bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatially Varying Intergenerational Changes in the Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in Nigeria: Lessons Learnt from a Recent Household Survey
Authors: Nnanatu Chibuzor Christopher , Fagbamigbe Adeniyi Francis , Afuecheta Emmanuel , Utazi Chigozie Edson
Published: December 2022

Considering the concerted investments in anti-female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) campaigns championed by the Nigerian government and non-governmental organizations, research findings suggest that reduction in intergenerational (mother-to-daughter) prevalence of FGM/C in Nigeria has been very slow. What can we learn from the 2018 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (2018 NDHS) about the roles of the key drivers of mother-to-daughter FGM/C prevalence in Nigeria? Here, drawing upon the 2018 NDHS dataset, we provided a context-specific study on the geographical patterns and the enabling factors of intergenerational trends in FGM/C among Nigerian women aged 15 – 49 years and their daughters aged 0 – 14 years. Using Bayesian semi-parametric geo-additive regression model, we simultaneously controlled for the effects of individual-level, community-level and unobserved geographical factors. We learnt that although there has been an overall decline in mother-to-daughter prevalence of FGM/C, the practice persists in Nigeria largely due to geographical location and social norm related factors – risk was high among daughters of circumcised women and daughters of women who supported the continuation of FGM/C. We identified Kano, Kaduna, Imo and Bauchi states as the hotspots and there was an increased risk of FGM/C among daughters of women who lived in the neigbouring states of Jigawa and Yobe. Daughters of circumcised women were about 2.7 times more likely to be cut. We recommend the development of tailored community-level interventions targeting circumcised women in the hotspot states and their neighbours to ensure a total eradication of female circumcision in Nigeria by the year 2030.
Beneficial and negative factors for the development of students’ well-being in educational context
Authors: Stang-Rabrig Justine , Schwerter Jakob , Witmer Matthew , McElvany Nele
Published: December 2022

Students’ school-related well-being (SWB) is of vital importance. Nevertheless, it is unclear how SWB develops in late adolescence, especially among students in high-achieving environments and which factors are associated with it. Based on a longitudinal dataset (T1: Grade 11, T2: Grade 12), we analyzed how SWB (school satisfaction, academic self-concept, stress experience, exam anxiety, peer satisfaction) develops and whether psychological needs (autonomy, competence, relatedness) and achievement pressure from teachers and parents were related to the development. 1,286 students from high-achieving high schools (46.7% female, MageT1 = 16.40) answered sociodemographic questions and questions about key variables. From T1 to T2, particularly students’ stress experience and peer satisfaction declined. Need fulfilment and perceived achievement pressure was related to changes. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Future self-imagery of young people in Sweden during the COVID-19 pandemic: an exploratory mixed methods analysis
Authors: Singh Laura , Rathbone Clare J , Moulds Michelle L. , Holmes Emily A.
Published: December 2022

Global restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly limited the capacity to plan for the future. Little is known about young people’s future self-images and the impact the COVID-19 pandemic may have had upon them. Given evidence that the ability to imagine a positive future can be protective for mental health, research into the impact of the pandemic on future self-imagery is needed. In two studies, we therefore explored the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for future self-imagery in an unselected sample of young people in Sweden, specifically: (a) how content and characteristics of future self-images changed from before to during the pandemic, and (b) how such change was related to trauma history, intrusive memories of COVID-19 media footage, past time perspective and optimism (assessed with questionnaires/intrusive memory diary). Future self-images before and during the pandemic were assessed using the ‘I Will Be’ task (NStudy1=74; NStudy2=99). A mixed methods design, combining quantitative analysis, qualitative content coding and thematic analysis was used. Exploratory results of Study 1 indicated that future images were rated as less positive during than before the pandemic and that this reduction was less pronounced in people with higher optimism. Results were replicated in an independent sample (Study 2, collected later during the pandemic). In conclusion, whilst the findings are preliminary and emerged from an unselected sample, they prompt the suggestion that brief, novel interventions which aim to bolster positive future imagery may hold promise as a scalable means by which to enhance mental health for young people in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Comment on “Screening the Multi-element Content of Pleurotus Mushroom Species Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES)”
Authors: Falandysz Jerzy
Published: December 2022

La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu are lanthanides, also referred to as “rare earth” elements (occurring at ultra-low concentration, i.e. each, at ppb or lower levels) in plant and animal foods including edible wild mushrooms. Could it be that lanthanides when collectively reported as a summed value (widely referred to as REE) are at relatively high concentrations because extremely high contributions from individual elements? REE elements naturally occur in environmental media such as the soil substrate in which plants and fungi grow in a characteristic pattern (Oddo-Harkins rule), with most of the available literature confirming the extension of this pattern in fungi. Abnormalities therefore need to be examined closely and resolved.
Economic policy statements, social media, and stock market uncertainty: An analysis of Donald Trump’s tweets
Authors: Ortiz Daniel Perico
Published: December 2022

