bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of a daily legume‐based meal on blood and anthropometric parameters in a group of omnivorous adults: A pilot study
Authors: Ferreira Helena , Vasconcelos Marta , Gil Ana M. , Silveira Joana , Alves Paulo , Martins Sandra , Assunção Marco , Guimarães João Tiago , Pinto Elisabete
Published: April 2024

This pilot study aimed to assess the impact of substituting a traditional lunch for a vegetarian legume‐based meal on blood and anthropometric parameters in a group of omnivorous adults. A one‐group comparison, quasi‐experimental dietary intervention was designed. A vegetarian legume‐based meal was offered for 8 consecutive weeks (weekdays) to non‐vegetarian individuals (n = 26), (28 years [P25 = 20.0, P75 = 35.5]; 21.9 kg/m2 [P25 = 21.3, P75 = 24.8]). Sociodemographic data, health status and lifestyle‐related information were recorded. Three‐day food records were used to collect food intake at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Anthropometric parameters were recorded and fasting blood analyses were performed following standard procedures. Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used for statistical comparisons. A p‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Participants showed a median intake of 79.8 g of cooked legumes per meal, meaning 13 (50.0%) subjects met the Portuguese daily legume intake recommendations during the intervention days. There were no statistically significant differences in anthropometric parameters. Transferrin concentration increased after 8 weeks (+12.5 mg/dL; p = 0.001). Total cholesterol concentration reduced after 8 weeks (−6 mg/dL; p = 0.041), as well as low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (−7 mg/dL; p = 0.003). Triglycerides (+9 mg/dL; p = 0.046), fasting glucose (+2 mg/dL; p = 0.037) and HbA1c (+0.1 mg/dL; p = 0.010) concentration increased after the 2‐month legume‐based trial. Results suggest a cholesterol‐lowering potential of legume‐rich diets. However, unfavourable results regarding the impact on glucose metabolism‐related biomarkers and triglyceride levels were observed. The study's limitations in design and sample size emphasise the importance of conducting further research with larger cohorts to attain more conclusive findings.
Local adaptation of a generalist hemiparasitic plant to one of its potential host plants
Authors: Sandner Tobias M. , Brand Milan J. , Hickler Manuel , Korell Lotte , Matthies Diethart
Published: April 2024

Coevolution is often found in parasite–host interactions, but has not yet been described for hemiparasitic plants and their hosts. Root hemiparasites like Rhinanthus alectorolophus perform photosynthesis but also parasitize other plant species, some of which (e.g. Plantago lanceolata) may defend themselves against parasite attack by blocking the haustoria of the parasites. We grew seedlings of the hemiparasite R. alectorolophus and the potential host P. lanceolata from seven grassland sites in a factorial design. To detect differences in host defence, we also included hosts from two ‘naïve' populations from regions where the parasite does not occur. R. alectorolophus grew consistently larger and had higher fitness with sympatric than with allopatric hosts, suggesting parasite adaptation to local host populations. Moreover, R. alectorolophus remained smallest with allopatric hosts from the same region and reached intermediate sizes with allopatric hosts from other regions or naïve hosts, suggesting host adaptation to parasites at the regional scale. Parasite presence reduced the size of the host plants already after four weeks, but only that of hosts with ‘experience' of the parasite, suggesting an early host response. Follow‐up experiments confirmed that parasites attach to hosts already after four weeks and hosts respond by changing belowground allocation patterns. However, parasite roots did not preferentially grow towards sympatric hosts. Our results suggest that local adaptation to hosts can occur even in generalist parasites and does not require specialization on individual hosts. We discuss the role of potential mechanisms, including variation in chemical signalling (early) and in host defence (late effects).
Repeat Surgery after Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy for Adolescent Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Mao Lu , Wang Kun , Zhu Weiye , Shen Zi‐cong , Zhang Xian‐jun , Xie Zhi‐yang , Fan Pan , Shi Hang , Zhu Bin , Li Lijun , Liu Guanyi , Ren Yingqing , Wu Xiao‐Tao
Published: April 2024

Objective

The reported date in the repeat surgical intervention for adolescent lumbar disc herniation (ALDH) after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) was quite scarce. This study aims to introduce cases of repeat surgeries after PELD for ALDH and assess the incidence, chief causes, repeat surgery methods, and surgical outcomes of repeat surgeries after PELD for ALDH.

Methods

A retrospective multicenter observational study was conducted on patients undergoing repeat surgeries after PELD for ALDH at four tertiary referral hospitals from January 2014 through August 2022. The incidence of repeat surgeries, chief causes, strategies for repeat surgeries, and timing of repeat surgeries were recorded and analyzed. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by the Numeric Rating Scales (NRS) scores and the modified MacNab criteria. Statistical analyses were performed with the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

A total of 23 patients who underwent repeat surgeries after PELD for ALDH were included. The chief causes were re‐herniation (homo‐lateral re‐herniation at the same level, new disc herniation of adjacent level). The repeat surgery methods were revision PELD, micro‐endoscopic discectomy (MED), open discectomy and instrumented lumbar inter‐body fusion. The NRS scores decreased significantly in follow‐up evaluations and these scores demonstrated significant improvement at the last follow‐up (p < 0.002). For the modified MacNab criteria, at the last follow‐up, 18 patients (78.26%) had an excellent outcome, and the overall success rate was 86.95%.

