bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecting learning from importing: The effect of importing behaviour on R&D expenditures of Chinese firms
Authors: Chen Zhiyuan , Yi Jingtao , Huang Jinchao
Published: April 2024

We argue that importing stimulates firms' learning‐based R&D activities in the present and future periods. Our theory predicts that the strength of the learning effect depends on the type of imported materials, the industries, and the import destination. Using a dataset on Chinese manufacturing firms covering the episode of China's WTO accession, we employ the multiple‐treatment propensity matching difference‐in‐differences method and find evidence supporting our hypotheses: (1) importing capital goods stimulates more R&D expenditures than importing intermediates; (2) R&D intensity increases more for capital goods importers in capital‐intensive industries than those in labor‐intensive industries; and (3) importers increase R&D intensity more by importing from high‐income countries than low‐income countries.
Practical considerations for continuous glucose monitoring in elite athletes with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A narrative review
Authors: Brar Gurneet , Carmody Sean , Lumb Alistair , Shafik Andrew , Bright Chris , Andrews Robert C.
Published: April 2024

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) refers to a metabolic condition where a lack of insulin impairs the usual homeostatic mechanisms to control blood glucose levels. Historically, participation in competitive sport has posed a challenge for those with T1DM, where the dynamic changes in blood glucose during exercise can result in dangerously high (hyperglycaemia) or low blood glucoses (hypoglycaemia) levels. Over the last decade, research and technological development has enhanced the methods of monitoring and managing blood glucose levels, thus reducing the chances of experiencing hyper‐ or hypoglycaemia during exercise. The introduction of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems means that glucose can be monitored conveniently, without the need for frequent fingerpick glucose checks. CGM devices include a fine sensor inserted under the skin, measuring levels of glucose in the interstitial fluid. Readings can be synchronized to a reader or mobile phone app as often as every 1–5 min. Use of CGM devices is associated with lower HbA1c and a reduction in hypoglycaemic events, promoting overall health and athletic performance. However, there are limitations to CGM, which must be considered when being used by an athlete with T1DM. These limitations can be addressed by individualized education plans, using protective equipment to prevent sensor dislodgement, as well as further research aiming to: (i) account for disparities between CGM and true blood glucose levels during vigorous exercise; (ii) investigate the effects of temperature and altitude on CGM accuracy, and (iii) explore of the sociological impact of CGM use amongst sportspeople without diabetes on those with T1DM.

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Talent Development Coaching: Challenges and Realities
Authors: McKeown Stephen , Lyle John
Published: April 2024

Academic literature has paid considerable attention to talent identification but much less to talent environments and the challenges facing sport coaches in such a domain. This paper provides insights into the challenges facing a coach in a resource-constrained environment, with goal ambiguity between immediate performance success and longer-term player development. Having identified prescriptions for good practice, the paper recounts the first author’s experience in attempting to accommodate conflicting goals and a novel performance model, within an Under-19 national volleyball squad. Particular attention is paid to recruitment, stakeholder perceptions, player commitment, a shared performance model across age groups, and longer-term player welfare. The paper concludes with a reminder that in such situations, coach support and welfare should also be a concern for sport federations.
Isotemporal Substitution Modeling on Sedentary Behaviors and Physical Activity With Mortality Among People With Different Diabetes Statuses: A Prospective Cohort Study From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Analysis 2007–2018
Authors: Chen Zhaojun , Cai Lishan , Qin Qianni , Li Xiang , Lu Shaoyou , Sun Litao , Zhang Yang , Qi Lu , Zhou Tao
Published: April 2024

Background: To assess the associations of replacing sedentary behavior with different types of physical activity with mortality among the US adults of varying diabetes statuses. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 21,637 participants (mean age, 48.5 y) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2018. Physical activity including leisure-time moderate-vigorous-intensity activity (MVPA), walking/bicycling, worktime MVPA, and sedentary behavior. We conducted an isotemporal substitution analysis using Cox regression to estimate the associations between replacements and mortality risks. Results: We found significant protective associations between replacing 30 minutes per day sedentary behavior with 3 types of physical activity and all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality risk (except worktime MVPA for CVD mortality) among total participants, with hazard ratio (HR; 95% confidence interval [CI]) ranging from 0.86 (0.77–0.95) to 0.96 (0.94–0.98). Among participants with diagnosed diabetes, replacing sedentary behavior with leisure-time MVPA was associated with a lower all-cause mortality risk (HR 0.81, 95% CI, 0.70–0.94), which was also observed in other subgroups, with HRs (95% CI) ranging from 0.87 (0.80–0.94) to 0.89 (0.81–0.99). Among those with prediabetes/undiagnosed diabetes, replacing sedentary behavior with walking/bicycling was associated with lower CVD mortality risk, and replacement to work-time MVPA was associated with lower all-cause and CVD mortality risk, with HRs (95% CI) ranging from 0.72 (0.63–0.83) to 0.96 (0.92–0.99). Conclusions: Replacing sedentary behaviors with 30 minutes per day leisure-time MVPA was associated with lower all-cause mortality, regardless of diabetes statuses. Among people with prediabetes/undiagnosed diabetes, walking/bicycling was additionally associated with lower CVD mortality, and worktime MVPA was associated with lower all-cause and CVD mortality.
A 5-Week Guided Active Play Program Modulates Skin Microvascular Reactivity in Healthy Children
Authors: Moghaddaszadeh Asal , Roudier Emilie , Edgell Heather , Vinet Agnes , Belcastro Angelo N.
Published: April 2024

