bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fine mapping and breeding application of two brown planthopper resistance genes derived from landrace rice
Authors: Li Fahuo , Yan Liuhui , Shen Juan , Liao Shuolei , Ren Xianrong , Cheng Ling , li Yong , Qiu Yongfu
Published: April 2024

The Brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stål; BPH) is known to cause significant damage to rice crops in Asia, and the use of host-resistant varieties is an effective and environmentally friendly approach for controlling BPH. However, genes limited resistance genes that are used in insect-resistant rice breeding programs, and landrace rice varieties are materials resources that carry rich and versatile genes for BPH resistance. Two landrace indica rice accessions, CL45 and CL48, are highly resistant to BPH and show obvious antibiosis against BPH. A novel resistance locus linked to markers 12M16.983 and 12M19.042 was identified, mapped to chromosome 12 in CL45, and designated Bph46. It was finely mapped to an interval of 480 kb and Gene 3 may be the resistance gene. Another resistance locus linked to markers RM26567 and 11MA104 was identified and mapped to chromosome 11 in CL48 and designated qBph11.3 according to the nominating rule. It was finely mapped to an interval of 145 kb, and LOC_Os11g29090 and LOC_Os11g29110 may be the resistance genes. Moreover, two markers, 12M16.983 and 11MA104, were developed for CL45 and CL48, respectively, using marker-assisted selection (MAS) and were confirmed by backcrossing individuals and phenotypic detection. Interestingly, we found that the black glume color is closely linked to the BPH resistance gene in CL48 and can effectively assist in the identification of positive individuals for breeding. Finally, several near-isogenic lines with a 9311 or KW genetic background, as well as pyramid lines with two resistance parents, were developed using MAS and exhibited significantly high resistance against BPHs.
Trends in hospitalisation for urinary tract infection in adults aged 18–65 by sex in Spain: 2000 to 2015
Authors: Redondo-Sánchez Jesús , Rodríguez-Barrientos Ricardo , de-Hoyos-Alonso Mª del Canto , Muntañola-Valero Cristina , Almendro Martínez Isabel , Peñalver-Argüeso Belén , Fernández-Escobar Carlos , Gil-de Miguel Ángel , del Cura-González Isabel
Published: April 2024

Objective

To analyse trends in urinary tract infection (UTIs) hospitalisation among patients adults 18–65 aged in Spain from 2000–2015.

Methods

Retrospective observational study using the Spanish Hospitalisation Minimum Data Set (CMBD), with codifications by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9). Variables: Type of UTIs (pyelonephritis, prostatitis, cystitis and non-specific-UTIs), sex, age (in 5 categories: 18–49 and 50–64 years in men, and 18–44, 45–55 and 56–64 years in women), comorbidity, length of stay, costs and mortality associated with admission. The incidence of hospitalisation was studied according to sex, age group and type of UTIs per 100,000. Trends were identified using Joinpoint regression.

Results

From 2000–2015, we found 259,804 hospitalisations for UTIs (51.6% pyelonephritis, 7.5% prostatitis, 0.6% cystitis and 40.3% non-specific UTIs). Pyelonephritis predominated in women and non-specific UTIs in men. The hospital stay and the average cost (2,160 EUR (IQR 1,7872,540 were greater in men. Overall mortality (0.4%) was greater in non-specific UTIs. More women were admitted (rates of 79.4 to 81.7) than in men (30.2 to 41). The greatest increase was found in men aged 50–64 years (from 59.3 to 87). In the Joinpoint analysis, the incidence of pyelonephritis increased in women [AAPC 2.5(CI 95% 1.6;3.4)], and non-specific UTIs decreased [AAPC −2.2(CI 95% −3.3;-1.2)]. Pyelonephritis decreased in men [AAPC −0.5 (CI 95% −1.5;0.5)] and non-specific UTIs increased [AAPC 2.3 (CI 95% 1.9;2.6)] and prostatitis increased [AAPC 2.6 (CI 95% 1.4;3.7)].

Conclusions

The urinary infection-related hospitalisation rate in adults in Spain increased during the period 2000–2015. Pyelonephritis predominated in women and non-specific UTIs in men. The highest hospitalisation rates occurred in the women but the greatest increase was found in men aged 65–74. The lenght of stay and cost were higher in men.
Investigating the association between diabetes and carpal tunnel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis approach
Authors: Sanjari Elaheh , Raeisi Shahraki Hadi , G. Khachatryan Lusine , Mohammadian-Hafshejani Abdollah
Published: April 2024

Introduction

In recent years, several studies have reported on the relationship between diabetes and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). However, due to their contradictory results, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to investigate this subject.

Methods

This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published in ISI Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and Embase databases. Heterogeneity in the studies included in the meta-analysis was evaluated using statistical tests such as the Chi-square test, I2, and forest plots. Publication bias was assessed using Begg’s and Egger’s tests.

