bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robustness to Transformations Across Categories: Is Robustness Driven by Invariant Neural Representations?
Authors: Jang Hojin , Zaidi Syed Suleman Abbas , Boix Xavier , Prasad Neeraj , Gilad-Gutnick Sharon , Ben-Ami Shlomit , Sinha Pawan
Published: October 2023

Deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) have demonstrated impressive robustness to recognize objects under transformations (e.g., blur or noise) when these transformations are included in the training set. A hypothesis to explain such robustness is that DCNNs develop invariant neural representations that remain unaltered when the image is transformed. However, to what extent this hypothesis holds true is an outstanding question, as robustness to transformations could be achieved with properties different from invariance; for example, parts of the network could be specialized to recognize either transformed or nontransformed images. This article investigates the conditions under which invariant neural representations emerge by leveraging that they facilitate robustness to transformations beyond the training distribution. Concretely, we analyze a training paradigm in which only some object categories are seen transformed during training and evaluate whether the DCNN is robust to transformations across categories not seen transformed. Our results with state-of-the-art DCNNs indicate that invariant neural representations do not always drive robustness to transformations, as networks show robustness for categories seen transformed during training even in the absence of invariant neural representations. Invariance emerges only as the number of transformed categories in the training set is increased. This phenomenon is much more prominent with local transformations such as blurring and high-pass filtering than geometric transformations such as rotation and thinning, which entail changes in the spatial arrangement of the object. Our results contribute to a better understanding of invariant neural representations in deep learning and the conditions under which it spontaneously emerges.
Octomeria giordanii (Orchidaceae—Pleurothallidinae), a new species from Brazil and nomenclatural notes on João Barbosa Rodrigues’s species that occurs in Bahia and Minas Gerais
Authors: SANTOS THIAGO FARIA DOS , MENEZES EULER DA LUZ FERNANDES
Published: October 2023

Octomeria giordanii is proposed as a new species occurring in an ecotone between the Atlantic Rainforest and Cerrado biomes in Minas Gerais, Brazil. This study provides a detailed description, illustrations, and a comparative analysis using an identification key to distinguish it from other Octomeria species. The new species is characterized by its small size, rupicolous reptant growth habit, and flowers with multiple colors. It shares similarities with O. fusiformis and other Octomeria species but can be differentiated by its floral morphology and ecology. The nomenclatural notes include the lectotypification of nine taxa described by João Barbosa Rodrigues that can be found occurring in the states of Bahia and Minas Gerais. Additionally, O. albiflora is proposed as a new synonym of O. lithophila.
The newest and the oldest species in the same vial: Description of a new species of Ceratomontia Roewer, 1915 and redescription of Ceratomontia capensis Roewer, 1915 (Opiliones: Laniatores: Triaenonychidae)
Authors: PORTO WILLIANS , PÉREZ-GONZÁLEZ ABEL
Published: October 2023

Ceratomontia starengai sp. nov. is described from South Africa, based on one specimen found in the type series of Ceratomontia capensis Roewer, 1915, which is redescribed in this work. The presence of this new species represents sympatry of Ceratomontia species, something not uncommon for species of the family Triaenonychidae. Images of the genital morphology, which are crucial to the diagnosis of the group, are included in the descriptions.
Joint Impacts of Intraseasonal Oscillation and Diurnal Cycle on East Asian Summer Monsoon Rainfall
Authors: Liu Biqi , Chen Guixing , Qin Huiling
Published: October 2023

Intraseasonal and diurnal variations are two basic periodic oscillations in global/regional climate and weather. To investigate their joint impacts over East Asia, this paper categorizes the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillations (ISOs) in 1998–2019 into two groups with different diurnal cycles. It is shown that the active ISOs with large diurnal cycles feature a northwestward-moving anomalous anticyclone with strong southerlies at the western flank. These ISOs have in-phase patterns of geopotential height anomaly between low and midlatitudes over East Asia, associated with the simultaneous expansions of the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) and South Asian high (SAH). They couple with the anomalous ABL heating by daytime solar radiation over East Asia, which acts to enhance monsoon southerlies at midnight. The nocturnally strengthened southerlies facilitate dynamic lifting, moisture transport, and convective instability for producing midnight to morning rainfall at their northern terminus, thereby yielding a remarkable northward propagation of the monsoon rain belt. In contrast, the other ISOs with small diurnal cycles are related to a westward-moving anomalous anticyclone, while the WPSH and SAH have relatively small expansions and the westerly trough is active at middle latitudes. They lead to the dipole patterns of geopotential height anomaly and weak ABL heating over East Asia. The daily-mean southerlies and moisture conditions as well as their nocturnal enhancements are relatively weak, and thus, the northward shift of the monsoon rain belt is less pronounced. These results highlight that the large-scale conditions of ISOs can be distinguished by their different couplings with regional-scale diurnal forcings, which help the understanding and prediction of multiscale rainfall activities.
Control-error-based output-feedback adaptive decentralized neural network controller for interconnected uncertain strict-feedback nonlinear systems with input saturation
Authors: Bey Oussama , Chemachema Mohamed
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a control-error-based decentralized neural network (NN) direct adaptive controller is presented for uncertain interconnected nonlinear systems, in strict-feedback form, subject to input saturation and external disturbances with unavailable states for measurement. Different from the existing results in the literature, the proposed approach is based on the control error instead of the tracking error resulting in a separation-like principle. Furthermore, the explosion of complexity due to back-stepping recursive design is completely avoided along with discarding all restrictive assumptions imposed on the unmatched interconnections. Actually, NNs are used to approximate the unknown ideal control laws, and auxiliary control terms are appended to deal with approximation errors and enhance the stability of the closed-loop system. Besides, fuzzy inference systems are introduced to estimate the unknown control errors, leading to simplified derivation of adaptive laws. Thanks to the strictly positive real (SPR) property, the tracking errors are proved to converge asymptotically to zero using Lyapunov theory, which is superior to bounded stability results usually found in the literature. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Fragile Trust, Stable Mistrust: A Theory of the Formation and Sustainability of Social Trust
Authors: Doyle Joshua
Published: October 2023

