bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Algorithms for Extracting various Local Texture Features
Authors: Ashwath Rao B , Gopalakrishna Kini N
Published: January 2022

In the machine learning and computer vision domain, images are represented using their features. Color, shape, and texture are some of the prominent types of features. Over time, the local features of an image have gained importance over the global features due to their high discerning ability in localized regions. The texture features are widely used in image indexing and content-based image retrieval. In the last two decades, various local texture features have been formulated. For a complete description of images, effective and efficient features are necessary. In this paper, we provide algorithms for 10 local texture feature extraction. These texture descriptors have been formulated since the year 2015. We have designed algorithms so that they are time efficient and memory space-efficient. We have implemented these algorithms and verified their output correctness.
Detection of fraudulent credit card transactions: A comparative analysis of data sampling and classification techniques
Authors: Praveen Mahesh Konduri , Ashar Afrouz Shaik , Shaju Areeckal Anu
Published: January 2022

Every year there is an increasing loss of a huge amount of money due to fraudulent credit card transactions. Recently there is a focus on using machine learning algorithms to identify fraud transactions. The number of fraud cases to non-fraud transactions is very low. This creates a skewed or unbalanced data, which poses a challenge to training the machine learning models. The availability of a public dataset for this research problem is scarce. The dataset used for this work is obtained from Kaggle. In this paper, we explore different sampling techniques such as under-sampling, Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) and SMOTE-Tomek, to work on the unbalanced data. Classification models, such as k-Nearest Neighbour (KNN), logistic regression, random forest and Support Vector Machine (SVM), are trained on the sampled data to detect fraudulent credit card transactions. The performance of the various machine learning approaches are evaluated for its precision, recall and F1-score. The classification results obtained is promising and can be used for credit card fraud detection.
Design and Analysis of Reconfigurable Antenna for Wide Band Applications
Authors: MallikharjunaRao Sathuluri , SettyVennelaSrujana Thirumala , Bhuvana Bindu Gurivinadagunta , Garlapatikotinagapavani
Published: January 2022

The relevance of reconfiguration in a dynamic environment is to improve an antenna’s performance by allowing it to transition between multiple frequencies. In this paper, we designed a reconfigurable patch antenna and fed it by strip line feeding by placing 2 slots to obtain different resonant frequencies. The feature of reconfigurability is attained by using Pin Diodes. In our design, we take a 2 pin diode. The proposed Antenna can operate on different frequencies i.e. 2.88GHz, 5.5GHz, 10.8GHz and 11.1GHz with the efficiency of 90% and more at different conditions of the diodes. This analysis is done by using HFSS Software.
A Proposed Exploratory Study of Object Detectors to Learn the Influence of Datasets on Model Performance
Authors: Kamath Vidya , Renuka A.
Published: January 2022

The quality of the images used to train the models in the field of object detection using deep learning models is critical in determining the model’s quality. However, there are very few methods for exploring these images in datasets to see what aspects in these images have a significant impact on the model’s performance. This could be one of the reasons why the models don’t match human perceptions. There is a need for more study that can suggest unique methodologies to address the topic at hand because the existing literature overlooks this line of thought. As a result, this paper provides a methodology based on exploratory sequential design, which may be used to identify several aspects of images in the dataset that influence model performance.
Late monsoon threatens coral refugia in the Andaman Sea
Authors: Liu Yanliang , Putchim Lalita , Li Kuiping , Gao Hongyan , Sun Lina , Khokiattiwong Somkiat , Yu Weidong
Published: January 2022

Internal waves (IWs) mitigate thermal stress and provide refugia for corals against increasingly frequent mass bleaching. However, climate events may bring uncertainty regarding the resistance of such refugia. Here, using in situ observation data in the Andaman Sea (AS), we conduct a case study in which a monsoon anomaly associated with an El Niño event threatens IW coral refugia. IW cooling in the AS coral reefs is modulated by the thermocline depth variation, which is driven, to a significant extent, by Kelvin wave signals from the equator. In the pre-monsoon period, distinct variations in IW cooling and surface heating form a time window of quickly-growing cumulative heat exposure. The El Niño induces a typical two-week delay of summer monsoon onset, which prolongs the duration of thermal stress growth and brings severe bleaching risk to corals. As global warming increases the frequency of extreme El Niño events, IW coral refugia will face great challenges in the future.
Climate change penalty and benefit on surface ozone: a global perspective based on CMIP6 earth system models
Authors: Zanis Prodromos , Akritidis Dimitris , Turnock Steven , Naik Vaishali , Szopa Sophie , Georgoulias Aristeidis K , Bauer Susanne E , Deushi Makoto , Horowitz Larry W , Keeble James , Le Sager Philippe , O’Connor Fiona M , Oshima Naga , Tsigaridis Konstantinos , van Noije Twan
Published: January 2022