Conclusion

This study's data suggest that young patients who underwent repeat surgery improved significantly compared to baseline. The chief cause was re‐herniation. Revision PELD was the main surgical procedure, which provides satisfactory clinical results in young patients who underwent repeat surgeries.
Advances in pediatric anesthesia services over the past 10 years in French‐speaking sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Ki Kélan Bertille , Sanou Fatou Fleur , Ndoye Diop Marie , Guibla Ismael , Traore Mamadou , Donamou Joseph , Mangane Moustapha , Kabre Yvette , Daddy Hadjara , Cikwanine Buhendwa Jean Paul , Sama Hamza , Akodjenou Joseph , Bonte Adjougoulta Koboy Do‐a‐nduo , Metogo Mbengono Junete , Nguessan Yapi Francis , Kabore Flavien , Zoumenou Eugène , Ouedraogo Nazinigouba , Brouh Yapo
Published: April 2024

Introduction

To improve and maintain quality and safety in anesthesia, standards have been proposed regarding human resources, facilities and equipment, medications and intravenous fluids, monitoring, and the conduct of anesthesia. Compliance with these standards remains a challenge in French‐speaking sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) and results in high morbidity and mortality particularly in children.

This aim of this study was to assess the progress made in improving the pediatric anesthesia infrastructures, human resources, education, medications, and equipment in French‐speaking SSA over the past 10 years (2013–2022).

Methods

This is a descriptive, multicenter, cross‐sectional study with retrospective data collection, conducted from September 1 to November 5, 2023. Comparative data from 2012 to 2022 were collected through an online survey. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data.

Results

Data were obtained from 12 countries out of 14. The number of hospitals providing pediatric surgery and anesthesia rose from 94 in 2012 to 142 in 2022 (+51%). The total number of physician anesthesiologists rose from 293 (0.1 physician anesthesiologists/100 000 inhabitants) in 2012 to 597 (0.2 physician anesthesiologists/100 000 inhabitants) in 2022 (+103.7%). Five (0.006 physician anesthesiologists/100 000 children) had completed a fellowship in pediatric anesthesia and intensive care in 2012, and 15 (0.01 physician anesthesiologists/100 000 children) in 2022 (+200%). Five physician anesthesiologists had an exclusive pediatric anesthesia practice in 2012, whereas they were 32 in 2022 (+540%). There is no specialized training in pediatric anesthesia and intensive care in any of these countries. Halothane was always available in 81.5% of the hospitals in 2012, and in 50.4% of the hospitals in 2022. Sevoflurane was always available in 5% of the hospitals in 2012, and in 36.2% in 2022. Morphine was always available in 32.2% in 2012, whereas it was available in 52.9% of them in 2022. Pediatric pulse oximeter sensors were available in 36% of the hospitals in 2012, and in 63.4% in 2022. Capnography was available in 5.3% of the hospitals in 2012, and in 48% in 2022.

Conclusion

Progress have been made over the last 10 years in French‐speaking SSA to improve infrastructures, human resources, education, medications, and equipment for pediatric anesthesia in French‐speaking SSA. However, major efforts must be continued. Standards adapted to the local context should be formulated.
Appropriate induction of TOC1 ensures optimal MYB44 expression in ABA signaling and stress response in Arabidopsis
Authors: Du Shen‐Xiu , Wang Lu‐Lu , Yu Wei‐Peng , Xu Shu‐Xuan , Chen Liang , Huang Wei
Published: April 2024

Plants possess the remarkable ability to integrate the circadian clock with various signalling pathways, enabling them to quickly detect and react to both external and internal stress signals. However, the interplay between the circadian clock and biological processes in orchestrating responses to environmental stresses remains poorly understood. TOC1, a core component of the plant circadian clock, plays a vital role in maintaining circadian rhythmicity and participating in plant defences. Here, our study reveals a direct interaction between TOC1 and the promoter region of MYB44, a key gene involved in plant defence. TOC1 rhythmically represses MYB44 expression, thereby ensuring elevated MYB44 expression at dawn to help the plant in coping with lowest temperatures during diurnal cycles. Additionally, both TOC1 and MYB44 can be induced by cold stress in an Abscisic acid (ABA)‐dependent and independent manner. TOC1 demonstrates a rapid induction in response to lower temperatures compared to ABA treatment, suggesting timely flexible regulation of TOC1‐MYB44 regulatory module by the circadian clock in ensuring a proper response to diverse stresses and maintaining a balance between normal physiological processes and energy‐consuming stress responses. Our study elucidates the role of TOC1 in effectively modulating expression of MYB44, providing insights into the regulatory network connecting the circadian clock, ABA signalling, and stress‐responsive genes.
Quantitative regularization in robust vision transformer for remote sensing image classification
Authors: Song Huaxiang , Yuan Yuxuan , Ouyang Zhiwei , Yang Yu , Xiang Hui
Published: April 2024