The roots of social trust have long been a scholarly concern. Some argue that it is a disposition gained in early socialization that is stable despite social experiences. Others argue that social arrangements that structure prosocial interactions can cultivate it. Analyzing in-depth interview data, I contribute to this literature by developing a theory of fragile trust, stable mistrust. The results suggest interviewees understand early socialization as an important factor in the development of their own social trust. They also suggest these early experiences are structured by important socioeconomic factors. In addition, many interviewees recount a loss of social trust because of significant negative experiences, whereas none relate an experience building trust. I argue that these dynamics are driven by trustors being more interested in the kinds of activities theorized to enhance social trust than mistrusting individuals and by the cognitive mechanisms of the negativity and confirmation biases.
Housing Conditions and Health Implications for Migrant Agricultural Workers in Canada: A Scoping Review
Authors: Caxaj C. Susana , Weiler Anelyse M. , Martyniuk Julia
Published: October 2023

Migrant agricultural workers face various health inequities that have led to preventable illness and death. This paper investigates how material housing conditions have shaped physical and mental health outcomes for temporary foreign workers in Canadian agriculture. We conducted a scoping review of literature on migrant agricultural worker housing in Canada published between 2000–2022, analysing insights on the physical quality of workers’ housing in relation to international frameworks on housing quality. Our review revealed a range of housing-related health risks, including: (1) Sanitation, food security, and water; (2) Thermal safety, electricity, and utilities; (3) Habitability of structure, air quality, and exposure to hazards; (4) Spacing, privacy, and co-worker relations and; (5) Geographic proximity to necessary services and social opportunities. Although housing has been increasingly recognized as a social determinant of health, little research examines how migrant farmworkers’ accommodations shape their health outcomes, particularly in Canada. This scoping review provides timely insights and recommendations to inform research, policy, and public health interventions.
Longitudinal Relations Between Global Self-Esteem and Organizational Self-Esteem and Their Prospective Effects on Job Satisfaction and Work Engagement
Authors: Filosa Lorenzo , Alessandri Guido , Robins Richard W
Published: October 2023

Self-esteem represents one of the most important personal resources for workers. However, the value of different forms of self-esteem (i.e., global vs. organization-specific) for work outcomes and their reciprocal associations over time have yet to be examined. This preregistered study examined (1) longitudinal reciprocal relations between global and organizational self-esteem, (2) prospective effects of global and organizational self-esteem on job satisfaction and work engagement, and (3) the role of organizational self-esteem as a mediator of the effects of global self-esteem on job satisfaction and work engagement. Using data on 1014 workers who were assessed annually during the first three years of their careers, we implemented three cross-lagged panel (CLPM) models: the traditional CLPM, the Random Intercept-CLPM, and the Latent State Trait Model. The results from the best fitting model (the Latent State Trait Model), as well as the other two, failed to support our preregistered hypotheses; instead, the findings suggest that global and organizational self-esteem are largely independent, at both the between- and within-person level, and that neither form of self-esteem has important effects on job satisfaction or work engagement.
Development of hybrid plantain fiber/calcite particles reinforced polyvinyl chloride biocomposites for automobile applications
Authors: Oluwagbenga Adelani Samson , Oluwole Oladele Isiaka , Ilesanmi Akinbamiyorin , Akinlabi Oyetunji , Olanrewaju Olajesu Favor
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to develop environmentally friendly PVC composites for automotive by incorporating plantain fiber (PF) and calcite particles (CP) as reinforcements. Different weight percentages of PF and CP (ranging from 3% to 15%) were utilized. The mixtures underwent compounding and compression molding at 150°C for 10 min. The mechanical and thermal properties of the resulting composites were analyzed, and their fracture surfaces were examined using SEM. Results indicated that the inclusion of these reinforcements significantly enhanced the properties of the composites compared to unreinforced samples, with the hybrid composites exhibiting the best performance. Optimal compositions were identified within the range of 6-8 wt% PF and 3-4 wt% CP. The composite containing 6 wt% PF/3 wt% CP showcased the highest ultimate tensile strength (63.77 MPa), optimum elongation at break, and best insulating property (0.24 W/Mk). The composite with 8 wt% PF/4 wt% CP demonstrated the highest tensile modulus (4.79 GPa), flexural strength (91.35 MPa), and flexural modulus (8.2 GPa). Impact strength peaked at 10 wt% PF/5 wt% CP, reaching 107.02 J/m2. These findings indicate that the developed hybrid reinforced biocomposite compositions hold great promise for various automotive applications, including instrument panels, sun visors, headlining, seals, floor coverings, and protective strips
“Doing unpayable debt”
Authors: Gabara Esther
Published: October 2023

