bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vietnam's Response to the US Indo-Pacific Strategy in the Context of a Rising China
Authors: Trinh Viet Dung , Huyen Ho Dieu
Published: March 2024

As a less-powerful state threatened by a rising China in both security and economic domains irrespective of increasing economic cooperation and sharing a border and political affinity with China, Vietnam is expected to warmly welcome the United States (US) -led Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) The country, nonetheless, has remained low-key in responding to the IPS. The article argues that Hanoi is truly interested in a regional rules-based order promoted in the IPS, but it has proposed a hedging response to this strategy through cautious statements and limited engagement in into this strategy. Vietnam's hedging response to the IPS is framed by its post-Doi Moi foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation, and diversification. The year 2023 marks a milestone in bilateral relations between the US and Vietnam as both states upgraded their diplomatic relations to comprehensive strategic partnership which is the highest level in Vietnamese diplomatic ranking. This may become a favourable catalyst for further cooperation between Washington and Hanoi under the IPS within the context of a rising China.
A multi-centric investigation of technology integration in health professions education: The importance of educators’ Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge
Authors: Ait Ali Driss , Khabbache Hicham , Senhaji Fatima , Ouazizi Khalid , El Alami Laïla , Luigi Bragazzi Nicola , Chirico Francesco
Published: March 2024

The widespread acknowledgment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a fundamental component of educational strategies is a key context for understanding the findings of our study, which focused on the use of technology by educators in higher education, particularly in the health professions domain. This study examines technology usage patterns and factors influencing active implementation of technology among health professions educators. A cross-sectional survey involving 202 educators from six institutions in Morocco reveals their high confidence in their Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK), notably in Pedagogical and Content domains. The study highlights a prevalence of passive digital learning activities over active approaches. Educators actively employing technology display enhanced TPACK, emphasizing the significance of TPACK development for effective technology integration in teaching practices. Among those with a good level of active technology use, a majority (102 out of 119) have a high TPACK level, and 54 out of 83 of those categorised as low-level participants have a low TPACK level. The findings contribute valuable insights with both theoretical and practical implications for educators in the health professions, emphasizing the significance of aligning technology use with effective instructional practices in this specialized field. Further research should be pursued with diverse methodological approaches to gain a deeper comprehension of the technology integration process in the health profession domain.
A Diary Study of the Within-Person Associations Between Daily Stressors and Negative Affect Among Post-Secondary Students With Recent Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Engagement
Authors: Ewing Lexi , Hamza Chloe A.
Published: March 2024

Exposure to stressors is known to lead to psychological impairment over time. However, the proximal relation between stressors and distress remains unclear, particularly among emerging adults with existing mental health concerns. Using daily diary methods, we explored the associations between five subtypes of daily stressors and negative affect among 160 post-secondary students with recent nonsuicidal self-injury engagement. We also examined whether this relation was moderated by coping strategies. We found a robust relation between daily stressors and negative affect, such that in most same-day and next-day models, relative increases in daily stressors led to increased negative affect. In contrast, we found that heightened negative affect only predicted daily stressor occurrence in same-day models. Problem-focused and socially-supported coping moderated the effect between social mistreatment and distress. Findings emphasize the need to adopt stress mitigation strategies in post-secondary contexts, as stressors may contribute to ongoing distress among students with mental health concerns.
Soft Tissue Stabilization of the Hinge Position for Lateral Closing-Wedge Distal Femoral Osteotomy: An Anatomic Study
Authors: Oda Taiga , Maeyama Akira , Ishimatsu Tetsuro , Tachibana Katsuro , Yoshimitsu Kengo , Yamamoto Takuaki
Published: March 2024

Background:

Soft tissue plays an important role in stabilizing the hinge point for osteotomy around the knee. However, insufficient data are available on the anatomic features of the soft tissue around the hinge position for lateral closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy (LCWDFO).

Purpose:

To (1) anatomically analyze the soft tissue around the hinge position for LCWDFO, (2) histologically analyze the soft tissue based on the anatomic analysis results, and (3) radiologically define the appropriate hinge point to prevent unstable hinge fracture based on the results of the anatomic and histological analyses.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

In 20 cadaveric knees (age, 82.7 ± 7.8 years; range, 60-96 years), the soft tissue of the distal medial side of the femur was anatomically analyzed. The thicknesses of the periosteum and direct insertion of the adductor tendon (AT) were histologically examined and measured using an electron microscope. The thickness of the periosteum was visualized graphically, and the graph of the periosteum and radiograph of the knee were overlaid using image editing software. The appropriate hinge position was determined based on the periosteal thickness and attachment of the AT.

Results:

The mean thickness of the periosteum of the metaphysis was 352.7 ± 58.6 µm (range, 213.6-503.4 µm). The overlaid graph and radiograph revealed that the thickness of the periosteum changed at the part corresponding to the transition between the diaphyseal and metaphyseal ends of the femur. The mean width of the AT attached to the distal medial femur from the adductor tubercle toward the distal direction was 7.9 ± 1.3 mm (range, 6.3-9.7 mm).

