bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social good reappraisal as a novel and effective emotion regulation strategy
Authors: Tsai Nancy , Hawkesworth Jade , Dieffenbach Jeff , Hua Dana , Eneva Elena , Gabrieli John
Published: June 2024

Society asks individuals, such as front-line medical and emergency personnel or social media moderators, to help others under highly negative emotional circumstances, and those individuals need to regulate their emotions for their own well being. A well-studied form of emotion regulation is reappraisal, the use of cognitive processes used to reinterpret initial emotional responses to negative events. Distancing (pretending that a situation is distant in time or space) is well documented to be an effective form of emotion regulation, but it may not be applicable in social contexts where individuals must engage with distressing events to help others. Here, for the first time, we asked whether a novel reappraisal strategy focused on Social Good–imagining that an aversive event is also an opportunity to prevent harm to others–can be an effective form of reappraisal. In a pre-registered experiment, participants were randomly assigned to Distancing or Social Good conditions as they viewed neutral or highly aversive images and then reported their subjective emotional states with or without reappraisal. Both Distancing and Social Good reappraisals led to significantly less negative affect. Distancing yielded a stronger effect, but importantly, participants reported both Distancing and Social Good as equally easy to employ and both were effective across multiple demographic and personality characteristics, indicating the broad value of both as effective forms of reappraisal. Across both reappraisal conditions, effective reappraisal increased with age and positive affect. These findings indicate that Social Good is an effective reappraisal strategy and raise the possibility that it could be particularly valuable in contexts in which emotionally demanding tasks are completed on behalf of the good for other people.
Assessing the impact of climate variability on maize yields in the different regions of Ghana—A machine learning perspective
Authors: Gyamerah Samuel Asante , Asare Clement , Agbi-Kaeser Henry Ofoe , Baffour-Ata Frank
Published: June 2024

Climate variability has become one of the most pressing issues of our time, affecting various aspects of the environment, including the agriculture sector. This study examines the impact of climate variability on Ghana’s maize yield for all agro-ecological zones and administrative regions in Ghana using annual data from 1992 to 2019. The study also employs the stacking ensemble learning model (SELM) in predicting the maize yield in the different regions taking random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), gradient boosting (GB), decision tree (DT), and linear regression (LR) as base models. The findings of the study reveal that maize production in the regions of Ghana is inconsistent, with some regions having high variability. All the climate variables considered have positive impact on maize yield, with a lesser variability of temperature in the Guinea savanna zones and a higher temperature variability in the Volta Region. Carbon dioxide (CO2) also plays a significant role in predicting maize yield across all regions of Ghana. Among the machine learning models utilized, the stacking ensemble model consistently performed better in many regions such as in the Western, Upper East, Upper West, and Greater Accra regions. These findings are important in understanding the impact of climate variability on the yield of maize in Ghana, highlighting regional disparities in maize yield in the country, and highlighting the need for advanced techniques for forecasting, which are important for further investigation and interventions for agricultural planning and decision-making on food security in Ghana.
Association between plant-based dietary index and gallstone disease: A cross sectional study from NHANES
Authors: Li Luyang , Liu Chengli , Xia Tian , Li Haoming , Yang Jun , Pu Meng , Zhang Shuhan , Ma Yingbo , Zhang Tao
Published: June 2024

Background

The relationship between plant-based diets and gallstone disease has been debated. This study aimed to shed light on the association between plant-based dietary index and the risk of developing gallstone disease.

Methods

Eligible participants were selected from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2020. Three plant-based diet indexes (PDI, healthy PDI, unhealthy PDI) were calculated using data from two NHANES 24-h dietary recall interviews. Restricted Cubic Spline and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the associations. Subgroup analysis was adopted to make the results more robust.

Results

A total of 5673 eligible participants were analyzed. After adjusting for various confounding variables, uPDI was positively associated with gallstone disease (OR = 1.53, 95%CI: 1.02–2.29). No association was found between PDI/hPDI and gallstone disease (p > 0.05). The results of subgroup analysis did not show any positive association between uPDI and gallstones in specific groups.

Conclusion

Our study shows that the elevated uPDI are linked to a higher risk of gallstone disease.
Acceptance of physical activity virtual reality games by residents of long-term care facilities: A qualitative study
Authors: Hosseini Marjan , Thomas Roanne , Pilutti Lara , Fallavollita Pascal , Jutai Jeffrey W.
Published: June 2024

Background

Little is known about the experience and the social and contextual factors influencing the acceptance of virtual reality (VR) physical activity games among long-term care (LTC) residents. Our study aims to address this research gap by investigating the unique experience of older adults with VR games. The findings will provide valuable insights into the factors influencing VR acceptance among LTC residents and help design inclusive VR technology that meets their needs and improves physical activity (PA) and well-being.

Objective

We aimed to: (1) investigate how participants experience VR exergames and the meaning they associate with their participation; and (2) examine the factors that influence the participant’s experience in VR exergames and explore how these factors affect the overall experience.