This paper investigates the impact of economic policy communication via social media on stock market uncertainty. It uses a sample of Donald Trump’s tweets to identify and cluster policy-related tweets using a double machine learning approach based on natural language processing. The response of uncertainty to these tweets is then estimated using an event-study design. Tweets about foreign policy and trade, monetary policy, and immigration policy significantly increase market uncertainty as measured by the VIX. Independent of their content, also the frequency of tweets and the intensity of tweet sharing matter for stock market uncertainty. Most of the effects are transitory, reaching their peaks around two hours after the publication of tweets.
Sustaining BEST in CLASS: Teacher-Reported Evidence-Based Practice Use with Students at Risk for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Washington-Nortey Melissa , Granger Kristen , Sutherland Kevin S. , Conroy Maureen , Kaur Navneet , Hetrick Allyse
Published: December 2022

There is growing evidence of the efficacy of evidence-based interventions in improving the academic and social outcomes of children who exhibit challenging behaviors during program implementation periods. However, less is known about the extent to which practices learned as part of these interventions are sustained after these projects end, when funding is paused temporarily, and in less-than-ideal conditions. This study used qualitative methods to investigate whether teachers previously trained in the BEST in CLASS-Elementary intervention continued to use the program’s evidence-based practices with students 1–2 years after completing the program and in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also examined teachers’ perceptions of the impact of practice use on students’ academic and social outcomes. Thirteen BEST in CLASS-Elementary teachers from elementary schools in two southeastern states in the USA where the program was implemented completed semi-structured interviews on the topic. Data were coded thematically, and the results indicated that over 50% of teachers reported using “rules,” “supportive relationships,” and “praise” frequently with their students. However, “precorrection” and “opportunities to respond” were reportedly used less often. Teachers also perceived that their use of these evidence-based practices was linked to increases in their students’ academic engagement and academic performance and knowledge, improvements in students’ behaviors, their relationships with teachers, and general comfort and self-confidence. The discussion highlights modality-specific patterns noted in the results that might influence sustainment and the implication of these findings for interventions and programs aimed at promoting positive behavioral outcomes for early elementary school students.
Vortex separation cascades in simulations of the planar flow past an impulsively started cylinder up to
Authors: Chatzimanolakis Michail , Weber Pascal , Koumoutsakos Petros
Published: December 2022

Direct numerical simulations of the flow past an impulsively started cylinder at high Reynolds numbers (25k–100k) reveal an intriguing portrait of unsteady separation. Vorticity generation and vortex shedding entails a cascade of separation events on the cylinder surface that are reminiscent of Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities. Primary vortices roll up along the cylinder surface as a result of instabilities of the initially attached vortex sheets, followed by vortex eruptions, creation of secondary vorticity and formation of dipole structures that are subsequently ejected from the surface of the cylinder. We analyse the vortical structures and their relationship to the forces experienced by the cylinder. This striking cascade of vortex instabilities may serve as reference for reduced-order models of flow separation and as guide for flow control of separated flows at high Reynolds numbers.
Beads and Stamps in the Middle Orinoco: Archaeological Evidence for Interaction and Exchange in the Atures Rapids from AD 1000 to 1480
Authors: Lozada-Mendieta Natalia , Riris Philip , Oliver José R.
Published: December 2022

The area of the Atures Rapids in the Middle Orinoco River (Venezuela), where multiple Indigenous communities gathered to trade goods, has been identified as a prominent center of commerce since early colonial times. However, the exchange activities taking place there between local and nonlocal actors before European colonization are poorly understood, based only on the ethnohistoric record. This article presents an archaeometric analysis of stone beads and ceramic roller stamps, items previously associated with trade practices, from two recently excavated sites in the region, Picure (AD 1030–1480) and Rabo de Cochino (AD 1000–1440); it assesses their provenance, production, and value. We propose that Picure was a site of a bead-manufacturing workshop and a place where roller stamps were exchanged. The stamps were acquired and produced by different potting groups. Analysis of the chaîne opératoire and production techniques shows processes of adaptation and emulation associated with the multiple, multiethnic communities during the period from AD 1000 to 1480. Both beads and stamps are linked to identity regalia that were likely used as part of ceremonies taking place in the area of the Rapids, as indicated by the numerous and monumental petroglyphs found on the islands.
NEWLY DISCOVERED ILLUSTRATED TEXTS OF ARATUS AND ERATOSTHENES WITHIN CODEX CLIMACI RESCRIPTUS
Authors: Williams Peter J. , James Patrick , Klair Jamie , Malik Peter , Zaman Sarah
Published: December 2022

This article presents texts recovered by post-processing of multispectral images from the fifth- or sixth-century underwriting of the palimpsest Codex Climaci Rescriptus. Texts identified include the Anonymous II Proemium to Aratus’ Phaenomena, parts of Eratosthenes’ Catasterisms, Aratus’ Phaenomena lines 71–4 and 282–99 and previously unknown text, including some of the earliest astronomical measurements to survive in any Greek manuscript. Codex Climaci Rescriptus also contains at least three astronomical drawings. These appear to form part of an illustrated manuscript, with considerable textual value not merely on the basis of its age but also of its readings. The manuscript undertexts show significant overlap with the Φ Edition, postulated as ancestor of the various Latin Aratea.
A review of natural hydrofractures in rocks
Authors: Bons Paul D , Cao Dongsheng , de Riese Tamara , González-Esvertit Eloi , Koehn Daniel , Naaman Isaac , Sachau Till , Tian He , Gomez-Rivas Enrique
Published: December 2022

