bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stała Współpraca Strukturalna (PESCO) jako przykład dyferencjalizmu eksperymentalnego w Unii Europejskiej
Authors: Ruszkowski Janusz
Published: July 2024

POLAND IN THE EUROPEAN UNION TOWARDS EUROSCEPTIC SELF-ISOLATION
By joining the European Union on 1 May 2004, Poland symbolically finalized the transformation process from the position of a nation state (NS) towards a member state (MS). The European Union Member States, in addition to being the main actors of the integration process, are also affected by various natural centrifugal forces in this atypical international organization. It results from selfishness and particularism of the states as well as from natural national selfinterests, on which stable national preferences are clearly defined and exposed by member states. From the perspective of the transformation process of Poland as the largest and most important EU member state located in Central and Eastern Europe, we can distinguish two periods: 1. 2004-2015. At that time, Poland strongly supported the European Commission (EC) and the Community method, which gives the EC a central role in the decision-making process. This period can be defined by the process of transition from a nation state to a Member State. 2. From 2015, when Poland was ruled by anti-liberal and more Eurosceptic government. This period, in turn, can be defined by the hybrid accumulation of features of a national state and a Member State, which makes us deal with a national member state (NMS). However, the tendency that can be observed runs in the direction of a backward transformation from a Member State to a nation-state. The subject of this study is only the second period in the European policy of Poland expressed by the accumulation of the features of NS and MS with a tendency in the reverse direction of transformation from a Member State to a nation- state. The main research thesis focuses on the statement that after 2015 Poland in the European Union drifts towards Eurosceptic self-isolation.
Europejski Zielony Ład, czyli jak Unia Europejska zamierza uczynić z Europy pierwszy neutralny kontynent dla klimatu?
Authors: Tkachuk Olesia
Published: July 2024

THE EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL, OR HOW DOES THE EUROPEAN UNION INTEND TO MAKE EUROPE THE FIRST CLIMATE-NEUTRAL CONTINENT?
The research aim of the paper is to analyze the objectives of the European Union (EU) climate policy and the instruments for their implementation, as well as to present the challenges on the way to achieving climate neutrality by the EU. In 2015, during the 21st UN Climate Change Conference in Paris, an agreement was agreed, the purpose of which is to limit global warming, aiming, among other things, for limiting the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and preferably to no more than 1.5°C. All EU Member States have ratified the above agreement, while agreeing to take action to make the EU the world’s first climate-neutral economy and society by 2050. To achieve this, the “European Green Deal” strategy was adopted, followed by the European Climate Law and the “Fit for 55” package of legislative proposals. In addition, a more ambitious EU climate target for 2030 has been agreed, namely a reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% compared to 1990 levels. Based on this, the following research hypothesis should be put forward, assuming that if all initiated projects, climate programs and mechanisms are fully implemented, the EU will become the first climate neutral continent by 2050. The first part of the article focuses on the goals of the European Green Deal and their implementation. The second part discusses the assumptions of European Climate Law and the elements of the “Fit for 55” package, as well as presents the most important financial instruments of the EU climate policy. The third part contains an analysis of the challenges standing in the way of the EU achieving climate neutrality by 2050, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
The Effect of Financial Resources on Misconduct: Evidence from Lottery Ticket Sales
Authors: Frake Justin , Byun Heejung , Kim Jihyeon
Published: July 2024

We investigate the influence of financial resources on a firm’s propensity for misconduct. Previous studies offer conflicting predictions regarding the relationship, and much of the empirical evidence suffers from issues like selection, measurement error, reverse causality, and omitted variable bias. Leveraging a difference-in-differences design, we first examine quasirandom fluctuations in retailers’ financial resources resulting from large windfalls from selling winning lottery tickets. Our results suggest that an increase in financial resources from selling a large winning lottery ticket reduces retailers’ tobacco sales to minors. Next, to rule in strain theory and to rule out alternative explanations, we leverage a second natural experiment, heterogeneity analysis, an alternate measure of misconduct, and an online randomized experiment. In doing so, we provide plausibly causal evidence on the relationship between a firm’s financial resources and its propensity for misconduct and provide potentially useful findings for policymakers and regulators.

Funding: This work was supported by the Blake Family Fund for Ethics, Leadership, and Governance at Purdue University.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2023.17541 .
Strengthening the Economic Interaction of Information and Communication Technologies in The Innovative Design of Activities of Extracurricular Educational Institutions Using Electronic Educational Resources
Authors: Mankuta Ya. ,   Private Higher Education Institution ",   Rauf Ablyazov East European University"
Published: July 2024