Methods

We used a qualitative approach that follows the principles of the Interpretive Description methodology. Selective Optimization and Compensation (SOC) theory, Socioemotional Selectivity theory (SST) and technology acceptance models underpinned the theoretical foundations of this study. We conducted semi-structured interviews with participants. 19 Participants of a LTC were interviewed: five residents and ten tenants, aged 65 to 93 years (8 female and 7 male) and four staff members. Interviews ranged from 15 to 30 minutes and were transcribed verbatim and were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

We identified four themes based on older adults’ responses that reflected their unique VR gaming experience, including (1) enjoyment, excitement, and the novel environment; (2) PA and motivation to exercise; (3) social connection and support; and (4) individual preferences and challenges. Three themes were developed based on the staff members’ data to capture their perspective on the factors that influence the acceptance of VR among LTC resident including (1) relevance and personalization of the games; (2) training and guidance; and (3) organizational and individual barriers.

Conclusions

VR gaming experiences are enjoyable exciting, and novel for LTC residents and tenants and can provide physical, cognitive, social, and motivational benefits for them. Proper guidance and personalized programs can increase understanding and familiarity with VR, leading to a higher level of acceptance and engagement. Our findings emphasize the significance of social connection and support in promoting acceptance and enjoyment of VR gaming among older adults. Incorporating social theories of aging helps to gain a better understanding of how aging-related changes influence technology acceptance among older adults. This approach can inform the development of technology that better meets their needs and preferences.
Transcriptomics and metabolomics reveal the mechanism of metabolites changes in Cymbidium tortisepalum var. longibracteatum colour mutation cultivars
Authors: Jiang Yu , Liu Yaqin , Lin Yang , Tu Xunliang , He Junrong
Published: June 2024

Background

Foliage color is considered an important ornamental character of Cymbidium tortisepalum (C. tortisepalum), which significantly improves its horticultural and economic value. However, little is understood on the formation mechanism underlying foliage-color variations.

Methods

In this study, we applied a multi-omics approach based on transcriptomics and metabolomics, to investigate the biomolecule mechanisms of metabolites changes in C. tortisepalum colour mutation cultivars.

Results

A total of 508 genes were identified as differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between wild and foliage colour mutation C. tortisepalum cultivars based on transcriptomic data. KEGG enrichment of DEGs showed that genes involved in phenylalanine metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis and brassinosteroid biosynthesis were most significantly enriched. A total of 420 metabolites were identified in C. tortisepalum using UPLC-MS/MS-based approach and 115 metabolites differentially produced by the mutation cultivars were identified. KEGG enrichment indicated that the most metabolites differentially produced by the mutation cultivars were involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, isoflavonoid biosynthesis, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis. Integrated analysis of the metabolomic and transcriptomic data showed that there were four significant enrichment pathways between the two cultivars, including phenylalanine metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis.

Conclusion

The results of this study revealed the mechanism of metabolites changes in C. tortisepalum foliage colour mutation cultivars, which provides a new reference for breeders to improve the foliage color of C. tortisepalum.
Effect of intravenous palonosetron on hypotension induced by spinal anesthesia for cesarean section: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kim Min Kyoung , Kim Injeong , Kang Hyun , Wi Wongook , Park Yong Hee , Jung Yong Hun , Woo Young Cheol , Baek Chong Wha
Published: June 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of intravenous palonosetron compared to ondansetron on hypotension induced by spinal anesthesia in women undergoing cesarean section.

Methods

Fifty-four women scheduled for elective cesarean section were, randomly allocated to ondansetron group (n = 27) or palonosetron group (n = 27). Ten minutes prior to the administration of spinal anesthesia, participants received an intravenous injection of either ondansetron or palonosetron. A prophylactic phenylephrine infusion was initiated immediately following the intrathecal administration of bupivacaine and fentanyl. The infusion rate was titrated to maintain adequate blood pressure until the time of fetal delivery. The primary outcome was total dose of phenylephrine administered. The secondary outcomes were nausea or vomiting, the need for rescue antiemetics, hypotension, bradycardia, and shivering. Complete response rate, defined as the absence of postoperative nausea and vomiting and no need for additional antiemetics, were assessed for up to 24 hours post-surgery.

Results

No significant differences were observed in the total dose of phenylephrine used between the ondansetron and palonosetron groups (387.5 μg [interquartile range, 291.3–507.8 μg versus 428.0 μg [interquartile range, 305.0–507.0 μg], P = 0.42). Complete response rates also showed no significant differences between the groups both within two hours post-spinal anesthesia (88.9% in the ondansetron group versus 100% in the palonosetron group; P = 0.24) and at 24 hours post-surgery (81.5% in the ondansetron group versus 88.8% in the palonosetron group; P = 0.7). In addition, there was no difference in other secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

Prophylactic administration of palonosetron did not demonstrate a superior effect over ondansetron in mitigating hemodynamic changes or reducing phenylephrine requirements in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine and fentanyl for cesarean section.
Enhancing post-training evaluation of annual performance agreement training: A fusion of fsQCA and artificial neural network approach
Authors: Islam Md. Zohurul , Abdul Kader Jilani Munshi Muhammad , Karim Mohammad Rezaul
Published: June 2024