Hydrofractures, or hydraulic fractures, are fractures where a significantly elevated fluid pressure played a role in their formation. Natural hydrofractures are abundant in rocks and are often preserved as magmatic dykes or sills, and mineral-filled fractures or mineral veins. However, we focus on the formation and evolution of non-igneous hydrofractures. Here we review the basic theory of the role of fluid pressure in rock failure, showing that both Terzaghi’s and Biot’s theories can be reconciled if the appropriate boundary conditions are considered. We next discuss the propagation of hydrofractures after initial failure, where networks of hydrofractures may form or hydrofractures may ascend through the crust as mobile hydrofractures. As fractures can form as a result of both tectonic stresses and an elevated fluid pressure, we address the question of how to ascertain whether a fracture is a hydrofracture. We argue that extensional or dilational fractures that formed belowc.2–3 km depth are, under normal circumstances, hydrofractures, but at shallower depth they may, but must not be hydrofractures. Since veins and breccias are often the products of hydrofractures that are left in the geological record, we discuss these and critically assess which vein structures can, and which do not necessarily, indicate hydrofracturing. Hydrofracturing can suddenly and locally change the permeability in a rock by providing new fluid pathways. This can lead to highly dynamic self-organization of crustal-scale fluid flow.
Neural-learning-enhanced Cartesian Admittance control of robot with moving RCM constraints
Authors: Su Hang , Schmirander Yunus , Valderrama-Hincapié Sarah Elena , Qi Wen , Ovur Salih Ertug , Sandoval Juan
Published: December 2022

In this manuscript, a scheme for neural-learning-enhanced Cartesian Admittance control is presented for a robotic manipulator to deal with dynamic environments with moving remote center of motion (RCM) constraints. Although some research has been implemented to address fixed constrained motion, the dynamic moving movement constraint is still challenging. Indeed, the moving active RCM constraints generate uncertain disturbance on the robot tool shaft with unknown dynamics. The neural-learning-enhanced decoupled controller with disturbance optimisation is employed and implemented to maintain the performance under the kinematic uncertain and dynamic uncertain generated. In addition, the admittance Cartesian control method is introduced to control the robot, providing compliant behaviour to an external force in its operational space. In this proposed framework, a neural-learning-enhanced disturbance observer is investigated to calculate the external factor operating on the end effector premised on generalised momentum in order to ensure accuracy. Finally, the experiments are implemented using a redundant robot to validate the efficacy of the suggested approach with moving RCM constraints.
The effect of clinical and haemodynamic variables on post-operative length of stay immediately upon admission after biventricular repair with Yasui operation following an earlier Norwood operation
Authors: Loomba Rohit S. , Dyamenahalli Umesh , Savorgnan Fabio , Acosta Sebastian , Elhoff Justin J. , Farias Juan S. , Villarreal Enrique , Flores Saul
Published: December 2022

Background:

There are a variety of approaches to biventricular repair in neonates and infants with adequately sized ventricles and left-sided obstruction in the presence of a ventricular septal defect. Those who undergo this in a staged manner initially undergo a Norwood procedure followed by a ventricular septal defect closure such that the neo-aorta is entirely committed to the left ventricle and placement of a right ventricular to pulmonary artery conduit (Yasui operation). This study aimed to determine clinical and haemodynamic factors upon paediatric cardiac ICU admission immediately after the two-stage Yasui operation that was associated with post-operative length of stay.

Methods:

This was a retrospective review of patients who underwent the Yasui procedure after the initial Norwood operation between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2020. Patients with complete data on admission were identified and analysed using Bayesian regression analysis.

Results:

A total of 15 patients were included. The median age was 9.0 months and post-operative length of stay was 6days. Bayesian regression analysis demonstrated that age, weight, heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, central venous pressure, pulse oximetry, cerebral near infrared spectroscopy, renal near infrared spectroscopy, pH, pCO2, ionised calcium, and serum lactate were all associated with post-operative length of stay.

Conclusion:

Discrete clinical and haemodynamic factors upon paediatric cardiac ICU admission after staged Yasui completion are associated with post-operative length of stay. Clinical target ranges can be developed and seem consistent with the notion that greater systemic oxygen delivery is associated with lower post-operative length of stay.
Web-based support for spouses of patients with life-threatening illness cared for in specialized home care – A feasibility study
Authors: Tibell Louise Häger , Alvariza Anette , Kreicbergs Ulrika , Wallin Viktoria , Steineck Gunnar , Holm Maja
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Psychoeducational interventions for family caregivers have shown to be effective but not possible for all caregivers to attend; thus, web-based interventions may be a complement. This study aimed to evaluate feasibility of a web-based intervention, “narstaende.se,” from the perspective of spouses of patients receiving specialized home care.

