bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of non-thyroidal illness syndrome in shock patients admitted to pediatric intensive care unit in a developing country
Authors: El-Nawawy Ahmed , Elwafa Reham Abdel Haleem Abo , Khalil Abouahmed Ahmed , Rasheed Rehab Atef , Omar Omneya Magdy
Published: November 2023

During critical illness, children my experience various changes in their thyroid hormone levels. Such changes are termed non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTI). The extent of change correlates with the severity of the illness and its outcomes in critically ill patients. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the severity of shock and thyroid hormone derangement. This prospective observational study included forty patients aged one month to five years who were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with shock. Thyroid function tests were conducted on admission, after shock reversal, and five days later. NTI patterns were observed in 70% of patients. The PIM2 score showed a significant negative correlation with T3 (r =  − 0.353, p = 0.026) and FT3 levels on admission (r =  − 0.417, p = 0.007). Furthermore, after shock reversal, the PIM2 score continued to exhibit significant negative correlations with T4 (r =  − 0.444, p = 0.004), T3 (r =  − 0.329, p = 0.038), FT3 (r =  − 0.355, p = 0.025), and FT4 levels (r =  − 0.379, p = 0.016).

   Conclusion: This study underscores the high prevalence of NTI in PICU shock patients and suggests monitoring thyroid hormone levels for outcome prediction and treatment guidance. Further research is needed to optimize NTI management in critically ill children.

What is Known:• Non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) is a condition observed in critically ill patients.• There has been limited research on NTI in children, and existing studies have generated conflicting results regarding the relationship between thyroid hormones and clinical outcomes in cases of sepsis and septic shock.

What is New:• The study has revealed dynamic changes in free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels during the process of shock reversal and recovery in children who experienced shock.• A significant negative correlation was found between the Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 (PIM2) score and several thyroid hormone levels, including FT3 on admission and T4, FT3, and FT4 on shock reversal.
Sex differences in the management and outcome of acute coronary syndrome—Still an issue of equal treatment?
Authors: Mousavi Roya Anahita , Lamm Gudrun , Will Maximilian , Schwarz Konstantin , Mascherbauer Julia
Published: November 2023

Significant sex-specific differences were described in the presentation, management and outcome of acute coronary syndrom (ACS) patients. Female ACS patients more often presented with noncardiac symptoms, which lead to significant time delays between symptom onset and treatment. Furthermore, multiple studies from various countries described that women with ACS were less likely to receive the medical or reperfusion therapy recommended by the respective guidelines, resulting in higher in-hospital mortality rates.

The treating physicians and the patients need to be more aware of the described differences to ensure the best possible medical care for ACS patients, irrespective of sex.
$$\mathcal {H}$$-inverses for RBF interpolation
Authors: Angleitner Niklas , Faustmann Markus , Melenk Jens Markus
Published: November 2023

We consider the interpolation problem for a class of radial basis functions (RBFs) that includes the classical polyharmonic splines (PHS). We show that the inverse of the system matrix for this interpolation problem can be approximated at an exponential rate in the block rank in the $$\mathcal {H}$$
H
-matrix format, if the block structure of the $$\mathcal {H}$$
H
-matrix arises from a standard clustering algorithm.
The Butzer-Kozakiewicz article on Riemann derivatives of 1954 and its influence
Authors: Butzer P. L. , Stens R. L.
Published: November 2023

The article on Riemann derivatives by P. L. Butzer and W. Kozakiewicz of 1954 was the basis to generalizations of the classical scalar-valued derivatives to Taylor, Peano, and Riemann derivatives in the setting of semigroup theory. The present paper gives an overview of the 1954 article, describes its influence, and integrates it into the literature on related problems. It also describes the state of the mathematics department at McGill University where the article was written.
Evoked EEG Responses to TMS Targeting Regions Outside the Primary Motor Cortex and Their Test–Retest Reliability
Authors: Song Yufei , Gordon Pedro C. , Metsomaa Johanna , Rostami Maryam , Belardinelli Paolo , Ziemann Ulf
Published: November 2023

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)–evoked electroencephalography (EEG) potentials (TEPs) provide unique insights into cortical excitability and connectivity. However, confounding EEG signals from auditory and somatosensory co-stimulation complicate TEP interpretation. Our optimized sham procedure established with TMS of primary motor cortex (Gordon in JAMA 245:118708, 2021) differentiates direct cortical EEG responses to TMS from those caused by peripheral sensory inputs. Using this approach, this study aimed to investigate TEPs and their test–retest reliability when targeting regions outside the primary motor cortex, specifically the left angular gyrus, supplementary motor area, and medial prefrontal cortex. We conducted three identical TMS–EEG sessions one week apart involving 24 healthy participants. In each session, we targeted the three areas separately using a figure-of-eight TMS coil for active TMS, while a second coil away from the head produced auditory input for sham TMS. Masking noise and electric scalp stimulation were applied in both conditions to achieve matched EEG responses to peripheral sensory inputs. High test–retest reliability was observed in both conditions. However, reliability declined for the ‘cleaned’ TEPs, resulting from the subtraction of evoked EEG response to the sham TMS from those to the active, particularly for latencies > 100 ms following the TMS pulse. Significant EEG differences were found between active and sham TMS at latencies < 90 ms for all targeted areas, exhibiting distinct spatiotemporal characteristics specific to each target. In conclusion, our optimized sham procedure effectively reveals EEG responses to direct cortical activation by TMS in brain areas outside primary motor cortex. Moreover, we demonstrate the impact of peripheral sensory inputs on test–retest reliability of TMS-EEG responses.
Effect of solvent and thermal annealing on D18/Y6 polymer solar cells
Authors: Mahdy Shatha , Feteha M. , Soliman M. , Hussien Hadeer , Sadat-Shafai Torfeh , Ebrahim S.
Published: November 2023

