bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drukowana makulatura introligatorska ze staropolskich ksiąg miejskich z zasobu Archiwum Państwowego w Poznaniu
Authors: Kozak Adam , Łukaszewski Jakub
Published: July 2024

The text presents the results of a search of Old Polish municipal and guild records from the State Archives in Poznań, aimed at describing printed waste paper used for binding books. More than 900 units were reviewed, mostly from the 15th and 16th centuries, and as a result, 15 archival units containing fragments of 17 prints in the bindings were recognised (1 incunabula, 7 16th-century editions, 4 17th-century editions and 5 from the 18th century). The identified fragments were presented as a group: their provenance and subject matter were indicated. The problem of bookbinding workshops where books from smaller cities in particular were bound was discussed. It was pointed out that the printed fragments found in book bindings, despite the small sample, are a reflection of both the bookbinding and bookbinding market of Greater Poland. An attempt was made to determine the reasons for the use of printed waste paper for bookbinding purposes. The text distinguishes between the basic reasons for dedicating printed matter to waste paper (proofing, proofreading, defective, unsold prints). Then the most interesting identified finds are discussed. These include: Directorium Gnesnense (Nürnberg: G. Stuchs, ca. 1500-1502), the so-called Schützenbrief (Augsburg: E. Ratdolt, ante 4 XII 1508); Calendar in Polish for 1554 (Cracow: M. Szarfenberg’s Heirs, 1553), Gross-Polnischer Historien-Wirtschaft-Arzney und Schreibkalender auf das Jahr 1778 (Leszno: S.G Presser Starszy, 1777). An integral part of the text are Annexes A and B: the first, which is a complete catalogue of the prints found, and the second, which contains a concordance, allowing one to quickly check which cities and specific books they came from.
Sebastian Rafałowicz z Chęcin – pisarz miejski krośnieński i jarosławski w świetle ksiąg z zasobu Archiwum Państwowego w Przemyślu
Authors: Grin-Piszczek Ewa
Published: July 2024

The article presents the activities of Sebastian Rafałowicz of Chęciny, who was the town scribe in Krosno from 1569 to 1572, and then in Jarosław (from 1574 to circa 1590). The source basis was the town books, which are in the collection of the State Archive in Przemyśl. At the Krosno town chancellery, Rafałowicz recorded cases pending before city town authorities, putting his signatures to information on important events in the life of the town (such as the election of the town council). Rafałowicz developed his activities while working at the Jarosław municipal chancellery. He put city documents in order by, among other things, recording the most important privileges and documents for the city, as well as statements of last will of citizens and residents of Jarosław.
Spatial Analysis of Flood Inundation From Sentinel-1 Imagery Using Google Earth Engine (Case Study: Bengawan Jero Lamongan Regency)
Authors: Irbah Nafisatus Sania , Jaelani Lalu Muhamad
Published: July 2024

Flooding is a natural disaster due to rivers that are no longer able to accommodate excessive rainwater so that water overflows and inundates the surrounding area. During the rainy season, many areas in Indonesia experience flooding, one of which is the Lamongan Regency. In early 2022, seasonal flooding occurred due to runoff from Bengawan Jero which caused many houses, agricultural land and access roads to be submerged in water. To improve disaster mitigation activities, it is necessary to identify flooding areas using remote sensing. The distribution area of flood inundation was identified using change detection and threshold methods. The change detection method is carried out by using ratio images from Sentinel-1 image data. The results of land cover in Lamongan Regency resulted in 9 land cover classes. Where is dominated by agricultural class land cover with an area of 1057.94 km2 with a percentage of the total area of Lamongan Regency is 60.53%. While the smallest land cover area is the mangrove class covering an area of 101.237 km2 with a percentage of the total area of 0.058%. Extraction of the inundation area was carried out with two different threshold values obtained from equations and statistical calculations. The flood inundation area generated on January 31, 2022, for the first threshold value is 54.932 km2 with an overall accuracy of 97% with a kappa coefficient is 0.94. While the flood inundation area with the second threshold value is 90.330 km2 with an overall accuracy of 94% and a kappa coefficient is 0.88.
Perancangan dan Implementasi Prototipe Sensor Termal Geomarine CTD 1.0 berbasis Arduino untuk Observasi In-situ Lake Surface Water Temperature (LSWT)
Authors: Hariyanto Irena Hana , Pratomo Danar Guruh , Khomsin Khomsin , Syariz Muhammad Aldila , Nusantara Candida , Madani Marga Putra , Syah Muhammad Ardian
Published: July 2024

