bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Estimation Method for Bias Error of Measurements by Utilizing Process Data, An Incidence Matrix and a Reference Instrument for Data Validation and Reconciliation
Authors: Tamura Akinori , Hidaka Yuki , Ikeda Haruhiko , Hamaura Norikazu
Published: June 2023

With further applications of AI, IoT, and digital twin technology to plant operation and maintenance, it is becoming increasingly important to ensure data reliability. Data validation and reconciliation (DVR) represents one promising technique to ensure data reliability by minimizing the uncertainty of measurements based on statistics. DVR has been widely applied to nuclear power electrical generation plants in Europe and the U.S. in recent years. The most important input for DVR analysis is measurement uncertainty. In Japan, performance management of nuclear power plants is often done by measuring condensate flowrate. While the uncertainty of other flowmeters is handled by the JIS standard, the condensate flowmeter is specially calibrated every few cycles. This leads to reduction of effectiveness of DVR analysis due to variations in measurement uncertainty management. To overcome this issue, we propose an estimation method for measurement uncertainty by utilizing process data, an incidence matrix between sensors, and a reference instrument. The conventional method proposed in the previous study only treats the random error. The proposed method quantitatively estimates not only random error but also bias error by considering the uncertainty of the reference instrument. Using several benchmark problems, we found that the proposed method was applicable to various flow conditions, including physically fluctuating flow such as that observed in the feedwater flow in nuclear power plants. We anticipate that the proposed method will promote use of DVR analysis in nuclear power plants in Japan.
Effect of sputtering-target composition on the structure, dielectric, ferroelectric, and energy storage properties of highly (00l)-oriented Ba(ZrxTi1–x)O3 films
Authors: Li Lei , Gong Daili , Hu Fangren , Cheng Hongbo , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2023

It is relatively easy to obtain highly oriented/textured Ba(ZrxTi1–x)O3 (BZT) films by magnetron sputtering, but it is complicated to control the composition of these sputtered oriented films. Here, a series of BZT ceramic targets with different ingredients (x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, and 0.3) and a BaTiO3 (x = 0) target were fabricated by solid-state sintering. Then, the corresponding BZT thin films were deposited on LaNiO3 (LNO) buffered Pt/Ti/(001)Si substrates adopting radio-frequency magnetron sputtering. Benefit from the prefabricated (001)-LNO buffer layer and optimized BZT film preparation process, all BZT films exhibit highly (00l) preferred orientation. However, the degree of orientation, lattice parameter, dielectric properties, ferroelectric behaviors, and energy-storage characteristics are all highly dependent on the Zr content of BZT films sputtered by targets with the same composition. (00l)-oriented BZT films with relatively low Zr content have a better crystalline structure [narrower full width at half maximum (FWHM), larger grains]. It is also found that the rising of the Zr content in (00l)-oriented BZT films will result in a larger out-of-plane lattice parameter, and these results indicate that the doping amount of Zr will strongly change the heterointerface stress/strain states and the growth mode of the oriented films, and then effectively tailor their electric performances.
Metabolic orchestration of cell death by AMPK-mediated phosphorylation of RIPK1
Authors: Zhang Tao , Xu Daichao , Trefts Elijah , Lv Mingming , Inuzuka Hiroyuki , Song Guobin , Liu Min , Lu Jianlin , Liu Jianping , Chu Chen , Wang Min , Wang Huibing , Meng Huyan , Liu Hui , Zhuang Yuan , Xie Xingxing , Dang Fabin , Guan Dongxian , Men Yuqin , Jiang Shuwen , Jiang Cong , Dai Xiaoming , Liu Jing , Wang Zhen , Yan Peiqiang , Wang Jingchao , Tu Zhenbo , Babuta Mrigya , Erickson Emily , Hillis Alissandra L. , Dibble Christian C. , Asara John M. , Szabo Gyongy , Sicinski Piotr , Miao Ji , Lee Yu-Ru , Pan Lifeng , Shaw Reuben J. , Yuan Junying , Wei Wenyi
Published: June 2023

Adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity is stimulated to promote metabolic adaptation upon energy stress. However, sustained metabolic stress may cause cell death. The mechanisms by which AMPK dictates cell death are not fully understood. We report that metabolic stress promoted receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) activation mediated by TRAIL receptors, whereas AMPK inhibited RIPK1 by phosphorylation at Ser
415
to suppress energy stress–induced cell death. Inhibiting pS415-RIPK1 by
Ampk
deficiency or RIPK1 S415A mutation promoted RIPK1 activation. Furthermore, genetic inactivation of RIPK1 protected against ischemic injury in myeloid
Ampkα1
-deficient mice. Our studies reveal that AMPK phosphorylation of RIPK1 represents a crucial metabolic checkpoint, which dictates cell fate response to metabolic stress, and highlight a previously unappreciated role for the AMPK-RIPK1 axis in integrating metabolism, cell death, and inflammation.
Virus-like transposons cross the species barrier and drive the evolution of genetic incompatibilities
Authors: Widen Sonya A. , Bes Israel Campo , Koreshova Alevtina , Pliota Pinelopi , Krogull Daniel , Burga Alejandro
Published: June 2023

