bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sticking plaster support: the Household Support Fund and localised assistance in the UK welfare state
Authors: Meers Jed , Colliver Kit , Hudson John , Lunt Neil
Published: December 2023

The Household Support Fund is a creature of crises. Initially conceived as a temporary palliative for struggling UK households in 2021 amid the devastating COVID-19 crisis, the local authority administered support is now in its fourth wave. Accounting for over £2.5 billion of funding since its introduction, it is a flagship component of the UK government’s response to the cost-of-living crisis. Drawing on interviews with 12 local authorities, we argue this scheme is part of an ongoing shift towards dependence on localised discretionary funds to mitigate increasingly insufficient central social security support – although the fund provides essential support for struggling households, this is not a role it can fulfil in its current form. The article falls into three parts. The first provides an overview of the origins of this cash-limited HSF scheme and situates it in the shifting role of localised support in the UK social security system. The second provides an overview of the method. The third draws four key themes from the interview data: a lack of funding leading to sticking plaster provision, problematic tensions between supporting those most at need and concerns about dependency on crisis funds, administrative capacity shaping scheme design, and third sector organisations’ increasing role in both mediating and providing support. We conclude that the HSF signifies a significant ongoing shift towards patchwork, localised support in the UK welfare state, subject to unpredictable renewal. Rather than comprehensive centralised provision, funds like the HSF are increasingly being tasked with mitigating insufficient working-age social security.
Informal care trajectories: developments in care demands, intensity and complexity over the course of care episodes
Authors: Verbakel Ellen , Glijn Rosa
Published: December 2023

In response to the dominant narrative that informal care episodes become increasingly heavy over time, this study empirically identifies distinct informal care trajectories in terms of developments in care demands (care receivers’ health), intensity (number of hours) and complexity (number and type of tasks) over the course of a care episode. Latent class analysis on 5,595 informal care episodes among 2,884 Dutch carers identified a ‘stable trajectory’ (41 per cent) and ‘decrease trajectory’ (22 per cent) apart from an ‘increase trajectory’ (37 per cent). The trajectories were related to care receivers’ characteristics (age), carers’ difficulty of saying ‘no’ (relationship and obligation) and changes in the care context (living situation).
Spectral correlation in MODIS water-leaving reflectance retrieval uncertainty
Authors: Zhang Minwei , Ibrahim Amir , Franz Bryan A. , Sayer Andrew M. , Werdell P. Jeremy , McKinna Lachlan I.
Published: December 2023

Spectral remote sensing reflectance, R rs(λ) (sr-1), is the fundamental quantity used to derive a host of bio-optical and biogeochemical properties of the water column from satellite ocean color measurements. Estimation of uncertainty in those derived geophysical products is therefore dependent on knowledge of the uncertainty in satellite-retrieved R rs. Furthermore, since the associated algorithms require R rs at multiple spectral bands, the spectral (i.e., band-to-band) error covariance in R rs is needed to accurately estimate the uncertainty in those derived properties. This study establishes a derivative-based approach for propagating instrument random noise, instrument systematic uncertainty, and forward model uncertainty into R rs, as retrieved using NASA’s multiple-scattering epsilon (MSEPS) atmospheric correction algorithm, to generate pixel-level error covariance in R rs. The approach is applied to measurements from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the Aqua satellite and verified using Monte Carlo (MC) analysis. We also make use of this full spectral error covariance in R rs to calculate uncertainty in phytoplankton pigment chlorophyll-a concentration (chla, mg/m3) and diffuse attenuation coefficient of downwelling irradiance at 490 nm (K d(490), m-1). Accounting for the error covariance in Rrs generally reduces the estimated relative uncertainty in chla by ∼1-2% (absolute value) in waters with chla < 0.25 mg/m3 where the color index (CI) algorithm is used. The reduction is ∼5-10% in waters with chla > 0.35 mg/m3 where the blue-green ratio (OCX) algorithm is used. Such reduction can be higher than 30% in some regions. For K d(490), the reduction by error covariance is generally ∼2%, but can be higher than 20% in some regions. The error covariance in R rs is further verified through forward-calculating chla from MODIS-retrieved and in situ R rs and comparing estimated uncertainty with observed differences. An 8-day global composite of propagated uncertainty shows that the goal of 35% uncertainty in chla can be achieved over deep ocean waters (chla ≤ 0.1 mg/m3). While the derivative-based approach generates reasonable error covariance in R rs, some assumptions should be updated as our knowledge improves. These include the inter-band error correlation in top-of-atmosphere reflectance, and uncertainties in the calibration of MODIS 869 nm band, in ancillary data, and in the in situ data used for system vicarious calibration.
Pre-ablation regime light-induced optical changes in nanometer thick metal films
Authors: Abram Ester , Milov Igor , Orlov Nikolai , van Druten Klaasjan , Garnett Erik C. , Planken Paul
Published: December 2023