This work presents an analysis of the effect of climate change on surface ozone discussing the related penalties and benefits around the globe from the global modelling perspective based on simulations with five CMIP6 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6) Earth System Models. As part of AerChemMIP (Aerosol Chemistry Model Intercomparison Project) all models conducted simulation experiments considering future climate (ssp370SST) and present-day climate (ssp370pdSST) under the same future emissions trajectory (SSP3-7.0). A multi-model global average climate change benefit on surface ozone of −0.96 ± 0.07 ppbv °C−1 is calculated which is mainly linked to the dominating role of enhanced ozone destruction with higher water vapour abundances under a warmer climate. Over regions remote from pollution sources, there is a robust decline in mean surface ozone concentration on an annual basis as well as for boreal winter and summer varying spatially from −0.2 to −2 ppbv °C−1, with strongest decline over tropical oceanic regions. The implication is that over regions remote from pollution sources (except over the Arctic) there is a consistent climate change benefit for baseline ozone due to global warming. However, ozone increases over regions close to anthropogenic pollution sources or close to enhanced natural biogenic volatile organic compounds emission sources with a rate ranging regionally from 0.2 to 2 ppbv C−1, implying a regional surface ozone penalty due to global warming. Overall, the future climate change enhances the efficiency of precursor emissions to generate surface ozone in polluted regions and thus the magnitude of this effect depends on the regional emission changes considered in this study within the SSP3_7.0 scenario. The comparison of the climate change impact effect on surface ozone versus the combined effect of climate and emission changes indicates the dominant role of precursor emission changes in projecting surface ozone concentrations under future climate change scenarios.
Integrable deformations of sigma models
Authors: Hoare Ben
Published: January 2022

In this pedagogical review we introduce systematic approaches to deforming integrable two-dimensional sigma models. We use the integrable principal chiral model and the conformal Wess–Zumino–Witten model as our starting points and explore their Yang–Baxter and current–current deformations. There is an intricate web of relations between these models based on underlying algebraic structures and worldsheet dualities, which is highlighted throughout. We finish with a discussion of the generalisation to other symmetric integrable models, including some original results related to

Z

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cosets and their deformations, and the application to string theory. This review is based on notes written for lectures delivered at the school ‘Integrability, Dualities and Deformations’, which ran from 23 to 27 August 2021 in Santiago de Compostela and virtually.
Development of a bipolar electrostatic chuck with a compliant beam-array assembly having four 3D-printed layers for large film handling
Authors: Taoka Yuki , Hayashi Terumichi , Hemthavy Pasomphone , Takahashi Kunio , Saito Shigeki
Published: January 2022

This study proposes and verifies bipolar electrostatic grippers stacking 3D-printed-layered modules consisting of arrays of elastically deformable bipolar beams. The influence of the mechanical compliance of grippers on the attractive force that it generates is clarified by comparing two types of modules having either high or low mechanical compliances. Experiments measured the attractive force of the gripper and demonstrated the pick-and-place performance of a thin film. The results show that mechanical compliance plays an important role in mitigating the attractive force decrease in stacking modules. The grippers’ ability for thin film handling is demonstrated by observing pick-and-place behaviours of the proposed bipolar electrostatic grippers.
Evaluation of the potential of nanofluids containing different Ag nanoparticle size distributions for enhanced solar energy conversion in hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) applications
Authors: Walshe J , Doran J , Amarandei G
Published: January 2022

Hybridising photovoltaic and photothermal technologies into a single system that can simultaneously deliver heat and power represents one of the leading strategies for generating clean energy at more affordable prices. In a hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) system, the capability to modulate the thermal and electrical power output is significantly influenced by the spectral properties of the heat transfer fluid utilised. In this study, we report on one of the first experimental evaluations of the capability of a multimodal silver nanofluid containing various particle shapes and particle sizes to selectively modulate the solar energy for PVT applications. The diverse set of particle properties led up to a 50.4% enhancement in the solar energy absorbed by the nanofluid over the 300 nm—550 nm spectral region, where silicon is known to exhibit poor photovoltaic conversion performances. This improved substantially the absorption of solar energy, with an additional 18–129 W m−2 of thermal power being generated by the PVT system. Along with the advancements made in the thermal power output of the PVT system, a decrease of 4.7–36.6 W m−2 in the electrical power generated by the photovoltaic element was noted. Thus, for every ∼11 W m−2 increase of thermal power achieved through the addition of the nanoparticles, a reduction of ∼3 W m−2 in the ability to generate clean electricity was sustained by the PVT. Despite the energy trade-offs involved under the conditions of the nanofluid, the PVT system cumulatively harvested 405 W m−2 of solar energy, which amounts to a total conversion efficiency of 45%. Furthermore, the economics of the additional energy harvested through merging of the two systems was found to reach an enhancement of 77% under certain European conditions.
CRAFT: a bioinformatics software for custom prediction of circular RNA functions
Authors: Dal Molin Anna , Gaffo Enrico , Difilippo Valeria , Buratin Alessia , Tretti Parenzan Caterina , Bresolin Silvia , Bortoluzzi Stefania
Published: January 2022