Organic solar cells (OSCs) as emerging generation solar cells are required to face climate and energy challenges. In this regard, OSCs based on the D18:Y6 active layer with a ratio of 1:1.6 with thermal and solvent annealing as a post-treatment were fabricated. The effect of different thermal annealing with chloroform on the active layer and the cell performance was studied. Optical, morphological and thermal analysis are executed to investigate the effect of thermal with solvent annealing on the D18:Y6 active layer. Photoluminescence (PL), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) reveal that D18:Y6 film treated at 55 °C with chloroform for 5.0 min had the lowest PL intensity, interpenetrating grain networking structures and more smoother surface leads to optimize photo-induced charge transfer and exciton dissociation in the active layer. D18: Y6 blend film annealed at 80 °C with chloroform for 5.0 min exhibits higher roughness of 17.81 nm than 11.60 nm for D18:Y6 blend film treated at 55 °C. As a result, the optimal performance of the fabricated conventional OSCs based on active layer treated at 55 °C with chloroform had short-current density (Jsc), open circuit voltage (Voc), fill factor (FF) and efficiency of 60 mA/cm2, 0.70V, 39.8% and 16.5%, respectively. This study indicates additional thermal annealing with chloroform as a post-treatment enhances the device performance of OSCs.

Graphical abstract

Studying the effect of solvent vapor annealing with thermal annealing of D18:Y6 layer as
post-treatment on the performance of organic solar cells.
Feature Engineering with Regularity Structures
Authors: Chevyrev Ilya , Gerasimovičs Andris , Weber Hendrik
Published: November 2023

We investigate the use of models from the theory of regularity structures as features in machine learning tasks. A model is a polynomial function of a space–time signal designed to well-approximate solutions to partial differential equations (PDEs), even in low regularity regimes. Models can be seen as natural multi-dimensional generalisations of signatures of paths; our work therefore aims to extend the recent use of signatures in data science beyond the context of time-ordered data. We provide a flexible definition of a model feature vector associated to a space–time signal, along with two algorithms which illustrate ways in which these features can be combined with linear regression. We apply these algorithms in several numerical experiments designed to learn solutions to PDEs with a given forcing and boundary data. Our experiments include semi-linear parabolic and wave equations with forcing, and Burgers’ equation with no forcing. We find an advantage in favour of our algorithms when compared to several alternative methods. Additionally, in the experiment with Burgers’ equation, we find non-trivial predictive power when noise is added to the observations.
Performance prediction in online academic course: a deep learning approach with time series imaging
Authors: Ben Said Ahmed , Abdel-Salam Abdel-Salam G. , Hazaa Khalifa A.
Published: November 2023

With the COVID-19 outbreak, schools and universities have massively adopted online learning to ensure the continuation of the learning process. However, in such setting, instructors lack efficient mechanisms to evaluate the learning gains and get insights about difficulties learners encounter. In this research work, we tackle the problem of predicting learner performance in online learning using a deep learning-based approach. Our proposed solution allows stakeholders involved in the online learning to anticipate the learner outcome ahead of the final assessment hence offering the opportunity for proactive measures to assist the learners. We propose a two-pathway deep learning model to classify learner performance using their interaction during the online sessions in the form of clickstreams. We also propose to transform these time series of clicks into images using the Gramian Angular Field. The learning model makes use of the available extra demographic and assessment information. We evaluate our approach on the Open University Learning Analytics Dataset. Comprehensive comparative study is conducted with evaluation against state-of-art approaches under different experimental settings. We also demonstrate the importance of including extra demographic and assessment data in the prediction process.
Optimization and performance investigation of 1-Toffoli gate quantum full adders for spin-torque-based n-qubit architecture
Authors: Kulkarni Anant , Haghparast Majid , Kaushik Brajesh Kumar
Published: November 2023

Quantum computing (QC) is suitable for reversible computing due to its inherent parallel processing ability and fast speed. It also helps to address the issue of high-power dissipation in classical computing. Moreover, QC gates are the sequence of elementary operations such as single-qubit rotation and two-qubit entanglement. Elementary quantum operations are required to be reduced for the realization of complex computing. In this paper, optimization of 1-Toffoli gate-based quantum full adders (QFAs) in terms of the number of elementary operations with the help of quantum library {Ry, Rz, $$\sqrt{\mathrm{SWAP}}$$