Results

This investigation analyzed data from 42 studies conducted between 1985 and 2022, with a total of 3,377,816 participants. The meta-analysis demonstrated that the odds ratio (OR) of CTS in participants with a history of diabetes compared to those without was 1.90 (95% CI: 1.64–2.21; P-value < 0.001). Given that publication bias was observed in this study (Begg’s test P-value = 0.01), the modified OR was calculated with consideration of missed studies, which was 1.68 (95% CI: 1.45–1.94; P-value < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that diabetic patients have 90% higher odds of developing CTS compared to non-diabetic individuals, which is statistically significant.
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections and associated factors among prisoners in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Kebebe , Ayalew Getnet , Million Yihenew , Gelaw Aschalew
Published: April 2024

Background

Globally, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) cause considerable morbidity and mortality from their acute and chronic infections. The transmission of the viruses within the prisons is high due to overcrowding, and other risk behaviors such as drug use, and unsafe sexual practices. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and associated factors of HBV and HCV infections among prisoners in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Gondar City Prison Center from May 1, 2022, to July 30, 2022. A total of 299 prison inmates were selected by using a systematic random sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic, clinical, behavioral and prison related factors. Five milliliters of blood sample were collected, and the serum was separated from the whole blood. The serum was tested for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibody by using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Data was entered using EpiData version 4.6.0 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Logistic regression analysis was done to assess the association between the independent variables and HBV and HCV infections. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

The overall seroprevalence of HBV or HCV infections was 10.4%. The seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections was 7.0% and 4.0%, respectively. It has been demonstrated that having several heterosexual partners, sharing sharp materials in prison, having longer imprisonment, and having a body tattoo are significantly associated with HBV infection. The presence of a body tattoo, a history of surgical procedures, and previous imprisonment are associated risk factors for HCV infection.

Conclusion

The prevalence of HBV and HCV were high-intermediate and high, respectively. Therefore, preventative and control initiatives are needed in prisons to decrease the rate of infection and transmission.
Effect of different brushing parameters on erosive tooth wear in primary bovine enamel and dentin
Authors: Kanzow Philipp , Witt Corinna , Lechte Clemens , Barke Sarah , Rohland Bianca , Schmidt Alexandra , Wiegand Annette
Published: April 2024

This in-vitro study aimed to analyse the effect of brushing and different brushing parameters (kind of toothpaste, kind of toothbrush, brushing force) on erosive tooth wear of primary bovine enamel and dentin. Specimens were prepared from primary bovine enamel or dentin (each group n = 12) and cyclically eroded (6 × 60 s/d, citric acid, pH 2.4) and brushed with children’s toothbrushes (2 × 15 s/d) over 5 days. The brushing parameters under investigation were: toothpaste (fluoridated, fluoride-free), toothbrush (manual; rotating-oscillating and sonic, each at two different activation modes) and brushing force (1 N, 2 N). Specimens that were only eroded and not brushed served as controls. Enamel and dentin wear was quantified using widefield confocal microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed using three- and one-way ANOVAs followed by Scheffe’s (enamel) or Tamhane’s (dentin) post-hoc tests (p < 0.05). Brushing with the fluoridated toothpaste was able to significantly reduce erosive wear in enamel (by 15 to 37%, 6 of 10 groups) and in dentin (by 58 to 72%, all groups), while brushing with the fluoride-free toothpaste was not different from the controls. Considering the kind of toothpaste and brushing force, slight differences between the toothbrushes were observed in enamel, but not in dentin. Within the same toothbrush and activation mode, almost no differences between 1 and 2 N brushing force were detected. In conclusion, erosive tooth wear on primary bovine dental hard tissue mainly depends on the kind of toothpaste, rather than on the kind of toothbrush and the brushing force.
A cross-sectional study of university students’ mental health and lifestyle practices amidst the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hoteit Reem , Bou-Hamad Imad , Hijazi Sahar , Ayna Dinah , Romani Maya , El Morr Christo
Published: April 2024

Objectives

University students are regarded as the backbone of society, and their mental health during a pandemic may have a substantial impact on their performance and life outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess university students’ mental health, specifically depression, anxiety, and stress, during Lebanon’s extended COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the sociodemographic factors and lifestyle practices associated with it.

Methods

An online anonymous survey assessed the rates of mental health problems during COVID-19, controlling for socio-demographics and other lifestyle practices, in 329 undergraduate and graduate university students. Instruments utilized were the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression, the Beck Anxiety Inventory (21-BAI) for anxiety, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) for stress. The study employed descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression models to analyze the association between depression, anxiety, and stress with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Results were evaluated using adjusted odds ratios and confidence intervals, with a significance level of 0.05.