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), transcripts generated by backsplicing, are particularly stable and pleiotropic molecules, whose dysregulation drives human diseases and cancer by modulating gene expression and signaling pathways. CircRNAs can regulate cellular processes by different mechanisms, including interaction with microRNAs (miRNAs) and RNA-binding proteins (RBP), and encoding specific peptides. The prediction of circRNA functions is instrumental to interpret their impact in diseases, and to prioritize circRNAs for functional investigation. Currently, circRNA functional predictions are provided by web databases that do not allow custom analyses, while self-standing circRNA prediction tools are mostly limited to predict only one type of function, mainly focusing on the miRNA sponge activity of circRNAs. To solve these issues, we developed CRAFT (CircRNA Function prediction Tool), a freely available computational pipeline that predicts circRNA sequence and molecular interactions with miRNAs and RBP, along with their coding potential. Analysis of a set of circRNAs with known functions has been used to appraise CRAFT predictions and to optimize its setting. CRAFT provides a comprehensive graphical visualization of the results, links to several knowledge databases, and extensive functional enrichment analysis. Moreover, it originally combines the predictions for different circRNAs. CRAFT is a useful tool to help the user explore the potential regulatory networks involving the circRNAs of interest and generate hypotheses about the cooperation of circRNAs into the modulation of biological processes.
Ontology-aware neural network: a general framework for pattern mining from microbiome data
Authors: Zha Yuguo , Ning Kang
Published: January 2022

With the rapid accumulation of microbiome data around the world, numerous computational bioinformatics methods have been developed for pattern mining from such paramount microbiome data. Current microbiome data mining methods, such as gene and species mining, rely heavily on sequence comparison. Most of these methods, however, have a clear trade-off, particularly, when it comes to big-data analytical efficiency and accuracy. Microbiome entities are usually organized in ontology structures, and pattern mining methods that have considered ontology structures could offer advantages in mining efficiency and accuracy. Here, we have summarized the ontology-aware neural network (ONN) as a novel framework for microbiome data mining. We have discussed the applications of ONN in multiple contexts, including gene mining, species mining and microbial community dynamic pattern mining. We have then highlighted one of the most important characteristics of ONN, namely, novel knowledge discovery, which makes ONN a standout among all microbiome data mining methods. Finally, we have provided several applications to showcase the advantage of ONN over other methods in microbiome data mining. In summary, ONN represents a paradigm shift for pattern mining from microbiome data: from traditional machine learning approach to ontology-aware and model-based approach, which has found its broad application scenarios in microbiome data mining.
IndGOterm: a qualitative method for the identification of individually dysregulated GO terms in cancer
Authors: Zhang Jiashuai , Xiao Huiting , Song Kai , Li Keru , Yuan Hengrui , Yuan Rongqiang , Yang Jia , Zhao Yuting , Chang Zhiqiang , Zhao Wenyuan
Published: January 2022

Individual pathway analysis can dissect heterogeneities among different cancer patients and provide efficient guidelines for individualized therapy. However, the existence of the batch effect brings extensive limitations for the application of many individual methods for pathway analysis. Previously, researchers proposed that methods based on within-sample relative expression ordering (REO) of the genes are notably insensitive to ‘batch effects’. In this article, we focus on the Gene Ontology (GO) database and propose an individual qualitative GO term analysis method (IndGOterm) based on the REO of genes. Compared with some current widely used single-sample enrichment analysis methods, such as ssGSEA and GSVA, IndGOterm has a predominance of ignoring the batch effects caused by diverse technologies. Through the survival and drug responses analysis, we found IndGOterm could capture more terms connected to cancer than other single-sample enrichment analysis methods. Furthermore, through the application of IndGOterm, we found some terms that present different dysregulation models that manifest heterogenetic in homologous patients. Collectively, these results attested that IndGOterm could capture useful information from patients and be a useful tool to reveal the intrinsic characteristic of cancer. An open-source R statistical analysis package ‘IndGOterm’ is available at https://github.com/robert19960424/IndGOterm.
An accurate method for identifying recent recombinants from unaligned sequences
Authors: Feng Qian , Tiedje Kathryn E , Ruybal-Pesántez Shazia , Tonkin-Hill Gerry , Duffy Michael F , Day Karen P , Shim Heejung , Chan Yao-Ban
Published: January 2022

Motivation

Recombination is a fundamental process in molecular evolution, and the identification of recombinant sequences is thus of major interest. However, current methods for detecting recombinants are primarily designed for aligned sequences. Thus, they struggle with analyses of highly diverse genes, such as the var genes of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, which are known to diversify primarily through recombination.

Results

We introduce an algorithm to detect recent recombinant sequences from a dataset without a full multiple alignment. Our algorithm can handle thousands of gene-length sequences without the need for a reference panel. We demonstrate the accuracy of our algorithm through extensive numerical simulations; in particular, it maintains its effectiveness in the presence of insertions and deletions. We apply our algorithm to a dataset of 17 335 DBLα types in var genes from Ghana, observing that sequences belonging to the same ups group or domain subclass recombine amongst themselves more frequently, and that non-recombinant DBLα types are more conserved than recombinant ones.