Parameter suhu permukaan air danau atau Lake Water Surface Temperature (LSWT) merupakan salah satu indikator penting dalam pemantauan lingkungan perairan seperti sebagai parameter perubahan iklim dan kerusakan lingkungan akibat aktivitas manusia. Berbagai metode dalam penentuan LSWT telah diterapkan namun yang paling representatif adalah pengambilan secara in-situ menggunakan instrumen salah satunya Conductivity, Temperature, Depth (CTD). Faktor ketidakjangkauan harga dari alat tersebut secara komersil menjadi pertimbangan utama dalam penelitian ini. Prototipe yang dihasilkan terdiri atas sensor konduktivitas listrik (prinsip anoda-katoda) dan sensor temperatur dengan basis microcontroller Arduino Mega. Dengan mempertimbangkan studi kasus LSWT, maka penelitian ini dibatasi pada penggunaan sensor temperatur. Proses uji korelasi dan validasi juga telah dilakukan dengan mengacu pada instrumen CTD komersil yang telah diketaui tingkat akurasinya. Pengambilan data lapangan tersebut dilaksanakan di Waduk Selorejo, Kabupaten Malang. Nilai temperatur antara prototipe dan CTD komersil memiliki rata-rata selisih absolut sebesar 0,12°C. Hasil uji korelasi menunjukkan bahwa tingkat hubungan bacaan protipe dengan data validasi berkorelasi kuat (95,9%). Selain itu pada uji validasi menggunakan nilai Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) menunjukkan bahwa hasil bacaan sensor temperatur pada prototipe memiliki penyimpangan sebesar 0,308°C sehingga dapat dikategorikan rendah. Oleh karena itu, prototipe ini dapat digunakan untuk aplikasi in-situ LSWT. Namun demikian, pengembangan produk dari prototipe ini tetap dibutuhkan untuk memaksimalkan potensi dan mengurangi ketergantungan terhadap instrumen lainnya.
Studi Pemodelan Pola Arus dan Kedalaman Sungai Mahakam di Bawah Jembatan Mahakam Kembar Sebagai Upaya untuk Meningkatkan Keselamatan Pelayaran
Authors: Kurniadin Nia , Insanu Radik Khairil , Fadlin Feri , Sutaji Ahmad Aris Mundir
Published: July 2024

Survei Batimetri adalah kegiatan survei lapangan untuk mendapatkan kondisi topografi dasar perairan, data kedalaman, data pasang surut, maupun lokasi obyek yang membahayakan pelayaran. Survei batimetri pada penelitian ini berlokasi di Sungai Mahakam untuk mengetahui kondisi topografi dasar perairan dan data hidrografi lainnya. Kecelakaan sering terjadi di jalur lalu lintas sungai Mahakam (di bawah jembatan Mahakam Kembar). Selama tahun 2019 sampai 2021, kapal tongkang menabrak jembatan Mahakam Samarinda sebanyak 4 kali di pilar sisi jembatan Mahakam yang lama. Permasalahan tersebut melatarbelakangi penelitian ini untuk mengetahui kedalaman dan arus sungai sebagai salah satu faktor penyebab kecelakaan. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode lapangan dan permodelan arus sungai. Metode lapangan dilakukan untuk memperoleh data primer berupa data kedalaman, pasang surut serta data arus yang dibutuhkan untuk membuat permodelan pola arus sungai. Permodelan arus sungai menggunakan software HEC-RAS dengan menggabungkan data debit rata-rata, kondisi topografi dan objek jembatan yang berpengaruh. Asumsi aliran sungai Mahakam adalah aliran sungai tak tunak (unsteady flow) dengan debit hulu dan debit hilir sama. Hasil dari penelitian ini, kedalaman di sekitar bawah jembatan berkisar antara -42 sampai -10 m. Hasil pemodelan pola arus melingkar di bawah jembatan dengan kecepatan 0,330 - 0,420 m/s. Kecepatan dan debit rata-rata dari sungai Mahakam berkisar 0,339 m/s dengan debit sebesar 1070,84 m3/s. Hasil simulasi permodelan menunjukkan di pondasi tengah jembatan Mahakam lama dan jembatan Mahakam baru memiliki nilai kecepatan arus yang lebih tinggi daripada sekitarnya. Kecepatan arus ini yang dapat menyebabkan kapal hilang haluan. Pada tiang pondasi tengah jembatan Mahakam lama, daerah dekat fender pengaman jembatan, tersimulasikan arus yang memutar. Pada kasus kecelakaan kapal, pondasi jembatan yang ditabrak berada disisi pengaman fender dan pondasi tengah. Kejadian tersebut bisa disebabkan karena arus memutar tersebut.
Multivariate analysis of oral mucosal ulcers during orthodontic treatment
Authors: Chang Jing , Li Xue
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Orthodontic treatment can easily cause local soft tissue reactions in the oral cavity of patients under mechanical stress, leading to oral mucosal ulcers and affecting their quality of life. At present, only limited literature has explored the factors leading to oral ulcers in orthodontic treatment, and these research results are still controversial.

AIM

To investigate the current status and related factors of oral mucosal ulcers during orthodontic treatment, aiming to provide a valuable reference for preventing this disease in clinical practice.

METHODS

A total of 587 patients who underwent orthodontic treatment at the Peking University School of Stomatology and Hospital of Stomatology between 2020 and 2022 were selected and allocated to an observation or control group according to the incidence of oral mucosal ulcers during orthodontic therapy. A questionnaire survey was constructed to collect patient data, including basic information, lifestyle and eating habits, treatment details, mental factors, and trace element levels, and a comparative analysis of this data was performed between the two groups.

RESULTS

A logistic regression model with oral ulcers as the dependent variable was established. The regression results showed that age (≥ 60 years: odds ratio [OR]: 6.820; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.226–20.893), smoking history (smoking: OR: 4.434; 95%CI: 2.527–7.782), toothbrush hardness (hard: OR: 2.804; 95%CI: 1.746–4.505), dietary temperature (hot diet: OR: 1.399; 95%CI: 1.220–1.722), treatment course (> 1 year: OR: 3.830; 95%CI: 2.203–6.659), and tooth brushing frequency (> 1 time per day: OR: 0.228; 95%CI: 0.138–0.377) were independent factors for oral mucosal ulcers (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Zn level (OR: 0.945; 95%CI: 0.927–0.964) was a protective factor against oral ulcers, while the SAS (OR: 1.284; 95%CI: 1.197–1.378) and SDS (OR: 1.322; 95%CI: 1.231–1.419) scores were risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Age ≥ 60 years, smoking history, hard toothbrush, hot diet, treatment course for > 1 year, tooth brushing frequency of ≤ 1 time per day, and mental anxiety are independent risk factors for oral mucosal ulcers. Therefore, these factors should receive clinical attention and be incorporated into the development and optimization of preventive strategies for reducing oral ulcer incidence.
Study of the intensive care unit activity scale in the early rehabilitation of patients after direct cardiac surgery
Authors: Wang Li , Lu Jing-Ya , Ma Xiao-Xiao , Ma Lan-Ou
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Direct cardiac surgery often necessitates intensive post-operative care, and the intensive care unit (ICU) activity scale represents a crucial metric in assessing and guiding early rehabilitation efforts to enhance patient recovery.