This response to Denise Ferreira da Silva’s Unpayable Debt (2022) takes seriously the author’s self-description as a scholar and artist, and so considers the study within a genealogy of contemporary experiments with the book form in the Americas. Unpayable Debt calls for a reader who will assemble its sequence of moments and texts into an accounting of the debt that Western epistemologies, disciplines, and habits of reading owe to the people and cultures subjected to the trans-Atlantic slave trade, and to the dispossession and genocide of indigenous peoples. Fiction, distinct from history and the other disciplines that use the written word, proves essential to calculate that liability, and Ferreira da Silva exercises its inventive power in her scholarly critique as much as in videos, performances, and social practice collaborations.
Response
Authors: Ferreira da Silva Denise
Published: October 2023

Unpayable Debt seeks to intervene in the collaborative task of assembling of a whole other analytical apparatus and political program. As a composition, it works in that moment. It does some of the groundwork necessary for designing the kind of shift in thinking needed for addressing what this global moment demands from us. In this response to the comments from readers who share in the same project, I highlight how, because the centrality of thinking in the modern context, its contribution to work on the double task, which also includes a treatment of the tools available for analyzing the political context – a task that demands an excavation and a mapping of their conditions of emergence, production, and deployment.
The impact of drought on northern European pre-industrial agriculture
Authors: Skoglund Martin K
Published: October 2023

Drought has been hypothesized to be the main agrometeorological threat facing farmers in Scania (southern Sweden) before the 20th century. However, drought is a little-studied phenomenon in Scandinavian historiography. This article attempts to establish a chronology of extreme agricultural droughts, as well as their impacts on crop harvests and grain prices across Scania during the years 1614–1914, using a combination of statistical methods. Drought years significantly reduced crop harvests in nearly all analyzed samples. However, winter crops appeared more resilient when considering the years following a drought, as these crops experienced a large and significant rebound effect. Spring and fodder crops suffered losses in drought years and did not exhibit any clear rebound in subsequent years. For some spring crops, like barley, harvest losses showed signs of persistence into the years following a drought. There were significant increases in grain prices during drought years. Farms more specialized in grain production suffered similar losses as more diversified farms but were able to recover losses to a greater extent in the year following a drought, thus appearing to have been less vulnerable to droughts than more diversified farms, especially if they were able to capitalize on the grain price hikes that occurred during most drought years. Even though droughts remain one of the most prominent threats to agriculture in the region, the vulnerability to drought in winter rye and winter wheat appears to have been reduced throughout Scania in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
3000 Years of past regional and local land-use and land-cover change in the southeastern Swedish coastal area: Early human-induced increases in landscape openness as a potential nutrient source to the Baltic Sea coastal waters
Authors: Vinogradova Olena , Gaillard Marie-José , Andrén Elinor , Palm Veronica , Rönnby Johan , Dahl Martin , Almgren Elisabeth , Karlsson Jon , Nielsen Anne Birgitte , Åkesson Christine , Andrén Thomas
Published: October 2023

Reconstructions of past land use and related land-cover changes at local and regional scales are needed to evaluate the potential long-term impacts of land use on the coastal waters of the Baltic Sea. In this purpose, we selected the Gamleby area at the Swedish Baltic Sea coast for a case study. We use a new, high resolution pollen record from a small lake (Lillsjön) located 3.6 km NNW of the bay Gamlebyviken and detailed analysis of the available archeological data to reconstruct local land-use changes over the last 3000 years. To estimate land-cover change at local (2–3 km radius area) and regional (50 km radius area) scales we use four additional, published pollen records from two small and two large lakes (25–70 km S of Lillsjön) and the Landscape Reconstruction Algorithm, a pollen-vegetation modeling scheme. Results show that regional and local (small lakes Lillsjön and Hyttegöl) land-cover changes are comparable over the last 1500 years (Late Iron Age to present), and that landscape openness was much larger locally than regionally (difference of 20–40% cover over the last 500 years). The periods of largest potential impacts on the Gamlebyviken Bay from regional and local land use are 200–950 CE (Late Iron Age) and 1450 CE to present, and of lowest potential impacts 950–1450 CE. The question on whether the large landscape openness 1150–50 BCE and significant afforestation 50 BCE–200 CE reconstructed for Lillsjön’s area are characteristic of the Gamlebyviken region will require additional pollen records in the catchment area.
Performance based assessment of LIS professionals toward digital data sets management in university libraries: A TAM model approach
Authors: Shah Naimat Ullah , Naeem Salman Bin , Bhatti Rubina , Soroya Saira Hanif
Published: October 2023