Availability and implementation

Source code is freely available at https://github.com/qianfeng2/detREC_program.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Anti-TNF Agents Restrict Adherent-invasive Escherichia coli Replication Within Macrophages Through Modulation of Chitinase 3-like 1 in Patients with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Douadi Clara , Vazeille Emilie , Chambon Christophe , Hébraud Michel , Fargeas Margot , Dodel Marie , Coban Dilek , Pereira Bruno , Birer Aurélien , Sauvanet Pierre , Buisson Anthony , Barnich Nicolas
Published: January 2022

Background and Aims

The mechanism of action of anti-tumour necrosis factor [anti-TNF] agents could implicate macrophage modulation in Crohn’s disease [CD]. As CD macrophages are defective in controlling CD-associated adherent-invasive Escherichia coli [AIEC], anti-TNF agents could limit AIEC replication within macrophages. We assessed the effect of anti-TNF agents on AIEC survival within monocyte-derived macrophages [MDMs] from CD patients and attempted to identify the proteins involved.

Methods

Peripheral blood MDMs were obtained from 44 CD patients [22 with and 22 without anti-TNF agents]. MDMs were infected with reference strain AIEC-LF82. Proteomic analysis was performed before and 6 h after AIEC-LF82 infection.

Results

AIEC-LF82 survival was lower in MDMs from CD patients receiving anti-TNF agents compared to those who did not [−73%, p = 0.006]. After AIEC-LF82 infection, the levels of CD82 [p = 0.007], ILF3 [Interleukin enhancer-binding factor 3; p = 0.001], FLOT-1 [Flotillin-1; p = 0.007] and CHI3L1 [Chitinase 3-like 1; p = 0.035] proteins were different within CD-MDMs depending on anti-TNF exposure. FLOT-1 [ϱ = −0.44; p = 0.038] and CHI3L1 [ϱ = 0.57, p = 0.006] levels were inversely and positively correlated with AIEC survival within MDMs from CD patients with or without anti-TNF, respectively. We observed a dose-dependent decrease of AIEC-LF82 survival after adjunction of anti-TNF within MDMs, inducing an increase of FLOT-1 and decrease of CHI3L1 mRNA levels. Neutralization of intra-macrophagic CHI3L1 protein using anti-CHI3L1 antibodies reduced AIEC survival within macrophages 6 h after infection [p < 0.05].

Conclusion

Anti-TNF agents are able to restrict replication of pathobionts, such as AIEC, within macrophages by modulating FLOT-1 and CHI3L1 expression in CD patients.
Indications and outcomes of cardiac catheterization following congenital heart surgery in children
Authors: Haddad Raymond N , Lange Juan Manuel , Raisky Olivier , Gaudin Regis , Barbanti Claudio , Bonnet Damien , Malekzadeh-Milani Sophie
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to evaluate the indications for postoperative cardiac catheterizations after paediatric cardiac surgeries and their impact on outcomes.

METHODS

Non-planned cardiac catheterizations performed after congenital heart surgeries and before discharge between January 2013 and July 2019 were reviewed. Hybrid procedures were excluded. Heart defects, illness course, surgeries and catheter procedures were classified. Indications and findings were comprehensively regrouped. Outcomes were analysed.

RESULTS

Cardiac catheterizations were performed on 192 patients (median age 2.3 months, weight 4.2 kg) on median postoperative day 7 (interquartile range, 2–17 days). Patients had defects of great complexity (79.9%), high disease severity index (46.4%), high Aristotle level of surgical complexity (75%) and a high Catheterization RISk Score for Pediatrics category of catheterizations (61%). Catheterizations confirmed 66% of suspected diagnoses. Confirmed diagnoses were more likely to be haemodynamic anomalies than anatomical lesions (81.3% > 53.7%, P < 0.001). Confirmed anatomical lesions were more likely to be residual than new lesions created by surgery (88.5% > 40.4%, P < 0.001). New diagnoses were identified in 36.5% of patients. Catheterization findings led to catheter-based or surgical interventions in 120 (62.5%) patients. Transcatheter interventions were successful (97.7%), immediate (89.5%) and performed across fresh suture lines (27.8%). Repeat catheterizations (76% interventional) were necessary in 25 (13%) patients. A high index of disease severity [odds ratio (OR): 16.26, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.72–71.17], extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support (OR: 10.35, 95% CI: 2.78–38.56), delayed sternal closure (OR: 4.66, 95% CI: 1.25–17.32) and surgically acquired lesions (OR: 3.70, 95% CI: 1.22–11.16) were significant risk factors of 12-month mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative cardiac catheterizations answer both anatomical and haemodynamic questions in high-risk patients with complicated courses and guide subsequent treatment with satisfactory outcomes.
Preoperative risk assessment tools for morbidity after cardiac surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Sanders Julie , Makariou Nicole , Tocock Adam , Magboo Rosalie , Thomas Ashley , Aitken Leanne M
Published: January 2022

Background

Postoperative morbidity places considerable burden on health and resources. Thus, strategies to identify, predict, and reduce postoperative morbidity are needed.