Horizontal gene transfer, the movement of genetic material between species, has been reported across all major eukaryotic lineages. However, the underlying mechanisms of transfer and their impact on genome evolution are still poorly understood. While studying the evolutionary origin of a selfish element in the nematode
Caenorhabditis briggsae
, we discovered that
Mavericks
, ancient virus-like transposons related to giant viruses and virophages, are one of the long-sought vectors of horizontal gene transfer. We found that
Mavericks
gained a novel herpesvirus-like fusogen in nematodes, leading to the widespread exchange of cargo genes between extremely divergent species, bypassing sexual and genetic barriers spanning hundreds of millions of years. Our results show how the union between viruses and transposons causes horizontal gene transfer and ultimately genetic incompatibilities in natural populations.
Improving metrology with quantum scrambling
Authors: Li Zeyang , Colombo Simone , Shu Chi , Velez Gustavo , Pilatowsky-Cameo Saúl , Schmied Roman , Choi Soonwon , Lukin Mikhail , Pedrozo-Peñafiel Edwin , Vuletić Vladan
Published: June 2023

Quantum scrambling describes the spreading of information into many degrees of freedom in quantum systems, such that the information is no longer accessible locally but becomes distributed throughout the system. This idea can explain how quantum systems become classical and acquire a finite temperature, or how in black holes the information about the matter falling in is seemingly erased. We probe the exponential scrambling of a multiparticle system near a bistable point in phase space and utilize it for entanglement-enhanced metrology. A time-reversal protocol is used to observe a simultaneous exponential growth of both the metrological gain and the out-of-time-order correlator, thereby experimentally verifying the relation between quantum metrology and quantum information scrambling. Our results show that rapid scrambling dynamics capable of exponentially fast entanglement generation are useful for practical metrology, resulting in a 6.8(4)-decibel gain beyond the standard quantum limit.
Thalidomide in America
Wonder Drug: The Secret History of Thalidomide in America and Its Hidden Victims
Jennifer Vanderbes
Random House, 2023. 432 pp.
Authors: Olszynko-Gryn Jesse
Published: June 2023

A journalist corrects the record on US exposure
A new class of antiparasitic drugs
Authors: Aphasizhev Ruslan , Aphasizheva Inna
Published: June 2023

Cyanotriazole compounds “poison” topoisomerase II of pathogenic trypanosomatids
Staving off cell death
Authors: Hardie D. Grahame
Published: June 2023

A signaling pathway that senses energy stress opposes necroptotic cell death
Not teaching evolution is an injustice
Authors: Shashidhara L. S. , Joshi Amitabh
Published: June 2023

Since April, India has been roiled by controversy around the excision of several topics, including evolution and the periodic table, from school textbooks (up to grade 10) by the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT). This was projected as an exercise in “rationalization” of content aimed at reducing the study load on students. The move was opposed by large numbers of academics and worried citizens. As the exclusion of specific topics in history and contemporary politics appeared to be in line with the ideology of the ruling party, many critics assumed that the removal of science topics was also ideologically motivated. In turn, this spurred supporters of NCERT and the government to dismiss all criticism as being entirely political, rather than academic. Both sides in this debate have traded exaggerated accusations of mala fide intent, leading to crucial broader issues being obscured.
In Other Journals
Authors: Lopez Bianca , Scanlon Seth Thomas , Simonti Corinne , Stajic Jelena , Maroso Mattia , Osborne Ian S. , Smith H. Jesse
Published: June 2023

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Imaging-Based Screening Identifies Modulators of the
eIF3
Translation Initiation Factor Complex in Candida albicans
Authors: Metzner Katura , O’Meara Matthew J. , Halligan Benjamin , Wotring Jesse W. , Sexton Jonathan Z. , O’Meara Teresa R.
Published: June 2023

Fungal pathogens like
Candida albicans
can cause devastating human disease. Treatment of candidemia is complicated by the high rate of resistance to common antifungal therapies.
DnaK-Mediated Protein Deamidation: a Potential Mechanism for Virulence and Stress Adaptation in Cronobacter sakazakii
Authors: Lu Ping , Xue Juan , Chen Xi , Ji Xuemeng
Published: June 2023

Cronobacter sakazakii
can cause disease in individuals of all ages, with infections in premature infants being particularly deadly and resulting in bacterial meningitis and sepsis with a high mortality rate. Our study demonstrates that
dnaK
in
Cronobacter sakazakii
plays a critical role in virulence, adhesion, invasion, and acid resistance.
The Tolerance of Gut Commensal
Faecalibacterium
to Oxidative Stress Is Strain Dependent and Relies on Detoxifying Enzymes
Authors: Botin Tatiana , Ramirez-Chamorro Luis , Vidic Jasmina , Langella Philippe , Martin-Verstraete Isabelle , Chatel Jean-Marc , Auger Sandrine
Published: June 2023