Results

Moderate to severe rates of depression, anxiety and stress among students were reported by 75.9%, 72.2%, and 89.3%, respectively. The odds of anxiety and stress were higher among women compared to men. Students who used private counseling services had higher odds of anxiety and stress than those who did not. Overall rated health was a major predictor of depression and anxiety, with the "poor" and "fair" overall-reported health groups having higher odds than the "Excellent" group. When compared to those who did not smoke, students who increased their smoking intake had higher odds of depression, anxiety and stress. Students who reduced their alcohol consumption had lower odds of anxiety compared to those who did not consume alcohol. Students who reduced their physical activity had higher odds than those who increased it. Finally, students who slept fewer than seven hours daily had higher odds of depression than those who slept seven to nine hours.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate a national student mental health crisis, with exceptionally high rates of moderate to severe depression, anxiety, and stress. Factors such as gender, university program, overall rated health, importance of religion in daily decisions, private counseling, smoking cigarettes, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and sleeping, were all found to have an impact on mental health outcomes. Our study highlights the need for university administrators and mental health professionals to consider targeted mental health programming for students, particularly for women and those with poor or fair overall perceived health.
State Initiatives in the System of Support for Victims of Terrorism
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Cho Jeong Hye
Published: April 2024

Despite its importance, academic interest in the national support system for victims of terrorism has been relatively overshadowed compared to the focus on terrorism prevention and response. The enactment of the “Anti-terrorism Act” in 2016 marked a pivotal moment by incorporating provisions related to the ‘support for terrorism victims’ and the provision of ‘special consolation funds’, thereby establishing the framework of the current system. However, preceding studies and subsequent research outcomes are not only scarce in quantity but also limited in content, primarily focusing on the analysis of specific individual support measures. Above all, there is virtually no attempt to evaluate whether South Korea’s support for victims of terrorism is appropriate. Therefore, this paper aims to contribute to laying the groundwork for the perspective and evaluation of the entire system for victims of terrorism in South Korea. By presenting the fundamental outline of the considerations for the design and evaluation, the paper seeks to facilitate a foundational understanding and assessment of the system.
An Emprical Analysis of Global Emission Offset Price Determinants on Voluntary Carbon Market: Focusing on Demand Factor
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Ahn Philip , Shin Dong-Hoon
Published: April 2024

This study analyzes the correlation between voluntary carbon market credit prices and three key sets of variables. Prior research on compliance carbon markets has identified these factors as a significant influence on emission price factors. This study employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to test these relationships and empirically examines short and long term correlations by conducting cointegration tests between each variable and the emission credit price. The results of the study are as follows:First, electricity prices exhibit a positive relationship with credit prices in the short term but a negative relationship in the long term. Second, compared to regulatory carbon market prices, credit prices are influenced by temperature variables, reflecting local weather conditions. Third, the energy variable emerges as the most crucial factor impacting prices in both compliance emissions trading systems and voluntary carbon credits. This implies that companies aiming for carbon neutrality through voluntary carbon market credits must develop comprehensive strategies that consider various external circumstances.
Comparative Study On ‘Dietary Education’ In Japan And Korea: From The Latest Nutritional Knowledge Perspective
Authors: Saeki Tamie
Published: April 2024

According to the Japan’s National Health and Nutrition Survey, trends in the intake of vegetables and fruits (1999-2018), which are considered effective in preventing lifestyle-related diseases, are far below the target value; In the under-50 age group, less than 30% achieved the target vegetable intake of 350g, and less than 15% achieved the target fruit intake of 200g 53. Against such background, it has become a challenge to nurture children's ‘self-management ability’ that leads to spontaneous and healthy dietary habits 16. Until now, almost all research on ‘Dietary education’ has been conducted in the field of nutrition, focusing on accumulating nutritional knowledge by explaining each nutritional component and its function. However, it is difficult to nurture spontaneous and healthy dietary habits simply through repeated nutrition-based education. It can be said that the pedagogical approach of this paper has made it possible to pursue from a broader perspective that influences food choices. Research on ‘nutrition transition’ points out “worldwide obesity dynamics and their determinants” based on “a shift in the broader patterns of dietary habits (Western-style diet) and corresponding nutrition-related diseases” 42. Nutrition transition research 50, 40 has a broad and holistic perspective on food and health, making it easy to understand nutrition. The purpose of this paper is to pursue how to nurture the ‘self-management ability’ for spontaneous and healthy dietary habits, based on these latest nutritional knowledges. Because nutrition transition is a global phenomenon, the author choses to use broader methods of international comparative research. Comparisons lead to discoveries and value creation. This can be said to have the greatest significance in comparative research.
Implementation of Laboratory Equipment Loan System in SiDal (BigData Laboratory System)
Authors: Cahyo Puji Asmoro  , Hana Susanti  , Iin Maemunah
Published: April 2024

Borrowing and returning equipment for both practicum and research is one of the routine laboratory management activities. Laboratories with a high intensity of borrowing equipment but limited human resources should use an online information system to manage the flow of borrowing so that laboratory activities can run optimally. This research was made based on these problems encountered in laboratory management at the Basic Physics Laboratory (LFD) of Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI). Previously, research was conducted on the development of a laboratory information system named SiDal (Laboratory BigData System). In SiDal, users can access tool data, tool catalog, tool status and tool storage. From the catalog of tools stored in SiDal as a data base, a system for borrowing and returning laboratory equipment was developed and then the application of this system was tested at LFD FPMIPA UPI. Through research and development methods, surveys were conducted through questionnaires and written interviews. From the results of the questionnaire distributed, 52 student respondents from various batches who had accessed SiDal showed that around 90% said that the loan system developed was more effective & practical, which was confirmed from the results of written interviews.
Postoperative Analgetic Profile in Pediatric Patients at Dr. Kariadi Hospital
Authors: Jatmiko Heru Dwi , Manapa Chandra Hermawan , Hutagalung Polmihotdin
Published: April 2024

