CKD, but not in children with CKD 1–5 or on dialysis (p-interaction < 0.01).

Conclusions

Children receiving dialysis and with a kidney transplant had greater school absences and played fewer sports compared to children with CKD stages 1–2. Innovative strategies to improve school attendance and sport participation are needed to improve life participation of children with CKD.

Graphical abstract
Body composition assessment in a large cohort of Olympic athletes with different training loads: possible reference values for fat mass and fat-free mass domains
Authors: Giovanelli Luca , Biganzoli Giacomo , Spataro Antonio , Malacarne Mara , Bernardelli Giuseppina , Spada Raffaella , Pagani Massimo , Biganzoli Elia , Lucini Daniela
Published: November 2023

Aims

To assess body composition by means of BOD POD in the large cohort of Italian Olympic athletes of many sport disciplines (studied at the same time), and to provide possible reference values for body composition in elite athletes.

Methods

1556 elite athletes, who took part in the selection procedure for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games for the National Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), were retrospectively studied. Body composition was determined using air plethysmography-based BOD POD.

Results

We observed that Fat Mass (FM) and Fat-free Mass (FFM) should be considered as two mutually independent domains in elite athletes. By performing Principal Component Analysis, we defined two independent main domains (respectively, representing FM and FFM), which presented different trends according to gender and static or dynamic exercise load. Lastly, we reported possible reference values for FM index and FFM index, respectively, representing the largest contributors to FM domain and FFM domain, and calculated as FM or FFM (kg)/height (m2).

Conclusions

Our findings might provide a basis to optimize the practical approach to body composition in athletes, highlighting the importance of considering indicators of fat mass and lean mass “simultaneously” and not specularly, according to different sport disciplines as well. Moreover, these data might contribute to standardize reference values for body composition in elite athletes, with a view to potentially helping to monitor and guide training regimens, prevent related detrimental practices and plan cardiometabolic prevention and rehabilitation programs.
Heavy metal residues in eggshells of Common Cranes (Grus grus) nesting in an agricultural region in north-eastern Germany
Authors: Barwisch Isabel , Mewes Wolfgang , Schmitz Ornés Angela , Guenther Sebastian
Published: November 2023

Urbanization, industrialization, and intensification of agriculture have led to considerable heavy metal pollution across the globe, harming our ecosystems. Concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) have been analysed in 249 eggshells collected between 2006 and 2021 from 83 female Common Cranes (Grus grus) nesting within north-eastern Germany. Information on the presence of trace elements in cranes from Europe and their potential adverse effects on the reproduction are largely missing. Only Cu and Pb were found to be present in eggshell samples. Levels of both metals did not exceed concentrations considered potentially toxic in birds and unhatched eggs did not contain higher metal concentrations compared to eggshell residues from hatched eggs. Statistical analysis revealed that trace element concentrations decreased significantly over the course of the study period. The ban of leaded gasoline in the early twenty-first century and strict limitations of heavy metal-based biocontrol products are likely responsible for this decrease over the years. However, as Cu levels gradually increase with increasing proportions of agricultural areas within the cranes’ home ranges, we suggest that considerable amounts of Cu originating from agricultural practises are still being released into the environment. We found no increase in metal concentrations in eggshells with increasing female age, suggesting that heavy metals do not accumulate in the circulatory systems of the adults over time. This study is the first to assess heavy metal contamination in Common Cranes and indicates the suitability of crane’s eggshells as bioindicator for monitoring environmental pollution.
Evaluating the Performance of Multi-criteria Decision-making Techniques in Flood Susceptibility Mapping
Authors: Mahato Ranjit , Bushi Dhoni , Nimasow Gibji , Barman Bikul , Joshi Ramesh Chandra , Yadava Ram Sakal
Published: November 2023

Performances of multi-criteria decision-making techniques in prediction of flood susceptibility are varied. We evaluated performances of ARAS, CODAS, COPRAS, EDAS, MOORA, TOPSIS, VIKOR, and WASPAS in predicting flood susceptibility of Barpeta district of Assam, India. Elevation, slope, proximity to river, geomorphology, drainage density, rainfall, land use/land cover, lithology, soil, stream power index, topographic wetness index and plan curvature were used as flood conditioning factors. The results show higher flood susceptibility over areas characterized by gentle slopes, low elevation and high proximity to drainage. Performances of the models were evaluated using 216 locations (flood and non-flood conditions) randomly classified into training (70%) and validation (30%) through area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). TOPSIS model showed better success (AUC = 0.965) and prediction rate (AUC = 0.962) than other models. Among the best performing models, highest percentage of area under high flood susceptibility was predicted by TOPSIS. Therefore, TOPSIS can be effectively used for flood risk management in areas having similar geographical conditions.
Enhancing daily rainfall prediction in urban areas: a comparative study of hybrid artificial intelligence models with optimization algorithms
Authors: Sheikhi Yaser , Ashrafi Seyed Mohammad , Nikoo Mohammad Reza , Haghighi Ali
Published: November 2023

