bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Helios.TALK: A decentralised messaging framework that preserves the privacy of users
Authors: Sarridis Ioannis , Gkatziaki Vasiliki , Krasanakis Emmanouil , Giatsoglou Nikos , Sarris Nikos , Papadopoulos Symeon , Kompatsiaris Ioannis
Published: October 2023

Communication via digital means, such as mobile messaging applications (apps), plays an increasingly important role in everyday life. However, most messaging apps employ centralized computing principles that relinquish control of their users’ personal data to social network platform providers. Decentralization has been proposed as an alternative that provides trustworthiness and data confidentiality, but this comes at expense of fewer provided features and non-intuitive user experience. To address this issue, we hereby present two interconnected decentralized messaging tools, developed in the scope of the HELIOS platform, which can support new decentralized social networks. The first tool is a framework that supports the development of context-aware decentralized messaging apps in mobile Android devices by organically tying together many of the platform’s standalone decentralized operations. The second is a decentralized messaging app, called helios.TALK, that builds on the framework but accommodates additional design considerations from the perspective of end-users.
Maximizing the Lifetime of Wireless Sensor Networks with Mobile Sink
Authors: N. Al-Salahat Nusaiba , G. Eljaafreh Yousef
Published: October 2023

The key parameter that plays a major role in designing a protocol for WSNs is energy efficiency, which is the scarcest resource of sensor nodes and determines their lifetime of sensor nodes. Prolonging the lifetime of sensor networks depends on efficient management of the sensing node of energy. The protocol proposed in this study is a modified routing protocol based on the LEACH protocol, which distributes cluster heads. It also proposes sink mobilization to overcome problems that exist in the case of static sinks. However, controlling the movement of the sink to achieve the most efficient data gathering, both to guarantee the quality of service and to reduce energy consumption, is an important issue in maximizing network lifetime. The novelty of our proposed approach over other mobile-sink-based LEACH-modified protocols is that we assume that the mobile sink traverses along the Y-axis of the sensing area and is relocated at the start of each round by computing the optimal tentative sink node position considering both the geographical distance from the sensors to the sink and the transmission load of the sensors. A comparative analysis based on the standard best-practice benchmarking metrics was performed. The findings of this study clearly demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms the LEACH protocol in maximizing WSNs lifetime.
Raman/EDFA Hybrid System to Enhance the Optical Signal in the Optical Network
Authors: Abdulsalam Taha Taha , Ahmed Ayoob Saad , Tariq Yaseen Mohammad
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a hybrid optical signal amplification system that includes Raman scattering and Erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) was simulated to take advantage of the amplification properties of the optical signal transmitted through the optical fiber network that connects the first and third campuses of the University of Mosul. The two types of optical signal amplifiers were studied individually and together, and the effect was observed in each case on the optical signal parameters such as the Q-factor, noise figure, signal-to-noise ratio, and gain. Optisystem ver.7.0 software was used to simulate the proposed system. The results showed that the Raman scattering and EDFA hybrid systems functioned effectively. The output signal power level is higher than the input signal power level that increased from (16 microwatts) to (83 mill watts). For each frequency, the gain is positive and the noise figure is relatively high. Although, this indicates that some noise introduced into the system. The output signal to noise ratio (OSNR) is high (55 dB). Moreover, the system is still able to maintain a high signal-to-noise ratio. The obtained results showed that the Raman scattering and EDFA hybrid system is a worthwhile technique for amplifying optical signals for the optical network connecting the first and third campuses of the University of Mosul.
Application of Machine Learning Techniques in Phased Array Antenna Synthesis: A Comprehensive Mini Review
Authors: Reza Ghaderi Mohammad , Amiri Nasrin
Published: October 2023

With the rapid development of modern communication systems, phased array antennas (PAAs) are widely used in many applications such as radars and 5G networks. In a PAA composed of multiple elements (antennas), beamforming or beam steering can be achieved by adjusting the phase difference in the excitation signals that feed each element of the array, eliminating the need for mechanical antenna movement. The performance quality of the communication systems heavily relies on the precise synthesis of the PAAs. PAA synthesis entails determining the geometric or physical shape of an antenna based on knowledge of its electrical parameters. Conventional methods for PAA synthesis use conventional electromagnetic models embedded in antenna design software’s. However, these models often pose challenges due to resource-intensive computations, lengthy simulation times, and potential high error rates. Machine learning (ML) techniques can be employed to optimize solutions in various telecommunication systems, including PAAs synthesis. In this article, we review and investigate the application of ML techniques in the synthesis of PAAs. The results of this study show that utilizing ML techniques can expedite the design process by threefold, while simultaneously reducing errors and increasing accuracy up to 99%.
A QoS-Aware Energy-Efficient Chimp Optimization Routing Protocol with Efficient Sensor Node Deployment Strategy in Underwater Acoustic Sensor Network
Authors: Kumar. R. Sambath , G. Sivaradje.
Published: October 2023