Purpose: Children’s poor levels of physical activity (PA) participation and early-onset vascular aging are identified as global health challenges. Children’s guided activity play (GAP)-based PA programs have emerged as effective strategies to improve cardiovascular risk factors and health-related fitness. This study proposes to investigate whether GAP improves children’s cutaneous microvascular reactivity and health-related fitness. Methods: Children’s (n = 18; 9.8 [1.5] y) PA during a 5-week (4 d/wk; 1 h/d) GAP program was assessed (accelerometry) with preassessments and postassessments for anthropometric, musculoskeletal fitness, blood pressure, estimated aerobic power, and cutaneous microvascular reactivity. Results: PA averaged 556 (132) kcal·week−1 at 34.7% (7.5%) time at moderate to vigorous intensity. Resting heart rate (−9.5%) and diastolic blood pressure (−7.8%) were reduced without changes in health-related fitness indices. Cutaneous microvascular reactivity to sodium nitroprusside iontophoresis increased the average perfusion (+36.8%), average cutaneous vascular conductance (+30%), the area under the curve (+28.8%), and a faster rise phase (+40%) of perfusion (quadratic modeling; P ≤ .05). Chi-square and crosstabulation analysis revealed significant association between children’s PA levels and sodium nitroprusside average perfusion levels, where children with PA levels ≥205.1 kcal.55 minute−1 were overrepresented in the medium/high levels of sodium nitroprusside perfusion. Conclusion: A 5-week GAP modified the microvascular reactivity in children without changes in body mass, musculoskeletal fitness, or estimated aerobic power.
Whole-genome sequencing of
Chromobacterium subtsugae
strains exhibiting toxicity to
Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Clark Madison M. , Broderick Nichole A.
Published: April 2024

Chromobacterium subtsugae
exhibits toxicity to
Drosophila melanogaster
, providing a new infection model to study host homeostasis. Previous studies using pathogen models have proven to be a useful tool to understand host physiology. Here, we report on the whole-genome sequences of these microbes obtained from short and long reads.
Draft genome sequences for four isolates of the hemp (
Cannabis sativa
) fungal pathogen
Neofusicoccum parvum
Authors: Zima Hannah V. , Dhillon Braham , Feng Chunda , Liu Bo , Villarroel-Zeballos Maria I. , Bluhm Burt H. , Correll James C.
Published: April 2024

Four isolates of
Neofusicoccum parvum
, collected from diseased hemp (
Cannabis sativa
) plants over a period of 2 years and shown to be pathogenic on
C. sativa,
were examined in this study. Their genome sizes ranged between 42.8 and 44.4 Mb, with 16,499 ± 72 predicted genes across the four isolates.
Cost-effectiveness of methenamine hippurate compared with antibiotic prophylaxis for the management of recurrent urinary tract infections in secondary care: a multicentre, open-label, randomised, non-inferiority trial
Authors: King William , Homer Tara , Harding Chris , Mossop Helen , Chadwick Thomas , Abouhajar Alaa , Vale Luke
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To estimate the cost-effectiveness of methenamine hippurate compared with antibiotic prophylaxis in the management of recurrent urinary tract infections.

Design

Multicentre, open-label, randomised, non-inferiority trial.

Setting

Eight centres in the UK, recruiting from June 2016 to June 2018.

Participants

Women aged ≥18 years with recurrent urinary tract infections, requiring prophylactic treatment.

Interventions

Women were randomised to receive once-daily antibiotic prophylaxis or twice-daily methenamine hippurate for 12 months. Treatment allocation was not masked and crossover between arms was allowed.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary economic outcome was the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained at 18 months. All costs were collected from a UK National Health Service perspective. QALYs were estimated based on responses to the EQ-5D-5L administered at baseline, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months. Incremental costs and QALYs were estimated using an adjusted analysis which controlled for observed and unobserved characteristics. Stochastic sensitivity analysis was used to illustrate uncertainty on a cost-effectiveness plane and a cost-effectiveness acceptability curve. A sensitivity analysis, not specified in the protocol, considered the costs associated with antibiotic resistance.

Results

Data on 205 participants were included in the economic analysis. On average, methenamine hippurate was less costly (−£40; 95% CI: −684 to 603) and more effective (0.014 QALYs; 95% CI: −0.05 to 0.07) than antibiotic prophylaxis. Over the range of values considered for an additional QALY, the probability of methenamine hippurate being considered cost-effective ranged from 51% to 67%.

Conclusions

On average, methenamine hippurate was less costly and more effective than antibiotic prophylaxis but these results are subject to uncertainty. Methenamine hippurate is more likely to be considered cost-effective when the benefits of reduced antibiotic use were included in the analysis.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN70219762.
Prevalence and predictors of workplace sexual harassment of nurses in the Central Region of Ghana: a cross-sectional online survey
Authors: Mohammed Aliu , Ansah Edward Wilson , Apaak Daniel
Published: April 2024

Objective

We investigated the prevalence and predictors of workplace sexual harassment against nurses in the Central Region of Ghana.