The article is devoted to the issues of forming the digital competence of pedagogical workers of educational institutions within the framework of their own professional development program at the place of work. It is noted that the issues of designing and developing electronic educational resources (EER) using modern information and communication technologies (ICT) are actualized in the context of the digitalization of education, the activation of the use of mixed and distance learning technologies in the quarantine conditions of work of educational institutions. The article considers the main approaches to determining the content of the digital competence of teachers; e-learning; the main types of EOR, which form the open educational environment of OZ. ICT tools and methods for building a model of design, creation and use of EOR are defined. Improving the qualifications of teachers within the university is considered as corporate training, therefore, for its implementation, it is proposed to apply the concept of knowledge management by creating a repository of digital educational content. Among the modern methods of EOR design, the CASE technologies, which are based on the use of structural analysis and modeling tools, are considered the most effective. The IDEF0 model was chosen for the functional modeling of the processes of creating a computer-oriented EOR design environment. The description of the basic model "Designing EOR for an open educational environment" is detailed to the required level with the help of decomposition diagrams. The specificity of the EOR design model for an open educational environment is reflected by the functions of researching the current state of the educational environment, developing software modules of the knowledge management system, creating EOR, as well as the actual educational process and professional development. Since the project on the introduction of ICT in health care is synchronized with the process of improving the qualifications of teachers through their involvement in the development and implementation of a certain type of EOR, the proposed model allows the further use of EOR in the educational process. At Rauf Ablyazov East European University (Cherkasy), a project was developed according to the PMBoK standard, the main product of which is an LMS system integrated into the educational process of the university along with specially developed modules, as well as EOR created on its basis.
Problems of Post-War Restoration and Development of Infrastructure in Ukraine
Authors: Amosha A. ,   Institute of Industrial Economics of the NAS of Ukraine, Amosha O. ,   Institute of Industrial Economics of the NAS of Ukraine
Published: July 2024

The article draws attention to the lack of a key formula in strategic planning for the development of recovery programs. Therefore, the possibility of infrastructure transformation as a key component of the formula for economic recovery is considered. The role of infrastructure in the conditions of war and after it is analyzed. The importance of infrastructure for economic recovery, social sphere and national security is emphasized, taking into account large losses in various areas, such as housing, transport, industry, education, health and others. Developing effective recovery programs with a focus on infrastructure has been shown to be crucial. Final decisions should be based on careful analysis, impact assessment, and clear strategic planning based on historical experience.
SOCIAL WORKERS ON THE SMALL SCREEN
Authors: Goddard Charlotte
Published: July 2024

Children's social workers are often portrayed in a negative light when they feature in TV dramas. Charlotte Goddard investigates how the profession is trying to change how it appears on screen
Developing new services
Authors: Cross Andy
Published: July 2024

In a time of stretched resources it has never been more important for organisations to ensure new services meet real needs and can show positive outcomes for children, young people and families
Coram Adoption marks 50th year
Authors: Homden Carol
Published: July 2024

Coram chief executive Carol Homden reflects on the achievements of the charity's adoption services
The Core outcome Clubfoot (CoCo) study: relapse, with poorer clinical and quality of life outcomes, affects 37% of idiopathic clubfoot patients
Authors: Gelfer Yael , Cavanagh Sean E. , Bridgens Anna , Ashby Elizabeth , Bouchard Maryse , Leo Donato G. , Eastwood Deborah M.
Published: July 2024

Aims

There is a lack of high-quality research investigating outcomes of Ponseti-treated idiopathic clubfeet and correlation with relapse. This study assessed clinical and quality of life (QoL) outcomes using a standardized core outcome set (COS), comparing children with and without relapse.

Methods

A total of 11 international centres participated in this institutional review board-approved observational study. Data including demographics, information regarding presentation, treatment, and details of subsequent relapse and management were collected between 1 June 2022 and 30 June 2023 from consecutive clinic patients who had a minimum five-year follow-up. The clubfoot COS incorporating 31 parameters was used. A regression model assessed relationships between baseline variables and outcomes (clinical/QoL).

Results

Overall, 293 patients (432 feet) with a median age of 89 months (interquartile range 72 to 113) were included. The relapse rate was 37%, with repeated relapse in 14%. Treatment considered a standard part of the Ponseti journey (recasting, repeat tenotomy, and tibialis anterior tendon transfer) was performed in 35% of cases, with soft-tissue release and osteotomies in 5% and 2% of cases, respectively. Predictors of relapse included duration of follow-up, higher initial Pirani score, and poor Evertor muscle activity. Relapse was associated with poorer outcomes.

Conclusion

This is the first multicentre study using a standardized COS following clubfoot treatment. It distinguishes patients with and without relapse in terms of clinical outcomes and QoL, with poorer outcomes in the relapse group. This tool allows comparison of treatment methods and outcomes, facilitates information sharing, and sets family expectations. Predictors of relapse encourage us to create appropriate treatment pathways to reduce relapse and improve outcome.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(7):735–743.
Phytoplankton community structure in PB. Soedirman Reservoir, Banjarnegara District, Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: SAMUDRA SESILIA RANI , ISLAMI SULTON FASYA , SANJAYASARI DYAHRURI , FIRDAUS ABDUL MALIK , PUTRI ADINDA KURNIA , FIKRIYYA NABELA , ATTAQI AHMAD NAUFAL
Published: July 2024

