bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping the evidence on assessment of fitness to work at heights: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Swart Lyndsey , Claassen Nicolaas , Buys Tania
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Falls from height are a leading cause of serious injury and fatality globally. In South Africa, work at heights is regulated by occupational health and safety legislation, which places responsibility on employers to ensure their workers are fit for high-risk work. There is however no formal procedure or consensus on how fitness to work at heights should be assessed. This paper presents an a priori protocol for a scoping review that seeks to identify and map the current evidence base around the assessment of fitness to work at heights. It forms the initial phase of a PhD study aimed at developing an interdisciplinary consensus statement for assessing fitness to work at heights in the South African construction industry.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review framework and will be guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. An iterative search will be conducted in a selection of multidisciplinary databases including, Proquest Central, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, PsychINFO and Google Scholar. Thereafter, searches for grey literature will be performed in Google.com and websites of various national and international agencies, governing bodies and professional organisations with an interest in occupational health and work at heights. Where appropriate, targeted requests for clarification for further information will be undertaken with information sources. A descriptive qualitative content analysis of the results will be conducted and a level of evidence rating will be assigned to each study using the JBI approach. This will allow us to provide some commentary on the rigour of the existing evidence base.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval for the PhD study was granted by the Research Ethics Committee, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, ethics reference number, 486/2021. Results of the scoping review will be submitted to a scientific journal for publication.

Trial registration number

This protocol is registered on the Open Science Framework at osf.io/yd5gw.
Initial characteristics and course of disease in patients with suspected COVID-19 managed in general practice: a prospective, multicentre cohort study
Authors: Phan Tan-Trung , Mirat William , Brossier Sophie , Boutin Emmanuelle , Fabre Julie , Hoonakker Jean-Denis , Bastuji-Garin Sylvie , Renard Vincent , Ferrat Emilie
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To describe and compare the initial clinical characteristics of a cohort of patients with suspected COVID-19 managed by general practitioners (GPs); to assess whether 3-month persistent symptoms were more frequent among confirmed cases than among no-COVID cases; and to identify factors predictive of persistent symptoms and adverse outcomes among confirmed cases.

Design and setting

A comparative, prospective, multicentre cohort study in primary care in the Paris region of France.

Participants

521 patients aged ≥18 with suspected COVID-19 were enrolled between March and May 2020.

Outcome measures

Initial symptoms, COVID-19 status, persistent symptoms 3 months after inclusion and a composite criterion for potentially COVID-19-related events (hospitalisation, death, emergency department visits). The final COVID-19 status (‘confirmed’, ‘no-COVID’ and ‘uncertain’ cases) was determined by the GP after the receipt of the laboratory test results.

Results

516 patients were analysed; 166 (32.2%) were classified into the ‘confirmed COVID’ group, 180 (34.9%) into the ‘no-COVID’ group and 170 (32.9%) in the ‘uncertain COVID’ group. Confirmed cases were more likely to have persistent symptoms than no-COVID cases (p=0.09); initial fever/feeling feverish and anosmia were independently associated with persistent symptoms. At 3 months, we observed 16 (9.8%) COVID-19-related hospital admissions, 3 (1.8%) intensive care unit admissions, 13 (37.1%) referrals to an emergency department and no death. Age >70 and/or at least one comorbidity (OR 6.53; 95% CI 1.13–37.84; p=0.036), abnormalities in a lung examination (15.39; 95% CI 1.61–146.77; p=0.057) and two or more systemic symptoms (38.61; 95% CI 2.30–647.40; p=0.011) were associated with the composite criterion.

Conclusions

Although most patients with COVID-19 in primary care had mild disease with a benign course, almost one in six had persistent symptoms at 3 months. These symptoms were more frequent in the ‘confirmed COVID’ group. Our findings need to be confirmed in a prospective study with longer follow-up.
Accelerating clinical development of a live attenuated vaccine againstSalmonellaParatyphi A (VASP): study protocol for an observer-participant-blind randomised control trial of a novel oral vaccine using a human challenge model ofSalmonellaParatyphi A infection in healthy adult volunteers
Authors: McCann Naina , Emary Katherine , Singh Nisha , Mclean Florence , Camara Susana , Jones Elizabeth , Kim Young Chan , Liu Xinxue , Greenland Melanie , Conlin Kerry , Hill Jennifer , Verheul Marije , Robinson Hannah , Angus Brian , Ramasamy Maheshi N , Levine Myron M , Pollard Andrew J
Published: May 2023

Introduction

This is the first efficacy study of an oral live attenuated vaccine againstSalmonellaParatyphi A using a human challenge model of paratyphoid infection.S. Paratyphi A is responsible for 3.3 million cases of enteric fever every year, with over 19 000 deaths. Although improvements to sanitation and access to clean water are vital to reduce the burden of this condition, vaccination offers a cost-effective, medium-term solution. Efficacy trials of potentialS. Paratyphi vaccine candidates in the field are unlikely to be feasible given the large number of participants required. Human challenge models therefore offer a unique, cost-effective solution to test efficacy of such vaccines.