Design

A cross-sectional online survey.

Setting

Central Region of Ghana.

Participants

A total of 1494 male and female nurses from various healthcare facilities in the Central Region participated in this survey from August to September 2021.

Main outcome measures

The prevalence of sexual harassment was determined using the Sexual Experiences Questionnaires and the Workplace Violence in the Health Sector Questionnaires. We used descriptive statistics to analyse participants’ characteristics and the occurrence of sexual harassment. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of sexual harassment. The survey instrument yielded a reliability value of 0.82.

Results

The prevalence of sexual harassment was 43.6% when behaviour-based questions were applied and 22.6% when a direct question was used. The main perpetrators of sexual harassment were male physicians (20.2%), male nurses (15.4%), male relatives of patients (15.1%) and male patients (11.6%). Unfortunately, only a few victims lodged complaints of harassment. Compared with males, female nurses were more likely to be sexually harassed (adjusted OR, aOR 1.59, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.07). Moreover, nurses with higher work experience (aOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.93), those married (aOR 0.54, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.72) and those working in private or mission/Christian Health Association of Ghana health facilities (aOR 0.49, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.68) were less likely to be sexually harassed.

Conclusions

The prevalence of workplace sexual harassment against nurses in the Central Region of Ghana is high and may compromise quality healthcare delivery in the region. Therefore, managers of healthcare facilities and the Ghana Health Service need to institute antisexual harassment interventions, including education, training and policy, with a focus on females in general, but especially those who are not married, less experienced and those working in public health facilities.
COVID-19 vaccine coverage, determinants and inequity amongst refugees and migrants in Pakistan: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Padhani Zahra Ali , Rahman Abdu R , Lakhani Sohail , Yasin Rahima , Khan Maryam Hameed , Mirani Mushtaque , Jamali Muhammad , Ali Khan Zahid , Khatoon Sana , Partab Riya , ul Haq Atta , Kampalath Vinay , Hosseinalipour Seyed-Moeen , Blanchet Karl , Das Jai K
Published: April 2024

Objective

Migrants and refugees are at a disadvantage in accessing basic necessities. The objective of this study is to assess the inequity in access, needs and determinants of COVID-19 vaccination among refugees and migrant populations in Pakistan.

Design

We conducted a mixed-method study comprising a cross-sectional survey and a qualitative study. In this paper, we will only report the findings from the cross-sectional survey.

Setting

This survey was conducted in different cities of Pakistan including Quetta, Karachi and Hyderabad.

Participants

A total of 570 participants were surveyed including refugees and migrants, both in regular and irregular situations.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome of the study was to estimate the proportion of refugees and migrants, both in regular and irregular situations vaccinated against COVID-19 and assess the inequity. The χ2test and Fisher’s exact test were used to determine the significant differences in proportions between refugees and migrants and between regions.

Results

The survey showed that only 26.9% of the refugee and migrant population were tested for COVID-19, 4.56% contracted coronavirus, and 3.85% were hospitalised due to COVID-19. About 66% of the refugees and migrants were fully vaccinated including those who received the single-dose vaccine or received all two doses, and 17.6% were partially vaccinated. Despite vaccination campaigns by the government, 14.4% of the refugee and migrant population remained unvaccinated mostly because of vaccines not being offered, distant vaccination sites, limited access, unavailability of COVID-19 vaccine or due to a difficult registration process. Vaccination rates varied across provinces, genders and migrant populations due to misconceptions, and several social, cultural and geographical barriers.

Conclusion

This study highlights the COVID-19 vaccine coverage, access and inequity faced by refugees and migrants during the pandemic. It suggests early prioritisation of policies inclusive of all refugees and migrants and the provision of identification documents to ease access to basic necessities.
Functional outcomes of bowel resection versus shaving or disc excision of colorectal endometriosis: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Qian William , Gauci Chahaya , Chaudhri Kanika , Lung Thomas , Mohtashami Ali
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Endometriosis is a prevalent gynaecological condition for women of reproductive age worldwide. While endometriosis primarily involves the reproductive system, it can also infiltrate additional viscera such as the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with colorectal endometriosis can have severe symptoms that require surgical intervention. There are limited data available to guide the choice of resection technique based on the functional outcomes of bowel resection versus shaving or disc excision in treating colorectal endometriosis. This protocol aims to outline the methods that will be used in a systematic review of the literature comparing the functional outcomes of bowel resection to shaving and disc excision when surgically treating colorectal endometriosis.

Methods and analysis

Papers will be identified through database searches, scanning reference lists of relevant studies and citation searching of key papers. Two independent reviewers will screen studies against eligibility criteria and extract data using standardised forms. Databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane will be searched from the beginning of each database until February 2024. The primary outcome is comparing the functional bowel outcomes between the different methods of surgical treatment. Secondary outcome will be quality of life, based on the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome score and the incidence of postoperative pain. A meta-analysis will be performed if the data are homogenous.