Commensal bacteria in the genus
Faecalibacterium
have been proposed for use as next-generation probiotics, but efforts to cultivate and exploit the potential of these strains have been limited by their sensitivity to O
2
. More broadly, little is known about how commensal and health-associated bacterial species in the human microbiome respond to the oxidative stress that occurs as a result of inflammation in the colon.
Crystal structure and induced stability of trimeric BxpB: implications for the assembly of BxpB-BclA complexes in the exosporium of
Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Chattopadhyay Debasish , Walker Dionna R. , Rich-New Shane T. , Kearney John F. , Turnbough, Jr. Charles L.
Published: June 2023

The outermost exosporium layer of
Bacillus anthracis
spores, the causative agents of anthrax, is comprised of a basal layer and an external hair-like nap. The nap includes filaments composed of trimers of the collagen-like glycoprotein BclA. Essentially all BclA trimers are attached to the spore in a process in which part of the 38-residue amino-terminal domain (NTD) of BclA forms an extremely stable interaction with the basal layer protein BxpB. Evidence indicates that the BclA-BxpB interaction is direct and requires trimeric BxpB. To further investigate the nature of the BclA-BxpB interaction, we determined the crystal structure of BxpB. The structure was trimeric with each monomer consisting of 11 β strands with connecting loops. The structure did not include apparently disordered amino acids 1–19, which contain the only two cysteine residues of the 167-residue BxpB. The orientation of the structure reveals regions of BxpB that could be involved in interacting with the BclA NTD and with adjacent cysteine-rich proteins in the basal layer. Furthermore, the BxpB structure closely resembles that of the 134-residue carboxyl-terminal domain of BclA, which forms trimers that are highly resistant to heat and detergent. We demonstrated that BxpB trimers do not share this resistance. However, when BxpB trimers are mixed with a peptide containing residues 20–38 of BclA, they form a complex that is as stable as BclA-BxpB complexes extracted from spores. Together, our results provide new insights into the mechanism of BclA-BxpB attachment and incorporation into the exosporium.

IMPORTANCE

The
B. anthracis
exosporium plays major roles in spore survival and infectivity, but the complex mechanism of its assembly is poorly understood. Key steps in this process are the stable attachment of collagen-like BclA filaments to the major basal layer structural protein BxpB and the insertion of BxpB into an underlying basal layer scaffold. The goal of this study is to further elucidate these interactions thereby advancing our understanding of exosporium assembly, a process shared by many spore-forming bacteria including important human pathogens.
Positive affect training to reduce mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic: a proof-of-concept randomised clinical trial
Authors: Bryant Richard , Dawson Katie , Azevedo Suzanna , Yadav Srishti , Tran Jenny , Choi-Christou Jasmine , Andrew Elpiniki , Beames Joanne , Keyan Dharani
Published: June 2023

Background

The social restrictions occurring during the pandemic contributed to loss of many sources of reward, which contributes to poor mental health.

Objective

This trial evaluated a brief positive affect training programme to reduce anxiety, depression and suicidality during the pandemic.

Methods

In this single-blind, parallel, randomised controlled trial, adults who screened positive for COVID-19-related psychological distress across Australia were randomly allocated to either a 6-session group-based programme based on positive affect training (n=87) or enhanced usual care (EUC, n=87). Primary outcome was total score on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale—anxiety and depression subscales assessed at baseline, 1-week post-treatment, 3 months (primary outcome time point) as well as secondary outcome measures of suicidality, generalised anxiety disorder, sleep impairment, positive and negative mood and COVID-19-related stress.

Findings

Between 20 September 2020 and 16 September 2021, 174 participants were enrolled into the trial. Relative to EUC, at 3-month follow-up the intervention led to greater reduction on depression (mean difference 1.2 (95% CI 0.4 to 1.9)), p=0.003), with a moderate effect size (0.5 (95% CI 0.2 to 0.9)). There were also greater reduction of suicidality and improvement in quality of life. There were no differences in anxiety, generalised anxiety, anhedonia, sleep impairment, positive or negative mood or COVID-19 concerns.

Conclusions

This intervention was able to reduce depression and suicidality during adverse experiences when rewarding events were diminished, such as pandemics.

Clinical implications

Strategies to improve positive affect may be useful to reduce mental health issues.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12620000811909.
Effectiveness of population-wide screening and mass drug administration for leprosy control in Kiribati: the COMBINE protocol
Authors: Coleman Mikaela , Hill Jeremy , Timeon Eretii , Rimon Erei , Bauro Temea , Ioteba Nabura , Cunanan Arturo , Douglas Nicholas M , Islam Tauhid , Tomlinson Jill , Campbell Patrick O , Williman Jonathan , Priest Patricia , Marais Ben J , Britton Warwick J , Chambers Stephen T
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Progress towards leprosy elimination is threatened by increasing incidence in ‘hot-spot’ areas where more effective control strategies are urgently required. In these areas, active case finding and leprosy prevention limited to known contacts is insufficient for control. Population-wide active case-finding together with universal prevention through mass drug administration (MDA) has been shown to be effective in ‘hot-spot’ areas, but is logistically challenging and expensive. Combining leprosy screening and MDA with other population-wide screening activities such as for tuberculosis may increase programme efficiency. There has been limited evaluation of the feasibility and effectiveness of combined screening and MDA interventions. The COMBINE study aims to bridge this knowledge gap.