As an extension of wireless sensor networks in the underwater environment, Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks (UASNs) have led to a broad consideration of academicians. One of the problems that lower UWSN effectiveness in terms of network lifespan is premature energy depletion. It might be caused by the network nodes using different amounts of energy. In UASNs, the effectiveness and dependability of data transfer remain so adverse because of the intricate underwater environment in diverse ocean applications like surveilling atypical submarine oil pipelines. Inspired by the significance of UASNs’ quality of service in several implementations, this study proffers a metaheuristic optimization algorithm (AG) called Chimp Optimization-based Routing Protocol (CH-ORP) for UASNs obtaining intricate features of underwater (UW) medium into concern like 3D changing topology, high propagation delay, node mobility, and density, and, also, cluster head nodes’ rotation mechanism. Initially, the entire network (NW) paradigm has been considered as a three-dimensional cube out of a grid point of view, and the three-dimensional cube has been split into several little cubes by employing Delaunay Triangulation. The optimization has been carried out for lessening node failure rate and NW energy consumption rate by ideally placing the sensor nodes in UW acoustic communication. The NW topology’s steadiness has been assured by the AG, and this optimizes the node redeployment scheme by computing the fitness function for all nodes. The proffered AG’s simulation substantiations have been performed for exhibiting the CH-ORP’s efficiency that executes finer when compared to the advanced methodologies concerning energy efficiency, reliability, and end-to-end delay. It has been found that the proposed Ch-ORP achieves 698 packets received with 28% of energy consumption, 156-sec Network delay, 257 packet loss, 97.23% of PDR, and 1256 Mbps of Network throughput.
Mathematical modeling of processes in the sound field of premises with speech notification
Authors: Epifanov Evgeniy , Asminin Viktor , Sazonova Svetlana
Published: October 2023

The problem of improving the intelligibility of the sound signal of the sounder, taking into account the background noise and noise interference, is considered. Mathematical modeling of processes in the sound field of premises is carried out taking into account the influence on the intelligibility of the speech signal of the structure of the sound field formed by speech fire alarms. The important components of the structure of the sound field formed by speech fire alarms, which affect the intelligibility of the speech signal, are considered. The modeling takes into account the level of background noise, which can complicate the audibility of speech and reduce its quality. It is also taken into account that the direct sound and the reflected component are parts of the sound field and affect the overall structure of the sound environment. The structure of the sound field is represented graphically. Mathematical models are given to determine the density of sound energy. The figures show a scheme for calculating interference and useful components of the sound field during the operation of one sounder, as well as graphs of the useful signal and interference that occur during the operation of three sounders. A general approach to determining the useful signal and interference from three alerts is considered. The considered approach to the evaluation of the structure of the sound field used in the software package makes it possible to clearly divide the incoming sound signals into useful components and interference, and it can also be useful in various fields.
The Effect of Language on Income Smoothing: Cross-Country Evidence
Authors: Cao Wenjiao , Myers Linda A. , Zhang Zhifang
Published: October 2023

We examine whether and how the time-oriented tendency embedded in languages influences income smoothing. Separating languages into weak- versus strong-future time reference (FTR) groups, we find that firms in weak-FTR countries tend to smooth earnings more. We also find that relationships with major stakeholders (i.e., debtholders, suppliers, and employees) amplify the effect of the FTR of languages on income smoothing. Additional analyses suggest that income smoothing driven by the FTR of languages enhances earnings informativeness. These findings provide new insights on the role that language plays in financial reporting decisions and on how relationships with major stakeholders influence the relation between an important feature of language and corporate income smoothing behavior.

This paper was accepted by Brian Bushee, accounting.

Funding: L. A. Myers acknowledges financial support from the University of Tennessee [the Haslam Chair of Business and the Haslam Family Faculty Research Fellowship].

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.01753 .
How Do Performance Goals Influence Exploration-Exploitation Choices?
Authors: Raveendran Marlo , Srikanth Kannan , Ungureanu Tiberiu , Zheng George L.
Published: October 2023

Employees in organizations are frequently subject to performance goals such as sales or publication targets. However, often employees do not know what actions will allow them to meet these goals. To perform such tasks effectively, employees need to explore to quickly learn from experience which among the available alternatives offers the higher reward potential, so that they can concentrate subsequent efforts on exploiting it. Prior work models such explore-exploit problems as an adaptive learning process, where employees sequentially sample various options and learn from feedback. However, we currently do not know how performance goals influence this adaptive learning process. We argue that performance goals influence the adaptive learning process by modifying how feedback is perceived. Individuals subject to challenging goals are more likely to interpret feedback from poor alternatives as failures. Therefore, they quickly develop high belief strength that the inferior alternative is worse than the superior alternative, enabling them to reduce “useless exploration,” but also making them slow to adapt to environmental shocks. We test our predictions in a series of laboratory experiments and find that decision makers subject to challenging goals exploit more (relative to those with moderate goals). We also show that such an exploitation focus, while beneficial in stable environments, is detrimental in unstable ones. Our finding that challenging performance goals improve performance in learning tasks stands in contrast to prior findings that such goals inhibit performance in search tasks, an insight that warrants further study to improve our understanding of goal setting in the knowledge economy.

History: This paper has been accepted for the Organization Science Special Issue on Experiments in Organizational Theory.