Forecasting precipitation is a crucial input to hydrological models and hydrological event management. Accurate forecasts minimize the impact of extreme events on communities and infrastructure by providing timely and reliable information. In this study, six artificial intelligent hybrid models are developed to predict daily rainfall in urban areas by combining the firefly optimization algorithm (FA), invasive weed optimization algorithm (IWO), genetic particle swarm optimization algorithm (GAPSO), neural network (ANN), group method of data handling (GMDH), and wavelet transformation. Optimization algorithms increase forecasting accuracy by controlling all stages. A variety of criteria are used for validating the models, including correlation coefficient (R), root-mean-square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), critical success index (CSI), probability of detection (POD), and false alarm ratio (FAR). The proposed models are also evaluated in an urban area in Ahvaz, Iran. The GAPSO-Wavelet-ANN model is superior to other models for predicting daily rainfall, with an RMSE of 1.42 mm and an R of 0.9715.
Metabolic quotient and specific enzymatic activity in response to the addition of organic amendments to mining tailings
Authors: Nava-Arsola N. E. , Beltrán-Paz O. , Martínez-Jardines G. , Chávez-Vergara B.
Published: November 2023

Adding organic amendments to mining tailings to ameliorate extreme conditions that limit plant growth is a common practice in reclamation projects; still, the impact on microbial activity is not commonly considered. This work aimed to explore the use of the metabolic quotient and specific enzymatic activity as indicators of microbial carbon use efficiency in response to adding organic amendments to mining tailings. An experiment in vitro on adding organic amendments: compost, biochar, a mixture of them, and no addition on mining tailing from Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico, was established. Carbon mineralization, microbial biomass, and the enzymatic activity of β-glucosidase, phosphatase, polyphenol oxidase, and dehydrogenase were measured, while specific enzymatic activity and metabolic quotient were calculated. The results showed that microbial activity increased by adding all organic amendments in the following order: compost > mixture > biochar. In the treatment with the addition of compost, we observed a higher carbon mineralization and a greater enzymatic activity. The treatment with adding biochar showed similarities with the control treatment in parameters related to carbon dynamics, such as β-glucosidase, dehydrogenase, and carbon mineralization. This reflects microorganisms’ trade-off between investing energy in searching for resources or using them to improve their biomass clearly to view the specific enzymatic activity and metabolic quotient indicators.
You Can't Write That
Authors: Aull Laura
Published: November 2023

People read and write a range of English every day, yet what counts as 'correct' English has been narrowly defined and tested for 150 years. This book is written for educators, students, employers and scholars who are seeking a more just and knowledgeable perspective on English writing. It brings together history, headlines, and research with accessible visuals and examples, to provide an engaging overview of the complex nature of written English, and to offer a new approach for our diverse and digital writing world. Each chapter addresses a particular 'myth' of “correct” writing, such as 'students today can't write' or 'the internet is ruining academic writing', and presents the myth's context and consequences. By the end of the book, readers will know how to go from hunting errors to seeking (and finding) patterns in English writing today. This title is also available as open access on Cambridge Core.
The Suffering Son of David in Matthew's Passion Narrative
Authors: Johnson Nathan C.
Published: November 2023

In this book, Nathan C. Johnson offers the first full-scale study of David traditions in the Gospel of Matthew's story of Jesus's death. He offers a solution to the tension between Matthew's assertion that Jesus is the Davidic messiah and his humiliating death. To convince readers of his claim that Jesus was the Davidic messiah, Matthew would have to bridge the gap between messianic status and disgraceful execution. Johnson's proposed solution to this conundrum is widely overlooked yet refreshingly simple. He shows how Matthew makes his case for Jesus as the Davidic messiah in the passion narrative by alluding to texts in which David, too, suffered. Matthew thereby participates in a common intertextual, Jewish approach to messianism. Indeed, by alluding to suffering David texts, Matthew attempts to turn the tables of the problem of a crucified messiah by portraying Jesus as the Davidic messiah not despite, but because of his suffering.
The Cultural Mind
Authors: Kozulin Alex
Published: November 2023

Drawing attention to the pivotal ideas associated with 'the science of the cultural mind', this book centres on the idea that the human mind should be considered a sociocultural, rather than a natural or biological, phenomenon. Far from being purely theoretical, the science of the cultural mind has direct, practical implications for areas such as child development, the assessment of learning processes, and future-oriented education. The chapters are organized around five pivotal ideas and their applications, including mediated learning, symbolic tools, and leading activity. It also provides a systematic review of the Vygotskian theory and its contemporary implications in cognitive development. Written in an accessible and engaging style, this book contains examples of practical applications of the sociocultural theory of learning that will benefit students, researchers, and practitioners in child development, educational psychology, culture studies, and education.
The Land of the Hunger Artists
Authors: Nieto-Galan Agustí
Published: November 2023