Methods and analysis

This is an observer-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial phase I/II of the oral live-attenuated vaccine againstS. Paratyphi A, CVD 1902. Volunteers will be randomised 1:1 to receive two doses of CVD 1902 or placebo, 14 days apart. One month following second vaccination all volunteers will ingestS. Paratyphi A bacteria with a bicarbonate buffer solution. They will be reviewed daily in the following 14 days and diagnosed with paratyphoid infection if the predefined microbiological or clinical diagnostic criteria are met. All participants will be treated with antibiotics on diagnosis, or at day 14 postchallenge if not diagnosed. The vaccine efficacy will be determined by comparing the relative attack rate, that is, the proportion of those diagnosed with paratyphoid infection, in the vaccine and placebo groups.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for this study has been obtained from the Berkshire Medical Research Ethics Committee (REC ref 21/SC/0330). The results will be disseminated via publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentation at international conferences.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN15485902.
Impact of vitamin C on the reduction of opioid consumption after an emergency department visit for acute musculoskeletal pain: a double-blind randomised control trial protocol
Authors: Daoust Raoul , Paquet Jean , Chauny Jean-Marc , Williamson David , Huard Vérilibe , Arbour Caroline , Emond Marcel , Rouleau Dominique , Cournoyer Alexis
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Recent evidence has shown that vitamin C has some analgesic properties in addition to its antioxidant effect and can, therefore, reduce opioid use during recovery time. Vitamin C analgesic effect has been explored mostly during short-term postoperative context or in disease-specific chronic pain prevention, but never after acute musculoskeletal injuries, which are often seen in the emergency department (ED). The protocol’s primary aim is to compare the total morphine 5 mg pills consumed during a 2-week follow-up between patients receiving vitamin C or a placebo after ED discharge for an acute musculoskeletal pain complaint.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a two-centre double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial with 464 participants distributed in two arms, one group receiving 1000 mg of vitamin C two times a day for 14 days and another one receiving a placebo. Participants will be ≥18 years of age, treated in ED for acute musculoskeletal pain present for less than 2 weeks and discharged with an opioid prescription for home pain management. Total morphine 5 mg pills consumed during the 2-week follow-up will be assessed via an electronic (or paper) diary. In addition, patients will report their daily pain intensity, pain relief, side effects and other types of pain medication or other non-pharmacological approach used. Three months after the injury, participants will also be contacted to evaluate chronic pain development. We hypothesised that vitamin C, compared with a placebo, will reduce opioid consumption during a 14-day follow-up for ED discharged patients treated for acute musculoskeletal pain.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received approval from the Ethics Review Committee from the ‘Comité d'éthique de la recherche du CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (No 2023–2442)’. Findings will be disseminated through scientific conferences and peer-reviewed journal publication. The data sets generated during the study will be available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Trial registration number

NCT05555576ClinicalTrials.Gov PRS.
Models, theoretical design and formal evaluation of integrated specialist community health service provision for the first 2000 days: a scoping review
Authors: Nelson Helen Jean , Angus Bethany , Munns Ailsa , Ong Sarah , Burns Sharyn
Published: May 2023

Objective

This scoping review identifies evidence for design, models and evaluation of integrated care service provision for families and children in the first 2000 days, in the context of community-based specialised health, education and welfare services.

Design

Scoping review following the Joanna Briggs scoping review method.

Data sources

Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane and PsycINFO. Grey literature used a manual search of original articles, and snowball technique to identify government and policy documents relevant to Australia.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Inclusion criteria were ‘population’ of prebirth to age 5; ‘concept’ of design, models and delivery of integrated specialist care for children and families; and ‘context’ of community-based specialised health, education and welfare services. Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) and free text searches were conducted in electronic database sources. Limits January 2010 to October 2022, full text, English language, human.

Data extraction and synthesis

Data were extracted independently by two authors using a piloted data extraction table and presented in table and narrative form.

Results

Full text of 11 articles were reviewed, domains were coded using four domains of a framework identified in one reviewed article to maintain consistency of reporting; ‘governance,’ ‘leadership,’ ‘organisational culture and ethos,’ and ‘front-line interdisciplinary practice.’ A fifth domain was identified, ‘access.’

Conclusions

Services providing integrated care for families in the early years will ideally be based on values generated through codesign with families and the community. Considerations include sound governance and leadership, shared vision, and commitment to providing accessible and culturally safe family-centred care.
Universal health information is essential for universal health coverage
Authors: Muscat Danielle , Hinton Rachael , Nutbeam Don , Kenney Erin , Kuruvilla Shyama , Jakab Zsuzsanna
Published: May 2023