Funding: K. Srikanth was supported by SMU Seed Funding Grant for the initial version of this paper.

Supplemental Material: The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2019.13311 .
LAS MASCOTAS EN EL INFORME SOCIAL
Authors: Caravaca Llamas Carmen
Published: October 2023

Esta investigación documental tiene como objetivo fundamental analizar y dar a conocer la relevancia de incluir a los animales no humanos de las familias en los informes sociales. Para ello se ha realizado una búsqueda bibliográfica y se han consultado fuentes primarias y secundarias que expliquen la dimensión socioafectiva de las mascotas en la familia y su potencial como indicador de la realidad del núcleo de convivencia. Antes parecía absurdo incluir en las valoraciones profesionales el papel que jugaban los animales en la familia humana, ahora es un factor para considerar en los informes sociales y en las intervenciones de carácter sistémico porque en muchas investigaciones ya se ha demostrado que el animal no sólo influye en la relación familiar, sino que ocupa un lugar y puede ser un elemento que revele al profesional la disfunción familiar o incluso, situaciones de abuso o maltrato.
Los secretos familiares en la intervención psicosocial. Dinámicas y comunicación a través del análisis de caso
Authors: Alonso-Carrizo Rodríguez Laura Mª
Published: October 2023

El presente artículo aborda la problemática que surge en el Trabajo Social con Familias cuando en la intervención aparecen secretos familiares. Estos secretos han generado pautas de relación y comunicación en el sistema familiar que, de no tenerlas en cuenta, pueden contaminar al sistema de intervención. A lo largo de las siguientes páginas se analizará un caso que pone de relieve la importancia de conocer la función que realizan los secretos y las pautas relacionales y de comunicación tanto dentro de las familias como con los sistemas amplios.
Acercamiento del Trabajo Social al proceso de duelo migratorio
Authors: Montes Arenas Daniela
Published: October 2023

El presente artículo explora el concepto de duelo migratorio. Con este fin, analizaremos este concepto desde un paradigma teórico-práctico del Trabajo Social, así como las aportaciones teóricas de otras disciplinas. El objetivo final de este artículo es mostrar una nueva visión sobre el duelo migratorio, así como herramientas de intervención desde el Trabajo Social.
La participación comunitaria en el ámbito educativo durante la Covid-19
Authors: González Rodríguez Elena
Published: October 2023

La investigación presentada en este artículo muestra las estrategias de participación familiar y comunitaria tras la llegada de la COVID-19, en el Centro Rural Agrupado (CRA) de Lozoyuela (Madrid), constituido como Centro Educativo Comunidad de Aprendizaje. Para elaborar y consolidar un marco teórico que englobe el tema, se ha hecho una revisión bibliográfica de diversas fuentes científicas y autorías sobre conceptos y enfoques relevantes acerca de: la exclusión e inclusión social y educativa; el Trabajo Social comunitario y en el ámbito educativo; la participación de la comunidad; el proyecto Comunidades de Aprendizaje; y, sobre investigaciones recientes acerca de la participación familiar y comunitaria a raíz de la COVID-19. Se ha utilizado una metodología cualitativa con orientación comunicativa por la cual se potencia la participación de las personas implicadas en la investigación -en este caso: profesorado, PTSC, jefatura y dirección del CRA, y familiares-, a través de la construcción conjunta de conocimiento, realizada por entrevistas semiestructuradas y grupos de discusión. Tras la interpretación de resultados, se exponen aquellas estrategias que han conseguido un mayor éxito en la participación de familias y de la comunidad en el CRA de Lozoyuela, a partir de la COVID-19, siendo aquellas en las que las familias han tenido voz y se han sentido partícipes en su iniciativa y organización.
Vivienda y exclusión social. Algunos apuntes teórico-metodológicos
Authors: Vacas Mora Víctor
Published: October 2023

El presente texto repasa algunas problemáticas sociales derivadas de la producción neoliberal del espacio, tales como la exclusión residencial, la pobreza y la marginación. Una vez presentado el contexto internacional en que se gestó la situación político-económica a la que debemos el escenario presente, como igualmente descrita la actual realidad de nuestro país -deudora del contexto bosquejado-, estaremos en condiciones de revisar la evolución de algunos conceptos teórico-metodológicos centrales con que se han venido abordando las problemáticas relativas a la vivienda y la exclusión social, concluyendo el recorrido con las herramientas desplegadas para enfrentar un problema creciente ante el sometimiento global a los dictados del libre mercado. Todo ello, sin pretender agotar la nutrida discusión respecto a una problemática lamentablemente en aumento y de rabiosa actua-lidad, ni tampoco descartar la existencia de otras estrategias -institucionales o populares- que se han venido desarrollando con el fin de contrarrestar sus efectos y restaurar las ciudades como bienes comunes antes que espacios mercantilizados, jerarquizados y excluyentes.
Discapacidad psicosocial en mujeres privadas de su libertad: una reflexión desde Trabajo Social
Authors: Tamariz Salgado Araceli Monserrat , Rodríguez Servín Arely , Flores Flores Karen , Becerril Reyes Karla Raquel
Published: October 2023