From the 1880s to the 1920s, hunger artists - professional fasters - lived on the fringes of public spectacle and academic experiment. Agustí Nieto-Galan presents the history of this phenomenon as popular urban spectacle and subject of scientific study, showing how hunger artists acted as mediators between the human and the social body. Doctors, journalists, impresarios , artists, and others used them to reinforce their different philosophical views, scientific schools, political ideologies, cultural values, and professional interests. The hunger artists generated heated debates on objectivity and medical pluralism, and fierce struggles over authority, recognition, and prestige. Set on the fringes of the freak show culture of the nineteenth century and the scientific study of physiology laboratories, Nieto-Galan explores the story of the public exhibition of hunger, emaciated bodies, and their enormous impact on the public sphere of their time.
Gospel Thrillers
Authors: Jacobs Andrew S.
Published: November 2023

What if the original teachings of Jesus were different from the Bible's sanitized 'orthodox' version? What covert motivations might inspire those who decide what the text of the Bible 'says' or what it 'means'? For some who ask conspiratorial questions like these, the Bible is the vulnerable victim of secular forces seeking to divest the USA of its founding identity. For others, the biblical canon suppresses religious truths that could upend the status quo. Such suspicions surrounding the Bible find full expression in Gospel Thrillers: a 1960s fictional genre that endures and still commands a substantial following. These novels imagine a freshly discovered first-century gospel and a race against time to unlock its buried secrets. They also reflect the fears and desires that the Bible continues to generate. Andrew Jacobs reveals, in his authoritative examination, how this remarkable fictional archive opens a window onto disturbing biblical anxieties.
International Environmental Obligations and Liabilities in Deep Seabed Mining
Authors: Sun Linlin
Published: November 2023

Should deep seabed mining (DSM) stop or proceed? The international community is now facing a difficult choice. No matter what decision is made, environmental consideration is the core of the issue. This book tackles the compelling question of how to secure the marine environmental protection in DSM from an international law perspective. It deals with two major research questions: What are the international environmental requirements of participants – the contractor, the sponsoring State and the International Seabed Authority (ISA)? What are the legal consequences for them when environmental damage occurs? In doing so, it analyses the international DSM legal regime and general international environmental principles, observes the functioning of the ISA, and draws on law and practice of various environmental treaty mechanisms. The examination reveals the potential practical difficulties as well as fundamental obstacles in the application of international environmental rules and principles in the specific context of DSM.
Multiplicity and stability of normalized solutions to non-autonomous Schrödinger equation with mixed non-linearities
Authors: Li Xinfu , Xu Li , Zhu Meiling
Published: November 2023

This paper first studies the multiplicity of normalized solutions to the non-autonomous Schrödinger equation with mixed nonlinearities
\begin{equation*}
\begin{cases}
-\Delta u=\lambda u+h(\epsilon x)|u|^{q-2}u+\eta |u|^{p-2}u,\quad x\in \mathbb{R}^N, \\
\int_{\mathbb{R}^N}|u|^2\,\textrm{d}x=a^2,
\end{cases}
\end{equation*}
where $a, \epsilon, \eta \gt 0$, q is L2-subcritical, p is L2-supercritical, $\lambda\in \mathbb{R}$ is an unknown parameter that appears as a Lagrange multiplier and h is a positive and continuous function. It is proved that the numbers of normalized solutions are at least the numbers of global maximum points of h when ϵ is small enough. The solutions obtained are local minimizers and probably not ground state solutions for the lack of symmetry of the potential h. Secondly, the stability of several different sets consisting of the local minimizers is analysed. Compared with the results of the corresponding autonomous equation, the appearance of the potential h increases the number of the local minimizers and the number of the stable sets. In particular, our results cover the Sobolev critical case $p=2N/(N-2)$.
Surgical management of the discharging mastoid cavity
Authors: Mills R. P.
Published: November 2023

A survey of 67 patients with 74 mastoid cavities has been carried out.
During the study period they made a total of 126 cavity/outpatient visits.
Thirty-five patients (56 per cent) had discharge from at least one cavity on
at least one outpatient visit. At only 5 per cent of visits was the
discharge classified as profuse. A retrospective study of 54 mastoid
revision operations on 51 patients has been made. Overall 59 per cent of
operations resulted in a dry ear. The best results were achieved by carrying
out cavity revision combined with a meatoplasty (83 per cent dry ears).
Cavity revision alone produced a dry ear in only 57 per cent of cases. The
worst results were produced by soft tissue obliteration (33 per cent dry
ears). This supplement also presents the early results of a prospective
investigation of bone pate obliteration of mastoid cavities. Of the eight
cases studied so far, five (63 per cent) have dry ears following surgery.
Three of the patients in this group had undergone previous unsuccessful
revision surgery using other techniques. Cavity revision with meatoplasty is
the technique of choice for most patients, but mastoid obliteration offers
potential advantages for younger patients, particularly those wishing to
swim.
The pathology of neonatal endotracheal intubation and its relationship to
subglottic stenosis
Authors: Gould S. J.
Published: November 2023

The most common serious long-term consequence of neonatal endotracheal
intubation is acquired subglottic stenosis (SGS). The incidence in intubated
infants is variously reported as between one and eleven per cent but this
may be a relatively high range, reflecting the interest of the reporting
centres and the various methods of diagnosis. (Fearon et
al., 1966; Parkin et al., 1916;
Strong and Passy, 1977; Papsidero and Pashley, 1980; Jones et
al., 1981; Sherman et al.,
1986).

