bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-centre, single-blinded, randomised, parallel group, feasibility study protocol investigating if mandibular advancement device treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea can reduce nocturnal gastro-oesophageal reflux (MAD-Reflux trial)
Authors: O'Toole Saoirse , Moazzez Rebecca , Wojewodka Gabriella , Zeki Sebastian , Jafari Jafar , Hope Katherine , Brand Andrew , Hoare Zoe , Scott Suzanne , Doungsong Kodchawan , Ezeofor Victory , Edwards Rhiannon Tudor , Drakatos Panagis , Steier Joerg
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Just under half of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) also have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). These conditions appear to be inter-related and continual positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, the gold standard treatment for OSA to prevent airway collapse, has been shown to reduce GORD. As the impact of mandibular advancement devices, a second-line therapy for OSA, on GORD has yet to be investigated, a feasibility study is needed prior to a definitive trial.

Methods

This will be a single-centre, single-blinded, tertiary-care based, interdisciplinary, parallel randomised controlled study. Potential OSA participants presenting to the sleep department will be pre-screened for GORD using validated questionnaires, consented and invited to receive simultaneous home sleep and oesophageal pH monitoring. Those with confirmed OSA and GORD (n=44) will be randomly allocated to receive either CPAP (n=22) or MAD therapy (n=22). Following successful titration and 3 weeks customisation period, participants will repeat the simultaneous sleep and oesophageal pH monitoring while wearing the device. The number of patients screened for recruitment, drop-out rates, patient feedback of the study protocol, costs of interventions and clinical information to inform a definitive study design will be investigated.

Ethics and dissemination

Health Research Authority approval has been obtained from the Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee, ref:22/EM/0157 and the trial has been registered on ISRCTN (https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN16013232). Definitive findings about the feasibility of doing 24 hour pH oesophageal monitoring while doing a home sleep study will be disseminated via clinical and research networks facilitating valuable insights into the simultaneous management of both conditions.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN Reg No: 16013232.
Rockfall motion using a Smart Rock sensor
Authors: Souza Bruma , Benoît Jean
Published: August 2023

Rockfalls can often pose a significant risk to the public if protective designs do not properly account for block movement downslope and onto infrastructure facilities. Assessing these hazards is challenging, especially as current empirical and computational methods for predicting trajectories of falling blocks generally do not include the contribution associated with rotational behavior. Research undertaken at the University of New Hampshire, USA, over the last decade has led to the development of Smart Rock (SR) sensors inserted in natural rocks to evaluate these events from the perspective of the falling rock. The latest SRs consist of 3 D printed capsules 58.0 mm in length and 25.4 mm in diameter, equipped with a ±400 g and a ±16 g 3-axis accelerometer, a ± 4000 dps high-rate gyroscope, and an altimeter. Approximately 80 field experiments conducted in New Hampshire and Vermont provided SR data on rockfall at ten different sites. The Smart Rock data allowed more in-depth evaluations of accelerations, rotation rates, and modes of motion with precise time intervals, which cannot be easily captured in video recording systems or other instrumentation techniques. Such measurements are essential to improve our understanding and modeling of rockfall events for more economical and safer design of protective systems.
China-Pacific Islands Economic Relations under the Belt and Road
Authors: ZHANG Denghua
Published: August 2023

This research analyses China-Pacific islands economic relations in merchandise trade, investment and project contracting between 2006 and 2021. Nuances are revealed. The overall finding is that the Pacific is an insignificant partner of China in its global economic outreach, even under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This research also discusses the Chinese government’s perceptions of the Pacific markets and its advice to Chinese companies on thorny issues affecting the BRI.
Double arc–continent collision record in the latest Mesozoic–Cenozoic tectonic history of the Himalayan–Tibetan orogenic belt in western Pakistan
Authors: Ullah Inayat , Xue Chuandong , Yang Tiannan , Furnes Harald , Dilek Yildirim , Wang Wei , Ghaffar Abdul
Published: August 2023

Our recent field investigations in western Pakistan have revealed that serpentinized peridotites here are crosscut by numerous intrusions of gabbro and tonalite. New zircon U–Pb dating of these plutons indicates Late Cretaceous–Early Eocene ages of their crystallization. They have arc-like geochemical signatures and constitute the middle crust of an island arc complex. Together with their extrusive counterparts they form the RasKoh island arc (RIA), defined for the first time in this study. The RIA and the Chagai continental arc to the north represent the manifestations of two separate subduction-zone systems within Neotethys, developed between India and Eurasia. We posit that this Neotethyan domain contained two oceanic plates. Subduction of the leading plate beneath Eurasia generated the Jurassic–Late Oligocene Chagai continental arc, and the northward subduction of the trailing plate resulted in the development of the Late Cretaceous–Oligocene, ensimatic RasKoh arc. Arrival of the Indian subcontinent at the latitude of the RasKoh arc in the earliest Miocene caused the emplacement of the RasKoh arc onto India via oblique arc–continent collision. The subsequent collision of this composite Indian plate with Eurasia resulted in extensive deformation of Late Cretaceous flysch deposits and the ophiolitic arc basement.