Ethics and dissemination

This study does not require ethics approval. The results of the systematic review described within this protocol will be disseminated through presentations at relevant conferences and publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The methods will be used to inform future reviews.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023461711.
The first in-beam reaction measurement at CRYRING@ESR using the CARME array
Authors: Marsh Jordan J. , Bruno Carlo G. , Davinson Thomas , Woods Philip J. , Andelkovic Zoran , Bräuning-Demian Angela , Chen Rui-Jui , Dellmann Sophia F. , Erbacher Phillip , Fedotova Svetlana , Forstner Oliver , Freire-Fernandez David , Glorius Jan , Gumberidze Alexandre , Hall Oscar , Hillenbrand Pierre-Michel , Herfurth Frank , Hudson-Chang George , Kalinin Anton , Lestinsky Michael , Litvinov Yuri A. , Menz Esther B. , Nociforo Chiara , Petridis Nikolaos , Psaltis Athanasios , Sanjari Shahab , Selina Mariia , Spillman Uwe , Sidhu Ragandeep S. , Stöhlker Thomas , Varga Laszlo , Vorobjev Gleb
Published: April 2024

In the last decade nuclear reaction measurements using heavy ion storage rings became an important tool for nuclear astrophysics studies. The new CRYRING Array for Reaction MEasurements (CARME), recently commissioned at the low energy CRYRING@ESR storage ring (GSI/FAIR), is designed to take this novel approach one step further and perform direct nuclear reaction measurements at stellar energies, as well as indirect studies of nuclear properties of interest for nuclear astrophysics. CRYRING is unique worldwide in being able to store high quality, isotopically pure, radioactive beams produced in-flight at the low energies required for nuclear astrophysics. This paper describes the first in-beam reaction measurement with CARME at CRYRING, the first beam on (conventional) target measurement for FAIR Phase-0, and the data analysis approach required by this unprecedented, unique experimental approach.
Temperature Dependence of Hot-Electron Graphene Fet Bolometric Detectors Response to Modulated Terahertz Radiation
Authors: Ryzhii Maxim , Ryzhii Victor , Tang Chao , Otsuji Taiichi , Mitin Vladimir , Shur Michael S.
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we analyze the modulation characteristics and the ultimate modulation frequency of the terahertz (THz) hot-electron FET bolometers with the graphene channels (GCs), metal gate (MG), and gate barrier layers (BLs) in a wide temperature range. Our results predict that the responsivity of GC-FET bolometers decreases with decreasing operating temperature. This is attributed to a dramatic drop in the thermionic GC-MG current (characterized by the relatively large activation energy) and its modulated component when the temperature lowers. A further decrease in the temperature results in a fairly strong responsivity roll-off. In contrast, the responsivity of the GC-FET detectors with the temperature-adjusted load resistance rises with decreasing temperature because the temperature lowering leads to an increase in the electron energy relaxation time and promotes more effective heating by the impinging THz radiation. In this case, the weakening of the thermionic current is compensated by the commensurate increase in the load resistance.
Insight into the dynamics of bioconvective Walter’s-B nanofluid flow subjected to Cattaneo–Christov heat flux and activation energy
Authors: Rashid Amjid , Ali Liaqat , Madassar Naeem , Tahir Qaisar Nadeem
Published: April 2024

In order to study the implementation of the generalized magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) bioconvective aspects of the Walter’s-B fluid flows over a convectively heated stretched sheet in the presence of activation energy and numerous boundary conditions, the non-homogeneous nanofluid flow model is used. Here, the nonlinear differential equations illustrating the current nanofluid flow model of non-Newtonian fluid explicitly include the concentration of both motile microbes and solid nanoparticles. Furthermore, the associated temperature, impact of thermal radiation and the Cattaneo–Christov heat flux model are discussed. The similarity transformations are formally displayed to transfer the consequential reduction in the mathematical complexity of the existing physical situation by converting partial differential equations (PDEs) into a nonlinear associated framework of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Furthermore, the homotopy analysis method (HAM) through the MATLAB tool is used to numerically solve the dimensionless similarity equations. The results are extremely well demonstrated. In this manner, the significant engineering procedures are more accurately and entirely estimated before being reported. The results of the fixed physical factors of velocity, temperature, concentration, and microbe concentration profiles are effectively demonstrated through multiple types of illustrations and comprehensive explanations. The principal assumption is that the greater significance of the bioconvection Lewis and Peclet numbers can lead to a drop in the microbe concentration profile. It is observed that the concentration profile is reduced with the greater value of the concentration relaxation parameter.
Stability analysis and conserved quantities of analytic nonlinear wave solutions in multi-dimensional fractional systems
Authors: Wang Chanyuan , Attia Raghda A. M. , Alfalqi Suleman H. , Alzaidi Jameel F. , Khater Mostafa M. A.
Published: April 2024