We report on small optical reflection increases after illumination of nanometer thick gold and aluminum thin films on different substrates with single, femtosecond 400 nm wavelength pump laser pulses, in a pre-ablation fluence regime. In this fluence regime, small, irreversible and subtle morphological changes of the sample are observed. Dark-field, scanning electron, and atomic force microscopy images reveal subwavelength spallation features in the aluminum, and delamination in the gold layers in this pre-ablation regime. All of these morphological changes coincide with minute optical increases in the reflectivity, at the 0.1−2% level, as observed in-situ with a weak probe beam. From Liu-analysis, transfer-matrix, and two-temperature model calculations, we infer that in this pre-ablation regime, the aluminum layers already reach the melting temperature. Electron Backscatter Diffraction measurements show that the Al grains melt and resolidify into bigger grains. This suggests that for Al, resolidification into bigger grains is responsible for both the increased reflection, and the spallation in the pre-ablation regime. For gold, the optical change is most likely due to the etalon effect caused by delamination.
Self-channeling of a multi-Joule 10 µm picosecond pulse train through long distances in air
Authors: Tochitsky S. Ya. , Welch E. C. , Matteo D. A. , Panagiotopoulos P. , Kolesik M. , Moloney J. V. , Joshi C.
Published: December 2023

In the long-wave infrared (LWIR) range, where, due to wavelength scaling, the critical power of Kerr self-focusing Pcr in air increases to 300-400 GW, we demonstrate that without external focusing a train of picosecond CO2 laser pulses can propagate in the form of a single several-centimeter diameter channel over hundreds of meters. The train of 10 µm pulses, for which the total energy ≥20 J is distributed over several near-terawatt picosecond pulses with a maximum power ≤2Pcr, is generated naturally during short pulse amplification in a CO2 laser. It is observed that the high-power 10 µm beam forms a large diameter “hot gas” channel in the ambient air with a ≥ 50 ms lifetime. Simulations of the experiment show that such filamentation-free self-channeling regime has low propagation losses and can deliver multi-Joule/TW-power LWIR pulses over km-scale distances.
Optical nondegenerate solitons in a birefringent fiber with a 35 degree elliptical angle
Authors: Liu Fei-Yan , Triki Houria , Zhou Qin
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we investigate the optical nondegenerate solitons in a birefringent fiber with a 35 degree elliptical angle. We derive the nondegenerate bright one- and two-soliton solutions by solving the coupled Schrödinger equation. The formation of nondegenerate solitons is related to the wave numbers of the solitons, and we further demonstrate that it is caused by the incoherent addition of different components. We note that the interaction between two degenerate solitons or a nondegenerate soliton and a degenerate soliton is usually inelastic. This is led to the incoherent interaction between solitons of different components and the coherent interaction between solitons of the same component. Through the asymptotic analysis, we find that the two degenerate solitons are elastic interactions under certain conditions, and analyzed the influence of the Kerr nonlinear intensity coefficient γ and the second-order group velocity dispersion β2 in this system on solitons: the velocity and amplitude of the solitons are proportional to |β2|, while the amplitude of the solitons is inversely proportional to γ. Two nondegenerate solitons are elastic interactions, but the phase of the soliton can be adjusted to make it inelastic. Furthermore, regardless of the situation mentioned above, total intensities of the solitons before the interaction are equal to that after the soliton interaction.
PE-RASP: range image stitching of photon-efficient imaging through reconstruction, alignment, stitching integration network based on intensity image priors
Authors: Yang Xu , Xiao Shaojun , Zhang Hancui , Xu Lu , Wu Long , Zhang Jianlong , Zhang Yong
Published: December 2023

Single photon imaging integrates advanced single photon detection technology with Laser Radar (LiDAR) technology, offering heightened sensitivity and precise time measurement. This approach finds extensive applications in biological imaging, remote sensing, and non-visual field imaging. Nevertheless, current single photon LiDAR systems encounter challenges such as low spatial resolution and a limited field of view in their intensity and range images due to constraints in the imaging detector hardware. To overcome these challenges, this study introduces a novel deep learning image stitching algorithm tailored for single photon imaging. Leveraging the robust feature extraction capabilities of neural networks and the richer feature information present in intensity images, the algorithm stitches range images based on intensity image priors. This innovative approach significantly enhances the spatial resolution and imaging range of single photon LiDAR systems. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in generating high-quality stitched single-photon intensity images, and the range images exhibit comparable high quality when stitched with prior information from the intensity images.
Information foraging with an oracle
Authors: Gordon Jeremy , Chierichetti Flavio , Panconesi Alessandro , Pezzulo Giovanni
Published: December 2023

During ecological decisions, such as when foraging for food or selecting a weekend activity, we often have to balance the costs and benefits of exploiting known options versus exploring novel ones. Here, we ask how individuals address such cost-benefit tradeoffs during tasks in which we can either explore by ourselves or seek external advice from an oracle (e.g., a domain expert or recommendation system). To answer this question, we designed two studies in which participants chose between inquiring (at a cost) for expert advice from an oracle, or to search for options without guidance, under manipulations affecting the optimal choice. We found that participants showed a greater propensity to seek expert advice when it was instrumental to increase payoff (study A), and when it reduced choice uncertainty, above and beyond payoff maximization (study B). This latter result was especially apparent in participants with greater trait-level intolerance of uncertainty. Taken together, these results suggest that we seek expert advice for both economic goals (i.e., payoff maximization) and epistemic goals (i.e., uncertainty minimization) and that our decisions to ask or not ask for advice are sensitive to cost-benefit tradeoffs.
Sentiment Analysis Based on Machine Learning Algorithms: A Comprehensive Study
Authors: jiang song , Kumar Ela
Published: December 2023