Supplementary material:
Rock compositions and analytical results are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6795686

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Ophiolites, melanges and blueschists collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/ophiolites-melanges-and-blueschists
Research On the Optimization of Ideological and Political Education in Universities Integrating Artificial Intelligence Technology Under the Guidance of Curriculum Ideological and Political Thinking
Authors: Dong Fuxiang , Dong Shuangli
Published: August 2023

Using the association rules among both data mining (DM) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, this paper proposes concepts and techniques for enhancing the curriculum environment based on the modernization of the educational field curriculum scheme of Ideological and Political Education (IPE) classes in universities and colleges. The study analyze the inter-subjectivity concept to the model development from the conceptual level, the benchmark value of the whole setting, multidimensional spacetime, and the leading importance of the Internet governance idea to the reformation of IPE in the colleges and universities. The findings assess the issues with IPE transformation and development in colleges and universities and suggest solutions, as well as four mechanisms of "methodical design underlined in the overview, team-work cooperation of team development, augmentation of environmental development, and double endorsement of quality management”. The concept of developing a” three-stage full atmosphere" network IPE architecture for universities and colleges is presented as one of the remedies to enhance the efficiency of the IPE in universities. This idea is based on experience summary, theoretical analysis, and empirical study. The timeliness concerns of IPE transformation in universities and colleges are resolved by using in-depth comprehension and evaluation of the necessary knowledge of DM-AI, which is then used to apply the appropriate DM-AI methodologies. This allows the relevant administrators to quickly learn the crucial data in complicated problems and suggest solutions for subsequent decision-making.
rpkiller: Threat Analysis of the BGP Resource Public Key Infrastructure
Authors: van Hove Koen , van der Ham-de Vos Jeroen , van Rijswijk-Deij Roland
Published: August 2023

The Resource Public Key Infrastucture (RPKI) has been created to solve security shortcomings of the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). This creates an infrastructure where resource holders (autonomous systems) can make attestations about their resources (IP-subnets). RPKI Certificate Authorities make these attestations available at Publication Points. Relying Party software retrieves and processes the RPKI-related data from all publication points, validates the data and makes it available to routers so they can make secure routing decisions. We contribute to this work by doing a threat analysis for Relying Party software, where an attacker controls a Certificate Authority and Publication Point. We implement a prototype testbed to analyse how current Relying Party software implementations react to scenarios originating from that threat model.

  Our results show that all current Relying Party software was susceptible to at least one of the identified threats. In addition to this, we also identified threats stemming from choices made in the protocol itself. Taken together, these threats potentially allowed an attacker to fully disrupt all RPKI Relying Party software on a global scale. We elaborate on our process, and we discuss the types of responses we received from other parties. We performed a Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure to the implementers.
Exponentially Faster Massively Parallel Maximal Matching
Authors: Behnezhad Soheil , Hajiaghayi Mohammadtaghi , Harris David G.
Published: August 2023

The study of approximate matching in the
Massively Parallel Computations
(MPC) model has recently seen a burst of breakthroughs. Despite this progress, we still have a limited understanding of
maximal matching
which is one of the central problems of parallel and distributed computing. All known MPC algorithms for maximal matching either take polylogarithmic time which is considered inefficient, or require a strictly super-linear space of
n
1+Ω (1)
per machine.

In this work, we close this gap by providing a novel analysis of an extremely simple algorithm, which is a variant of an algorithm conjectured to work by Czumaj, Lacki, Madry, Mitrovic, Onak, and Sankowski [
15
]. The algorithm edge-samples the graph, randomly partitions the vertices, and finds a random greedy maximal matching within each partition. We show that this algorithm drastically reduces the vertex degrees. This, among other results, leads to an
O
(log log Δ) round algorithm for maximal matching with
O(n)
space (or even
mildly sublinear
in
n
using standard techniques).

As an immediate corollary, we get a 2 approximate
minimum vertex cover
in essentially the same rounds and space, which is the optimal approximation factor under standard assumptions. We also get an improved
O
(log log Δ) round algorithm for 1 + ε approximate matching. All these results can also be implemented in the
congested clique
model in the same number of rounds.
Stochastic Routing with Arrival Windows
Authors: Pedersen Simon Aagaard , Yang Bin , Jensen Christian S. , Møller Jesper
Published: August 2023