AIM

To clarify the clinical application value of the ICU activity scale in the early recovery of patients after cardiac surgery.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty patients who underwent cardiac surgery between September 2020 and October 2021 were selected and divided into two groups using the random number table method. The observation group was rated using the ICU activity scale and the corresponding graded rehabilitation interventions were conducted based on the ICU activity scale. The control group was assessed in accordance with the routine rehabilitation activities, and the postoperative rehabilitation indexes of the patients in both groups were compared (time of tracheal intubation, time of ICU admission, occurrence of complications, and activity scores before ICU transfer). The two groups were compared according to postoperative rehabilitation indicators (time of tracheal intubation, length of ICU stay, and occurrence of complications) and activity scores before ICU transfer.

RESULTS

In the observation group, tracheal intubation time lasted for 18.30 ± 3.28 h and ICU admission time was 4.04 ± 0.83 d, which were significantly shorter than the control group (t -values: 2.97 and 2.038, respectively, P < 0.05). The observation group also had a significantly lower number of complications and adverse events compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Before ICU transfer, the observation group (6.7%) had few complications and adverse events than the control group (30.0 %), and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Additionally, the activity score was significantly higher in the observation (26.89 ± 0.97) compared to the control groups (22.63 ± 1.12 points) (t -value; -17.83, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Implementation of early goal-directed activities in patients who underwent cardiac surgery using the ICU activity scale can promote the recovery of cardiac function.
Extragastrointestinal stromal tumors with diffuse membranous distribution with bleeding: A case report
Authors: Xu Jian-Duo , Wang Zheng , Zhou Qian , Meng Ning , Zhang Shu-Mei , Liu Nan
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Extragastrointestinal stromal tumors (EGIST) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors are of similar pathological type and form. Here we report a rare case of EGIST diffusely distributed in membranous tissue in abdominal cavity, the feature of which included diffuse tumors at membranous tissue in entire abdominal cavity and spontaneous bleeding of the tumors.

CASE SUMMARY

The patient was a 71-year man and hospitalized due to continuous pain at lower abdomen for more than 10 days. Upon physical examination, the patient had flat and tough abdomen with mild pressing pain at lower abdomen, no obvious abdominal mass was touchable, and shifting dullness was positive. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (CT) showed that in his peritoneal cavity, there were multiple nodules of various sizes, seroperitoneum, multiple enlarged lymph nodes in abdominal/pelvic cavity and right external ilium as well as pulmonary nodules. Plain CT scanning at epigastrium/hypogastrium/pelvic cavity + enhanced three-dimensional reconstruction revealed multiple soft tissue nodules in abdominal/pelvic cavity, peritoneum and right groin. Tumor marker of carbohydrate antigen 125 was 808 U/mL, diffuse tuberous tumor was seen in abdominal/pelvic cavity during operation with hematocelia, and postoperative pathological examination confirmed EGIST. Imatinib was administered with better therapeutic effect.

CONCLUSION

Gene testing showed breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 interacting protein C-terminal helicase 1 and KIT genovariation, and the patient was treated with imatinib follow-up visit found that his clinical symptoms disappeared and the tumor load alleviated obviously via imageological examination.
Biliş Ve İnanç: Komplo Teorilerine İnanç, Düşünme İhtiyaci, Ekolojik Zeka, Bilişsel Yansima Ve İklim Değişikliği İnkarinin İlişkisi
Authors: Şahin Gökhan
Published: July 2024

Bu çalışma temelde farklı inanç boyutları ile kişisel özelliklerin karşılaştırmasını içermektedir. Bu inançlar için, kurgusal epistemik inançlar, iklim değişikliğini inkar yer alırken, bireysel farklılıklar boyutunda bilişsel yansıma, düşünme ihtiyacı, ekolojik zeka, bilim inancı, politik ve dini tutum ve belirsizliğe tahammülsüzlük yer almaktadır. Grup karşılaştırmasında katılımcıların eğitim formasyonu (sözel, sayısal) kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada, deneysel olmayan türde, değişkenler arasındaki ilişkileri gözlemlemek için korelasyon yöntemi, yarı deneysel türde, farklı bilimsel eğitim bölümünde (sosyoloji, fizyoterapi) yer alan grupları karşılaştırmak için Mann Whitney U testi analizleri kullanılmıştır. Kurgusal epistemik inançlar ve iklim değişikliği inkarı, bilişsel yansıma, düşünme ihtiyacı, ekolojik zeka ve belirsizliğe tahammülsüzlük arasındaki ilişkiler incelenmiş, korelasyonel bulgular sunulmuştur. Bilimsel eğitim farkına göre gruplar arasında analitik/sezgisel bilişsel stil açısından anlamlı farklar gözlenmiştir. . Öne çıkan sonuçlar, kişilerin inançları, düşünce stilleri ve tutumları arasındaki çeşitli ilişkileri göstermekte, farklı bölümlerde okuyan bireyler arasında düşünce stilleri, inançlar ve tutumlar açısından çeşitli farklılıklar olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır. Bulgular literatür ışığında tartışılmıştır.
Geographical Research in Bozdağlar (Izmir): Geographical Determinations about What Needs to be Done at the Point of Development of Special Interest Tourism
Authors: Akbaş Ferdi , Oğan Okan , Baykal Füsun
Published: July 2024