Background: Pain management is pivotal for pediatric patients post-surgery due to its common occurrence and significant impact on well-being. Effective management involves considerations such as surgical type, analgesic selection, and proper pain assessment.Objective: Knowing the profile of postoperative analgesia in pediatric patients at Dr. Kariadi Hospital using pain assessment instruments based on age classification.Method: Employing an observational descriptive approach with a prospective cohort design, the study sampled 172 pediatric patients across varying pain severity levels. Utilizing total sampling, patients were assessed using age-specific pain instruments. Descriptive statistics were utilized to describe patients' characteristics, as well as the attributes of analgesic effectiveness concerning age, surgery type, and drugs administered. Texts and tables were employed to present the results.Results: Sampling on 172 patients with grouping based on the type of surgery that causes mild, moderate, and severe pain. Pain scales and analgesics were recorded at 4 moments: (1) when entering the recovery room; (2) leaving the recovery room; (3) 8 hours and (4) 24 hours postoperative. The results showed that the highest use of analgesics was paracetamol alone (59.9%); analgesic effectiveness in the mild pain surgery 97.2-98.6%; moderate pain 92.2-98.9%, and severe pain 90.9-100%.Conclusion: Postoperative analgesic utilization in pediatric patients at Dr. Kariadi Hospital is generally adequate, predominantly relying on paracetamol. However, enhancements are needed to optimize pain management, particularly for moderate-to- severe pain cases. Strategies to improve analgesic effectiveness should be pursued to ensure comprehensive pain relief for pediatric surgical patients.
Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. fruit inhibits iron-induced lipid peroxidation and ?-amylase enzyme activity
Authors: Faboro Esther Oremeyi , Ogunlakin Akingbolabo Daniel , Ayeni Peluola Olujide , Opaleye Oluwatunmise Deborah , Ojo Oluwafemi Adeleke , Ajayi-Odoko Omolola Adenike , Ayokunle Damilare IyinKristi , Sonibare Mubo Adeola , Alanzi Abdullah Rajaa
Published: April 2024

Insufficiencies in insulin secretion and/or action cause diabetes mellitus (DM), a complex condition characterized by abnormal blood glucose levels. Diabetes is often treated by modifying either glucose metabolism, lipids metabolism, or both. A direct correlation has been found between high levels of lipid peroxide in individuals with diabetes and lower intracellular antioxidant activity. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effect of the aqueous extract of Kigelia africana fruit on the carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzyme, ?-amylase, and FeSO4-induced lipid peroxidation in the rat pancreas. The in vitro antioxidant potential, including assays for (1,1 diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant property (FRAP), nitric oxide (NO), hydroxyl (OH) scavenging, and Fe2+ chelating abilities, of the fruit extract was also evaluated. The effect of the fruit extract on the ?-amylase enzyme, and FeSO4-induced lipid peroxidation in the rat pancreas was also evaluated. K. africana at a concentration of 0.5 mg/mL and 1 mg/mL scavenged DPPH radicals, with the lower concentration showing significant differences compared to the control. The K. africana fruit extract reduced ferric compounds significantly compared to the standard. The OH* radical scavenging results revealed that all concentrations of K. africana fruit scavenged OH* radicals without significant differences compared to the control. K. africana fruit also chelated iron significantly compared to the control. The fruit extract inhibited iron-induced lipid peroxidation in the rat pancreas and ?-amylase activity compared to the control. K. africana fruit displayed promising potential in inhibiting ?-amylase activity and associated lipid peroxidation in diabetics. Therefore, it holds strong promise for use in diabetes treatment, validating its traditional use for managing the condition.
Consensus Analysts Target Price and Stock Price Returns in Nigeria
Authors: Omoduemuke Efe Allwell , Ogbebor Peter Ifeanyi , Lawal Esther
Published: April 2024