In one study conducted at University College Hospital London (UCH) we
reported an incidence of 1.8 per cent of SGS in all intubated neonates in a
three year period (1981-83); if only survivors were considered the incidence
was 2.6 per cent (Quiney and Gould, 1985). The relatively high incidence
during this particular time focussed our attention on SGS and the factors
which might precipitate its occurrence.
Surgical management of acquired subglottic stenosis
Authors: Bailey C. M.
Published: November 2023

Surgical management includes the initial evaluation, tracheostomy and
subsequent monitoring of the child requiring surgical reconstruction,
although most of this presentation concerns reconstructive techniques and
results. Previous presentations have dealt with the initial endoscopic and
radiological evaluation of children who present with stridor due to acquired
subglottic stenosis: this includes microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy in
order to determine the anatomical and functional situation in the larynx and
tracheobronchial tree. Mr. Bull has discussed the techniques involved and
Dr. Facer the anaesthetic aspects.
Mega‐Tidal and Surface Flooding Controls on Coastal Groundwater and Saltwater Intrusion Within Agricultural Dikelands
Authors: LeRoux N. K. , Frey S. K. , Lapen D. R. , Guimond J. A. , Kurylyk B. L.
Published: November 2023

Climate change will increase sea levels, driving saltwater into coastal aquifers and impacting coastal communities and land use viability. Coastal aquifers are also impacted by tides that control groundwater‐ocean interactions and maintain an “upper saline plume” (USP) of brackish groundwater. Coastal dikes are designed to limit the surface impacts of high‐amplitude tides, but, due to ongoing sea‐level rise (SLR), low‐lying dikelands and underlying aquifers are becoming increasingly vulnerable to flooding from high tides and storm surges. This study combines field observations with numerical modeling to investigate ocean‐aquifer mixing and future saltwater intrusion dynamics in a mega‐tidal (tidal range >8 m) dikeland along the Bay of Fundy in Atlantic Canada. Field data revealed strong connectivity between the ocean and coastal aquifer, as evidenced by pronounced tidal oscillations in deeper groundwater heads and an order of magnitude intra‐tidal change in subsurface electrical resistivity. Numerical model results indicate that SLR and surges will force the migration of the USP landward, amplifying salinization of freshwater resources. Simulated storm surges can overtop the dike, contaminating agricultural soils. The presence of dikes decreased salinization under low surge scenarios, but increased salinization under larger overtopping scenarios due to landward ponding of seawater behind the dike. Mega‐tidal conditions maintain a large USP and impact aquifer freshening rates. Results highlight the vulnerability of terrestrial soil landscapes and freshwater resources to climate change and suggest that the subsurface impacts of dike management decisions should be considered in addition to protection measures associated with surface saltwater intrusion processes.
Experimental study on crack propagation pattern and fracture process zone evolution based on far-field displacement by using DIC
Authors: Qiao Yang , Guan Xian-bo , Zhang Zong-Xian
Published: November 2023

This study utilizes digital image correlation (DIC) technology to measure the far-field displacements and strains of rock specimens during the entire loading and unloading. Through analyzing the distributions of strain, displacement and their variations per unit length at different stages, the variations of both length and migration velocity of the fracture process zone (FPZ) were studied, and the crack propagation was also investigated. In addition, the entire path of crack propagation was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results reveal that (1) the fractured ligament can be divided into three zones based on the displacement variation per unit length: intact zone, crack propagation zone, and FPZ. (2) The FPZ length reaches its maximum at the peak load and then decreases, and the minimum length even is only 1/3–1/2 of the maximum length. The FPZ migration velocity is − 48 to 1460 m/s. FPZ’s microscale features are intergranular microcracks, transgranular microcracks, cleavage, and debris on fracture surface and around main crack propagation path. (3) The crack propagation length during peak load to peak-post 90% accounts for more than 1/3–1/4 of the entire post-peak length. Crack propagation is alternating fast and slow, i.e., the velocity of crack propagation varies regularly in the range of 24–700 m/s. The region of crack initial propagation is more severely damaged compared to other propagation regions.
The added value of SPECT/CT lymphoscintigraphy in the initial assessment of secondary extremity lymphedema patients
Authors: Yoon Hai-Jeon , Woo Kyong-Je , Kim Ji-Young , Kang Seo Young , Moon Byung Seok , Kim Bom Sahn
Published: November 2023