Arriving at a destination within a specific time window is important in many transportation settings. For example, trucks may be penalized for early or late arrivals at compact terminals, and early and late arrivals at general practitioners, dentists, and so on, are also discouraged, in part due to COVID. We propose foundations for routing with arrival-window constraints. In a setting where the travel time of a road segment is modeled by a probability distribution, we define two problems where the aim is to find a route from a source to a destination that optimizes or yields a high probability of arriving within a time window while departing as late as possible. In this setting, a core challenge is to enable comparison between paths that may potentially be part of a result path with the goal of determining whether a path is uninteresting and can be disregarded given the existence of another path. We show that existing solutions cannot be applied in this problem setting and instead propose novel comparison methods. Additionally, we introduce the notion of Stochastic Arrival-Window Contraction Hierarchies that enable accelerated query processing in the article’s setting. Next, we present routing algorithms that exploit the above comparison methods in combination with so-called pivot paths and contraction hierarchies to enable efficient processing of the two types of queries. Finally, a detailed experimental study provides empirical insights that justify the need for the two types of routing and also offers insight into key characteristics of the problem solutions.
Black-box Attack against Self-supervised Video Object Segmentation Models with Contrastive Loss
Authors: Chen Ying , Yao Rui , Zhou Yong , Zhao Jiaqi , Liu Bing , Saddik Abdulmotaleb El
Published: August 2023

Deep learning models have been proven to be susceptible to malicious adversarial attacks, which manipulate input images to deceive the model into making erroneous decisions. Consequently, the threat posed to these models serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity to focus on the model security of object segmentation algorithms based on deep learning. However, the current landscape of research on adversarial attacks primarily centers around static images, resulting in a dearth of studies on adversarial attacks targeting Video Object Segmentation (VOS) models. Given that a majority of self-supervised VOS models rely on affinity matrices to learn feature representations of video sequences and achieve robust pixel correspondence, our investigation has delved into the impact of adversarial attacks on self-supervised VOS models. In response, we propose an innovative black-box attack method incorporating contrastive loss. This method induces segmentation errors in the model through perturbations in the feature space and the application of a pixel-level loss function. Diverging from conventional gradient-based attack techniques, we adopt an iterative black-box attack strategy that incorporates contrastive loss across the current frame, any two consecutive frames, and multiple frames. Through extensive experimentation conducted on the DAVIS 2016 and DAVIS 2017 datasets using three self-supervised VOS models and one unsupervised VOS model, we unequivocally demonstrate the potent attack efficiency of the black-box approach. Remarkably, theJ&Fmetric value experiences a significant decline of up to 50.08% post-attack.
Clemency
Authors: Barkow Rachel E. , Osler Mark
Published: August 2023

The federal government and most American states provide for some form of clemency that allows the president or the governor to reduce a sentence or pardon a conviction. Although most US presidents and some governors have made great use of this power in the past, it has long been in decline. Diagnosing the reasons for this decline proves easier than providing solutions to reinvigorate this practice. A great deal of scholarship explores the causes and offers solutions, and this review catalogs the main lines of argument. It also explains why clemency's renewal remains urgent, even in regimes dedicated to the rule of law, to serve the best purposes of punishment and check the excesses of criminal law and punishment that are inevitable given the political process and enforcement practices.
Chemical Ecology and Management of Dengue Vectors
Authors: Torto Baldwyn , Tchouassi David P.
Published: August 2023

Dengue, caused by the dengue virus, is the most widespread arboviral infectious disease of public health significance globally. This review explores the communicative function of olfactory cues that mediate host-seeking, egg-laying, plant-feeding, and mating behaviors in Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, two mosquito vectors that drive dengue virus transmission. Aedes aegypti has adapted to live in close association with humans, preferentially feeding on them and laying eggs in human-fabricated water containers and natural habitats. In contrast, Ae. albopictus is considered opportunistic in its feeding habits and tends to inhabit more vegetative areas. Additionally, the ability of both mosquito species to locate suitable host plants for sugars and find mates for reproduction contributes to their survival. Advances in chemical ecology, functional genomics, and behavioral analyses have improved our understanding of the underlying neural mechanisms and reveal novel and specific olfactory semiochemicals that these species use to locate and discriminate among resources in their environment. Physiological status; learning; and host- and habitat-associated factors, including microbial infection and abundance, shape olfactory responses of these vectors. Some of these semiochemicals can be integrated into the toolbox for dengue surveillance and control.
The State of the World's Arable Land
Authors: Olsson Lennart , Cotrufo Francesca , Crews Timothy , Franklin Janet , King Alison , Mirzabaev Alisher , Scown Murray , Tengberg Anna , Villarino Sebastian , Wang Yafei
Published: August 2023

For millennia, agriculture has been shaping landscapes on Earth. Technological change has increased agricultural productivity dramatically, especially in the past six decades, but also resulted in trade-offs such as land and soil degradation, emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs), and spreading of toxic substances. In this article we review the impacts of agriculture on the world's arable land. We start by synthesizing information on the extent of arable land and associated agricultural practices, followed by a review of the state of the art of soil health and soil carbon. We review processes of land degradation, emission of GHGs, and threats to biodiversity. To conclude, we review key social and economic aspects of arable land and identify some important concerns for the future. The article ends on a positive note describing a potential new pathway for agriculture—to gradually adopt polycultures of novel perennial grain crops.
Introduction to the ARFE Theme on the Social Discount Rate
Authors: Lucas Deborah
Published: August 2023