In recent times, computer systems have acquired the capacity to gather, process and analyze massive quantities of data, as well as techniques for distributing, transmitting, and computing estimates. Therefore, the study is conducted with an objective to ascertain the performance-based assessment of LIS professionals toward digital data sets management DDSM in university libraries. A six-factor measurement model was tested based on the 28-valid items obtained from the literature. The hypothesized research model was validated through the application of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM) technique. LIS professionals in research-oriented organizations possess the necessary data analytical skills and technical expertise to extract insights from the data. The findings indicated that analytical skills have a significant positive impact on PEOU (β =246, SE = 0.54, p < 0.000). Perceived usefulness (PU) of digital data management practices is significantly influenced by analytical skills (AS) (β =0.443, SE = 0.077, p ⩽ 0.000), PEOU significantly influence the attitude of LIS professionals toward digital data management practices (β =0.215, SE = 0.214, p ⩽ 0.000), and attitude of LIS professionals has a positive impact on their performance in managing digital data sets in university libraries (β =0.584, SE = 0.178, p ⩽ 0.005). The study reports primary data gathered through survey on constructs given in technology acceptance (TAM) model. The study provides a valuable insight for organizational leaders, stakeholders, and planners to enhance and refine DDSM practices and methodologies in academic libraries. This will enable them to effectively utilize library resources and services through the implementation of DDSM techniques.
Can the generalizability issue of artificial intelligence be overcome? Pneumothorax detection algorithm
Authors: Verdi Elvan Burak , Yılmaz Muhammed , Doğan Mülazimoğlu Deniz , Türker Abdussamet , Gürün Kaya Aslıhan , Işık Özlem , Bostanoğlu Karaçin Aslı , Velioğlu Yakut Övgü , Yenigün Bülent Mustafa , Uzun Çağlar , Elhan Atilla Halil , Özdemir Kumbasar Özlem , Kaya Akın , Kayı Cangır Ayten , Taşçı Cantürk , Özbayoğlu Ahmet Murat , Erol Serhat
Published: October 2023

The generalizability of artificial intelligence (AI) models is a major issue in the field of AI applications. Therefore, we aimed to overcome the generalizability problem of an AI model developed for a particular center for pneumothorax detection using a small dataset for external validation. Chest radiographs of patients diagnosed with pneumothorax (n = 648) and those without pneumothorax (n = 650) who visited the Ankara University Faculty of Medicine (AUFM; center 1) were obtained. A deep learning-based pneumothorax detection algorithm (PDA-Alpha) was developed using the AUFM dataset. For implementation at the Health Sciences University (HSU; center 2), PDA-Beta was developed through external validation of PDA-Alpha using 50 radiographs with pneumothorax obtained from HSU. Both PDA algorithms were assessed using the HSU test dataset (n = 200) containing 50 pneumothorax and 150 non-pneumothorax radiographs. We compared the results generated by the algorithms with those of physicians to demonstrate the reliability of the results. The areas under the curve for PDA-Alpha and PDA-Beta were 0.993 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.985–1.000) and 0.986 (95% CI: 0.962–1.000), respectively. Both algorithms successfully detected the presence of pneumothorax on 49/50 radiographs; however, PDA-Alpha had seven false-positive predictions, whereas PDA-Beta had one. The positive predictive value increased from 0.525 to 0.886 after external validation (p = 0.041). The physicians’ sensitivity and specificity for detecting pneumothorax were 0.585 and 0.988, respectively. The performance scores of the algorithms were increased with a small dataset; however, further studies are required to determine the optimal amount of external validation data to fully address the generalizability issue.
Effect of cold-pressed Nigella sativa seed meal on dough quality and nutritional value of bread
Authors: YÜKSEL Yavuz , Kiralan Mustafa , Ramadan Mohamed Fawzy
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the application of black cumin meal (BCM) obtained from cold-pressing Nigella sativa seeds in bread baking. The effect of BCM on bread rheological traits and its nutritional value were investigated. Zeleny sedimentation, falling number, Farinograph, and Extensograph values in flour mixed with BCM (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%) were evaluated. In addition, mineral content, protein, fat, thymoquinone, and crude cellulose contents in bread were investigated. Zeleny sedimentation and falling number values decreased with the increase in BCM in the flour samples. The water absorption, development time, stability, and softening degree values of the dough measured in the Farinograph device did not show a statistically significant difference in the flour with the BCM mixture compared to the control sample. The energy value and extensibility determined in the Extensograph device decreased with the increase in the amount of BCM in the flour. The amount of protein and crude fiber in bread increased with the increase in the amount of BCM. It was noted that there were significant increases in Fe, Ca, Mg, K, and Zn levels with the increase in BCM. Meanwhile, thymoquinone was not found in the bread samples containing BCM. The results revealed that the nutritional values of BCM-mixed bread are rich in protein, minerals, and cellulose.
Multidisciplinary Team Meeting in the Core of Nasopharyngeal Cancer Management Improved Quality of Care and Survival of Patients
Authors: Taroeno-Hariadi Kartika W , Herdini Camelia , Briliant Aulia S , Husodoputro Henry K , Dhamiyati Wigati , Indrasari Sagung Rai , Lestari Setiyani P , Widyastuti Yulestrina , Puspitaningtyas Herindita , Rahmasari Risa , Rachmawati Innayah Nur , Purwanto Ibnu , Setyawan Nurhuda H , Ekaputra Ericko , Hutajulu Susanna H , Dwidanarti Sri R , Kurniawan Torana , Meidania Lidya , Yanuarta Seize E , Hardianti Mardiah S , Kurnianda Johan
Published: October 2023

Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) cases are often diagnosed in advanced stages. The complexity of clinical management for advanced-stage NPC requires thorough communication and shared decisions between medical professionals and allied teams. Incorporating a multidisciplinary team meeting (MDTM) for newly diagnosed NPC patients was chosen to facilitate collaboration and communication between physicians. This retrospective study aimed to compare the quality of care, clinical responses and survival between NPC patients treated with and without MDTM. Data on clinical responses, assessment visits, date of progression and death with progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and hazard ratio (HR) were collected and analyzed with 95% confidence interval (CI) and significance set as P < .05. There were 87 of 178 NPC patients treated with MDTM. Revisions of diagnosis and stage occurred in 5.7% and 52.9% of cases during the MDTM. More clinical responses were achieved by patients treated with MDTM (69.0%vs 32.0%, P < .00). NPC patients who received MDTM treatment recommendation had a lower risk for progression (median PFS 59.89 months vs 12.68 months; HR 0.267, 95% CI: 0.17-0.40, P < .00) and mortality (median OS was not reached vs 13.44 months; HR 0.134, 95% CI: 0.08-0.24, P < .00) compared to patients without MDTM. Incorporating the MDTM approach into NPC management improves patients’ clinical responses and survival.
Diagnostic delay of multiple sclerosis: prevalence, determinants and consequences
Authors: Uher Tomas , Adzima Adrian , Srpova Barbora , Noskova Libuse , Maréchal Bénédicte , Maceski Aleksandra Maleska , Krasensky Jan , Stastna Dominika , Andelova Michaela , Novotna Klara , Vodehnalova Karolina , Motyl Jiri , Friedova Lucie , Lindner Jiri , Ravano Veronica , Burgetova Andrea , Dusek Petr , Fialova Lenka , Havrdova Eva Kubala , Horakova Dana , Kober Tobias , Kuhle Jens , Vaneckova Manuela
Published: October 2023

Background:

Early diagnosis and treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are associated with better outcomes; however, diagnostic delays remain a major problem.

Objective:

Describe the prevalence, determinants and consequences of delayed diagnoses.

Methods:

This single-centre ambispective study analysed 146 adult relapsing-remitting MS patients (2016–2021) for frequency and determinants of diagnostic delays and their associations with clinical, cognitive, imaging and biochemical measures.

Results:

Diagnostic delays were identified in 77 patients (52.7%), including 42 (28.7%) physician-dependent cases and 35 (24.0%) patient-dependent cases. Diagnosis was delayed in 22 (15.1%) patients because of misdiagnosis by a neurologist. A longer diagnostic delay was associated with trends towards greater Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores ( B = 0.03; p = 0.034) and greater z-score of the blood neurofilament light chain ( B = 0.35; p = 0.031) at the time of diagnosis. Compared with patients diagnosed at their first clinical relapse, patients with a history of >1 relapse at diagnosis ( n = 63; 43.2%) had a trend towards greater EDSS scores ( B = 0.06; p = 0.006) and number of total ( B = 0.13; p = 0.040) and periventricular ( B = 0.06; p = 0.039) brain lesions.

Conclusion:

Diagnostic delays in MS are common, often determined by early misdiagnosis and associated with greater disease burden.
Fluorescence-Based Evaluation of Bacterial Load in Perilesional Skin: A Comparison Between Short Stretch Bandage and Zinc Oxide Bandage
Authors: Michelucci Alessandra , Salvia Giorgia , Janowska Agata , Granieri Giammarco , Morganti Riccardo , Dini Valentina , Romanelli Marco
Published: October 2023

Bacterial proliferation plays a well-known role in delayed tissue healing. To date, the presence of microorganisms on the wound bed can be detected by skin swabs or skin biopsies. A novel noninvasive fluorescence imaging device has recently allowed real-time detection of bacteria in different types of wounds through endogenous autofluorescence. The fluorescence signals detected by the device provide health workers with a visual indication of the presence, load, and distribution of bacteria. The aim of our study was to evaluate the level of bacterial colonization in perilesional skin of patients affected by venous leg ulcers treated with 2 different types of bandages: short stretch bandage and zinc oxide bandage. We conducted a monocentric prospective study, enrolling 30 patients with venous leg ulcers, divided into 2 groups: group A was treated with short stretch bandage and group B with zinc oxide bandage. A complete patient's assessment was performed once a week for 3 weeks. Levels of potentially harmful bacteria in perilesional skin were detected using a fluorescent device by 2 experienced operators on the frames taken at individual injuries, while pain was evaluated with the Numerical Rating Scale. After 3 weeks, we observed a reduction in the bacterial colonization levels of the perilesional skin by 68.67% for group A and 85.54% for group B. All the patients had a statistically significant reduction in bacterial load ( P < .001), and a statistically significant difference was identified between the 2 groups ( P = .043). No statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of pain relief ( P = .114). Our study demonstrated that the application of zinc oxide bandage provides a higher reduction in bacterial load perilesional skin. On the other hand, we found no difference between the 2 bandages in terms of pain symptom reduction
Resting-state Electroencephalography Microstates Correlate with Pain Intensity in Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Authors: Osumi Michihiro , Sumitani Masahiko , Iwatsuki Katsuyuki , Hoshiyama Minoru , Imai Ryota , Morioka Shu , Hirata Hitoshi
Published: October 2023