The Yelp Dataset comprises data collected from 8,021,122 reviews and 209,393 businesses located in 10 major metropolitan areas. This comprehensive dataset includes multiple aspects related to the businesses. We are interested in assessing the reliability of Yelp's review sentiment algorithm by constructing our own specific sentiment analysis algorithm using data mining and machine learning techniques. The system, based on Natural Language Processing (NLP), generates structured text, followed by the application of machine learning (ML) techniques to classify the text as either a 'good' or 'bad' indicator, used for sentiment prediction. The ML models we utilized here include logistic regression, random forest, k-nearest neighbors, and naive Bayes. Our results demonstrate that three of these models can precisely classify the text and accurately predict sentiment.
Amanita Mushroom Toxin Poisoning in Los Angeles County
Authors: Jobin Parker G. , Stewart Connor , Vipani Aarshi , Perez-Alvarez Ingrid , Pepkowitz Samuel , Klapper Ellen , Berg Anders , Stillman Kaytlena , Torbati Sam , Kuo Alexander , Trivedi Hirsh , Yang Ju Dong , Steinberger Jonathan , Van Allan Richard J. , Friedman Oren , Cardoza Kathryn , Ayoub Walid S.
Published: December 2023

Mushroom (amatoxin) poisoning from ingestion is a rare but life-threatening medical emergency characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms before progression to multisystem organ failure in severe cases. Many therapies of amatoxin intoxication have been described, including supportive care, medical therapies, detoxification strategies, and liver transplant. The evidence supporting these therapies remains limited due to the rarity of amatoxin poisoning and challenge of a timely diagnosis. We report a case of amatoxin poisoning in Los Angeles causing severe liver injury without acute liver failure treated successfully using medical therapies, gallbladder drainage, and plasma exchange.
Vibration in the System of the Birfield-Rzeppa Constant Velocity Universal Joint
Authors: Dziopa Zbigniew
Published: December 2023

The paper presents the analysis of the motion of the intermediate element in the Birfield-Rzeppa joint. The joint is applied, among others, in automotive vehicles as an element of the drive shaft. The cage along with the balls form the intermediate element of the joint. The vibration of the element is activated during the drive shaft rotation. The vibration is enforced kinematically by the mechanism constraints. The constraints are determined by the assumed clutch geometry. The aim of the paper is to determine the variability course of the kinematic quantities characterizing the intermediate element motion of the Birfield-Rzeppa constant velocity universal joint. If the transmission function and the second position function of the clutch lead to the fluctuation of the angular velocity value and the angular acceleration of the cage along with the balls, then vibration is generated within the joint. The paper shows that drive shaft interference can be reduced by using a vibration reduction system. The article does not present an analysis aimed at reducing vibrations. Only the need for its use in the case of serious disturbances has been demonstrated.
A review of technologies in the area of production, storage and use of hydrogen in the automotive industry
Authors: Małek Arkadiusz , Karowiec Robert , Jóżwik Krzysztof
Published: December 2023

Presently, we can learn and read more and more about hydrogen in both traditional and social media. The article answers why there is so much interest in hydrogen recently. It has been recognized by European and global decision-makers as a very promising medium necessary to carry out the climate and energy transformation. The advantages of hydrogen as a fuel and as a medium for storing large amounts of energy over a longer period of time is also presented. In addition, an overview of hydrogen technologies presented at the Hydrogen Technology Expo in Bremen in September 2023 is provided. The state of hydrogen technologies currently available on the market is compared to the latest achievements of scientists described in scientific articles. The aim of the article is to review the technologies available on the market for the production, storage and use of hydrogen as a vehicle fuel. Hydrogen technologies presented at the Hydrogen Expo in Bremen were confronted with the latest scientific achievements described in the latest scientific articles. Thanks to such a confrontation, it is possible to make a rational purchasing decision in the area of selected hydrogen technologies.
Food Security at the Village Level: Learning from Hargorejo Village as a Village for Reducing Food Insecurity in the Special Region of Yogyakarta
Authors: Pranaja Kevin Arya
Published: December 2023

This study aims to analyze food security at the village level, especially in Hargorejo Village, because Hargorejo Village has made achievements in reducing food insecurity in Yogyakarta. Thus making Hargorejo Village a pilot village for food security for other villages, especially villages still experiencing food insecurity. This study uses a descriptive qualitative research method, with a literature study using secondary data from the analysis of previous research and several mass media. Researchers used Webb and Rogers' food security theory to find out more details related to food security in Hargorejo Village. There are several indicators of food security: food availability, access, and absorption. The study's results stated that sweet potatoes were the most dominant food supply in Hargorejo Village on the food availability indicator. With data from village food production in Kokap District, this village produced 2,777 tons of cassava per year, then on the food access indicator, in accessing food in Hargorejo Village. More dominant in using physical access than social and economic access. This is evidenced by the description, which shows that there is physical access in the form of opening new land and making reservoirs by the Village Head of Hargorejo Village to supply the availability of food and clean water. Finally, on the food absorption indicator, it is noted that this village has a good record of nutrition and intake, as evidenced by the distribution table for the energy and protein adequacy consumption of rice and cassava by farm and non-farmer households.
Liprotide-encapsulated vitamin D3 modulates circulated PTH levels and improved bone microstructure
Authors: Shauma Claradhita Ayu , Fulyani Faizah , Pramono Adriyan , Mahati Endang , Putri Sylvia Rahmi , Maulana Reza Achmad , Anjani Gemala
Published: December 2023