Governments allocate a large share of real and financial capital globally, and their choices of discount rates for project and policy evaluation have a first-order effect on social welfare. The importance of adopting a principles-based approach to selecting discount rates has new urgency in light of the very long horizons over which the benefits and costs of policies to address climate change are being evaluated. The four articles in this theme provide an interpretive overview of the literature on many of the theoretical, practical, legal, and philosophical considerations for discount rate selection by governments. This introduction summarizes the main points of each article and highlights some of the common threads that emerge. These include the importance of using risk-adjusted rates, the problems that arise when discount rates are chosen to be artificially low, and the large disconnect between common government practices and the principles of financial economics.
The Genetic Determinants of Axial Length: From Microphthalmia to High Myopia in Childhood
Authors: Jackson Daniel , Moosajee Mariya
Published: August 2023

The axial length of the eye is critical for normal visual function by enabling light to precisely focus on the retina. The mean axial length of the adult human eye is 23.5 mm, but the molecular mechanisms regulating ocular axial length remain poorly understood. Underdevelopment can lead to microphthalmia (defined as a small eye with an axial length of less than 19 mm at 1 year of age or less than 21 mm in adulthood) within the first trimester of pregnancy. However, continued overgrowth can lead to axial high myopia (an enlarged eye with an axial length of 26.5 mm or more) at any age. Both conditions show high genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity associated with significant visual morbidity worldwide. More than 90 genes can contribute to microphthalmia, and several hundred genes are associated with myopia, yet diagnostic yields are low. Crucially, the genetic pathways underpinning the specification of eye size are only now being discovered, with evidence suggesting that shared molecular pathways regulate under- or overgrowth of the eye. Improving our mechanistic understanding of axial length determination will help better inform us of genotype–phenotype correlations in both microphthalmia and myopia, dissect gene–environment interactions in myopia, and develop postnatal therapies that may influence overall eye growth.
Sickle Cell Disease: From Genetics to Curative Approaches
Authors: Hardouin Giulia , Magrin Elisa , Corsia Alice , Cavazzana Marina , Miccio Annarita , Semeraro Michaela
Published: August 2023

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a monogenic blood disease caused by a point mutation in the gene coding for β-globin. The abnormal hemoglobin [sickle hemoglobin (HbS)] polymerizes under low-oxygen conditions and causes red blood cells to sickle. The clinical presentation varies from very severe (with acute pain, chronic pain, and early mortality) to normal (few complications and a normal life span). The variability of SCD might be due (in part) to various genetic modulators. First, we review the main genetic factors, polymorphisms, and modifier genes that influence the expression of globin or otherwise modulate the severity of SCD. Considering SCD as a complex, multifactorial disorder is important for the development of appropriate pharmacological and genetic treatments. Second, we review the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of the latest advances in gene therapy for SCD, from lentiviral-vector-based approaches to gene-editing strategies.
Deriving Metastable Pourbaix Diagrams of Stainless Steels Using Density Functional Theory Calculations
Authors: Malki B. , Guillotte I. , Baroux B.
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a novel method for deriving metastable Pourbaix diagrams of Fe-Cr alloys using Density Functional Theory calculations, with the objective of providing a more comprehensive understanding of the thermodynamic equilibria within passive films, considering the metallurgical characteristics of the alloys and the electrochemical polarization conditions. By using advanced numerical tools and optimization algorithms provided by the Materials Project Database, we have developed an approach that incorporates nonequilibrium effects as a corrective factor for the chemical equilibria observed in passive films. Our findings highlight the significant role of nucleation conditions, particularly for the Cr2O3 oxide, in stabilizing the inner layers of the passive films. Lastly, the method was used to investigate the impact of pulsed polarization conditions on AISI 304 stainless steel and proposed a reaction scheme elucidating the enhanced corrosion protective properties of the passive film.
Three-dimensional mitochondria reconstructions of murine cardiac muscle changes in size across aging
Authors: Vue Zer , Neikirk Kit , Vang Larry , Garza-Lopez Edgar , Christensen Trace A. , Shao Jianqiang , Lam Jacob , Beasley Heather K. , Marshall Andrea G. , Crabtree Amber , Anudokem Josephs , Rodriguez Benjamin , Kirk Benjamin , Bacevac Serif , Barongan Taylor , Shao Bryanna , Stephens Dominique C. , Kabugi Kinuthia , Koh Ho-Jin , Koh Alice , Evans Chantell S. , Taylor Brittany , Reddy Anilkumar K. , Miller-Fleming Tyne , Actkins Ky’Era V. , Zaganjor Elma , Daneshgar Nastaran , Murray Sandra A. , Mobley Bret C. , Damo Steven M. , Gaddy Jennifer A. , Riggs Blake , Wanjalla Celestine , Kirabo Annet , McReynolds Melanie , Gomez Jose A. , Phillips Mark A. , Exil Vernat , Dai Dao-Fu , Hinton Antentor
Published: August 2023

This article shows how mitochondria in murine cardiac changes, importantly elucidating age-related changes. It also is the first to show that the MICOS complex may play a role in outer membrane mitochondrial structure.
Impact of aging on vascular ion channels: perspectives and knowledge gaps across major organ systems
Authors: Behringer Erik J.
Published: August 2023