Conclusion:

Results indicated that the periosteum and AT support the hinge for LCWDFO within the area surrounded by the apex of the adductor tubercle and the upper border of the posterior part of the lateral femoral condyle.

Clinical Relevance:

When the hinge point is located within the area surrounded by the apex of the adductor tubercle and the upper border of the posterior part of the lateral femoral condyle, these soft tissues work as stabilizers, and there is no risk of cutting into the joint space.
Why engaged critical urban research must place scholar policy activism at its core
Authors: Boyle Mark
Published: March 2024

I welcome and endorse Loretta Lees' call for a reconstituted critical urban studies tradition predicated upon polyvocal, intersectoral and co-produced research, dialogues and dialoguing and concurrent and compounding critical intelligences. In this short commentary, I make the case for placing scholar policy activism at the heart of such a tradition. I explore how and why critical urban research has come to view executive power as its arch nemesis. I argue that continued estrangement and jousting between the architects of radical praxis and those of policy practice is indefensible. I scope the contours of a new generation of policy engaged critical scholarship. We can no longer in good conscience fire missiles from inside the ivory tower and outside of the governing tent in the hope that better cities will result. If we are to be serious about ‘shaking up the city’, we will need to work with and on sources of power – to immerse ourselves in the epistemic communities which enjoy dominion over policy registers – and recalibrate the urban ‘partition of the sensible’.
CAR19 monitoring by peripheral blood immunophenotyping reveals histology-specific expansion and toxicity
Authors: Hamilton Mark P. , Craig Erin , Gentille Sanchez Cesar , Mina Alain , Tamaresis John , Kirmani Nadia , Ehlinger Zachary , Syal Shriya , Good Zinaida , Sworder Brian , Schroers-Martin Joseph , Lu Ying , Muffly Lori , Negrin Robert S. , Arai Sally , Lowsky Robert , Meyer Everett , Rezvani Andrew R. , Shizuru Judith , Weng Wen-Kai , Shiraz Parveen , Sidana Surbhi , Bharadwaj Sushma , Smith Melody , Dahiya Saurabh , Sahaf Bita , Kurtz David M. , Mackall Crystal L. , Tibshirani Robert , Alizadeh Ash A. , Frank Matthew J. , Miklos David B.
Published: March 2024

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells directed against CD19 (CAR19) are a revolutionary treatment for B-cell lymphomas (BCLs). CAR19 cell expansion is necessary for CAR19 function but is also associated with toxicity. To define the impact of CAR19 expansion on patient outcomes, we prospectively followed a cohort of 236 patients treated with CAR19 (brexucabtagene autoleucel or axicabtagene ciloleucel) for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), follicular lymphoma, and large BCL (LBCL) over the course of 5 years and obtained CAR19 expansion data using peripheral blood immunophenotyping for 188 of these patients. CAR19 expansion was higher in patients with MCL than other lymphoma histologic subtypes. Notably, patients with MCL had increased toxicity and required fourfold higher cumulative steroid doses than patients with LBCL. CAR19 expansion was associated with the development of cytokine release syndrome, immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome, and the requirement for granulocyte colony-stimulating factor 14 days after infusion. Younger patients and those with elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) had significantly higher CAR19 expansion. In general, no association between CAR19 expansion and LBCL treatment response was observed. However, when controlling for tumor burden, we found that lower CAR19 expansion in conjunction with low LDH was associated with improved outcomes in LBCL. In sum, this study finds CAR19 expansion principally associates with CAR-related toxicity. Additionally, CAR19 expansion as measured by peripheral blood immunophenotyping may be dispensable to favorable outcomes in LBCL.
Development and psychometric testing of the Aesthetics of Everyday Life Scale in Aging (AELSA)
Authors: Izadi-Avanji Fatemeh Sadat , Zamani Nafise , Azizi-Fini Ismail , Mohammadnejad Esmaeil
Published: March 2024

Background

The aesthetics of everyday life improves physical and mental health and social communication. This study aims to develop and test a novel instrument that assesses the aesthetics of the everyday life of older adults.

Methods

A mixed-methods study with a sequential exploratory approach was conducted from November 2021 to December 2022. Item generation and questionnaire formation were developed through interviews with older adults and a literature review (stage 1). A cross-sectional study was then conducted to test the psychometric properties of the novel scale among 380 older adults referred to Urban Comprehensive Health Service Centers (stage 2). The construct validity was tested via exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and with the principal component analysis method. Internal consistency and reliability of the scale were evaluated with Cronbach's alpha and test–retest with a 2-week interval.

Results

The initial scale was prepared with 39 items. In stage 2, EFA revealed a seven-factor model with 34 items. Internal consistency was acceptable for extracted sub-scales (Cronbach's alpha range: 0.67- 0.93) and the total score (0.926). The intra-class correlation coefficient for test–retest reliability was 0.90.

Conclusions

The AELSA is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating the aesthetics of everyday life in older adults. the scale will help policymakers in formulating interventions to improve mental health and well-being in older adults. Moreover, Further studies is need to provide more support of construct validity.
Difficult-to-treat HIV in Sweden: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Elvstam Olof , Dahl Viktor , Weibull Wärnberg Anna , von Stockenström Susanne , Yilmaz Aylin
Published: March 2024

Background

Our aim was to examine the prevalence and characteristics of difficult-to-treat HIV in the current Swedish HIV cohort and to compare treatment outcomes between people with difficult and non-difficult-to-treat HIV.