Universal access to health information is a human right and essential to achieving universal health coverage and the other health-related targets of the sustainable development goals. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of trustworthy sources of health information that are accessible to all people, easily understood and acted on. WHO has developedYour life, your health: Tips and information for health and wellbeing, as a new digital resource for the general public which makes trustworthy health information understandable, accessible and actionable. It provides basic information on important topics, skills and rights related to health and well-being. For those who want to learn more, in-depth information can be accessed through links to WHO videos, infographics and fact sheets. Towards ensuring access to universal health information, this resource was developed using a structured method to: (1) synthesise evidence-based guidance, prioritising public-oriented content, including related rights and skills; (2) develop messages and graphics to be accessible, understandable and actionable for all people based on health literacy principles; (3) engage with experts and other stakeholders to refine messages and message delivery; (4) build a digital resource and test content to obtain feedback from a range of potential users and (5) adapt and co-develop the resource based on feedback and new evidence going forward. As with all WHO global information resources,Your life, your healthcan be adapted to different contexts. We invite feedback on how the resource can be used, refined and further co-developed to meet people’s health information needs.
Consumption of kefir made with traditional microorganisms resulted in greater improvements in LDL cholesterol and plasma markers of inflammation in males when compared to a commercial kefir: a randomized pilot study
Authors: Bourrie Benjamin C.T. , Forgie Andrew J. , Makarowski Alexander , Cotter Paul D. , Richard Caroline , Willing Benjamin P.
Published: May 2023

Kefir has long been associated with health benefits; however, recent evidence suggests that these benefits are dependent on the specific microbial composition of the kefir consumed. This study aimed to compare how consumption of a commercial kefir without traditional kefir organisms and a pitched kefir containing traditional organisms affected plasma lipid levels, glucose homeostasis, and markers of endothelial function and inflammation in males with elevated LDL cholesterol. We utilized a crossover design in n = 21 participants consisting of two treatments of 4 weeks each in random order separated by a 4-week washout. Participants received either commercial kefir or pitched kefir containing traditional kefir organisms for each treatment period. Participants consumed 2 servings of kefir (350 g) per day. Plasma lipid profile, glucose, insulin, markers of endothelial function, and inflammation were measured in the fasting state before and after each treatment period. Differences within each treatment period and comparison of treatment delta values were performed using paired t tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank test, respectively. When compared to baseline, pitched kefir consumption reduced LDL-C, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1, while commercial kefir consumption increased TNF-α. Pitched kefir consumption resulted in greater reductions in IL-8, CRP, VCAM-1, and TNF-α when compared to commercial kefir consumption. These findings provide strong evidence that microbial composition is an important factor in the metabolic health benefits associated with kefir consumption. They also provide support for larger studies examining these to assess whether traditional kefir organisms are necessary to confer health benefits to individuals at risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Gentamicin resistance to Escherichia coli related to fatty acid metabolism based on transcriptome analysis
Authors: Pan Zhiyu , Guo Juan , Zhong Yilin , Fan Lvyuan , Su Yubin
Published: May 2023

Antibiotic overuse and misuse have promoted the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a major healthcare problem, necessitating elucidation of antibiotic resistance mechanisms. In this study, we explored the mechanism of gentamicin resistance by comparing the transcriptomes of antibiotic-sensitive and -resistant Escherichia coli. A total of 410 differentially expressed genes were identified, of which 233 (56.83%) were up-regulated and 177 (43.17%) were down-regulated in the resistant strain compared with the sensitive strain. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis classifies differential gene expression into three main categories: biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that the up-regulated genes were enriched in eight metabolic pathways, including fatty acid metabolism, which suggests that fatty acid metabolism may be involved in the development of gentamicin resistance in E. coli. This was demonstrated by measuring the acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity, plays a fundamental role in fatty acid metabolism, was increased in gentamicin-resistant E. coli. Treatment of fatty acid synthesis inhibitor, triclosan, promoted gentamicin-mediated killing efficacy to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We also found that exogenous addition of oleic acid, which involved in fatty acid metabolism, reduced E. coli sensitivity to gentamicin. Overall, our results provide insight into the molecular mechanism of gentamicin resistance development in E. coli.
Speed control strategy for power line inspection robot servo system considering time-varying parameters
Authors: Shang Dongyang , Li Xiaopeng , Li Fanjie , Yang Hexu
Published: May 2023

Most servo systems in power line inspection robots consist of a motor, an independent joint, and a load. In the process of crossing obstacles, the parameters in the servo systems have conspicuous time-varying properties due to the posture changes. The time-varying properties of dynamic parameters and the flexibility of the load would cause the rotation speed of the inspection robot to fluctuate, thereby affecting the motion accuracy. In this paper, the pole placement strategy was proposed to optimize the parameters in the proportional integral (PI) controller. The optimal controller parameters were selected in different postures to ensure steady speed output in the inspection robot servo system. First, the dynamic equations of the inspection robot servo system were established. Both joint flexibility and load flexibility were considered in the modeling process. Then, the Arnoldi algorithm was used to reduce the order of the servo system, and the transfer function from the speed to the drive torque was obtained. Next, the controller parameters were optimized using the pole placement method. By reasonably selecting the pole damping coefficient, the inspection robot could obtain a stable speed output. Finally, the numerical analysis and speed control of the inspection robot in different postures were analyzed. The results showed that the control strategy of pole placement could achieve a stable rotation speed for the inspection robot.
On- and off-center helium atom in a spherical multilayer quantum dot with parabolic confinement
Authors: Morcillo-Arencibia Milagros F. , Alcaraz-Pelegrina José Manuel , Sarsa Antonio J. , Randazzo Juan M.
Published: May 2023