Individuals aged ≥65 yr will comprise ∼20% of the global population by 2030. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the world with age-related endothelial “dysfunction” as a key risk factor. As an organ in and of itself, vascular endothelium courses throughout the mammalian body to coordinate blood flow to all other organs and tissues (e.g., brain, heart, lung, skeletal muscle, gut, kidney, skin) in accord with metabolic demand. In turn, emerging evidence demonstrates that vascular aging and its comorbidities (e.g., neurodegeneration, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, heart failure, and cancer) are “channelopathies” in large part. With an emphasis on distinct functional traits and common arrangements across major organs systems, the present literature review encompasses regulation of vascular ion channels that underlie blood flow control throughout the body. The regulation of myoendothelial coupling and local versus conducted signaling are discussed with new perspectives for aging and the development of chronic diseases. Although equipped with an awareness of knowledge gaps in the vascular aging field, a section has been included to encompass general feasibility, role of biological sex, and additional conceptual and experimental considerations (e.g., cell regression and proliferation, gene profile analyses). The ultimate goal is for the reader to see and understand major points of deterioration in vascular function while gaining the ability to think of potential mechanistic and therapeutic strategies to sustain organ perfusion and whole body health with aging.
Clinical Outcomes and Patient Experience of Biosimilar to Biosimilar Infliximab Switching in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Prospective, Single-Centre, Phase IV Interventional Study with a Nested Qualitative Study
Authors: Harris Clare , Harris Richard James , Young David , McDonnell Martin , Clancy Bridget , Harvey Justin , Araujo Carlos , Iria Ines , Goncalves Joao , Latter Susan , Cummings J. R. Fraser
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims. Regulatory pathways compare biosimilars with originator molecules only and not with other biosimilars. With the development of multiple infliximab biosimilars, patients may be asked to transition between them. Data is emerging but there is still a gap in the evidence on switching between infliximab biosimilars. Our aim was to conduct a full evaluation of switching a cohort of IBD patients from one biosimilar (CT-P13) to another (SB2) in a real-world setting including clinical and patient experience and molecular and drug immunogenicity aspects of the process. Methods. Prospective, phase IV interventional study of patients on CT-P13 switched to SB2. Demographics, disease history, validated disease activity scores, PROMs, and laboratory measurements were collected. Semistructured qualitative interviews were also conducted. Results. 133 out of 158 patients agreed to participate. Mean disease duration was 9.2 years. There was no difference in mean haemoglobin, platelet count, albumin, and C-reactive protein before and after switching. Mean faecal calprotectin at baseline and at week 30/32 was 306 μg/g versus 210 μg/g. Mean pMCS and mHBI at baseline were 1.54 and 3.14 versus 1.18 and 2.91 at week 30/32, respectively. Thirty-five subjects discontinued. There were 16 serious adverse events. Thematic analysis identified six major themes that reflected the patient experience—trust, clinical status at the point of switching, past experience, general disposition, information provision, and concerns/anxiety. Conclusions. Switching from CT-P13 to SB2 is safe and effective. Certain factors must be considered in supporting patient decision-making. These results support the development of clear, streamlined, and well-monitored biosimilar switching programmes.
MLA-TCN: Multioutput Prediction of Dam Displacement Based on Temporal Convolutional Network with Attention Mechanism
Authors: Wang Yu , Liu Guohua
Published: August 2023

The displacement of concrete dams effectively reflects their structural integrity and operational status. Therefore, establishing a model for predicting the displacement of concrete dams and studying the evolution mechanism of dam displacement is essential for monitoring the structural safety of dams. Current data-driven models utilize artificial data that cannot reflect the actual status of dams for network training. They also have difficulty extracting the temporal patterns from long-term dependencies and obtaining the interactions between the targets and variables. To address such problems, we propose a novel model for predicting the displacement of dams based on the temporal convolutional network (TCN) with the attention mechanism and multioutput regression branches, named MLA-TCN (where MLA is multioutput model with attention mechanism). The attention mechanism implements information screening and weight distribution based on the importance of the input variables. The TCN extracts long-term temporal information using the dilated causal convolutional network and residual connection, and the multioutput regression branch achieves simultaneous multitarget prediction by establishing multiple regression tasks. Finally, the applicability of the proposed model is demonstrated using data on a concrete gravity dam within 14 years, and its accuracy is validated by comparing it with seven state-of-the-art benchmarks. The results show that the MLA-TCN model, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.05 mm, a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 0.07 mm, and a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.99, has a comparably high predictive capability and outperforms the benchmarks, providing an accurate and effective method to estimate the displacement of dams.
Fractionation of Simulated Digestive Products of Bird’s Nest In Vitro: Skin Whitening Activity of Fractions
Authors: Yi Haili , Piao Meizi , Chen Qianru , He Zhiwei , Chen Tiejun
Published: August 2023