Abstract. Samudra SR, Islami SF, Sanjayasari D, Firdaus AM, Putri AK, Fikriyya N, Attaqi AN. 2024. Phytoplankton community structure in PB. Soedirman Reservoir, Banjarnegara District, Central Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2161-2169. Panglima Besar (PB) Soedirman Reservoir (formerly known as Mrica Reservoir), located in Central Java, faces ecological pollution due to organic materials from anthropogenic activities. Monitoring reservoir conditions, comprising physical, chemical, and biological parameters, is important for management. In this context, phytoplankton is a biological parameter that can be used to monitor water conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to observe phytoplankton community structure in PB. Soedirman Reservoir, Banjarnegara District, about the abundance, diversity, and dominance index. Sampling was conducted in July and August 2023 at five stations: the inlet, water around, and those free from floating net cages, ponds, and outlet channels. Data analysis included phytoplankton abundance, Shannon Wiener diversity index (H'), and Simpson dominance index (C). The results showed that the number of phytoplankton genera found was 27, with the average abundance in July being 7,083 cells.L-1, and the most abundant class was Bacillariophyceae (54%). The average abundance in August was 59,574 cells.L-1, the most abundant class being Bacillariophyceae (82%). Additionally, the diversity index (H') value ranged from 1.23-2.07 with the moderate pollution category. The dominance index (C) ranged from 0.16-0.33, showing no species dominated.
The Impact of Ukrainian War Refugees on Rental Prices in Europe: A Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Czerniak Adam
Published: July 2024

This study examines the impact of Ukrainian war refugees on actual rental prices in 27 European countries. Using panel data regression analysis for the period 2017Q1-2023Q1, the study found that inflation, house price growth, and interest rates were the primary drivers of rental price growth after February 2022. The study also showed that an inflow of Ukrainian refugees equal to 1% of the host country’s population translated into an increase in rental price growth of 0.2-0.3%, but this effect was not statistically significant at the 5% probability threshold. Auxiliary estimations revealed the statistical significance of Ukrainian migration when adjusting for the stringency of rent controls and size of the rental market.
South Africa’s Housing Financialisation Crises and Social Resistance
Authors: Bond Patrick
Published: July 2024

The world’s most unequal country suffers from various housing crises, especially when it comes to excessive reliance upon a private sector prone to market failures, especially affordability. State housing finance strategy during the transition from apartheid to democracy relied upon augmentation of formal banking finance so as to promote home ownership. But as macro-economic conditions changed in the late 1980s, the resulting mass defaults on individual families’ home mortgage bonds led not only to foreclosures by a (white) state, but (black) working-class resistance organised by the country’s leading urban social movement, known as the ‘bond boycott.’ Even after democracy, a worsening housing backlog coincided with resurgence of household debt crises in the wake of the 2008 global financial meltdown. That generated a new housing finance strategy led by Mastercard and a local fintech firm (supported by the World Bank): collateralisation of welfare grants which in turn allowed debit orders for repayment of microfinance (typically used for minor home improvements). Again, social resistance played an important role, as the strategy caused even worse personal debt crises, and a welfare NGO’s successful fight to close Mastercard’s partner. But beyond periodic revolts of these sorts, a durable housing finance policy has remained elusive.
Changing Social Movements in Lisbon? Housing Financialisation and Post-pandemic Activism
Authors: Mendes Luís , Tulumello Simone
Published: July 2024

During the last decade, following years of austerity and rapid growth driven by tourism, real estate, and external investment, Lisbon has become a paradigmatic case of the financialisation/crisis nexus in the housing field. The simultaneous emergence and growth of social movements for the right to housing has been widely documented, with some accounts focusing on anti-financialisation struggles. In this article, we present the repertoires and claims of four activist groups and platforms born between 2022 and 2023 and discuss how Portuguese social movements are contending with the increasing centrality of financialisation in housing. In sum, we present three broad patterns of rescaling – intersectionality, internationalisation, and relations with political parties – in relation to the general endeavour to build a mass movement.
Reconciling and validating the Ashworth–Davies Doppler shifts of an arbitrarily translating mirror
Authors: Roi-Cohen Ziv , Kahn Merav , Katz Nadav , Residori Stefania , Bortolozzo Umberto , Howell John C.
Published: July 2024

We simplify, to first order in vc, the generalized, special relativistic treatment of a Doppler shift from an arbitrarily translating mirror originally derived by Ashworth and Davies [Proc. IEEE 64, 280 (1976)IEEPAD0018-921910.1109/PROC.1976.10098]. We show that it is in good agreement with a somewhat modified, but more intuitive, derivation that only considers the constancy of the speed of light. We experimentally demonstrate the theoretical predictions using phase-insensitive frequency measurements in a liquid crystal light valve with mirror translations of only a few tens of nanometers per second.
Fourier analysis in single photon imaging
Authors: Laurenzis Martin , Bacher Emmanuel
Published: July 2024