The (3+1)-dimensional generalized nonlinear fractional Konopelchenko–Dubrovsky–Kaup–Kupershmidt [Formula: see text] model represents the propagation and interaction of nonlinear waves in complex multi-dimensional physical media characterized by anomalous dispersion and dissipation phenomena. By incorporating fractional derivatives, this model introduces non-locality and memory effects into the classical [Formula: see text] equations, commonly utilized in phenomena such as shallow water waves, nonlinear optics, and plasma physics. The fractional approach enhances mathematical representations, allowing for a more realistic depiction of the intricate behaviors observed in numerous modern physical systems. This study focuses on the development of accurate and efficient numerical techniques tailored for the computationally demanding [Formula: see text] model, leveraging the Khater II and generalized rational approximation methods. These methodologies facilitate stable time-integration, effectively addressing the model’s stiffness and multi-dimensional nature. Through numerical analysis, insights into the stability and convergence of the algorithms are gained. Simulations conducted validate the performance of these methods against established solutions while also uncovering novel capabilities for exploring complex wave dynamics in scenarios involving complete fractional formulations. The findings underscore the potential of integrating fractional calculus into higher-dimensional nonlinear partial differential equations, offering a promising avenue for advancing the modeling and computational analysis of complex wave phenomena across a spectrum of contemporary physical disciplines.
A Social Self-Awareness Agent with Embodied Reasoning
Authors: Feng Bojie , Slam Nady , Xu Yingjin
Published: April 2024

In the realm of multi-agent systems, establishing social self-awareness in agents stands as a critical challenge within the broader scope of artificial general intelligence research. Addressing this challenge, in this paper, we draw upon Tomasello’s social self-awareness theory as a foundational framework, and employ Non-Axiomatic Reasoning System (NARS), an artificial general intelligence model, to simulate analogical and recursive reasoning methods used by socially embodied agents. In this paper, we assume that an agent can possess sensorimotor capabilities and physical common sense, it explores the process of constructing a “core self” through embodied reasoning. On this basis, we explore deeper into the construction process of social self-awareness. As a result, we clarify how agents generate common knowledge about themselves through recursive reasoning regarding the mental states of others and communication dynamics. Following this initial step, metaphors are generated utilizing analogical reasoning, intertwining public knowledge with these metaphors to facilitate mutual comprehension between humans and machines. This paper delves into the simulation of perspective representation and recursive reasoning within social embodied agents, employing NARS — an overarching artificial intelligence platform. The experimental results substantiate the viability of constructing a social self-agent within a machine framework grounded in embodied reasoning.
New methodological approach for deep penetrating geochemistry and environmental studies, Part 1: on-site soil extraction of trace and rare earth elements
Authors: de Junet Alexis , Guilleux Camille , Poszwa Anne , Devin Simon , Sarala Pertti , Pospiech Solveig , Middleton Maarit , Pinheiro José-Paulo
Published: April 2024

The use of on-site soil extractions for direct quantification provides a fast and efficient method for environmental monitoring and mineral prospecting. In this study, an on-site extraction protocol was developed and tested on northern boreal soils using partial extractants: 0.01 M calcium chloride (CaCl
2
) and 0.43 M nitric acid (HNO
3
). CaCl
2
is commonly used as an extractant for mobile and directly available elements, while 0.43 M HNO
3
is used to extract also the reactive pool with the weakly bound elements from soil particle surfaces. These two extractants were chosen because (i) they have no specific constraints for electrochemical or spectrometric analysis for element quantification and (ii) they are more environmentally friendly than the ones often used for mineral exploration, e.g. the aqua regia (AR) or mobile metal ions such as Ionic Leach™ (IL, ALS). Extractions with HNO
3
offered the same patterns as those obtained with AR but with better contrast for anomalies, while the CaCl
2
results were very similar to those obtained with IL. Nevertheless, neither HNO
3
nor CaCl
2
was effective in mobilizing Au, W or Sn due to their low concentrations. Our study demonstrated that on-site soil extractions with HNO
3
and CaCl
2
were potentially good candidates for the detection of REEs, such as Ce and La, and some trace elements, especially Cd, for both extractions, Co, Pb and U with HNO
3
, and Mn and Ni with CaCl
2
. This work highlights the potential of on-site extraction using partial extractants. This is a key step prior to the quantification of elements by on-site voltametric techniques.
Design and Implementation of Deduplication on F2FS
Authors: Zhang Tiangmeng , Chen Renhui , Li Zijing , Gao Congming , Wang Chengke , Shu Jiwu
Published: April 2024

Data deduplication technology has gained popularity in modern file systems due to its ability to eliminate redundant writes and improve storage space efficiency. In recent years, the flash-friendly file system (F2FS) has been widely adopted in flash memory-based storage devices, including smartphones, fast-speed servers, and Internet of Things. In this article, we propose F2DFS (deduplication-based F2FS), which introduces three main design contributions. First, F2DFS integrates inline and offline hybrid deduplication. Inline deduplication eliminates redundant writes and enhances flash device endurance, while offline deduplication mitigates the negative I/O performance impact and saves more storage space. Second, F2DFS follows the file system coupling design principle, effectively leveraging the potentials and benefits of both deduplication and native F2FS. Also, with the aid of this principle, F2DFS achieves high-performance and space-efficient incremental deduplication. Third, F2DFS adopts virtual indexing to mitigate deduplication-induced many-to-one mapping updates during the segment cleaning. We conducted comprehensive experimental comparisons between F2DFS, native F2FS, and other state-of-the-art deduplication schemes, using both synthetic and real-world workloads. For inline deduplication, F2DFS outperforms SmartDedup, Dmdedup, and ZFS, in terms of both I/O bandwidth performance and deduplication rates. And for offline deduplication, compared to SmartDedup, XFS, and BtrFS, F2DFS shows higher execution efficiency, lower resource usage, and greater storage space savings. Moreover, F2DFS demonstrates more efficient segment cleanings than native F2FS.
International Law, Security, and Sanctions: A Decolonial Perspective on the Transnational Legal Order of Sanctions
Authors: Mallard Grégoire , Sun Jin
Published: April 2024