Representing one of the important tourism and recreation centers of the Aegean Region, Bozdağlar is of interest to tourism geography and constitutes one of the important research topics due to its natural and human geography features. This study was designed to conduct a preliminary research on special interest tourism (SIT) in Bozdağlar, in the hinterland of Izmir. The aim is to reveal the importance of sustainable tourism criteria and propose a road map for the start and future of Special Interest Tourism. The primary data of the research was obtained from the field study conducted in Bozdağlar, and the secondary data was obtained from scientific sources and Izmir province tourism plans. The method of the study is "mixed method" based on geographical area examination, SWOT analysis and comparison. According to the findings, although Bozdağlar has rich natural and cultural attractions and opportunities, tourism services are quite lacking and threats are quite intense. In this context, current tourism in the region cannot meet most of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council's Destination Criteria (GSTC-D). As a result, activating the development potential of Special Interest Tourism in Bozdağlar will only be possible by making a regional tourism plan and applying the GSTC-D Criteria.
Scrapbooks as Sites of Technology: The Women’s Institute and the Material Culture of 1960s Rural England
Authors: Watton Cherish , Sahrakorpi Tiia
Published: July 2024

abstract: Using scrapbooks created by members of the Women’s Institute in England in 1965, this article offers a rare insight into women’s lived experience and interaction with new technologies and services, in domestic and communal spaces, which show how rural women diligently recorded the new behaviors, emotions, and challenges surrounding rural life. Scrapbookers show multiple and sometimes contradictory attitudes, representing themselves as modern housewives proficient with new consumer durables, while also critiquing the inequalities heralded by new goods and services. Rural women were not simply bystanders to technological change but represented themselves as both consumers and producers of new forms of knowledge, through their use of material culture. Scrapbookers used their creations to archive the emotional labor they performed in their homes and communities, illuminating an important but often overlooked component of consumption.
Crucibles of Craft: Home Workshops and Leisurely Striving in Twentieth-Century U.S. Woodworking Magazines
Authors: Kuffert Len
Published: July 2024

abstract: With more leisure time in the early to mid-twentieth century, more people in industrialized countries took up hobbies. One hobby—woodworking—became a favorite among men, especially homeowners. Beyond the familiar “do-it-yourselfers” there was an audience eager to learn about woodworking, and magazine publishers encouraged them to acquire new skills and home machinery. American publishers led the way, but workshop converts in English-speaking countries like Canada and the United Kingdom got the magazines and the message. The promise of creative leisure at home did not democratize the hobby. Monthly features and awards praising accomplished amateurs did not challenge social and economic norms but defined leisure success in conventional terms. Those with the income and space to maintain a hobby served as models for others whose circumstances were less ideal. Through its flagship publication, a machine manufacturer often acquiesced to the industrial-era pressures that hobbies sought to alleviate.
Advancing LWIR FSO communication through high-speed multilevel signals and directly modulated quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Joharifar Mahdieh , Durupt Laureline , Dely Hamza , Ostrovskis Armands , Schatz Richard , Puerta Rafael , Maisons Gregory , Salgals Toms , Gacemi Djamal , Zhang Lu , Spolitis Sandis , Sun Yan-Ting , Bobrovs Vjačeslavs , Yu Xianbin , Vasanelli Angela , Ozolins Oskars , Sirtori Carlo , Pang Xiaodan
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the potential of long-wave infrared (LWIR) free-space optical (FSO) transmission using multilevel signals to achieve high spectral efficiency. The FSO transmission system includes a directly modulated-quantum cascade laser (DM-QCL) operating at 9.1 µm and a mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) detector. The laser operated at the temperature settings of 15°C and 20°C. The experiment was conducted over a distance of 1 m and in a lab as a controlled environment. We conduct small-signal characterization of the system, including the DM-QCL chip and MCT detector, evaluating the end-to-end response of both components and all associated electrical elements. For large-signal characterization, we employ a range of modulation formats, including non-return-to-zero on-off keying (NRZ-OOK), 4-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM4), and 6-level PAM (PAM6), with the objective of optimizing both the bit rate and spectral efficiency of the FSO transmission by applying pre- and post-processing equalization. At 15°C, the studied LWIR FSO system achieves net bitrates of 15 Gbps with an NRZ-OOK signal and 16.9 Gbps with PAM4, both below the 6.25% overhead hard decision-forward error correction (6.25%-OH HD-FEC) limit, and 10 Gbps NRZ-OOK below the 2.7% overhead Reed-Solomon RS(528,514) pre-FEC (KR-FEC limit). At 20°C, we obtained net bitrates of 14.1 Gbps with NRZ-OOK, 16.9 Gbps with PAM4, and 16.4 Gbps with PAM6. Furthermore, we evaluate the BER performance as a function of the decision feedback equalization (DFE) tap number to explore the role of equalization in enhancing signal fidelity and reducing errors in FSO transmission. Our findings accentuate the competitive potential of DM-QCL and MCT detector-based FSO transceivers with digital equalization for the next generation of FSO communication systems.
Deep learning-based general beam synthesis for atmospheric propagation
Authors: Wang Minghao , Zhang Dejun , Liang Wenke , Guo Wen
Published: July 2024