Methods

In this cross-sectional analysis of the Swedish HIV cohort, we identified all people with HIV currently in active care in 2023 from the national register InfCareHIV. We defined five categories of difficult-to-treat HIV: 1) advanced resistance, 2) four-drug regimen, 3) salvage therapy, 4) virologic failure within the past 12 months, and 5) ≥ 2 regimen switches following virologic failure since 2008. People classified as having difficult-to-treat HIV were compared with non-difficult for background characteristics as well as treatment outcomes (viral suppression and self-reported physical and psychological health).

Results

Nine percent of the Swedish HIV cohort in 2023 (n = 8531) met at least one criterion for difficult-to-treat HIV. Most of them had ≥ 2 regimen switches (6%), and the other categories of difficult-to-treat HIV were rare (1–2% of the entire cohort). Compared with non-difficult, people with difficult-to-treat HIV were older, had an earlier first year of positive HIV test and lower CD4 counts, and were more often female. The viral suppression rate among people with difficult-to-treat HIV was 84% compared with 95% for non-difficult (p = 0.001). People with difficult-to-treat HIV reported worse physical (but not psychological) health, and this remained statistically significant after adjustment for age, sex, and transmission group.

Conclusions

Although 9% of the HIV cohort in Sweden in 2023 were classified as having difficult-to-treat HIV, a large proportion of these were virally suppressed, and challenges such as advanced resistance and need for salvage therapy are rare in the current Swedish cohort.
Triple platelet inhibition in intracranial thrombectomy with additional acute cervical stent angioplasty due to tandem lesion: a retrospective single-center analysis
Authors: Khanafer Ali , Henkes Hans , Bücke Philipp , Hennersdorf Florian , Bäzner Hansjörg , Forsting Michael , von Gottberg Philipp
Published: March 2024

Background

Acute stroke treatment with intracranial thrombectomy and treatment of ipsilateral carotid artery stenosis/occlusion (“tandem lesion”, TL) in one session is considered safe. However, the risk of stent restenosis after TL treatment is high, and antiplatelet therapy (APT) preventing restenosis must be well balanced to avoid intracranial hemorrhage. We investigated the safety and 90-day outcome of patients receiving TL treatment under triple-APT, focused on stent-patency and possible disadvantageous comorbidities.

Methods

Patients receiving TL treatment in the setting of acute stroke between 2013 and 2022 were analyzed regarding peri-/postprocedural safety and stent patency after 90 days. All patients received intravenous eptifibatide and acetylsalicylic acid and one of the three drugs prasugrel, clopidogrel, or ticagrelor. Duplex imaging was performed 24 h after treatment, at discharge and 90 days, and digital subtraction angiography was performed if restenosis was suspected.

Results

176 patients were included. Periprocedural complications occurred in 2.3% of the patients at no periprocedural death, and in-hospital death in 13.6%. Discharge mRS score was maintained or improved at the 90-day follow-up in 86%, 4.54% had an in-stent restenosis requiring treatment at 90 days. No recorded comorbidity considered disadvantageous for stent patency showed statistical significance, the duration of the endovascular procedure had no significant effect on outcome.

Conclusion

In our data, TL treatment with triple APT resulted in a low restenosis rate, low rates of sICH and a comparably high number of patients with favorable outcome. Aggressive APT in the initial phase may therefore have the potential to prevent recurrent stroke better than restrained platelet inhibition. Comorbidities did not influence stent patency.
Virtual pulmonary rehabilitation approaches in patients with post COVID syndrome: a pilot study
Authors: Sarmento Antonio , Adodo Rachel , Hodges Greg , Webber Sandra C. , Sanchez-Ramirez Diana C.
Published: March 2024

Background

The characteristics of optimal virtual pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for individuals with post-COVID syndrome (PCS) have not been identified. This study aimed to assess the feasibility, safety, and satisfaction associated with a virtual PR program with the exercise component delivered through group or self-directed sessions.

Methods

Adults with PCS-respiratory symptoms were randomly assigned to the video conference (PRVC) or self-directed (PRSD) group and completed an exercise program (aerobic, strengthening, and breathing exercises) three times/week for eight weeks. PRVC sessions were led by a physiotherapist via Zoom, whereas the PRSD group exercised individually following a pre-recorded video. Both groups received personalized exercise recommendations, education related to the condition, and a weekly follow up call. Satisfaction was assessed through a patient survey. Lung function, dyspnea, fatigue, sit-to-stand capacity, health-related quality of life, and participation were assessed pre- and post-PR.