Vision Transformers (ViTs) are exceptional at vision tasks. However, when applied to remote sensing images (RSIs), existing methods often necessitate extensive modifications of ViTs to rival convolutional neural networks (CNNs). This requirement significantly impedes the application of ViTs in geosciences, particularly for researchers who lack the time for comprehensive model redesign. To address this issue, we introduce the concept of quantitative regularization (QR), designed to enhance the performance of ViTs in RSI classification. QR represents an effective algorithm that adeptly manages domain discrepancies in RSIs and can be integrated with any ViTs in transfer learning. We evaluated the effectiveness of QR using three ViT architectures: vanilla ViT, Swin‐ViT and Next‐ViT, on four datasets: AID30, NWPU45, AFGR50 and UCM21. The results reveal that our Next‐ViT model surpasses 39 other advanced methods published in the past 3 years, maintaining robust performance even with a limited number of training samples. We also discovered that our ViT and Swin‐ViT achieve significantly higher accuracy and robustness compared to other methods using the same backbone. Our findings confirm that ViTs can be as effective as CNNs for RSI classification, regardless of the dataset size. Our approach exclusively employs open‐source ViTs and easily accessible training strategies. Consequently, we believe that our method can significantly lower the barriers for geoscience researchers intending to use ViT for RSI applications.
Green public procurement of pharmaceuticals as a regulatory response to antimicrobial resistance and its compatibility with the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement
Authors: Bhullar Lovleen
Published: April 2024

This article examines the compatibility of production‐related environmental criteria in green public procurement with international trade law, specifically the World Trade Organization's Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA). In response to the global health and environmental challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), such measures offer extraterritorial regulation by pharmaceutical purchasing countries where domestic regulation is not forthcoming in pharmaceutical producing countries. The article finds that such green public procurement measures may be compatible with the GPA. The general exceptions of the GPA can be invoked to overcome the potential non‐adherence of these measures to the principle of non‐discrimination between like products (in this case pharmaceuticals) from different importing countries. The provisions of the GPA relating to technical specifications and tender documentation accommodate such green public procurement measures. The provisions relating to conditions for participation in tenders for a public procurement contract and the award criteria for choosing the bidder to whom the contract should be awarded are silent in respect of environmental considerations. However, this may change with the development of domestic regulation on antibiotic effluent and an expansive reading of the term ‘public interest’ in the GPA. For now, international trade law continues to adopt a limited, accommodationist approach towards non‐trade objectives. This approach must be abandoned given the grave implications of failure to address the adverse impacts of global challenges such as AMR. At the same time, compatibility between green public procurement measures and the GPA cannot be taken for granted. The growing interest in domestic or regional drug security, especially in the wake of the COVID‐19 pandemic, may expand the geographical range of pharmaceutical manufacturers, with the possibility that such measures, originally intended to achieve non‐trade objectives, restrict trade.
Combining small airway parameters with conventional parameters obtained during spirometry to diagnose airflow obstruction: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang Zhufeng , Lin Junfeng , Liang Lina , Li Yun , Huang Jinhai , Gao Yi , Zheng Jinping
Published: April 2024

Background and Objective

The use of small airway parameters generated by spirometry, namely forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of forced vital capacity (FVC) (FEF25%–75%) and forced expiratory flow at 50% and 75% of FVC (FEF50% and FEF75%, respectively), is widely discussed. We evaluated the importance of these spirometric parameters in a large Chinese population.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional observational study in which spirometry and bronchodilator responsiveness (BDR) data were collected in a healthcare centre from May 2021 to August 2022 and in a tertiary hospital from January 2017 to March 2022. Discordance was assessed between the classification of test results by the large airway parameters of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC ratio and by the small airway parameters of FEF25%–75%, FEF75% and FEF50%. The predictive power of Z‐scores of spirometric parameters for airflow limitation and BDR was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

Our study included 26,658 people. Among people with a normal FVC (n = 14,688), 3.7%, 4.5% and 3.6% of cases exhibited normal FEV1/FVC ratio but impaired FEF25%–75%, FEF75% and FEF50%, respectively, while 6.8%–7.0% of people exhibited normal FEV1 but impaired FEF25%–75%, FEF75% and FEF50%. Using the Z‐scores of combining both large and small airway parameters in spirometry showed the best area under the curve for predicting airflow limitation (0.90; 95% CI 0.87–0.94) and predicting BDR (0.72; 95% CI 0.71–0.73).

Conclusion

It is important to consider both large and small airway parameters in spirometry to avoid missing a diagnosis of airflow obstruction.