Optimizing the transmit light beams unlocks the full potential of free-space optical systems. However, designing application-specific light beams remains a challenge, especially for those traversing random media. In this study, we address this gap by proposing a deep learning-based method to generate optimal beams for propagation through atmospheric turbulence. The key mechanism is approximating the receiver statistics through batch-wise computation during the training of a convolutional neural network (CNN). On that basis, statistical performance metrics including average received power, scintillation index, and mean signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) are considered for optimization. Pseudo-modes of the beam are synthesized by weighted superposition of Hermite-Gaussian eigenmodes, enabling the creation of arbitrary complex amplitude profiles, i.e., general beams. An end-to-end implementation framework is designed to facilitate self-supervised learning and eliminate the need for pre-calculated datasets. Effectiveness of the synthesized beam is validated by wave optics simulation and experiments. In particular, comparison with Gaussian Schell-model beams demonstrates that the synthesized beam can achieve lower scintillation and greater intensity at the same time, leading to markedly enhanced receiver SNR. This advantage persists in a wider range of link configurations, extending the application range of stochastic beams.
Comparative analysis of circadian lighting models: melanopic illuminance vs. circadian stimulus
Authors: Huang Yingying , Li Jiuhui , Dai Qi
Published: July 2024

The influence of light exposure on human circadian rhythms has been widely recognized. This effect is mediated by a phototransduction process projected by the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). The process also involves signal inputs from visual photoreceptors. However, the relative contributions of each photoreceptor to this process remain unclear; accordingly, two different types of circadian lighting models have been proposed: (i) the melanopic illuminance model based solely on ipRGC activation, including melanopic equivalent daylight D65 illuminance (m-EDI) and equivalent melanopic illuminance (EML), and (ii) the circadian stimulus (CS) model, which considers the participation of both ipRGC and visual photoreceptors. However, the two models can yield conflicting predictions. In this study, we assessed and compared the accuracies of these circadian lighting models by fitting a substantial amount of experimental data extracted from multiple laboratory studies. Upon evaluating the results across all exposure durations, data-fitting accuracy of the intricate CS model did not surpass that of the much simpler melanopic illuminance model. Consequently, the latter appears to be the more suitable model for lighting applications. Moreover, a recurring limitation of prior research was revealed: the lighting spectra were not tailored to effectively reflect the fundamental distinctions between the two types of models. Therefore, drawing clear conclusions regarding the accuracies of the models is challenging. To address this problem, we introduced a method for designing contrast-spectra pairs. This method can provide lighting spectra to highlight the difference in circadian illuminance based on one model while keeping the circadian illuminance of others constant.
Who seeks care after intimate partner violence in Cameroon? sociodemographic differences between a hospital and population sample of women
Authors: Yost Mark T. , Blair Kevin J. , Poppens McKayla , Mallahi Michelle , Dang Lauren Eyler , Oke Rasheedat , Carvalho Melissa , Etoundi-Mballa Georges Alain , Hubbard Alan , Kouo Ngamby Marquise , Maqungo Sithombo , Chironga Kudzai , McCoy Sandra I. , Chichom-Mefire Alain , Juillard Catherine , Maswime Salome , Dissak Delon Fanny Nadia
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Little is known regarding health care seeking behaviors of women in sub-Saharan Africa, specifically Cameroon, who experience violence. The proportion of women who experienced violence enrolled in the Cameroon Trauma Registry (CTR) is lower than expected.

Methods

We concatenated the databases from the October 2017-December 2020 CTR and 2018 Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) into a singular database for cross-sectional study. Continuous and categorical variables were compared with Wilcoxon rank-sum and Fisher’s exact test. Multivariable logistic regression examined associations between demographic factors and women belonging to the DHS or CTR cohort. We performed additional classification tree and random forest variable importance analyses.

Results

276 women (13%) in the CTR and 197 (13.1%) of women in the DHS endorsed violence from any perpetrator. A larger percentage of women in the DHS reported violence from an intimate partner (71.6% vs. 42.7%, p<0.001). CTR women who experienced IPV demonstrated greater university-level education (13.6% vs. 5.0%, p<0.001) and use of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) cooking fuel (64.4% vs. 41.1%, p<0.001). DHS women who experienced IPV reported greater ownership of agricultural land (29.8% vs. 9.3%, p<0.001). On regression, women who experienced IPV using LPG cooking fuel (aOR 2.55, p = 0.002) had greater odds of belonging to the CTR cohort while women who owned agricultural land (aOR 0.34, p = 0.007) had lower odds of presenting to hospital care. Classification tree variable observation demonstrated that LPG cooking fuel predicted a CTR woman who experienced IPV while ownership of agricultural land predicted a DHS woman who experienced IPV.