Aims

To identify and explore existing preoperative risk assessment tools for morbidity after cardiac surgery.

Methods

Electronic databases (including MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Embase) were searched to December 2020 for preoperative risk assessment models for morbidity after adult cardiac surgery. Models exploring one isolated postoperative morbidity and those in patients having heart transplantation or congenital surgery were excluded. Data extraction and quality assessments were undertaken by two authors.

Results

From 2251 identified papers, 22 models were found. The majority (54.5%) were developed in the USA or Canada, defined morbidity outcome within the in-hospital period (90.9%), and focused on major morbidity. Considerable variation in morbidity definition was identified, with morbidity incidence between 4.3% and 52%. The majority (45.5%) defined morbidity and mortality separately but combined them to develop one model, while seven studies (33.3%) constructed a morbidity-specific model. Models contained between 5 and 50 variables. Commonly included variables were age, emergency surgery, left ventricular dysfunction, and reoperation/previous cardiac surgery, although definition differences across studies were observed. All models demonstrated at least reasonable discriminatory power [area under the receiver operating curve (0.61–0.82)].

Conclusion

Despite the methodological heterogeneity across models, all demonstrated at least reasonable discriminatory power and could be implemented depending on local preferences. Future strategies to identify, predict, and reduce morbidity after cardiac surgery should consider the ageing population and those with minor and/or multiple complex morbidities.
On Modified Scattering for 1D Quadratic Klein–Gordon Equations With Non-Generic Potentials
Authors: Lindblad Hans , Lührmann Jonas , Schlag Wilhelm , Soffer Avy
Published: January 2022

We consider the asymptotic behavior of small global-in-time solutions to a 1D Klein–Gordon equation with a spatially localized, variable coefficient quadratic nonlinearity and a non-generic linear potential. The purpose of this work is to continue the investigation of the occurrence of a novel modified scattering behavior of the solutions that involves a logarithmic slow-down of the decay rate along certain rays. This phenomenon is ultimately caused by the threshold resonance of the linear Klein–Gordon operator. It was previously uncovered for the special case of the zero potential in [51]. The Klein–Gordon model considered in this paper is motivated by the asymptotic stability problem for kink solutions arising in classical scalar field theories on the real line.
Combining failure modes and effects analysis and cause–effect analysis: a novel method of risk analysis to reduce anaphylaxis due to contrast media
Authors: Koike Daisuke , Yamakami Junichi , Miyashita Terumi , Kataoka Yumi , Nishida Hiroshi , Hattori Hidekazu , Yasuda Ayuko
Published: January 2022

Background

Contrast media agents are essential for computed tomography (CT)-based diagnoses. However, they can cause fatal adverse effects such as anaphylaxis in patients. Although it is rare, the chances of anaphylaxis increase with the number of examinations.

Objective

We aimed to design a quality improvement initiative to reduce patient risk to contrast media agents.

Methods

We analysed CT processes using contrast iodine in a tertiary-care academic hospital that performs approximately 14 000 CT scans per year in Japan. We applied a combination of failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) and cause–effect analysis to reduce the risk of patients developing allergic reactions to iodine-based contrast agents during CT imaging.

Results

Our multidisciplinary team comprising seven professionals analysed the data and designed a 56-process flowchart of CT imaging with iodine. We obtained 177 failure modes, of which 15 had a risk-probability number higher than 100. We identified the two riskiest processes and developed cause-and-effect diagrams for both: one was related to the exchange of information between the radiation and hospital information system regarding the patient’s allergy, the other was due to education and structural deficiencies in observation following the exam.

Conclusion

The combined method of FMEA and cause-and-effect analysis reveals high-risk processes and suggests measures to reduce these risks. FMEA is not well-known in healthcare but has significant potential for improving patient safety. Our findings emphasise the importance of adopting new techniques to reduce patient risk and carry out best practices in radiology.
Seeing All Evil: The Global Cruelty of Digital Visibility
Authors: Austin Jonathan Luke
Published: January 2022

Cruelty is a historical constant across world politics. Nonetheless, something has changed. Today, it is possible to observe death, massacre, torture, police brutality, terrorist attacks, drone strikes, and more, in high-definition video. Sometimes, we can watch live. In this article, I ask what it means when the historical sanitization of cruelty, injustice, and violence is stripped away. I do so in three ways. First, I explore how digital media has transformed how knowledge of violence is produced, circulates, and affects those who witness it. I focus in particular on how this visibility of cruelty affectively fractures our ontological security, undermines societal solidarity, and amplifies polarization. Second, I describe how this process is marked by substantive global inequalities vis-à-vis who is “protected” (or not) from exposure to graphic imagery. Third, I ground my discussion empirically through participant observation conducted with members of the militia group Hezbollah that focused on their emotional, affective, discursive, and political reactions to watching videos circulating on social media depicting members of their own group committing war crimes in Syria. The article concludes by dwelling on the worrying possible political futures these dynamics appear to be opening up.
The Role of Disclosure in Green Finance
Authors: Steuer Sebastian , Tröger Tobias H
Published: January 2022