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The Productivity Slowdown in Advanced Economies: Common Shocks or Common Trends?
Authors: Fernald John , Inklaar Robert , Ruzic Dimitrije
Published: April 2024

This paper reviews advanced‐economy productivity developments in recent decades. We focus primarily on the facts about, and explanations for, the mid‐2000s labor‐productivity slowdown in large European countries and the United States. Slower total factor productivity (TFP) growth was the proximate cause of the slowdown. This conclusion is robust to measurement challenges including the role of intangible assets, rankings of productivity levels, and data revisions. We contrast two main narratives for the stagnating TFP frontier: The shock of the Global Financial Crisis; and a common slowdown in TFP trends. Distinguishing these two empirically is hard, but the pre‐recession timing of the U.S. slowdown suggests an important role for the common‐trend explanation. We also discuss the unusual pattern of labor productivity growth since the start of the Covid‐19 pandemic. Although it is early, there is little evidence so far that the large pandemic shock has changed the slow pre‐pandemic trajectory of labor‐productivity growth.
Assessment of periodontal health status in patients with Parkinson's disease—A systematic review and meta‐analysis of cross‐sectional studies
Authors: Suryawanshi Krishna R. , Martande Santosh , Kalal Darshan N. , PV Swathi , Gopalakrishnan Dharmarajan , Kulloli Anita , Shetty Sharath , Thakur Shambhavi , Rokade Shreya , Thomas Jonathan
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Parkinson's disease (PKD) is neurodegenerative disorder marked by tremors, bradykinesia, muscle rigidity and reduction in precise hand movements which could lead to improper oral hygiene and Periodontal disease. Current systematic review aims to review existing literature and provide assessment of periodontal health in PKD patients through a meta‐analysis

Methods

Review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and registered in PROSPERO—CRD42023451700. Databases were searched for studies having sufficient data on periodontal health in patients with PKD compared to healthy controls and reporting outcomes in terms of various periodontal parameters of probing depth (PD), plaque index (PI), clinical attachment level (CAL), presence of bleeding on probing and gingivitis. Quality assessment of included was evaluated using Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS).

Results

Eleven studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria, of which ten studies were suitable for meta‐analysis. Pooled estimate through the SMD showed that all periodontal parameters were altered and significantly deteriorated in PKD compared to controls but this group differences were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Publication bias through the funnel plot showed symmetric distribution with absence of systematic heterogeneity.

Conclusion

Parkinson's disease could be a possible factor in deterioration of periodontal health.
Primary microfossiliferous chert in the Aptian Barra Velha Formation
Authors: Moore Kelsey R. , Crémière Antoine , Present Theodore M. , Barnett Andrew , Bergmann Kristin D. , Amthor Joachim , Grotzinger John
Published: April 2024

The Barra Velha Formation and other Aptian pre‐salt deposits record the history of the proto‐Atlantic basin and the rifting of Gondwana. Studies have sought to characterize the depositional environment of the basin with a focus on carbonate fabrics and magnesium silicate clays. However, the water chemistry and fluid sources in the basin, the silica cycle, and how the basin evolved over time are not fully constrained. Additionally, current understanding of the microbiota that inhabited this basin is incomplete because microfossils have rarely been identified in pre‐salt deposits, especially on the Brazilian margin. This study describes authigenic chert in the Barra Velha Formation that preserves distinct, organic‐rich structures and textures. The petrographic relationships between the chert and carbonate suggest that both formed as authigenic phases, but their formation was temporally decoupled. These relationships and δ30Si and δ18O data suggest that chert post‐dates the formation and subsequent dissolution of the carbonates, and may have formed from a different fluid. By characterizing the chert–carbonate paragenesis and mechanism of chert formation, this study provides new insights into the fluid sources and complexity of the basin. Together, the results of this research suggest that the chert precipitated as primary, authigenic phases after karstification of the carbonate from a newly introduced, low temperature, freshwater fluid that was chemically distinct from the lake water. The chert preserves organic matter that is compositionally and texturally distinct from the void‐filling bitumen associated with the classically studied carbonate facies. Based on the composition and morphologies of organic structures, this is likely primary organic matter and a morphologically diverse microfossil assemblage preserved in place at the time of chert formation. Thus, this early chert provides new insights into the water chemistry, fluid sources and silica cycle in the basin, and represents a unique taphonomic window that helps us characterize the pre‐salt basin microbiota.
Classical and team reasoning in the Centipede Game
Authors: Sklar David
Published: April 2024

This study analyses behaviour in non‐zero‐sum finite multi‐stage games, particularly the Centipede Game. The classical Nash Equilibrium fails to explain empirical behaviour and intuitive logic and has therefore been challenged. This paper introduces the ‘Pure Collective Equilibrium’, or PCE, which describes the equilibrium reached when agents assess their utility not by their own payoffs but by the mean collective payoff of the team, as outlined by some team‐reasoning hypotheses. Classical behaviour and purely collective team reasoning then both represent special cases—the first in which agents and their counterparts are on the Nash Equilibrium path, and the second in which agents and their counterparts are purely collective team reasoners. It is argued that agents intentionally and consistently deviate from classical rationality in the Centipede Game, even in the absence of philanthropic altruists or error‐plagued populations.
Burkholderia gladioli deep pyoderma in a dog secondary to immunosuppressive ciclosporin and prednisone therapy
Authors: Rosenkrantz Wayne , Ritter Jana M. , Keating M. Kelly , Bhatnagar Julu , Krumbeck Janina A.
Published: April 2024

A dog presented with deep pyoderma on the paw, following treatment with ciclosporin and prednisone for immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia. Cytological evaluation, skin biopsy, aerobic culture, next‐generation DNA sequencing and PCR were used to detect the first reported case of Burkholderia gladioli in a dog.
Teleconsulting in wound care: Connecting the primary care to the wound specialist reduces unnecessary referrals
Authors: Brekelmans W. , van der Burg B. L. S. Borger , Brouwer R. J. , Belo J. N. , Hoencamp R.
Published: April 2024