Objective: Severe pain and other symptoms in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), such as allodynia and hyperalgesia, are associated with abnormal resting-state brain network activity. No studies to date have examined resting-state brain networks in CRPS patients using electroencephalography (EEG), which can clarify the temporal dynamics of brain networks. Methods: We conducted microstate analysis using resting-state EEG signals to prospectively reveal direct correlations with pain intensity in CRPS patients (n = 17). Five microstate topographies were fitted back to individual CRPS patients’ EEG data, and temporal microstate measures were subsequently calculated. Results: Our results revealed five distinct microstates, termed microstates A to E, from resting EEG data in patients with CRPS. Microstates C, D and E were significantly correlated with pain intensity before pain treatment. Particularly, microstates D and E were significantly improved together with pain alleviation after pain treatment. As microstates D and E in the present study have previously been related to attentional networks and the default mode network, improvement in these networks might be related to pain relief in CRPS patients. Conclusions: The functional alterations of these brain networks affected the pain intensity of CRPS patients. Therefore, EEG microstate analyses may be used to identify surrogate markers for pain intensity.
Immediate sonography and intervention in blunt chest trauma: A case report
Authors: Van der Wal Hans , van der Maaten Joost , Azizi Nasim , Klinkenberg Theo , van Meurs Matijs
Published: October 2023

Cardiac tamponade is a leading cause of death in blunt thoracic trauma. Ultrasound improved the recognition of cardiac tamponade and therefore has a vital role in acute critical situations in the Emergency Department and in the Intensive Care Unit. Besides recognition of cardiac tamponade, treatment protocols are important. In trauma patients with hemodynamic stable cardiac tamponade, time should be taken for a proper workup for an explorative sternotomy. In hemodynamic unstable trauma patients, the pericardium should be drained, and fluid resuscitation should be performed followed by emergency sternotomy. In this case report we describe a blunt thoracic trauma victim, a 28-year-old male patient without any medical history. He suffered from the unique combination of a tear in the left atrial appendage and a papillary muscle rupture of the right ventricle because of blunt thoracic trauma. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed massive pericardial effusion with diastolic collapse of the right ventricle in our patient. Due to his hemodynamic situation, the patient was brought into the OR for immediate sternotomy and cardiac repair. The patient made a full recovery, was discharged home, and is back to work. This case report emphasizes the relevance of early recognition and treatment of cardiac tamponade in blunt thoracic trauma victims and suggests a multidisciplinary management strategy.
Critical data ethics pedagogies: Three (non-rival) approaches
Authors: Murillo Luis Felipe R , Wylie Caitlin , Bourne Phil
Published: October 2023

In a moment of heightened ethical questioning concerning data-intensive analytics, “data ethics” has become a site of dispute over its very definition in teaching, research, and practice. In this paper, we contextualize this dispute based on the experience of teaching data ethics. We describe how the field of computer ethics has historically informed the training of computer experts and how, in recent years, the scholarship on science and technology studies has created opportunities for transforming the way we teach with the inclusion of critical scholarship on relational ethics and sociotechnical systems. The emergent literature on “critical data ethics” has created a space for interdisciplinary collaboration that integrates technical and social science research to examine digital systems in their design, implementation, and use through a hands-on approach. As a contribution to the recent efforts to reimagine and transform the field of data science, we conclude with a discussion of the approach we devised to bridge technology/society divides and engage students with questions of social justice, accountability, and openness in their data practices.
Esophageal Stricture: An Uncommon Complication of Cervical Inlet Patch
Authors: Patel Akash , Ajumobi Adewale B.
Published: October 2023

Esophageal heterotopic gastric mucosal patches (HGMP), also known as cervical inlet patches (CIP), is a rare but underdiagnosed condition characterized by the presence of salmon-colored, velvety mucosa located in the proximal esophagus, distal to the upper esophageal sphincter. The incidence of CIP ranges from 3% to 10% in adults, and its endoscopic appearance is characterized by a flat or slightly raised salmon-colored patch. In this case, we report a 78-year-old man who presented with symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux and dysphagia. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a flat area of salmon-colored patch between 17 and 20 cm from the incisors, suggestive of a CIP complicated by stricture. The biopsy results showed an oxyntic-type mucosa lined with columnar cells consistent with an inlet patch. Esophageal dilation was done with a savory dilator with no resistance at 18 mm. The patient was placed on maintenance acid suppression therapy with proton-pump inhibitors and reported complete resolution of symptoms at the 1-month follow-up.
Read-depth based approach on whole genome resequencing data reveals important insights into the copy number variation (CNV) map of major global buffalo breeds
Authors: Ahmad Sheikh Firdous , Chandrababu Shailaja Celus , Vaishnav Sakshi , Kumar Amit , Gaur Gyanendra Kumar , Janga Sarath Chandra , Ahmad Syed Mudasir , Malla Waseem Akram , Dutt Triveni
Published: October 2023