Results

Fourteen PCS individuals (49 ± 9 years, 86% females) completed 83% of the sessions. All participants were satisfied with information provided by the therapist and frequency of data submission, whereas most were satisfied with the frequency and duration of exercise sessions (88% in PRVC and 83% in PRSD). A higher proportion of participants in the PRVC (88%) were satisfied with the level of difficulty of exercises compared with the PRSD (67%), and 84% of the sample reported a positive impact of the program on their health. No adverse events were reported. Significant changes in sit-to-stand capacity (p = 0.012, Cohen’s r = 0.67) and questions related to fatigue (p = 0.027, Cohen’s r = 0.58), neurocognitive (p = 0.045, Cohen’s r = 0.53), and autonomic (p = 0.024, Cohen’s r = 0.60) domains of the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire short-form were also found between groups.

Conclusion

Virtual PR with exercises delivered via video conference or pre-recorded video were feasible, safe, and well-received by individuals with PCS.

Trial registration

NCT05003271 (first posted: 12/08/2021).
Camel milk or silymarin could improve the negative effects that experimentally produced by aflatoxin B1 on rat’s male reproductive system
Authors: Hassaneen Nahla H. , Hemeda Shabaan A. , El Nahas Abeer F. , Fadl Sabreen E. , El-diasty Eman M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Camel milk and silymarin have many different beneficial effects on several animal species. Meanwhile, Aflatoxins are mycotoxins with extraordinary potency that pose major health risks to several animal species. Additionally, it has been documented that aflatoxins harm the reproductive systems of a variety of domestic animals. The present design aimed to investigate the impact of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on rat body weight and reproductive organs and the ameliorative effects of camel milk and silymarin through measured serum testosterone, testes pathology, and gene expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in the testes. A total of sixty mature male Wister white rats, each weighing an average of 83.67 ± 0.21 g, were used. There were six groups created from the rats. Each division had ten rats. The groups were the control (without any treatment), CM (1 ml of camel milk/kg body weight orally), S (20 mg silymarin/kg b. wt. suspension, orally), A (1.4 mg aflatoxin/kg diet), ACM (aflatoxin plus camel milk), and AS (aflatoxin plus silymarin).

Results

The results indicated the positive effects of camel milk and silymarin on growth, reproductive organs, and gene expression of TNF-α, LHR, and StAR with normal testicular architecture. Also, the negative effect of AFB1 on the rat’s body weight and reproductive organs, as indicated by low body weight and testosterone concentration, was confirmed by the results of histopathology and gene expression. However, these negative effects were ameliorated by the ingestion of camel milk and silymarin.

Conclusion

In conclusion, camel milk and silymarin could mitigate the negative effect of AFB1 on rat body weight and reproductive organs.
Modulation of hippocampal protein expression by a brain penetrant biologic TNF-α inhibitor in the 3xTg Alzheimer’s disease mice
Authors: Jagadeesan Nataraj , Roules G. Chuli , Chandrashekar Devaraj V. , Yang Joshua , Kolluru Sanjana , Sumbria Rachita K.
Published: March 2024

Background

Biologic TNF-α inhibitors (bTNFIs) can block cerebral TNF-α in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) if these macromolecules can cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Thus, a model bTNFI, the extracellular domain of type II TNF-α receptor (TNFR), which can bind to and sequester TNF-α, was fused with a mouse transferrin receptor antibody (TfRMAb) to enable brain delivery via BBB TfR-mediated transcytosis. Previously, we found TfRMAb-TNFR to be protective in a mouse model of amyloidosis (APP/PS1) and tauopathy (PS19), and herein we investigated its effects in mice that combine both amyloidosis and tauopathy (3xTg-AD).

Methods

Eight-month-old female 3xTg-AD mice were injected intraperitoneally with saline (n = 11) or TfRMAb-TNFR (3 mg/kg; n = 11) three days per week for 12 weeks. Age-matched wild-type (WT) mice (n = 9) were treated similarly with saline. Brains were processed for immunostaining and high-resolution multiplex NanoString GeoMx spatial proteomics.

Results

We observed regional differences in proteins relevant to Aβ, tau, and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus of 3xTg-AD mice compared with WT mice. From 64 target proteins studied using spatial proteomics, a comparison of the Aβ-plaque bearing vs. plaque-free regions in the 3xTg-AD mice yielded 39 differentially expressed proteins (DEP) largely related to neuroinflammation (39% of DEP) and Aβ and tau pathology combined (31% of DEP). Hippocampal spatial proteomics revealed that the majority of the proteins modulated by TfRMAb-TNFR in the 3xTg-AD mice were relevant to microglial function (⁓ 33%). TfRMAb-TNFR significantly reduced mature Aβ plaques and increased Aβ-associated microglia around larger Aβ deposits in the 3xTg-AD mice. Further, TfRMAb-TNFR increased mature Aβ plaque-associated microglial TREM2 in 3xTg-AD mice.

Conclusion

Overall, despite the low visual Aβ load in the 11-month-old female 3xTg-AD mice, our results highlight region-specific AD-relevant DEP in the hippocampus of these mice. Chronic TfRMAb-TNFR dosing modulated several DEP involved in AD pathology and showed a largely microglia-centric mechanism of action in the 3xTg-AD mice.
High flexion femoral side remnant preservation positioning technique: a new method for positioning the femoral tunnel in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Lu Jiajun , Su JIxian , Li Hanlin , Liu Xiaoying , Ding Ran
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to find a new method for femoral side preservation positioning in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and test the accuracy and precision of this method.