In the Netherlands the primary care (General Practitioner or homecare nurse) encounter a variety of wounds ranging from traumatic to diabetic foot ulcers. According to a recent study 82.4% of the patients with a wound can be treated in a primary setting with the GP as medical supervisor. The remaining 17.6% of patients need more extensive care including advice by a specialised doctor, diagnosis and treatment. Prompt analyses and treatment of underlying causes by specialised doctors in a multidisciplinary setting is necessary for treating patients with complicated wound. This article describes the impact of Electronic Health Consultation on all wounds treated in the primary care. And describes the effect on the duration until referral to the hospital and the influence on the amount of unnecessary referrals to the hospital. All data was collected prospectively from June 2020 until October 2021. The study involved a process where primary care could seek advice from a Wound Physician at the Alrijne Wound Centre through a specialised Electronic Health Consultation. A total of 118 patients were analysed. 41/118 (34.7%) patients required a physical consultation with analysis and treatment in the hospital, after teleconsultation. The remaining 77/118 (65.3%) could be treated in primary care after Electronic Health Consultation. The mean duration of wound existence until Electronic Health Consultation was 39.3 days (range 5–271, SD: 38.5). 3/41 (7.3%) of the referrals were unnecessary. Electronic Health Consultation serves as a valuable and efficient tool for enhancing wound care, ultimately contributing to improved patient management and resource allocation within the healthcare system. This article describes the impact of Electronic Health Consultation on all wounds treated in the primary care and the influence on the duration until referral to the hospital and the influence on the amount of unnecessary referrals to the hospital.
Dysregulation of miR‐146a is associated with exacerbated inflammation, oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the progression of diabetic foot ulcer
Authors: Vikraman Pooja Prathyushaa , Amin Karan , Mohandas Sundhar , Umapathy Dhamodharan , Kesavan Rajesh , Ramkumar Kunka Mohanram
Published: April 2024

Recent evidence has implicated the role of microRNA‐146a (miR‐146a) in regulating inflammatory responses. In the present study, we investigated the role of miRNA‐146a in the progression of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (T2DM) and studied its correlation with stress mediators such as Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) and oxidative stress. Ninety subjects were enrolled and evenly distributed among three groups: Controls (n = 30), T2DM without complications (n = 30) and T2DM with foot ulcers (n = 30). Subsequently, each group was further subdivided based on the University of Texas classification. Peripheral blood was collected from all the study subjects, while tissue biopsies were taken only from DFU patients. Total RNA from both PBMCs and wound tissues were isolated using miRNA isolation kit and qPCR was performed to check the expression of miR‐146a, ER stress and oxidative stress markers. Our findings revealed a significant decrease in miR‐146a expression among T2DM patients with Grade 2 and Grade 3 DFUs compared with those with Grade 0 and Grade 1 DFUs. Notably, inflammatory genes regulated by miR‐146a, including TRAF6, IRAK‐1 and ADAM, were all upregulated in T2DM patients with Grade 2 and Grade 3 DFUs. Moreover, reduced miR‐146a levels were correlated with increased markers of ER stress and oxidative stress in Grade 2 and Grade 3 DFU patients. Furthermore, our in vitro experiment using mouse 3T3 fibroblasts demonstrated a downregulation of miR‐146a following induction of hyperglycaemia, ER stress and oxidative stress in these cells. These findings suggest a potential link between diminished miR‐146a expression and heightened oxidative and ER stress in T2DM patients with more severe grades of DFUs. Our results imply that targeting miR‐146a may hold therapeutic promise for managing disease progression in DFU patients, as it could help alleviate oxidative and ER stress associated with diabetic complications.
Comparative Mitogenome Characterization of Cryptic Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer) in Captivity within Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Bakri Athirah , Esa Yuzine
Published: April 2024

Lates calcarifer is one of the most commercial species in the world. Yet, phylogenetic relationships among this cryptic species remain unclear despite its significance in the fishery sector. The first report on bifurcation of captive Lates calcarifer in Peninsular Malaysia (PM) inferred from complete mitochondrial genome was discussed in the present study. Two mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of Lates species were sequenced and assembled. The mitogenome length was 16,627 bp and 16,515 bp for K4 and S15, respectively. The majority of PCGs in both species exhibited the common initiation marker ATG codon and ended with termination marker TAA codon. Also, the incomplete termination codon T/TA was found in both species. Most AT-skew and GC-skew values observed in the protein-coding genes (PCGs) across the two samples were negative. The phylogenetic analysis based on 13 protein-coding genes by Maximum-Likelihood tree displayed two lineages from different regions which were from Myanmar/Indian waters (K4) and Southeast Asia/ Australian waters (S15). The striking genetic distance values between both specimens indicated 13 PCGs were suffering purifying selection. This study offers significant information for future analyses of evolutionary relationships among the numerous and taxonomically puzzling perciform fishes.
Interval Neutrosophic Cubic Bézier Curve Approximation Model for Complex Data
Authors: Rosli Siti Nur Idara , Zulkifly Mohammad Izat Emir Zulkifly
Published: April 2024