An added value of SPECT/CT over planar lymphoscintigraphy for initial staging in patients with secondary extremity lymphedema was investigated. Furthermore, we developed a hybrid SPECT/CT classification combining dermal backflow (DBF) of SPECT and honeycomb pattern (HP) of CT, correlated it with lymphoscintigraphic staging and clinical severity. Forty-one patients with secondary extremity lymphedema who underwent lymphoscintigraphy with SPECT/CT were included retrospectively. The severity of extremity lymphedema was assessed using CT volumetry. Lymphoscintigraphic findings were evaluated using the Taiwan Lymphoscintigraphy Staging (TLS), and CT-based and SPECT-based quantitative analysis were performed. TLS was performed by planar scintigraphy only and with SPECT/CT, respectively. The SPECT/CT findings were classified into DBF−/HP−, DBF+/HP−, DBF+/HP+, and DBF−/HP+. Based on these findings, patients were categorized into five classes: Class 1 = DBF−HP− entire limb, Class 2 = DBF+/HP− proximal/distal limb without DBF+/HP+ or DBF−/HP+, Class 3 = DBF+/HP+ proximal/distal limb without DBF−/HP+, Class 4 = Mixed DBF+/HP+ and DBF−/HP+ in proximal/distal limb, Class 5 = DBF−/HP+ entire limb. Adding SPECT/CT to planar scintigraphy showed a 15.4% modification rate in lymphoscintigraphic staging. HP volume ratio significantly increased as clinical severity and lymphoscintigraphic staging increased, while DBF volume ratio increased with severity and followed expected patterns according to lymphoscintigraphic staging. Hybrid SPECT/CT lymphoscintigraphic classification showed strong positive correlation with clinical severity and TLS. Our results demonstrated substantial modification of lymphoscintigraphic staging by adding SPECT/CT to a conventional planar scintigraphy. In addition, a hybrid SPECT/CT is expected to provide new indicators reflecting lymphoscintigraphic staging and clinical severity by providing both of functional DBF and anatomical HP information.
Neurodegeneration-associated protein VAPB regulates proliferation in medulloblastoma
Authors: Faria Assoni Amanda , Giove Mitsugi Thiago , Wardenaar René , Oliveira Ferreira Raiane , Farias Jandrey Elisa Helena , Machado Novaes Gabriela , Fonseca de Oliveira Granha Isabela , Bakker Petra , Kaid Carolini , Zatz Mayana , Foijer Floris , Keith Okamoto Oswaldo
Published: November 2023

VAMP (Vesicle-associated membrane protein)-associated protein B and C (VAPB) has been widely studied in neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, but little is known about its role in cancer. Medulloblastoma is a common brain malignancy in children and arises from undifferentiated cells during neuronal development. Therefore, medulloblastoma is an interesting model to investigate the possible relationship between VAPB and tumorigenesis. Here we demonstrate that high VAPB expression in medulloblastoma correlates with decreased overall patient survival. Consistent with this clinical correlation, we find that VAPB is required for normal proliferation rates of medulloblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Knockout of VAPB (VAPBKO) delayed cell cycle progression. Furthermore, transcript levels of WNT-related proteins were decreased in the VAPBKO. We conclude that VAPB is required for proliferation of medulloblastoma cells, thus revealing VAPB as a potential therapeutic target for medulloblastoma treatment.
Risk factors for toxocariasis during incarceration: the One Health intervention approach
Authors: Santarém Vamilton Alvares , Pinto Gabriel Luís Brucinski , de Souza Filho Roberto Teixeira , Ferreira Isabella Braghin , Lescano Susana Angélica Zevallos , Gonzáles William Henry Roldan , Kosloski Jully , Ribeiro Juliano , Giuffrida Rogério , dos Santos Andrea Pires , Kmetiuk Louise Bach , Biondo Alexander Welker
Published: November 2023