Background

Elucidating genome-wide structural variants including copy number variations (CNVs) have gained increased significance in recent times owing to their contribution to genetic diversity and association with important pathophysiological states. The present study aimed to elucidate the high-resolution CNV map of six different global buffalo breeds using whole genome resequencing data at two coverages (10X and 30X). Post-quality control, the sequence reads were aligned to the latest draft release of the Bubaline genome. The genome-wide CNVs were elucidated using a read-depth approach in CNVnator with different bin sizes. Adjacent CNVs were concatenated into copy number variation regions (CNVRs) in different breeds and their genomic coverage was elucidated.

Results

Overall, the average size of CNVR was lower at 30X coverage, providing finer details. Most of the CNVRs were either deletion or duplication type while the occurrence of mixed events was lesser in number on a comparative basis in all breeds. The average CNVR size was lower at 30X coverage (0.201 Mb) as compared to 10X (0.013 Mb) with the finest variants in Banni buffaloes. The maximum number of CNVs was observed in Murrah (2627) and Pandharpuri (25,688) at 10X and 30X coverages, respectively. Whereas the minimum number of CNVs were scored in Surti at both coverages (2092 and 17,373). On the other hand, the highest and lowest number of CNVRs were scored in Jaffarabadi (833 and 10,179 events) and Surti (783 and 7553 events) at both coverages. Deletion events overnumbered duplications in all breeds at both coverages. Gene profiling of common overlapped genes and longest CNVRs provided important insights into the evolutionary history of these breeds and indicate the genomic regions under selection in respective breeds.

Conclusion

The present study is the first of its kind to elucidate the high-resolution CNV map in major buffalo populations using a read-depth approach on whole genome resequencing data. The results revealed important insights into the divergence of major global buffalo breeds along the evolutionary timescale.
Relationship between social interaction and health of the floating elderly population in China: an analysis based on interaction type, mode and frequency
Authors: Xing Yiqing , Zhang Liang , Zhang Yuelu , He Ruibo
Published: October 2023

Background

Although the health of the floating elderly population is an important part of active and healthy ageing, it is neglected in current Chinese society. Based on the general consensus that social interaction can affect the health of the floating population, this study explored whether the interaction type, mode and frequency influenced the health of the floating elderly population in China and investigated the variability of these influential effects.

Methods

This study used the China Migrant Population Dynamic Survey Data 2017 and selected 5239 floating elderly individuals over 60 years old. Self-rated health was used to assess the comprehensive health status of respondents. Social interaction was measured by the interaction type, mode and frequency. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to analyse the health and social interaction status. An ordinal probit model was used to estimate the influential effects and differences on health caused by social interaction. The 2SLS model was used to examine the mutual causality relationship between interaction frequency and health, and a robustness test was conducted.

Results

A total of 44.6% interacted with local residents, 14.2% participated in interaction activities based on geographical relations, and only 4.3% and 7% participated in interactions based on business and interest, respectively. Interacting with natives improved individuals’ self-rated health by 18.5%; specifically, geographical interaction increased self-rated health by 40.9%, occupational interaction increased it by 25.2%, interest-based interaction increased it by 41.2%, and interaction frequency improved the self-rated health (β = 0.128). In addition, sex, education level, personal income, and floating into the eastern region had a positive effect on individuals’ health. However, age, spouse and hukou exerted a negative effect.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that interacting with local residents could improve the health of floating elderly population, and revealed that interest-based interaction and their frequency had a positive impact on health. The government should speed up the construction of the voluntary service system and encourage the floating elderly population to realize their personal value in social interaction. In addition, the reform of the hukou system should be further promoted, so as to remove institutional barriers to the social interaction.
Good death for people living with dementia: a qualitative study
Authors: Mamun Md Razib , Hirakawa Yoshihisa , Saif-Ur-Rahman KM , Hong Young Jae , Song Zean , Yoshida Yuko , Yatsuya Hiroshi
Published: October 2023

Background

Ensuring a good death is one of the primary objectives of palliative care and end-of-life care. There is insufficient evidence regarding what defines a good death for people living with dementia. Obtaining an understanding of what constitutes a good death could help improve dementia care. This study aimed to explore how multiple stakeholders perceive a good death for people living with dementia.

Methods

This qualitative study was carried out across six prefectures in Japan. Enrollment of participants took place within dementia outpatient clinics, hospitals, daycare centers, and community centers. A total of thirty-three in-depth interviews with people living with dementia, physicians, and nurses were conducted. Six focus group discussions were performed with family caregivers and care workers. Verbatim transcripts of the interviews were prepared, and inductive content analysis was used to examine the data.