La discapacidad se ha estudiado desde un modelo médico-rehabilitador que limita el análisis real de la misma, ya que, poniendo en tela de juicio todas aquellas concepciones con las cuales se le ha definido, tenemos como resultado que su origen deviene de una construcción social donde se tienden a estigmatizar e incluso a criminalizar a las personas que poseen cierto tipo de discapacidades como lo es la psicosocial, considerada para muchos una condición peligrosa que rompe con los esquemas normalmente aceptados por el sistema político-económico actual, adoptando al encierro como la "mejor solución" para ocultar aquello que debe ser "curado", resultando ser un castigo que aunado a los prejuicios de género condenará en mayor medida a las mujeres que se encuentran privadas de su libertad, situación de la que se tratará en el presente documento.
Promjene u stanju uhranjenosti, navikama tjelesne aktivnosti i prehrani djece u osnovnoj školi tijekom epidemije COVID-19
Authors: Pavičić Žeželj Sandra , Dragaš Zubalj Nataša , Tomić Linšak Dijana , Kenđel Jovanović Gordana , Posedel Matea
Published: October 2023

Aim: The COVID -19 pandemic has changed the way people live, and children are particularly at risk because of their vulnerable age. The aim of this work was to evaluate the changes in nutritional status, physical activity, and eating habits of elementary school-aged children during the Covid 19 pandemic.    Methods: The study was conducted from February to April 2021 and included 197 primary school children, 100 boys, and 97 girls. A questionnaire was used to collect data on lifestyle, eating habits, and physical activity outside school. The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents was used to determine membership in the Mediterranean diet. The kinanthropological and anthropological data of the students were obtained from the diary of the physical education and health teacher.    Results: The average rating of the quality of the children's diet, as determined by the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Adolescents, showed a moderate affiliation with the Mediterranean diet. Before online instruction, 65.9% of students ate breakfast daily, whereas during online instruction, 75.7% ate breakfast (p< 0.001). Results showed that students exercised statistically significantly more before online instruction than during online instruction (p< 0.05). Students had weaker kinanthropological scores than before beginning online instruction.    Conclusions: According to the results, students' diet is of average quality, and some habits, such as breakfast, have improved, while physical activities have decreased significantly during the pandemic. Therefore, the promotion of proper nutrition and physical activity through public health programs should be emphasized to educate both children and parents about the importance of proper nutrition, physical activity, and responsible use of various media.
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding, an unusual presentation of Rapunzel syndrome
Authors: TORRES-SALINAS CARLOS HUGO , Anccasi-Hermoza David
Published: October 2023

Gastrointestinal bezoars in the pediatric age group have an unusual presentation, and their clinical manifestation is mainly associated with obstructive conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, and are generally made up of hair and food debris. In a smaller number, it has been seen that from its usual location, which is the stomach, bezoar structures could extend into the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and even colon, giving the appearance of a "Rapunzel tail".     We present the case of a 7-year-old girl with an atypical initial presentation of Rapunzel syndrome, secondary to a trichobezoar. The patient did not have previous psychiatric history, nor reports of any disturbance at school. She was admitted to the emergency room due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding and required a subsequent transfusion of blood products. During her hospitalization, an upper digestive endoscopy was performed, with the diagnosis of Rapunzel syndrome, in addition to the presence of two Forrest II-C, III gastric ulcers and severe erythematous gastritis in the region of the antrum and body. Medical treatment was started without success, for which the bezoar had to be surgically removed.    Therefore, we want to point out the importance of deepening certain aspects such as the medical history and background in this type of patient, since it is a disorder linked to behavioral and mood alterations; likewise, remember the less frequent clinical symptoms such as upper gastrointestinal bleeding, but which in turn can be lethal if we don't act promptly. In the same way, the comprehensive approach with the support of the family and the intervention of psychology and/or psychiatry is vital to prevent recurrences.
Bureaucracy: The Making of a Buzzword
Authors: Joukovskaia Anna
Published: October 2023

Abstract: This article offers a revision of the history of Vincent de Gournay’s neologism bureaucracy . The author shows that it was designed as a polemical tool against a tendency to multiply customs, tax-collecting and controlling bureaus, which “strangled commerce” in France. The origin of the term had more to do with the pre-physiocratic theory of liberal economy than with political philosophy. More than just a pun, it emerged in the wake of a long tradition of anti-office discourse and formed part of a new rhetorical strategy aimed at legitimizing the merchant estate, which suffered from a lack of prestige in France.
“The Stereotype Takes Care of Everything”: Labor Antisemitism and Critical Theory During World War II
Authors: Clavey Charles H.
Published: October 2023

Abstract: During World War II, the Institute for Social Research conducted an innovative study of American working-class antisemitism. This article goes beyond existing literature by reconstructing the project’s evolving understanding of labor antisemitism—from ideology to psychopathology. This change, it argues, arose from the project’s methods, findings, and analytical concepts—especially the long-overlooked concept of the stereotype. The article documents this concept’s role in two better-known Institute works from the period: Dialectic of Enlightenment and Authoritarian Personality . Throughout, it traces continuities in the Institute’s research program and reconsiders the balance between its empirical studies and its critical theory in the 1940s.
"Governments, like Clocks": A Contextualization of William Penn's Horological Simile
Authors: Houston Kerr
Published: October 2023