Method

Fifty patients with isolated ACL rupture (42 males and 8 females) who underwent single-bundle ACL reconstruction in our hospital between July 2022 and July 2023 were included. The lowest point of the cartilage margin of the lateral wall of the intercontinental fossa and the tibial plateau plumb line at 120° of knee flexion were used as the anatomical landmarks for positioning of the femoral tunnel for ACL reconstruction surgery. Femoral side remnant preservation was performed in all cases. Three-dimensional CT was performed 3 days postoperatively to collect the data, which were analyzed using Mimics 21.0 software. We measured the posterior cortical distance of the femoral condyle at 90° of knee flexion and the vertical distance from the center of the bone tunnel to the cortical extension line behind the femur. All femoral tunnel positions were marked on a 4 × 4 grid and visualized using the quadrant method.

Results

Using the new positioning method in 50 knees, the average distance of x was 25.26 ± 2.76% of t and the average distance of y was 23.69 ± 6.19% of h. This is close to the results of previous studies, where x was 24.2 ± 4.0% of t and the average distance of y was 21.6 ± 5.2% of h. Most femoral tunnel positions were located in the same area. The D values were distributed as follows: 60% in the range of 0 to 2 mm, 24% in the range of 2 to 4 mm, and 16% more than 4 mm. The E values were distributed as follows: 80% in the range of 0 to 4 mm and 20% more than 4 mm.

Conclusion

In arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, the knee was flexed at 120° and the lowest point of the cartilage edge of the lateral wall of the intercondylar fossa and the tibial plateau plumb line were used as anatomical landmarks for the positioning of the femoral bone tunnel, which resulted in more accurate femoral bone tunnel positioning, better reproducibility, and better preservation of the femoral stump compared to traditional positioning methods.
Improved reliable high-order SPECAN algorithm for highly squinted SAR imaging processing
Authors: Fan Wenna , Bi Yang , Zhang Min
Published: March 2024

For the processing of highly squinted synthetic aperture radar (SAR) echo signals, three key challenges need to be considered: rectifying the nonzero Doppler centroid, compensating for azimuthal side-lobe defocusing (ASLD), and correcting the range cell migration (RCM). To address these three problems, we developed a reliable improved fourth-order spectral analysis (SPECAN) algorithm for highly squinted SAR imaging in this study. First, we present a fourth-order phase model (FoPM) that is more suitable for the highly squinted SAR system through a theoretical analysis. Second, based on the FoPM, we derive an improved fourth-order SPECAN algorithm in detail. In this derivation, the nonzero Doppler centroid, the ASLD, and the RCM caused by the high squint angle are corrected. Moreover, the whole simulation procedure of the improved algorithm only contains fast Fourier transform and complex multiplication, so the proposed algorithm can efficiently process highly squinted SAR echoes. Furthermore, the results of a comparison with the traditional SPECAN algorithm show the better performance of the proposed algorithm.
A secure data interaction method based on edge computing
Authors: Miao Weiwei , Xia Yuanyi , Zhang Rui , Zhao Xinjian , Li Qianmu , Wang Tao , Meng Shunmei
Published: March 2024

Deep learning achieves an outstanding success in the edge scene due to the appearance of lightweight neural network. However, a number of works show that these networks are vulnerable for adversarial examples, bringing security risks. The classical adversarial detection methods are used in white-box setting and show weak performances in black-box setting, like the edge scene. Inspired by the experimental results that different models give various predictions for the same adversarial example with a high probability, we propose a novel adversarial detection method called Ensemble-model Adversarial Detection Method (EADM). EADM defenses the prospective adversarial attack on edge devices by cloud monitoring, which deploys ensemble-model in the cloud and give the most possible label for each input copy received in the edge. The comparison experiment in the assumed edge scene with baseline methods demonstrates the effect of EADM, with a higher defense success rate and a lower false positive rate by an ensemble-model consisted of five pretrained models. The additional ablation experiment explores the influence of different model combinations and adversarial trained models. Besides, the possibility about transfering our method to other fields is discussed, showing the transferability of our method across domains.
An optimized neural network with AdaHessian for cryptojacking attack prediction for Securing Crypto Exchange Operations of MEC applications
Authors: Rani Uma , Kumar Sunil , Dahiya Neeraj , Solanki Kamna , Kuttan Shanu Rakesh , Shah Sajid , Shaheen Momina , Ahmad Faizan
Published: March 2024