Background: vitamin D (25(OH)D) is a fat-soluble vitamin that is unstable in the gastrointestinal environment and has low bioavailability. A protein-lipid complex (liprotide) can be used as a shell to increase vitamin D stability and bioavailability. Liprotide can also serve as a delivery system for transporting vitamin D to its intended site. Little attention has been paid to utilizing liprotide as a delivery system for vitamin D and evaluating its functional activity.Objective: to investigate the effect of liprotide-encapsulated vitamin D3 on PTH levels and bone microstructure in vitamin D and calcium (VD-Ca) deficient rats.Materials and Methods: an overall of 24 Wistar rats had been divided into four groups, a normal control group (K), a VD-Ca group without treatment (K-), a VD-Ca group with 180 IU/200 gBW/day free vitamin D3 (FVD3), and a VD-Ca group with 180 IU/200 gBW/day liprotide-encapsulated vitamin D3 (LVD3). Before and after 28 days of vitamin D intervention, blood samples were taken and analysed for serum PTH levels. The microstructure of the bone was analyzed using the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).Results: the VD-Ca rats supplemented with vitamin D3 (FVD3 and LVD3) had a significant decrease in serum PTH levels (p<0.001) and improved bone microstructure (p<0.05) compared to the (K-) group. The reduction of PTH in the LVD3 group was higher compared to the FVD3 group. The bone microstructure between the FVD3 and LVD3 groups is significantly different, as seen in the Ct.Wi parameter, with the LVD3 group having a higher Ct.Wi than the FVD3 group.Conclusion: liprotide-encapsulated vitamin D3 improves the serum PTH level and bone microstructure in a rat model of vitamin D and calcium deficiency.
Reakcja Unii Europejskiej i NATO na agresję rosyjską w Ukrainie
Authors: Mazurek Aleksandra , Widzińska Maja
Published: December 2023

24 lutego 2022 roku Rosja zaatakowała Ukrainę. Niesprowokowana, nieuzasadniona inwazja jest przejawem zagrożenia bezpieczeństwa, które zburzyło pokój w Europie i na świecie. Społeczność międzynarodowa potępiła ten haniebny akt w tym dwie organizacje międzynarodowe NATO i Unia Europejska. Pierwsza podejmująca działania zapobiegające rozprzestrzenianiu się konfliktu i druga promująca współpracę i jedność. NATO i UE wykazały się jednością i determinacją w swojej postawie względem ataku Rosji na Ukrainę. Celem pracy jest analiza reakcji Unii i NATO na wybuch wojny w Ukrainie. W ramach realizacji celu postawiono następujące pytania badawcze: Jakie decyzje i działania podjęła Unia Europejska w kontekście wybuchu wojny w Ukrainie? Jakie decyzje i działania podjęło NATO w kontekście wybuchu wojny w Ukrainie? Czy kroki podjęte przez obie organizacje były skuteczne? Aby zrealizować cel badawczy wykorzystane zostaną następujące metody badawcze: analiza instytucjonalno-prawna (przy badaniu aktów prawnych wydawanych przez NATO i UE w ramach działań podejmowanych w aspekcie wojny w Ukrainie) metoda decyzyjna (badanie procesu decyzyjnego), metoda komparatystyczna (zestawienie i porównanie rezultatów decyzji i działań tych dwóch organizacji). Artykuł podzielono na podrozdziały. Pierwszy opisuje historię konfliktu między Rosją a Ukrainą od 2013 roku, kiedy Ukraina dostała szansę zacieśnienia współpracy z Unią Europejską. W drugim podrozdziale poruszono kwestię reakcji UE, która skupiała się w nakładaniu sankcji i pomocy humanitarnej. Trzeci podrozdział poświęcono działaniom NATO w kontekście wybuchu wojny w Ukrainie. Poruszono również wątek prognostyczny dalszych działań organizacji. W rozważaniach wykorzystano literaturę naukową, komunikaty prasowe oraz artykuły publicystyczne. UE podejmuje liczniejsze działania, co podyktowane jest specyfiką organizacji. Przez dalszą ekspansję armii rosyjskiej, mimo podjętych przez NATO i UE kroków, pojawia się obawa o spadek zaufania społecznego do tych organizacji.
Interaction in written texts: A bibliometric study of published research
Authors: Hyland Ken , Jiang Feng (Kevin)
Published: December 2023