Methods and analysis

This implementation study will assess the feasibility and effectiveness of active leprosy case-finding and treatment, combined with MDA using either single-dose rifampicin or rifamycin-containing tuberculosis preventive or curative treatment, for reducing leprosy incidence in Kiribati. The leprosy programme will run over 2022–2025 in concert with population-wide tuberculosis screening-and-treatment in South Tarawa. The primary research question is to what extent the intervention reduces the annual leprosy new case detection rate (NCDR) in adults and children compared with routine screening and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) among close contacts (baseline leprosy control activities). Comparisons will be made with (1) the preintervention NCDR separably among adults and children in South Tarawa (before–after study) and (2) the corresponding NCDRs in the rest of the country. Additionally, the postintervention prevalence of leprosy obtained from a survey of a ‘hot-spot’ sub-population will be compared with prevalence documented during the intervention. The intervention will be implemented in collaboration with the Kiribati National Leprosy Programme.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval has been obtained from the Kiribati Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), the University of Otago (H22/111) and the University of Sydney (2021/127) Human Research Ethics Committees. Findings will be shared with the MHMS, local communities and internationally through publication.
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sales of sexual and reproductive health products: an ecological study of pharmacies in Kenya
Authors: Chiu Calvin , Wong Anne , Melvin Odette , Vernon Jessica , Liu Jenny X , McCoy Sandra I , Packel Laura J
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To examine how sales of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) products varied among pharmacies in Kenya using administrative data, leveraging natural variation in the COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying policy restrictions between 2019 and 2021.

Design and setting

Ecological study of pharmacies in Kenya.

Participants

761 pharmacies using the Maisha Meds product inventory management system (capturing 572 916 products sold).

Outcomes

Sales quantity, price and revenue of SRH products sold per pharmacy per week.

Results

COVID-19 deaths were associated with a −2.97% (95% CI −3.82%, −2.11%) decrease in sales quantity, a 1.09% (95% CI 0.44%, 1.72%) increase in sales price and a −1.89% (−1.00%, −2.79%) decrease in revenues per pharmacy per week. Results were similar when considering new COVID-19 cases (per 1000) and the Average Policy Stringency Index. Results differed substantially between individual SRH products—a large decrease in sales quantity in pregnancy tests, injectables and emergency contraception, a modest decrease in condoms and no change in oral contraception. Sales price increases were similarly varied; four of the five most sold products were revenue neutral.

Conclusions

We found a robust negative association between SRH sales at pharmacies in Kenya and COVID-19 reported cases, deaths and policy restriction. Although our data cannot definitively point to reduced access, existing evidence from Kenya regarding unchanged fertility intentions, increases in unintended pregnancies and reported reasons for non-use of contraceptives during COVID-19 suggests a prominent role of reduced access. While policymakers may have a role in sustaining access, their role may be limited by broader macroeconomic problems, such as global supply chain disruptions and inflation, during supply shocks.
Multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel controlled trial to investigate timing of platelet inhibition after coronary artery bypass grafting: TOP-CABG trial study
Authors: Yuan Xin , Chu Qing , Chen Kai , Wang Yang , Zhang Lihua , Zheng Yingli , Hu Shengshou
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), referred to as the combination of aspirin and P2Y12receptor antagonist (clopidogrel or ticagrelor), potentially improves patency of saphenous vein grafts (SVG) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), while it is further proposed that DAPT potentially increases bleeding risk. Compared with DAPT, de-escalated DAPT (De-DAPT) is an effective antiplatelet strategy for acute coronary syndrome treatment, which significantly reduces the risk of bleeding without increasing the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events. However, insufficient evidence is available to determine the timing of DAPT after CABG.

Methods and analysis

The Timing of Platelet Inhibition after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (TOP-CABG) is a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, parallel controlled trial, which is conducted in sixteen centres in China. TOP-CABG aims to compare one-year patency rate of SVG between De-DAPT and DAPT and to explore the impact of the two regimens on bleeding events. A total of 2, 300 patients undergoing isolated CABG will be randomized 1:1 to De-DAPT referred to as ticagrelor+aspirin during first three months post-CABG and aspirin+ticagrelor placebo for next nine months or to DAPT group with ticagrelor+aspirin for one year after CABG. Patients, treating physicians and investigators will be blinded to allocation. Patients are evaluated at one, three, six, nine and twelve months post-operatively through an outpatient hospital visit. At one year after CABG, patients are required to take coronary CT angiography (CCTA). The primary efficacy endpoint is occlusion of SVGs and the primary safety endpoint is risk of bleeding episodes (the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) classification ≥2) within 1-year after CABG. Secondary outcomes include SVG failure, significant (≥70%) venous or arterial graft stenosis and a series of major adverse cardiovascular events within one year after CABG.