Methods

A website was developed, containing videos with conversations between health-care professionals and family caregivers (actors), informative texts, links to further information, and a chat forum. The aim of the website is to provide support and promote preparedness for caregiving and death, and the content is theoretically and empirically grounded. The study had a descriptive cross-sectional design. Altogether, 26 spouses answered a questionnaire, before accessing the website, and 4 weeks after this, 12 spouses were interviewed. Descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis were used.

Results

Spouses experienced the website as being easy to use, welcoming, and with relevant content. Participating spouses would recommend “narstaende.se” to others in similar situations, and the majority found the website introduced timely. Videos seemed easily accessible and were most used, contributing to a feeling of recognition and sharing the situation. The online format was perceived as flexible, but still not all spouses visited the website, stating the desire for support in real life.

Significance of results

A web-based intervention can be feasible for spouses in specialized home care; however, the digital format is not suitable for everyone. Further research is needed to determine the website’s potential to provide support and increase preparedness for family caregivers in general.
Childhood Trauma and Suicide
Authors: Rogerson Olivia , Baguley Thom , O’Connor Daryl B.
Published: December 2022

Abstract: Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide, and childhood trauma has been found to be an important risk factor. However, the mechanisms linking trauma to suicide risk remain unclear. Aims: The current registered report sought to (1) investigate whether childhood trauma and its subtypes were related to suicide risk in adulthood and (2) explore the potential mechanisms associating childhood trauma with suicide and well-being, especially executive functioning, impulsivity, and stress. Method: A cross-sectional survey of 457 individuals who reported experiencing suicide ideation in the past 12 months. Results: Childhood trauma and its subtypes were associated with an increased risk of reporting recent suicide thoughts, COVID-19–related suicide attempts, and recent suicide attempts. There were also significant indirect effects of childhood trauma on recent suicide ideation and well-being through executive functioning and impulsivity. Conclusion: These findings show that childhood trauma is associated with suicide risk in adulthood and suggest that poorer executive functioning and higher levels of impulsivity contribute to this increased risk. These results have implications for the development of future interventions to reduce suicide vulnerability.
Quantitative Mineral Analysis of Ordinary Chondrites and Primitive Achondrites Using Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Wang PengYue , Cloutis Edward , Zhang QinWei , Wu YunZhao
Published: December 2022

Visible and near‐infrared spectroscopy is a widely used method to determine the mineral compositions of meteorites and asteroids. In this study, we first investigated the association of multiple spectral parameters with mineral compositions using published laboratory spectra and mineral analysis of ordinary chondrites and primitive achondrites. New models for deriving the abundances of mafic silicate minerals were determined. Second, the influence of different mineral compositions on the 1.25 μm region is discussed. Finally, a method to distinguish the ordinary chondrites from primitive achondrites is developed. Our results suggest that the 1.25–1 μm band depth ratio (BDR 1.25) and 1 μm band width (BW I) are mainly associated with mineral abundances and to a lesser extent, compositions. Olivine is the dominant mafic mineral phase that affects the 1.25 μm region in ordinary chondrites and primitive achondrites. The plot of the BDR 1.25 versus the BW I is a useful method for correctly distinguishing about 90% of the primitive achondrites from ordinary chondrites. It relies largely on differences in olivine abundance and olivine/pyroxene ratios and to a lesser extent, olivine composition. The quantitative mineral analysis in this study based on the correlation between the spectra and mineralogy of ordinary chondrites and primitive achondrites provides a chance for understanding the petrology and geochemistry of S‐type asteroids. This study can also distinguish the partially melted S‐type asteroids (parent body of primitive achondrites) from the unmelted S‐type asteroids (parent body of ordinary chondrites).
Linear Stochastic Analysis of the Partial Reversibility of Ensemble and Effective Dispersion in Heterogeneous Porous Media
Authors: Stettler Marie‐Madeleine , Dentz Marco , Cirpka Olaf A.
Published: December 2022

Macrodispersion in heterogeneous formations is caused by spatial variability of the velocity field, making different parts of a plume experience different advective displacements. Differential advection interacts with diffusion, which hardly affects longitudinal ensemble dispersion (i.e., the spread of the ensemble‐averaged concentration) but determines effective dispersion, that is, the expected spread of individual plumes for point injections. The latter has been suggested as metric of solute mixing. Pure advection is fully reversible, whereas diffusion is completely irreversible. We quantify the partial reversibility of macrodispersion by analyzing the second central ensemble and effective spatial moments for advective‐diffusive transport in heterogeneous domains with flow reversal, applying linear stochastic theory to approximate the corresponding moments and comparing them to particle‐tracking random‐walk simulations in periodic media. Diffusion causes solute particles to deviate from their forward trajectories when flow is reversed. As long as advective memory dominates, both types of second central moments decrease during backward motion, then reach a minimum, and increase again. The reversibility is considerably bigger for ensemble than effective dispersion but the latter also shows partial reversibility, challenging its use as metric of mixing. The stronger diffusion is in comparison to advection, the less reversible dispersion becomes. After equally long times of forward and backward motion, the two types of second central moments differ, but to a much smaller extent than in pure forward motion. In realistic settings, the advective memory affects dispersion so strongly that the asymptotic regime is not reached before the plume center has returned to its origin.
Regulation of programmed cell death by Brd4
Authors: Hu Jinfeng , Pan Dun , Li Guo , Chen Kunqi , Hu Xiangming
Published: December 2022