The ground state energy of a helium atom inside a spherical multilayer quantum dot as a function of the atomic impurity location inside the quantum dot has been calculated. The multilayer quantum dot is modeled by a core/shell/well/shell structure using a parabolic confinement. The Configuration Interaction method and the Diffusion Monte Carlo have been used to solve the Schrödinger equation. Results obtained showed that the lowest energy configuration depends on the size of the different layers of the quantum dot and agreement between Configuration Interaction and Diffusion Monte Carlo results indicates that the Configuration Interaction approach used here would be suitable to compute excited states of this system.

Graphical abstract
Connect the Lorentz violation to the Glashow resonance event
Authors: Xu Ding-Hui , Rong Shu-Jun
Published: May 2023

The recent reported Glashow resonance (GR) event shows a promising prospect in the test of the Lorentz violation (LV) by the high-energy astrophysical neutrinos (HANs) around the resonant energy. However, since the production source and the energy spectra of HANs are uncertain at present, moderate LV effects may be concealed at the TeV energy-scale. In this paper, we propose the LV Hamiltonian of a special texture which can lead to the decoupling of [Formula: see text]. On the base of the decoupling, a noticeable damping of the GR event rate is shown for the HANs from the source dominated by [Formula: see text], irrespective of the energy spectra of the HANs at Earth. Accordingly, the observation of GR events may bring stringent constraints on the LV and the production mechanism of HANs.
Maximal models up to the first measurable in ZFC
Authors: Baldwin John T. , Shelah Saharon
Published: May 2023

Theorem: There is a complete sentence [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] has maximal models in a set of cardinals [Formula: see text] that is cofinal in the first measurable [Formula: see text] while [Formula: see text] has no maximal models in any [Formula: see text].
Decentraland: The Alleged Decentralization of Blockchain Applications
Authors: Franceschet Massimo
Published: May 2023

Breaking down the blockchain.
Breaking Up a Digital Monopoly
Authors: Beck Micah D. , Moore Terry R.
Published: May 2023

How to decompose a vertically integrated digital monopoly to enable competitive services based on a shared data structure.
Buffer-Bloated Router? How to Prevent It and Improve Performance
Authors: Harrison Philippa
Published: May 2023

Home broadband routers suffering bufferbloat can degrade the user experience when accessing the Internet.
Should Robots Have Rights or Rites?
Authors: Kim Tae Wan , Strudler Alan
Published: May 2023

A Confucian cross-cultural exploration of the ethical treatment of robots.
To PiM or Not to PiM
Authors: Falcao Gabriel , Ferreira João Dinis
Published: May 2023

The case for in-memory inferencing of quantized CNNs at the edge.
Still Networking
Authors: Hoffmann Leah
Published: May 2023

Bob Metcalfe, who co-invented Ethernet networking technology, continues to take on new challenges as a computational engineer.
On the (In)Security of ElGamal in OpenPGP
Authors: De Feo Luca , Poettering Bertram , Sorniotti Alessandro
Published: May 2023

Roughly four decades ago, Taher ElGamal put forward what is today one of the most widely known and best understood public key encryption schemes. ElGamal encryption has been used in many different contexts, chiefly among them by the OpenPGP email encryption standard. Despite its simplicity, or perhaps because of it, in reality there is a large degree of ambiguity on several key aspects of the cipher. Each library in the OpenPGP ecosystem seems to have implemented a slightly different "flavor" of ElGamal encryption. While-taken in isolation-each implementation may be secure, we reveal that in the interoperable world of OpenPGP, unforeseen
cross-configuration attacks
become possible. Concretely, we propose different such attacks and show their practical efficacy by recovering plaintexts and even secret keys.
Computer-Related Risks and Remediation Challenges
Authors: Neumann Peter G.
Published: May 2023

Surveying the nontechnical issues interwoven with computer-related technologies.
How to Create a Digital Presence
Authors: Wagner Ellen
Published: May 2023

Josie Ahlquist's book "Digital Leadership in Higher Education" provides stakeholders in higher education with strategies to establish authentic personal connections using social media.
Analytical Aspects of Novel Techniques Derived from Square-Wave Voltammetry
Authors: Guziejewski Dariusz , Smarzewska Sylwia , Mirceski Valentin
Published: May 2023