In this article, we study the design features of disclosure regulations that seek to trigger the green transition of the global economy and ask whether such interventions are likely to bring about sufficient market discipline to achieve socially optimal climate targets. Transparency obligations stipulated in green finance regulation can be categorized as either compelling the standardized disclosure of raw data, or providing quality labels that signal desirable green characteristics of investment products based on a uniform methodology. Both categories of transparency requirements can be imposed at activity, issuer, and portfolio level. Finance theory and empirical evidence suggest that investors may prefer ‘green’ over ‘dirty’ assets for both financial and non-financial reasons and may thus demand higher returns from environmentally harmful investment opportunities. Investor-led market discipline can benefit from mandatory transparency requirements and their rigid (public) enforcement, because these requirements prevent an underproduction of standardized high-quality information. However, many forces and frictions may also steer market outcomes away from socially optimal equilibria aligned with climate targets. Disclosure-centred green finance legislation is a second best to more direct forms of regulatory intervention (eg global emissions trading), but can play a supporting role in the sustainable transition, especially while first-best solutions remain politically unavailable.
Population genetic analysis of the Humboldt’s flying squirrel using high-throughput sequencing
Authors: Yuan Stella C , Malekos Eric , Cuellar-Gempeler Catalina , Hawkins Melissa T R
Published: January 2022

The San Bernardino flying squirrel (Glaucomys oregonensis californicus) is thought to be the southernmost population of the Humboldt’s flying squirrel (G. oregonensis) and is restricted to the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains in California. However, recent surveys indicate they have been extirpated from the latter locality. In this study, we characterized the intraspecific genetic structure and diversity of G. oregonensis. We amplified and sequenced at least 300 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene and 11 nuclear microsatellites to provide baseline genetic data for this species and subspecies, investigate G. oregonensis genetic structure with a focus on the subspecies distributed in California, and finally evaluate the genetic diversity within G. o. californicus. Population and phylogenetic analyses were performed on a total of 147 samples (tissue, hair, and museum specimen) using the Illumina high-throughput sequencing (HTS) platform, thereby bioinformatically coding microsatellite alleles using established pipelines. Our results indicate reduced genetic diversity in G. o. californicus and highlight genetic distinctiveness of the San Jacinto population. In addition, the differences in genetic diversity between the mitochondrial and nuclear markers suggest sex-biased dispersal and historic separation of the species in multiple refugia followed by more recent gene flow among subpopulations in northern California. This study contributes valuable information toward understanding the genetic variation within G. oregonensis, provides information for future conservation decisions for G. o. californicus, and has novel implications for HTS genotyping-by-sequencing.
How to write a research study protocol
Authors: Al Shakarchi Julien
Published: January 2022

A study protocol is an important document that specifies the research plan for a clinical study. Many funders such as the NHS Health Research Authority encourage researchers to publish their study protocols to create a record of the methodology and reduce duplication of research effort. In this paper, we will describe how to write a research study protocol.
Everyday limits to adaptation
Authors: Henrique Karen Paiva , Tschakert Petra
Published: January 2022

Adaptation to climate change, in terms of both academic and policy debates, has been treated predominantly as a local issue. This scalar focus points towards local agency as well as the contested responsibilization of local actors and potential disconnects with higher-level dynamics. While there are growing calls for individuals to take charge of their own lives against mounting climatic forces, little is known about the day-to-day actions people take, the many hurdles, barriers, and limits they encounter in their adaptation choices, and the trade-offs they consider envisaging the future. To address this gap, this article draws on 80+ interviews with urban and rural residents in Western Australia to offer a nuanced analysis of everyday climate adaptation and its limits. Our findings demonstrate that participants are facing significant adaptation barriers and that, for many, these barriers already constitute limits to what they can do to protect what they value most. They also make visible how gender, age, and socioeconomic status shape individual preferences, choices, and impediments, revealing compounding layers of disadvantage and differential vulnerability. We argue that slow and reflexive research is needed to understand what adaptation limits matter and to whom and identify opportunities to harness and support local action. Only then will we be able to surmount preconceived neoliberal ideals of the self-sufficient, resilient subject, engage meaningfully with ontological pluralism, and contribute to the re-politicization of adaptation decision-making.
ACTIVITY ESTIMATION WHEN DEALING WITH COLLECTIONS OF URANIFEROUS MINERALS
Authors: Fedeli Luca , Doria Sandra , Moggi Cecchi Vanni , Cupparo Ilaria , Fabrizi Lucilla , Gori Cesare
Published: January 2022

The activity estimation of hand-size specimens of uraniferous minerals is not a trivial issue due to the manipulation difficulty caused by the emitted ionising radiation and the dependence of radiometric quantities from several parameters. Sample modelling requires approximations, leading to large uncertainty in the evaluation of the activity.

In this work, a new procedure to evaluate uraniferous specimens activity, including a detailed description of measured parameters, the instrumentation and the mathematical formulation of the process, is presented. The proposed methodology takes into consideration sample size, ore composition and measured radiation.