This study aims to enhance the post-training evaluation of the annual performance agreement (APA) training organized by the Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre (BPATC), the apex training institute for civil servants. Utilizing fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) and artificial neural network (ANN) techniques within Kirkpatrick’s four-stage model framework, data were collected from a self-administered questionnaire survey of 71 in-service civil servants who participated in the APA training program. This study employs an asymmetric, non-linear model analyzed through a configurational approach and ANN to explore interrelationships among the four Kirkpatrick levels namely, reaction, learning, behavior, and results. Findings indicate that trainees were satisfied across all levels, identifying a non-linear relationship among these levels in post-training evaluation process. The research highlights that "learning skills" are most significant in the APA post-training evaluation, followed by behavior, results, and reaction. Theoretically, this research advances Kirkpatrick’s model and adds to the literature on public service post-training evaluation. Practically, it recommends prioritizing strategies that address cognitive barriers to enhance training effectiveness. This study’s innovative approach lies in its concurrent use of fsQCA and ANN methods to analyze the success or failure of APA-related trainees, offering alternative pathways to desired outcomes and contrasting traditional quantitative methods that provide a single solution. The findings have practical implications for public service training institutions and bureaucratic policymakers involved in capacity development, guiding the creation of more effective in-service training courses for public officials. The methodology and analysis can be applied in other contexts, allowing bureaucratic policymakers to replicate these findings in their learning institutes to identify unique configurations that lead to successful or unsuccessful training outcomes, adopt effective strategies, and avoid detrimental ones.
COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy in Ghana: A systematic review
Authors: Akrong Godwin Banafo , Hiadzi Rosemond Akpene , Donkor Antonia Bernadette , Anafo Daniel Kwasi
Published: June 2024

The propensity to accept vaccines and factors that affect vaccine acceptance and hesitancy will determine the overall success of the COVID-19 vaccination program. Therefore, countries need to understand the factors that influence vaccine acceptance and hesitancy to prevent further future shocks, and it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of these factors. As a result, this study aims to review selected published works in the study’s domain and conduct valuable analysis to determine the most influential factors in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy in Ghana. The review also explored the acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccines in Ghana. We selected published works from 2021 to April 2023 and extracted, analyzed, and summarized the findings based on the key factors that influence COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy in Ghana, the acceptance rate in Ghana, the demographic factors that are often examined, and the study approach used to examine these factors. The study found that positive vaccination perception, safety, belief in vaccine efficacy, knowledge of COVID-19, and a good vaccine attitude influence COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Ghana. The negative side effects of the vaccines, mistrust in the vaccine, lack of confidence in the vaccine’s safety, fear, and spiritual and religious beliefs all played significant roles in influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. For this study, the COVID-19 acceptance rates observed in the reviewed articles ranged from 17.5% to 82.6%. The demographic parameters frequently included in these studies that have a significant impact include educational attainment, gender, religious affiliation, age, and marital status. The positive perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccine and concerns about its negative effects influenced Ghanaians’ acceptance and hesitancy.
Impacts of age and environment on postnatal microglial activity: Consequences for cognitive function following early life adversity
Authors: Fanikos Michaela , Kohn Skylar A. , Stamato Rebecca , Brenhouse Heather C. , Gildawie Kelsea R.
Published: June 2024

Early life adversity (ELA) increases the likelihood of later-life neuropsychiatric disorders and cognitive dysfunction. Importantly, ELA, neuropsychiatric disorders, and cognitive deficits all involve aberrant immune signaling. Microglia are the primary neuroimmune cells and regulate brain development. Microglia are particularly sensitive to early life insults, which can program their responses to future challenges. ELA in the form of maternal separation (MS) in rats alters later-life microglial morphology and the inflammatory profile of the prefrontal cortex, a region important for cognition. However, the role of microglial responses during MS in the development of later cognition is not known. Therefore, here we aimed to determine whether the presence of microglia during MS mediates long-term impacts on adult working memory. Clodronate liposomes were used to transiently deplete microglia from the brain, while empty liposomes were used as a control. We hypothesized that if microglia mediate the long-term impacts of ELA on working memory in adulthood, then depleting microglia during MS would prevent these deficits. Importantly, microglial function shifts throughout the neonatal period, so an exploratory investigation assessed whether depletion during the early versus late neonatal period had different effects on adult working memory. Surprisingly, empty liposome treatment during the early, but not late, postnatal period induced microglial activity changes that compounded with MS to impair working memory in females. In contrast, microglial depletion later in infancy impaired later life working memory in females, suggesting that microglial function during late infancy plays an important role in the development of cognitive function. Together, these findings suggest that microglia shift their sensitivity to early life insults across development. Our findings also highlight the potential for MS to impact some developmental processes only when compounded with additional neuroimmune challenges in a sex-dependent manner.
Enhancing the Vietnamese SMEs' Adaptation to Climate Change Through Human Resources: The Mediating Effect of Adaptability Culture
Authors: Pham Quyen Thi Chau , Truong Trung Thanh
Published: June 2024