Complex data is defined as data that has the qualities of huge data, a lack of data information, and uncertainty. This paper discussed constructing the interval neutrosophic cubic Bézier curve (INCBC) approximation model for complex data. To construct the interval neutrosophic data point (INDP) based on the definition of interval neutrosophic set (INS), interval neutrosophic relation (INR) and interval neutrosophic point (INP). Next is the introduction of an interval neutrosophic control point (INCP) that blends with the theory of interval neutrosophic set and the Bernstein basis function. Later, the interval neutrosophic cubic Bézier curve (INCBC) model is visualizing with a four-by-four control points relation approximates the curves for truth, false, and indeterminacy membership. At the end of this paper will demonstrate the algorithm for the creation of the interval neutrosophic cubic Bézier curve (INCBC). The scientific value of this work is the acceptance of complex uncertainty data. As a result, due to the fact it combines fuzzy geometric modelling, this approach has the potential to make a significant contribution to complex uncertainty modelling by using this spline which is Bézier curve model.
Multimodal Convolutional Neural Networks for Sperm Motility and Concentration Predictions
Authors: Goh Voon Hueh , Mansor Muhammad Asraf , As'ari Muhammad Amir , Ismail Lukman Hakim
Published: April 2024

Semen analysis is an important analysis for male infertility primary investigation and manual semen analysis is a conventional method to assess it. Manual semen analysis has been revealed with accuracy and precision limitations due to noncompliance to guidelines and procedures. Sperm motility and concentration are the main indicators for pregnancy and conception rate hence they were selected for parameters prediction. Convolutional neural network (CNN) has benefited computer vision application industry in recent years and has been widely applied in computer vision research tasks. In this paper, three-dimensional CNN (3DCNN) was designed to extract motion and temporal features, which are vital for sperm motility prediction. For sperm concentration, since two-dimensional CNN (2DCNN) is efficient in recognizing and extracting spatial features, well-established Residual Network (ResNet) architecture was adopted and customized for sperm concentration prediction. Multimodal learning approach is a technique to aggregate learnt features from different deep learning architecture that adopted other forms of modalities, which could provide deep learning model with better insights on their tasks. Hence, a multimodal learning deep learning architecture was designed to receive both image-based (frames extracted from video samples) and video-based (stacked frames pre-processed from video samples) input that could provide well-extracted spatial and temporal features for sperm parameters prediction.  The results obtained using the proposed methodology have surpassed other similar research works who used deep learning approach. For sperm motility, its best achieved average mean absolute error (MAE) was 8.048, and sperm concentration obtained a competent Pearson’s correlation coefficient (RP) value of 0.853.
Impact of Aluminum Oxide & Silicon Dioxide on Nanofluid Flow Over a Stretching Sheet with Heat Transfer: Analytical Solution
Authors: Noranuar Wan Nura'in Nabilah , Mohamad Ahmad Qushairi , Jiann Lim Yeou , Shafie Sharidan , Jamaludin Mohd Anuar
Published: April 2024

A stretchable surface is one of the products features that numerous industrial and engineering field has been taken into consideration due to of its benefit. However, most of the fluid mechanic simulation for stretchable surface has been solved numerically and there is very limited theoretical study discovering this problem. Therefore, the present study investigated the convective Casson nanofluid flow and heat transfer over a linear stretching sheet. The aluminum oxide  and silicon dioxide  are considered. The analytical resolution of the governing problem yields velocity and temperature solutions using the Laplace transform method. Graphical representation illustrates how nanoparticle volume fraction affects velocity and temperature distribution profiles. Higher nanoparticle volume fractions slow down nanofluid flow and elevate temperature profiles. This investigation establishes a robust foundation for future research utilizing numerical methods.
Effect of Positive-Negative Image Ratio on the Performance of Pedestrian Detection Model
Authors: Kok Yee Lai , Lit Ken Tan , Sim Choo Hau , Asako Yutaka , Kee Quen Lee , Kang Hooi-Siang , Gan Y. S. , Chuan Zun-Liang , Tey Wah Yen , Che Sidik Nor Azwadi
Published: April 2024