Ethics and dissemination

The Ethics Committee in Fuwai hospital approved this study (2022-1774). Fifteen centres agreed to participate the TOP-CABG trial, and the study has been approved in these 15 centres by whose ethics committee. The results of the trial will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

NCT05380063.
Workplace interventions to improve well-being and reduce burnout for nurses, physicians and allied healthcare professionals: a systematic review
Authors: Cohen Catherine , Pignata Silvia , Bezak Eva , Tie Mark , Childs Jessie
Published: June 2023

There is a growing need for interventions to improve well-being in healthcare workers, particularly since the onset of COVID-19.

Objectives

To synthesise evidence since 2015 on the impact of interventions designed to address well-being and burnout in physicians, nurses and allied healthcare professionals.

Design

Systematic literature review.

Data sources

Medline, Embase, Emcare, CINAHL, PsycInfo and Google Scholar were searched in May–October 2022.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Studies that primarily investigated burnout and/or well-being and reported quantifiable preintervention and postintervention outcomes using validated well-being measures were included.

Data extraction and synthesis

Full-text articles in English were independently screened and quality assessed by two researchers using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument. Results were synthesised and presented in both quantitative and narrative formats. Meta-analysis was not possible due to variations in study designs and outcomes.

Results

A total of 1663 articles were screened for eligibility, with 33 meeting inclusion criterium. Thirty studies used individually focused interventions, while three were organisationally focused. Thirty-one studies used secondary level interventions (managed stress in individuals) and two were primary level (eliminated stress causes). Mindfulness-based practices were adopted in 20 studies; the remainder used meditation, yoga and acupuncture. Other interventions promoted a positive mindset (gratitude journaling, choirs, coaching) while organisational interventions centred on workload reduction, job crafting and peer networks. Effective outcomes were reported in 29 studies, with significant improvements in well-being, work engagement, quality of life and resilience, and reductions in burnout, perceived stress, anxiety and depression.

Conclusion

The review found that interventions benefitted healthcare workers by increasing well-being, engagement and resilience, and reducing burnout. It is noted that the outcomes of numerous studies were impacted by design limitations that is, no control/waitlist control, and/or no post intervention follow-up. Suggestions are made for future research.
Effects of non-invasive brain stimulation for degenerative cerebellar ataxia: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Matsugi Akiyoshi , Ohtsuka Hiroyuki , Bando Kyota , Kondo Yuki , Kikuchi Yutaka
Published: June 2023

Introduction

To date, the medical and rehabilitation needs of people with degenerative cerebellar ataxia (DCA) are not fully met because no curative treatment has yet been established. Movement disorders such as cerebellar ataxia and balance and gait disturbance are common symptoms of DCA. Recently, non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques, including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial electrical stimulation, have been reported as possible intervention methods to improve cerebellar ataxia. However, evidence of the effects of NIBS on cerebellar ataxia, gait ability, and activity of daily living is insufficient. This study will aim to systematically evaluate the clinical effects of NIBS on patients with DCA.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a preregistered systematic review and meta-analysis based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. We will include randomised controlled trials to assess the effects of NIBS on patients with DCA. The primary clinical outcome will be cerebellar ataxia, as measured by the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia and the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale. The secondary outcomes will include gait speed, functional ambulatory capacity and functional independence measure, as well as any other reported outcomes that the reviewer considers important. The following databases will be searched: PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL and PEDro. We will assess the strength of the evidence included in the studies and estimate the effects of NIBS.

Ethics and dissemination

Because of the nature of systematic reviews, no ethical issues are anticipated. This systematic review will provide evidence on the effects of NIBS in patients with DCA. The findings of this review are expected to contribute to clinical decision-making towards selecting NIBS techniques for treatment and generating new clinical questions to be addressed.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023379192.
Predictive value of clinician impression for readmission and postdischarge mortality among neonates and young children in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Monrovia, Liberia
Authors: Rees Chris A , Kisenge Rodrick , Ideh Readon C , Kamara Julia , Coleman Ye-Jeung , Samma Abraham , Godfrey Evance , Manji Hussein K , Sudfeld Christopher R , Westbrook Adrianna L , Niescierenko Michelle , Morris Claudia R , Whitney Cynthia G , Breiman Robert F , Manji Karim P , Duggan Christopher P
Published: June 2023

Background

There are no validated clinical decision aids to identify neonates and young children at risk of hospital readmission or postdischarge mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, leaving the decision to discharge a child to a clinician’s impression. Our objective was to determine the precision of clinician impression to identify neonates and young children at risk for readmission and postdischarge mortality.

Methods

We conducted a survey study nested in a prospective observational cohort of neonates and children aged 1–59 months followed 60 days after hospital discharge from Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania or John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Monrovia, Liberia. Clinicians who discharged each enrolled patient were surveyed to determine their perceived probability of the patient’s risk of 60-day hospital readmission or postdischarge mortality. We calculated the area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC) to determine the precision of clinician impression for both outcomes.

Results

Of 4247 discharged patients, 3896 (91.7%) had available clinician surveys and 3847 (98.7%) had 60-day outcomes available: 187 (4.8%) were readmitted and 120 (3.1%) died within 60 days of hospital discharge. Clinician impression had poor precision in identifying neonates and young children at risk of hospital readmission (AUPRC: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.08) and postdischarge mortality (AUPRC: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.08). Patients for whom clinicians attributed inability to pay for future medical treatment as the reason for risk for unplanned hospital readmission had 4.76 times the odds hospital readmission (95% CI: 1.31 to 17.25, p=0.02).