The procedure was used to measure the activity of a group of uraniferous mineral specimens belonging to Natural History Museum of the University of Florence, Italy. The experimental set-up was designed to reduce the measurement uncertainty. The aim of this work is to propose a methodology that can be easily applied to the specimens manipulation, conservation and exhibition.
What Is the Effect of Organ Donation Authorization Rates When Utilizing a Standardized Effective Request Process?
Authors: Bly Jacob D. , Atluri Sahaja , Graham-Stephenson Alexis , Ott Melissa , Markham Lori , Sander Scott , Neel Dustin R. , Johnson Scott S. , Vasquez Donald G. , Whitt Steven P. , Olson Jody , Sangha Harbaksh , Cheng An-Lin , Moncure Michael
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVES:

To determine if implementation of a standardized effective request process (ERP) can increase organ donation authorization rates.

DESIGN:

A retrospective, observational study was performed using data acquired from the Midwest Transplant Network. chi-square test was used to analyze categorical data, with p value of less than 0.05 deemed significant.

SETTING:

The Midwest Transplant Network located in Westwood, KS from January 1, 2013 to June 30, 2017.

PATIENTS:

A total of 1,391 consecutive patients were identified as potential donors based on medical evaluation of the patient’s neurologic status, organ function, and established age criteria.

INTERVENTIONS:

An ERP was used when discussing donation with 733 patients (53%), compared with no ERP usage with 658 patients (47%).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

A significant increase (30%) in donation rates was observed when an ERP was used. A comparative decrease in donation rates was observed whenever a breakdown in any of the four identified steps occurred.

LIMITATIONS:

The data analyzed was gathered retrospectively. Due to the retrospective nature of our study, there is no way to determine delay in authorization times versus no delay. Although most population data information about the authorized donors was known, this information was limited in patients who declined.

CONCLUSIONS:

With proper preparation and planning, the implementation of a standardized ERP may improve organ donation rates and increase the number of life-saving organs for transplant.
Abnormal Right Ventricular Free Wall Strain Prior to Prone Ventilation May Be Associated With Worse Outcome of Patients With COVID-19–Associated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Temperikidis Prodromos , Koroneos Apostolos , Xourgia Eleni , Kotanidou Anastasia , Siempos Ilias I.
Published: January 2022

We investigated the effect of prone ventilation on right ventricular (RV) function of intubated patients with COVID-19–associated acute respiratory distress syndrome by measuring both conventional RV functional variables (namely, tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and fractional area change) and right ventricular free wall strain (RVFWS) using transthoracic speckle-tracking echocardiography at baseline (before prone positioning), 18 hours after prone positioning, and 1 hour after supine repositioning. We found that transthoracic echocardiography was feasible in a considerable proportion (nine patients, 75% of our cohort) of patients undergoing prone ventilation. Also, abnormal as opposed to normal RVFWS values (in the absence of conventional variables of RV dysfunction) at baseline were associated with higher mortality (100% vs 20%; p = 0.048). Finally, we found that, among patients without acute cor pulmonale or conventional markers of RV dysfunction, one session of prone ventilation may not affect right myocardial strain.
Physician Voices on ECHO Autism India—Evaluation of a Telementoring Model for Autism in a Low-Middle Income Country
Authors: Sengupta Koyeli , Lobo Leera , Krishnamurthy Vibha
Published: January 2022

Objectives:

Training pediatricians in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in early diagnosis and comprehensive management of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is crucial to ensure optimal developmental outcomes for a substantial number of children with ASD in this region. This study evaluates the relevance and effectiveness of an evidence-based telementoring model Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Autism in increasing pediatricians' access to best-practice care for children with ASD in LMIC contexts.

Methods:

ECHO Autism was launched by a ‟hub” team of multidisciplinary ASD experts at a child development center in Mumbai, India. The culturally modified model included 13 biweekly sessions conducted annually using video-conferencing technology. Sessions combined expert-delivered didactics and facilitated case-based discussions on best-practice methods in screening, diagnosing, and managing autism and its comorbidities. Sixty-two physicians, including 59 pediatricians across 2 cohorts (2019–2020), participated in the mixed-methods study to evaluate participants' reactions, knowledge, behaviors, and impact on children and families.

Results:

Participants represented a broad geographic reach across India (n = 47) and other LMICs (n = 15). Both quantitative and qualitative data revealed high levels of participant satisfaction and improved knowledge and self-efficacy in ASD diagnosis and management. Qualitative themes highlighted the adult-learning processes of ECHO Autism that participants considered novel and beneficial, such as reflective discussions, respectful mentoring, having a parent as ‟expert,” and cultural relevance, alongside changes in practice behaviors.

Conclusion:

ECHO Autism clinics facilitated by local experts in LMICs can improve access to early diagnosis and evidence-based, comprehensive management for children with ASD and their families by positively influencing pediatricians' knowledge, attitudes, and practice behaviors.
Is cognitive performance of women sensitive to the severity of menopausal symptoms?
Authors: Kaur Mankamal , Kaur Maninder
Published: January 2022

Objective:

Menopause is a natural phenomenon among women during their midlife, which is accompanied by unfavorable physical, physiological, and psychological consequences. Therefore, the major aim of the present cross-sectional study was to examine whether the cognitive performance of women is sensitive to the severity of menopausal symptoms.