Single photon imaging has become an established sensing approach. Compared to intensity imaging, versatile advantages have been demonstrated, such as imaging with high sensitivity, at a high frame rate, and with a high dynamic range. In this paper, we investigate the Fourier analysis of single photon counting at a frame rate of approximately 100 kHz and a high spatial resolution of 512 px × 512 px. We observed signal modulation in raw data as well as in data converted to photon flux, but with the data processing, the signal’s frequency response is affected by significant damping. Thus, analysis sensible to signal frequency should work on the raw single photon counting signal. Furthermore, imaging of magnitude and phase in the Fourier domain can visualize areas of certain signal modulation, and the gradient of the phase angle can reveal the direction of movements. Finally, we have applied our method to real world scenarios by analyzing unmanned aerial vehicle’s motion in outdoor experiments.
Generic color correction for tone mapping operators in high dynamic range imaging
Authors: Mehmood Imran , Khan Muhammad Usman , Luo Ming Ronnier
Published: July 2024

One of the significant challenges in tone mapping is to preserve the perceptual quality of the tone-mapped images. Traditional tone mapping operators (TMOs) compress the luminance of high dynamic range (HDR) images with little to no consideration of image color information resulting into suboptimal colors. Existing color management algorithms require either manual parameter tuning or introducing lightness and hue shifts. The current study aimed to develop a color correction model in plausible agreement with the psychophysical phenomenon of color appearance perception for optimal color reproduction of tone mapped images. The proposed model leverages CIECAM16 perceptual correlates i.e., lightness, chroma, and hue. It is adaptive and entirely automatic while preserving the lightness of the tone-mapped image and maintaining the hue from the HDR image. Moreover, it does not require any gamut mapping correction algorithm in natural color reproduction. The effectiveness of the model was validated using objective and subjective methods. The experiments revealed that the model achieved optimal color reproduction in terms of the naturalness of the colors.
Reconfigurable topological wave routing based on tunable valley kink states and valley-polarized chiral edge states
Authors: Han Jianfei , Liang Feng , Zhao Yulin , Wang Xiangru , Zhao Deshuang , Wang Bing-Zhong
Published: July 2024

Valley kink states and valley-polarized chiral edge states, whose topologically protected one-way propagation property provides a promising solution for manipulating light waves, have recently attracted considerable attention in topological photonics. However, it remains a great challenge to realize flexibly tunable dispersion for two different topological states and to develop a dynamically controllable topological photonic platform for switching topological wave routing. In this work, we propose a reconfigurable topological wave routing structure in the telecommunication frequency range, where phase-change material Sb2S3 cylinders with tunable refractive index are embedded into each topological channel to dynamically tune the dispersion of topological edge states. Via switching the phase states of Sb2S3 between amorphous and crystalline, we numerically demonstrate some unique applications of the proposed topological photonic crystals, such as topological optical switches, dual-channel selective transport, and controllable multi-channel intersection waveguides. More importantly, by digitally encoding each waveguide channel without the requirement of controlling each unit cell in the bulk domain, the proposed topological photonic platform provides a convenient and easy-to-implement solution for achieving dynamically reconfigurable topological wave routing propagation. Besides, the unique features of immunity against bending interface with disorders demonstrate the robustness of the topological wave propagation. Our proposed topological photonic platform has potential applications for designing intelligent photonic devices and opens up an avenue for advanced integrated photonic systems with reconfigurability.
Motion-error-free calibration of event camera systems using a flashing target
Authors: Wang Yongqing , He Shiyu , Fei Yufan , Liu Xingjian
Published: July 2024

Event cameras, inspired by biological vision, offer high dynamic range, excellent temporal resolution, and minimal data redundancy. Precise calibration of event camera systems is essential for applications such as 3D vision. The cessation of extra gray frame production in popular models like the dynamic vision sensor (DVS) poses significant challenges to achieving high-accuracy calibration. Traditional calibration methods, which rely on motion to trigger events, are prone to movement-related errors. This paper introduces a motion-error-free calibration method for event cameras using a flashing target produced by a standard electronic display that elicits high-fidelity events. We propose an improved events-accumulator to reconstruct gray images with distinct calibration features and develop an optimization method that adjusts camera parameters and control point positions simultaneously, enhancing the calibration accuracy of event camera systems. Experimental results demonstrated higher accuracy compared to the traditional motion-based calibration method (reprojection error: 0.03 vs. 0.96 pixels). The 3D reconstruction error remained around 0.15 mm, significantly improving over the motion-based method’s 8.00 mm. Additionally, the method’s adaptability for hybrid calibration in event-based stereovision systems was verified (e.g., with frame cameras or projectors).
Beyond fission and fusion—Diving into the mysteries of mitochondrial shape
Authors: Preminger Noga , Schuldiner Maya
Published: July 2024

Mitochondrial shape and network formation have been primarily associated with the well-established processes of fission and fusion. However, recent research has unveiled an intricate and multifaceted landscape of mitochondrial morphology that extends far beyond the conventional fission–fusion paradigm. These less-explored dimensions harbor numerous unresolved mysteries. This review navigates through diverse processes influencing mitochondrial shape and network formation, highlighting the intriguing complexities and gaps in our understanding of mitochondrial architecture. The exploration encompasses various scales, from biophysical principles governing membrane dynamics to molecular machineries shaping mitochondria, presenting a roadmap for future research in this evolving field.
Model-based analysis of the acute effects of transcutaneous magnetic spinal cord stimulation on micturition after spinal cord injury in humans
Authors: Fardadi Mahshid , Leiter J. C. , Lu Daniel C. , Iwasaki Tetsuya
Published: July 2024