Epigenetic factor Brd4 has emerged as a key regulator of cancer cell proliferation. Targeted inhibition of Brd4 suppresses growth and induces apoptosis of various cancer cells. In addition to apoptosis, Brd4 has also been shown to regulate several other forms of programmed cell death (PCD), including autophagy, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, with different biological outcomes. PCD plays key roles in development and tissue homeostasis by eliminating unnecessary or detrimental cells. Dysregulation of PCD is associated with various human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative and infectious diseases. In this review, we discussed some recent findings on how Brd4 actively regulates different forms of PCD and the therapeutic potentials of targeting Brd4 in PCD-related human diseases. A better understanding of PCD regulation would provide not only new insights into pathophysiological functions of PCD but also provide new avenues for therapy by targeting Brd4-regulated PCD.
Exceptional preservation and foot structure reveal ecological transitions and lifestyles of early theropod flyers
Authors: Pittman Michael , Bell Phil R. , Miller Case Vincent , Enriquez Nathan J. , Wang Xiaoli , Zheng Xiaoting , Tsang Leah R. , Tse Yuen Ting , Landes Michael , Kaye Thomas G.
Published: December 2022

Morphology of keratinised toe pads and foot scales, hinging of foot joints and claw shape and size all inform the grasping ability, cursoriality and feeding mode of living birds. Presented here is morphological evidence from the fossil feet of early theropod flyers. Foot soft tissues and joint articulations are qualitatively assessed using laser-stimulated fluorescence. Pedal claw shape and size are quantitatively analysed using traditional morphometrics. We interpret these foot data among existing evidence to better understand the evolutionary ecology of early theropod flyers. Jurassic flyers like Anchiornis and Archaeopteryx show adaptations suggestive of relatively ground-dwelling lifestyles. Early Cretaceous flyers then diversify into more aerial lifestyles, including generalists like Confuciusornis and specialists like the climbing Fortunguavis. Some early birds, like the Late Jurassic Berlin Archaeopteryx and Early Cretaceous Sapeornis, show complex ecologies seemingly unique among sampled modern birds. As a non-bird flyer, finding affinities of Microraptor to a more specialised raptorial lifestyle is unexpected. Its hawk-like characteristics are rare among known theropod flyers of the time suggesting that some non-bird flyers perform specialised roles filled by birds today. We demonstrate diverse ecological profiles among early theropod flyers, changing as flight developed, and some non-bird flyers have more complex ecological roles.
A robust energy management system for Korean green islands project
Authors: Tightiz Lilia , Yoo Joon
Published: December 2022

Penetration enhancement of renewable energy sources is a core component of Korean green-island microgrid projects. This approach calls for a robust energy management system to control the stochastic behavior of renewable energy sources. Therefore, in this paper, we put forward a novel reinforcement learning-driven optimization solution for the convex problem arrangement of the Gasa island microgrid energy management as one of the prominent pilots of the Korean green islands project. We manage the convergence speed of the alternating direction method of multipliers solution for this convex problem by accurately estimating the penalty parameter with the soft actor-critic technique. However, in this arrangement, the soft actor-critic faces sparse reward hindrance, which we address here with the normalizing flow policy. Furthermore, we study the effect of demand response implementation in the Gasa island microgrid to reduce the diesel generator dependency of the microgrid and provide benefits, such as peak-shaving and gas emission reduction.
Reliability of crowdsourced data and patient-reported outcome measures in cough-based COVID-19 screening
Authors: Xiong Hao , Berkovsky Shlomo , Kâafar Mohamed Ali , Jaffe Adam , Coiera Enrico , Sharan Roneel V.
Published: December 2022

Mass community testing is a critical means for monitoring the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the gold standard for detecting the causative coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) but the test is invasive, test centers may not be readily available, and the wait for laboratory results can take several days. Various machine learning based alternatives to PCR screening for SARS-CoV-2 have been proposed, including cough sound analysis. Cough classification models appear to be a robust means to predict infective status, but collecting reliable PCR confirmed data for their development is challenging and recent work using unverified crowdsourced data is seen as a viable alternative. In this study, we report experiments that assess cough classification models trained (i) using data from PCR-confirmed COVID subjects and (ii) using data of individuals self-reporting their infective status. We compare performance using PCR-confirmed data. Models trained on PCR-confirmed data perform better than those trained on patient-reported data. Models using PCR-confirmed data also exploit more stable predictive features and converge faster. Crowd-sourced cough data is less reliable than PCR-confirmed data for developing predictive models for COVID-19, and raises concerns about the utility of patient reported outcome data in developing other clinical predictive models when better gold-standard data are available.
What makes the unsupervised monocular depth estimation (UMDE) model training better
Authors: Wang Xiangtong , Liang Binbin , Yang Menglong , Li Wei
Published: December 2022