Bitcoin exchange security is crucial because of MEC's widespread use. Cryptojacking has compromised MEC app security and bitcoin exchange ecosystem functionality. This paper propose a cutting-edge neural network and AdaHessian optimization technique for cryptojacking prediction and defense. We provide a cutting-edge deep neural network (DNN) cryptojacking attack prediction approach employing pruning, post-training quantization, and AdaHessian optimization. To solve these problems, this paper apply pruning, post-training quantization, and AdaHessian optimization. A new framework for quick DNN training utilizing AdaHessian optimization can detect cryptojacking attempts with reduced computational cost. Pruning and post-training quantization improve the model for low-CPU on-edge devices. The proposed approach drastically decreases model parameters without affecting Cryptojacking attack prediction. The model has Recall 98.72%, Precision 98.91%, F1-Score 99.09%, MSE 0.0140, RMSE 0.0137, and MAE 0.0139. Our solution beats state-of-the-art approaches in precision, computational efficiency, and resource consumption, allowing more realistic, trustworthy, and cost-effective machine learning models. We address increasing cybersecurity issues holistically by completing the DNN optimization-security loop. Securing Crypto Exchange Operations delivers scalable and efficient Cryptojacking protection, improving machine learning, cybersecurity, and network management.
Experimental study on photodegradation and leaching of typical pesticides in greenhouse soil from Shouguang, Shandong Province, East China
Authors: Hua Li-Ting , Wu Rui-Lin , Li Cun-Lu , Wang Chao-Nan , Li Yi-Long , Xu Fu-Liu
Published: March 2024

Background

Pesticide use contributes to national food security. The dissipation pathways and degradation mechanisms of pesticides have been widely studied and pesticide residues have remained a focus of public concern. However, studies on the migration and transformation behaviors of pesticide residues in real-world greenhouse soils are insufficient. Therefore, in this study, we collected greenhouse soil from Shouguang, Shandong Province, and investigated the photodegradation and leaching of 17 common pesticides, which leave residues in the soil and are the most frequently used pesticides in Shouguang. The environmental behavior of pesticides in greenhouse soils will provide new information on pesticide residues in the real environment and provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of pesticide pollution in greenhouse soils.

Results

The photodegradation of trifloxystrobin followed a first-order kinetic equation, whereas those of emamectin benzoate, chlorantraniliprole, buprofezin, difenoconazole, pyraclostrobin, boscalid, tebuconazole, isoprothiolane, metalaxyl, and oxadixyl followed second-order kinetics. The half-lives of 17 pesticides under light and dark conditions ranged from 2.5–104 (mean: 36.2) and 2.6–110 (mean: 31.4) days, respectively. The half-lives of emamectin benzoate, pyraclostrobin, and metalaxyl in the light were 86.6%, 68.5%, and 94.5% of their half-lives in the dark, respectively. Chlorantraniliprole, metalaxyl, nitenpyram, diethofencarb, acetamiprid, carbendazim, and oxadixyl were leached to ≥ 90% in aqueous solution. Six pesticides, avermectin B1A, emamectin benzoate, trifloxystrobin, difenoconazole, pyraclostrobin, and buprofezin, were difficult to leach from aqueous solutions.

Conclusions

The degradation rate of some pesticides was higher in the light environment than in the dark. The leaching potential of the leachable pesticides was nitenpyram ≫ metalaxyl > acetamiprid > carbendazim > diethofencarb ≈ chlorantraniliprole > isoprothiolane > oxadixyl > boscalid ≈ tebuconazole > hexaconazole. Pesticides that are easy to leach but not easily degraded, such as chlorantraniliprole and metalaxyl, have a high potential risk of groundwater pollution, and additional degradation technologies should be used to reduce their pollution risk. The study of the photodegradation and vertical migration behavior of various pesticides is conducive to providing references for the agricultural use and pollution control of pesticides.
Effects of the kinetic pattern of dietary glucose release on nitrogen utilization, the portal amino acid profile, and nutrient transporter expression in intestinal enterocytes in piglets
Authors: Li Zexi , Li Yunfei , Zhao Yufei , Wang Guifu , Liu Rujie , Li Yue , Aftab Qamar , Sun Zewei , Zhong Qingzhen
Published: March 2024

Background

Promoting the synchronization of glucose and amino acid release in the digestive tract of pigs could effectively improve dietary nitrogen utilization. The rational allocation of dietary starch sources and the exploration of appropriate dietary glucose release kinetics may promote the dynamic balance of dietary glucose and amino acid supplies. However, research on the effects of diets with different glucose release kinetic profiles on amino acid absorption and portal amino acid appearance in piglets is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the kinetic pattern of dietary glucose release on nitrogen utilization, the portal amino acid profile, and nutrient transporter expression in intestinal enterocytes in piglets.

Methods

Sixty-four barrows (15.00 ± 1.12 kg) were randomly allotted to 4 groups and fed diets formulated with starch from corn, corn/barley, corn/sorghum, or corn/cassava combinations (diets were coded A, B, C, or D respectively). Protein retention, the concentrations of portal amino acid and glucose, and the relative expression of amino acid and glucose transporter mRNAs were investigated. In vitro digestion was used to compare the dietary glucose release profiles.

Results

Four piglet diets with different glucose release kinetics were constructed by adjusting starch sources. The in vivo appearance dynamics of portal glucose were consistent with those of in vitro dietary glucose release kinetics. Total nitrogen excretion was reduced in the piglets in group B, while apparent nitrogen digestibility and nitrogen retention increased (P < 0.05). Regardless of the time (2 h or 4 h after morning feeding), the portal total free amino acids content and contents of some individual amino acids (Thr, Glu, Gly, Ala, and Ile) of the piglets in group B were significantly higher than those in groups A, C, and D (P < 0.05). Cluster analysis showed that different glucose release kinetic patterns resulted in different portal amino acid patterns in piglets, which decreased gradually with the extension of feeding time. The portal His/Phe, Pro/Glu, Leu/Val, Lys/Met, Tyr/Ile and Ala/Gly appeared higher similarity among the diet treatments. In the anterior jejunum, the glucose transporter SGLT1 was significantly positively correlated with the amino acid transporters B0AT1, EAAC1, and CAT1.