SWAP

} is carried out. Moreover, the performance of two different 1-Toffoli QFAs is investigated in terms of execution time, fidelity, and number of electrons required to realize the QFAs. Improvement in fidelity is 0.7% and 0.57% for QFA1 and QFA2, respectively, compared to the fidelity of 2-Toffoli QFA. A 9.97% increase in execution time is mandatory for the QFA2 compared to QFA1. The QFA2 takes 5% more number of electrons in comparison to QFA1.
Processes and events as rigid embodiments
Authors: Baratella Riccardo
Published: November 2023

Monists and pluralists disagree concerning how many ordinary objects there are in a single situation. For instance, pluralists argue that a statue and the clay it is made of have different properties, and thereby are different. The standard monist’s response is to hold that there is just a single object, and that, under the description “being a statue”, this object is, e.g., aesthetically valuable, and that, under the description “being a piece of clay”, it is not aesthetically valuable. However, Fine provided an ontological reading of the expression “an object under a description”: the theory of rigid embodiments. The debate between monists and pluralists reduplicates in the domain of ordinary occurrences, like walks and conferences. Specifically, they disagree whether an occurrence in progress (also called “process”) like John’s walk that is happening attnis identical to some completed occurrence (also called “event”) like John’s walk that happened between, e.g.,t1andtn. Under the adoption of the pluralist’s position, the article aims to provide a novel theory of ordinary occurrences that develops the ontological reading of “under a description” to account for occurrences in progress and completed occurrences. As a first result, we formulate a theory according to which both occurrences in progress and completed occurrences are rigid embodiments. As a second result, we argue that the suggested theory is explanatorily powerful to the extent it solves two puzzles that we call “the Puzzle from the Completion of a Process” and “the Metaphysical-cum-Semantical Puzzle”.
Novel prediction and the problem of low-quality accommodation
Authors: Syrjänen Pekka
Published: November 2023

The accommodation of evidence has been argued to be associated with several methodological problems that should prompt evaluators to lower their confidence in the accommodative theory. Accommodators may overfit their model to data (Hitchcock and Sober, Br J Philos Sci 55(1):1–34, 2004. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjps/55.1.1), hunt for (spurious) associations between variables (Mayo, Error and the growth of experimental knowledge. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 1996, pp 294–318), or ‘fudge’ their theory in the effort to accommodate a particular datum (Lipton, Inference to the best explanation. Routledge, London, 2004, pp. 164–183). The converse of accommodation, novel prediction, has been offered as a solution. If theorists novelly predict empirical results rather than accommodate those results, the potential risks of accommodation are avoided, and the theory warrants greater confidence. This paper evaluates if the problems of accommodation justify a preference for novel prediction over accommodation for evaluators of a scientific theory. I argue that there is currently insufficient evidence to conclude that the problems of accommodation result in a predictivist advantage in theory confirmation. Taking into consideration the disadvantages of novel prediction and the advantages of accommodation, the impact of further evidential factors, and recent scientific evidence about the consequences of novel prediction and accommodation, novel prediction and accommodation appear roughly on a par, or accommodation is even superior in the current context.
Application of coliphage as biocontrol agent in combination with gamma irradiation to eliminate multi-drug-resistant E. coli in minimally processed vegetables
Authors: El-Nour Salwa A. Abou , hammad Ali A. , Fathy Reham , Eid Amal S.
Published: November 2023

Biofilm formation is a rising concern in the food industry. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the most important food-borne pathogens that can survive in food and food-related environments and eventually produce biofilms. This study suggested that both coliphages used were successful in preventing the creation of new biofilms as well as removing existing ones. Confocal laser scanning microscopy verified these findings. According to the findings, neither coliphage survived at 37 °C, but both remained stable at 4 °C and − 20 °C for extended periods of time. The study revealed that both coliphages demonstrated a greater degree of gamma irradiation resistance when compared to E. coli. The study’s results indicate that the implementation of a dual method, which incorporates gamma irradiation (1.5 kGy) and coliphage treatment, on various kinds of vegetables that were infected with E. coli, resulted in a significant reduction in bacterial count (surpassing 99.99%) following a 24-h incubation period. Combining gamma irradiation and the coliphage approach was significantly effective at lowering polysaccharide concentrations and proteins in the biofilm matrix. The results revealed that the pairing of gamma irradiation and coliphages acted in conjunction to cause disruptions in the matrix of biofilm, thereby promoting cell removal compared with either of the individual treatments. Ca+ ions strengthen the weak virion interaction with the relevant bacterial host cell receptors during the adsorption process. In conclusion, use of coliphage in combination with gamma irradiation treatment can be applied to improve fresh produce’s microbial safety and enhance its storability in supermarkets.