Conclusion

Women who experienced violence presenting for hospital care have characteristics associated with higher SES and are less likely to demonstrate factors associated with residence in a rural setting compared to the general population of women experiencing violence.
Insights into canine rabies vaccination Disparities in Sierra Leone: A cross-sectional household study
Authors: Mshelbwala Philip P. , Wangdi Kinley , Bunting-Graden Joseph A. , Bamayange Saidu , Adamu Andrew M. , Gupta Suman D. , Suluku Roland , Adamu Cornelius S. , Weese J. Scott , Rupprecht Charles E. , Clark Nicholas J.
Published: July 2024

Annually, Sierra Leone records an estimated 301 human fatalities due to rabies. Canine vaccination is crucial for rabies prevention and control efforts. However, considerable variability exists in vaccination rates. Reasons for this variation remain unclear. We conducted a cross-sectional study across 2,558 dog-owning households (HHs) to provide insights into factors influencing canine vaccination for targeted prevention and control towards elimination by 2030. First, we described dog ownership practices, then built a probabilistic model to understand factors associated with dog vaccination, and finally used a spatial scan statistic to identify spatial clusters where vaccination rates were low. Our results indicated that only 14% (358/2,558) of participating HHs had fully vaccinated their dogs against rabies. The probability of dog vaccination increased when comparing civil servants to private workers/artisans, with an Odds Ratio(OR) of 1.14 (95% credible interval (Crl) of 0.82–1.56), residing in locations with a veterinary establishment vs. none (OR = 6.43, 95% Crl (4.97–8.35), providing care to dogs vs. allowing dogs to roam freely (OR = 2.38, 95% Crl(1.80–3.17) and owning a single dog vs multiple dogs (OR = 1.20, 95 Crl (0.92–1.56). Conversely, there was a decrease in the estimated probability of vaccination when comparing dog owners located in rural vs. urban areas (OR = 0.58, CrI 95% (0.43–0.78). Latent understanding, a measure of overall understanding of rabies virus, which we estimated using participant education levels and responses to questions about rabies epidemiology, was also an important predictor of vaccination probability (OR = 1.44, 95% Crl (1.04–2.07). The spatial analysis identified high-risk clusters for low vaccination in the cities of Moyamba, with a radius of 40 km, a relative risk (RR) of 1.10, and Bo, with a radius of 19.9 km with RR of 1.11. These data do not support Sierra Leone reaching the 2030 goal of human rabies elimination caused by dogs. Our study highlights a critical need for public outreach and education, improved vaccination rates, increased accessibility to veterinary services, and targeted interventions in Bo and Moyamba to support rabies prevention and control efforts.
A double ovulation protocol for Xenopus laevis produces doubled fertilisation yield and moderately transiently elevated corticosterone levels without loss of egg quality
Authors: Moss Chloe , Vacca Barbara , Arnold Jo , Hubens Chantal , Lynch Dominic M. , Pegge James , Green Michael A. R. , Hosie Charlotte A. , Smith Tessa E. , Green Jeremy B. A.
Published: July 2024

The African claw-toed frog, Xenopus laevis, is a well-established laboratory model for the biology of vertebrate oogenesis, fertilisation, and development at embryonic, larval, and metamorphic stages. For ovulation, X. laevis females are usually injected with chorionic gonadotropin, whereupon they lay typically hundreds to thousands of eggs in a day. After being rested for a minimum of three months, animals are re-used. The literature suggests that adult females can lay much larger numbers of eggs in a short period. Here, we compared the standard “single ovulation” protocol with a “double ovulation” protocol, in which females were ovulated, then re-ovulated after seven days and then rested for three months before re-use. We quantified egg number, fertilisation rate (development to cleavage stage), and corticosterone secretion rate as a measure of stress response for the two protocol groups over seven 3-month cycles. We found no differences in egg number-per-ovulation or egg quality between the groups and no long-term changes in any measures over the 21-month trial period. Corticosterone secretion was elevated by ovulation, similarly for the single ovulation as for the first ovulation in the double-ovulation protocol, but more highly for the second ovulation (to a level comparable to that seen following shipment) in the latter. However, both groups exhibited the same baseline secretion rates by the time of the subsequent cycle. Double ovulation is thus transiently more stressful/demanding than single ovulation but within the levels routinely experienced by laboratory X. laevis. Noting that “stress hormone” corticosterone/cortisol secretion is linked to physiological processes, such as ovulation, that are not necessarily harmful to the individual, we suggest that the benefits of a doubling in egg yield-per-cycle per animal without loss of egg quality or signs of acute or long-term harm may outweigh the relatively modest and transient corticosterone elevation we observed. The double ovulation protocol therefore represents a potential new standard practice for promoting the “3Rs” (animal use reduction, refinement and replacement) mission for Xenopus research.
Neighborly social pressure and collective action: Evidence from a field experiment in Tunisia
Authors: Jöst Prisca
Published: July 2024

Research on political participation almost unanimously assumes that social pressure by neighbors induces collective behavior. Yet most experimental studies focus on individually based forms of political and civic behavior, such as voting and recycling, in Western industrialized societies. The paper tests the effect of neighborly social pressure on collective action in Tunisia. In a field experiment, I manipulate whether neighbors or community outsiders invite citizens to contribute to a public good (i.e., trash collection). I run the experiment in three neighborhoods of varying socioeconomic composition in Tunis (n = 1199). I do not find evidence to suggest that neighborly social pressure encourages participation in neighborhood cleanups, with low participation rates both for the neighbor and outsider contact conditions. While the effect of social pressure does not significantly vary across communities, overall participation rates do. Residents of the poor neighborhood are most likely to respond in a socially desirable way when asked about their intentions but least likely to participate. The paper also discusses some limitations of the study and outlines avenues for future research.
In utero adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene delivery targeting sensory and supporting cells in the embryonic mouse inner ear
Authors: Barbosa Spinola Carla Maria , Boutet de Monvel Jacques , Safieddine Saaid , Lahlou Ghizlène , Etournay Raphaël
Published: July 2024