Pedestrian detection holds significant importance in computer vision, finding applications in video surveillance, human-computer interaction, and autonomous vehicles. Surprisingly, there is a scarcity of research addressing the optimal ratio of positive to negative images for training detection models. This study endeavors to fill this research gap by exploring various detection models and determining the ideal ratio. Two distinct scenarios are investigated, each characterized by an equal total image count and an equivalent number of positive images sourced from CVC-14 night/visible, night/FIR, and INRIA databases. The study leverages the Histogram of Oriented Gradient, utilizing both Support Vector Machines and Medium Neural Networks to construct the detection models. Notably, the experiments reveal that the accuracy of the models remains relatively stable, even with an increase in the ratio of negative images. However, a noteworthy inverse relationship between sensitivity and specificity emerges as the ratio escalates. The findings, guided by the Youden Index, pinpoint the optimal training ratio for pedestrian detection models, falling within the range of 1:0.5 to 1:2In the CVC-14 nighttime database, the Youden index reached 100% when the model was trained with a 1:0.5 ratio using SVM, and a total of 4500 images were employed in the training process. On the other hand, in the INRIA dataset, the Youden index exhibited its highest value at 98.50%. This occurred when both SVM and a Medium neural network were utilized to train the model with a ratio of 1:2, utilizing a total of 3000 images for the training phase. It's worth highlighting that the processing time for SVM models lags behind that of Medium Neural Networks. This disparity arises from the heightened computational complexity inherent to medium-sized neural networks, making them computationally demanding compared to SVMs. This study contributes valuable insights into the nuanced relationship between image ratios and the performance of pedestrian detection models.
Modelling Wind Speed, Humidity, and Temperature in Butterworth and Melaka during Southwest Monsoon in 2020 with a Simultaneous Linear Functional Relationship
Authors: Jamaliyatul Nur Ain Al-Hameefatul , Mokhtar Nurkhairany Amyra , Badyalina Basri , Rambli Adzhar , Zubairi Yong Zulina
Published: April 2024

The extension of parameter estimation from a bivariate linear functional relationship model (LFRM) to simultaneous LFRM for linear variables using the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method is explored in this paper. The covariance matrix of the parameter estimates is derived through the Fisher information matrix. A simulation study was done to investigate the performance of the parameter estimation. According to the simulation study, the estimated parameters have a small bias. The beauty of simultaneous LFRM lies in developing the model to study the relationship between more than two linear variables while considering error terms for all variables. The applicability of the proposed simultaneous model is demonstrated using wind speed, humidity, and temperature data from Butterworth and Melaka during the southwest monsoon season of 2020.
Anti-inflammatory Activity of Polyphenols from Labisia pumila Leaves Extract
Authors: Syed Hassan Sharifah Norzi , Hasham Rosnani , Hashim Siti Hajar , Mohd Hamzah Mohd Amir Asyraf
Published: April 2024

Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) represent a class of pharmaceutical agents that are frequently misused and misconstrued within the medical landscape. While demonstrably efficacious in providing transient pain relief, NSAIDs do not effectively address the fundamental etiology of pain and are associated with a spectrum of potential adverse effects. Labisia pumila var alata also known as "Kacip Fatimah" has been traditionally used which is attributed to its antioxidant properties. Nonetheless, little attempt has been made to examine its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. This study determined the molecular interactions and inhibitory activity profiles of L. pumila methanolic extract (LPE) against the corresponding enzymes via in chemico and in silico approaches. In chemico analysis was done on antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory properties of L. pumila. The findings indicated that LPE exhibit the potent anti-inflammatory activity. Through high-performance liquid chromatography, it was shown that LPE had the highest gallic acid concentration at 10.74 ± 2.23 mg/mL. LPE did not exhibit cytotoxicity up to 100 µg/mL and displayed optimal protective against UVB-irradiation at 50 µg/mL towards HSF1184 Fibroblast cell line. LPE exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity as it inhibited elastase and COX-2. Molecular docking studies indicated that gallic acid has a good affinity for collagenase (˗5.68 kcal/mol), elastase (˗4.88 kcal/mol) and COX 2 (˗4.91 kcal/mol). These findings collectively suggested that L. pumila extract has significant potential for the formulation of the natural anti-inflammatory remedies which offer a safer alternative treatment for pain relief, especially for long-term use replacing the conventional NSAIDs medicines.
Mapping simulation-based activities for health professionals in rural and remote contexts in high-income countries: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Smith Naomi Tarus , Muller Spiti Julia , Padley James , Davies Ellen
Published: April 2024

Objective:

This scoping review will aim to map the existing academic literature on simulation-based activities that are designed with and delivered for health professionals in geographically rural and remote contexts in high-income countries.

Introduction:

Simulation-based health care activities are implemented in health services to increase patient safety because they allow health professionals to prepare, learn, practice, rehearse, and improve clinical performance and teamwork. Simulation-based activities are increasingly being used in rural and remote areas, where resources are limited compared with metropolitan areas.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will include all primary and peer-reviewed research articles and abstracts that report health simulation methodologies and activities that have been used in rural and remote health care contexts in high-income countries.

Methods:

The proposed review will follow the JBI guidelines for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Databases to be searched will include Embase, Emcare, and MEDLINE (all searched via Ovid), Scopus, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database. Titles and abstracts will be screened independently by 2 reviewers, followed by full-text screening. Data will be extracted and analyzed to address the review questions.