Edible bird’s nest (EBN) has been proven to exhibit whitening activity. In spite of this, the relationship between the digestive products of EBN and the whitening activity is still unclear. Hence, the B16-F10 cell model was used in this study to study the whitening activity of simulated EBN digestion products in vitro. The simulated digestive juices showed significant inhibition of tyrosinase (TYR) (

P

 < 0.05), and the release rate of free sialic acid was 21.87% in EBN digestive juices. After simulated gastrointestinal digestion, the relative contents of <1 kDa components, 1–3 kDa components, and >3 kDa components were 42.63%, 15.05%, and 42.32%, respectively. EBN digestive products were further fractionated, and the fraction of <1 kDa (EPP-1) exhibited the highest tyrosinase inhibitory activity with 83.12% and its peptides content was 92.44%. The EPP-1 significantly inhibited tyrosinase activity and decreased melanin content (

P

 > 0.05) by regulating the cAMP/MITF/TRP-1/TRP-2 tyrosinase signaling pathways in the B16-F10 cell experiment. Based on these findings, our data suggest that the digestive products of EBN may potentially be fit for developing a new generation of natural whitening health products.
Prioritization of the Forest Species Most Exploited by the Communities Bordering the Natural Forests of Pobè and Dogo-Kétou in Southeastern Benin, West Africa: An Ethnobotanical Approach
Authors: Kingbo Armand , Koura Kourouma , Ganglo Jean C.
Published: August 2023

Benin is not a big forest country, and the sustainable management of forest relics and their resources is a priority for the managers. This study was conducted in the forest regions of Pobè and Kétou located in Southeast Benin with the objective of characterizing the ethnobotanical forest species prioritized by the local populations for their different uses. Specifically, it aimed to identify the ethnobotanical priority species for conservation, characterize the ethnobotanical value of these priority species, and analyze the tree organ harvesting methods used for the sustainable management of the forest species. Data have been collected from 287 local populations investigated and on the specimens collected on the field, which allowed to identify the scientific name. The combination of the citation frequencies, the method of reproduction, the vulnerability scores, and the IUCN status of the species has allowed to identify five priority ethnobotanical species per forest. The software Ri386_3.5.1 has been used for the different analysis such as the calculation of the various frequencies and the correspondence factor analysis to show the relationships between socioethnic groups, organs used, and the categories of use. The priority species identified in the forest of Pobè are Milicia excelsa, Khaya senegalensis, Anogeissus leiocarpa, Ceiba pentandra, and Adansonia digitata. The priority species identified in the forest of Dogo-Kétou are Vitellaria paradoxa, Prosopis africana, Pterocarpus erinaceus, Khaya senegalensis, and Anogeissus leiocarpa. This study has revealed 54 tree species gathered into 47 genera and 25 botanical families. Their different parts have been harvested for many kinds of utilization such as medicinal, commercial, feeding, medico-magic, and artisanal. The most commonly used organs were leaves, fruits, seeds, barks, roots, and wood. The harvesting methods include cutting poles, cutting twigs and branches to harvest leaves, debarking the trunk, felling trees for wood, cutting roots, picking and harvesting fruits and seeds, and harvesting of flowers. Cutting down trees and picking flowers, fruits, and seeds have been the methods of harvesting, which affect negatively regeneration of the tree populations. It is then important to sensitize the local people on the sustainable management of their forest resources through the conception and implementation of a project program focused on forest conservation.
Applications and Properties for Bivariate Bell-Based Frobenius-Type Eulerian Polynomials
Authors: Khan Waseem Ahmad , Alatawi Maryam Salem , Duran Ugur
Published: August 2023

In this study, we introduce sine and cosine Bell-based Frobenius-type Eulerian polynomials, and by presenting several relations and applications, we analyze certain properties. Our first step is to obtain diverse relations and formulas that cover summation formulas, addition formulas, relations with earlier polynomials in the literature, and differentiation rules. Finally, after determining the first few zero values of the Eulerian polynomials, we draw graphical representations of these zero values.
Optimized Model Torque Prediction Control Strategy for BLDCM Torque Error and Speed Error Reduction System
Authors: Yuan Ye , Liu Cheng , Chen Siyu , Zhou Zhenxiong
Published: August 2023

This paper presents an improved whale optimization algorithm (IWOA) for optimizing the model predictive torque control (MPTC) of brushless DC motor (BLDCM) to further reduce the problems of strong torque pulsation and high ripple caused by the special structure of BLDCM. IWOA adds a randomized convergence factor strategy to the original algorithm, enabling the parameter weights to be adjusted in time. The relative error between the training set and the predicted values is reduced, and a suitable interval is selected for the target. The proposed method takes into account the switching frequency loss factor in the MPTC system of BLDCM, discarding the traditional trial-and-error method and choosing to control the parameter adjustment by the degree of deviation. The IWOA is compared with the popular whale optimization algorithm (WOA), dragonfly algorithm (DA), ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm, and grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm on the MATLAB SIMULINK platform to verify the effectiveness of the method in dealing with improved chain tracking, reduced torque pulsation, and reduced speed error. The simulation results show that IWOA performs well, with an efficiency of 94.32%.
Current Status, Future Prospects, and the Need for Geothermal Energy Exploration in Cameroon: Comprehensive Review
Authors: Mouzong Marcelin Pemi , Mfetoum Inoussah Moungnutou , Ngoh Simon Koumi , Noumo Prosper Gopdjim , Tamba Jean Gaston
Published: August 2023