Graphical Abstract
Wirtschafts- und sozialpolitische Einstellungen und Populismus: Vertikale Konfliktachsen statt ideologischer Konsistenz
Authors: Binder Nicolas
Published: November 2023

Aktuelle Forschung verbindet populistische Einstellungen von BürgerInnen mit ökonomischen Sorgen, Gefühlen fehlender Anerkennung oder politischer Unzufriedenheit. Dieser Artikel untersucht, welche konkreten wirtschafts- und sozialpolitischen Einstellungen BürgerInnen mit Populismus verknüpfen. Argumentiert wird, dass die Bewertung konflikthafter vertikaler gesellschaftlicher Relationen die Zusammenhänge strukturiert: Als ökonomische Oben-Unten-Relationen werden das Verhältnis von Staat zu WirtschaftsakteurInnen und von ressourcenreich zu ressourcenarm begriffen. Populismus definiert sich über die politische Oben-Unten-Relation zwischen Elite und Volk. Wird das „Oben“ jeweils als Problem bewertet, kann diese vertikale Konfliktachse beide Einstellungsdimensionen verbinden. Regressionsanalysen auf Basis der ALLBUS 2018 zeigen, wie erwartet, dass die Ablehnung staatlicher Eingriffe in die Wirtschaft, aber auch die Befürwortung von Umverteilung und eine Skepsis im Bereich Außenwirtschaft mit populistischen Einstellungen verbunden sind. Wahrnehmungen ökonomischer Missstände beeinflussen die Stärke der Zusammenhänge kaum statistisch signifikant. Parteipräferenzen schwächen nur die Assoziationen bezüglich der Außenwirtschaft ab. Mit der Bewertung konflikthafter Oben-Unten-Relationen bietet der Artikel eine Erklärung für die ideologisch inkonsistenten Zusammenhänge an. Um deren Mobilisierung nicht rechtspopulistischen Parteien zu überlassen, sollten auch andere Parteien die vertikalen Konflikte adressieren, ohne dabei Grundpfeiler der westlichen Demokratie zu gefährden.
Heterogenität in der Ausbildungsreife nicht-studienberechtigter Schulabgänger:innen – eine latente Profilanalyse auf Basis des Nationalen Bildungspanels
Authors: Schauer Jennifer , Abele Stephan
Published: November 2023

Mangelnde Ausbildungsreife wird häufig als Ursache erfolgloser Ausbildungssuche benannt – insbesondere bei Schulabgänger:innen mit max. Hauptschulabschluss (max. HSA). Damit sind beispielsweise Defizite in Lese- und Mathematikkompetenzen oder dem Arbeits- und Sozialverhalten gemeint. Ausprägungskonstellationen dieser Dimensionen von Ausbildungsreife wurden bisher nicht untersucht. In einer latenten Profilanalyse auf Basis der NEPS Startkohorte Klasse 9 explorierten wir Ausprägungsprofile schulischer Kompetenzen und psychologischer Leistungsmerkmale sowie verhaltens- und persönlichkeitsbezogener Merkmale (VP) bei nicht-studienberechtigten Schulabgänger:innen. Wir fanden fünf Profile, die unterschiedliche Konstellationen von Vor- und Nachteilen in diesen Merkmalen beschreiben: (1) Leistungsstärkere mit relativ hoch ausgeprägten VP, (2) Leistungsstärkere mit relativ gering ausgeprägten VP, (3) Durchschnittlich Leistungsstarke mit relativ hoch ausgeprägten VP, (4) Leistungsschwächere mit relativ hoch ausgeprägten VP und (5) Leistungsschwächere mit relativ gering ausgeprägten VP. In allen Profilen waren Schulabgänger:innen mit max. HSA und Mittlerem Schulabschluss (MSA) vertreten. Die Anteile von Schulabgänger:innen mit max. HSA fielen unter den Leistungsschwächeren jedoch deutlich höher aus. In Regressionsanalysen prüften wir die prognostische Validität der Profile hinsichtlich der Wahrscheinlichkeit, nach Schulabgang in eine Berufsausbildung überzugehen. Wir fanden niedrigere Ausbildungswahrscheinlichkeiten bei leistungsstärkeren Schulabgänger:innen, die auf ihre Selbstselektion an berufsbildende Schulen zum Erwerb der Hochschulzugangsberechtigung hindeuteten. Außerdem fanden wir, dass Schulabgänger:innen mit MSA bei gleichem Ausprägungsprofil persistent höhere Ausbildungswahrscheinlichkeiten zeigten als jene mit max. HSA. Angesichts der Heterogenität der Bildungsgruppen gibt dies Anlass zur Kritik an institutionellen und betrieblichen Selektionslogiken.
Deconstructing the Retained Austenite Stability: A Comparative Study of Two-Phase and Bulk Microstructures
Authors: Kumpati Joshua , Hasan Sk. Md. , Rolland Manon Bonvalet , Borgenstam Annika
Published: November 2023

The stability of retained austenite is a key factor in the design of advanced high-strength steels that exhibit excellent mechanical performance, including high strength and high ductility/toughness. However, the contribution of certain microstructural factors, such as the morphology and size of the austenite, and the surrounding matrix, to this stability is still not fully understood, partly due to the inherent difficulties in separating these factors in multiphase microstructures. Therefore, this study uniquely compared the stabilities of retained austenite in two-phase microstructures with bulk austenitic microstructures of the same composition, across four medium-Mn steels upon quenching. By fixing the austenite chemical composition, we could exclude the influence of composition and examine the influence of other factors, such as morphology, size, and the surrounding matrix, on the stability of austenite. Our experimental results showed that retained austenite in the two-phase microstructures was more stable than the bulk austenitic microstructures of the same composition, regardless of morphology and size. Analysis using thermodynamic calculations revealed that neither the steel composition nor the size alone could explain the high stability of the retained austenite in the two-phase microstructures. Instead, we propose that microstructural factors, including size, morphology, and matrix, have a significant influence on the metastable austenite in two-phase microstructures. While these factors have been studied previously, our study introduces a novel perspective by excluding the influence of the austenite composition, thus contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of retained austenite stability. These findings may guide the design of advanced steels and highlight the importance of considering the contribution of these microstructural factors in tailoring the stability of metastable austenite.
Cognitive Reserve proxies can modulate motor and non-motor basal ganglia circuits in early Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Di Tella Sonia , Isernia Sara , Cabinio Monia , Rossetto Federica , Borgnis Francesca , Pagliari Chiara , Cazzoli Marta , Navarro Jorge , Silveri Maria Caterina , Baglio Francesca
Published: November 2023