This study focuses on the effect of an Investment Valuation technique (Consensus Analysts Target Price) on Stock Price Return of listed companies in the Nigerian Exchange between the period of 2011 and 2023. The ex-post facto research design was employed in this research due to the use of historic (secondary) data from the selected fifteen (15) companies across 3 major sectors on the Nigeria Exchange (NGX). Panel autoregressive distribution lag model was the estimation techniques and inference made on 5% significance level. Prior to the data analysis, a number or pre-estimation test were carried out such as co-integration, homogeneity, and cross-sectional dependence in addition to basis correlation and descriptive analysis.  Findings from the short run reveals a significant negative coefficient (-0.273) for lagged Stock Price Return (L.STR), indicating a substantial short-term correction effect. Conversely, the lagged Consensus Analyst Target Price (L.CATP) shows a positive coefficient (0.141) without statistical significance, suggesting a modest positive relationship without an immediate impact on Stock Price Return. Transitioning to the long run, the highly significant negative coefficient (-1.273) for long-run Stock Price Return (lr_STR) emphasizes a robust and persistent negative adjustment effect. Over an extended period, Consensus Analyst Target Price (lr_CATP) introduces a marginally significant positive coefficient (0.077), implying a modest positive impact on Stock Price Return. Based on the results, one recommendation concerning Consensus Analyst Target Price (CATP) and Stock Price Return is to exercise caution in relying solely on CATP for short-term decision-making. Investors should be aware that, in the short term, deviations from the lagged return may not be significantly influenced by CATP. Therefore, considering additional factors or indicators alongside CATP could enhance the accuracy of short-term decision-making in understanding stock price movements.
Eight weeks of treatment with mineralocorticoid receptor blockade does not alter vascular function in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes
Authors: Finsen Stine H. , Hansen Mie R. , Hansen Pernille B. L. , Mortensen Stefan P.
Published: April 2024

Aldosterone has been suggested to be involved in the microvascular complications observed in type 2 diabetes. We aimed to investigate the effect of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) blockade on endothelial function in individuals with type 2 diabetes compared to healthy controls. We included 12 participants with type 2 diabetes and 14 controls. We measured leg hemodynamics at baseline and during femoral arterial infusion of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside before and 8 weeks into treatment with MR blockade (eplerenone). Acetylcholine infusion was repeated with concomitant n‐acetylcysteine (antioxidant) infusion. No difference in leg blood flow or vascular conductance was detected before or after the treatment with MR blockade in both groups and there was no difference between groups. Infusion of n‐acetylcysteine increased baseline blood flow and vascular conductance, but did not change the vascular response to acetylcholine before or after treatment with MR blockade. Skeletal muscle eNOS content was unaltered by MR blockade and no difference between groups was detected. In conclusion, we found no effect of MR blockade endothelial function in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes. As the individuals with type 2 diabetes did not have vascular dysfunction, these results might not apply to individuals with vascular dysfunction.
Disciplinary tribes and the discourse of mainstream media expert opinion articles: evidencing COVID-19 knowledge claims for a public audience
Authors: Hafner Christoph A. , Jaworska Sylvia , Sun Tongle
Published: April 2024

Much applied linguistic research has investigated how experts from different disciplines – different “disciplinary tribes” – present knowledge claims, drawing on taken-for-granted disciplinary ideologies and epistemologies. However, this research has mainly focused on specialist to specialist communication rather than specialist to non-specialist communication. This article aims to fill this gap by examining a corpus of mainstream media “expert opinion articles”, written by experts for members of the public, on the topic of the COVID-19 crisis and published in The Guardian and The New York Times. The corpus included articles by experts in Medical Science, Medical Practice, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Law, and Economics. Using corpus-based discourse analysis, we consider the effect of discipline on the way that experts present and evidence knowledge claims. We compare the kinds of experts, their content focus, and forms of evidentiality seen in verbal evidentials used in the articles. The analysis identifies four discourse strategies: (1) deriving knowledge from experience; (2) invoking the knowledge of the expert community; (3) invoking vernacular knowledge; and (4) raising claims in argument or critique. Differences in disciplinary epistemologies lead to systematic differences in presenting and evidencing knowledge claims, even in texts primarily intended for a wide public audience.
Microbial perspective on the skin–gut axis and atopic dermatitis
Authors: Qu Bo , Zhang Xue-er , Feng Haoyue , Yan Bonan , Bai Yingchun , Liu Shanlin , He Yuhua
Published: April 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a relapsing inflammatory skin condition that has become a global health issue with complex etiology and mounting prevalence. The association of AD with skin and gut microbiota has been revealed by virtue of the continuous development of sequencing technology and genomics analysis. Also, the gut–brain–skin axis and its mutual crosstalk mechanisms have been gradually verified. Accordingly, the microbiota–skin–gut axis also plays an important role in allergic skin inflammation. Herein, we reviewed the relationship between the microbiota–skin–gut axis and AD, explored the underlying signaling molecules and potential pathways, and focused on the potential mechanisms of probiotics, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), coagulase-negative staphylococci transplantation, fecal microbiota transplantation, AMPs, and addition of essential fatty acids in alleviating AD, with the aim to provide a new perspective for targeting microbiota in the treatment of allergic skin inflammation.
Spatial-temporal and trend analysis of traffic accidents in AP Vojvodina (North Serbia)
Authors: Kričković Emina , Lukić Tin , Srejić Tanja , Stojšić-Milosavljević Anastazija , Stojanović Vladimir , Kričković Zoran
Published: April 2024