In vivo gene delivery to tissues using adeno-associated vector (AAVs) has revolutionized the field of gene therapy. Yet, while sensorineural hearing loss is one of the most common sensory disorders worldwide, gene therapy applied to the human inner ear is still in its infancy. Recent advances in the development recombinant AAVs have significantly improved their cell tropism and transduction efficiency across diverse inner ear cell types to a level that renders this tool valuable for conditionally manipulating gene expression in the context of developmental biology studies of the mouse inner ear. Here, we describe a protocol for in utero micro-injection of AAVs into the embryonic inner ear, using the AAV-PHP.eB and AAV-DJ serotypes that respectively target the sensory hair cells and the supporting cells of the auditory sensory epithelium. We also aimed to standardize procedures for imaging acquisition and image analysis to foster research reproducibility and allow accurate comparisons between studies. We find that AAV-PHP.eB and AAV-DJ provide efficient and reliable tools for conditional gene expression targeting cochlear sensory and supporting cells in the mouse inner ear, from late embryonic stages on.
Focus-marking in a tonal language: Prosodic differences between Cantonese-speaking children with and without autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Chen Si , Zhang Yixin , Zhou Fang , Chan Angel , Li Bei , Li Bin , Tang Tempo , Chun Eunjin , Chen Zhuoming
Published: July 2024

Abnormal speech prosody has been widely reported in individuals with autism. Many studies on children and adults with autism spectrum disorder speaking a non-tonal language showed deficits in using prosodic cues to mark focus. However, focus marking by autistic children speaking a tonal language is rarely examined. Cantonese-speaking children may face additional difficulties because tonal languages require them to use prosodic cues to achieve multiple functions simultaneously such as lexical contrasting and focus marking. This study bridges this research gap by acoustically evaluating the use of Cantonese speech prosody to mark information structure by Cantonese-speaking children with and without autism spectrum disorder. We designed speech production tasks to elicit natural broad and narrow focus production among these children in sentences with different tone combinations. Acoustic correlates of prosodic focus marking like f0, duration and intensity of each syllable were analyzed to examine the effect of participant group, focus condition and lexical tones. Our results showed differences in focus marking patterns between Cantonese-speaking children with and without autism spectrum disorder. The autistic children not only showed insufficient on-focus expansion in terms of f0 range and duration when marking focus, but also produced less distinctive tone shapes in general. There was no evidence that the prosodic complexity (i.e. sentences with single tones or combinations of tones) significantly affected focus marking in these autistic children and their typically-developing (TD) peers.
Roll-out of an educational workshop to improve knowledge and self-confidence of healthcare professionals engaged in mainstreaming of breast cancer genetics
Authors: Jenkins Valerie , Habibi Ruth , Hall Virginia , Leonard Pauline , Lawn Anneliese , Naik Jay , Papps-Williams Rachel , Fallowfield Lesley
Published: July 2024

Background

There are calls worldwide for the mainstreaming of genetic testing in breast cancer (BC) clinics, but health care professionals (HCPs) are not always familiar with nor confident about genetic counselling. TRUSTING (Talking about Risk & uncertainties of Testing in Genetics is an educational programme shown to significantly improve HCPs’ knowledge, communication, self-confidence, and self-awareness. We rolled out TRUSTING workshops across the UK and probed their influence on mainstreaming within BC clinics.

Methods

1 surgeon, 3 oncologists, and 1 nurse specialist who had attended the original TRUSTING evaluation project were trained to facilitate the 8-hour programme in pairs. The participants (all health care professionals) attending their workshops completed 3 questionnaires: - 1) the Intolerance to Uncertainty Scale, 2) an 18-item multiple choice knowledge questionnaire about BRCA 1/2 gene testing, incidence and risk reducing interventions and 3) a 10-item questionnaire exploring self-confidence when advising patients and their families about these issues. Both knowledge and self-confidence were re-tested post workshop together with evaluation of the facilitators’ approach and overall satisfaction with the event. Follow-up questionnaires 3–12 months later examined impact of workshops on HCPs’ own practice and how mainstreaming was working in their clinics.

Results

120 HCPs (61 surgeons; 41 nurses; 9 oncologists; 9 other) attended 12 workshops. Knowledge scores (mean change = 6.58; 95% CI 6.00 to 7.17; p<0.001), and self-confidence (mean change = 2.64; 95% CI 2.33 to 2.95; p<0.001) improved significantly post workshop. Ratings for the facilitators’ approach were uniformly high (mean range 9.6 to 9.9 /10). Most delegates found the workshops useful, enjoyable, and informative and 98% would definitively recommend them to colleagues. Follow-up data (n = 72/96) showed that 57% believed attendance had improved their own practice when discussing genetic testing with their patients. When asked about mainstreaming more generally, 78% reported it was working well, 18% had not yet started, and 3% thought it was problematic in their centre.

Conclusions

Discussing the implications that having a pathogenic gene alteration has for patients’ treatment and risk-reducing interventions is complex when patients are already coming to terms with a breast cancer diagnosis. Training facilitators enhanced the wider roll-out of the TRUSTING educational programme and is an effective means of helping HCPs now involved in the mainstreaming of genetic testing.
Are protective measures against Covid-19 still active in orthodontic practices? A cross-sectional online survey of French orthodontists three years on from the pandemic
Authors: Loiseau Astrid , Davit-Béal Tiphaine , Brézulier Damien
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The Covid-19 epidemic has imposed profound changes on the practice of orthodontics. It was in this anxiety-inducing context that drastic measures were imposed on orthodontists. The main aim of this online survey is to highlight the measures that are still in place in French orthodontic practices three years after the emergence of the pandemic.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to French orthodontists from march to June 2023. The questionnaire, consisting of 32 questions, was divided into five sections covering habits before and after the pandemic, and the feelings of professionals.