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is hallmarked by dysfunctional circuitry between the basal ganglia and dorsolateral-prefrontal cortex. Recently progress has been made in understanding factors contributing to differential susceptibility to pathology mitigating disease-related cognitive decline. Cognitive reserve, the brain processing resources accumulated throughout life while engaged in mentally stimulating activities, can play an important protective role in cognitive performance. We tested the hypothesis that Cognitive Reserve proxies may exert an impact on the basal ganglia and dorsolateral-prefrontal atrophy in early PD. Forty-five early patients with PD and 20 age-gender-matched healthy controls (HC) completed the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire to quantify Cognitive Reserve proxies by three indexes (CRI-Education, CRI-Working Activity, CRI-Leisure Time) and a structural MRI examination (3T). Morphometrical indexes for basal ganglia (bilateral putamen, caudate, pallidum volume) and dorsolateral-prefrontal cortex (cortical thickness) were computed. Significant differences between HC and PD were tested by direct comparisons in demographics, cognitive level, and cognitive reserve proxies indexes. Then two multiple regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of the basal ganglia and dorsolateral-prefrontal cortex structural integrity. Regression analysis revealed that basal ganglia volume was significantly predicted by CRI-Education (pFDR = 0.029), sex (pFDR = 0.029), and Total Intracranial Volume (pFDR < 0.001). Instead, the dorsolateral-prefrontal thickness was predicted by CRI-Leisure Time (pFDR = 0.030) and age (pFDR = 0.010). Cognitive Reserve proxies, especially education and leisure-time activities, can play a protective role on the structural integrity of the basal ganglia and dorsolateral-prefrontal cortex, respectively, critical regions hallmarking brain status of early phases of PD.
Indoor residential and outdoor sources of PM2.5 and PM10 in Nicosia, Cyprus
Authors: Wang Yichen , Koutrakis Petros , Michanikou Antonis , Kouis Panayiotis , Panayiotou Andrie G. , Kinni Paraskevi , Tymvios Filippos , Chrysanthou Andreas , Neophytou Marina , Mouzourides Petros , Savvides Chrysanthos , Vasiliadou Emily , Papasavvas Ilias , Christophides Theodoros , Nicolaou Rozalia , Avraamides Panayiotis , Kang Choong-Min , Papatheodorou Stefania I. , Middleton Nicos , Yiallouros Panayiotis K. , Achilleos Souzana
Published: November 2023

Cyprus is a typical eastern Mediterranean country that suffers from local emissions, transported anthropogenic pollution, and dust storms all year round. Therefore, exposures to PM in ambient and residential micro-environments are of great public health concern. Our study collected indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and PM10 samples simultaneously in 22 houses in Nicosia, Cyprus, during warm seasons and cold seasons from February 2019 to May 2021. Samples were analyzed for mass and constituents’ concentrations. To determine indoor and outdoor sources of PM in residential environments, we used the EPA positive matrix factorization (PMF) model to conduct source apportionment analyses for both indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and PM10 particles. Generally, six types of residential-level PM sources were resolved: biomass burning, traffic, local or regional secondary sulfate pollution, Ca-rich particles, sea salt, and soil dust. In the source apportionment of PM2.5, the main contribution to outdoor levels (33.1%) was associated with sulfate-rich transported pollution. The predominant contribution to indoor levels (48.0%) was attributed to secondary sulfate pollution as a mixture of local- and regional-scale pollutants. Biomass burning and traffic sources constituted the main outdoor sources of indoor PM2.5, while the Ca-rich particles were identified to almost originate from indoors. By contrast, the largest fraction (29.3%) of the ambient PM10 and a smaller proportion (10.2%) of indoor PM10 were attributed to Ca-rich particles. Indoor PM10 was associated mainly with outdoor sources, except for the soil dust which originated from indoor activities.
Current Treatment of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Children
Authors: Schaaf H. Simon , Hughes Jennifer
Published: November 2023