Abstract: In his 1682 Frame , in which he outlined his vision for Pennsylvania's government, William Penn wrote that " Governments , like Clocks, go from the motion Men give them." The simile has been occasionally acknowledged by scholars, but no one has considered it closely. An attentive analysis of the passage, though, reveals that it meaningfully related to both republican notions of responsible governance and relevant developments in horology, which had recently yielded increasingly accurate timepieces and a nascent literature recommending specific strategies for regular maintenance in response to changing conditions. Penn's simile thus united two discourses in a deliberate manner that illuminates his moderate republicanism, embodies his interest in appealing to wealthy investors, and suggests that he anticipated that the Pennsylvania government would require periodic interventions.
Dose-efficient in vivo X-ray phase contrast imaging at micrometer resolution by Bragg magnifiers
Authors: Spiecker Rebecca , Pfeiffer Pauline , Biswal Adyasha , Shcherbinin Mykola , Spiecker Martin , Hessdorfer Holger , Hurst Mathias , Zharov Yaroslav , Bellucci Valerio , Faragó Tomáš , Zuber Marcus , Herz Annette , Cecilia Angelica , Czyzycki Mateusz , Dias Carlos Sato Baraldi , Novikov Dmitri , Krogmann Lars , Hamann Elias , van de Kamp Thomas , Baumbach Tilo
Published: October 2023

X-ray imaging enables the study of morphodynamic and physiological
processes in living organisms. However, the required photon flux
increases with the desired spatial resolution and with it the
requirements for dose efficiency. We realize full-field imaging at
micrometer resolution close to the highest possible dose efficiency.
This is achieved by combining propagation-based phase contrast with
Bragg crystal optics and a high-Z single-photon-counting detector, all
designed for X-ray energies that allow minimal dose for a given image
quality. We prove the superior imaging performance compared to
conventional systems and, in particular, show a substantial increase
in dose efficiency for high spatial frequencies that comprise the
relevant high-resolution components of the image. We demonstrate the
potential of the technique by a behavioral in
vivo study of submillimeter-sized parasitoid chalcid wasps
within their host eggs before and during emergence. The findings show
that the technique opens up new possibilities for dose-sensitive
studies at micrometer resolution, not only in life sciences but also
in materials research.
Control of intense light with avalanche-ionization plasma gratings
Authors: Edwards M. R. , Waczynski S. , Rockafellow E. , Manzo L. , Zingale A. , Michel P. , Milchberg H. M.
Published: October 2023

High-peak-power lasers are fundamental to high-field science: increased
laser intensity has enabled laboratory astrophysics, relativistic
plasma physics, and compact laser-based particle accelerators.
However, the meter-scale optics required for multi-petawatt lasers to
avoid light-induced damage make further increases in power
challenging. Plasma tolerates orders-of-magnitude higher light flux
than glass, but previous efforts to miniaturize lasers by constructing
plasma analogs for conventional optics were limited by low efficiency
and poor optical quality. We describe a new approach to plasma optics
based on avalanche ionization of atomic clusters that produces plasma
volume transmission gratings with dramatically increased diffraction
efficiency. We measure an average efficiency of up to 36% and a
single-shot efficiency of up to 60%, which is comparable to key
components of high-power laser beamlines, while maintaining high
spatial quality and focusability. These results suggest that plasma
diffraction gratings may be a viable component of future lasers with
peak power beyond 10 PW.
Guideline-level monitoring, biomarker levels and pharmacological treatment in migrants and native Danes with type 2 diabetes: Population-wide analyses
Authors: Isaksen Anders Aasted , Sandbæk Annelli , Skriver Mette Vinther , Andersen Gregers Stig , Bjerg Lasse
Published: October 2023

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is higher in migrants compared to native populations in many countries, but the evidence on disparities in T2D care in migrants is inconsistent. Therefore, this study aimed to examine this in Denmark. In a cross-sectional, register-based study on 254,097 individuals with T2D, 11 indicators of guideline-level care were analysed: a) monitoring: hemoglobin-A1c (HbA1c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), screening for diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, and foot disease, b) biomarker control: HbA1c and LDL-C levels, and c) pharmacological treatment: glucose-lowering drugs (GLD), lipid-lowering drugs, angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, and antiplatelet therapy. Migrants were grouped by countries of origin: Middle East, Europe, Turkey, Former Yugoslavia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Somalia, Vietnam. In all migrant groups except the Europe-group, T2D was more prevalent than in native Danes (crude relative risk (RR) from 0.62 [0.61–0.64] (Europe) to 3.98 [3.82–4.14] (Sri Lanka)). In eight indicators, non-fulfillment was common (>25% among native Danes). Apart from monitoring in the Sri Lanka-group, migrants were at similar or higher risk of non-fulfillment than native Danes across all indicators of monitoring and biomarker control (RR from 0.64 [0.51–0.80] (HbA1c monitoring, Sri Lanka) to 1.78 [1.67–1.90] (LDL-C control, Somalia)), while no overall pattern was observed for pharmacological treatment (RR from 0.61 [0.46–0.80] (GLD, Sri Lanka) to 1.67 [1.34–2.09] (GLD, Somalia)). Care was poorest in migrants from Somalia, who had increased risk in all eleven indicators, and the highest risk in nine. Adjusted risks were elevated in some migrant groups, particularly in indicators of biomarker control (fully-adjusted RR from 0.84 [0.75–0.94] (LDL-C levels, Vietnam) to 1.44 [1.35–1.54] (LDL-C levels, Somalia)). In most migrant groups, T2D was more prevalent, and monitoring and biomarker control was inferior compared to native Danes. Migrants from Somalia received the poorest care overall, and had exceedingly high lipid levels.
Influence of intermittent iron and folic acid supplementation on cognitive abilities among adolescent girls in northwestern Tanzania
Authors: Bahati Yasinta , Nyanza Elias C. , Asori Moses , Mutayoba Rita , Thomas Deborah S. K.
Published: October 2023

Iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation to reduce anemia is key for improving substantial lost disability adjusted life years (DALYs) for adolescent girls. This study assessed the impact of weekly IFA supplementation (WIFAS) on cognitive ability among adolescent girls in the Simiyu Region in northernwestern Tanzania. This cross-sectional comparative evaluation study of 770 adolescent girls (396 –WIFAS supplemented; 374 –not supplemented) evaluated the association between WIFAS and cognitive ability through a face-to-face survey and cognitive ability assessment using standardized tests (Span-forward Test, Span-backward Test and Maze Test). Using a modified Poisson regression, we controlled for the geographic setting (urban vs rural), availability of potable water and feeding programs in schools, age and school level of adolescent girls, parental status, main parental economic activities, and the number of teachers. Participants were between the ages of 11 and 19 years, with more than half (57%) between 12–15 years of age. Those with WIFAS had higher cognitive ability (Span-forward scores, χ2 = 46.34% p <0.001; Span-forward, χ2 = 46.34% p <0.001; and Global Composite Cognitive Performance (GCCP), χ2 = 32.52% p<0.001). Among the IFA supplemented adolescent girls, secondary school level had a significantly higher score with respect to Span-backward (aPR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.06–1.62); Span-forward ability (aPR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.04–1.53) and Maze Test ability (aPR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.01–1.25) as compared to their counterpart in primary school level. Individual adolescent girls with WIFAS and living with both parents performed much better on the Span-backward Test (aPR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.07–1.68) as compared to those living with relatives and/or orphans. The presence of potable water program among the WIFAS schools resulted in a higher Span-backward ability (aPR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.03–1.89); and GCCP (aPR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.03–1.75). Adolescent girls from WIFAS schools with feeding program had higher Span-forward (aPR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.03–1.63) ability as well as a higher Maze Test (aPR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.07–1.26) score. The present study provides compelling evidence that WIFAS is positively associated with higher cognitive ability among adolescent girls. Nevertheless, IFA interventions are still rare in communities across Tanzania.
Retrospective evaluation of real-time estimates of global COVID-19 transmission trends and mortality forecasts
Authors: Bhatia Sangeeta , Parag Kris V. , Wardle Jack , Nash Rebecca K. , Imai Natsuko , Elsland Sabine L. Van , Lassmann Britta , Brownstein John S. , Desai Angel , Herringer Mark , Sewalk Kara , Loeb Sarah Claire , Ramatowski John , Cuomo-Dannenburg Gina , Jauneikaite Elita , Unwin H. Juliette T. , Riley Steven , Ferguson Neil , Donnelly Christl A. , Cori Anne , Nouvellet Pierre
Published: October 2023

Since 8th March 2020 up to the time of writing, we have been producing near real-time weekly estimates of SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility and forecasts of deaths due to COVID-19 for all countries with evidence of sustained transmission, shared online. We also developed a novel heuristic to combine weekly estimates of transmissibility to produce forecasts over a 4-week horizon. Here we present a retrospective evaluation of the forecasts produced between 8th March to 29th November 2020 for 81 countries. We evaluated the robustness of the forecasts produced in real-time using relative error, coverage probability, and comparisons with null models. During the 39-week period covered by this study, both the short- and medium-term forecasts captured well the epidemic trajectory across different waves of COVID-19 infections with small relative errors over the forecast horizon. The model was well calibrated with 56.3% and 45.6% of the observations lying in the 50% Credible Interval in 1-week and 4-week ahead forecasts respectively. The retrospective evaluation of our models shows that simple transmission models calibrated using routine disease surveillance data can reliably capture the epidemic trajectory in multiple countries. The medium-term forecasts can be used in conjunction with the short-term forecasts of COVID-19 mortality as a useful planning tool as countries continue to relax public health measures.
Adsorption of Chromium, Copper, Lead, Selenium, and Zinc ions into ecofriendly synthesized magnetic iron nanoparticles
Authors: Al Shammari Mutairah S. , Ahmed Hussein M. , Abdel-Haleem Fatehy M. , Almutlq Nowarah J. , El-Khateeb Mohamed A.
Published: October 2023