Aim

After spinal cord injuries (SCIs), patients may develop either detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) or urinary incontinence, depending on the level of the spinal injury. DSD and incontinence reflect the loss of coordinated neural control among the detrusor muscle, which increases bladder pressure to facilitate urination, and urethral sphincters and pelvic floor muscles, which control the bladder outlet to restrict or permit bladder emptying. Transcutaneous magnetic stimulation (TMS) applied to the spinal cord after SCI reduced DSD and incontinence. We defined, within a mathematical model, the minimum neuronal elements necessary to replicate neurogenic dysfunction of the bladder after a SCI and incorporated into this model the minimum additional neurophysiological features sufficient to replicate the improvements in bladder function associated with lumbar TMS of the spine in patients with SCI.

Methods

We created a computational model of the neural circuit of micturition based on Hodgkin-Huxley equations that replicated normal bladder function. We added interneurons and increased network complexity to reproduce dysfunctional micturition after SCI, and we increased the density and complexity of interactions of both inhibitory and excitatory lumbar spinal interneurons responsive to TMS to provide a more diverse set of spinal responses to intrinsic and extrinsic activation of spinal interneurons that remains after SCI.

Results

The model reproduced the re-emergence of a spinal voiding reflex after SCI. When we investigated the effect of monophasic and biphasic TMS at two frequencies applied at or below T10, the model replicated the improved coordination between detrusor and external urethral sphincter activity that has been observed clinically: low-frequency TMS (1 Hz) within the model normalized control of voiding after SCI, whereas high-frequency TMS (30 Hz) enhanced urine storage.

Conclusion

Neuroplasticity and increased complexity of interactions among lumbar interneurons, beyond what is necessary to simulate normal bladder function, must be present in order to replicate the effects of SCI on control of micturition, and both neuronal and network modifications of lumbar interneurons are essential to understand the mechanisms whereby TMS reduced bladder dysfunction after SCI.
Maternal death surveillance and response system evaluation in Makonde District, Zimbabwe, 2021
Authors: Makanyanga Tsitsi Brenda , Madzima Bernard , Mungati More , Chadambuka Addmore , Gombe Notion Tafara , Juru Tsitsi Patience , Umeokonkwo Chukwuma David , Tshimanga Mufuta
Published: July 2024

Background

Maternal mortality is of global concern, almost 800 women die every day due to maternal complications. The maternal death surveillance and response (MDSR) system is one strategy designed to reduce maternal mortality. In 2021 Makonde District reported a maternal mortality ratio of 275 per 100 000 and only sixty-two percent of deaths recorded were audited. We evaluated the MDSR system in Makonde to assess its performance.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using the CDC guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems. An Interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 79 health workers involved in MDSR and healthcare facilities. All maternal death notification forms, weekly disease surveillance forms, and facility monthly summary forms were reviewed. We assessed health workers’ knowledge, usefulness and system attributes.

Results

We interviewed 79 health workers out of 211 workers involved in MDSR and 71 (89.9%) were nurses. The median years in service was 8 (IQR: 4–12). Overall health worker knowledge (77.2%) was good. Ninety-three percent of the deaths audited were of avoidable causes. Twelve out of the thirty-eight (31.6%) facilities were using electronic health records system. Feedback and documented shared information were evident at four facilities (21%) including the referral hospital. Nineteen (67.9%) out of 28 maternal death notification forms were completed within seven days and none were submitted to the PMD on time.

Conclusion

The MDSR system was acceptable and simple but not timely, stable and complete. Underutilization of the electronic health system, work load, poor documentation and data management impeded performance of the system. We recommended appointment of an MDSR focal person, sharing audit minutes and improved data management.
Forecasting the rheological state properties of self-compacting concrete mixes using the response surface methodology technique for sustainable structural concreting
Authors: Zumba Edwin , Velasco Nancy , Melendres Medina Edison Marcelo , Bunay Jorge , Estrada Brito Nestor Augusto , Onyelowe Kennedy C. , Ganasen Nakkeeran , Hanandeh Shadi
Published: July 2024

It is structurally pertinent to understudy the important roles the self-compacting concrete (SCC) yield stress and plastic viscosity play in maintaining the rheological state of the concrete to flow. It is also important to understand that different concrete mixes with varying proportions of fine to coarse aggregate ratio and their nominal sizes produce different and corresponding flow- and fill-abilities, which are functions of the yield stress/plastic viscosity state conditions of the studied concrete. These factors have necessitated the development of regression models, which propose optimal rheological state behavior of SCC to ensure a more sustainable concreting. In this research paper on forecasting the rheological state properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) mixes by using the response surface methodology (RSM) technique, the influence of nominal sizes of the coarse aggregate has been studied in the concrete mixes, which produced experimental mix entries. A total of eighty-four (84) concrete mixes were collected, sorted and split into training and validation sets to model the plastic viscosity and the yield stress of the SCC. In the field applications, the influence of the sampling sizes on the rheological properties of the concrete cannot be overstretched due to the importance of flow consistency in SCC in order to achieve effective workability. The RSM is a symbolic regression analysis which has proven to exercise the capacity to propose highly performable engineering relationships. At the end of the model exercise, it was found that the RSM proposed a closed-form parametric relationship between the outputs (plastic viscosity and yield stress) and the studied independent variables (the concrete components). This expression can be applied in the design and production of SCC with performance accuracies of above 95% and 90%, respectively. Also, the RSM produced graphical prediction of the plastic viscosity and yield stress at the optimized state conditions with respect to the measured variables, which could be useful in monitoring the performance of the concrete in practice and its overtime assessment. Generally, the production of SCC for field applications are justified by the components in this study and experimental entries beyond which the parametric relations and their accuracies are to be reverified.
The relationship between the source of oral health information and dental caries: Findings from Child Dental Health Survey 2013 in England
Authors: Sofi-Mahmudi Ahmad
Published: July 2024