This article reviews recent literature on sanctions from international law, political science, sociology, anthropology, and history. It shows how the literature during the comprehensive sanctions decade (the 1990s), with a largely critical view on sanctions in the age of globalization, was co-opted by the targetization of sanctions in the sanctions miniaturization decade (the 2000s). It then reviews the sanctions literature in sociology and anthropology during the sanctions enforcement decade (the 2010s), addressing the transnational characteristics of sanctions, their infrastructural materiality in the digital economy, and the deputization of private actors to police their implementation. Last, the article reviews the literature in colonial governmentality to encourage sanctions specialists to take a longer-term view of transnational orders of sanctions. This section ends with a call to decolonize sanctions research—or rather, to question the colonial origins of sanctions as an instrument of world making so that a properly decolonial perspective on sanctions can be elaborated.
Inside the Host: Understanding the Evolutionary Trajectories of Intracellular Parasitism
Authors: Bartošová-Sojková Pavla , Butenko Anzhelika , Richtová Jitka , Fiala Ivan , Oborník Miroslav , Lukeš Julius
Published: April 2024

This review explores the origins of intracellular parasitism, an intriguing facet of symbiosis, where one organism harms its host, potentially becoming deadly. We focus on three distantly related groups of single-celled eukaryotes, namely Kinetoplastea, Holomycota, and Apicomplexa, which contain multiple species-rich lineages of intracellular parasites. Using comparative analysis of morphological, physiological, and molecular features of kinetoplastids, microsporidians, and sporozoans, as well as their closest free-living relatives, we reveal the evolutionary trajectories and adaptations that enabled the transition to intracellular parasitism. Intracellular parasites have evolved various efficient mechanisms for host acquisition and exploitation, allowing them to thrive in a variety of hosts. Each group has developed unique features related to the parasitic lifestyle, involving dedicated protein families associated with host cell invasion, survival, and exit. Indeed, parallel evolution has led to distinct lineages of intracellular parasites employing diverse traits and approaches to achieve similar outcomes.
Re-Envisioning the Plant Disease Triangle: Full Integration of the Host Microbiota and a Focal Pivot to Health Outcomes
Authors: Leveau Johan H.J.
Published: April 2024

The disease triangle is a structurally simple but conceptually rich model that is used in plant pathology and other fields of study to explain infectious disease as an outcome of the three-way relationship between a host, a pathogen, and their environment. It also serves as a guide for finding solutions to treat, predict, and prevent such diseases. With the omics-driven, evidence-based realization that the abundance and activity of a pathogen are impacted by proximity to and interaction with a diverse multitude of other microorganisms colonizing the same host, the disease triangle evolved into a tetrahedron shape, which features an added fourth dimension representing the host-associated microbiota. Another variant of the disease triangle emerged from the recently formulated pathobiome paradigm, which deviates from the classical “one pathogen” etiology of infectious disease in favor of a scenario in which disease represents a conditional outcome of complex interactions between and among a host, its microbiota (including microbes with pathogenic potential), and the environment. The result is a version of the original disease triangle where “pathogen” is substituted with “microbiota.” Here, as part of a careful and concise review of the origin, history, and usage of the disease triangle, I propose a next step in its evolution, which is to replace the word “disease” in the center of the host–microbiota–environment triad with the word “health.” This triangle highlights health as a desirable outcome (rather than disease as an unwanted state) and as an emergent property of host–microbiota–environment interactions. Applied to the discipline of plant pathology, the health triangle offers an expanded range of targets and approaches for the diagnosis, prediction, restoration, and maintenance of plant health outcomes. Its applications are not restricted to infectious diseases only, and its underlying framework is more inclusive of all microbial contributions to plant well-being, including those by mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, for which there never was a proper place in the plant disease triangle. The plant health triangle also may have an edge as an education and communication tool to convey and stress the importance of healthy plants and their associated microbiota to a broader public and stakeholdership.
SEA-PHAGES and SEA-GENES: Advancing Virology and Science Education
Authors: Heller Danielle M. , Sivanathan Viknesh , Asai David J. , Hatfull Graham F.
Published: April 2024