While writing involves interactions between writers and readers as each considers the other in creating and interpreting texts, research interest in written interaction is a fairly recent development. This paper uses a bibliometric analysis to trace the growing interest in written interaction over the past 30 years from its origins in philosophy, conversation analysis and sociocultural language pedagogy. To do so, we analyzed all 918 articles mentioning writing and interaction in the social science citation index since 1990, dividing the corpus into two periods following the massive increase in interest after 2005. We identify which topics have been most prevalent and which authors, publications, journals and countries most influential over time. The results indicate the growing importance of identity, genre, discipline, metadiscourse and stance, particularly drawing on corpus methods. We also note the participation of authors from more countries in publishing interaction research with the growth of authors from China becoming particularly visible. These findings may interest those working in written discourse analysis and scholarly publishing.
Wpływ kryzysu energetycznego na zarządzanie polityką inwestycyjną w jednostkach samorządu terytorialnego
Authors: Czopek Miłosz , Ślebioda Magdalena
Published: December 2023

Systematyczny wzrost cen surowców i paliw, zakłócone łańcuchy dostaw, polityka klimatyczna Unii Europejskiej oraz agresja Rosji na Ukrainę to czynniki, które wymienia się w gronie tych, które doprowadziły do kryzysu energetycznego. Oczywiście wzrost cen energii obserwowany jest od lat, jednak ich skala, w ostatnim okresie, postrzegana jest jako niespotykana do tej pory. Z kryzysem energetycznym borykają się również jednostki samorządu terytorialnego, które podejmowały już działania mające na celu obniżenie kosztów związanych z zużyciem energii. Samorządy coraz częściej korzystają z rozwiązań zwiększających efektywność energetyczną. Uruchomionych zostało w ostatnich latach wiele opcji umożliwiających wsparcie implementacji takich inwestycji zarówno z funduszy pochodzących ze Skarbu Państwa, jak i funduszy europejskich. Skala wykorzystania tych środków w samorządach zlokalizowanych w poszczególnych województwach jest jednak różna, podobnie jak zakres inwestycyjny. Zdiagnozowanie stanu rzeczywistego wydaje się zatem niezmiernie istotne z perspektywy efektywności zarządczej oraz ekonomii publicznej. Należy również zaznaczyć, że 29 września 2022 roku Sejm uchwalił dodatkowo ustawę o szczególnych rozwiązaniach służących ochronie odbiorców energii elektrycznej w 2023 roku, która narzuca obowiązek oszczędzania energii przez sferę budżetową, a nie spełnienie jej zapisów obłożone zostało restrykcjami. Opracowanie ukazuje wyniki badań dotyczących inwestycji realizowanych przez jednostki samorządu terytorialnego zlokalizowanych na terenie województwa łódzkiego i dolnośląskiego w obszarze energooszczędności oraz odnawialnych źródeł energii, których celem jest osłabienie skutków kryzysu energetycznego. Przedstawiona analiza ukazuje kierunek podejmowanych działań i ich skalę w latach 2018–2022 oraz założenia inwestycyjne na rok 2023. W przeprowadzonych badaniach uczestniczyło 223 samorządy terytorialne, co pozwoliło sformułować wiążące wnioski. Opracowanie może stanowić uzupełnienie luki w literaturze przedmiotu.
Development and evaluation of a CRISPR-Cas13a system-based diagnostic for hepatitis E virus
Authors: Li Manyu , He Qiyu , Li Tingting , Wan Wenjun , Zhou Haiwei
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the leading cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. HEV RNA detection is the gold standard for HEV infection diagnosis and PCR methods are commonly used but are usually time-consuming and expensive, resulting in low detection efficiency and coverage, especially in low-income areas. Here, we developed a simpler and more accessible HEV RNA detection method based on CRISPR-Cas13a system.

Methods

A total of 265 samples of different types and sources, including 89 positive samples and 176 negative samples, were enrolled for evaluations. The sensitivity and specificity of the Cas13a-crRNA detection system were evaluated. The World Health Organization reference panel for HEV genotypes was used to evaluate the capability for detecting different HEV genotypes. The validity of the assay was compared with RT-qPCR.

Results

The 95 % limits of detection (LOD) of Cas13a-crRNA-based fluorescence assay and strip assay were 12.5 and 200 IU/mL, respectively. They did not show cross-reactivity with samples positive for hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, coxsackievirus A16, rotavirus, enterovirus 71, norovirus or enteropathic Escherichia coli. Different HEV genotypes (HEV1–4) can be detected by the assay. Compared to RT-qPCR, the positive predictive agreements of Cas13a-crRNA-based fluorescence and strip assay were 98.9 % (95 % CI: 93.9–99.8 %) and 91.0 % (95 % CI: 83.3–95.4 %), respectively. The negative predictive agreements were both 100 % (95 % CI: 97.8–100 %).

Conclusions

In conclusion, we established a rapid and convenient HEV RNA detection method with good sensitivity and specificity based on CRISPR-Cas13a system, providing a new option for HEV infection diagnosis.
Pre-analytical errors in coagulation testing: a case series
Authors: Mahto Mala , Kumar Visesh , Banerjee Ayan , Kumar Sushil , Kumar Anurag
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Prevention of pre-analytical issues in coagulation testing is of paramount importance for good laboratory performance. In addition to common issues like hemolysed, icteric, or lipemic samples, some specific pre-analytical errors of coagulation testing include clotted specimens, improper blood-to-anticoagulant ratio, contamination with other anticoagulants, etc. Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) are very commonly affected tests due to pre-analytical variables. The impact these parameters possess on surgical decision-making and various life-saving interventions are substantial therefore we cannot afford laxity and casual mistakes in carrying out these critical investigations at all.