Optimal diagnosis and management of children aged <15 y with rifampicin- or multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (RR/MDR-TB) relies on identification of adults with the disease and pro-active screening of their close contacts. Children may be diagnosed with RR/MDR-TB based on microbiological confirmation from clinical specimens (sputum, gastric washings, stool), but usually the diagnosis is presumptive, with a history of exposure to RR/MDR-TB and clinical/radiological signs and symptoms suggestive of TB disease. RR/MDR-TB should also be considered in children where first-line TB treatment fails despite good adherence to therapy. Composition and duration of all-oral RR/MDR-TB treatment regimens in children are based on site and severity of TB disease, drug resistance profile of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain (isolated from the child or from the most likely source patient), inclusion of at least four drugs considered to be effective (with priority given to World Health Organization Group A and B drugs), toxicity and tolerability of medications (and feasibility of adverse effect monitoring in the child’s setting), and availability of child-friendly formulations of TB medications. Individualized RR/MDR-TB regimens are preferable to the standardised 9–12-mo regimen for children, and injectable agents must not be used. Optimal adherence to treatment relies on education, training and support for caregivers and others who are responsible for administering medications to children, as well as close clinical monitoring and early management of adverse effects. Children who are initiated on adequate RR/MDR-TB regimens have high treatment success rates, but efforts to find and treat more children with undiagnosed RR/MDR-TB are crucial to reduce childhood TB mortality.
Social Housing and Upward Mobility in South Africa: an Assessment of Household Outcomes
Authors: Visagie Justin , Turok Ivan , Scheba Andreas
Published: November 2023

Social housing offers a way of promoting upward mobility and urban integration by improving people’s access to economic and social opportunities. These are prominent goals of South Africa’s social housing programme. In practice, household advancement tends to be taken for granted rather than deliberately pursued or monitored. We review survey data for 1632 households across ten social housing projects and find modest evidence of social mobility and racial integration. One reason for this is that other considerations have taken precedence during implementation. We conclude by identifying various ways of reaffirming the transformative goals of social housing.
A novel system to provide information via online YouTube videos and an evaluation of current online information about hereditary breast cancer
Authors: Iesato Asumi , Fushimi Atsushi , Tahara Rie , Terada Mitsuo , Iwase Madoka , Kawamura Chihiro , Yamashita Nami
Published: November 2023

Background

The internet, especially YouTube, has become a prominent source of health information. However, the quality and accuracy of medical content on YouTube vary, posing concerns about misinformation. This study focuses on providing reliable information about hereditary breast cancer on YouTube, given its importance for decision-making among patients and families. The study examines the quality and accessibility of such content in Japanese, where limited research has been conducted.

Methods

A nonprofit organization called BC Tube was established in May 2020 to create informative videos about breast cancer. The study analyzed 85 YouTube videos selected using the Japanese keywords “hereditary breast cancer” and “HBOC”, categorized into six groups based on the source of upload: BC Tube, hospitals/governments, individual physicians, public-interest organizations/companies, breast cancer survivors, and others. The videos were evaluated based on various factors, including content length, view counts, likes, comments, and the presence of advertisements. The content was evaluated using the PEMAT and DISCERN quality criteria.

Results

BC Tube created high-quality videos with high scores on PEMAT understandability, significantly outperforming other sources. Videos from public-interest organizations/companies received the most views and likes, despite their lower quality. Videos from medical institutions and governments were of superior quality but attracted less attention.

Conclusions

Our study emphasizes the importance of promoting accessible, easy-to-understand, and widely recognized medical information online. The popularity of videos does not always correspond to their quality, emphasizing the importance of quality evaluation. BC Tube provides a peer-reviewed platform to disseminate high-quality health information. We need to develop high-quality online health information and encourage the promotion of evidence-based information on YouTube.
Enhancing the Efficacy of Natural Repellents Against Grapevine Pathogens by Tannins-Lignin-Mixed Nanovectors
Authors: Falsini Sara , Nieri Tommaso , Schiff Silvia , Papini Alessio , Salvatici Maria Cristina , Carella Giuseppe , Mugnai Laura , Gonnelli Cristina , Ristori Sandra
Published: November 2023

The severe use of conventional pesticides has led to rethinking agriculture protocols for crop protection. In this context, attention has been given to nanopesticides, i.e., formulations containing nanosized particles to deliver poorly soluble bioactive compounds. The aim of this work was to design and prepare nanoparticles from biopolymers such as lignin and tannins to allow the encapsulation and transport of neem oil and capsaicin against three grapevine phytopathogenic fungi: Verticillium dahliae, Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, Phaeoacremonium minimum. Tannins from grape seeds were chosen as adjuvants for the lignin matrix forming the nanocapsules to improve compatibility between the nanovectors and the target since tannins are intrinsic components found in vine plants. Neem oil was used as dispersant for the non-polar bioactive substance capsaicin against pathogenic fungi and for its own antimicrobial properties. The size and structure of the particles in these new formulations were characterized prior to in vitro tests. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that submicrom globular structures constituted the most abundant population. From dynamic light scattering (DLS), it was found that the average diameter in solution was in the range 250–300 nm for loaded vectors and zeta potential (ZP) showed that all the scattering objects had a negative surface charge (in the range from − 52 to − 37 mV). Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) was used to get finer insight into the structural properties of plain and loaded aggregates by fitting the intensity diagrams with a superposition of different contributions, which depended on the specific formulation, in agreement with the SEM pictures taken on the solid obtained from solvent evaporated samples. Regarding the antifungal activity, the most promising results were obtained against the fungi P. minimum. In this case, the advantage obtained by administration through nanocapsules was a dramatic reduction in the amount of both neem oil and capsaicin needed for the treatment. The antifungal effect was suggested to stem out from the synergistic activity of the two bioactive compounds.
Image augmentation with conformal mappings for a convolutional neural network
Authors: Rainio Oona , Nasser Mohamed M. S. , Vuorinen Matti , Klén Riku
Published: November 2023