Research opportunities for undergraduate students are strongly advantageous, but implementation at a large scale presents numerous challenges. The enormous diversity of the bacteriophage population and a supportive programmatic structure provide opportunities to engage early-career undergraduates in phage discovery, genomics, and genetics. The Science Education Alliance (SEA) is an inclusive Research-Education Community (iREC) providing centralized programmatic support for students and faculty without prior experience in virology at institutions from community colleges to research-active universities to participate in two course-based projects, SEA-PHAGES (SEA Phage Hunters Advancing Genomic and Evolutionary Science) and SEA-GENES (SEA Gene-function Exploration by a Network of Emerging Scientists). Since 2008, the SEA has supported more than 50,000 undergraduate researchers who have isolated more than 23,000 bacteriophages of which more than 4,500 are fully sequenced and annotated. Students have functionally characterized hundreds of phage genes, and the phage collection has fueled the therapeutic use of phages for treatment of Mycobacterium infections. Participation in the SEA promotes student persistence in science education, and its inclusivity promotes a more equitable scientific community.
Metformin inhibits nerve growth factor-induced sympathetic neuron differentiation through p35/CDK5 inhibition
Authors: Oner Muhammet , Chen Mei-Chih , Cheng Pang-Ting , Lin Ho
Published: April 2024

This study unveils a novel mechanism influenced by metformin during sympathetic neuronal differentiation. By elucidating its inhibitory effects from the nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor, TrkA, to the p35/CDK5 signaling pathways, we advance our understanding of metformin’s mechanisms of action and emphasize its potential significance in the context of drug responses during sympathetic neuronal differentiation.
Hemoglobin scavenger receptor CD163 as a potential biomarker of hemolysis-induced hepatobiliary injury in sickle cell disease
Authors: Kaminski Tomasz W. , Sivanantham Ayyanar , Mozhenkova Anna , Smith Ashley , Ungalara Ramakrishna , Dubey Rikesh K. , Shrestha Bibhav , Hanway Corrine , Katoch Omika , Tejero Jesús , Sundd Prithu , Novelli Enrico M. , Kato Gregory J. , Pradhan-Sundd Tirthadipa
Published: April 2024

Sickle cell disease (SCD)-associated chronic hemolysis promotes oxidative stress, inflammation, and thrombosis leading to organ damage, including liver damage. Hemoglobin scavenger receptor CD163 plays a protective role in SCD by scavenging both hemoglobin-haptoglobin complexes and cell-free hemoglobin. A limited number of studies in the past have shown a positive correlation of CD163 expression with poor disease outcomes in patients with SCD. However, the role and regulation of CD163 in SCD-related hepatobiliary injury have not been fully elucidated yet. Here we show that chronic liver injury in SCD patients is associated with elevated levels of hepatic membrane-bound CD163. Hemolysis and increase in hepatic heme, hemoglobin, and iron levels elevate CD163 expression in the SCD mouse liver. Mechanistically we show that heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) positively regulates membrane-bound CD163 expression independent of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) signaling in SCD liver. We further demonstrate that the interaction between CD163 and HO-1 is not dependent on CD163-hemoglobin binding. These findings indicate that CD163 is a potential biomarker of SCD-associated hepatobiliary injury. Understanding the role of HO-1 in membrane-bound CD163 regulation may help identify novel therapeutic targets for hemolysis-induced chronic liver injury.
A new mechanism in negative pressure wound therapy: interleukin-17 alters chromatin accessibility profiling
Authors: Xiao Shuao , Wang Wenxuan , Zhao Congying , Ren Pan , Dong Liwei , Zhang Hao , Ma Fuxin , Li Xueyong , Bian Yongqian
Published: April 2024

To our knowledge, this is the first report of the efficacy of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in promoting wound healing via IL-17. Moreover, NPWT and IL-17 can alter chromatin accessibility. Our study identifies a novel mechanism for NPWT’s efficacy in wound healing.
Exercise intensity- and body region-specific differences in sweating in middle-aged to older men with and without type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kirby Nathalie V. , Meade Robert D. , Poirier Martin P. , Notley Sean R. , Sigal Ronald J. , Boulay Pierre , Kenny Glen P.
Published: April 2024

This study evaluates the influence of exercise intensity on decrements in whole body sweating associated with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, it investigates whether diabetes-related sweating impairments were exhibited uniformly or heterogeneously across body regions. We found that whole body sweating was attenuated in the type 2 diabetes group relative to control participants during moderate- and vigorous-intensity exercise but not light-intensity exercise; impairments were largely mediated by reduced sweating at the trunk rather than the limbs.
Safety Assessment of Electromagnetic Environmental Exposure for GPS Antenna of Electric Vehicle
Authors: Shang Siyu , Lu Mai
Published: April 2024

The present GPS (global positioning system) is widely used in electric vehicle navigation; it is usually installed in the middle-to-rear position on the car’s roof, near the rear windshield. Since the GPS antenna operating frequency is 1.575 GHz, the health risk of the passengers in the car in this high-frequency electromagnetic exposure is a matter of concern. In this paper, we construct models for a GPS antenna, an electric vehicle, and a human body. Through the multiphysics field coupling calculation in COMSOL Multiphysics, a finite element simulation software, in both frequency domain and transient analysis, we obtain the electric field strength distribution, specific absorption rate, and temperature distribution of the human body at three positions inside the electric vehicle after being exposed to the GPS antenna radiation for 30 minutes. The peak human-induced electric field is 18.4 V/m, and the peak specific absorption rate is 0.193 W/kg. The 30 minute average maximum human-induced electric field is 1.6906 V/m, which is 3.1% of the ICNIRP limit, the 30 minute average whole-body SAR is 0.0036 W/kg, which is 4.5% of the ICNIRP limit, and the 30 minute average human core temperature rise is 0.06°C, which is 6% of the ICNIRP limit. In addition, we simulate the impact of three different vehicle shell materials on the level of electromagnetic exposure to the human body, which can provide reference for electromagnetic shielding design in automobiles. The results indicate that the induced electric field strength, specific absorption rate (SAR), and temperature rise in various parts of the human body did not exceed the standard limits in the latest version of ICNIRP. This suggests that the electromagnetic exposure from the GPS antenna in a typical automotive environment does not pose a threat to human health.
Content Analysis of Elderly Education Policies in China: From the Perspective of Policy Instruments (1982–2021)
Authors: Qiu Mochang , Wang Weidong
Published: April 2024