Adaptation to climate change has emerged as a significant priority for policy and research efforts. This study delves into the multifaceted issue of climate change adaptation within Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in Vietnam. Beyond merely mitigating vulnerability, these enterprises are actively seeking out avenues for green innovation, using adaptive diversification strategies to navigate the challenges posed by a changing climate. Adaptation to climate change has emerged as a significant priority for policy and research efforts. This study focuses on the adaptation strategies of SMEs in Vietnam in response to climate change. It not only aims to mitigate vulnerability but also explores green innovation opportunities through adaptive diversification. The research investigates the influence of human resources on the ability to adapt to diversification, with organizational adaptive culture acting as a mediating variable within the theoretical framework of the Resource-Based View (RBV). Through an analysis of survey data from 280 SMEs in Vietnam using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in SmartPLS4, the study reveals that both human resources and adaptive culture positively impact SMEs' adaptation to climate change. These findings provide valuable insights for management and policy, underscoring the importance of investing in human resources and nurturing adaptability culture within SMEs to effectively tackle climate change challenges.
Effect of glyphosate on germination and seedling development of four native plants of dunes in Spain
Authors: Fos Mariano , Esteban David , Sanchis Enrique
Published: June 2024

Using glyphosate is easier than manually controlling the invasive plant Carpobrotus in dune ecosystems. However, before it is used its effect on native species in this ecosystem needs to be determined. This study reports the effects in the laboratory of different concentrations of glyphosate (1.0, 0.5, 0.3, 0.1, 0.05, 0.01, and 0.005 g/m2 ) on germination and seedling emergence of four species of Mediterranean dune plants, Lotus creticus, Medicago marina, Ononis ramosissima and Ammophila arenaria, used in the restoration of this natural ecosystem. Germination was completely inhibited when glyphosate was applied at 0.5, and 1.0 g/m2. The recommended dose (0.3 g/m2 ) also inhibited the germination of L. creticus and M. marina. The percentage germination of O. ramosissima and A. arenaria was around 40% and 30% respectively when a dose of glyphosate of 0.1 g/m2 was used, whereas for seeds of L. creticus and M. marina it was lower than 5%. The T50 at germination of seed incubated with glyphosate increased in all species independently of the dose of glyphosate. Seedling emergence from seeds previously germinated in the presence of glyphosate was only recorded for O. ramosissima and A. arenaria. The results indicate that seeds of O. ramosissima are more tolerant of glyphosate, followed by those of A. arenaria and those of L. creticus and M. marina are the most sensitive.
Contemporary Summer Village Assemblies in Central Serbia and (Generational) Performative Practices of Older and Newer Rural Vocal Layers
Authors: Jovanović Jelena
Published: June 2024

For the present day middle-aged and older village singers in the Šumadija region in central Serbia rural singing festivals are quite popular events: these are occasions for local communities to share their enthusiasm and to communicate through songs, sharing the elements of tradition they all consider theirs, inventing new lyrics to well-known traditional melodies (’standards’), socializing, and confirming their friendships based on pure satisfaction in common singing. On such occasions there appears an opposition in relation to Serbian old and new traditional vocal rural layers (see more for ex. Petrović and Jovanović, 2003, Golemović, 2016). Namely, for village middle-aged and older singers, the main common means of expression are recent or newer rural singing with structural elements closer to the European ones. Old-time rural singing, with its second chords in two-part texture, non-tempered scales, more hermetic in character, shows differences between regional local traditions, and hence has not been regarded as a common way of musical communication for village singers. On the other hand, younger neotraditional singers, in professional or amateur ensembles mostly from towns and mostly conducted by ethnomusicologists, have been devotees of old-time singing as a strong endemic musical device, rich in musical, ethical, and expressive sense. At the festivals they sing such songs to awaken and demonstrate their value in the settings where they are already lost from living practice. This paper is based on the principles of applied ethnomusicology, on long-term fieldwork and on scholarly researches in Šumadija, as well as on personal performing and teaching experiences.
Communism and Folklore Revisited: Russian Traditional Music and the Janus-faced Nature of Soviet Cultural Politics
Authors: Morgenstern Ulrich
Published: June 2024