Current computer vision tasks based on deep learning require a huge amount of data with annotations for model training or testing, especially in some dense estimation tasks, such as optical flow segmentation and depth estimation. In practice, manual labeling for dense estimation tasks is very difficult or even impossible, and the scenes of the dataset are often restricted to a small range, which dramatically limits the development of the community. To overcome this deficiency, we propose a synthetic dataset generation method to obtain the expandable dataset without burdensome manual workforce. By this method, we construct a dataset called MineNavi containing video footages from first-perspective-view of the aircraft matched with accurate ground truth for depth estimation in aircraft navigation application. We also provide quantitative experiments to prove that pre-training via our MineNavi dataset can improve the performance of depth estimation model and speed up the convergence of the model on real scene data. Since the synthetic dataset has a similar effect to the real-world dataset in the training process of deep model, we finally conduct the experiments on MineNavi with unsupervised monocular depth estimation (UMDE) deep learning models to demonstrate the impact of various factors in our dataset such as lighting conditions and motion mode, aiming to explore what makes this kind of models training better.
Pilot study on the use of cold atmospheric plasma for preservation of bread
Authors: Starek-Wójcicka Agnieszka , Różyło Renata , Niedźwiedź Iwona , Kwiatkowski Michał , Terebun Piotr , Polak-Berecka Magdalena , Pawłat Joanna
Published: December 2022

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is used as an emerging technology for food preservation. In this study, CAP treatment has been applied to bakery products for the first time. The aim of the work was to investigate the effect of the use of CAP on the amount of microorganisms during bread storage. Basic physicochemical properties and bread texture were determined during storage for 0, 3, and 6 days. The study material included gluten-free and mixed wheat-rye bread treated with CAP for 2 and 10 min. The results showed that no mesophilic bacteria or fungi were found after ten minutes of the bread exposure to CAP. In addition, only 2-min non-thermal sterilization resulted in complete inhibition of yeast and mould growth in the gluten-free and wheat-rye bread. A decrease in the microbial growth in the bread was noted; however, a simultaneous decrease in the moisture content of the bread was observed. After the application of plasma for 2 or 10 min, both the gluten-free and mixed wheat-rye bread was characterized by reduced humidity, which also resulted in a significant increase in the hardness and a slight increase in the springiness of the bread. The use of CAP in storage of bread is promising; nevertheless, it is necessary to further study the effect of this treatment in bread with improvers, especially with hydrocolloids and fibers.
Listeria-vectored multi-antigenic tuberculosis vaccine protects C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice and guinea pigs against Mycobacterium tuberculosis challenge
Authors: Jia Qingmei , Masleša-Galić Saša , Nava Susana , Horwitz Marcus A.
Published: December 2022

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infects one-third of the world’s population and is a leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. New TB vaccines are urgently needed to augment immunity conferred by the current modestly protective BCG vaccine. We have developed live attenuated recombinant Listeria monocytogenes (rLm)-vectored TB vaccines expressing five [Mpt64/23.5-EsxH/TB10.4-EsxA/ESAT6-EsxB/CFP10-Ag85B/r30] (rLmMtb5Ag) or nine (additionally EsxN-PPE68-EspA-TB8.4) immunoprotective Mtb antigens (rLmMtb9Ag) and evaluated them for safety, immunogenicity and efficacy as standalone vaccines in two mouse models and an outbred guinea pig model. In immunogenicity studies, rLmMtb5Ag administered subcutaneously induces significantly enhanced antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice, and rLmMtb9Ag induces antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell proliferation in guinea pigs. In efficacy studies, both rLmMtb5Ag and rLmMtb9Ag are safe and protect C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice and guinea pigs against aerosol challenge with highly virulent Mtb. Hence, multi-antigenic rLm vaccines hold promise as new vaccines against TB.
Non-volatile chirality switching by all-optical magnetization reversal in ferromagnetic Weyl semimetal Co3Sn2S2
Authors: Yoshikawa Naotaka , Ogawa Kazuma , Hirai Yoshua , Fujiwara Kohei , Ikeda Junya , Tsukazaki Atsushi , Shimano Ryo
Published: December 2022

Weyl semimetals show unique physical properties exemplified by the colossal anomalous Hall effect, arising from exotic quasiparticles called Weyl fermions emerging around the Weyl nodes. Manipulating these topologically protected Weyl nodes is anticipated to play a leading role towards the on-demand control of quantum properties in Weyl semimetals. We demonstrate non-volatile chirality switching in a ferromagnetic Weyl semimetal Co3Sn2S2 via all-optical magnetization reversal. When excited by circularly polarized mid-infrared light pulses, the sign reversal of the anomalous Hall conductivity stemming from the Berry curvature is observed, manifesting the switching of the chirality of the Weyl nodes accompanying with the magnetization reversal. Magneto-optical imaging measurements reveal that the mechanism of the magnetization/chirality switching is attributed to the helicity-dependent deterministic magnetization associated with the magnetic circular dichroism.
A single-cell atlas of glioblastoma evolution under therapy reveals cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic therapeutic targets
Authors: Wang Lin , Jung Jangham , Babikir Husam , Shamardani Karin , Jain Saket , Feng Xi , Gupta Nalin , Rosi Susanna , Chang Susan , Raleigh David , Solomon David , Phillips Joanna J. , Diaz Aaron A.
Published: December 2022