Objective

To determine the magnitude and shape of the relationship between dental caries experience and the source of oral health information in England.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study using the Child Dental Health Survey 2013 in England. Using a negative binomial model, the relationship between the number of decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) of 12- and 15-year-old students and their primary source of oral health information was assessed. The sources of oral health information included parents, television, newspapers, the Internet, and social media. The adjusted model included age, sex, and the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). R was used for data handling, analysis and reporting.

Results

Overall, 2,372 children were assessed (48.7% female, 48.6% 12-year-old). For the majority, the primary source of oral health information was their parents (89.5%) followed by the Internet (43.4%). Over nine-tenth of the participants had a DMFT = 0. The adjusted model showed that the prevalence rate of DMFT for the children whose primary source of information is their parents (0.45) or television (0.62) is lower than 1. The prevalence rate for the Internet (1.17) and social media (1.67) was higher than 1, but they were removed from the final model due to being non-statistically significant. Age and deprivation had a direct relationship with the prevalence rate of DMFT, meaning that 15-year-olds and children from more deprived areas had a higher prevalence rate of DMFT.

Conclusion

Children whose primary source of oral health information was their parents or television had a lower DMFT. On the contrary, using the Internet or social media as the source of oral health information was associated with higher caries experience among schoolchildren.
The association between ABO blood types and peripherally inserted central catheter-related venous thrombosis for patients with cancer: A retrospective 7-year single-center experience and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Xiao-Hong , Xiao Yu , Tian Ren-Di
Published: July 2024

Background

This meta-analysis evaluated the association of ABO blood type on central venous catheter-related thrombosis (CRT).

Methods

Data were derived from 8477 patients at Sichuan Cancer Hospital from January 2015 to December 2021 and articles previously published in Chinese and English databases. Data from our hospital were collected by reviewing electronic medical records. Searched databases included CNKI, VIP, Wan Fang, China Biomedical, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, and OVID (up to July 2023). All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 22.0 and Revman 5.3. The Bonferroni method was used to adjust the α test level for reducing the risk of I errors in the multiple comparisons. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Continuous variables were analyzed using a two-independent sample T test. The chi-squared test was used to analyze categorical data.

Results

A total of 818 studies were identified in the search. However, only four studies met the inclusion criteria. Combined with data from our hospital, five studies were included with a total of 18407 cases. Those studies only focused on peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). According to the data from our hospital, logistic regression revealed that myelosuppression [odds ratio (OR), 1.473; P = 0.005) and radiotherapy(OR, 1.524; P<0.001) were independent risk factors for symptomatic PICC- VTE. Blood types A (OR, 1.404; P = 0.008), B (OR, 1.393; P = 0.016), and AB (OR, 1.861; P<0.001) were associated with a significantly higher risk of symptomatic PICC-VTE than blood type O. And the hematologic tumor has a significantly higher risk of PICC-VTE than breast cancer (OR, 0.149; P < 0.001), and gynecological tumor (OR, 0.386; P = 0.002). In the meta-analysis of the association between ABO blood type and PICC related thrombosis, the I2 statistic was not significant in any of the pairwise comparisons, and a fixed-effects model was subsequently used for all analyses. The meta-analysis indicated that the incidence of symptomatic PICC related thrombosis was significantly lower in individuals with the O blood type (3.30%) than in those with the A (4.92%), B (5.20%), or AB (6.58%) blood types (all P < 0.0083). However, in the pairwise comparisons among A, B, and AB, the differences were nonsignificant (P > 0.0083).