Conclusions

Rational allocation of starch resources could regulate dietary glucose release kinetics. In the present study, group B (corn/barley) diet exhibited a better glucose release kinetic pattern than the other groups, which could affect the portal amino acid contents and patterns by regulating the expression of amino acid transporters in the small intestine, thereby promoting nitrogen deposition in the body, and improving the utilization efficiency of dietary nitrogen.
Lose-lose consequences of bacterial community-driven invasions in soil
Authors: Liu Xipeng , Salles Joana Falcão
Published: March 2024

Background

Community-driven invasion, also known as community coalescence, occurs widely in natural ecosystems. Despite that, our knowledge about the process and mechanisms controlling community-driven invasion in soil ecosystems is lacking. Here, we performed a set of coalescence experiments in soil microcosms and assessed impacts up to 60 days after coalescence by quantifying multiple traits (compositional, functional, and metabolic) of the invasive and coalescent communities.

Results

Our results showed that coalescences significantly triggered changes in the resident community's succession trajectory and functionality (carbohydrate metabolism), even when the size of the invasive community is small (~ 5% of the resident density) and 99% of the invaders failed to survive. The invasion impact was mainly due to the high suppression of constant residents (65% on average), leading to a lose-lose situation where both invaders and residents suffered with coalescence. Our results showed that surviving residents could benefit from the coalescence, which supports the theory of “competition-driven niche segregation” at the microbial community level. Furthermore, the result showed that both short- and long-term coalescence effects were predicted by similarity and unevenness indexes of compositional, functional, and metabolic traits of invasive communities. This indicates the power of multi-level traits in monitoring microbial community succession. In contrast, the varied importance of different levels of traits suggests that competitive processes depend on the composition of the invasive community.

Conclusions

Our results shed light on the process and consequence of community coalescences and highlight that resource competition between invaders and residents plays a critical role in soil microbial community coalescences. These findings provide valuable insights for understanding and predicting soil microbial community succession in frequently disturbed natural and agroecosystems.

Graphical Abstract
Molecularly imprinted polymers as solid-phase and dispersive solid-phase extraction sorbents in the extraction of antiretroviral drugs in water: adsorption, selectivity and reusability studies
Authors: Xolo Thabiso , Mahlambi Precious
Published: March 2024

The antiretroviral drugs (ARVDs) have been reported to be among the emerging water pollutants as a results attention is being paid on their analysis. This work therefore explored for the first time the multi-template MIP for the selective removal of selected ARVDs (abacavir, efavirenz and nevirapine) in wastewater, river water and tap water. The adsorption studies of a multi-template MIP were conducted by determining the effect of an increase in ARVDs concentration in solution and the effect of an increase in contact time between the sorbent and the ARVDs. High adsorption efficiencies were observed for abacavir, efavirenz and nevirapine analytes within 5 min and the maximum adsorption efficiency was observed at 60 min ranging from 94.76 to 96.93%. Adsorption kinetics showed that pseudo-second rate order was the best fitting model, while adsorption isotherms indicated that the Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.94–0.98) best described the adsorption mechanism of ARVDs onto the MIPs. These results indicated that the electrostatic attractions influenced the multilayer coverage and chemisorption process. Selectivity studies conducted in the presence of competitors gave the recoveries between 92 and 98% for the target analytes, while they were 63–79% for competitors indicating good selectivity and strong affinity of the polymer towards the target analytes. Reusability studies showed that the MIP can be reused for up to 8 cycles with recoveries above 92% for all target ARVDs. The application of the MIP-DSPE method to wastewater, river and tap water samples gave concentrations of 28.75–178.02, 1.95–13.15 and 2.17–6.27 µg L−1, respectively. These results indicate the potential unplanned consumption of ARVDs upon drinking contaminated water which could result to their resistance by the human body. Therefore, their continuous monitoring as well as investigation of their removal strategies is of paramount importance.
Promoting STEM learning perseverance through recognizing communal goals: understanding the impact of empathy and citizenship
Authors: Nalipay Ma. Jenina N. , Huang Biyun , Jong Morris S. Y. , Chai Ching Sing , King Ronnel B.
Published: March 2024

Background

Previous research has indicated that placing emphasis on communal goals within the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education can yield beneficial learning outcomes. However, there remains a relative dearth of investigation into the factors that contribute to the success of STEM education programs integrating communal goals. In the present study, we sought to explore the roles of two constructs that prioritize the interests of others, namely empathy and citizenship, in promoting STEM learning perseverance within the context of a STEM-based community service learning (CSL) program. Specifically, we proposed that empathy would be associated with STEM learning perseverance through its relationship with citizenship, within a sample of 275 secondary school students from Hong Kong who participated in the said program.