Recent longitudinal studies of glioblastoma (GBM) have demonstrated a lack of apparent selection pressure for specific DNA mutations in recurrent disease. Single-cell lineage tracing has shown that GBM cells possess a high degree of plasticity. Together this suggests that phenotype switching, as opposed to genetic evolution, may be the escape mechanism that explains the failure of precision therapies to date. We profiled 86 primary-recurrent patient-matched paired GBM specimens with single-nucleus RNA, single-cell open-chromatin, DNA and spatial transcriptomic/proteomic assays. We found that recurrent GBMs are characterized by a shift to a mesenchymal phenotype. We show that the mesenchymal state is mediated by activator protein 1. Increased T-cell abundance at recurrence was prognostic and correlated with hypermutation status. We identified tumor-supportive networks of paracrine and autocrine signals between GBM cells, nonmalignant neuroglia and immune cells. We present cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic targets and a single-cell multiomics atlas of GBM under therapy.
LiquidReactionCell – a versatile setup for in situ synchrotron studies of compounds in liquid suspension and solution
Authors: Jeppesen Henrik S. , Nielsen Ida G. , Kondrup Jens Christian , Just Justus , Lock Nina
Published: December 2022

A simple and versatile setup for in situ XAS and total scattering was developed and tested on Bi24O31X10 (X = Cl, Br).
Novel high-pressure phases of nitrogen-rich Y–N compounds
Authors: Liu Shuang , Xu Dan , Liu Ran , Yao Zhen , Wang Peng
Published: December 2022

Pressure induced five novel Y–N compounds. The high energy density of P1̄-II-YN4 (1.98 kJ g−1), P1̄-YN6 (2.35 kJ g−1), and P31c-YN8 (3.77 kJ g−1) and excellent explosive performance make them potential high energy density materials.
Boosting CO2 electroreduction on a Zn electrode via concurrent surface reconstruction and interfacial surfactant modification
Authors: Pan Hui , Wang Fang , She Shixiong , Zhang Zhengguo , Min Shixiong
Published: December 2022

Benefitting from the increased number of highly active sites and the formation of a favorable CTAB-modified electrode/electrode interface, the resulting OD-Zn-CTAB electrode exhibits superior activity and selectivity for CO2 electroreduction to CO.
Molecular precursor-mediated facile synthesis of phase pure metal-rich digenite (Cu1.8S) nanocrystals: an efficient anode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Karmakar Gourab , Tyagi Adish , Halankar Kruti K. , Nigam Sandeep , Mandal B. P. , Wadawale A. P. , Kedarnath G. , Debnath Anil K.
Published: December 2022

Cu1.8S nanostructures, obtained through thermolysis of a new SSP, serve as an efficient anode material for LIBs. Suitable morphology, unique structural features are the crucial factors contributing to the good electrochemical performance of Cu1.8S.
Unusual aliovalent doping effects on oxygen non-stoichiometry in medium-entropy compositionally complex perovskite oxides
Authors: Zhang Dawei , Park Jiyun , Xu Boyuan , Liu Cijie , Li Wei , Liu Xingbo , Qi Yue , Luo Jian
Published: December 2022

Normal vs. abnormal aliovalent doping effects on oxygen non-stoichiometry are discovered in medium-entropy compositionally complex perovskite oxides. The mechanism is uncovered by analysis of the energy loss near edge structure (ELNES) and DFT calculations.
Natural-product-based fluorescent probes: recent advances and applications
Authors: Sung Dan-Bi , Lee Jong Seok
Published: December 2022

This review summarizes the recent advances and applications of fluorescent probes into which natural products are incorporated. We hope this review to provide insights on the probe design, synthesis and its applications.
Revealing the improved stability of amorphous boron-nitride upon carbon doping
Authors: Kaya Onurcan , Colombo Luigi , Antidormi Aleandro , Lanza Mario , Roche Stephan
Published: December 2022

We report on a large improvement of the thermal stability and mechanical properties of amorphous boron-nitride upon carbon doping.
Unlocking the unrecognized flammability of deep eutectic solvents for green rocket fuels
Authors: Liao Sicheng , Liu Tianlin , Zhou Zhiyu , Wang Kangcai , Jin Yunhe , Zhang Qinghua
Published: December 2022

A new class of hybrid deep eutectic solvents (DESs) that are hypergolic with hydrogen peroxide is reported, which show promise to replace toxic hydrazine-based fuels for green propellant applications.
All-quantum dot based Förster resonant energy transfer: key parameters for high-efficiency biosensing
Authors: Hottechamps Julie , Noblet Thomas , Méthivier Christophe , Boujday Souhir , Dreesen Laurent
Published: December 2022