Cameroon is a country in Central Africa that relies heavily on hydropower, fossil fuels, solar, and biomass for its energy needs. However, the unstable and intermittent nature of these energy sources makes them unreliable, and there is a pressing need for a more secure and sustainable energy supply. Geothermal energy, which is abundant in Cameroon due to its favorable geological characteristics, has not been fully explored as a potential energy source. This study is aimed at providing a comprehensive review of the current status and future prospects of geothermal energy in Cameroon, based on publications related to geothermal energy in Cameroon, geological, and geophysical studies. The objectives of this study are to analyze the existing literature on geothermal energy in Cameroon, to identify the challenges and opportunities associated with geothermal energy development, and to make recommendations for future research and policy decisions. The results indicate that geothermal energy in Cameroon is still in its infancy, with limited research and development in the field. However, the country has geothermal potential, particularly in the Adamawa and Cameroon volcanic line (CVL) areas. The review highlights the challenges and barriers to geothermal energy development in Cameroon, including limited financial resources, technical expertise, and regulatory frameworks. The findings of this study suggest that Cameroon has significant potential for geothermal energy development, and that further exploration and investment in this area could contribute significantly to a more secure and sustainable energy supply in the country.
Long-term Cancer Survival Trends by Updated Summary Stage
Authors: Forjaz Gonçalo , Ries Lynn , Devasia Theresa P. , Flynn Gretchen , Ruhl Jennifer , Mariotto Angela B.
Published: August 2023

Background:

Stage is the most important prognostic factor for understanding cancer survival trends. Summary stage (SS) classifies cancer based on the extent of spread: In situ, Localized, Regional, or Distant. Continual updating of staging systems poses challenges to stage comparisons over time. We use a consistent summary stage classification and present survival trends for 25 cancer sites using the joinpoint survival (JPSurv) model.

Methods:

We developed a modified summary stage variable, Long-Term Site-Specific Summary Stage, based on as consistent a definition as possible and applied it to a maximum number of diagnosis years, 1975–2019. We estimated trends by stage by applying JPSurv to relative survival data for 25 cancer sites in SEER-8, 1975–2018, followed through December 31, 2019. To help interpret survival trends, we report incidence and mortality trends using the joinpoint model.

Results:

Five-year relative survival improved for nearly all sites and stages. Large improvements were observed for localized pancreatic cancer [4.25 percentage points annually, 2007–2012 (95% confidence interval, 3.40–5.10)], distant skin melanoma [2.15 percentage points annually, 2008–2018 (1.73–2.57)], and localized esophagus cancer [1.18 percentage points annually, 1975–2018 (1.11–1.26)].

Conclusions:

This is the first analysis of survival trends by summary stage for multiple cancer sites. The largest survival increases were seen for cancers with a traditionally poor prognosis and no organized screening, which likely reflects clinical management advances.

Impact:

Our study will be particularly useful for understanding the population-level impact of new treatments and identifying emerging trends in health disparities research.
Estudiantes con gratuidad en universidades prestigiosas: ajustes académicos para permanecer
Authors: Alvarez-Valdes Carolina Isabel
Published: August 2023

(analytical)Higher education in Chile has experienced massification during the last 30 years. However, a high level of segmentation in the system continues. In 2016, the fee-free policy began to be implemented and was designed for lower-income students. This research study sought to understand the academic experiences of fee-free students at prestigious and selective universities, which are considered spaces that reproduce power dynamics in favor of the country's upper classes. Biographical interviews were conducted with 13 fee-free students who are currently enrolled in these universities and a temporal thematic analysis was carried out. The results of the study show that: obtaining fee-free tuition facilitates access to education; both male and female fee-free students experience strong feelings of academic inadequacy; and these students take an active role in transforming their situations by adopting a strong work ethic that helps them continue with their studies. These experiences of young people from lower income backgrounds show the persistence of inequalities in the higher education sector.
Keywords: Academic performance; educational strategies; higher education; student sociology.
Long-Term Incidence of Ischemic Stroke After Transient Ischemic Attack: A Nationwide Study From 2014 to 2020
Authors: Vinding Naja Emborg , Butt Jawad H. , Lauridsen Marie Dam , Kristensen Søren Lund , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Krøll Johanna , Graversen Peter L. , Kruuse Christina , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Køber Lars , Fosbøl Emil L.
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

The short-term incidence of ischemic stroke after a transient ischemic attack (TIA) is high. However, data on the long-term incidence are not well known but are needed to guide preventive strategies.