Recently introduced novel voltammetric and chronoamperometric techniques, derived from square-wave voltammetry (SWV), are being studied for their analytical utility. Three voltammetric protocols, namely potential-corrected, multi-sampled, and cumulative square-wave voltammetry, along with square-wave chronoamperometry (also known as electrochemical Faradaic spectroscopy), are described and analytically tested. The evaluation is based on both theoretical and empirical approaches, including statistical evaluation and comparison with standard electrochemical techniques such as differential pulse, conventional SWV, and conventional chronoamperometry. The novel techniques exhibit improved analytical performance compared to standard electrochemical measurements, providing a basis for advanced analysis and analytical applications.
Antiseizure effect of 2-deoxyglucose is not dependent on the presynaptic vacuole ATP pump or the somatic ATP-sensitive K+ channel
Authors: Shao Li-Rong , Janicot Remi , Stafstrom Carl E.
Published: May 2023

Inhibition of glycolysis with 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) represents a novel metabolic antiseizure approach, yet the mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we show that 2-DG’s antiseizure action is both glycolysis and temperature dependent but not mediated by the vacuole ATP pump (V-ATPase) or ATP-sensitive K+ channel (KATP). Our data provide new insights to understand 2-DG’s cellular mechanisms of action and, more broadly, neuronal metabolism and excitability.
Novel In Situ Fabrication of Fe-Doped Zinc Oxide/Tin Sulfide Heterostructures for Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Dharmana Govinda , Gurugubelli Thirumala Rao , Viswanadham Balaga , Bathula Babu , Yoo Kisoo
Published: May 2023

Using a hydrothermal synthesis process, Fe-doped ZnO/SnS nanostructures were created and a variety of analytical methods were used to describe their characteristics. X-ray diffraction patterns were employed to confirm the hexagonal and orthorhombic crystal structures of ZnO and SnS, respectively. Nanorods and nanoparticle clouds were visible in TEM pictures, and XPS investigation verified that the dopant Fe ions were in the 3+ oxidation state. Additionally, absorption spectroscopy revealed a decrease in the energy bandgap with an increase in Fe content, and photoluminescence analysis demonstrated that the ZSF3 sample significantly reduced the rate of recombination of charge carriers. Impressively, the optimized sample (ZSF3) displayed 95.8% more photocatalytic activity during the 120 min degradation of MB dye. This study demonstrated that an easy hydrothermal procedure, carried out at 220°C for 12 hours, may be used to create iron-doped ZnO/SnS nanocomposites. The tunable energy bandgap characteristics of heterogeneous semiconducting materials and the effective charge carrier separation were thought to be the causes of the increased photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, the heterostructure of charge carriers was proposed to facilitate photocatalytic activity when exposed to light.
An Effective Analysis of Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies of Photovoltaic Power Plants Based on Real Data: Strategies, Challenges, Perspectives, and Sustainability
Authors: Abdel-Basset Mohamed , Gamal Abduallah , Hezam Ibrahim M. , Sallam Karam M.
Published: May 2023

Due to the extensive usage of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas, the energy crisis and environmental pollution issues have garnered global attention, making the creation of clean, renewable energy an unavoidable option. Solar photovoltaic energy production is regarded as one of the most promising technologies owing to its safety, dependability, and lack of environmental impact. However, the adoption of photovoltaic systems comes with some risks that may affect their deployment. This paper examines the risks of sustainable photovoltaic power plants through a realistic case study. A comprehensive approach is presented through which consultants can use linguistic variables to express their opinions about risks, priorities, and strategies for dealing with them. Evaluating and prioritizing risk assessment is a complex task that requires consideration of multiple criteria. Therefore, this paper proposes a hybrid multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) approach to deal with risks and their priorities. The risks of five aspects of sustainability were considered: the economic, technical, institutional, social, and environmental aspects. The developed approach consists of two decision-making methods: the criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) method, which is used to determine the weights of the criteria, and the evaluation based on distance from average solution (EDAS) method, which is used to arrange risks according to their priorities. The developed approach is performed in a neutrosophic environment and uses type-2 neutrosophic numbers (T2NN) to address uncertainty. Also, the paper adopts a developed model to determine the consultants’ reputation weights instead of assuming them. In addition, the model was applied to classify the risks of each aspect of sustainability into three levels, which are high, medium, and normal risks. The results indicate that 52% of the risks in all aspects are high risks, 36% are medium risks, and 12% are usual risks. Also, sensitivity analysis was performed to prove the correctness and stability of the developed approach with differences in weights.
Application of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Electroencephalography in the Evaluation of Brain Function Changes after Stroke
Authors: Mo Linhong , Nie Yiqiu , Wan Guiling , Zhang Yingbin , Zhao Man , Wu Jiaojiao , Wang Huiqi , Li Qing , Liu Aixian
Published: May 2023