Conclusions

According to the results from our single center analysis, we found that myelosuppression, radiotherapy, hematologic tumor, and non-O blood type were independent risk factors for symptomatic PICC related thrombosis. In the meta-analysis of further exploration of ABO blood type and PICC related thrombosis, we found that ABO blood type may influence PICC related thrombosis, and individuals with the O blood type had a lower risk of PICC related thrombosis than those with non-O blood type.
Haplotype-resolved assembly of the mule duck genome using high-fidelity sequencing technology
Authors: Che Tiandong , Li Jing , Li Xiaobo , Wang Zhongsi , Zhang Xuemei , Yang Weifei , Liu Tao , Wang Yan , Wang Kaiqian , Gao Tian , Shen Guangqiang , Qiu Wanling , Li Zhimin , Zhang Wenguang
Published: July 2024

Mule duck is vitally important to the production of global duck meat. Here, we present two high-quality haplotypes of a female mule duck (haplotype 1 (H1):1.28 Gb, haplotype 2 (H2): 1.40 Gb). The continuity (H1: contig N50 = 14.90 Mb, H2: contig N50 = 15.70 Mb) and completeness (BUSCO: H1 = 96.9%, H2 = 97.3%) are substantially better than those of other duck genomes. We detected the structural variations (SVs) in H1 and H2. We observed a positive correlation between autosome length and the number of SVs. Z chromosome was some deficient in deletions and insertions, but W chromosome was some excessive. A total of 1,451 genes were haplotype specific expression (HSEs). Among them, 737 specifically expressed in H1, and 714 specifically expressed in H2. We found that H1 and H2 HSEs tended to be involved in similar biological processes, such as myometrial relaxation and contraction pathways, muscle structure development and phosphorylation. Our haplotype-resolved genome assembly provides a powerful platform for future functional genomics, molecular breeding, and genome editing in mule duck.
Risk factors for toxoplasmosis in people living with HIV in the Asia-Pacific region
Authors: Lee Ki Hyun , Jiamsakul Awachana , Kiertiburanakul Sasisopin , Borse Rohidas , Khol Vohith , Yunihastuti Evy , Azwa Iskandar , Somia I. Ketut Agus , Chaiwarith Romanee , Pham Thach Ngoc , Khusuwan Suwimon , Do Cuong Duy , Kumarasamy Nagalingeswaran , Gani Yasmin , Ditangco Rossana , Ng Oon Tek , Pujari Sanjay , Lee Man Po , Avihingsanon Anchalee , Chen Hsin-Pai , Zhang Fujie , Tanuma Junko , Ross Jeremy , Choi Jun Yong
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Toxoplasma gondii can cause symptomatic toxoplasmosis in immunodeficient hosts, including in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH), mainly because of the reactivation of latent infection. We assessed the prevalence of toxoplasmosis and its associated risk factors in PLWH in the Asia-Pacific region using data from the TREAT Asia Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Observational Database (TAHOD) of the International Epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) Asia-Pacific.

Methods

This study included both retrospective and prospective cases of toxoplasmosis reported between 1997 and 2020. A matched case-control method was employed, where PLWH diagnosed with toxoplasmosis (cases) were each matched to two PLWH without a toxoplasmosis diagnosis (controls) from the same site. Sites without toxoplasmosis were excluded. Risk factors for toxoplasmosis were analyzed using conditional logistic regression.

Results

A total of 269/9576 (2.8%) PLWH were diagnosed with toxoplasmosis in 19 TAHOD sites. Of these, 227 (84%) were reported retrospectively and 42 (16%) were prospective diagnoses after cohort enrollment. At the time of toxoplasmosis diagnosis, the median age was 33 years (interquartile range 28–38), and 80% participants were male, 75% were not on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Excluding 63 out of 269 people without CD4 values, 192 (93.2%) had CD4 ≤200 cells/μL and 162 (78.6%) had CD4 ≤100 cells/μL. By employing 538 matched controls, we found that factors associated with toxoplasmosis included abstaining from ART (odds ratio [OR] 3.62, 95% CI 1.81–7.24), in comparison to receiving nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors plus non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, HIV exposure through injection drug use (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.15–4.47) as opposed to engaging in heterosexual intercourse and testing positive for hepatitis B virus surface antigen (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.41–7.21). Toxoplasmosis was less likely with increasing CD4 counts (51–100 cells/μL: OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.18–0.96; 101–200 cells/μL: OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.06–0.34; >200 cells/μL: OR 0.02, 95% CI 0.01–0.06), when compared to CD4 ≤50 cells/μL. Moreover, the use of prophylactic cotrimoxazole was not associated with toxoplasmosis.

Conclusions

Symptomatic toxoplasmosis is rare but still occurs in PLWH in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in the context of delayed diagnosis, causing advanced HIV disease. Immune reconstitution through early diagnosis and ART administration remains a priority in Asian PLWH.
IL-10 suppresses T cell expansion while promoting tissue-resident memory cell formation during SARS-CoV-2 infection in rhesus macaques
Authors: Nelson Christine E. , Foreman Taylor W. , Fukutani Eduardo R. , Kauffman Keith D. , Sakai Shunsuke , Fleegle Joel D. , Gomez Felipe ,   NIAID/DIR Tuberculosis Imaging Program, Gould Sydnee T. , Le Nouën Cyril , Liu Xueqiao , Burdette Tracey L. , Garza Nicole L. , Lafont Bernard A. P. , Brooks Kelsie , Lindestam Arlehamn Cecilia S. , Weiskopf Daniela , Sette Alessandro , Hickman Heather D. , Buchholz Ursula J. , Johnson Reed F. , Brenchley Jason M. , Oberman James P. , Quieroz Artur T. L. , Andrade Bruno B. , Via Laura E. , Barber Daniel L.
Published: July 2024