We unveil the competitive mechanisms driving the FRET between quantum dots, leading to unexpectedly high enhancements of acceptors’ fluorescence, especially when their local environment is initially unfavourable for their radiative relaxation.
Copper-catalyzed multicomponent assembly of γ-butenolides via the interception of carbonyl ylides with iminium ions
Authors: Zhang Mengchu , Yu Sifan , Hua Ruyu , Zhang Dan , Qiu Huang , Hu Wenhao
Published: December 2022

Herein, we report a Cu(i)-catalyzed three-component reaction of cyclopropenes, enamines and aldehydes, affording multi-substituted γ-butenolide derivatives in good yields and with moderate diastereoselectivities.
Regioselectivity of concerted proton–electron transfer at the surface of a polyoxovanadate cluster
Authors: Schreiber Eric , Brennessel William W. , Matson Ellen M.
Published: December 2022

Introduction of a surface defect on a POV-alkoxide imparts both structural and electronic alterations, resulting in “switchable” PCET regiochemistry. Such features provide insight into PCET reactivity at metal oxide surfaces.
Hemocompatibility of biogenic phosphorus nano-agromaterials at environmentally relevant and supra-environmental concentrations for occupational exposure
Authors: Priyam Ayushi , Afonso Luis O. B. , Schultz Aaron G. , Dinda Amit Kumar , Singh Pushplata Prasad
Published: December 2022

Physico-chemically different and agriculturally relevant phosphorus-based nanomaterials are hemocompatible and acquire bio-corona on interaction with human blood.
Highly active and selective Li/MgO catalysts for methane transformation to C2 hydrocarbons: experimental and DFT study
Authors: Pal Rohan Singh , Rana Swati , Sadhu Souvik , Khan Tuhin Suvra , Poddar Mukesh Kumar , Singha Rajib Kumar , Sarkar Suman , Sharma Rahul , Bal Rajaram
Published: December 2022

Oxidative coupling of methane to C2 hydrocarbons.
The Effect of Speech Perception in Noise on Arabic and Spanish Bilingual Listeners
Authors: Desouki Mayar , Mendel Lisa Lucks
Published: December 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to compare speech perception performance in noise, as measured by signal-to-noise ratio for 50% correct scores (SNR-50) and SNR loss, between monolingual English speakers and two bilingual second-language learner populations with normal hearing sensitivity: Arabic–English and Spanish–English bilinguals. Additionally, this study observed how speech perception in noise varied as a function of language dominance for the Arabic–English bilinguals.

Method:

This study was a quasi-experimental, nonrandomized study. Adults with normal peripheral hearing sensitivity participated in this study: Group 1 (
n
= 16) bilingual Arabic–English speakers who learned English as a second language; Group 2 (
n
= 10) bilingual Spanish–English speakers from a previous study; Group 3 (
n
= 27) monolingual English speakers combined from this study and the study of Mendel and Widner (2016). Speech perception was assessed using standardized methods for the Quick Speech-in-Noise (QuickSIN), the Bamford–Kowal–Bench Speech-in-Noise, the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT), and the Words-in-Noise tests.

Results:

The two bilingual groups had significantly higher SNR-50 scores and greater SNR loss as compared to their monolingual peers. SNR-50 negatively correlated with language dominance for the QuickSIN and HINT for the Arabic–English speakers.

Conclusions:

Despite having normal hearing and being proficient in the English language, bilingual Arabic–English and Spanish–English speakers exhibited a mild SNR loss. Speech perception abilities were affected by test difficulty as well as the individual's degree of language dominance.
Tutorial on Clinical Practice for Use of the Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Procedure With Pediatric Populations: Part 2
Authors:   AB-SSD Task Force-Pediatric Group:, Miller Claire Kane , Reynolds Jenny , Kelchner Lisa N. , Scarborough Donna , Langmore Susan , Gosa Memorie
Published: December 2022

Purpose:

This is Part 2 of a two-part tutorial series establishing clinical guidelines pertaining to the administration of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) developed by representatives of the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders, all of whom are members of Special Interest Group 13. Whereas Part 1 focused on use of FEES with adults and included general information common to using FEES in any population, the purpose of this tutorial is to provide clinicians with updated best practice clinical guidelines for performing, interpreting, and documenting outcomes when using FEES with the pediatric population. This document has two main sections. The first section discusses the history of pediatric FEES, needed knowledge and skill pertaining to all elements of performing and interpreting the examination including detailed information related to indications and contraindications, developmental anatomical and physiological changes across childhood, preparing for and conducting the examination, medical collaboration, and patient safety. The second section provides detailed guidelines for clinicians who require training for use of FEES with the pediatric population.

Conclusions:

This first of its kind tutorial offers guidelines for clinicians who perform, interpret, and/or want to train to perform FEES in the pediatric population. Important clinical distinctions exist when using FEES with the pediatric population versus with the adult population. Developmental changes, pediatric medical frailty, provider–parent/caregiver interaction, collaboration with physician colleagues, and patient safety are representative of key areas highlighted in this document.