Objective. Based on transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with electroencephalography technology, this study analyzed the rehabilitation mechanism of patients’ motor function reconstruction and nerve remodeling after stroke. It revealed the function of the cerebral cortex network at a deeper level and established a set of prognostic marker evaluation indicators for the reconstruction of motor function after stroke. Methods. Twenty-one patients treated at the Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital of Capital Medical University because of ischemic stroke in the territory supplied by the middle cerebral artery were selected as the experimental group. Neurophysiological evaluation, motor function evaluation, and clinical evaluation were performed 30 and 180 d after the onset of ischemic stroke. In the control group, neurophysiological evaluation was also performed as a reference index to evaluate the changes in cortical patterns after stroke. Results. The brain topographic map showed the changes in energy or power spectral density (PSD) at 1,000 ms after stimulation as compared with before stimulation, but no difference was detected in these patients. The time-frequency analysis showed that when the left primary motor cortex (M1) area was stimulated using TMS, the PSD values of the left and right M1 and posterior occipital cortex areas produced an 8–40 Hz wave band in patients S1–S11. There was no significant energy change in patients S12–S16. Conclusions. For patients with different injury types, degrees of injury, and different onset periods, individualized intervention methods should be adopted. The evaluation methods should be as diverse as possible, and the rehabilitation effects of patients should be assessed from multiple perspectives to avoid the limitations of single factors. Possible mechanism: After brain injury, the nervous system can change its structure and function through different ways and maintain it for a certain period of time. This plasticity change will change with the course of the disease.
Role of Phosphorus and Inoculation with Bradyrhizobium in Enhancing Soybean Production
Authors: Mirriam Akello , Mugwe Jayne , Nasar Jamal , Kisaka Oscar , Ranjan Shivani , Gitari Harun
Published: May 2023

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merril) is among the key oil seed crops worldwide, providing several benefits from human consumption to the enhancement of soil productivity. In Uganda, legumes are cultivated on roughly 1.5 million ha, with soybean being produced on a lower production area of 150,000 ha compared to beans (925,000 ha) and groundnuts (253,000 ha). In terms of achievable yield, soybean emerges the highest at 1.2 t·ha−1 as compared to beans (0.5 t·ha−1) and groundnuts (0.7 t·ha−1). Despite the smallest production coverage area, the crop’s feasible grain yield is projected at 4.6 t·ha−1 under optimal environmental conditions. The major bottleneck to the crop’s production is the decreasing soil fertility, mainly caused by low nitrogen (N) but also phosphorus (P) levels in the soil. There is a high potential for supplying N from the atmosphere through biological N fixation (BNF), a natural process mediated by the symbiotic bacteria Bradyrhizobium japonicum, which requires optimum P levels for effective N fixation and increased yield. The current work reviews the present status of soybean production in Uganda, highlights its ecological requirements, importance, and constraints, and proposes the use of inoculation and P application to boost its production.
Evaluation of Morphological and Quality Parameters in Adult Male Red King Crabs (Paralithodes camtschaticus) Raised to Commercial Weight from Juveniles
Authors: Lorentzen Grete , Lian Federico , Hustad Anette , Thesslund Tina , Esaiassen Margrethe , Siikavuopio Sten I.
Published: May 2023

Red king crab (RKC) has become a valuable resource, and most of this fishery operates in a quota-regulated area (QRA) east of 26°E. West of the QRA, a free fishery area (FFA) is established to limit further migration. Today, juvenile RKCs from the FFA are not utilized. This study investigated morphological and quality parameters in adult RKCs (≥800 g) after live holding (LH) of 23 months starting from juveniles (on average 500 g). During the LH, the RKCs were kept in two separate tanks, one at ambient seawater temperature (AST) and one at elevated seawater temperature (AST-E). The RKCs were fed ad libitum. Both tanks were divided into two sections, one with a sand tray. After 23 months, the RKCs were processed and analyzed. The hepatosomatic index, abdomen index, meat content, cluster yield, moisture, whiteness index, and instrumental chewiness differed significantly (

P
<
0.05

) between the wild RKCs and the RKCs from one or both LH groups. The availability of sand indicated improved habitat conditions as several parameters were positively affected. Also, lower variation in morphology and quality parameters of the processed muscle was observed in RKCs from the subgroups with access to sand than those without sand.
Data from Desmoglein 2 Functions As A Receptor for Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 in Breast Cancer Epithelial Cells
Authors: Chen Dongmei , Wirth Keith M. , Kizy Scott , Muretta Joseph M. , Markowski Todd W. , Yong Peter , Sheka Adam , Abdelwahab Hisham , Hertzel Ann V. , Ikramuddin Sayeed , Yamamoto Masato , Bernlohr David A.
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) is a secreted adipokine linked to obesity and progression of a variety of cancers. Obesity increases extracellular FABP4 (eFABP4) levels in animal models and in obese breast cancer patients compared to lean healthy controls. Using MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer epithelial cells, we show herein that eFABP4 stimulates cellular proliferation in a time and concentration dependent manner while the non-fatty acid-binding mutant, R126Q, failed to potentiate growth. When E0771 murine breast cancer cells were injected into mice, FABP4 null animals exhibited delayed tumor growth and enhanced survival compared to injections into control C57Bl/6J animals. eFABP4 treatment of MCF-7 cells resulted in a significant increase in phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK), transcriptional activation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and corresponding gene targets ALDH1A1, CYP1A1, HMOX1, SOD1 and decreased oxidative stress, while R126Q treatment did not show any effects. Proximity-labeling employing an APEX2-FABP4 fusion protein revealed several proteins functioning in desmosomes as eFABP4 receptor candidates including desmoglein, desmocollin, junction plankoglobin, desomoplankin and cytokeratins. AlphaFold modeling predicted an interaction between eFABP4, and the extracellular cadherin repeats of DSG2 and pull-down and immunoprecipitation assays confirmed complex formation that was potentiated by oleic acid. Silencing of Desmoglein 2 in MCF-7 cells attenuated eFABP4 effects on cellular proliferation, pERK levels, and ALDH1A1 expression compared to controls.
Implications: These results suggest desmosomal proteins, and in particular Desmoglein 2, may function as receptors of eFABP4 and provide new insight into the development and progression of obesity-associated cancers.
As carimbozeiras Sereias do Mar de Vila Silva: um percurso fotoetnográfico
Authors: Castro Marina Ramos Neves de
Published: May 2023