Case presentation

In this case series, a total of 4 cases of unexpectedly deranged coagulation profiles have been described which were reported incorrectly due to the overall casual approach towards these critical investigations. We have also mentioned how the treating clinician and lab physician retrospectively accessed relevant information in the nick of time to bring back reassurance.

Conclusions

Like every other critical investigation, analytical errors can occur in coagulation parameters due to various avoidable pre-analytical variables. The release of spurious results for coagulation parameters sets alarm bells ringing causing much agony to the treating doctor and patient. Only a disciplined and careful approach taken by hospital and lab staff towards each sample regardless of its criticality can negate these stressful errors to a large extent.
Effect of daily zinc supplementation for 12 weeks on serum thyroid auto-antibody levels in children and adolescents with autoimmune thyroiditis – a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sivakumar Ramachandran (Ramge) , Chinnaiah Govindareddy Delhikumar , Sahoo Jayaprakash , Bobby Zachariah , Chinnakali Palanivel
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To assess the effect of daily zinc supplementation for 12 weeks on thyroid auto-antibodies – thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), and oxidative stress in children with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) compared to standard therapy.

Methods

This open-labeled, parallel, randomized controlled trial was done in a tertiary care teaching institute in south India. Children aged 3–18 years with AITD were randomized to receive 25 mg elemental zinc daily for 12 weeks or standard therapy alone. The change in thyroid function tests (thyroid stimulating hormone, free T3, free T4), thyroid auto-antibody (TPOAb, TgAb) titers, oxidative stress markers (glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity) were compared.

Results

Forty children, 20 in each arm, were recruited in the study. We observed a female-to-male ratio of 7:1. Median duration of disease was 2 (0.25, 4.25) years. A total of 37 (92.5 %) children were hypothyroid, two hyperthyroid, and one euthyroid at enrolment. A total of 13 children (32.5 %) had associated co-morbidities, most commonly type 1 diabetes mellitus and systemic lupus erythematosus, three (7.5 %) each. We did not find any significant change in thyroid function tests, thyroid auto-antibody titers, and oxidative stress markers. However, the requirement of levothyroxine dose was significantly increased in the control arm, compared to the zinc group (p=0.03). Only four (20 %) children had minor adverse effects like nausea, metallic taste, and body ache.

Conclusions

Zinc supplementation did not have any effect on thyroid auto-antibodies and oxidative stress. Zinc-supplemented children did not require escalation in levothyroxine dose.
Analysis of cultural heritage reference materials by portable and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence measuring methods : results reliability assessment
Authors: Bliujienė Audronė , Jatautis Šarūnas , Suzdalev Sergej , Petrauskas Gediminas
Published: December 2023

This article discusses the results of a large-scale analysis of five cultural heritage alloy reference
materials (CHARM) and their shavings using handheld (pXRF) and stationary energy dispersive
(ED-XRF) spectrometers. The primary objective of these studies was to assess the capability of
the pXRF and ED-XRF spectrometers as a non-invasive surface-measuring technique used for
the analysis of the reference materials and the reliability of the data obtained. The second objective
was to evaluate the capability of the pXRF and ED-XRF spectrometers used for the analysis
of shavings of the same five reference materials and to assess the data obtained. These objectives
required finding the best fitting analytical tools for the comparison, and the assessment of the
reliability of the data, and, very importantly, finding reliable models for data analysis and results
validity verification.
Based on the analysis carried out on the cultural heritage alloy reference materials, it can be concluded
that the results of XRF spectrometry obtained from both spectrometers are reliable and
can be compared to each other by making reference to four basic conditions: that the provided
analysis should be based on certified reference materials of known elemental composition; that
analysis be performed according to appropriate measuring methodology (research protocol);
that analysing tools (predictive analytics) be clearly defined; and, finally, that testing be done on
archaeological artefacts. The reliability and inter-correlation of the results obtained were assessed
to determine the possibility of successfully applying XRF spectrometry in the investigation of
archaeological artefacts produced from copper alloys.
Attentional Focus Effects on Lower-Limb Muscular Strength in Athletes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pompa Dario , Carson Howie J. , Beato Marco , di Fronso Selenia , Bertollo Maurizio
Published: December 2023