The regulation of inflammatory responses and pulmonary disease during SARS-CoV-2 infection is incompletely understood. Here we examine the roles of the prototypic pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines IFNγ and IL-10 using the rhesus macaque model of mild COVID-19. We find that IFNγ drives the development of 18fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-avid lesions in the lungs as measured by PET/CT imaging but is not required for suppression of viral replication. In contrast, IL-10 limits the duration of acute pulmonary lesions, serum markers of inflammation and the magnitude of virus-specific T cell expansion but does not impair viral clearance. We also show that IL-10 induces the subsequent differentiation of virus-specific effector T cells into CD69+CD103+ tissue resident memory cells (Trm) in the airways and maintains Trm cells in nasal mucosal surfaces, highlighting an unexpected role for IL-10 in promoting airway memory T cells during SARS-CoV-2 infection of macaques.
‘E Be Like Say Dem Swear for Me!’: Identity, agency and queerness in selected Temmie Ovwasa’s songs
Authors: Onanuga Paul Ayodele
Published: July 2024

Spaces are central to identity-formation and public representation, and play key roles within narratives on queerness and self/other portrayal. In this study, focus is placed on popular culture with specific interests in the discography of Temmie Ovwasa, a self-outed queer-identifying non-binary Nigerian music artiste. I contend that Ovwasa’s songs represent a deconstruction of the homophobic and misogynist space that hip hop culture vaunts. Their discography further signals a disruption of heterosexual normativity within Nigeria’s contemporary popular music. Purposively selected songs are analysed with the application of the tenets of queer theory and critical discourse analysis. Close attention is paid to the thematic preoccupation of the songs as well as queer identity and agency. While there is a recognition of the limitations which a chronically homophobic milieu enforces on their agency, Ovwasa also acknowledges the redemptive role which their popularity and visibility through their discography enables in the politics of representation and conquering of hither-to disabling spaces.
The Infodemic: Disinformation, Geopolitics and the Covid-19 Pandemic, Gabriele Cosentino (2023)
Authors: Suárez Adriana Amado
Published: July 2024

Review of: The Infodemic: Disinformation, Geopolitics and the Covid-19 Pandemic, Gabriele Cosentino (2023)

New York: Bloomsbury Publishing, 212 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-75564-073-7, p/bk, £19.79
Towards a photographic representation of the experience of seeing: Synthetic views via neural radiance fields
Authors: Burrell Andrew
Published: July 2024

This article looks at the emerging technology of the neural radiance field (NeRF) and suggests that this means of digital image production, when used by a creative practitioner, produces an emergent aesthetic – a result of the affordances inherent in the digital materiality of the NeRF and its processes. The use of this machine-learning technology as a material for creating images can lead to an entirely new way of creating photographic representations that provide us with a way of seeing and recording how we phenomenologically experience seeing. The processes and the emergent aesthetic are explored with examples drawn from the author’s own practice.
Analog(ue) photography
Authors: Cullen Frances
Published: July 2024

This encyclopaedia entry defines ‘analog(ue) photography’ as a construct of the digital age. After first situating the concept’s history in relation to that of the larger field of ‘the analog’, thereby exposing its connection to the American field of cybernetics, the entry describes how analog photography’s identity as a synonym for film was initially constructed and has subsequently evolved. Then it elaborates on the category’s formulation as a site of resistance to emerging technologies. Analog photography’s ongoing usage, the entry suggests, is a testament to the way that information-age epistemologies have organized the shape and scope of the photographic field.
Operational Images: From the Visual to the Invisual, Jussi Patikka* (2023)
Authors: Melamed Laliv
Published: July 2024

Review of: Operational Images: From the Visual to the Invisual, Jussi Patikka (2023)

Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press, 276 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-51791-211-6, p/bk, e-book, $29.00
Ex-Machina (2014): la racionalidad de la conciencia dentro del cine
Authors: López-Valdés Julio César , Mestre-Orozco Laura
Published: July 2024

A lo largo de nuestra existencia, los seres humanos hemos tenido la tendencia de buscar respuesta a todo. Por tal motivo, no se ha dejado de lado la búsqueda y origen de nuestra capacidad para determinar la propia conciencia y en donde radica; se ha acuñado el término teoría de la mente para determinar nuestra capacidad para inferir estados mentales en otros sujetos partir de nuestras experiencias. En la actualidad, gracias a la creciente necesidad de trasmitir conceptos de nuevo origen a un amplio número de personas, el cine ha sido de gran utilidad para la educación masiva y abierta al público en general. Fue así como en 2015 se presentó el filme británico “Ex machina”, escrita y dirigida por Alex Garland, en donde observamos como el protagonista, que funge como explorador de un androide, cruza las actividades de la prueba de Turing para caer en un juego de manipulación que se basa en la determinación de la Teoría de la mente.
Dentro del filme somos espectadores de la temporalidad resumida que advierte de la cronología del desarrollo, las relaciones y circunstancias en la vida diaria que dan origen a su perfeccionamiento y consecuente desenvolvimiento de la teoría de la mente, todo esto ejemplificado mediante la adaptación de una inteligencia artificial de aspecto humanoide.