Population aging has emerged as a social issue in most countries worldwide. Developing education for the elderly is one of the key strategies to combat the challenges of an aging population. Based on the two-dimensional analysis framework of the policy instruments and the type of elderly education, the content analysis method was used to analyze 49 elderly education policy documents developed and issued in China over the last four decades in this study. This study aims to provide a reference for the formulation of education policies for the elderly in China and other countries. The results indicated that the allocation of policy instruments was inconsistent between and within types. It is imperative to issue new programmatic documents, optimize the allocation of policy instruments, and enhance their adaptability, thereby boosting the development of elderly education.
Water Level Fluctuation Effect on Fish Reproduction Success
Authors: Mangi Halima Omari
Published: April 2024

Alteration of water levels of the lake/reservoir due to changes in river discharges, upstream abstraction, and drawdown regulation due to hydropower generation has been reported as among the major challenges to fish physiology and ultimately reproduction. Variations in lake/reservoir water levels influence biodiversity and the abundance of lake/reservoir biota. Variations have the greatest impacts in the littoral zones hence, interfering with fish spawning, incubation, and hatching of eggs, as well as the development of larvae, postlarvae, and juveniles. This particular paper reviews the literature available on the effect of the reservoirs/lakes’ water level fluctuations on fish reproduction success using the documentary view method. The literature argues that water level fluctuations have both positive and negative impacts depending on frequency, magnitude, and duration and the species exposed. Extreme fluctuations tend to bring more adverse impacts. It further indicates that extreme and untimely water level fluctuation has direct impacts on the aquatic habitats and ultimately impacts fish assemblage and their populations. Few articles indicate the range of decrease or increase of water level, duration of such events, and effects they have on reservoir/lake ecosystem functions and fish physiology. Nevertheless, quantification of moderate and extreme water level fluctuation and associated effects is lacking. Although water level fluctuation is an important environmental cue for aquatic organisms, literature shows that the reduction of extreme water level variations especially multiannual variations is vital for fish reproduction. Therefore, upstream water use and reservoir operations should take into consideration the effects of water level fluctuations on reservoir structure, biological functions, and ultimate effects on fish reproduction.
CAVaLRi: An Algorithm for Rapid Identification of Diagnostic Germline Variation
Authors: Schuetz Robert J. , Antoniou Austin A. , Lammi Grant E. , Gordon David M. , Kuck Harkness C. , Chaudhari Bimal P. , White Peter
Published: April 2024

Clinical exome and genome sequencing (ES/GS) have become indispensable diagnostic tools for rare genetic diseases (RGD). However, the interpretation of ES/GS presents a substantial operational challenge in clinical settings. Test interpretation requires the review of hundreds of genetic variants, a task that has become increasingly challenging given the rising use of ES/GS. In response, we present Clinical Assessment of Variants by Likelihood Ratios (CAVaLRi), which employ a modified likelihood ratio (LR) framework to assign diagnostic probabilities to candidate germline disease genes. CAVaLRi models aspects of the clinical variant assessment process, taking into consideration the predicted impact of the variant, the proband and parental genotypes, and the proband’s clinical characteristics. It also factors in computational phenotype noise and weighs the relative significance of genotype, phenotype, and variant segregation information. We trained and tested CAVaLRi on variant and phenotype data from an internal cohort of 655 clinical ES cases. For validation, CAVaLRi’s performance was benchmarked against four leading gene prioritization algorithms (Exomiser’s hiPHIVE and PhenIX prioritizers, LIRICAL, and XRare) using a distinct cohort of 12,832 ES cases. Our findings reveal that CAVaLRi significantly outperforms its counterparts when clinician-curated phenotype sets are used, as evidenced by its superior precision-recall curve (PR AUC: 0.701) and average diagnostic gene rank (1.59). Notably, even when substituting highly focused clinician-curated phenotype sets with large and potentially nonspecific computationally derived phenotypes, CAVaLRi retains its precision (PR AUC: 0.658; diagnostic gene average rank: 1.68) and markedly outperforms other tools. In a large, heterogeneous validation cohort, CAVaLRi stood out as the most precise prioritization algorithm (PR AUC: 0.335; average diagnostic rank: 1.91). In conclusion, CAVaLRi presents a robust solution for prioritizing diagnostic genes, surpassing current methods. It demonstrates resilience to noisy, computationally-derived phenotypes, providing a scalable strategy to help labs focus on the most diagnostically relevant variants, thus addressing the growing demand for ES/GS interpretation.