The objective of this study is to analyse the spatial-temporal patterns of traffic accidents using data from 2011 to 2020 for the AP Vojvodina. The spatial-temporal patterns of traffic accident hotspots were identified at the municipality level using the Getis–Ord

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statistic in ArcGIS Pro software. Trends in traffic accidents were analysed using the Mann-Kendall (MK) statistic. A certain trend in the number of traffic accidents, fatalities, and injuries was detected in 15 out of 45 municipalities. In two municipalities, the trend in the number of traffic accidents is decreasing, while in seven, it is increasing. In three municipalities, a decreasing trend in the number of traffic fatalities was observed. A decreasing trend in traffic injuries was identified in five municipalities. Hotspot analysis on the number of traffic accidents and traffic injuries revealed hotspots in seven municipalities, while no hotspots were detected in the number of traffic fatalities. In the traffic casualties weighted number, persons in tractors, hotspots were identified in two municipalities. This research has the potential to enhance traffic safety by directing targeted safety measures towards identified hotspots. Such measures could ultimately lead to a reduction in traffic accidents, consequently curbing the number of both fatalities and injuries.
Chinese Constitutonal Performance Unveiled: Text Mining Insights in Civil Litigations
Authors: Shui Bing
Published: April 2024

This article presents a comprehensive examination of the role of constitutions in private disputes, with a specific focus on the Chinese Constitution. Utilizing an extensive dataset of digitized court adjudications, this study delves into a relatively unexplored area, yielding crucial factual and legal insights. The research reveals that the Chinese Constitution significantly influences civil adjudications, both implicitly and explicitly. Furthermore, court judgments emerge as pivotal forces shaping public awareness of constitutional principles. These findings hold profound implications for comprehending the role of constitutions in contexts beyond democratic frameworks, particularly within the private sphere. The study underscores how the capitalist market in China empowers individuals to assert and safeguard private rights, consequently affording the Constitution a protective role in this realm. Concurrently, the existing regime has systematically eroded the Constitution’s influence in public affairs, maintaining its symbolic and rhetorical role. Notably, the concept of judicial independence remains a sensitive subject in China, leading many civil courts to eschew constitutional provisions in favor of political expediency. This paradox underscores the necessity of establishing a reasonably independent judiciary as an integral facet of constitutionalism in such settings. In sum, this research challenges prevailing assumptions about constitutionalism’s contours. It transcends the conventional focus on political authority, illustrating how empirical investigations into constitutional performance within civil litigation can illuminate the emergence of constitutionalism in the shadows of non-democratic systems. These findings offer valuable insights into the role of constitutions in private disputes and pave the way for further exploration within this evolving scholarly domain. Ultimately, this study advances our comprehension of constitutional realities and their far-reaching impacts on the legal landscape and society within contemporary China.
Cognitive state detection with eye tracking in the field: an experience sampling study and its lessons learned
Authors: Langner Moritz , Toreini Peyman , Maedche Alexander
Published: April 2024

In the future, cognitive activity will be tracked in the same way how physical activity is tracked today. Eye-tracking technology is a promising off-body technology that provides access to relevant data for cognitive activity tracking. For building cognitive state models, continuous and longitudinal collection of eye-tracking and self-reported cognitive state label data is critical. In a field study with 11 students, we use experience sampling and our data collection system esmLoop to collect both cognitive state labels and eye-tracking data. We report descriptive results of the field study and develop supervised machine learning models for the detection of two eye-based cognitive states: cognitive load and flow. In addition, we articulate the lessons learned encountered during data collection and cognitive state model development to address the challenges of building generalizable and robust user models in the future. With this study, we contribute knowledge to bring eye-based cognitive state detection closer to real-world applications.
Chest radiographic thoracic areas and respiratory outcomes in infants with anterior abdominal wall defects
Authors: Jenkinson Allan , Krishnan Mirna , Davenport Mark , Harris Christopher , Dassios Theodore , Greenough Anne
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Infants with anterior abdominal wall defects (AWD) can suffer from pulmonary complications. Our aims were to determine if the chest radiographic thoracic areas (CRTAs) on day one differed between infants with exomphalos or gastroschisis, whether this related to differing severity of outcomes and if they were lower than those of controls indicating abnormal antenatal lung growth.

Methods

A review of infants with exomphalos or gastroschisis born between January 2004 and January 2023 was conducted. The control group was term, newborn infants ventilated for poor respiratory drive at birth. Chest radiographs on day one were analysed and the highest CRTA in the first 24 h after birth for each infant included in the analysis.

Results

The 127 infants with gastroschisis had a lower gestational age and birthweight than the 62 exomphalos infants and 130 controls (all p<0.001) The CRTAs of the controls were greater than the CRTAs of the exomphalos and the gastroschisis infants (p = 0.001). The median CRTA corrected for birthweight was lower in the exomphalos infants [688, IQR 568-875 mm2/kg] than the gastroschisis infants [813, IQE 695-915 mm2/kg] No gastroschisis infant developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). A CRTA of 1759 mm2 had a sensitivity of 81 % and specificity of 71 % in predicting BPD in infants with exomphalos.