The iron nanoparticles (Fe-NPs) have been synthesized using an environmentally friendly and simple green synthesis method. This study aims to obtain an aqueous extract from natural material wastes for synthesizing Fe-NPs. The produced Fe-NPs were evaluated as adsorbents for removing Pb, Se, Cu, Zn, and Cr from aqueous solutions. The formation of Fe-NPs was observed on exposure of the aqueous extract to the ferrous chloride and ferric chloride solutions. The characterization of the synthesized Fe-NPs was carried out using different instrumental techniques. As a function of the initial metal ion concentration, contact time, and various doses, the removal of the heavy metal ions was investigated. The UV-Vis spectrum of Fe-NPs showed a peak at 386 nm, 386 nm, 400 nm, 420 nm, 210 nm, 215 nm, and 272 nm of banana, pomegranate, opuntia, orange, potato, and onion, respectively. The FT-IR spectra confirmed the attachment of bioactive molecules from plants on the Fe-NPs surface. The effective reduction of metal ions was greatly aided by the -OH functional groups. The functional groups were examined and responsible for adsorption process by nanoparticle powder sample, these peaks are 3400 cm−1, 2900 cm-1, 1600 cm−1,1000 cm−1, and 1550 cm−1. The magnetization measurements revealed superparamagnetic behavior in the produced iron oxide nanoparticles. Heavy metal ions uptake followed a time, dose, and initial concentration-dependent profile, with maximum removal efficiency at 45 min, 0.4 g, and 3.0 mg/L of metal concentration, respectively.
A new species of Inosperma, and first record of I. afromelliolens (Inocybaceae, Fungi) from West Africa
Authors: Aïgnon Hyppolite L. , Fan Yu-Guang , De Kesel André , Bahram Mohammad , Ryberg Martin , Yorou Nourou S.
Published: October 2023

Here, we present the newly identified Inosperma macrocarpa and the first record of I. afromelliolens from West Africa. Inosperma macrocarpa is nested in an Old World Tropical clade, based on a molecular phylogeny inferred from the sequences of ITS, LSU, RPB2, and TEF1. Complete descriptions and illustrations, including photographs and line drawings, of the new species are presented. Morphological and molecular analyses based on collections from Benin confirmed the presence of I. afromelliolens in West Africa. Toxicity analysis showed that neither species contained muscarine, which further supports the hypothesis that the ability to produce muscarine is a derived trait of Inosperma.
Journalists’ networks: Homophily and peering over the shoulder of other journalists
Authors: Li Qin , Hassell Hans J. G. , Bond Robert M.
Published: October 2023

Social media plays an important role in how journalists gather and report news. To understand journalists’ professional environment, we examine the networks of journalists on Twitter who cover politics for U.S. newspapers in conjunction with a sample of journalists who completed a survey. By combining both their network data and survey responses, we examine the distribution of journalists’ ideology (n = 264) and journalistic values (n = 247); and using the network data, we examine the directional relationships between journalists working at large and small papers (n = 4,661). We find that journalists tend to form connections with those who share similar journalistic values. However, we find little evidence that journalists build professional relationships based on similarity in political ideology. Lastly, journalists at larger media outlets are more likely to be central in journalists’ Twitter networks, providing evidence that journalists look to other journalists at larger outlets for direction in news coverage. Our evidence provides unique insights into how social media illuminates journalists’ professional environment and how that environment may shape news coverage.
Food preferences and periodontal status of adults assisted by a public health care system
Authors: Canaan Juliana Cristina dos Reis , Canaan Marcelo Martins , Costa Patrícia Daniela , Pereira Michel de Angelis , Castelo Paula Midori , Pardi Vanessa , Murata Ramiro Mendonça , Pereira Luciano José
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between food choices and periodontal health status (PHS) in adults who receive care through a public health system. We evaluated food preferences and periodontal status in a sample of 442 individuals with at least eight natural teeth. We employed the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) to assess food choices and the Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) instrument to evaluate periodontal health status during clinical appointments. Fisher’s discriminant analysis was used to differentiate the participants according to PHS severity within three age-ranges (18–39; 40–59 and > 60 years-old). The results showed that the prevalence of overweight/obesity was high in all age groups (above 65%), and BMI increased with age, accompanied by an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases. A lower preference for natural foods and a higher intake of processed and ultra-processed foods, along with a high waist circumference and diabetes, were associated with a poorer periodontal health status. In the 18–39 age group, a lower waist circumference was associated with healthier periodontal status. In the 40–59 age group, a worse periodontal status resulted from a higher frequency of diabetes, lower intake of green leafy vegetables, olive oil, and fruit, and higher intake of industrialized juice. Conversely, a healthier periodontal status was associated with a lower frequency of diabetes and higher intake of fruit and vegetables. In the > 60age group, the worst periodontal status was associated with male sex. Overall, the study highlights the possible beneficial role of a healthy diet in maintaining periodontal health, particularly for those who receive care through a public health system.
Fatigue, pain interference, and psychiatric morbidity in multiple sclerosis: The role of childhood stress
Authors: Polick Carri S. , Ploutz-Snyder Robert , Braley Tiffany J. , Connell Cathleen M. , Stoddard Sarah A.
Published: October 2023