Despite potential exposure to soil-transmitted helminths, especially when stray dogs and cats are present, toxocariasis in inmate populations remains to be established. Accordingly, the present study assessed the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of toxocariasis at the Women's State Penitentiary of Parana, Brazil. A total of 234/370 (63.2%; 95% CI 58.2–68.0) women inmates and 28/87 (32.2%; 95% CI 23.3–42.6) correctional officers were seropositive for anti-Toxocara spp. IgG by ELISA, with inmates 2.62-fold more likely positive (p = 0.00000026). The univariate model has identified that non-white (OR = 1.58, p = 0.047) and older than 39 years (OR = 1.28, p = 0.032) inmates were associated with mild but significant odds for seropositivity. Elementary or higher educational level was considered a protective factor for seropositivity. The presence of Toxocara spp. eggs was observed in 10/15 (66.7%) collected soil samples by centrifuge-flotation in Zinc Sulfate, and molecular analysis by PCR identified only Toxocara cati in these eggs. An intervention program was established with regular trap-neuter-release, with gradual removal for adoption (donation campaigns), treatment, and euthanasia when necessary (particularly due to advanced sporotrichosis). In addition, an educational awareness agenda was proposed, aiming to reduce soil contamination and accidental intake by the incarcerated population. A total of 40 feral cats were trapped, 20 males and 20 females, mostly adults. After trapping, 36 cats were neutered, treated, and microchipped in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) at the Federal University of Paraná. Five trapped feral cats were euthanized, four diagnosed with advanced sporotrichosis, and one already neutered cat (not herein) with complications due to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Female inmates presented higher seroprevalence for Toxocara spp. antibodies when compared to correctional officers, significantly associated with age, self-declared ethnicity (non-white), and lack of formal education. Despite the non-natural scenario of a state penitentiary, the One Health approach of Toxocara spp. has highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the study and its relevance in understanding the complex interactions between human, animal, and environmental factors, particularly impacting female inmates. Further studies should establish the rate of inmate infection over time while deprived of liberty.
E-DPNCT: an enhanced attack resilient differential privacy model for smart grids using split noise cancellation
Authors: Hafeez Khadija , O’Shea Donna , Newe Thomas , Rehmani Mubashir Husain
Published: November 2023

High frequency reporting of energy consumption data in smart grids can be used to infer sensitive information regarding the consumer’s life style and poses serious security and privacy threats. Differential privacy (DP) based privacy models for smart grids ensure privacy when analysing energy consumption data for billing and load monitoring. However, DP models for smart grids are vulnerable to collusion attack where an adversary colludes with malicious smart meters and un-trusted aggregator in order to get private information from other smart meters. We first show the vulnerability of DP based privacy model for smart grids against collusion attacks to establish the need of a collusion resistant privacy model. Then, we propose an Enhanced Differential Private Noise Cancellation Model for Load Monitoring and Billing for Smart Meters (E-DPNCT) which not only provides resistance against collusion attacks but also protects the privacy of the smart grid data while providing accurate billing and load monitoring. We use differential privacy with a split noise cancellation protocol with multiple master smart meters (MSMs) to achieve collusion resistance. We propose an Enhanced Differential Private Noise Cancellation Model for Load Monitoring and Billing for Smart Meters (E-DPNCT) to protect the privacy of the smart grid data using a split noise cancellation protocol with multiple master smart meters (MSMs) to provide accurate billing and load monitoring and resistance against collusion attacks. We did extensive comparison of our E-DPNCT model with state of the art attack resistant privacy preserving models such as EPIC for collusion attack. We simulate our E-DPNCT model with real time data which shows significant improvement in privacy attack scenarios. Further, we analyze the impact of selecting different sensitivity parameters for calibrating DP noise over the privacy of customer electricity profile and accuracy of electricity data aggregation such as load monitoring and billing.
Open-label placebo treatment does not enhance cognitive abilities in healthy volunteers
Authors: Hartmann Helena , Forkmann Katarina , Schmidt Katharina , Kleine-Borgmann Julian , Albers Johanna , Wiech Katja , Bingel Ulrike
Published: November 2023

The use of so-called ‘smart drugs’ such as modafinil to improve cognitive performance has recently attracted considerable attention. However, their side effects have limited user enthusiasm. Open-label placebo (OLP) treatment, i.e., inert treatments that are openly disclosed to individuals as having no active pharmacological ingredient, has been shown to improve various medical symptoms and conditions, including those related to cognitive performance. OLP treatment could therefore be an exciting alternative to pharmacological cognitive enhancers. Here, we used a randomized-controlled design to investigate the effect of a 21-day OLP treatment on several sub-domains of cognitive performance inN = 78 healthy volunteers. Subjective and objective measures of cognitive performance as well as different measures of well-being were obtained before and after the treatment period. Using a combination of classic Frequentist and Bayesian analysis approaches showed no additional benefit from OLP treatment in any of the subjective or objective measures of cognitive performance. Our study thus highlights possible limitations of OLP treatment in boosting cognitive performance in healthy volunteers. These findings are discussed in the light of expectancy-value considerations that may determine OLP efficacy.
Improving explainable AI with patch perturbation-based evaluation pipeline: a COVID-19 X-ray image analysis case study
Authors: Sun Jimin , Shi Wenqi , Giuste Felipe O. , Vaghani Yog S. , Tang Lingzi , Wang May D.
Published: November 2023

Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have sparked interest in developing explainable AI (XAI) methods for clinical decision support systems, especially in translational research. Although using XAI methods may enhance trust in black-box models, evaluating their effectiveness has been challenging, primarily due to the absence of human (expert) intervention, additional annotations, and automated strategies. In order to conduct a thorough assessment, we propose a patch perturbation-based approach to automatically evaluate the quality of explanations in medical imaging analysis. To eliminate the need for human efforts in conventional evaluation methods, our approach executes poisoning attacks during model retraining by generating both static and dynamic triggers. We then propose a comprehensive set of evaluation metrics during the model inference stage to facilitate the evaluation from multiple perspectives, covering a wide range of correctness, completeness, consistency, and complexity. In addition, we include an extensive case study to showcase the proposed evaluation strategy by applying widely-used XAI methods on COVID-19 X-ray imaging classification tasks, as well as a thorough review of existing XAI methods in medical imaging analysis with evaluation availability. The proposed patch perturbation-based workflow offers model developers an automated and generalizable evaluation strategy to identify potential pitfalls and optimize their proposed explainable solutions, while also aiding end-users in comparing and selecting appropriate XAI methods that meet specific clinical needs in real-world clinical research and practice.
Assessing impending hazards from summit eruptions: the new probabilistic map for lava flow inundation at Mt. Etna
Authors: Zuccarello Francesco , Bilotta Giuseppe , Ganci Gaetana , Proietti Cristina , Cappello Annalisa
Published: November 2023

The development of probabilistic maps associated with lava flow inundation is essential to assess hazard in open vent volcanoes, especially those that have highly urbanized flanks. In this study we present the new lava flow hazard map linked to the summit eruptions of Mt. Etna, which has been developed using a probabilistic approach that integrates statistical analyses of the volcanological historical data with numerical simulations of lava flows. The statistical analysis of volcanological data (including vent location, duration and lava volumes) about all summit eruptions occurred since 1998 has allowed us both to estimate the spatiotemporal probability of future vent opening and to extract the effusion rate curves for lava flow modelling. Numerical simulations were run using the GPUFLOW model on a 2022 Digital Surface Model derived from optical satellite images. The probabilistic approach has been validated through a back-analysis by calculating the fit between the expected probabilities of inundation and the lava flows actually emplaced during the 2020-2022 period. The obtained map shows a very high probability of inundation of lava flows emitted at vents linked to the South East Crater, according to the observation of the eruptive dynamics in the last decades.
Using urine FTIR spectra to screen autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Sarigul Neslihan , Bozatli Leyla , Kurultak Ilhan , Korkmaz Filiz
Published: November 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder caused by multiple factors, lacking clear biomarkers. Diagnosing ASD still relies on behavioural and developmental signs and usually requires lengthy observation periods, all of which are demanding for both clinicians and parents. Although many studies have revealed valuable knowledge in this field, no clearly defined, practical, and widely acceptable diagnostic tool exists. In this study, 26 children with ASD (ASD+), aged 3–5 years, and 26 sex and age-matched controls are studied to investigate the diagnostic potential of the Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. The urine FTIR spectrum results show a downward trend in the 3000–2600/cm region for ASD+ children when compared to the typically developing (TD) children of the same age. The average area of this region is 25% less in ASD+ level 3 children, 29% less in ASD+ level 2 children, and 16% less in ASD+ level 1 children compared to that of the TD children. Principal component analysis was applied to the two groups using the entire spectrum window and five peaks were identified for further analysis. The correlation between the peaks and natural urine components is validated by artificial urine solutions. Less-than-normal levels of uric acid, phosphate groups, and ammonium ($${NH}_{4}^{+}$$

NH

4

+

) can be listed as probable causes. This study shows that ATR-FTIR can serve as a practical and non-invasive method to screen ASD using the high-frequency region of the urine spectrum.
Crystallizing covalent organic frameworks from metal organic framework through chemical induced-phase engineering
Authors: Mohammed Abdul Khayum , Gaber Safa , Raya Jésus , Skorjanc Tina , Elmerhi Nada , Stephen Sasi , Sánchez Pilar Pena , Gándara Felipe , Hinder Steven J. , Baker Mark A. , Polychronopoulou Kyriaki , Shetty Dinesh
Published: November 2023

The ordered porous frameworks like MOFs and COFs are generally constructed using the monomers through distinctive metal-coordinated and covalent linkages. Meanwhile, the inter-structural transition between each class of these porous materials is an under-explored research area. However, such altered frameworks are expected to have exciting features compared to their pristine versions. Herein, we have demonstrated a chemical-induction phase-engineering strategy to transform a two-dimensional conjugated Cu-based SA-MOF (Cu-Tp) into 2D-COFs (Cu-TpCOFs). The structural phase transition offered in-situ pore size engineering from 1.1 nm to 1.5–2.0 nm. Moreover, the Cu-TpCOFs showed uniform and low percentage-doped (~ 1–1.5%) metal distribution and improved crystallinity, porosity, and stability compared to the parent Cu-Tp MOF. The construction of a framework from another framework with new linkages opens interesting opportunities for phase-engineering.
Laminar compartmentalization of attention modulation in area V4 aligns with the demands of visual processing hierarchy in the cortex
Authors: Wang Xiang , Nandy Anirvan S. , Jadi Monika P.
Published: November 2023