Since the late Soviet period, ethnomusicologists and folklorists from Russia and other parts of the former Soviet Union (Izaly Zemtsovsky, Boris Putilov, Alma Kunanbaeva, Elena Razu- movskaia, Aleksandr Romodin) opened critical debates of the impact of the totalitarian system both on traditional expressive culture and on scope, theory, and method of its academic study. In the focus of these debates were a) repression against certain traditional genres and performance situations, b) imposition of arranged forms of staged performance, considerably differing from the traditional repertoire, and c) restriction, manipulation, and international isolation of scholarship.
It is inherent to any totalitarianism that it demands not only obedience but also active support of a specific worldview through cultural practices. Consequently, totalitarian cultural politics include repressive as well as pedagogical aspects. Their impact on traditional music is therefore both repressive and in some (often unpredictable) ways productive.
While no historically informed observer could have reason to abandon the anti-totalitarian im- petus of late 20th century Russian ethnomusicologists, I would like to offer some additions to a too simplified understanding of Soviet cultural politics impact on traditional culture. My main arguments are the following:
1. Repressive measures against traditional expressive culture, as well as the promotion of newly arranged folk music, often with a political motivation, are not a prerogative of Soviet cultural politics.
2. Stage performance in the framework of Soviet amateur art could include not only arranged folk music but also traditional forms.
3. Sometimes, Soviet reality provided new perspectives for a dynamic development of traditional expressive culture.
Advances in dissolved oxygen prediction and control methods in aquaculture: a review
Authors: Li Daoliang , Yang Jianan , Bai Yu , Du Zhuangzhuang , Wang Cong
Published: June 2024

In the aquaculture industry, maintaining stable levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) is crucial for ensuring the health of aquatic organisms and enhancing farming efficiency. This article delves into the challenges faced in predicting and controlling DO levels, such as the need for real-time monitoring and response, the complexity of systems, and limitations in technology and resources. The paper comprehensively reviews various methods for DO prediction and control, including mechanistic modeling prediction, machine learning techniques, and both classical and intelligent control strategies. It analyzes their advantages, limitations, and applicability in aquaculture environments. Through this review and analysis, the article provides more comprehensive insights and guidance for future research directions in DO prediction and control in aquaculture.
Integration of selected AI methods into a simulation tool for urban wastewater systems – towards practical application
Authors: Ogurek Michael , Alex Jens , Schütze Manfred
Published: June 2024

State-of-the-art modelling tools and dynamic simulations have become important tools for planning and operational decision making in the environmental sector, including wastewater treatment plants. Due to increasing regulatory requirements (energy savings, treatment performance, GHG footprint), the practical application of these instruments is becoming more challenging. AI methods could be a solution to support users in the application of domain-specific modelling and simulation tools. This contribution presents first steps towards the integration of the AI methods Bayesian Networks (BN) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) into a modelling and simulation tool for urban waste water systems, including example applications.
Probabilistic multi-step ahead streamflow forecast based on deep learning
Authors: Karimanzira Divas , Richter Lucas , Hilbring Desiree , Lödige Michaela , Vogl Jonathan
Published: June 2024

The use of deep learning methods for fluvial flood forecasting is rapidly gaining traction, offering a promising solution to the challenges associated with accurate yet time-consuming numerical models. This paper presents two physics-inspired deep learning approaches specifically designed for fluvial flood forecasting, each embracing different learning principles: centralized and federated learning. The centralized model utilizes an Encoder-Decoder technique to handle input data of varying types and scales, while the federated model is based on a node-link graph with a seq2seq internal model. Both models are enhanced with a probabilistic forecasting head to account for the inherent uncertainty in streamflow forecasts. The objective of these approaches is to address the limitations of traditional numerical models while leveraging the potential of deep learning to improve the speed, accuracy, and scalability of flood forecasting. To validate their effectiveness, the models were tested across different use cases. The findings from the federated learning approach emphasize the importance of catchment clustering before model utilization and demonstrate the models’ ability to generalize effectively in catchments with similar properties. On the other hand, the results of the centralized method highlight the model’s reliance on the test set falling within the data range of the training set (Average NSE and KGE for the sixth hour ahead of 0.88 and 0.78, respectively). To address this limitation, the paper suggests the development of a method for the future, such as leveraging a numerical model or using Generative Adversarial Networks, to generate highly extreme events, particularly in the context of a changing climate. The models are implemented in a flexible operational framework based on open standards, ensuring their adaptability and usability in various settings.
NiMo 4.0 – Enabling advanced data analytics with AI for environmental governance in the water domain
Authors: Budde Matthias , Hilbring Desiree , Vogl Jonathan , Dittmar Daniel , Abecker Andreas
Published: June 2024

In the realm of environmental governance, civil servants confront a plethora of diverse datasets, including time series, geospatial vector data, and raster data. However, unlocking the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) models to analyze this data poses the challenge of a widening technical proficiency gap in public administration. This paper explores the intersection of expanding environmental datasets and advanced analytics. Through a real-world project lens, our work aims to guide public administration entities, fostering seamless integration of AI-driven analytics and data-driven decision-making. We present a modular technical architecture that proposes pragmatic solutions that have the potential to empower civil servants. This approach contributes to accelerating environmental governance into an era of more informed and efficient, data-driven practices.
The correlation between serum angiopoietin-2 levels and acute kidney injury (AKI): a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Juncheng , Huang Zhengjie , Lin Qin , Hu Weiping , Zhong Hongbin , Zhang Fengling , Huang Jiyi
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The correlation between serum angiopoietin-2 levels and acute kidney injury (AKI) is a topic of significant clinical interest. This meta-analysis aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of this relationship.