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive, autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that affects nearly one million Americans. Despite the existence of immunomodulatory therapies to slow physical and cognitive disability progression, interventions to ameliorate common symptoms of MS, including fatigue and pain, remain limited. Poor understanding of risk factors for these symptoms may contribute to treatment challenges. In recent years, childhood stress has been investigated as a risk factor for chronic autoimmune conditions including MS; yet remarkably few studies have investigated the relationship between childhood stressors and chronic MS symptoms. Our aim was to examine clusters of stressors and three key features of MS: fatigue, pain interference, and psychiatric morbidity.

Methods

Cross-sectional data were collected from a sample of People with MS (PwMS) via a national web-based survey that assessed the presence and type of childhood stressors and MS clinical features. Hierarchical block regression was used to assess associations among emotional, physical, and environmental childhood stressors and three clinical features commonly experienced by PwMS.

Results

N = 719 adults with MS (aged 21–85) completed the survey. Childhood emotional and physical stressors were significantly associated with overall presence of fatigue (p = 0.02; p<0.03) and pain interference (p<0.001; p<0.001) in adulthood, as well as the magnitude of both outcomes. Environmental stressors (p<0.001), in addition to emotional (p<0.001) and physical (p<0.001) stressors were significantly associated with psychiatric morbidity in PwMS.

Conclusion

Childhood stress may predict fatigue, psychiatric morbidity, and pain in adults with MS. Further research is needed to show cause and effect; however, if an association exists, strategies to mitigate the impact of childhood stress could offer new pathways to reduce the severity of these symptoms. Broadly, this work adds to the body of evidence supporting upstream preventive measures to help address the stress on children and families.
Future workspace needs flexibility and diversity: A machine learning-driven behavioural analysis of co-working space
Authors: Pan Jiayu , Cho Tze Yeung , Sun Maoran , Debnath Ramit , Lonsdale Nathan , Wilcox Chris , Bardhan Ronita
Published: October 2023

The future of workspace is significantly shaped by the advancements in technologies, changes in work patterns and workers’ desire for an improved well-being. Co-working space is an alternative workspace solution, for cost-effectiveness, the opportunity for diverse and flexible design and multi-use. This study examined the human-centric design choices using spatial and temporal variation of occupancy levels and user behaviour in a flexible co-working space in London. Through a machine-learning-driven analysis, we investigated the time-dependent patterns, decompose space usage, calculate seat utilisation and identify spatial hotspots. The analysis incorporated a large dataset of sensor-detected occupancy data spanning 477 days, comprising more than 140 million (145×106) data points. Additionally, on-site observations of activities were recorded for 13 days spanning over a year, with 110 time instances including more than 1000 snapshots of occupants’ activities, indoor environment, working behaviour and preferences. Results showed that the shared working areas positioned near windows or in more open, connected and visible locations are significantly preferred and utilised for communication and working, and semi-enclosed space on the side with less visibility and higher privacy are preferred for focused working. The flexibility of multi-use opportunity was the most preferred feature for hybrid working. The findings offer data-driven insights for human-centric space planning and design of office spaces in the future, particularly in the context of hybrid working setups, hot-desking and co-working systems.
Comparison of US emergency departments by HIV priority jurisdiction designation: A case for geographically targeted screening in teaching hospitals
Authors: Bennett Christopher L. , Detsky Allan S. , Clay Carson E. , Espinola Janice A. , Parsonnet Julie , Camargo Carlos A.
Published: October 2023

The Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) Initiative targets a subset of United States (US) priority jurisdictions hardest hit by HIV. It remains unclear which emergency departments (EDs) are the most appropriate targets for EHE-related efforts. To explore this, we used the 2001–2019 National Emergency Department Inventories (NEDI)-USA as a framework to characterize all US EDs, focusing on those in priority jurisdictions and those affiliated with a teaching hospital. We then incorporate multivariable regression to explore the association between ED characteristics and location in an HIV priority jurisdiction. Further, to provide context on the communities these EDs serve, demographic and socioeconomic information and sexually transmitted infection case rate data were included. This reflected 2019 US Census Bureau data on age, race, ethnicity, and proportion uninsured and living in poverty along with 2001–2019 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention case rate data on chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. We found that EDs in priority jurisdictions (compared to EDs not in priority jurisdictions) more often served populations emphasized in HIV-related efforts (i.e., Black or African American or Hispanic or Latino populations), communities with higher proportions uninsured and living in poverty, and counties with higher rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Further, of the groups studied, EDs with teaching hospital affiliations had the highest visit volumes and had steady visit volume growth. In regression, ED annual visit volume was associated with an increased odds of an ED being located in a priority jurisdiction. Our results suggest that geographically targeted screening for HIV in a subset of US priority jurisdiction EDs with a teaching hospital affiliation could be an efficient means to reach vulnerable populations and reduce the burden of undiagnosed HIV in the US.