Colocamos em evidência uma narrativa, e quiçá, uma interpretação dos processos de construção de sentidos de um grupo de tocadoras de carimbó pau e corda na Amazônia — “As Sereias do Mar”, do vilarejo Vila Silva, município de Marapanim, Pará — por meio de imagens produzidas entre 2015 e 2019. Compreendemos que narrar por imagens é evidenciar compreensões e interpretações que podem ir além daquelas que a literatura nos permite alcançar. Portanto, o que aqui narramos pela construção fotoetnográfica é uma estética, um estar-junto, uma maneira de ver e sentir um mundo, que é vivenciada, construída e reverberada em uma comunidade amazônica, que se conforma e evidencia no viver o carimbó pau e corda. Narramos, por meio das imagens produzidas a partir de um relato fotoetnográfico que conformam um récit visual, certa compreensão de um mundo que se materializa na imagem e na interpretação que aqui fazemos.
Tragédias e Mortes no Jornal Nacional: Reflexões Sobre Transformações no Telejornal
Authors: Negrini Michele , Dalmaso Silvana Copetti
Published: May 2023

No telejornalismo brasileiro, muitas mortes provindas de tragédias fazem parte da pauta telejornalística, inclusive do Jornal Nacional. Extensas e detalhadas coberturas são realizadas no jornalismo televisivo quando os eventos envolvem mortes trágicas. Assim, este artigo tem como foco observar as ressignificações do subgênero telejornal, em coberturas de tragédias, levando em consideração que o telejornal é perpassado por transformações culturais e sociais. Para ilustrar, serão avaliadas as coberturas do incêndio do edifício Andorinha, da queda do avião da TAM e do incêndio da boate Kiss, que resultaram em grande número de mortes e geraram intensa comoção do público. O olhar teórico é guiado pela noção de gênero televisivo como categoria cultural (Mittell, 2001). A pesquisa tem caráter exploratório e observacional (Gil, 2008).
Visual Storytelling and Narrative Experiences in Extended Reality: Guest Editors’ Introduction
Authors: Szita Kata , Lo Cheng Hung
Published: May 2023

Virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies offer unparalleled opportunities for embodied presence in immersive digital environments. While these platforms are primarily discussed regarding their technological capabilities for simulating fictional scenes or enabling interactions with virtual entities, their profound implications on storytelling and narrative comprehension remain underexplored. The narrative dimension is instrumental as factors like interactivity, stereoscopic displays, and user mobility define what details become available and in what sequence, generating each user's unique vantage point and experience. In order to address the limited theoretical and methodological accounts on immersive virtual storytelling, this special issue brings together multidisciplinary perspectives spanning engineering, psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, and digital activism. With the proposed novel conceptual frameworks, technologies, applications, and inclusivity initiatives, the contributions examine immersive visual narratives in an expansive manner. Thereby, this special issue aims to provide a novel understanding of how virtual, augmented, and mixed reality platforms can be leveraged to craft and experience narratives in profoundly immersive ways. By providing insights into how immersive qualities transform narrative comprehension, this special issue advances our knowledge of the complex relationship between story, technology, and the human experience.
A surprising new species of Exapate Hübner, 1825 (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) from Armenia
Authors: HUEMER PETER , MAYR TONI
Published: May 2023

A new species of cold-season moths, Exapate aidasi sp. nov., is described from male specimens collected in Armenia. This is also the first record of the genus Exapate in Armenia and south of the Caucasus. The new species differs from the two previously known congeneric taxa both in phenotypic characteristics and in the structure of the male genitalia. In addition, DNA barcodes (cytochrome c-oxidase subunit 1) are clearly divergent from those of other species. Adult and male genitalia of all three species of Exapate are shown for comparison.
The Role of Water Vapor and Temperature in the Thermodynamics of Tropical Northeast Pacific and African Easterly Waves
Authors: Vargas Martes Rosa M. , Adames Corraliza Ángel F. , Mayta Víctor C.
Published: May 2023