Conclusions

Given the poor precision of clinician impression alone to identify neonates and young children at risk of hospital readmission and postdischarge mortality, validated clinical decision aids are needed to aid in the identification of young children at risk for these outcomes.
Relationship between psychological distress, health behaviours and future reports of hypertension among adults in East Zimbabwe: a cohort study
Authors: Shamsuddin Shehla , Davis Katherine , Moorhouse Louisa , Mandizvidza Phyllis , Maswera Rufurwokuda , Dadirai Tawanda , Nyamukapa Constance , Gregson Simon , Chigogora Sungano
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Extensive cross-sectional evidence has demonstrated an association between psychological distress (PD) and hypertension. However, evidence on the temporal relationship is limited, especially in low-income and middle-income countries. The role of health risk behaviours including smoking and alcohol consumption in this relationship is also largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between PD and later development of hypertension, and how this association may have been influenced by health risk behaviours, among adults in east Zimbabwe.

Methods

The analysis included 742 adults (aged 15–54 years) recruited by the Manicaland general population cohort study, who did not have hypertension at baseline in 2012–2013, and who were followed until 2018-2019. In 2012–2013, PD was measured using the Shona Symptom Questionnaire, a screening tool validated for use in Shona-speaking countries including Zimbabwe (cut-off point: 7). Smoking, alcohol consumption and use of drugs (health risk behaviours) were also self-reported. In 2018-2019, participants reported if they had diagnosed with hypertension by a doctor or nurse. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between PD and hypertension.

Results

In 2012, 10.4% of the participants had PD. The odds of new reports of hypertension were 2.04 times greater (95% CI 1.16 to 3.59) among those with PD at baseline, after adjusting for sociodemographic and health risk behaviour variables. Female gender (adjusted odds ratio, AOR 6.89, 95% CI 2.71 to 17.53), older age (AOR 2.67, 95% CI 1.63 to 4.42), and greater wealth (AOR 2.10, 95% CI 1.04 to 4.24 more wealthy, 2.88, 95% CI 1.24 to 6.67 most wealthy) were significant risk factors for hypertension. The AOR for the relationship between PD and hypertension did not differ substantially between models with and without health risk behaviours.

Conclusion

PD was associated with an increased risk of later reports of hypertension in the Manicaland cohort. Integrating mental health and hypertension services within primary healthcare may reduce the dual burden of these non-communicable diseases.
A systematic review of exercise protocols applied to athymic mice in tumor-related experiments
Authors: Pelosi Andrea Corazzi , Scariot Pedro Paulo Menezes , Garbuio Ana Luíza Paula , Kraemer Maurício Beitia , Priolli Denise Gonçalves , Masselli dos Reis Ivan Gustavo , Messias Leonardo Henrique Dalcheco
Published: June 2023

Athymic mice are unable to produce T-cells and are then characterized as immunodeficient. This characteristic makes these animals ideal for tumor biology and xenograft research. New non-pharmacological therapeutics are required owing to the exponential increase in global oncology costs over the last 10 years and the high cancer mortality rate. In this sense, physical exercise is regarded as a relevant component of cancer treatment. However, the scientific community lacks information regarding the effect of manipulating training variables on cancer in humans, and experiments with athymic mice. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to address the exercise protocols used in tumor-related experiments using athymic mice. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched without restrictions on published data. A combination of key terms such as athymic mice, nude mice, physical activity, physical exercise, and training was used. The database search retrieved 852 studies (PubMed, 245; Web of Science, 390; and Scopus, 217). After title, abstract, and full-text screening, 10 articles were eligible. Based on the included studies, this report highlights the considerable divergences in the training variables adopted for this animal model. No studies have reported the determination of a physiological marker for intensity individualization. Future studies are recommended to explore whether invasive procedures can result in pathogenic infections in athymic mice. Moreover, time-consuming tests cannot be applied to experiments with specific characteristics such as tumor implantation. In summary, non-invasive, low-cost, and time-saving approaches can suppress these limitations and improve the welfare of these animals during experiments.
Measuring the Hubble constant with cosmic chronometers: a machine learning approach
Authors: Bengaly Carlos , Dantas Maria Aldinez , Casarini Luciano , Alcaniz Jailson
Published: June 2023

Local measurements of the Hubble constant ($$H_0$$

H
0

) based on Cepheids e Type Ia supernova differ by $$\approx 5 \sigma $$

≈
5
σ

from the estimated value of $$H_0$$

H
0

from Planck CMB observations under $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM assumptions. In order to better understand this $$H_0$$

H
0

tension, the comparison of different methods of analysis will be fundamental to interpret the data sets provided by the next generation of surveys. In this paper, we deploy machine learning algorithms to measure the $$H_0$$