Results

Using structural equation modeling (SEM), the results revealed that empathy is significantly and positively associated with STEM learning perseverance, both directly and indirectly, through citizenship. The results held even after controlling for the demographic variables of school membership, gender, and age.

Conclusions

This research highlights the association between understanding the needs of the community (empathy) and students' desire for community involvement (citizenship), which subsequently influences their perseverance in STEM learning. This relationship is particularly pronounced in educational settings where communal goals are emphasized.
Deep learning for detection of Fuchs endothelial dystrophy from widefield specular microscopy imaging: a pilot
study
Authors: Foo Valencia Hui Xian , Lim Gilbert Y. S. , Liu Yu-Chi , Ong Hon Shing , Wong Evan , Chan Stacy , Wong Jipson , Mehta Jodhbir S. , Ting Daniel S. W. , Ang Marcus
Published: March 2024

Background

To describe the diagnostic performance of a deep learning (DL) algorithm in detecting Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) based on specular microscopy (SM) and to reliably detect widefield peripheral SM images with an endothelial cell density (ECD) > 1000 cells/mm2.

Methods

Five hundred and forty-seven subjects had SM imaging performed for the central cornea endothelium. One hundred and seventy-three images had FECD, while 602 images had other diagnoses. Using fivefold cross-validation on the dataset containing 775 central SM images combined with ECD, coefficient of variation (CV) and hexagonal endothelial cell ratio (HEX), the first DL model was trained to discriminate FECD from other images and was further tested on an external set of 180 images. In eyes with FECD, a separate DL model was trained with 753 central/paracentral SM images to detect SM with ECD > 1000 cells/mm2 and tested on 557 peripheral SM images. Area under curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity were evaluated.

Results

The first model achieved an AUC of 0.96 with 0.91 sensitivity and 0.91 specificity in detecting FECD from other images. With an external validation set, the model achieved an AUC of 0.77, with a sensitivity of 0.69 and specificity of 0.68 in differentiating FECD from other diagnoses. The second model achieved an AUC of 0.88 with 0.79 sensitivity and 0.78 specificity in detecting peripheral SM images with ECD > 1000 cells/mm2.

Conclusions

Our pilot study developed a DL model that could reliably detect FECD from other SM images and identify widefield SM images with ECD > 1000 cells/mm2 in eyes with FECD. This could be the foundation for future DL models to track progression of eyes with FECD and identify candidates suitable for therapies such as Descemet stripping only.
Short-term gains versus long-term strains: productivist policies and family resilience in China
Authors: Zhong Xiaohui , Li Bingqin , Fang Qian , Deng Zihong
Published: March 2024

This article studies the intricate dynamics of family resilience within the Chinese productivist regime over the course of seven decades, emphasizing the instrumental role of public policy in shaping this resilience. Drawing on a dynamic approach, the research demonstrates how, across distinct periods of central planning and economic reform, policies have persistently harnessed families to advance economic objectives. Showing that the productivist regime’s double-edged role on family resilience emerged while public policies bolstered short-term family resilience in times of sustained economic growth and favorable demographics, and signs of family sector downturn—declining fertility rates, family dysfunctions—became evident, the current article underscores the challenges of a model that primarily perceives families as economic instruments. Advocating for a policy paradigm shift that harmonizes economic ambitions with family well-being, this study offers valuable insights for policy-makers and lays the groundwork for future research in comparative welfare systems.
Cross-sectional analysis comparing prefabricated titanium to individualized hybrid zirconia abutments for cemented zirconia based fixed dental prostheses: a critical concept assessment
Authors: Neckel Norbert , Pohl Josephine , Preissner Saskia , Wagendorf Oliver , Sachse Claudia , Vach Kirstin , Heiland Max , Nahles Susanne
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Despite the differences in material properties and shapes among the different types of prefabricated titanium (pTiA) and individualized hybrid zirconia abutments (ihZiA), the biological and clinical relevance of materials and construction features remains vague. Yet, individualized ihZiA are increasingly implemented into daily routine aiming to satisfy rising expectations. The objective was to compare these two types of abutments in fixed dental prostheses (FDP).

Methods

This cross-sectional study examined 462 implants in 102 patients comparing pTiA (52 patients) to ihZiA (50 patients) for FDP. These different treatment regimens were evaluated in terms of peri-implant health, radiographic bone loss, and oral-health related quality of life (OH-QoL) with special consideration of abutment type and superstructure design.

Results

ihZiA showed significantly different design features than prefabricated pTiA, but the annual bone loss in both groups did not.

Visible titanium in the esthetic zone negatively impacted OHIP 14 scores. The combination of an emergence angle (EA) of < 30° and a concave emergence profile (EP) as well as gingiva thickness (p = 0.002) at the time of the prosthetic restoration significantly improved the annual peri-implant bone loss, independently of the abutment type.

Conclusion

ihZiA showed comparable results to pTiA. To optimize the long-term outcome, not just material alone but generating adequate soft tissue thickness, minimizing the EA, and applying a concave EP seem to be the most relevant factors. To improve OH-QoL, particular attention must be paid to the esthetic zone.

Graphical Abstract