Attention selectively enhances neural responses to low contrast stimuli in visual area V4, a critical hub that sends projections both up and down the visual hierarchy. Veridical encoding of contrast information is a key computation in early visual areas, while later stages encoding higher level features benefit from improved sensitivity to low contrast. How area V4 meets these distinct information processing demands in the attentive state is unknown. We found that attentional modulation in V4 is cortical layer and cell-class specific. Putative excitatory neurons in the superficial layers show enhanced boosting of low contrast information, while those of deep layers exhibit contrast-independent scaling. Computational modeling suggested the extent of spatial integration of inhibitory neurons as the mechanism behind such laminar differences. Considering that superficial neurons are known to project to higher areas and deep layers to early visual areas, our findings suggest that the interactions between attention and contrast in V4 are compartmentalized, in alignment with the demands of the visual processing hierarchy.
Temperature-dependent photo-elastic coefficient of silicon at 1550 nm
Authors: Dickmann Johannes , Meyer Jan , Gaedtke Mika , Kroker Stefanie
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a study on the temperature dependent photo-elastic coefficient in single-crystal silicon with (100) and (110) orientations at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The measurement of the photo-elastic coefficient was performed using a polarimetric scheme across a wide temperature range from 5 to 300 K. The experimental setup employed high-sensitivity techniques and incorporated automatic beam path correction, ensuring precise and accurate determination of the coefficient’s values. The results show excellent agreement with previous measurements at room temperature, specifically yielding a value of $$dn/d\sigma = -2.463 \times 10^{-11}$$

d
n
/
d
σ
=
-
2.463
×

10

-
11

1/Pa for the (100) orientation. Interestingly, there is a significant difference in photo-elasticity between the different crystal orientations of approximately $$50\%$$

50
%

. The photo-elastic coefficient’s absolute value increases by approximately 40% with decreasing temperature down to 5 K. These findings provide valuable insights into the photo-elastic properties of silicon and its behavior under varying mechanical stress, particularly relevant for optomechanical precision experiments like cryogenic gravitational wave detectors and microscale optomechanical quantum sensors.
Fractional optimal control strategies for hepatitis B virus infection with cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Dano Lemesa Bedjisa , Koya Purnachandra Rao , Keno Temesgen Duressa
Published: November 2023

Hepatitis B disease is a communicable disease that is caused by the hepatitis B virus and has become a significant health problem in the world. It is a contagious disease that is transmittable from person to person either horizontally or vertically. This current study is aimed at sensitivity analysis and optimal control strategies for a fractional hepatitis B epidemic model with a saturated incidence rate in the sense of the Caputo order fractional derivative approach. Fundamental properties of the proposed fractional order model are obtained and discussed. A detailed analysis of disease-free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium points is given by applying fractional calculus theory, which is a generalized version of classical calculus. Sensitivity indexes are calculated for the classical order model. Illustrative graphics that show the dependence of the sensitivity index on fractional order derivative for $$\alpha \in (0,1)$$

α
∈
(
0
,
1
)

are provided. Based on the results of the sensitivity analysis and using Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle, optimal control strategies for preventing hepatitis B infection with vaccination and treatment are considered. Fractional Euler’s method is used to carry out the numerical simulation for the proposed fractional optimal control system and the obtained results are analyzed. The results of the analysis reveal that hepatitis B disease can be prevented if necessary precautionary is taken or effective vaccination and treatment control measures are applied. The analysis of cost-effectiveness is also conducted and discussed.
‘Inert’ co-formulants of a fungicide mediate acute effects on honey bee learning performance
Authors: DesJardins Nicole S. , Macias Jessalynn , Soto Soto Daniela , Harrison Jon F. , Smith Brian H.
Published: November 2023

Managed honey bees have experienced high rates of colony loss recently, with pesticide exposure as a major cause. While pesticides can be lethal at high doses, lower doses can produce sublethal effects, which may substantially weaken colonies. Impaired learning performance is a behavioral sublethal effect, and is often present in bees exposed to insecticides. However, the effects of other pesticides (such as fungicides) on honey bee learning are understudied, as are the effects of pesticide formulations versus active ingredients. Here, we investigated the effects of acute exposure to the fungicide formulation Pristine (active ingredients: 25.2% boscalid, 12.8% pyraclostrobin) on honey bee olfactory learning performance in the proboscis extension reflex (PER) assay. We also exposed a subset of bees to only the active ingredients to test which formulation component(s) were driving the learning effects. We found that the formulation produced negative effects on memory, but this effect was not present in bees fed only boscalid and pyraclostrobin. This suggests that the trade secret “other ingredients” in the formulation mediated the learning effects, either through exerting their own toxic effects or by increasing the toxicities of the active ingredients. These results show that pesticide co-formulants should not be assumed inert and should instead be included when assessing pesticide risks.