H
0

through a regression analysis on synthetic data of the expansion rate assuming different values of redshift and different levels of uncertainty. We compare the performance of different regression algorithms as Extra-Trees, Artificial Neural Network, Gradient Boosting, Support Vector Machines, and we find that the Support Vector Machine exhibits the best performance in terms of bias-variance tradeoff in most cases, showing itself a competitive cross-check to non-supervised regression methods such as Gaussian Processes.
The classification of smooth well-formed Fano weighted complete intersections
Authors: Ovcharenko Mikhail
Published: June 2023

We show that the set of families of smooth well-formed Fano weighted complete intersections admits a natural partition with respect to the variance var([Formula: see text]) = coind([Formula: see text]) - codim([Formula: see text]). Moreover, we obtain the classification of smooth well-formed Fano weighted complete intersections of small variance. We also prove that the anticanonical linear system on a smooth well-formed Fano weighted complete intersection of anticanonical degree one is never base-point-free.
Numerical investigation of rotational speed effects on flow separation and boundary layer dynamics in ducted wind turbines
Authors: Mofateh Mohsen , Ghafouri Ashkan , Kosarineia Abbas , Changizian Maziar
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we conduct a comprehensive numerical investigation of a ducted wind turbine under various rotational speeds, focusing on aspects such as boundary layer thickness and momentum thickness. Our study utilizes advanced computational fluid dynamics techniques to assess the intricate flow characteristics and aerodynamics of the ducted wind turbine, providing a detailed understanding of its operation under different speed conditions. The primary objectives are to comprehend the effect of the wind turbine’s rotational speed on the boundary layer thickness and the momentum thickness, two crucial parameters influencing the turbine’s performance and efficiency. Our findings reveal a significant correlation between the increase in rotational speed and the growth of flow separation, a phenomenon typically indicated by an expansion in the area of negative wall shear stress. This research contributes valuable insights into the behavior of ducted wind turbines at varying rotational speeds, and the acquired knowledge could potentially be utilized in designing and improving wind turbine systems to achieve better performance and enhanced operational efficiency.
On the applications of collocation method for numerically analyzing the nonlinear Degasperis–Procesi and Benjamin–Bona–Mahony equations
Authors: Ahmad Iftikhar , Ibrar Hussain Syed , Ilyas Hira , Jabeen Shazia , Iqrar Asma
Published: June 2023

This research uses the Sinc Collocation method to numerically examine the Degasperis–Procesi and Benjamin–Bona–Mahony equations, achieving a high level of precision and accuracy on computational grounds with a variety of mesh points. The proposed technique involves global collocation using Sinc bases function (SBF) as an activation function. Initially, the time derivative discretization has been performed through finite difference scheme and the remaining spatial derivatives are approximated by [Formula: see text]-weighted scheme to minimize the complexity in numerical computations. The main contribution of research is in modifying the proposed scheme to overcome the complexity involved in the whole process of finding solutions with a cardinal expansion of Sinc functions in nonlinear and singular systems. The solutions of Degasperis–Procesi and Benjamin–Bona–Mahony stiff nonlinear systems are illustrated numerically and graphically and the validation and verification of the obtained results are examined through stability analysis by calculating the spectral radius by bounding the value of [Formula: see text]. A comparative study is presented with some of the well-known numerical techniques, which assured the accuracy and reliability of our technique.
Guided Intelligent Hyper-Heuristic Algorithm for Critical Software Application Testing Satisfying Multiple Coverage Criteria
Authors: Rani S. Alagu , Akila C. , Raja S. P.
Published: June 2023

This paper proposes a novel algorithm that combines symbolic execution and data flow testing to generate test cases satisfying multiple coverage criteria of critical software applications. The coverage criteria considered are data flow coverage as the primary criterion, software safety requirements, and equivalence partitioning as sub-criteria. black The characteristics of the subjects used for the study include high-precision floating-point computation and iterative programs. The work proposes an algorithm that aids the tester in automated test data generation, satisfying multiple coverage criteria for critical software. The algorithm adapts itself and selects different heuristics based on program characteristics. The algorithm has an intelligent agent as its decision support system to accomplish this adaptability. Intelligent agent uses the knowledge base to select different low-level heuristics based on the current state of the problem instance during each generation of genetic algorithm execution. The knowledge base mimics the expert’s decision in choosing the appropriate heuristics. black The algorithm outperforms by accomplishing 100% data flow coverage for all subjects. In contrast, the simple genetic algorithm, random testing and a hyper-heuristic algorithm could accomplish a maximum of 83%, 67% and 76.7%, respectively, for the subject program with high complexity. black The proposed algorithm covers other criteria, namely equivalence partition coverage and software safety requirements, with fewer iterations. black The results reveal that test cases generated by the proposed algorithm are also effective in fault detection, with 87.2% of mutants killed when compared to a maximum of 76.4% of mutants killed for the complex subject with test cases of other methods.
Nomen non est omen: Why it is too soon to identify ultra-compact objects as black holes
Authors: Murk Sebastian
Published: June 2023