Content

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases up to October 11, 2023. The included studies were evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). Weighted mean differences (WMD) and odds ratios (OR) were calculated using random-effects models. Sensitivity analysis, funnel plots, and Egger’s test were used to assess the robustness and publication bias of the findings. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore potential variations between adults and children.

Eighteen studies encompassing a total of 7,453 participants were included. The analysis revealed a significant elevation in serum angiopoietin-2 levels in patients with AKI compared to those without (WMD: 4.85; 95 % CI: 0.75 to 0.27; I²=93.2 %, p<0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated significantly higher angiopoietin-2 levels in adults with AKI (WMD: 5.17; 95 % CI: 3.51 to 6.83; I²=82.6 %, p<0.001), but not in children. Additionally, high serum angiopoietin-2 levels were associated with an increased risk of AKI (OR: 1.58; 95 % CI: 1.39 to 1.8; I²=89.1 %, p<0.001). Sensitivity analysis validated the robustness of these results, showing no substantial change in the overall effect size upon the exclusion of individual studies.

Outlook

This meta-analysis supports a significant association between elevated serum angiopoietin-2 levels and increased risk of AKI. The observed differential association between adults and children highlights the need for further targeted research to understand these age-specific variations.
Time Truncated Attribute Median Control Charts for Logistic-Exponential Process Distribution
Authors: Saha Mahendra , Pareek Pratibha , Maheshwari Sparsh , Pandey Arvind
Published: June 2024

In this article, time truncated attribute control chart is proposed for logistic-exponential distribution based on four acceptance sampling plans. The performance of the proposed control chart is evaluated in terms of average run length. Furthermore, the efficiency of the proposed attribute control chart is compared for all given acceptance sampling plans, viz., single sampling plan, repetitive sampling plan, multiple dependent state sampling plan and multiple dependent state repetitive sampling plan. Also, the application of the proposed control chart is illustrated by using real life example.
Ageing Concepts for Bivariate Copulas
Authors: Unnikrishnan Nair N. , Sunoj S. M.
Published: June 2024

In the present work we first discuss the structure and properties of the ageing function of the Gumbel–Barnett copula in the exchangeable case. Then we define and illustrate the ageing notions such as IFR, DMRL, NBU etc for copulas using the weak copula ageing property of the Gumbel–Barnett copula.
Birational equivalence of the Zassenhaus varieties for basic classical Lie superalgebras and their purely-even reductive Lie subalgebras in odd characteristic
Authors: Shu Bin , Zheng Lisun , Ren Ye
Published: June 2024

Let

𝔤
=

𝔤

0
¯

⊕

𝔤

1
¯

{{\mathfrak{g}}={\mathfrak{g}}_{\bar{0}}\oplus{\mathfrak{g}}_{\bar{1}}}

be a basic classical Lie superalgebra over an algebraically closed field

𝐤

{{\mathbf{k}}}

of characteristic

p
>
2

{p>2}

. Denote by

𝒵

{\mathcal{Z}}

the center of the universal enveloping algebra

U
⁢

(
𝔤
)

{U({\mathfrak{g}})}

. Then

𝒵

{\mathcal{Z}}

turns out to be finitely-generated purely-even commutative algebra without nonzero divisors.
In this paper, we demonstrate that the fraction

Frac
⁡

(
𝒵
)

{\operatorname{Frac}(\mathcal{Z})}

is isomorphic to

Frac
⁡

(
ℨ
)

{\operatorname{Frac}(\mathfrak{Z})}

for the center

ℨ

{\mathfrak{Z}}

of

U
⁢

(

𝔤

0
¯

)

{U({\mathfrak{g}}_{\bar{0}})}

. Consequently, both Zassenhaus varieties for

𝔤

{{\mathfrak{g}}}

and

𝔤

0
¯

{{\mathfrak{g}}_{\bar{0}}}

are birationally equivalent via a subalgebra

𝒵
~

⊂
𝒵

{\widetilde{\mathcal{Z}}\subset\mathcal{Z}}

, and

Spec
⁡

(
𝒵
)

{\operatorname{Spec}(\mathcal{Z})}

is rational under the standard hypotheses.
On Strichartz estimates for many-body Schrödinger equation in the periodic setting
Authors: Huang Xiaoqi , Yu Xueying , Zhao Zehua , Zheng Jiqiang
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we prove Strichartz estimates for many body Schrödinger equations in the periodic setting, specifically on tori

𝕋
d

{\mathbb{T}^{d}}

, where

d
≥
3

{d\geq 3}

. The results hold for both rational and irrational tori, and for small interacting potentials in a certain sense. Our work is based on the standard Strichartz estimate for Schrödinger operators on periodic domains, as developed in [J. Bourgain and C. Demeter,
The proof of the

l
2

l^{2}

decoupling conjecture,
Ann. of Math. (2) 182 2015, 1, 351–389]. As a comparison, this result can be regarded as a periodic analogue of [Y. Hong,
Strichartz estimates for N-body Schrödinger operators with small potential interactions,
Discrete Contin. Dyn. Syst. 37 2017, 10, 5355–5365] though we do not use the same perturbation method. We also note that the perturbation method fails due to the derivative loss property of the periodic Strichartz estimate.
On corrected Simpson-type inequalities via local fractional integrals
Authors: Lakhdari Abdelghani , Meftah Badreddine , Saleh Wedad
Published: June 2024