The thermodynamic processes associated with convection in tropical African and northeastern Pacific easterly waves (AEWs and PEWs, respectively) are examined on the basis of empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) and a plume buoyancy framework. Linear regression analysis reveals the relationship between temperature, moisture, buoyancy, and precipitation in EWs. Plume buoyancy is found to be highly correlated with rainfall in both AEWs and PEWs, and a near 1:1 relationship is found between a buoyancy-based diagnostic of rainfall and rainfall rates from ERA5. Close inspection of the contribution of moisture and temperature to plume buoyancy reveals that temperature and moisture contribute roughly equally to the buoyancy in AEWs, while moisture dominates the distribution of buoyancy in PEWs. A scale analysis is performed in order to understand the relative amplitudes of temperature and moisture in easterly waves. It is found that the smaller contribution of temperature to the thermodynamics of PEWs relative to AEWs is related to their slower propagation speed, which allows PEWs to more robustly adjust to weak temperature gradient (WTG) balance. The consistency of the buoyancy analysis and the scale analysis indicates that PEWs are moisture modes: waves in which water vapor plays a dominant role in their thermodynamics. AEWs, on the other hand, are mixed waves in which temperature and moisture play similar roles in their thermodynamics.
Outdoor Sport in Extreme Heat: Capturing the Personal Experiences of Elite Athletes
Authors: Sambrook Kate , Russell Sally , Okan Yasmina , Konstantinidis Emmanouil
Published: May 2023

Heat stress from the environment can be detrimental to athletes’ health and performance. No research, however, has explored how elite athletes conceptualize and experience heatwaves and climate change. Utilizing a qualitative approach, this study examined elite athletes’ perceptions, experiences, and responses to extreme heat in relation to climate change and explored the use of their platforms for climate activism. Fourteen elite athletes from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Sweden, and Canada, who represented 10 different sports including race walking, netball, and cricket were recruited using snowball sampling. Data were collected using semistructured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed four broad themes. The first theme reflected uncertainty surrounding the causes of heatwaves and the impact of heat on athlete health and performance. The second theme reflected care and concern for sport and society, including concern for the well-being of athletes and spectators, the impact of heat on facilities and participation at the grassroots level, and how the nature of sport may change in the future. The third theme referred to the implications of heatwave experience on athlete health and performance, and how experience affected individual and organizational preparedness. The fourth theme referred to enablers and barriers to successful climate change communication. This study contributes to the sport ecology literature by introducing the subjective heat experiences of elite athletes. Educating athletes and event organizers about the impacts of heat on sport participation is imperative to increase awareness and, it is hoped, to limit illness for those training and competing.
The Impact of Smoking History on Outcomes and Morbidity After Robotic Hepatectomy
Authors: Sucandy Iswanto , Ross Sharona , Patel Niritta , App Samantha , Ignatius Joshua , Syblis Cameron , Crespo Kaitlyn , Butano Vincent , Rosemurgy Alexander
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The detrimental effects that smoking has on patient health and postoperative morbidity are well documented. However, literature on the impact that smoking history has on robotic surgery, specifically robotic hepatectomy, is scarce. This study was undertaken to determine whether smoking history impacts the postoperative course of patients undergoing robotic hepatectomy.

Methods

We prospectively followed 353 patients that underwent robotic hepatectomy. 125 patients had an apposite history of smoking (ie, smokers) and 228 patients were classified as non-smokers. Data were presented as median (mean ± SD). Patients were then propensity-score matched based on patient and tumor characteristics.

Results

Prior to the matching, the MELD score and cirrhosis status in patients who smoke were found to be significantly higher when compared to those who do not (mean MELD score 9 vs 8 and cirrhosis in 25% vs 13% of patients, respectively). Both smokers and non-smokers have similar BMIs, number of previous abdominal operations, ASA physical status classifications, and Child-Pugh scores. Six percent smokers vs one percent non-smokers experienced pulmonary complications (pneumonia, pneumothorax, and COPD exacerbation) (P = .02). No differences were found for postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo score ≥ III, 30-day mortality, or 30-day readmissions. After the matching, no differences were found between the smokers and the non-smokers.

Conclusion

After a propensity-score match analysis, smoking did not appear to negatively affect the intra- and postoperative outcomes after robotic liver resections. We believe that the robotic approach as the most modern minimally invasive technique in liver resection may have the potential to mitigate the known adverse effects of smoking.
Racial Differences in Public Support for Federal Law Enforcement Finding and Prosecuting the January 6th Insurrectionists Who Broke Into the U.S. Capitol
Authors: Updegrove Alexander H. , Dmello Jared R. , Cooper Maisha N. , Cho Ahram
Published: May 2023

Black people may view the January 6th, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol as the latest development in a long series of threats that white supremacy poses to their status in the U.S., whereas white people may apply a colorblind perspective. Thus, Black people were hypothesized to support prosecuting insurrectionists at higher rates than white people because they want the federal government to protect Black people’s status. Results from a nationally representative dataset revealed that while a majority of both Black and white participants considered it very important for federal law enforcement agencies to find and prosecute those who broke into the Capitol, the odds of Black participants endorsing this view were 72% greater than the odds for white people.