Black holes play a pivotal role in the foundations of physics, but there is an alarming discrepancy between what is considered to be a black hole in observational astronomy and theoretical studies. Despite claims to the contrary, we argue that identifying the observed astrophysical black hole candidates as genuine black holes is not justified based on the currently available observational data, and elaborate on the necessary evidence required to support such a remarkable claim. In addition, we investigate whether the predictions of semiclassical gravity are equally compatible with competing theoretical models, and find that semiclassical arguments favor horizonless configurations.
USING ADDITIVE RATIO ASSESSMENT AND ARTIFICIAL BEE COLONY (ARAS-ABC) OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM DURING DRILLING OF CARBON NANOMATERIAL/GLASS FIBER-REINFORCED POLYMER LAMINATED COMPOSITES
Authors: KUMAR KULDEEP , VERMA RAJESH KUMAR
Published: June 2023

In manufacturing industries, polymers are widely used due to their exceptional physiochemical and mechanical characteristics. It consists of high strength, low weight, corrosive resistivity, and ease of fabrication. Glass fiber is more cost-effective and easily available than other fibers such as carbon, aramid and kevlar. The most challenging issue for the manufacturer in the laminated polymer is the non-homogeneity and anisotropic behavior. This nature also hinders the machining performance of laminated polymer composites, which are entirely different from metals and their alloys. The supplements of nanomaterials enhanced the physiomechanical properties and the machining efficiency of fiber laminates. This work highlights the machining (drilling) aspect of glass fiber-reinforced polymer composites modified by multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT). The effect of drilling factors such as spindle speed ([Formula: see text]), feed rate ([Formula: see text]), and MWCNT weight percent (wt.%) on machining responses such as Thrust force (Th), Torque ([Formula: see text]), and Surface roughness (SR) has been investigated. The drilling operations were conducted using the 5 mm diameter TiAN (Sic coated) according to the response surface methodology (RSM) design. The process constraints were controlled by the hybrid module of additive ratio assessment (ARAS) and the Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm. The nature-inspired principles of the bee are used to optimize the objective function. The multiple responses were aggregated using the ARAS method, and its objective function is fed into the ABC algorithm. It was remarked that the hybrid ARAS-ABC is more capable than the traditional ARAS, with an overall improvement of 7.33% in assessment values. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) test confirms the feasibility of the proposed hybrid (ARAS-ABC) module to achieve a favorable machining environment while drilling modified nanocomposites.
Spectral-luminescence, redox and photochemical properties of AlIII, GaIII and InIII complexes formed by peripherally chlorinated phthalocyanines and tetrapyrazinoporphyrazines
Authors: Finogenov Daniil N. , Lazovskiy Dmitriy A. , Kopylova Alina S. , Zhabanov Yuriy A. , Stuzhin Pavel A.
Published: June 2023

Complexes of Al[Formula: see text], Ga[Formula: see text] and In[Formula: see text] with peripherally chlorinated phthalocyanine (Cl8PcM) and tetrapyrazinoporphyrazine (Cl8TPyzM) were prepared and studied using spectral and electrochemical methods. DFT calculations were used to reveal the peculiarities of their molecular and electronic structure. Peripheral chlorination of phthalocyanine complexes increases their electron affinity and the first reduction of [Cl8PcM] is observed at −0.25 – −0.35 V (by 0.2 – 0.3 V easier than for [PcM]). Additional azasubstitution further increases the acceptor properties of the macrocycle and [Cl8TPyzM] are reduced at −0.16 V. Among [Cl8PcM] only the Ga[Formula: see text] complex is stable to photooxidation, while among [Cl8TPyzPzM] it is the only one undergoing photoreduction. Fluorescence quantum yields ([Formula: see text] and lifetimes ([Formula: see text] as well as the ability to generate singlet oxygen ([Formula: see text] were determined. The [Formula: see text] values show typical dependence on the central metal Al > Ga >> In and are decreased upon the introduction of chlorine atoms in the peripheral and especially in the axial position. At the same time, azasubstitution in the benzene ring has a minor influence on the [Formula: see text] values but strongly shortens [Formula: see text] (from ca 6 to ca 2 ns). The Ga[Formula: see text] complexes have the highest ability to generate 1O2 and can be considered as effective photosensitizers, especially [Cl8TPyzPzGa(OH)] ([Formula: see text] = 0.87 in slightly acidified solution). Spectral properties in a strongly acid medium were also studied and it was observed that [Cl8PcM] are consequently protonated on meso-nitrogens.
A Visual Analytics Approach Applying for Discovering Knowledge from Multivariate Datasets of Stakeholders Feedback in the University
Authors: Pham Dang Van , Nguyen Bao Khang
Published: June 2023

In accrediting training quality, assessing the educational quality of a university is an extremely important task to affirm the prestige of the university to the society. Areas of assessment include training program, teaching and learning activities, capacity of graduate student, and the reputation of the university in society. This research studies the characteristics of the survey dataset structures to form data variables and analyzes the relations between data variables to build non-spatial and temporal multidimensional model (nSTM), applies the establishment of visual graphs according to the data variables representing the datasets with vertical bars indicating the values of the data variables being visually represented. This research conducts experiments on the dataset structures surveying the areas of a university. With this scientific approach, it will help university administrators to build policies to improve in all aspects and especially improve the quality of university education.