Review registration:

Open Science Framework https://osf.io/pu6gv
Bayesian optimization for stable properties amid processing fluctuations in sputter deposition
Authors: Shrivastava Ankit , Kalaswad Matias , Custer Joyce O. , Adams David P. , Najm Habib N.
Published: April 2024

We introduce a Bayesian optimization approach to guide the sputter deposition of molybdenum thin films, aiming to achieve desired residual stress and sheet resistance while minimizing susceptibility to stochastic fluctuations during deposition. Thin films are pivotal in numerous technologies, including semiconductors and optical devices, where their properties are critical. Sputter deposition parameters, such as deposition power, vacuum chamber pressure, and working distance, influence physical properties like residual stress and resistance. Excessive stress and high resistance can impair device performance, necessitating the selection of optimal process parameters. Furthermore, these parameters should ensure the consistency and reliability of thin film properties, assisting in the reproducibility of the devices. However, exploring the multidimensional design space for process optimization is expensive. Bayesian optimization is ideal for optimizing inputs/parameters of general black-box functions without reliance on gradient information. We utilize Bayesian optimization to optimize deposition power and pressure using a custom-built objective function incorporating observed stress and resistance data. Additionally, we integrate prior knowledge of stress variation with pressure into the objective function to prioritize films least affected by stochastic variations. Our findings demonstrate that Bayesian optimization effectively explores the design space and identifies optimal parameter combinations meeting desired stress and resistance specifications.
Shear thickening and hysteresis in dense suspensions: The effect of particle shape
Authors: Mahmoudian M. , Goharpey F. , Behzadnasab M. , Daneshfar Z.
Published: April 2024

The flow of dense suspension of non-Brownian particles has been considered by various studies affected by their significance in a variety of industries and natural phenomena. In this study, we investigate the effect of polyhedron morphology on shear thickening, shear jamming, and hysteresis characteristics of non-Brownian suspension of acrylate particles. Particles with the same chemical nature and three different shapes of spherical (aspect ratio Γ = 1), elliptical paraboloid (Γ ≈ 1), and boat-shaped (Γ ≈ 3) are fabricated via photopolymerization-based methods. Studied suspensions show the shear-thinning behavior at low shear stresses and shear thickening behavior at the higher range of shear stress. Also, the strength of observed shear thickening is enhanced for the suspensions of polyhedron particles, which can be attributed to the heightened degree of interparticle frictional contacts. Furthermore, it is found that angularity not only shifts the predicted frictionless and frictional jamming packing fractions to lower values but also expands the shear jamming packing fraction range. Finally, a history-dependent hysteresis is observed in all samples due to the different particle spatial structures forming in ascending and descending flow modes. The observed hysteresis loops strongly depend on the volume fraction and diminish near the jamming packing fraction due to the restricted mobility space of particles. In addition, the tumbling of elongated particles also can decrease the hysteresis loop by enhancing viscosity in the ascending flow mode, where the structures are not fully developed.
Global producer responsibility for plastic pollution
Authors: Cowger Win , Willis Kathryn A. , Bullock Sybil , Conlon Katie , Emmanuel Jorge , Erdle Lisa M. , Eriksen Marcus , Farrelly Trisia A. , Hardesty Britta Denise , Kerge Kristiina , Li Natalie , Li Yedan , Liebman Adam , Tangri Neil , Thiel Martin , Villarrubia-Gómez Patricia , Walker Tony R. , Wang Mengjiao
Published: April 2024

Brand names can be used to hold plastic companies accountable for their items found polluting the environment. We used data from a 5-year (2018–2022) worldwide (84 countries) program to identify brands found on plastic items in the environment through 1576 audit events. We found that 50% of items were unbranded, calling for mandated producer reporting. The top five brands globally were The Coca-Cola Company (11%), PepsiCo (5%), Nestlé (3%), Danone (3%), and Altria (2%), accounting for 24% of the total branded count, and 56 companies accounted for more than 50%. There was a clear and strong log-log linear relationship production (%) = pollution (%) between companies’ annual production of plastic and their branded plastic pollution, with food and beverage companies being disproportionately large polluters. Phasing out single-use and short-lived plastic products by the largest polluters would greatly reduce global plastic pollution.
tRNA anticodon cleavage by target-activated CRISPR-Cas13a effector
Authors: Jain Ishita , Kolesnik Matvey , Kuznedelov Konstantin , Minakhin Leonid , Morozova Natalia , Shiriaeva Anna , Kirillov Alexandr , Medvedeva Sofia , Livenskyi Alexei , Kazieva Laura , Makarova Kira S. , Koonin Eugene V. , Borukhov Sergei , Severinov Konstantin , Semenova Ekaterina
Published: April 2024

Type VI CRISPR-Cas systems are among the few CRISPR varieties that target exclusively RNA. The CRISPR RNA–guided, sequence-specific binding of target RNAs, such as phage transcripts, activates the type VI effector, Cas13. Once activated, Cas13 causes collateral RNA cleavage, which induces bacterial cell dormancy, thus protecting the host population from the phage spread. We show here that the principal form of collateral RNA degradation elicited by
Leptotrichia shahii
Cas13a expressed in
Escherichia coli
cells is the cleavage of anticodons in a subset of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) with uridine-rich anticodons. This tRNA cleavage is accompanied by inhibition of protein synthesis, thus providing defense from the phages. In addition, Cas13a-mediated tRNA cleavage indirectly activates the RNases of bacterial toxin-antitoxin modules cleaving messenger RNA, which could provide a backup defense. The mechanism of Cas13a-induced antiphage defense resembles that of bacterial anticodon nucleases, which is compatible with the hypothesis that type VI effectors evolved from an abortive infection module encompassing an anticodon nuclease.