For augmentation of the square-shaped image data of a convolutional neural network (CNN), we introduce a new method, in which the original images are mapped onto a disk with a conformal mapping, rotated around the center of this disk and mapped under such a Möbius transformation that preserves the disk, and then mapped back onto their original square shape. This process does not result the loss of information caused by removing areas from near the edges of the original images unlike the typical transformations used in the data augmentation for a CNN. We offer here the formulas of all the mappings needed together with detailed instructions how to write a code for transforming the images. The new method is also tested with simulated data and, according the results, using this method to augment the training data of 10 images into 40 images decreases the amount of the error in the predictions by a CNN for a test set of 160 images in a statistically significant way ($$p=0.0360$$

p
=
0.0360

).
Digital soil characteristics mapping for aiding site-specific management practices in the West Nile Delta, Egypt
Authors: AbdelRahman Mohamed A. E. , Metwaly Mohamed M.
Published: November 2023

Soil survey system is the key word for sustainable soil use and management. This study aimed to generate a digital soil mapping (DSM) using various spatial resolutions of freely available digital elevation models (DEMs) i.e., (30 m ALOS “Advanced Land Observing Satellite”, 12.5 m ALOS, 30 m SRTM “Shuttle Radar Topography Mission”, and 90 m SRTM) to assess the spatial variability of soil physio-chemical characteristics in El-Beheira Province, Western Nile Delta. A total of 196 geo-referenced soil profiles were collected from agricultural fields, and the soil's contents of total nitrogen (TN), potassium (K), available phosphorous (P), calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and boron (B) were analyzed. The study revealed that the soil's contents of TN, P, S, B, and Cu were low, and Mg was suspected to be higher than K, leading to an Mg-induced K shortage. The study also found wide-ranging spatial variability structures of inverse distance weight (IDW) interpolated maps for several soil physio-chemical characteristics. The DSM further revealed that poor status was present in 85.4% of TN, 91.7% of P, 76.9% of S, and 87% of both B and Cu. The conclusion is that soil variability, as demonstrated in DSM, outweighs uniform treatment, and this discovery will assist extension workers, scientists, and decision-makers in implementing site-specific nutrient management strategies. Validation of the DSM is recommended for crop and variety-specific nutrient treatment rates. Understanding the geographical variance in the soil is critical for long-term nutrient management and higher output.
Sustainable adaptation planning strategies for the medical care integrated community in the context of normalized pandemic
Authors: Che Le , Gao Jin , Guo Zhijian , Cao Shangqing
Published: November 2023

In the context of active aging, this research explores the spatial paradigm of medical and care community and the implementation path of sustainable adaptation to solve the mismatch between supply and demand in the practice of medical and care integration. Firstly, the HBSI theoretical model was constructed based on Maslow’s demand-ERG demand theory. Secondly, the study uses NVivo qualitative analysis and SPSS to analyze the multidimensional needs of the healthcare population for community space and services. Then, based on KANO model, the hierarchy of complex needs was classified and prioritized to achieve spatial fitting and control inference. Finally, a supply strategy was constructed to promote multidimensional health of users, realizing harmonious transformation of epidemic control and sustainable adaptation to changes.
A Short Discussion of Stephen Houlgate's Hegel on Being
Authors: Stekeler-Weithofer Pirmin
Published: November 2023

It is a heroic enterprise to develop a systematic reading of Hegel's Doctrine of Being, the first of three books in the Science of Logic. The basic idea of Houlgate's grand interpretation of Hegel's three parts of this Doctrine, which I call the Logic of Quality, Quantity and Measure, is that Hegel demands a ‘presuppositionless derivation of categories’ (II: ix). Hegel on Being (in short: HoB) presents a thoroughgoing and rigorous interpretation in a kind of dialogue (as I would characterize what HoB marks as ‘Excursus’) with Kant (I: 19–46, 307–73; II: 171–79) and especially Frege's formal logic and his attempts of a predicative definition of numbers (II: 25–138). In any case, HoB makes us aware of the really problematic presuppositions in post-Fregean Analytic Philosophy.
Minimal processed infant formula vs. conventional shows comparable protein quality and increased postprandial plasma amino acid kinetics in rats
Authors: Calvez Juliane , Blais Anne , Deglaire Amélie , Gaudichon Claire , Blachier François , Davila Anne-Marie
Published: November 2023