Conclusions

Infants with gastroschisis or exomphalos had lower CRTAs than controls suggesting both groups had abnormal antenatal lung development. The CRTA was lower in the exomphalos infants who also had worse respiratory outcomes, hence CRTA assessment may a useful prognostic aid.
Diachronic evolution of the subordinator kak in Russian
Authors: Serdobolskaya Natalia , Kobozeva Irina
Published: April 2024

In Russian, the subordinator kak ‘how’ is both a manner question word and an eventive complementizer. The Russian linguistic tradition explains the colexification of the two functions in terms of a semantic shift from manner as characteristic of a situation to event description as a whole. Alternatively, a grammaticalization scenario from manner complements to event/propositional complements has been suggested: manner complements originally have a propositional frame, which is foregrounded concurrently with the loss of the manner meaning, giving rise to both eventive and propositional interpretations. This article is aimed at testing both hypotheses. We study several large Old Russian manuscripts, starting from the first available documents of the 11th century, and show that at the earliest documented period Old Russian kako/kakъ could be used in all types of complement clauses. It could introduce eventive, propositional, manner and irrealis purposive-like complements. Accordingly, the evolution of the subordinator kak in complementation involves a narrowing of its functional domain. We classify Old Russian texts based on the period and trace the gradual loss of particular functions during the centuries. Thus, we show that the Russian data supports the second grammaticalization scenario.
Presence of the crab-eating fox Cerdocyon thous in La Rioja, Argentina, and implications for its geographic and environmental niche modeling
Authors: Fariñas Torres Thamara , Schiaffini Mauro , Cirignoli Sebastian , Chemisquy María Amelia
Published: April 2024

The crab-eating fox Cerdocyon thous is one of South America’s most common species of canids; its generalist habits and plasticity allowed the species to adapt to numerous habitats and human presence. In 2020, we registered a specimen of C. thous on a trap camera placed in the vicinity of the Huaco River in La Rioja Province, Argentina. This record was the starting point for evaluating past and present environmental niche models (ENMs) of the species throughout their entire distribution in South America. ENMs models suggest that the presence of C. thous in La Rioja has low suitability values and suggest that we may be facing a sink population scenario due to the low frequency of records in the province. Also, the model indicated that the parameters delimiting the areas with the highest suitability values are related to temperature, isothermality, and precipitation. Long-term studies in the region are needed to determine the population dynamics of C. thous in La Rioja.
Strong coupling in molecular systems: a simple predictor employing routine optical measurements
Authors: Rider Marie S. , Johnson Edwin C. , Bates Demetris , Wardley William P. , Gordon Robert H. , Oliver Robert D. J. , Armes Steven P. , Leggett Graham J. , Barnes William L.
Published: April 2024

We provide a simple method that enables readily acquired experimental data to be used to predict whether or not a candidate molecular material may exhibit strong coupling. Specifically, we explore the relationship between the hybrid molecular/photonic (polaritonic) states and the bulk optical response of the molecular material. For a given material, this approach enables a prediction of the maximum extent of strong coupling (vacuum Rabi splitting), irrespective of the nature of the confined light field. We provide formulae for the upper limit of the splitting in terms of the molar absorption coefficient, the attenuation coefficient, the extinction coefficient (imaginary part of the refractive index) and the absorbance. To illustrate this approach, we provide a number of examples, and we also discuss some of the limitations of our approach.
Inverse design of compact silicon photonic waveguide reflectors and their application for Fabry–Perot resonators
Authors: Kim Yonghan , Hong Sung-Hoon
Published: April 2024

Silicon photonic waveguide resonators, such as microring resonators, photonic crystal waveguide cavities, and Fabry–Perot resonators based on the distributed Bragg reflectors, are key device components for silicon-based photonic integrated circuits (Si-PIC). For the Si-PIC with high integration density, the device footprints of the conventional photonic waveguide resonators need to be more compact. Inverse design, which is operated by the design expectation and different from the conventional design methods, has been investigated for reducing the photonic device components nowadays. In this paper, we inversely designed the silicon photonic waveguide reflectors for two target wavelengths: one is 1310 nm and the other is 1550 nm. The silicon photonic waveguide reflectors have reflectance of 0.99993 and 0.9955 for the wavelength of 1310 nm and 1550 nm each with 5-μm-long reflectors. Also, we theoretically investigated Fabry–Perot resonators based on the inversely designed photonic waveguide reflectors. Q factors of the Fabry–Perot resonators have been calculated to be 1.3 × 105 for the wavelength of 1310 nm and 2583 for the wavelength of 1550 nm. We have expected that the inversely designed photonic waveguide reflectors and their applications for the Fabry–Perot resonators can be utilized for compact passive/active device components such as wavelength filters, modulators, and external cavity lasers.
A syntactic analysis of  in Spanish
Authors: Ros García Laura
Published: April 2024