Methods:

A total number of 404 rural women aged between 40 and 65 years were included in the present study. The menopausal symptoms and cognitive performance of the women were assessed using the Greene Climacteric Scale and Hindi Mini-Mental State Examination scale respectively.

Results:

The results of the present study demonstrated that women experiencing severe menopausal symptoms (higher Total Greene climacteric score) presented significantly lower mean values for orientation (8.11 vs 8.90, P < 0.001), registration (2.77 vs 2.91, P < 0.001), attention (4.31 vs 4.48, P < 0.01), recall (2.26 vs 2.53, P < 0.05), and language/visuo-spatial skills (7.13 vs 7.91, P < 0.001) as compared with their counterparts with mild menopausal symptoms. The multivariate linear regression model (after adjustment for age, marital status, and educational status) recorded severe depression and greater sexual dysfunction as the factors significantly associated with lower Mini-Mental State Examination scores.

Conclusion:

Hence, the findings of the present study indicated that the cognitive performance of women was sensitive to severe depression and sexual dysfunction.

Video Summary:

http://links.lww.com/MENO/A864.
Oral postmenopausal hormone therapy and genetic risk on venous thromboembolism: gene-hormone interaction results from a large prospective cohort study
Authors: Kim Jihye , Bhupathiraju Shilpa N. , Harrington Laura B. , Hagan Kaitlin A. , Lindström Sara , Manson JoAnn E. , Kraft Peter , Kabrhel Christopher
Published: January 2022

Objective:

Oral postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) has been shown to be associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE), but whether this association is modified by VTE-associated genetic susceptibility is unknown. We examined interactions between oral HT use and a genetic risk score (GRS) of VTE.

Method:

Eligible women were postmenopausal women who had data on oral HT use, VTE incidence between 1990 and 2012, and genetic data in the Nurses’ Health Study. We built a GRS aggregating 16 VTE-related genetic variants. We used Cox regression to estimate associations of HT use with incident VTE and assessed interactions between HT use and VTE GRS. We also estimated incidence of VTE between age 50 and 79 years for groups of women defined by HT use and VTE GRS.

Results:

We identified 432 incident VTE cases. Current HT users were at higher risk of VTE than never users (HR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.5-2.6), with slightly higher risk for estrogen plus progestin HT than estrogen only (HR: 2.4 vs 1.9). The GRS was associated with VTE risk (HR comparing 4th quartile to 1st: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.2-3.4). We did not observe significant multiplicative interactions between HT use and GRS. The estimated VTE risk difference (per 10,000 person-years) comparing 50-year-old current HT users to never users was 22.5 for women in the highest GRS quartile and 9.8 for women in the lowest GRS quartile.

Conclusion:

The VTE GRS might inform clinical guidance regarding the balance of risks and benefits of HT use, especially among younger women.
RESULTS OF TWO CASES WITH DISTINCT COMPLICATIONS DUE TO INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB IN RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY
Authors: Yalcinbayir Ozgur , Ucan Gunduz Gamze , Yildiz Meral , Alyamac Gunay , Avci Remzi
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

To present the surgical outcome and long-term follow-up of 2 cases who underwent intravitreal bevacizumab injection for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and subsequently developed full thickness macular hole and endophthalmitis.

Methods:

Case report.

Patients:

The first case is a premature girl who was delivered 650 g at the 27th week of postmenstrual age (PMA) because of preeclampsia and received intravitreal 0.16 mg bevacizumab bilaterally at the 38th PMA with the diagnosis of ROP. She was referred with endophthalmitis 10 days after injection in the left eye. Endophthalmitis resolved with pars plana vitrectomy that was performed the following day. The second case is a premature girl who was delivered at the 30th week of PMA weighing 1,230 g and received intravitreal 0.16 mg bevacizumab injections bilaterally at the 39th PMA with a diagnosis of ROP. Retinopathy of prematurity regressed in the follow-up; however, full thickness macular hole was noted in the right eye on the first week of the injection. Pars plana vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peeling, and gas tamponade were performed at the 41st PMA week. Full thickness macular hole persisted despite pars plana vitrectomy whereas glaucoma emerged during the follow-up.

Conclusion:

Development of endophthalmitis and macular hole may occur after intravitreal injections in cases with ROP.
HIV and Aging in the Era of ART and COVID-19
Authors: Pallikkuth Suresh , Pahwa Savita
Published: January 2022

Our understanding of HIV/AIDS has been reframed during the recent past because the use of novel antiretroviral therapy has enabled clinicians and patients to control the progression of the disease. This supplement provides an overview of the HIV and Aging in the Era of ART and COVID-19, a virtual symposium held on February 8–9, 2021, organized by the Miami Center for AIDS Research along with articles contributed by some of the speakers and members of the organizing committee and presentations by junior investigators.