METHODS:

Patients with first-time TIA (index date) in the Danish Stroke Registry (January 2014–December 2020) were included and matched 1:4 with individuals from the background population and 1:1 with patients with a first-time ischemic stroke on the basis of age, sex, and calendar year. The incidences of ischemic stroke and mortality from index date were estimated by Aalen-Johansen and Kaplan-Meier estimators, respectively, and compared between groups using multivariable Cox regression.

RESULTS:

We included 21 500 patients with TIA, 86 000 patients from the background population, and 21 500 patients with ischemic stroke (median age, 70.8 years [25th–75th percentile, 60.8–78.7]; 53.1% males). Patients with TIA had more comorbidities than the background population, yet less than the control stroke population. The 5-year incidence of ischemic stroke after TIA (6.1% [95% CI, 5.7–6.5]) was higher than the background population (1.5% [95% CI, 1.4–1.6],
P
<0.01; hazard ratio, 5.14 [95% CI, 4.65–5.69]) but lower than the control stroke population (8.9% [95% CI, 8.4–9.4],
P
<0.01; hazard ratio, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.53–0.64]). The 5-year mortality for patients with TIA (18.6% [95% CI, 17.9–19.3]) was higher than the background population (14.8% [95% CI, 14.5–15.1],
P
<0.01; hazard ratio, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.20–1.32]) but lower than the control stroke population (30.1% [95% CI, 29.3–30.9],
P
<0.01; hazard ratio, 0.41 [95% CI, 0.39–0.44]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients with first-time TIA had an ischemic stroke incidence of 6.1% during the 5-year follow-up period. After adjustment for relevant comorbidities, this incidence was approximately 5-fold higher than what was found for controls in the background population and 40% lower than for patients with recurrent ischemic stroke.
Opening the World Court to the International Community: an Empirical Analysis of Non-party Participation in the International Court of Justice
Authors: Almeida Paula Wojcikiewicz , Romay Giulia Tavares
Published: August 2023

Over the last decades, the participation of State and non-State actors (NSAs) in the process of international law-making has become one of the basic features of international law. As multifunctional actors, the role of international courts and tribunals (ICTs) encompasses the protection and development of the international community. Together with ICTs’ role in the promotion, recognition and application of community interest norms, the growing participation of State and NSAs in international dispute settlement mechanisms also plays an increasingly important role in ensuring and facilitating compliance and enforcement of community interest norms. Whereas the non-party participation of State and NSAs has only very exceptionally been recognized, their influence in international dispute settlement cannot be ignored. By applying empirical research methodology for mapping the practice of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning the participation of State and NSAs under the ICJ Statute and Rules of Court, this paper addresses the existing mechanisms of non-party participation in both contentious cases and advisory proceedings. There is no doubt that ICJ procedural law remains outdated and disconnected from the contemporary developments characterizing the international community nowadays. Broadening the possibilities for participation by State and NSAs would imply the recognition of the plurilateral nature of international disputes. In this context, the paper also discusses the challenges and possible alternatives for expanding participation via teleological interpretation of the ICJ Statute and potential amendments to the Rules of Court and Practice Directions.
Lunar cycle-mediated behaviours in animals, including humans
Authors: Mandal Fatik Baran
Published: August 2023

The lunar cycle influences the behaviours of life forms across multiple phyla, including humans. Tides are perhaps the most observable effect of the moon. The moon exerts a surprising impact on animals through reflected fluctuations in light levels. Early works on the lunar effect were primarily observations. The interpretation of natural light by animals to adjust their physiology and behaviour has been enigmatic for a long time. In Platynereis, rOpsin1 senses the moonrise. A molecule called L-cryptochrome (L-Cry) can distinguish between moon phases and sun and moonlight. L-Cry distinguishes the proper valence of moonlight and thus entrains the circalunar clock to regulate reproduction. The lunar effects influence animals through hormones such as melatonin, GnRH, and some steroids. Interestingly, several genes have been revealed to constitute the genetic basis of lunar effects. The present communication provides a succinct account of lunar-mediated effects on animals, including our species.
Synthesis of Silver Nanowires with Different Morphologies for Lung Cancer Treatment
Authors: Han Yong-Qiang , Du Fan
Published: August 2023

In this publication, three silver nanowires (Ag NWs) with different morphologies were prepared via the polyol process synthesis method by changing the amount and kinds of inorganic agents in the synthesis procedure. The as-synthesized Ag NWs showed high yield and purity. The samples
were fully characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The SEM results revealed that Ag NWs 1–3 have diameters of 95, 70, and 55–65 nm, respectively, and lengths of 20–30, 30–40, and 40–50 μm, respectively.
The PXRD experiments showed that the as-synthesized samples display four typical diffraction peaks at 38.2°, 44.5°, 64.5°, and 77.4°, which are consistent with the face-centered cubic lattice for Ag. The inhibitory activities of the Ag NWs on the viability of lung cancer cells
was measured with cell counting kit-8 assay. The activation activity of the vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway in the cancer cells was measured with real-time polymerase chain reaction.