This paper addresses how the negative particle no interacts with Spanish deverbal nominalizations that denote an event. Firstly, it is pointed out that, when preceded by negation, these nominalizations only give rise to the inhibited eventuality reading, contrary to what happens with verbs, which give rise to both the inhibited eventuality reading and the negated eventuality reading. Secondly, it is shown that, when these nominalizations co-occur with no, their lexical aspect is modified, as they share properties with events, but with states as well. Thirdly, a proposal of analysis for  is presented. We claim that both the interpretation and lexical aspect of this construction follow from the interaction of negation with the syntactic configuration of the nominalization and, specifically, with the projection responsible for the triggering of the eventuality.
On the validity of the exchange principle in rotatory electrothermoconvection
Authors: Kumari Chitresh , Kumar Jitender , Prakash Jyoti
Published: April 2024

The electrothermoconvection in a rotating dielectric fluid layer heated from below (or above) is studied analytically using linear stability theory. First, we derive the necessary conditions for oscillatory motion when the fluid layer is heated from below and from above. Then as a consequence, sufficient conditions for the validity of the exchange principle are derived for the two configurations in terms of the parameters of the systems alone. The results hold for free boundaries for all wave numbers and for rigid boundaries with some restrictions. Further, the results for electrothermoconvection without rotation, rotatory Rayleigh–Bénard convection and Rayleigh–Bénard convection are also obtained as special cases which validate the existing results. To the best of author’s knowledge such results are not reported in the literature as far as the domain of electrothermoconvection studies is concerned.
Disarticulation, evisceration and excarnation: Neolithic mortuary practices at Dingsishan, southern China
Authors: Ye Ziqi , Wang Minghui , Stock Jay T. , Li Fa-jun
Published: April 2024

The diversity of human mortuary practices and treatments in prehistory is widely recognised, but our understanding of the purpose and manner of corpse manipulation in many regions is limited. This article reports on unusual aspects of funerary archaeology at the Neolithic site of Dingsishan, southern China. Anatomical consideration of cutmarks on human bones and the positioning of bodies and body parts within burials suggests that mortuary treatments at this site included strategic and systematic disarticulation, evisceration and excarnation. Rather than signalling social differences, these practices may have resulted from the very practical need to save space.
Topography and Ensemble Activity in the Auditory Cortex of a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Wadle Simon L. , Ritter Tamara C. , Wadle Tatjana T. X. , Hirtz Jan J.
Published: April 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often associated with social communication impairments and specific sound processing deficits, for example, problems in following speech in noisy environments. To investigate underlying neuronal processing defects located in the auditory cortex (AC), we performed two-photon Ca2+imaging inFMR1(fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein1) knock-out (KO) mice, a model for fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common cause of hereditary ASD in humans. For primary AC (A1) and the anterior auditory field (AAF), topographic frequency representation was less ordered compared with control animals. We additionally analyzed ensemble AC activity in response to various sounds and found subfield-specific differences. In A1, ensemble correlations were lower in general, while in secondary AC (A2), correlations were higher in response to complex sounds, but not to pure tones. Furthermore, sound specificity of ensemble activity was decreased in AAF. Repeating these experiments 1 week later revealed no major differences regarding representational drift. Nevertheless, we found subfield- and genotype-specific changes in ensemble correlation values between the two times points, hinting at alterations in network stability inFMR1KO mice. These detailed insights into AC network activity and topography inFMR1KO mice add to the understanding of auditory processing defects in FXS.
Digital Desmadres (Mishmashes), Tape, Ink, Paint, Cardboard, Kraft Paper, Xeroxes, Fabric (and more Tape)
Authors: García Guillermo Nericcio , Nericcio William Anthony
Published: April 2024

This Dialogues is a curated discussion of Latinx digital humanities emphasizing digital visual culture and the digital visualization of culture by scholars and artists with diverse backgrounds and projects. Envisioned as a foundational text in the growing Latinx visual digital humanities field, this Dialogues is not striving to be comprehensive. Instead, through its discussion, participants define Latinx digital humanities and visual culture broadly, with authors and artists finding common ground through their decolonial practices and community-based methods, as well as sharing concerns about and resistance to inevitable co-option by capitalism as their respective Latinx digital humanities projects work against community erasure and toward visibility. Contributors also map antecedents and futures for Latinx digital humanities projects of visual culture.
Digital Humanities at the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute
Authors: Hernández Ramona , Austerlitz Paul
Published: April 2024

This Dialogues is a curated discussion of Latinx digital humanities emphasizing digital visual culture and the digital visualization of culture by scholars and artists with diverse backgrounds and projects. Envisioned as a foundational text in the growing Latinx visual digital humanities field, this Dialogues is not striving to be comprehensive. Instead, through its discussion, participants define Latinx digital humanities and visual culture broadly, with authors and artists finding common ground through their decolonial practices and community-based methods, as well as sharing concerns about and resistance to inevitable co-option by capitalism as their respective Latinx digital humanities projects work against community erasure and toward visibility. Contributors also map antecedents and futures for Latinx digital humanities projects of visual culture.