Pompa, D, Carson, HJ, Beato, M, di Fronso, S, and Bertollo, M. Attentional focus effects on lower-limb muscular strength in athletes: A systematic review.J Strength Cond Res38(2): 419–434, 2024—Evidence links an athlete's focus of attention to enhancing strength performance. However, additional research is needed to investigate the applicability of studies beyond the tasks and population currently examined. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review studies concerning attentional focus effects on strength characteristics on lower-limb tasks in athletes. Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases were searched using PRISMA PERSIST guidelines and keywords related to the focus of attention, force production processes, and athletes. Subjects were categorized: world class (tier 5); elite (tier 4); highly trained (tier 3); trained/developmental (tier 2); nonathletes (tiers 1–0); and mixed (different levels). Fifteen of 296 studies met the inclusion criteria. Included studies investigated the focus of attention effects on performance (n= 6), between skill levels (n= 2), and for learning (n= 5), with respect to subject preference (n= 1); one study did not state the aim. Studies achieved an average risk of bias score of “excellent”; however, findings suffered in the assessment of certainty. Only 2 studies reported an advantage for one type of attentional focus (external focus) across conditions (g= 0.13–0.42) with tier 2 and mixed tier athletes. Research does not address the needs of elite athletes, and there is limited evidence on each type of strength characteristics and muscle action. There is also a need to incorporate methodological steps to promote task-relevant instructions. Research should focus on contextualized information within professional practice to offer stronger translational implications for athletes and coaches.
Design of Ultrapotent Genetically Encoded Inhibitors of Kv4.2 for Gating Neural Plasticity
Authors: Andreyanov Michael , Heinrich Ronit , Berlin Shai
Published: December 2023

The Kv4.2 potassium channel plays established roles in neuronal excitability, while also being implicated in plasticity. Current means to study the roles of Kv4.2 are limited, motivating us to design a genetically encoded membrane tethered Heteropodatoxin-2 (MetaPoda). We find that MetaPoda is an ultrapotent and selective gating-modifier of Kv4.2. We narrow its site of contact with the channel to two adjacent residues within the voltage sensitive domain (VSD) and, with docking simulations, suggest that the toxin binds the VSD from within the membrane. We also show that MetaPoda does not require an external linker of the channel for its activity. In neurons (obtained from female and male rat neonates), MetaPoda specifically, and potently, inhibits all Kv4 currents, leaving all other A-type currents unaffected. Inhibition of Kv4 in hippocampal neurons does not promote excessive excitability, as is expected from a simple potassium channel blocker. We do find that MetaPoda’s prolonged expression (1 week) increases expression levels of the immediate early gene cFos and prevents potentiation. These findings argue for a major role of Kv4.2 in facilitating plasticity of hippocampal neurons. Lastly, we show that our engineering strategy is suitable for the swift engineering of another potent Kv4.2-selective membrane-tethered toxin, Phrixotoxin-1, denoted MetaPhix. Together, we provide two uniquely potent genetic tools to study Kv4.2 in neuronal excitability and plasticity.
Scythian Period Ashmound Near Mohrytsia: Research Methods and Results
Authors: Bilynskyi O. O. , Khodukina Yu. M. , Pototskyi O. S.
Published: December 2023

In the article, the results of research at the Scythian period ashmound near
Mohrytsia village are presented. The topography of the site and the methods of its
investigation are described in detail. The materials from the Scythian period and other
epochs discovered during excavations are discussed. Based on the obtained material, the
article addresses questions regarding the interpretation of the site’s functions and the
specifics of its formation. The hypothesis is put forward about the possible use of
mounds for marking specific societies within the Scythian Forest-Steppe region.
Infection Associated With Invasive Devices in Pediatric Health Care: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Takashima Mari , Hyun Areum , Xu Grace , Lions Adriana , Gibson Victoria , Cruickshank Marilyn , Ullman Amanda
Published: December 2023

CONTEXT

Indwelling invasive devices inserted into the body for extended are associated with infections.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to estimate infection proportion and rates associated with invasive devices in pediatric healthcare.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, clinical trial registries, and unpublished study databases were searched.

STUDY SELECTION

Cohort studies and trials published from January 2011 to June 2022, including (1) indwelling invasive devices, (2) pediatric participants admitted to a hospital, (3) postinsertion infection complications, and (4) published in English, were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

Meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology guidelines for abstracting and assessing data quality and validity were used.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Device local, organ, and bloodstream infection (BSIs) pooled proportion and incidence rate (IR) per-1000-device-days per device type were reported.

RESULTS

A total of 116 studies (61 554 devices and 3 632 364 device-days) were included. The highest number of studies were central venous access devices associated BSI (CVAD-BSI), which had a pooled proportion of 8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6–11; 50 studies) and IR of 0.96 per-1000-device-days (95% CI, 0.78–1.14). This was followed by ventilator-associated pneumonia in respiratory devices, which was 19% (95% CI, 14–24) and IR of 14.08 per-1000-device-days (95%CI, 10.57–17.58).

CONCLUSIONS

Although CVAD-BSI and ventilator associated pneumonia are well-documented, there is a scarcity of reporting on tissue and local organ infections. Standard guidelines and compliance initiatives similar to those dedicated to CVADs should be implemented in other devices in the future.
On the domains of convergence of the branched continued fraction expansion of ratio $H_4(a,d+1;c,d;\mathbf{z})/H_4(a,d+2;c,d+1;\mathbf{z})$
Authors: Dmytryshyn R.I. , Lutsiv I.-A.V. , Bodnar O.S.
Published: December 2023

The paper considers the problem of establishing the convergence criteria of the branched continued fraction expansion of the ratio of Horn's hypergeometric functions $H_4$. To solve it, the technique of expanding the domain of convergence of the branched continued fraction from the known small domain of convergence to a wider domain of convergence is used. For the real and complex parameters of the Horn hypergeometric function $H_4$, a number of convergence criteria of the branched continued fraction expansion under certain conditions to its coefficients in various unbounded domains of the space have been established.
DORA.
Authors: Kozma Tamás
Published: December 2023