Results

In this survey 230 complete answers were recorded. Three years later, the daily pace had returned to its pre-crisis level. Disinfection and aeration times were still present (p < 0.001). Orthodontists maintained and generalized the use of protective glasses (p = 0.17) and visors (p < 0.001). The same was true for the FFP2 mask and its frequency of change, as well as rigorous hand washing. Finally, the dedicated layout of the practices was maintained: protective screen, filtration system, supply of SHA, travel paths, removal of magazines (for all, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study shows that the professional practices imposed by the Covid-19 crisis have been adopted by the majority of French orthodontists, and now appear to be anchored in their routine practice.

Trial registration number

opinion n°2023–004, dated 01.25.2023.
Genotypic and phenotypic profiling of 127 Legionella pneumophila strains: Insights into regional spread
Authors: Colautti Andrea , Civilini Marcello , Bortolomeazzi Renzo , Franchi Marinella , Felice Antonella , De Martin Stefano , Iacumin Lucilla
Published: July 2024

Given the recent global surge in Legionnaires’ disease cases, the monitoring of Legionella pneumophila becomes increasingly crucial. Epidemiological cases often stem from local outbreaks rather than widespread dissemination, emphasizing the need to study the characteristics of this pathogen at a local level. This study focuses on isolates of L. pneumophila in the Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia to assess specific genotype and phenotype distribution over time and space. To this end, a total of 127 L. pneumophila strains isolated between 2005 and 2017 within national surveillance programs were analysed. Rep-PCR, RAPD, and Sau-PCR were used for genotypic characterization, while phenotypic characterization was conducted through fatty acids analysis. RAPD and Sau-PCR effectively assessed genetic characteristics, identifying different profiles for the isolates and excluding the presence of clones. Although Sau-PCR is rarely used to analyse this pathogen, it emerged as the most discriminatory technique. Phenotypically, hierarchical cluster analysis categorized strains into three groups based on varying membrane fatty acid percentages. However, both phenotypic and genotypic analyses revealed a ubiquitous profile distribution at a regional level. These results suggest an absence of correlations between strain profiles, geographical location, and isolation time, indicating instead high variability and strain dissemination within this region.
Allelic variations in the chpG effector gene within Clavibacter michiganensis populations determine pathogen host range
Authors: Verma Raj Kumar , Roman-Reyna Veronica , Raanan Hagai , Coaker Gitta , Jacobs Jonathan M. , Teper Doron
Published: July 2024

Plant pathogenic bacteria often have a narrow host range, which can vary among different isolates within a population. Here, we investigated the host range of the tomato pathogen Clavibacter michiganensis (Cm). We determined the genome sequences of 40 tomato Cm isolates and screened them for pathogenicity on tomato and eggplant. Our screen revealed that out of the tested isolates, five were unable to cause disease on any of the hosts, 33 were exclusively pathogenic on tomato, and two were capable of infecting both tomato and eggplant. Through comparative genomic analyses, we identified that the five non-pathogenic isolates lacked the chp/tomA pathogenicity island, which has previously been associated with virulence in tomato. In addition, we found that the two eggplant-pathogenic isolates encode a unique allelic variant of the putative serine hydrolase chpG (chpGC), an effector that is recognized in eggplant. Introduction of chpGC into a chpG inactivation mutant in the eggplant-non-pathogenic strain Cm101, failed to complement the mutant, which retained its ability to cause disease in eggplant and failed to elicit hypersensitive response (HR). Conversely, introduction of the chpG variant from Cm101 into an eggplant pathogenic Cm isolate (C48), eliminated its pathogenicity on eggplant, and enabled C48 to elicit HR. Our study demonstrates that allelic variation in the chpG effector gene is a key determinant of host range plasticity within Cm populations.
Revisiting literary magazines through typographic aesthetics: The case of Planodion (1986–2012)
Authors: Sgouromallis Nikos
Published: July 2024

This article is concerned with the twofold identity of the literary magazine: as a material object, endowed with specific visual and tactile characteristics, and as a textual medium, active in the intellectual sphere. Moving beyond the traditional dichotomy between form and content and following a phenomenological approach, I examine the literary magazine as a multi-layered structure whose visual features (illustration, binding, vignettes and margins) work along its seemingly invisible aspects (form and content of text). I focus on Planodion magazine (1986–2012) and employing the work of Maurice Merleau-Ponty, I attempt to conceive the literary magazine as a living body, an expressive space capable of accommodating divergent experiences and meanings. Inquiring into the typographic aesthetics of the literary magazine, I also probe the boundaries separating discourse and image, and query their supposed autonomy.
Foustaneles Kai Chlamydes: Istoriki Mnimi Kai Ethniki Taftotita, 1821–1903 (‘Kilts and Togas: Historical Memory and National Identity, 1821–1930’), Christina Koulouri (2020)
Authors: Kornetis Kostis
Published: July 2024

Review of: Foustaneles Kai Chlamydes: Istoriki Mnimi Kai Ethniki Taftotita, 1821–1903 (‘Kilts and Togas: Historical Memory and National Identity, 1821–1930’), Christina Koulouri (2020)

Athens: Alexandria, 608 pp.,

ISBN 978-9-60221-886-0, p/bk, €26.50