During industrial processing, heat treatments applied to infant formulas may affect protein digestion. Recently, innovative processing routes have been developed to produce minimally heat-processed infant formula. Our objective was to compare the in vivo protein digestion kinetics and protein quality of a minimally processed (T−) and a heat-treated (T+++) infant formula. Sixty-eight male Wistar rats (21 d) were fed with either a diet containing 40 % T− (n 30) or T+++ (n 30), or a milk protein control diet (n 8) during 2 weeks. T− and T+++ rats were then sequentially euthanised 0, 1, 2, 3 or 6 h (n 6/time point) after ingestion of a meal containing their experimental diet. Control rats were euthanised 6 h after ingestion of a protein-free meal to determine nitrogen and amino acid endogenous losses. Nitrogen and amino acid true caecal digestibility was high for both T− and T+++ diets (> 90 %), but a tendency towards higher nitrogen digestibility was observed for the T− diet (96·6 ± 3·1 %) compared with the T+++ diet (91·9 ± 5·4 %, P = 0·0891). This slightly increased digestibility led to a greater increase in total amino acid concentration in plasma after ingestion of the T− diet (P = 0·0010). Comparable protein quality between the two infant formulas was found with a digestible indispensable amino acid score of 0·8. In conclusion, this study showed that minimal processing routes to produce native infant formula do not modify protein quality but tend to enhance its true nitrogen digestibility and increase postprandial plasma amino acid kinetics in rats.
The effect of photobiomodulation on tinnitus: a systematic review
Authors: Nikookam Yasmin , Zia Nawal , Lotfallah Andrew , Muzaffar Jameel , Davis-Manders Jennifer , Kullar Peter , Smith Matthew E , Bale Gemma , Boyle Patrick , Irving Richard , Jiang Dan , Bance Manohar
Published: November 2023

Objective

To establish outcomes following photobiomodulation therapy for tinnitus in humans and animal studies.

Methods

A systematic review and narrative synthesis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. The databases searched were: Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (‘Central’), ClinicalTrials.gov and Web of Science including the Web of Science Core collection. There were no limits on language or year of publication.

Results

The searches identified 194 abstracts and 61 full texts. Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria, reporting outcomes in 1483 humans (26 studies) and 34 animals (2 studies). Photobiomodulation therapy parameters included 10 different wavelengths, and duration ranged from 9 seconds to 30 minutes per session. Follow up ranged from 7 days to 6 months.

Conclusion

Tinnitus outcomes following photobiomodulation therapy are generally positive and superior to no photobiomodulation therapy; however, evidence of long-term therapeutic benefit is deficient. Photobiomodulation therapy enables concentrated, focused delivery of light therapy to the inner ear through a non-invasive manner, with minimal side effects.
A Christian ethics of blame: or, God says, ‘vengeance is mine’
Authors: Hartman Robert J.
Published: November 2023

There is an ethics of blaming the person who deserves blame. The Christian scriptures imply the following no-vengeance condition: a person should not vengefully overtly blame a wrongdoer even if she gives the wrongdoer the exact negative treatment that he deserves. I explicate and defend this novel condition and argue that it demands a revolution in our blaming practices. First, I explain the no-vengeance condition. Second, I argue that the no-vengeance condition is often violated. The most common species of blame involves anger; anger conceptually includes a desire for vengeance; and there are many pleasures in payback. Third, I clarify that it is possible to blame non-vengefully in anger and highlight three good uses for anger in non-vengeful blame. Fourth, I offer two reasons that justify the divine command prohibiting vengeance, and I note that the Christian God is merely sufficient to make non-vengeance morally obligatory. Fifth, I defend the no-vengeance condition against four biblical objections.
Fewer obligations for welfare recipients, more social and economic activities? Results from an experiment with less conditional welfare regimes
Authors: Betkó János , Spierings Niels , Gesthuizen Maurice , Scheepers Peer
Published: November 2023

This article presents results of a Dutch randomised experiment, challenging the ‘workfare’ paradigm, which is dominant in many countries. We study whether social assistance (SA) schemes with fewer conditions and more autonomy for recipients stimulate valuable but often overlooked unpaid socio-economic activities (USEA), which are not classified as work. In the qualitative part of the mixed method study, we generated new hypotheses stating that particularly recipients who are older, higher educated, have a migration background, have relatively poor health, or have young children, will spend more time on USEA in less conditional and more autonomous regimes. The quantitative part of the study, where two experimental conditions are compared with the usual treatment of SA recipients, does not show convincing average treatment effects, but does reveal that a less conditional and more autonomy-oriented SA scheme translates into more USEA for older people, people with a migration background and people with relatively poor mental health.
Detecting the unknown in a sea of knowns: Health surveillance, knowledge infrastructures, and the quest for classification egress
Authors: Lee Francis
Published: November 2023

The sociological study of knowledge infrastructures and classification has traditionally focused on the politics and practices of classifying things or people. However, actors’ work to escape dominant infrastructures and pre-established classification systems has received little attention. In response to this, this article argues that it is crucial to analyze, not only the practices and politics of classification, but also actors’work to escape dominant classification systems. The article has two aims: First, to make a theoretical contribution to the study of classification by proposing to pay analytical attention to practices of escaping classification, what the article dubsclassification egress. This concept directs our attention not only to the practices and politics of classifying things, but also to how actors work to escape orresist classification systemsin practice. Second, the article aims to increase our understanding of the history of quantified and statistical health surveillance. In this, the article investigates how actors in health surveillance assembled a knowledge infrastructure for surveilling, quantifying, and detecting unknown patterns of congenital malformations in the wake of the thalidomide disaster in the early 1960s. The empirical account centers on the actors’ work to detect congenital malformations and escape the dominant nosological classification of diseases, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), by replacing it with a procedural standard for reporting of symptoms. Thus, the article investigates how actors deal with the tension between the-already-known-and-classified and the unknown-unclassified-phenomenon in health surveillance practice.