Idén tízéves a DORA, a San Franciscó-i természettudósok nyilatkozata a kutatások
értékeléséről. A tanulmány bemutatja ennek a szervezetnek a keletkezését,
tevékenységét, eredményeit és törekvéseit. A DORA az egyre szélsőségesebben
kvantifikálódó kutatásértékelés helyett/mellett a kvalitatív értékelés
fontosságát hangsúlyozza, bemutatva annak lehetőségeit és előnyeit. Hároméves
projektje alternatív értékelési eljárásokat dolgoz ki; esettanulmányai pedig
válogatott egyetemek értékelési gyakorlatát ismerteti a kutatások értékelésében.
A DORA hálózata több tízezer személy és intézmény együttműködését fogja össze,
amelyek valamennyien a kutatásértékelések és a pályázati bírálatok reformjára
törekszenek, illetve azt sürgetik.
A felsőoktatás és a tudomány értékelése körüli harcok Franciaországban
Authors: Bajomi Iván
Published: December 2023

A II. világháború után a francia állami kutatóhálózat égisze alatt a tudományos
tevékenységek értékelésére olyan rendszert hoztak létre, amelynek működtetésében
az oktatók és kutatók közösségei játszottak meghatározó szerepet. Az USA-béli
egyetemek mintájából kiindulva az 1980-as években egy elkülönült értékelési
szervezetet hoztak létre. A felsőoktatás területén működő szervezet által
végzett, a SWOT-elemzések módszertanát középpontba állító értékelések az
intézmények működésmódjának fejlesztését voltak hivatva elősegíteni. Két
évtizeddel később viszont egy olyan, az akadémiai szféra valamennyi szférájában
működtetett értékelési ügynökséget állítottak fel, amely nemcsak
SWOT-elemzéseket készített, hanem különféle indikátorok alkalmazásával a
kutatóhelyek rangsorolására is vállalkozott. Más, korabeli franciaországi
tudománypolitikai intézkedésekhez hasonlóan az új ügynökség működése is komoly
tiltakozásokat váltott ki az akadémiai szférában. Ezek hatására a 2012-es
kormányváltást követően az egyetem- és tudományértékelési ügynökség működéséből
kiiktatták az intézmény-rangsorolást, amely a kutatási támogatások elosztása
terén elősegítheti az intézmények közötti egyenlőtlenségek növekedését.
Artificial Neural Network for Classification Task in Tabular Datasets and Image Processing: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Mustaqim Adi Zaenul , Fadil Nurdana Ahmad , Tyas Dyah Aruming
Published: December 2023

Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is one of the machine learning algorithms that is widely used for classification cases. Some examples of classification cases that can be handled with ANN include classifications in the health sector, banking, and classification in image processing. This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of the ANN algorithm to find a research gap that can be used in future research. There are 3 phases used in preparing the SLR. Those are planning, conducting, and reporting. Formulation of research questions and establishing a review protocol is carried out in the planning phase. The second phase is conducted. In this phase, searching for relevant articles is carried out, determining the quality of the literature found and selecting particles according to what has been formulated in the planning phase. The selected literature is then carried out by the process of extracting data and information and then synthesizing the data. Writing SLR articles based on existing findings is carried out in the last phase, namely reporting. The results of data and information extraction from the 13 reviewed articles show that the ANN algorithm is powerful enough with satisfactory results to handle classification cases that use tabular datasets or image datasets. The challenges faced are the need for extensive training data so that ANN performance can be better, the use of appropriate evaluation measures based on the cases studied does not only rely on accuracy scores, and the determination of the correct hyperparameters to get better performance in the case of image processing.
Optimizing YOLOv8 for Real-Time CCTV Surveillance: A Trade-off Between Speed and Accuracy
Authors: Sholahuddin Muhammad Rizqi , Harika Maisevli , Awaludin Iwan , Dewi Yunita Citra , Dhia Fauzan Fachri , Sudimulya Bima Putra , Widarta Vandha Pradiyasma
Published: December 2023

Real-time video surveillance, especially CCTV systems, requires fast and accurate face detection. Object detection models with slow inference times are ineffective in real-time. This study addresses this challenge by improving the inference speed of the YOLOv8 model, a leading object detection framework known for its accuracy and speed. We focus on pruning the model's architecture, particularly the P5 head section, which detects larger objects. According to Bochkovskiy's 2020 research, this modification enhances the model's performance specifically for medium and small objects in CCTV footage. The standard YOLOv8 model and its modified version were compared for inference time, mean Average Precision (mAP), and model weight. The pruned YOLOv8 model cuts inference time by 15.56%, from 4.5 ms to 3.8 ms, and reduces model weight. The advantages mentioned above are offset by a 1.6% decrease in mean average precision. This research advances object detection technology by demonstrating architectural modifications' efficacy. These changes make the model faster and lighter, making it suitable for real-time surveillance. The accuracy trade-off is slight. The implications of these findings are crucial for implementing efficient object detection systems in CCTV surveillance. These findings also lay the groundwork for future research to improve such systems' speed-accuracy trade-off.