The paper discusses corrected Simpson-type inequalities on fractal sets. Based on an introduced identity, we establish some error bounds for the considered formula using the generalized s-convexity and s-concavity of the local fractional derivative. Finally, we present some graphical representations justifying the established theoretical framework as well as some applications.
A class of nontrivial simple examples of a non-D-space
Authors: Chou Yu-Lin
Published: June 2024

Given any regular

T
0

{T_{0}}

(equivalently, regular

T
1

{T_{1}}

) space X, the question of whether X being Lindelöf implies X being a D-space is an active open problem.
This article gives a class of handy examples of a second countable collectionwise normal collectionwise Hausdorff

T
0

{T_{0}}

space of uncountable cardinal,
with at most countably many singletons being not closed,
that is not a D-space.
Also given is a class of handy examples of a second countable hyperconnected

T
0

{T_{0}}

space of uncountable cardinal,
with at most countably many singletons being not closed,
that is not a D-space.
Registry or randomization – must it be evidence or could it be coincidence?
Authors: Radulova Olga , Oehme Florian , Korn Sandra , Praetorius Christian , Distler Marius , Weitz Jürgen
Published: June 2024

Over the years, clinical registries and randomized controlled trials gained acceptance. With increasing experience, it was possible to obtain knowledge of benefits and limitations in both designs. During the last years, the research focus was placed on new study concepts such as register-based randomized controlled trials intending to merge the benefits of evidence obtained by RCTs and clinical registers. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the evolution and the present stage of clinical trials. While doing so, we outline past experience and look ahead toward improving models for high-quality clinical trials.
A simple approach for studying stability properties of an SEIRS epidemic model
Authors: Hoang Manh Tuan
Published: June 2024

In this work, we study stability properties of a well-known integer-order SEIRS model with nonlinear incidence and vertical transmission. Firstly, we introduce a simple approach to the analysis of global asymptotic stability (GAS) of the integer-order model. This approach is based on general quadratic Lyapunov functions and characteristic of quadratic forms associated with real matrices. The result is that the GAS of disease-free and disease-endemic equilibrium points is completely established. This provides an important improvement for results constructed in two previous works. Secondly, we generalize the integer-order SEIRS model by considering it in the context of the Caputo fractional-order derivative. After that, the present approach is utilized to investigate the GAS of the proposed fractional-order model. As an important consequence, not only the GAS but also the uniform stability of the fractional-order model are determined fully. Therefore, the applicability of the approach is shown. Finally, a series of numerical experiments is conducted to illustrate and support the theoretical findings.
Long-term functional outcomes and predictors of efficacy in thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): a retrospective observational study
Authors: Spirito Lorenzo , Capra Massimo , Sciorio Carmine , Romano Lorenzo , Morelli Michele , Valtorta Adelio , Arcaniolo Davide , Mirto Benito Fabio , Manfredi Celeste , Sicignano Enrico , Capone Federico , Giampaglia Gaetano , Iaconis Salvatore , Napolitano Luigi , Machiella Fabio , Quattrone Carmelo , Imperatore Vittorio , Crocetto Felice
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urological condition affecting aging men worldwide. Among the treatment options available for BPH, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the gold-standard invasive intervention. To reduce the TURP-related non-negligible morbidity, loss-of-ejaculation rate, hospitalization, blood loss and catheterization time several laser techniques have been developed, such as the Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (ThuLEP). To investigate the efficacy outcomes of the ThuLEP as a treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) we performed a retrospective observational study at Moriggia Pelascini Hospital (Como, Italy) between January 2015 and September 2018.

Methods

We included 265 patients who underwent ThuLEP at a specific hospital between defined dates. Data on various parameters, including post-void residue volume, peak urinary flow rate (Qmax), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) for urinary symptoms, IPSS Quality of Life (QoL) score, and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score for erectile dysfunction, were collected at baseline and follow-up.

Results

The analysis revealed significant improvements in voiding efficiency, urinary flow, urinary symptoms, quality of life, and erectile function following ThuLEP. Furthermore, certain baseline characteristics, such as post-void residue, peak urinary flow rate, age, prostate volume, and aspirin usage, were found to influence treatment outcomes.