Findings

Regarding the perception of a good death, the following themes were derived: (1) painless death; (2) dying in a preferred environment; (3) family’s coping with loss; (4) maintaining regular life; (5) living with respect; and (6) preparation for death. All these themes are interrelated. Participants viewed a good death as a process rather than a single event.

Conclusion

This study identifies crucial components of a good death for people living with dementia. The findings could be used to improve dementia care.
Comparison of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) incidence data from the novel LeCellPHIA participatory surveillance system with COVID-19 case count data, Lesotho, July 2020 – July 2021
Authors: Francis Sarah D. , Mwima Gerald , Lethoko Molibeli , Chang Christiana , Farley Shannon M. , Asiimwe Fred , Chen Qixuan , West Christine , Greenleaf Abigail R.
Published: October 2023

Background

While laboratory testing for infectious diseases such as COVID-19 is the surveillance gold standard, it is not always feasible, particularly in settings where resources are scarce. In the small country of Lesotho, located in sub-Saharan Africa, COVID-19 testing has been limited, thus surveillance data available to local authorities are limited. The goal of this study was to compare a participatory influenza-like illness (ILI) surveillance system in Lesotho with COVID-19 case count data, and ultimately to determine whether the participatory surveillance system adequately estimates the case count data.

Methods

A nationally-representative sample was called on their mobile phones weekly to create an estimate of incidence of ILI between July 2020 and July 2021. Case counts from the website Our World in Data (OWID) were used as the gold standard to which our participatory surveillance data were compared. We calculated Spearman’s and Pearson’s correlation coefficients to compare the weekly incidence of ILI reports to COVID-19 case count data.

Results

Over course of the study period, an ILI symptom was reported 1,085 times via participatory surveillance for an average annual cumulative incidence of 45.7 per 100 people (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 40.7 – 51.4). The cumulative incidence of reports of ILI symptoms was similar among males (46.5, 95% CI: 39.6 – 54.4) and females (45.1, 95% CI: 39.8 – 51.1). There was a slightly higher annual cumulative incidence of ILI among persons living in peri-urban (49.5, 95% CI: 31.7 – 77.3) and urban settings compared to rural areas. The January peak of the participatory surveillance system ILI estimates correlated significantly with the January peak of the COVID-19 case count data (Spearman’s correlation coefficient = 0.49; P < 0.001) (Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.67; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The ILI trends captured by the participatory surveillance system in Lesotho mirrored trends of the COVID-19 case count data from Our World in Data. Public health practitioners in geographies that lack the resources to conduct direct surveillance of infectious diseases may be able to use cell phone-based data collection to monitor trends.
Associations between neighborhood stress and maternal sex steroid hormones in pregnancy
Authors: Hansel Megan C. , Murphy Hannah R. , Brunner Jessica , Wang Christina , Miller Richard K. , O’Connor Thomas G. , Barrett Emily S. , Rivera-Núñez Zorimar
Published: October 2023

Background

Neighborhood stressors (e.g., crime and deprivation) have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth and low birth weight. A potential mechanism is disruption of maternal endocrine pathways. While stress hormones (e.g., cortisol) have received much attention, other relevant hormones, including sex steroids, have been overlooked.

Methods

Pregnant women in the Understanding Pregnancy Signals and Infant Development (UPSIDE) study contributed biospecimens, questionnaires, and medical record data (n = 262). In each trimester, maternal serum total testosterone [TT], estrone, estradiol, and estriol were measured using LC/MS-MS and serum free testosterone was measured by equilibrium dialysis. In the third trimester, participants reported on neighborhood stress over the last year through the validated City Stress Inventory. We examined two subscales: 11-item neighborhood disorder (e.g., vacant buildings, crime) and 7-item exposure to violence (personal experiences of violence). Composite scores were calculated and examined categorically (quartile (Q) for neighborhood disorder and any/none for exposure to violence). We fitted linear mixed models examining associations between neighborhood stressors and sex steroid hormones across pregnancy as well as trimester-specific linear regression models, all adjusting for confounders. Secondarily, we stratified by fetal sex. Results are presented as percentage change (∆%) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in hormones.

Results

Most participants (73%) reported one or more exposures to neighborhood disorder; 22% reported any exposure to violence. In adjusted models, neighborhood disorder was associated with higher TT across pregnancy (Q2: %∆= 37.3, 95%CI: 13.2, 66.5; Q3: %∆= 22.2, 95%CI: 1.2, 47.5; and Q4: %∆= 25.7, 95%CI: 1.6, 55.3), with the strongest associations observed in the third trimester (Q2: %∆= 38.0, 95%CI: 10.6, 72.1; Q3: %∆= 29.2, 95%CI: 4.4, 59.9; and Q4: %∆=33.4, 95%CI: 4.9, 69.6). In stratified models, neighborhood disorder was associated with higher TT among women carrying male fetuses (%∆ range: 48.2–84.8). Exposure to violence was not associated with any hormones.

Conclusion

Neighborhood disorder is associated with higher maternal testosterone levels, which may have implications for maternal and child health. Additional research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which neighborhood stress impacts endocrine physiology.