Conclusions

Despite the study’s limitations, these findings contribute to understanding ThuLEP’s effectiveness in managing BPH and can aid in making informed clinical decisions for patient care. Prospective studies with longer follow-up periods are recommended to validate and extend these results.
Effects of infill pattern and compression axis on the compressive strength of the 3D-printed cubic samples
Authors: Kamer Muhammed S. , Dogan Oguz
Published: June 2024

Structures that are very difficult to produce with classical manufacturing methods have become easily produced with the development of additive manufacturing (AM) technique. AM technique allows creating special infill patterns with gaps in the internal structures of the products to be produced. These special infill patterns ensure that the product has maximum rigidity and strength while also providing minimum mass. For this reason, it is important to investigate the effects of infill patterns produced by AM technique on the mechanical properties of the product. In this study, the compression characteristics of compression test samples produced in five different infill patterns (octet, grid, cubic, quarter cubic, gyroid) using the AM method were experimentally investigated in three different axes. Test samples were produced from PLA material with a 3-dimensional (3D) printer in accordance with the ASTM C365-16 standard. Compression tests were repeated three times at a compression speed of 0.5 mm/min, with five different infill patterns and three different axes for each parameter. According to the results obtained, the octet infill pattern provided the best compressive strength in all three axes. It has been determined that the infill pattern or load axis change greatly affects the compression performance of the product.
African Early Career Chemists Workshop & 8th Annual Symposium of the American Chemical Society, Nigeria International Chapter 2023
Authors: Offiong Nnanake-Abasi O. , Inyangudoh Akwaowo I.
Published: June 2024

This preface introduces the proceedings of the African Early Career Chemists Workshop & 8th Annual Symposium of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Nigeria International Chapter, which was held both virtually and onsite from June 4th to 8th, 2023. This special issue of Pure and Applied Chemistry (PAC) journal includes 8 manuscripts covering a range of topics from pure to applied chemistry.
Reassessing the evidence on factor and portfolio premia
Authors: Jach Agnieszka , Antell Jan
Published: June 2024

Using the modelling and estimation framework of W. Cao, C. Hurvich and P. Soulier (2017), we perform a test of the mean (

T
2

{T_{2}}

statistic) for a large collection of daily Fama–French factors and portfolio returns, and compare the results with those based on the standard t test. The

T
2

{T_{2}}

-based results provide clearly weaker evidence in favor of various premia and in some cases suggest their absence. On the US market, the discrepancy between the tests is particularly large for the momentum factor.
Caution should be exercised when assessing the presence of a given premium with the t test.
[Cd7(SeO3)8]{Cu2Br2}, a host-guest structure derived from β-CdSeO3
Authors: Siidra Oleg I. , Grishaev Vasili Yu
Published: June 2024

A first cadmium copper selenite–bromide Cd7Cu2(SeO3)8Br2 (1) was obtained via chemical vapor transport reactions. The new compound is triclinic,

P

1
‾

$P\overline{1}$

, a = 5.3280(5) Å, b = 10.6190(12) Å, c = 11.4380(13) Å, α = 100.856(4)°, β = 93.321(4)°, γ = 91.021(4)°, V = 634.22(12) Å3, R
1 = 0.027. 1 has no structural analogs and belongs to a new structure type. The structure of 1 can be described as a host-guest architecture. The host is the [Cd7(SeO3)8]2− interrupted framework, which consists of zigzag layers with a large aperture. The guests are copper bromide species. Thus, the formula can be written as [Cd7(SeO3)8]{Cu2Br2}.
Molecular Organization of Autonomic, Respiratory, and Spinally-Projecting Neurons in the Mouse Ventrolateral Medulla
Authors: Schwalbe Dana C. , Stornetta Daniel S. , Abraham-Fan Ruei-Jen , Souza George M. P. R. , Jalil Maira , Crook Maisie E. , Campbell John N. , Abbott Stephen B. G.
Published: June 2024

The ventrolateral medulla (VLM) is a crucial region in the brain for visceral and somatic control, serving as a significant source of synaptic input to the spinal cord. Experimental studies have shown that gene expression in individual VLM neurons is predictive of their function. However, the molecular and cellular organization of the VLM has remained uncertain. This study aimed to create a comprehensive dataset of VLM cells using single-cell RNA sequencing in male and female mice. The dataset was enriched with targeted sequencing of spinally-projecting and adrenergic/noradrenergic VLM neurons. Based on differentially expressed genes, the resulting dataset of 114,805 VLM cells identifies 23 subtypes of neurons, excluding those in the inferior olive, and five subtypes of astrocytes. Spinally-projecting neurons were found to be abundant in seven subtypes of neurons, which were validated through in situ hybridization. These subtypes included adrenergic/noradrenergic neurons, serotonergic neurons, and neurons expressing gene markers associated with premotor neurons in the ventromedial medulla. Further analysis of adrenergic/noradrenergic neurons and serotonergic neurons identified nine and six subtypes, respectively, within each class of monoaminergic neurons. Marker genes that identify the neural network responsible for breathing were concentrated in two subtypes of neurons, delineated from each other by markers for excitatory and inhibitory neurons. These datasets are available for public download and for analysis with a user-friendly interface. Collectively, this study provides a fine-scale molecular identification of cells in the VLM, forming the foundation for a better understanding of the VLM's role in vital functions and motor control.